bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The growth of the canine glioblastoma cell line D‐GBM and the canine histiocytic sarcoma cell line DH82 is inhibited by the resveratrol oligomers hopeaphenol and r2‐viniferin
Authors: Empl M. T. , Macke S. , Winterhalter P. , Puff C. , Lapp S. , Stoica G. , Baumgärtner W. , Steinberg P.
Published: August 2012

Vineatrol®30 is a grapevine‐shoot extract, which contains resveratrol as well as considerable amounts of so‐called resveratrol oligomers such as hopeaphenol and r2‐viniferin. In this study, we analysed whether the two above‐mentioned resveratrol oligomers were able to inhibit the growth of the canine glioblastoma cell line D‐GBM and the canine histiocytic sarcoma cell line DH82, compared their potency to inhibit tumour cell growth with that of resveratrol and determined whether the induction of apoptosis via caspase 9 and 3/7 activation underlies the tumour cell growth‐inhibiting effect of hopeaphenol and r2‐viniferin. Vineatrol®30, resveratrol, hopeaphenol and r2‐viniferin inhibited the growth of D‐GBM and DH82 cells in a concentration‐dependent manner, whereby hopeaphenol and r2‐viniferin were more potent than resveratrol itself in inhibiting the growth of the canine tumour cell lines. Moreover, the anti‐proliferative effect of both resveratrol oligomers in D‐GBM cells is based on their capacity to induce caspase 9 and 3/7 activation.
Automatic Co‐Registration of Satellite Time Series
Authors: Gianinetto Marco
Published: August 2012

In modern remote sensing applications the use of automatic image processing codes is becoming increasingly common. When dealing with satellite time series or multi‐source data, image co‐registration is a time‐consuming, but necessary, pre‐processing step. This study shows how a medium resolution satellite multitemporal dataset can be effectively processed using automatic data processing. Results on real and transformed ASTER data showed that, without human interaction, the automatic ground control points extraction (AGE) technique, developed at Politecnico di Milano, is able to obtain accuracies generally sufficient for practical applications and similar to those reported in other studies.
Postprison Release HIV‐Risk Behaviors in a Randomized Trial of Methadone Treatment for Prisoners
Authors: Wilson Monique E. , Kinlock Timothy W. , Gordon Michael S. , O’Grady Kevin E. , Schwartz Robert P.
Published: August 2012

Background:
This secondary analysis examined the impact of methadone initiated in prison on postrelease HIV risk behaviors. The parent study was a three‐group randomized clinical trial in which participants received drug abuse counseling in prison and were randomly assigned to: (1) passive referral to substance abuse treatment upon release; (2) guaranteed methadone treatment admission upon release; and (3) methadone in prison and guaranteed continuation of methadone upon release.

Methods: Participants were 211 adult males with preincarceration histories of opiate dependence. The AIDS Risk Assessment was administered at baseline (in prison) and at 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month postrelease. Data were analyzed for the entire sample (N = 211) as well as the subsamples who reported injecting drugs in the 30 days prior to incarceration (n = 131) and who reported having unprotected sex in that time frame (n = 144) using generalized linear mixed model on an intent‐to‐treat basis.

Results:
There were no significant changes in sex‐ or drug‐risk by Condition over Time. There were significant Time and Condition main effects for the total sample as well as the injector subsample for drug‐risk behaviors. There were no significant Condition main effects for HIV sex‐risk behaviors, but there were significant Time main effects.

Conclusions: Methadone initiated in prison or immediately postrelease is associated with reduced HIV drug‐risk compared to counseling in prison without methadone and passive referral to treatment at release. Participation in several drug‐ and sex‐risk behaviors also showed significant declines during the postrelease time periods. (Am J Addict 2012;21:476–487)
GABRA2 Genotype, Impulsivity, and Body Mass
Authors: Bauer Lance O. , Yang Bao‐Zhu , Houston Rebecca J. , Kranzler Henry R. , Gelernter Joel
Published: August 2012

Background:
The goal of this study was to test a hypothesis associating impulsivity with an elevated body mass index (BMI).

Methods:
To this end, we examined associations of BMI with putative genetic, neurophysiological, psychiatric, and psychological indicators of impulsivity in 78 women and 74 men formerly dependent on alcohol or drugs. A second analysis was designed to test the replicability of the genetic findings in an independent sample of 109 women and 111 men with a similar history of substance dependence.

Results:
The results of the first analysis showed that BMI was positively correlated with Total and Nonplanning Scale Scores on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and the number of childhood symptoms of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in women. It was also positively correlated, in women, with a GABRA2 variant previously implicated as a risk factor for substance dependence and an objective electroencephalographic feature previously associated with GABRA2 and relapse risk. The second analysis confirmed that the correlation between BMI and the substance‐dependence‐associated GABRA2 genotype was reliable and sex‐specific.

Conclusions: We conclude that an elevated BMI is associated with genetic, neurophysiological, psychiatric, and psychological indicators of impulsivity. The sex difference may be explained by greater opportunities to eat and overeat, a preference for higher calorie foods, a longer duration of alcohol/drug abstinence, or previous pregnancies in women. (Am J Addict 2012;21:404–410)
Genetic Association of GABA‐A Receptor Alpha‐2 and Mu Opioid Receptor with Cocaine Cue‐Reactivity: Evidence for Inhibitory Synaptic Neurotransmission Involvement in Cocaine Dependence
Authors: Smelson David , Yu Lei , Buyske Steven , Gonzalez Gerardo , Tischfield Jay , Deutsch Curtis K. , Ziedonis Douglas
Published: August 2012

Background:
This pilot feasibility study examined the role of genetics in laboratory‐induced cocaine craving.

Methods: Thirty‐four African American, cocaine‐depend‐ ent male subjects underwent a baseline assessment, cue‐exposure session, and genetic analysis. Subjects were classified as either cue‐reactive or nonreactive.

Results:
Among single nucleotide polymorphism markers in 13 candidate genes examined for association with cocaine cue‐reactivity, two were statistically significant: GABRA2 (coding for GABA‐A receptor alpha‐2 subunit; rs11503014, nominal p= .001) and OPRM1 (coding for mu opioid receptor; rs2236256, nominal p= .03).

Conclusions: These pilot results suggest that cocaine craving shows variability among cocaine‐dependent subjects, and that GABRA2 and OPRM1 polymorphisms have differential influences on cocaine cue‐reactivity, warranting studies in future research. (Am J Addict 2012;21:411–415)
Epithelial mesenchymal transition traits in honey‐driven keratinocyte wound healing: Comparison among different honeys
Authors: Ranzato Elia , Martinotti Simona , Burlando Bruno
Published: August 2012

Honey has been used since ancient times for wound repair, but the subjacent mechanisms are almost unknown. We have tried to elucidate the modulatory role of honey in an in vitro model of HaCaT keratinocyte re‐epithelialization by using acacia, buckwheat, and manuka honeys. Scratch wound and migration assays showed similar increases of re‐epithelialization rates and chemoattractant effects in the presence of different types of honey (0.1%, v/v). However, the use of kinase and calcium inhibitors suggested the occurrence of different mechanisms. All honeys activated cyclin‐dependent kinase 2, focal adhesion kinase, and rasGAP SH3 binding protein 1. However, vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein, integrin‐β3, cdc25C, and p42/44 mitogen activated protein kinase showed variable activation pattern. Re‐epithelialization recapitulates traits of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the induction of this process was evaluated by a polymerase chain reaction array, revealing marked differences among honeys. Manuka induced few significant changes in the expression of EMT‐regulatory genes, while the other two honeys acted on a wider number of genes and partially showed a common profile of up‐ and down‐regulation. In conclusion, our findings have shown that honey‐driven wound repair goes through the activation of keratinocyte re‐epithelialization, but the ability of inducing EMT varies sensibly among honeys, according to their botanical origin.
Low intensity laser therapy speeds wound healing in hemophilia by enhancing platelet procoagulant activity
Authors: Hoffman Maureane , Monroe Dougald M.
Published: August 2012

Our group has previously shown that cutaneous wound healing is delayed and histologically abnormal in a mouse model of hemophilia. Hemostasis is not only required to stop bleeding at the time of wounding, but also produces bioactive substances that promote appropriate inflammatory and proliferative responses during healing. Low intensity laser therapy (LILT) has been reported to enhance impaired wound healing in a variety of animal and human studies. The current studies were conducted to test the hypothesis that LILT can improve healing in a hemophilia B mouse model. Three daily treatments with 12 J/sq cm of 650 nm laser illumination reduced the time to closure of a 3‐mm cutaneous punch biopsy wound in the hemophilic mice. All wounds were closed at 13 days in the sham‐treated hemophilic mice, compared with 10 days in the LILT‐treated hemophilic mice, and 9 days in wild‐type mice. While LILT can speed healing by enhancing proliferation of cutaneous cells, we found that an additional mechanism likely contributes to the efficacy of LILT in the hemophilic mice. LILT enhanced the mechanical rigidity and platelet activity of clots formed from human platelet‐rich plasma. Illumination of isolated platelets increased the mitochondrial membrane potential and enhanced binding of coagulation factors to the surface of activated platelets. Thus, while LILT can directly promote proliferative responses during healing, it also appears to enhance hemostasis in an animal model with impaired coagulation. These data suggest that trials of LILT as an adjunct to the usual hemostatic therapies in hemophilia are warranted.
Hyperglycemia and Incidence of Frailty and Lower Extremity Mobility Limitations in Older Women
Authors: Kalyani Rita R. , Tian Jing , Xue Qian‐Li , Walston Jeremy , Cappola Anne R. , Fried Linda P. , Brancati Frederick L. , Blaum Caroline S.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To determine the degree to which hyperglycemia predicts the development of frailty and lower extremity mobility limitations.

Design

Secondary data analysis of longitudinal data collected in a prospective cohort study.

Setting

Baltimore, Maryland.

Participants

Three hundred twenty‐nine women from the Women's Health and Aging Study II aged 70 to 79 at baseline who had all variables needed for analysis.

Measurements

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at baseline, categorized as less than 5.5%, 5.5% to 5.9%, 6.0% to 6.4%, 6.5% to 7.9%, and 8.0% and greater, was the independent variable. The incidence of frailty and lower extremity mobility limitations (based on self‐reported walking difficulty, walking speed, and Short Performance Physical Battery score) was determined (follow‐up ≈ 9 years). Frailty was assessed using the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria. Covariates included demographic characteristics, body mass index, interleukin‐6 level, and clinical history of comorbidities. Statistical analyses included Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox regression models adjusted for important covariates.

Results

In time‐to‐event analyses, HbA1c category was associated with incidence of walking difficulty (P = .049) and low physical performance (P = .001); association with incidence of frailty and low walking speed had a trend toward significance (both P = .10). In regression models adjusted for demographic characteristics, HbA1c of 8.0% or greater (vs < 5.5%) was associated with an approximately three‐times greater risk of incident frailty and three to five times greater risk of lower extremity mobility limitations (all P < .05). In fully adjusted models, HbA1c of 8.0% or greater (vs < 5.5%) was associated with incident frailty (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.24–8.93), walking difficulty (HR = 3.47, 95% CI = 1.26–9.55), low walking speed (HR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.19–6.71), and low physical performance (HR = 3.60, 95% CI = 1.52–8.53).

Conclusion

Hyperglycemia is associated with the development of frailty and lower extremity mobility limitations in older women. Future studies should identify mediators of these relationships.
Improvement in Nutritional Status Reduces the Clinical Impact of Infections in Older Adults
Authors: Forster Sarah E. , Powers Hilary J. , Foulds Gemma A. , Flower Daniel J. , Hopkinson Kay , Parker Stuart G. , Young Tracey A. , Saxton John , Pockley Alan G. , Williams Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To determine the effect of a dietary intervention and micronutrient supplementation on self‐reported infections in older adults.

Design

A randomized, placebo‐controlled intervention trial.

Setting

Community living older people in South Yorkshire, United Kingdom.

Participants

Two‐hundred seventeen older adults aged 65 to 85.

Intervention

Participants were randomized to a dietary intervention, a daily micronutrient supplement, or placebo for 3 months, with a 3‐month follow‐up.

Measurements

Self‐reported measures of infection were reported over the 6‐month study period. Secondary outcome measures were nutritional status, dietary intake, quality of life, and depression.

Results

Self‐reported measures of infection over the 6‐month duration of the study were significantly different between the treatment groups. The number of weeks in which illness affected life and the number of general practitioner and hospital visits were significantly lower in the food and micronutrient groups than in the placebo group. The number of weeks in which symptoms of an infection were described was significantly lower in the food group than the placebo and micronutrient groups. Significant improvements in biomarkers of micronutrient status were achieved in the food and micronutrient groups and showed significantly greater change than observed in the placebo group. Significant improvement in dietary intakes was observed in the food group only.

Conclusion

Improving dietary intake and micronutrient status reduces the clinical impact of self‐reported infections in older adults.
A Rare Case of Permanent Junctional Reciprocating Tachycardia Ablated on the Roof of the Left Atrium
Authors: KALBFLEISCH STEVEN J. , RHODES TROY E.
Published: August 2012

A Rare Case of Permanent Junctional Reciprocating Tachycardia.

Left‐sided anteroseptal accessory pathways that course through the aortomitral fibrous continuity are some of the rarest types of accessory pathways. At this region the atrium and ventricle are separated by their greatest distance because of the intervening aortic valve. These pathways often have a long circuitous course that may involve the root and cusps of the aortic valve. Prior reports have demonstrated the feasibility of ablating these pathways along the anteroseptal mitral annulus, the left ventricular outflow tract, or in the left or noncoronary cusps of the aortic valve. We describe a case of a concealed decremental anteroseptal accessory pathway that was ablated on the roof of the left atrium remote from the mitral or aortic valve annuli. This report indicates that when an appropriate site for ablation of a left‐sided anteroseptal accessory pathway is not found close to a valve annulus, these pathways may be amenable to ablation by targeting their atrial insertion site. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 464‐467, April 2013)
Predictive Value of Thromboembolic Risk Scores Before an Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Procedure
Authors: FLORIA MARIANA , ROY LUC DE , XHAET OLIVIER , BLOMMAERT DOMINIQUE , JAMART JACQUES , GERARD MARINA , DORMAL FABIEN , DECEUNINCK OLIVIER , AMBARUS VALENTIN , MARCHANDISE BAUDOUIN , SCHROEDER ERWIN
Published: August 2012

Risk Scores for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Introduction: It is not clear whether transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) should be performed prior to a planned atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in all patients.

Methods and Results: The objectives of this study were to determine in 681 consecutive patients: (i) the relationship between the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores, the presence of a thrombogenic milieu and left atrial (LA) volume; (ii) the need for TEE in patients with low and intermediate thromboembolic risk assessed; and (iii) the predictive accuracy of the these 2 scores for the presence of thrombi in the LA/LAA (LA appendage) before a planned AF ablation. The prevalence of thrombi was 1%. All patients with thrombi had LA dilatation, a CHADS2 score ≥1 and a CHA2DS2‐VASc score ≥2. CHADS2 or CHA2DS2‐VASc scores <2 had an almost maximal negative predictive capability of excluding the presence of a thrombus (99.8% and 100%, respectively; 95% CI: 99–100). A CHADS2 score ≥2 had a sensitivity and specificity of 86% (95% CI: 42–100) and 82% (95% CI: 79–85), respectively, to predict the presence of a thrombus in the LA/LAA, while a CHA2DS2‐VASc score ≥2 had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% (95% CI: 59–100) and 67% (95% CI: 63–70). The area under the curve for CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores ≥2 was 0.928 (95% CI: 0.906–0.946) and 0.933 (95% CI: 0.912–0.951), respectively.

Conclusion: Not all patients undergoing planned endocardial pulmonary vein isolation need preprocedural TEE. Both scores <2 had an almost maximal negative predictive capability of excluding the presence of a thrombus in the LA/LAA. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 139‐145, February 2013)
Anatomy of the Coronary Sinus and Epicardial Coronary Venous System in 620 Hearts: An Electrophysiology Perspective
Authors: NOHERIA AMIT , DESIMONE CHRISTOPHER V. , LACHMAN NIRUSHA , EDWARDS WILLIAM D. , GAMI APOOR S. , MALESZEWSKI JOSEPH J. , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , MUNGER THOMAS M. , HAMMILL STEPHEN C. , HAYES DAVID L. , PACKER DOUGLAS L. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J.
Published: August 2012

Anatomy of the Coronary Venous System. Introduction: Cannulation of the coronary sinus (CS) is a prerequisite for left ventricular (LV) pacing and certain ablation procedures. The detailed regional anatomy for the coronary veins and potential anatomic causes for difficulty with these procedures has not been established.

Methods and Results:
Therefore, we performed macroscopic measurements in 620 autopsied hearts (mean age 60 ± 23 years, 44% female). The CS was preserved for analysis in 96%. Sixty‐three percent had a Thebesian valve that covered the posterior aspect of the CS ostium with extension to the superior (50%) and inferior aspects (18%) and was obstructive with fenestrations in 3 specimens. Partial or near occlusive valves were present occasionally at the ostium of the great cardiac vein (Vieussens; 8%) and middle cardiac vein (5%). Ninety‐three percent had left atrial branches, and 41% had at least one branch with lumen > 3 French. For CRT lead placement, the mid‐lateral LV was accessible from the middle cardiac vein (20%), the left posterior vein (92%) or the anterior interventricular vein (86%). Among specimens where the left phrenic nerve was preserved it crossed the LV mid‐lateral wall in 45%.

Conclusions:
Epicardial coronary vein anatomy is variable, and the mid‐lateral LV wall can potentially be accessed through various tributaries of the epicardial veins. The orientation of the Thebesian valve favors cannulation of the CS from an anterior (ventricular) and inferior approach. Anterobasal, mid‐lateral, and inferior apical LV coronary veins lie in proximity to the course of the phrenic nerve. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 1‐6, January 2013)
Belief, Deconversion, and Authenticity among U.S. Emerging Evangelicals
Authors: Bielo James S.
Published: August 2012

In this article I examine the status of belief among U.S. evangelicals organizing under the moniker of the “emerging church.” As part of their cultural critique of the conservative Christian subculture, many emerging evangelicals recast their standpoint toward the role of propositional doctrine in their definition of an authentic Christian self. I join with colleagues in the anthropology of religion, in particular the anthropology of Christianity, who are rethinking the nature of belief as a form of relational commitment. I argue that emerging evangelicals seek a faith where human–human relationships are a precondition for human–divine relations to flourish. To achieve their desired sense of community emerging evangelicals create ritual structures that foster a highly relational religiosity. I illustrate this recasting of belief through analyses of narrative and institution making, grounded in three years of ethnographic fieldwork.
The Quaker Journey and the Framing of Corporate and Personal Belief
Authors: Kline Douglas A.
Published: August 2012

The British Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) illustrates the management of personal and corporate belief and experience without the use of creedal statements or centralized religious authority. This builds on the work of anthropologists like James Fernandez and Peter Stromberg who introduce forms of consensus responsible for maintaining unity in religious communities. While their work expanded anthropological understanding on diverse interpretations of common symbols, this article builds on their observations to show how the use of tropes also encourages unity. Quakers incorporate diversity and a notion of continuing revelation into their communal belief system, and individual participants are encouraged to explore personal belief. Since the Quaker corporate belief model accommodates change, tensions shift to maintaining identity among the theologically diverse interpretations of truth. To accomplish some homogeneity Friends also employ a journey trope to frame diversity and manage the potential tension between corporate and personal understanding.
Agency and the Other: The Role of Agency for the Importance of Belief in Buddhist and Christian Traditions
Authors: Cassaniti Julia
Published: August 2012

Belief is important in some religious experiences and not in others. Why? I address the question here through an analysis of belief in two different religious communities in Northern Thailand. In the Northern Thai Buddhist community of Mae Jaeng the Thai term for belief is rarely evoked, while in the nearby Christian community of Mae Min it occurs often. Tying belief to ideas about causation, I argue that the different prominence of belief in the two communities relates to ideas about personal agency. In the Christian community belief creates personal agency through the mediation of an external agentive Other, while in the Buddhist community personal agency is seen to be constructed through natural processes that render belief unnecessary. In making this argument I offer a critique of the ubiquity of belief as part of religious experience, and push for further research on the intersections of belief, agency, and intersubjectivity in psychological anthropology.
Creative Sincerity: Thai Buddhist Karma Narratives and the Grounding of Truths
Authors: Carlisle Steven
Published: August 2012

How do people become sincerely committed to shared beliefs? Many theories explain how people come to claim beliefs publicly, but provide inadequate explanations as to why they take these ideas seriously. I resolve this by adapting a form of practice theory to conceptualize shared meanings not as externally imposed social products, but as a creation of active psychosocial negotiations that reflect autobiographical narratives. Although the Thai Buddhist doctrine of karma is often expressed through abstract, transcendent theological propositions, people understand it through personal narratives grounded in a knowing self. Expressions of beliefs, then, should not be seen as statements of doctrines but, rather, as attempts to articulate a relationship between a self and an understanding of reality, negotiated through narrative. Although dogmas may summarize beliefs, they do not necessarily inspire them; commitments to beliefs are an effect of the narrative organization of experience. Ironically, sincere beliefs about objective realities are the creative products of individual minds. Locating belief in experiential narratives moves beyond deterministic notions of belief as institutionally defined dogmas, and allows one to see actions as reflecting sincere beliefs as well as the personal strategies often discussed in practice theory.
“What is Bread?” The Anthropology of Belief
Authors: Lindholm Charles
Published: August 2012

In this article, I contrast the ideal‐typical models for the verification of belief proposed by Max Weber (external and meaning‐centered) and Emile Durkheim (internal and emotional). I then put forward a continuum of types of belief legitimization based on these models and place the articles in this collection within this framework to demonstrate the complex interplay between modes of belief corroboration and to provide a theoretical basis for making cross‐cultural comparisons of belief maintenance.
Puerperal uterine inversion in the Netherlands: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Witteveen Tom , van Stralen Giel , Zwart Joost , van Roosmalen Jos
Published: August 2012

Puerperal uterine inversion is a severe but rare obstetric complication of yet unknown origin. In this two‐year study we determine the incidence of this complication and we describe associated risk factors to expose its etiology. All cases of uterine inversion were included from a nationwide cohort study which contained all 98 hospitals with a maternity unit in the Netherlands. We reviewed the medical records of 15 patients, resulting an incidence of approximately 1 in 20 000 vaginal births. Fourteen cases (93.3%) were classified as low‐risk pregnancies at booking. Nulliparous women were not overrepresented and the main associated factors were signs of prolonged labor followed by third stage manipulation. This study is the first population‐based study for uterine inversion. With the reported associated factors and occurrence in women with a low‐risk profile, we show that every birth attendant should be able to detect this rare but severe complication.
Prophylactic attempt at manual rotation in brow presentation at full dilatation
Authors: VERSPYCK ERIC , BISSON VIOLENE , GROMEZ ALEXIS , RESCH BENOIT , DIGUET ALAIN , MARPEAU LOÏC
Published: August 2012

We report our management of brow presentation at full dilatation by a prophylactic attempt at manual rotation or immediate cesarean delivery, depending on practitioner training. During the study period, 49 women with brow presentation were collected for an overall 30 452 deliveries (1/621) and 22 (44.9%) of them were diagnosed at full dilatation. For the latter, an attempt at manual rotation was performed in 13 cases (59.1%) with no particular maternal or neonatal complications reported and vaginal delivery occurred in 10 (76.9%). Maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar between women with immediate cesarean section or prophylactic manual rotation, except for a shorter duration of hospitalization in the group with attempted manual rotation (p < 0.01). Prophylactic attempted manual rotation in brow presentation diagnosed at full dilatation may be associated with a high rate of vaginal delivery with no specific maternal or neonatal complications.
Angiogenic factors in maternal circulation and preeclampsia with or without fetal growth restriction
Authors: VATTEN LARS J. , ÅSVOLD BJØRN O. , ESKILD ANNE
Published: August 2012

Objective. To study associations of placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‐1) in maternal circulation with the risk of preeclampsia with and without fetal growth restriction. Design. Nested case‐control study. Setting. A cohort of 29 948 pregnant women in Norway. Sample. Cases were identified through linkage to the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. We selected 69 preterm and 36 term preeclampsia cases with delivery of a small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infant, 83 preterm and 154 term preeclampsia cases without SGA delivery, and 384 normotensive controls. Methods. We measured PlGF and sFlt‐1 in maternal serum samples from each trimester. Main outcome measures. Odds ratios of preeclampsia subtypes by tertile categories of PlGF and sFlt‐1. Results. Low (lowest third) PlGF and sFlt‐1 levels in the first trimester, and low (lowest third) increase in PlGF and strong (highest third) increase in sFlt‐1 from first to second trimester were associated with increased risk of preterm preeclampsia, both with and without SGA offspring. For term preeclampsia with SGA offspring, the associations were similar to the findings for preterm preeclampsia. For term preeclampsia without SGA offspring, low increase in PlGF from first to second trimester and high sFlt‐1 in the third trimester were associated with increased risk. Conclusions. Low PlGF and high sFlt‐1 levels in maternal circulation are associated with subsequent development of preeclampsia, regardless of whether fetal growth is affected or not. For term preeclampsia without fetal growth restriction, the imbalance in angiogenic factors seems to appear later in pregnancy than for preterm preeclampsia.
Childhood predictors of becoming a teenage mother among Finnish girls
Authors: LEHTI VENLA , NIEMELÄ SOLJA , HEINZE MARIA , SILLANMÄKI LAURI , HELENIUS HANS , PIHA JORMA , KUMPULAINEN KIRSTI , TAMMINEN TUULA , ALMQVIST FREDRIK , SOURANDER ANDRE
Published: August 2012

Objective. To study predictive associations between psychosocial factors at age 8 and becoming a mother under the age of 20. Design: Prospective follow‐up study. Setting: Finland. Population. 2867 girls born in 1981. Methods. Information on family background and psychiatric symptoms was collected at age 8. The associations between these factors and becoming a teenage mother were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Main outcome measures. Data on births by the age of 20 collected from the hospital discharge register. Results. 128 girls (4.8%) had given birth at the age of 15–19 years. Childhood conduct problems and hyperactive problems, having young mother and family structure other than two biological parents had an independent association with becoming a teenage mother. Conclusions. Girls with externalizing type of problems in childhood have an increased risk of becoming teenage mothers. These problems may also complicate their motherhood.
High‐grade cervical neoplasia during pregnancy: diagnosis, management and postpartum findings
Authors: COPPOLILLO ENRIQUE F. , DE RUDA VEGA HILDA MALAMUD , BRIZUELA JULIETA , ELISETH MARTHA CORA , BARATA AVELINO , PERAZZI BEATRIZ E.
Published: August 2012

Objectives. To study the prevalence of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2–3) during pregnancy and compare the rates of persistence, progression and regression of CIN 2–3 by colposcopically guided biopsy during pregnancy with respect to the postpartum period. Also to assess biopsy results during pregnancy and postpartum in relation to histopathology after treatment of lesions. Population. Pregnant women with a histological diagnosis of CIN 2–3 confirmed by colposcopically guided biopsy during pregnancy. Methods. Between 1989 and 2008, 11 700 pregnant women had cytologic and simultaneous colposcopic examinations during pregnancy. A colposcopically guided biopsy was performed when colposcopically suspicious high‐grade lesions were detected, regardless of cytological results. Women with a histopathological diagnosis of CIN 2–3 during pregnancy were re‐evaluated by colposcopically guided biopsy and treated during the postpartum period. Results. CIN 2–3 was diagnosed in 56 of 11 700 (0.48%) pregnant women by biopsy. Thirty women complying with the protocol were assessed postpartum by histopathological studies, of whom 70% exhibited persistence, 13.3% progression and 16.7% regression of CIN 2–3. Twenty‐nine were diagnosed by conization and one by colposcopically guided biopsy during the postpartum period, which revealed invasive cervical carcinoma. Conclusions. Due to the high rates of CIN 2–3 persistence during the postpartum period, we suggest that all patients in whom CIN 2–3 was diagnosed during pregnancy are biopsied and treated if necessary during the postpartum period, with at least a two‐year follow‐up control to prevent lesion recurrence.
Pharmacological approaches in bipolar disorders and the impact on cognition: a critical overview
Authors: Dias V. V. , Balanzá‐Martinez V. , Soeiro‐de‐Souza M. G. , Moreno R. A. , Figueira M. L. , Machado‐Vieira R. , Vieta E.
Published: August 2012

Dias VV, Balanzá‐Martinez V, Soeiro‐de‐Souza MG, Moreno RA, Figueira ML, Machado‐Vieira R, Vieta E. Pharmacological approaches in bipolar disorders and the impact on cognition: a critical overview.

Objective:  Historically, pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorders (BD) have been associated with neurocognitive side‐effects. We reviewed studies which assessed the impact of several psychopharmacological drugs on the neurocognitive function of BD patients.

Method:  The PubMed database was searched for studies published between January 1980 and February 2011, using the following terms: bipolar, bipolar disorder, mania, manic episode, or bipolar depression, cross‐referenced with cognitive, neurocognitive, or neuropsychological, cross‐referenced with treatment.

Results:  Despite methodological flaws in the older studies and insufficient research concerning the newer agents, some consistent findings emerged from the review; lithium appears to have definite, yet subtle, negative effects on psychomotor speed and verbal memory. Among the newer anticonvulsants, lamotrigine appears to have a better cognitive profile than carbamazepine, valproate, topiramate, and zonisamide. More long‐term studies are needed to better understand the impact of atypical antipsychotics on BD patients’ neurocognitive functioning, both in monotherapy and in association with other drugs. Other agents, like antidepressants and cognitive enhancers, have not been adequately studied in BD so far.

Conclusion:  Pharmacotherapies for BD should be chosen to minimize neurocognitive side‐effects, which may already be compromised by the disease process itself. Neurocognitive evaluation should be considered in BD patients to better evaluate treatment impact on neurocognition. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation also addressing potential variables and key aspects such as more severe cognitive deficits, comorbidities, differential diagnosis, and evaluation of multiple cognitive domains in longitudinal follow‐up studies are warranted.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the effects of fluoride toothpastes on the prevention of dental caries in the primary dentition of preschool children
Authors: dos Santos Ana Paula Pires , Nadanovsky Paulo , de Oliveira Branca Heloisa
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To assess the effects of fluoride (F) toothpastes on the prevention of dental caries in the primary dentition of preschool children.

Study design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

A search for randomized or quasi‐randomized clinical trials was carried out, without idiom restraints, in six electronic databases, registers of ongoing trials, meeting abstracts, dentistry journals and reference lists of potentially eligible studies. The search yielded 1932 records and 159 full‐text articles were independently read by two examiners. Data regarding characteristics of participants, interventions, outcomes, length of follow‐up and potential of bias were independently extracted by two examiners on the basis of predetermined criteria. Any disagreement was solved by consensus after consulting a third examiner. Pooled prevented fractions (PF) and relative risks (RR) were estimated separately for studies testing low F toothpastes (<600 ppm) and those testing standard F toothpastes (1000–1500 ppm).

Results

Eight clinical trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria and most of them compared F toothpastes associated with oral health education against no intervention. When standard F toothpastes were compared to placebo or no intervention, significant caries reduction at surface (PF = 31%; 95% CI 18–43; 2644 participants in five studies), tooth (PF = 16%; 95% CI 8–25; 2555 participants in one study) and individual (RR = 0.86; 95% CI 0.81–0.93; 2806 participants in two studies) level were observed. Low F toothpastes were effective only at surface level (PF = 40%; 95% CI 5–75; 561 participants in two studies).

Conclusion

Standard F toothpastes are effective in reducing dental caries in the primary teeth of preschool children and thus their use should be recommended to this age group.
Racial disparity in oral and pharyngeal cancer in Florida in 1991–2008: mixed trends in stage of diagnosis
Authors: Guo Yi , McGorray Susan P. , Riggs Charles E. , Logan Henrietta L.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To explore changes in distribution of stage at diagnosis among individuals with oral and pharyngeal cancers over the past two decades and whether the changes differ by race.

Methods

We obtained 1991–2008 cancer incidence data for nine anatomic sites of the oral and pharyngeal structure from the Florida Cancer Data System. These cancers were grouped into oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), pharyngeal SCC, and other head and neck cancers. Annual percent change was calculated for each group to characterize trends in age‐adjusted cancer incidence over time by race and stage at diagnosis.

Results

During 1991–2008, the overall age‐adjusted oral SCC incidence was decreasing for both races, with a greater decline observed among Blacks. There was a large drop in incidence of regional‐stage diagnoses among Blacks. For pharyngeal SCC, the age‐adjusted incidence of localized‐ and regional‐stage diagnoses was increasing for Whites during 1991–2008, with the largest increase in the incidence of regional‐stage diagnoses. The percentage of localized‐stage diagnoses was increasing for both races for oral SCC. A slight increase in percentage of localized‐stage diagnoses was observed for Blacks for pharyngeal SCC, whereas no obvious change was observed among Whites.

Conclusions

Blacks continued to have lower percentages of localized‐stage diagnoses than Whites for nearly all sites, but an increasing percentage of localized‐stage diagnoses was observed for oral SCC among Blacks. For pharyngeal SCC, the increase in incidence among Whites was accompanied by an increasing percentage of late‐stage diagnoses. Coordinated public health approaches with a special emphasis on screening underserved populations are needed.
Hematological and biochemical blood values in wild populations of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) ofCampeche,México
Authors: Rovirosa‐Hernández M.J. , Caba M. , García‐Orduña F. , López‐Muñoz J.J.D. , Canales‐Espinosa D. , Hermida‐Lagunes J.
Published: August 2012

Background

The clinical analyses of free‐rangingNewWorld primates are extremely limited. The aim of this study was to obtain baseline data of blood chemistry and hematological values of free‐rangingAlouatta pigra.

Method

17 males and 17 females were captured. We collected blood from the caudal tail vein; conventional techniques were used to analyze the samples

Results

Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocytes were significantly higher in males than in females. In relation to biochemical blood values, albumin/globulin ratio, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron were significantly higher in males than in females, while creatinine was significantly higher in females than in males.

Conclusions

In general, measured parameters are similar to those of other primates and will be used as reference values for futures studies.
N‐glycosylation Does Not Affect the Catalytic Activity of Ricin A Chain but Stimulates Cytotoxicity by Promoting Its Transport Out of the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Yan Qing , Li Xiao‐Ping , Tumer Nilgun E.
Published: August 2012

Ricin A chain (RTA) depurinates the α‐sarcin/ricin loop after it undergoes retrograde trafficking to the cytosol. The structural features of RTA involved in intracellular transport are not known. To explore this, we fused enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to precursor (preRTA‐EGFP), containing a 35‐residue leader, and mature RTA (matRTA‐EGFP). Both were enzymatically active and toxic in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. PreRTA‐EGFP was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) initially and was subsequently transported to the vacuole, whereas matRTA‐EGFP remained in the cytosol, indicating that ER localization is a prerequisite for vacuole transport. When the two glycosylation sites in RTA were mutated, the mature form was fully active and toxic, suggesting that the mutations do not affect catalytic activity. However, nonglycosylated preRTA‐EGFP had reduced toxicity, depurination and delayed vacuole transport, indicating that N‐glycosylation affects transport of RTA out of the ER. Point mutations in the C‐terminal hydrophobic region restricted RTA to the ER and eliminated toxicity and depurination, indicating that this sequence is critical for ER exit. These results demonstrate that N‐glycosylation and the C‐terminal hydrophobic region stimulate the toxicity of RTA by promoting ER export. The timing of depurination coincided with the timing of vacuole transport, suggesting that RTA may enter the cytosol during vacuole transport.
Cell‐surface Metalloprotease ADAM12 is Internalized by a Clathrin‐ and Grb2‐dependent Mechanism
Authors: Stautz Dorte , Leyme Anthony , Grandal Michael Vibo , Albrechtsen Reidar , van Deurs Bo , Wewer Ulla , Kveiborg Marie
Published: August 2012

ADAM12 (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 12), a member of the ADAMs family of transmembrane proteins, is involved in ectodomain shedding, cell‐adhesion and signaling, with important implications in cancer. Therefore, mechanisms that regulate the levels and activity of ADAM12 at the cell‐surface are possibly crucial in these contexts. We here investigated internalization and subsequent recycling or degradation of ADAM12 as a potentially important regulatory mechanism. Our results show that ADAM12 is constitutively internalized primarily via the clathrin‐dependent pathway and is subsequently detected in both early and recycling endosomes. The protease activity of ADAM12 does not influence this internalization mechanism. Analysis of essential elements for internalization established that proline‐rich regions in the cytoplasmic domain of ADAM12, previously shown to interact with Src‐homology 3 domains, were necessary for proper internalization. These sites in the ADAM12 cytoplasmic domain interacted with the adaptor protein growth factor receptor‐bound protein 2 (Grb2) and knockdown of Grb2 markedly reduced ADAM12 internalization. These studies establish that internalization is indeed a mechanism that regulates ADAM cell surface levels and show that ADAM12 internalization involves the clathrin‐dependent pathway and Grb2.
Metabolic Activation of the HOG MAP Kinase Pathway by Snf1/AMPK Regulates Lipid Signaling at the Golgi
Authors: Piao Hailan , MacLean Freed John , Mayinger Peter
Published: August 2012

Phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate (PI(4)P) is an important regulator of Golgi function. Metabolic regulation of Golgi PI(4)P requires the lipid phosphatase Sac1 that translocates between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi membranes. Localization of Sac1 responds to changes in glucose levels, yet the upstream signaling pathways that regulate Sac1 traffic are unknown. Here, we report that mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) Hog1 transmits glucose signals to the Golgi and regulates localization of Sac1. We find that Hog1 is rapidly activated by both glucose starvation and glucose stimulation, which is independent of the well‐characterized response to osmotic stress but requires the upstream element Ssk1 and is controlled by Snf1, the yeast homolog of AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK). Elimination of either Hog1 or Snf1 slows glucose‐induced translocation of Sac1 lipid phosphatase from the Golgi to the ER and thus delays PI(4)P accumulation at the Golgi. We conclude that a novel cross‐talk between the HOG pathway and Snf1/AMPK is required for the metabolic control of lipid signaling at the Golgi.
Geriatric dentistry: is rethinking still required? A community‐based survey in Indian population
Authors: Bijjargi Supriya , Chowdhary Ramesh
Published: August 2012

Gerodontology 2012; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00667.x

Geriatric dentistry: is rethinking still required? A community‐based survey in Indian population

Background:  India has a large geriatric population (60 years and above) of 77 million; comprising 7.7% of its total population. Poor oral health and loss of teeth not only adversely affect the dietary intake and nutritional status and thereby compromise general health, but can also deny them the pleasure of eating food of their choice.

Objective:  To assess the level of edentulousness, denture wearing and denture needs of the elderly in the community and to study the correlation between oral health parameters and sociodemographic variables which would help us to define better treatment modalities, counselling and thus improve the oral health of our geriatric patients.

Materials and Methods:  Subjects who were 60 years and above were considered for this study and were randomly selected. Of the 1360 elderly who were enrolled in the study, 780 (57.35%) were males and 580 (42.64%) were female. This sample size is in proportion to the total population for the pilot study. They were given an oral examination and a questionnaire.

Results:  Fifty seven percent (57%) of the elderly were not satisfied with their oral health status and function.

Conclusion:  Complete edentulousness of both the arches was highest in the middle socio‐economic group, and was the lowest in the low socio‐economic group. Less than 50% of edentulous elderly and only 10% of partially edentulous elderly were wearing dentures.
The effect of regional block over pain levels during vacuum‐assisted wound closure
Authors: Findikcioglu Kemal , Sezgin Billur , Kaya Basar , Ozkose Zerrin , Ayhan Suhan
Published: August 2012

Despite being a wound treatment method with a broad spectrum of indications, vacuum‐assisted wound closure (VAWC) can be a painful treatment modality which may even result with patient unwillingness for the continuation of treatment. A prospective study was undertaken to determine the effect of regional pain blocks (RPB) for patients who wanted to abandon treatment due to pain after the first application. Patients were asked to score their pain using a visual analogue scale for two different time frames (i) during dressing changes and (ii) while daytime treatment. This evaluation was carried out for conventional wound dressings, VAWC before RPB and finally for VAWC after RPB. The pain experienced with blocks was significantly lesser than conventional and VAWC dressing changes that were applied without pain blocks. Also, the pain was significantly lesser under pain blocks for daytime treatment. For patients with refractory pain where VAWC would prove to be of most benefit, RPB can be discussed with the patient and used. This study has shown that effective pain control can be obtained through regional blocks for patients with excruciating pain undergoing VAWC treatment.