bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Effect of Pollution and Fungal Disease on Pinus radiata Pollen Allergenicity
Authors: García-Gallardo María Victoria , Algorta Jaime , Longo Natividad , Espinel Santiago , Aragones Ana , Lombardero Manuel , Bernaola Gonzalo , Jauregui Ignacio , Aranzabal Ascensión , Albizu María Victoria , Gastaminza Gabriel
Published: October 2012

Background: Pollutants and other stressing factors like mold infection might increase the production of pathogen-related proteins in plants. Since this is invoked as one of the causes for the high prevalence of allergic diseases in developed countries, we aimed to determine the potential effect of environmental pollution, with or without mold infection of the trees, on the allergenic potency of pine pollen (Pinus radiata). Methods: Pine pollen samples were recovered from three selected areas: low polluted (A), highly polluted (B) and highly polluted and infected with fungi (Spheropsis sapinea) (C). The allergenic potency of pollen from areas A, B or C were compared in vivo in 35 pine pollen-allergic patients by skin prick test and specific IgE (sIgE) quantification. Pollen was also analyzed in vitro by SDS-PAGE immunoblotting, RAST inhibition and cDNA-AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) to compare differences in proteins and mRNA expression. Results: The allergenic potency measured by prick test, sIgE and RAST inhibition was greater in pollen A, which was exposed to smaller amounts of NOx, PM10 and SO2 but greater amounts of O3. No differences were found in IgE-binding bands in immunoblotting or densitometry of the bands. In cDNA-AFLP, three homologous transcript-derived fragments were expressed in samples B only, with an expressed sequence tag related with stress-regulated gene expression. Conclusions: A greater allergenic potency, in terms of skin tests and sIgE, is observed in pine pollen coming from unpolluted areas. We consider that this fact might be related to a higher exposure to ozone, resulting in a greater expression of allergenic proteins.
Carotid Artery Stenosis as a Cause of Stroke
Authors: Flaherty Matthew L. , Kissela Brett , Khoury Jane C. , Alwell Kathleen , Moomaw Charles J. , Woo Daniel , Khatri Pooja , Ferioli Simona , Adeoye Opeolu , Broderick Joseph P. , Kleindorfer Dawn
Published: October 2012

Background: Population-based studies have estimated that about 15% of ischemic strokes are caused by large-vessel cerebrovascular disease. We determined the types of large-vessel atherosclerosis responsible for ischemic strokes in a population-based stroke study. Methods: Patients with first-ever or recurrent ischemic stroke in the Greater Cincinnati area were identified during 2005 at all local hospitals. Study physicians assigned ischemic stroke subtypes. Overall event rates and incidence rates for first-ever events were calculated, and age-, race- and sex-adjusted to the 2000 US population. Results: There were 2,204 ischemic strokes, including 365 strokes of large-vessel subtype (16.6% of all ischemic strokes). Extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis was associated with 8.0% of all ischemic strokes, while extracranial ICA occlusion and intracranial atherosclerosis were each associated with 3.5% of strokes. The annual rate of first-ever and recurrent stroke attributed to extracranial ICA was 13.4 (11.4–15.4) per 100,000 persons. We conservatively estimate that about 41,000 strokes may be attributed to extracranial ICA stenosis annually in the United States. Conclusions: Large-vessel atherosclerosis is an important cause of stroke, with extracranial ICA stenosis being significantly more common than extracranial ICA occlusion or intracranial atherosclerotic disease.
Characterization of IL-18 Expression and Release in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Okano Mitsuhiro , Fujiwara Tazuko , Makihara Seiichiro , Fujiwara Rumi , Higaki Takaya , Kariya Shin , Noda Yohei , Haruna Takenori , Nishizaki Kazunori
Published: October 2012

Background: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a member of the IL-1 cytokine family that affects chronic inflammation. We sought to characterize IL-18 expression and investigate its release during chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: The expression of IL-18 in nasal polyps (NPs) and uncinate tissues (UTs) from both CRS and non-CRS patients was examined via immunohistochemistry. After culturing dispersed NP cells (DNPCs) with or without various stimulations, IL-18 levels were measured in the culture supernatants. Furthermore, the effect of IL-18 neutralization on staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB)-induced cytokine production was also examined. Results: Similar expression of IL-18 in the epithelial layers was observed between the NPs and UTs. However, there was a significantly higher number of IL-18+ cells in the lamina propria from NPs compared to UTs without CRS. This increased number was significantly correlated with the radiological severity of sinusitis and local eosinophilia. After the dispersion, IL-18 was spontaneously released by NP cells in a phase-dependent manner. While SEB, fungal antigens, and TLR agonists did not enhance the release, exposure to protease or one cycle of a freeze-and-thaw treatment did induce release of IL-18 from rested DNPCs. In addition, neutralization of IL-18 significantly suppressed SEB-induced IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-γ, but not IL-17A production. Conclusions: These results suggest that the pro-inflammatory effect of IL-18 released by danger signals may be involved in the pathogenesis of CRS, which includes eosinophilic inflammation and NP formation, via the augmentation of both Th2- and Th1-associated cytokine production.
Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Stroke Are the Most Common Manifestations of Acute Cerebrovascular Disease: A Prospective, Population-Based Study – The Aarhus TIA Study
Authors: von Weitzel-Mudersbach Paul , Andersen Grethe , Hundborg Heidi H. , Johnsen Søren P.
Published: October 2012

Background: Severity of acute vascular illness may have changed in the last decades due to improvements in primary and secondary prevention. Population-based data on the severity of acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease are sparse. We aimed to examine incidence, characteristics and severity of acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease in a well-defined population. Methods: All patients admitted with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or acute ischemic stroke from March 1, 2007, to February 29, 2008, with residence in the Aarhus area, were included. Incidence rates and characteristics of TIA and ischemic stroke were compared. Results: TIA accounted for 30%, TIA and minor stroke combined for 65% of all acute ischemic cerebrovascular events. Age-adjusted incidence rates of TIA and ischemic stroke were 72.2/100,000 and 129.5/100,000 person-years, respectively. TIA patients were younger than stroke patients (66.3 vs. 72.7 years; p < 0.001). Atrial fibrillation, previous myocardial infarction and previous stroke were significantly more frequent in stroke patients; no differences in other baseline characteristics were found. Conclusions: Minor events are the most common in ischemic cerebrovascular disease, and may constitute a larger proportion than previously reported. TIA and stroke patients share many characteristics; however, TIA patients are younger and have fewer manifestations of atherosclerotic diseases, indicating a high potential for secondary prevention.
Slow Extended Nocturnal Home Hemodialysis Shows Superior Adequacy Compared to In-Center Dialysis: A Mathematical Analysis
Authors: Van Canneyt Koen , Eloot Sunny , Vanholder Raymond , Segers Patrick , Verdonck Pascal , Van Biesen Wim
Published: October 2012

Extended nocturnal home hemodialysis has gained renewed interest. However, no removal data for single/double needle (lumen) (SL and DL, respectively) or for low/high blood flow in extended dialysis are available. Therefore, we studied dialysis adequacy in different nocturnal home hemodialysis strategies. Coupling a kinetic with a dialyzer model, we calculated a reduction ratio from pre- to post-dialysis (RR) and total solute removal (TSR) of urea, methylguanidine (MG), β2-microglobulin, and phosphate. Simulations were done for dialysis with blood flow Qb350 ml/min (DL-4h), extended DL high flow with Qb350 (DL-HF-8h) and low flow with Qb175 (DL-LF-8h), and SL with Qb273 (SL-8h). Compared to DL-4h, TSR was 28–59% larger for DL-HF-8h. TSR was most increased for β2-microglobulin (18%) with DL-LF-8h, and for MG (35%) with SL-8h. Furthermore, RRs were equal (DL-LF-8h), higher (SL-8h), and even more increased (DL-HF-8h) for all studied solutes. In the home setting, DL-LF-8h and SL-8h are safe and promising strategies.
Explaining ‘I Can’t Draw’: Parallels between the Structure and Development of Language and Drawing
Authors: Cohn Neil
Published: October 2012

Both drawing and language are fundamental and unique to humans as a species. Just as language is a representational system that uses systematic sounds (or manual/bodily signs) to express concepts, drawing is a means of graphically expressing concepts. Yet, unlike language, we consider it normal for people not to learn to draw, and consider those who do to be exceptional. Why do we consider drawing to be so different from language? This paper argues that the structure and development of drawing is indeed analogous to that of language. Because drawings express concepts in the visual-graphic modality using patterned schemas stored in a graphic lexicon that combine using ‘syntactic’ rules, development thus requires acquiring a vocabulary of these schemas from the environment. Without sufficient practice and exposure to an external system, a basic system persists despite arguably impoverished developmental conditions. Such a drawing system is parallel to the resilient systems of language that appear when children are not exposed to a linguistic system within a critical developmental period. Overall, this approach draws equivalence between drawing and the cognitive attributes of other domains of human expression.
Close Correlation between Quantitative and Qualitative Assessments of White Matter Lesions
Authors: Valdés Hernández Maria del C. , Morris Zoe , Dickie David Alexander , Royle Natalie A. , Muñoz Maniega Susana , Aribisala Benjamin S. , Bastin Mark E. , Deary Ian J. , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: October 2012

Background: White matter lesions (WML) increase with age and are associated with stroke, cognitive decline and dementia. They can be visually rated or computationally assessed. Methods: We compared WML Fazekas visual rating scores and volumes, determined using a validated multispectral image-fusion technique, in Magnetic Resonance Imaging from 672 participants of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 and sought explanations for subjects in whom the correlation (Spearman’s ρ) between the total Fazekas score (summed deep and periventricular ratings, 0–6) and WML volume did not concur (z-score difference >1). Infarcts were identified separately. Results: The median WML Fazekas score was 2 [inter-quartile range (IQR): 2], median WML volume 7.7 ml (IQR: 13.6 ml) and median infarct volume (n = 95) 0.98 ml. Score and volume were highly correlated (Spearman’s ρ = 0.78, p < 0.001). Infarcts did not alter the correlation. Minor discordance occurred in 94/672 (14%) subjects, most with total Fazekas score of 1 (n = 20, WML volume = 4.5–14.8 ml) or 2 (n = 50, WML volume = 0.1–34.4 ml). The main reasons were: subtle WML identified visually but omitted from the volume; prominent ventricular caps but thin body lining giving a periventricular score of 1/2 but large WML volume, and small deep focal lesions which increase the score disproportionally when beginning to coalesce with little change in WML volume. Conclusions: WML rating scores and volumes provide near-equivalent estimates of WML burden, therefore either can be used depending on research circumstances. Even closer agreement could result from improved computational detection of subtle WML and modified visual ratings to differentiate prominent ventricular caps from thin periventricular linings, and small non-coalescent from early coalescent deep WML.
Simple Cystatin C Formula Compared to Serum Creatinine-Based Formulas for Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients with Mildly to Moderately Impaired Kidney Function
Authors: Bevc Sebastjan , Hojs Radovan , Ekart Robert , Gorenjak Maksimiljan , Puklavec Ludvik
Published: October 2012

Background: Serum cystatin C (SCC)-based formulas and the newer creatinine formula (the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula (CKD-EPI)) were proposed as improved glomerular filtration rate (GFR) markers. The aim of our study was to compare serum creatinine (SCr)-based and SCC-based equations against 51Cr-EDTA clearance in patients with mildly to moderately impaired kidney function. Methods: 255 adult Caucasian patients with chronic kidney disease (GFR 89–30 ml/min/1.73 m2) were enrolled. In each patient, 51Cr-EDTA clearance, SCr and SCC were determined. GFR was calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault (C&G), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), CKD-EPI formulas and simple cystatin C formula (SCCF) (100/SCC). Results: The receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis (cut-off for GFR 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) showed that the SCCF had a higher diagnostic accuracy than C&G but not than MDRD or CKD-EPI formulas. The Bland-Altman analysis for the same cut-off value showed that creatinine formulas underestimated and SCCF overestimated the measured GFR. Analysis of ability to correctly predict a patient’s GFR <60 or >60 ml/min/1.73 m2 showed the higher ability for the SCCF compared to all creatinine-based formulas. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the SCCF is a reliable marker of GFR and comparable to creatinine formulas including the CKD-EPI formula.
Interleukin-10 Is an Independent Biomarker of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Prognosis
Authors: Schneider Soares Flávia Mahatma , Menezes de Souza Nicole , Libório Schwarzbold Marcelo , Paim Diaz Alexandre , Costa Nunes Jean , Hohl Alexandre , Nunes Abreu da Silva Priscilla , Vieira Juliana , Lisboa de Souza Rafael , Moré Bertotti Melina , Schoder Prediger Rui Daniel , Neves Linhares Marcelo , Bafica André , Walz Roger
Published: October 2012

Background: Cytokines have been shown to be involved in traumatic brain injury (TBI). We investigated the independent association between serum levels of IL-10 and TNF-α and hospital mortality of patients with severe TBI. Methods: Serum IL-10 and TNF-α levels were determined after a median period (interquartile range (IQ) 25–75) of 10 h (IQ 5–18) after severe TBI in 93 consecutive patients and in randomly selected patients with mild (n = 18) and moderate (n = 16) TBI. In patients with severe TBI, additional blood samples were analyzed 30 h (IQ 22–37) and 68 h (IQ 55–78) after TBI. Age, gender, computed tomography findings, Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) and pupil reactions at admission, associated trauma and hospital mortality were collected. Results: Elevated serum levels of IL-10, but not TNF-α, correlated significantly with GCS severity (R2 coefficient, p < 0.0001) and were found to be associated with hospital mortality in patients with severe TBI. Elevated IL-10 remained associated with mortality (p = 0.01) in a subset of patients with isolated severe TBI (n = 74). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that higher IL-10 levels (>90 pg/ml) at 10 or 30 h after TBI were 6 times (odds ratio (OR) 6.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–25.1, p = 0.03) and 5 times (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.2–25.1, p = 0.03), respectively, more frequently associated with hospital mortality than lower levels (<50 pg/ml), independently of age, GCS as well as pupil reactions at admission and associated trauma. Conclusions: Serum IL-10 levels may be a useful marker for severe TBI prognosis.
Correlation of Bacterial Type and Antibiotic Sensitivity with Maternal Antibiotic Exposure in Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Bromiker Ruben , Ernest Netanela , Meir Maskit Bar , Kaplan Michael , Hammerman Cathy , Schimmel Michael S. , Schlesinger Yechiel
Published: October 2012

Background: Antibiotic administration during pregnancy as group B Streptococcus prophylaxis or as treatment of maternal conditions has become widespread. Objective: To assess whether bacterial type and antibiotic resistance in early-onset neonatal sepsis are associated with maternal antibiotic use. Methods: All positive blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid cultures (case-only study) and respective antibiotic sensitivities from newborns delivered in Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel, between 01/01/1997 and 31/01/2007, taken during the first 72 h of life, were studied. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from the medical records of the infant/mother dyads. Three groups were defined by type of maternal antibiotic exposure: (1) no exposure, (2) intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP), (3) antepartum antibiotic exposure during the month prior to delivery and extending into delivery or with subsequent IAP (AAE). Factors potentially associated with Gram-negative bacteremia and resistance to ampicillin were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Ninety-seven different organisms grew from 94 infants (1.03 per 1,000 live births). By univariate analysis, AAE, gestational age ≤32 weeks, chorioamnionitis and rupture of membranes ≥18 h, were significantly associated with both Gram-negative sepsis and antibiotic resistance. By multivariate analysis, AAE was significantly associated with both outcomes, while gestational age ≤32 weeks was only associated with antibiotic resistance. Conclusions: AAE for more than 24 h is associated with an increased proportion of Gram-negative organisms and ampicillin resistance in early-onset neonatal sepsis. Antepartum antibiotic therapy and its ramifications need to be continuously monitored and prospectively studied.
Activated CD4+ T Cells Target Mesangial Antigens and Initiate Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Scindia Yogesh , Nackiewicz Dominika , Dey Paromita , Szymula Agnieszka , Bajwa Amandeep , Rosin Diane L. , Bolton W. Kline , Okusa Mark D. , Deshmukh Umesh , Bagavant Harini
Published: October 2012

Aims: The role of kidney infiltrating T cells in the pathology of lupus nephritis is unclear. This study was undertaken to investigate whether CD4+ T cell responses to a surrogate mesangial antigen can initiate glomerulonephritis. Methods: Ovalbumin (OVA) was deposited in the glomerular mesangium of C57BL/6 (B6) mice using anti-α8-integrin immunoliposomes (α8ILs). This was followed by injection of activated OVA-reactive CD4+ transgenic OT2 T cells. Trafficking of antigen-specific OT2 T cells to kidneys and lymph nodes was studied by flow cytometry. Glomerular pathology and immune cell infiltration was characterized by immunostaining. Role of CCR2 deficiency on T cell-mediated glomerulonephritis was investigated using B6.ccr2–/– mice. Results: α8ILs delivered OVA specifically to the renal glomeruli. Adoptively transferred OT2 T cells preferentially accumulated in renal lymph nodes and in the renal cortex. Kidneys showed glomerular inflammation with recruitment of endogenous T cells, dendritic cells and macrophages. T cell-mediated inflammation induced mesangial cell activation and an increase in glomerular MCP1 and fibronectin. The formation of inflammatory foci was driven by Ly6C monocytes and was CCR2 dependent. Conclusions: The findings from this study show that T cells reactive with antigens in the mesangium are sufficient to initiate glomerular pathology. Antigen-specific CD4 T cells act by inducing glomerular MCP1 production which mediates recruitment of inflammatory monocytes resulting in glomerulonephritis. Thus, downmodulation of T cell responses within the kidneys of lupus patients will be a beneficial therapeutic approach.
Amniopatch Treatment for Spontaneous Previable, Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes Associated or Not with Incompetent Cervix
Authors: Kwak Hye-Min , Choi Hyun-Jin , Cha Hyun-Hwa , Yu Hee-Jun , Lee Jee-Hun , Choi Suk-Joo , Oh Soo-young , Roh Cheong-Rae , Kim Jong-Hwa
Published: October 2012

Objective: We reviewed women with previable spontaneous premature rupture of membranes (sPPROM) in whom an amniopatch was performed and compared their pregnancy outcomes with a conservative management group. Methods: Amniopatch, an amnioinfusion of autologous platelet concentrate followed by cryoprecipitate, was performed in 7 women with sPPROM diagnosed at 17–23 weeks’ gestation, including one twin pregnancy. Three patients had incompetent cervices and the other 4 patients had sPPROM without incompetent cervices. Pregnancy outcomes of the cases were compared with the controls who were managed conservatively (n = 22). Results: Amniopatch treatment was successful in 1 of 7 cases (14.3%), in which the ruptured membranes were completely sealed and the patient delivered a healthy baby at 39 weeks’ gestation. No procedure-related complications were observed. Overall, neonatal outcome was similar in the amniopatch and conservatively managed groups, although the incidences of early neonatal sepsis and respiratory distress syndrome were lower in the amniopatch group. Conclusion: The overall success rate of amniopatch among our small number of cases was low. However, if successful, amniopatch may prolong a pregnancy with previable sPPROM to term.
Adjuvant Systemic Chemotherapy with or without Bevacizumab in Patients with Resected Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Turan Nedim , Benekli Mustafa , Koca Dogan , Ustaalioglu Basak Oven , Dane Faysal , Ozdemir Nuriye , Ulas Arife , Oztop Ilhan , Gumus Mahmut , Ozturk Mehmet Akif , Berk Veli , Kucukoner Mehmet , Uner Aytug , Balakan Ozan , Helvaci Kaan , Ozkan Secil , Yilmaz Ugur , Buyukberber Suleyman ,   for the Anatolian Society of Medical Oncology
Published: October 2012

Background: We aimed to investigate the impact of adjuvant systemic therapy with modern chemotherapy combinations on survival outcomes in patients with resected liver-confined metastases from colorectal carcinomas, and whether addition of bevacizumab (BEV) provides further benefit. Methods: A total of 229 consecutive patients who underwent resection for liver-confined colorectal liver metastases were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Of 229 patients, 204 who received chemotherapy with fluoropyrimidine-based (n = 27), irinotecan-based (n = 84) and oxaliplatin-based (n = 93) combinations were analyzed. Among these, 87 patients received BEV while 117 did not (NoBEV). With a median follow-up of 27 months after metastasectomy, the median recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were 17 and 53 months, respectively. OS rates at 3 and 5 years were 71% and 40%, respectively. No significant differences were found in the median RFS (p = 0.744) and OS (p = 0.440) among different chemotherapy regimens. The median RFS (p = 0.375) and OS (p = 0.251) were similar in BEV and NoBEV arms. In multivariate analysis, having 4 liver metastases was the only negative independent factor on both RFS and OS, while positive surgical margin was another negative independent factor for RFS. Conclusion: Chemotherapy type and addition of BEV have no impact on both RFS and OS in the adjuvant setting following complete resection of colorectal liver metastases.
No Harmful Effect of Dialysis-Induced Hypotension on the Myocardium in Patients Who Have Normal Ejection Fraction and a Negative Exercise Test
Authors: Fotbolcu Hakan , Oduncu Vecih , Gürel Emre , Cevik Cihan , Erkol Ayhan , Özden Kıvılcım , Guven Bahtisen , Dayan Akın , Şirin Gökçe , Basaran Yelda
Published: October 2012

Background: We investigated the effects of dialysis-induced hypotension (DIH) on the myocardium of patients who have a normal ejection fraction and normal treadmill stress tests. Methods: This study included 26 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with DIH, 30 ESRD patients without DIH (non-DIH), and 30 control subjects. Mitral-myocardial systolic velocity (MSV), the mitral E′/A′ ratio, the left ventricle filling pressure index (E/E′ ratio), tricuspid-MSV, and the tricuspid E′/A′ ratio were calculated. Results: Biventricular systolic and diastolic functions were impaired in dialysis patients. The mitral and tricuspid MSV were similar between DIH and non-DIH patients (8.03 ± 0.90 cm/s vs. 8.31 ± 1.68 cm/s, p = 0.896, and 13.27 ± 2.97 cm/s vs. 13.15 ± 2.37 cm/s, p = 0.980). Mitral and tricuspid E′/A′ were similar between DIH and non-DIH patients. (1.30 ± 0.53 vs. 1.16 ± 0.56, p = 0.695, and 0.70 ± 0.24 vs. 0.68 ± 0.33, p = 0.976). Likewise, the E/E′ ratio was similar between DIH and non-DIH patients (8.20 ± 2.83 vs. 8.28 ± 2.53, p = 0.990). Conclusion: Although biventricular systolic and diastolic function is impaired in dialysis patients compared to controls, DIH episodes did not have an adverse effect on the myocardial functions.
Thresholds to Soft Tissue Conduction Stimulation Compared to Bone Conduction Stimulation
Authors: Adelman Cahtia , Sohmer Haim
Published: October 2012

This study was designed to compare the thresholds to a standard clinical bone vibrator applied to sites on the head over skull bone (bone conduction, BC) and to soft tissue sites on the head and neck (soft tissue conduction, STC) with static application forces of 100 and 500 g in order to assess the possibility that STC is actually a form of BC, since both are elicited by stimulation with the same bone vibrator. Thresholds to 2.0-kHz tones were assessed in dB hearing level settings of the audiometer in the BC stimulation mode. There was no difference in threshold between forces of 100 and 500 g when applied to the skull bone sites (e.g. mastoid, forehead). However, at soft tissue sites (e.g. below the ear lobe, under the chin, on the sterno-cleido-mastoid muscle), thresholds to 100 g were significantly higher (poorer) than those to 500 g. With the 500 g static force (and also with the 100 g force), the thresholds at the STC sites were higher (poorer) than those at the skull bone sites. These findings have implications for understanding BC and STC modes of auditory activation.
Nematodicidal Activity of Flubendazole and Its Reduced Metabolite on a Murine Model of Trichinella spiralis Infection
Authors: Urbizu Lucía , Confalonieri Alejandra , Sánchez Bruni Sergio , Lanusse Carlos , Alvarez Luis Ignacio
Published: October 2012

Background: Flubendazole (FLBZ) is a broad-spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic compound. The parent FLBZ is metabolized to its reduced (R-FLBZ) and hydrolyzed (H- FLBZ) metabolites. There are no data on the potential nematodicidal activity of R-FLBZ, the main plasma metabolite found in sheep and mice. The goal of the current work was to assess the efficacy of FLBZ and R-FLBZ against Trichinella spiralis in a mouse model. Methods: Both compounds were administered to Balb/c mice infected with T. spiralis as either a cyclodextrin aqueous solution or as a carboxymethylcellulose suspension. Treatments were performed orally (5 mg/kg) at 1 day after infection with T. spiralis. The efficacy of the treatments was assessed at day 6 after infection. Results: While the efficacy obtained for FLBZ and R-FLBZ administered as a solution was 94 and 98%, respectively, the efficacies obtained after the treatment with FLBZ suspensions were 38% (FLBZ) and 64% (R-FLBZ). Conclusion: Under the current experimental conditions, a high nematodicidal efficacy of both FLBZ and R-FLBZ administered as solution preparations was observed.
An Ergonomic Study of Single-Port versus Multi-Port Laparoscopic Mesh Insertion for Ventral Hernia Repair
Authors: López-Cano M. , Pereira J.A. , Mojal S. , Lozoya R. , Quiles M.T. , Arbós M.A. , Armengol-Carrasco M.
Published: October 2012

Purpose: To assess the mental effort and physical discomfort of placement of a prosthetic mesh into the abdominal cavity with single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) or multi-port laparoscopic access for incisional ventral hernia repair. Methods: A total of 10 surgeons with previous experience in conventional laparoscopic surgery performed four surgical tasks through a multi-port laparoscopic access and a SILS access in a porcine model during a first 4-hour working session and a second 2-hour working session. These tasks included (a) introduction of a prosthetic mesh for abdominal wall surgery, (b) manipulation of the mesh inside the abdomen, (c) manipulation of the laparoscopic instruments and (d) mesh insertion to the intraperitoneal abdominal wall and fixation with tackers. The level of mental effort was assessed with the Subjective Mental Effort Questionnaire (SMEQ) and physical discomfort with the Local Experienced Discomfort Scale (LED). Results: Seventy percent were men, with a mean age of 45 years and a mean of 18 years of experience in practicing surgery. The SMEQ questionnaire showed a median physical effort of 24.4 (range 9–36.1) points for the multi-port laparoscopic access and 107.4 (range 74.7–128.4) for SILS (p < 0.01). Statistically significant differences between multi-port laparoscopic surgery and SILS were consistently demonstrated in all tasks as well as in both the 4-hour and 2-hour working sessions. The median (interquartile range) score of the LED scale was 12.5 (2–34.5) for tasks during multi-port laparoscopic surgery and 53.5 (29–89.2) for SILS (p < 0.001). All individual tasks were associated with a significantly higher physical effort for SILS than for conventional laparoscopic access, which were also independent of being performed during the 4-hour or 2-hour working periods. Conclusions: Placement and manipulation of a prosthetic mesh for incisional ventral hernia repair is more difficult with SILS than using multi-port laparoscopic access, independently of previous experience with standard laparoscopic techniques. This greater difficulty was observed both in terms of mental effort and physical discomfort. More experimental and clinical studies are needed to define specific training aspects and clinical advantages of incisional ventral hernia repair through SILS.
Pseudorejection and True Rejection after Kidney Transplantation: Classification and Clinical Significance
Authors: Khater Nazih , Khauli Raja
Published: October 2012

Objectives: Multiple factors may result in an elevation in serum creatinine level after kidney transplantation, mimicking rejection. It is crucial to differentiate between a true rejection and other conditions inducing a ‘pseudorejection', in order to avoid overtreatment, or worse, mistreatment. Our goal was to review and classify true rejections and pseudorejections and their clinical significance. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective review of articles published in the USA and Europe, from 1976 to the present. The sites from which information was retrieved included PubMed, Clinical Imaging, Histopathology, Archives of Surgery, JACS, the American Urological Association, Medline and Springer Link. The importance of the resistive index will also be emphasized. Results: We reviewed 61 articles regarding the causes of renal graft dysfunction, which may be classified into true rejections and pseudorejections, the latter including the following 6 factors: hyperglycemia, ureteral obstruction, lymphocele, arterial stenosis, infection and recurrence of primary pathology. Conclusions: ‘Pseudorejection' has been described only once, for the first time in 1976 in the USA, and there have been no other reports since then. Multiple factors, mainly hyperglycemia, may induce a pseudorejection, presenting with an elevation of serum creatinine level and leading the clinician to an erroneous diagnosis of true rejection initially, resulting in inappropriate management.
Use of Sugammadex in a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Kelsaka Ebru , Karakaya Deniz , Zengin Eyüp Cağatayn
Published: October 2012

Objective: To report on general anesthesia management in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Case Presentation and Intervention: A 47-year-old man presented with fracture of the humerus. The patient was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. General anesthesia was induced with propofol, rocuronium and remifentanil. After uneventful surgical repair, TOF (train-of-four) ratio reached >0.90 at the end of operation. However, muscle strength and tidal volume were inadequate. After sugammadex 2 mg kg-1 i.v. was given, the patient was extubated 120 s later. Conclusion: This case highlights that rocuronium and sugammadex can be used safely in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis undergoing surgery with general anesthesia.
Grover’s Disease Following Multiple Bilateral Blaschko Lines: A Rare Clinical Presentation with Genetic and Electron Microscopic Analyses
Authors: Asahina Akihiko , Ishiko Akira , Saito Ikuo , Hasegawa Kazuko , Sawamura Daisuke , Nakano Hajime
Published: October 2012

Grover’s disease is an acquired dermatosis of unknown cause histopathologically characterized by the presence of acantholysis. We report an 83-year-old Japanese man who showed multiple pruritic papular lesions distributed bilaterally along Blaschko lines, necessitating the exclusion of segmental Darier’s disease. No mutations in ATP2A2, ATP2C1 or keratin 5 genes were found both in the lesional skin and in peripheral leukocytes, suggesting that putative pathogenesis of Grover’s disease is distinct from those of other acantholytic dermatoses. Electron microscopy revealed poorly developed tonofibrils in the basal cells, and the structure of desmosomes appeared normal, with an increase in the number of desmosomes in the spinous layer, indicating compensation of defective desmosomal function. Impairment of desmosomal plaque proteins linking tonofilaments to desmosomal cadherins may thus account for acantholysis. The unusual bilateral mosaic arrangement in our patient may offer valuable clues to the genetic basis of Grover’s disease.
Factors Affecting Auditory Performance of Postlinguistically Deaf Adults Using Cochlear Implants: An Update with 2251 Patients
Authors: Blamey Peter , Artieres Françoise , Başkent Deniz , Bergeron François , Beynon Andy , Burke Elaine , Dillier Norbert , Dowell Richard , Fraysse Bernard , Gallégo Stéphane , Govaerts Paul J. , Green Kevin , Huber Alexander M. , Kleine-Punte Andrea , Maat Bert , Marx Mathieu , Mawman Deborah , Mosnier Isabelle , O’Connor Alec Fitzgerald , O’Leary Stephen , Rousset Alexandra , Schauwers Karen , Skarzynski Henryk , Skarzynski Piotr H. , Sterkers Olivier , Terranti Assia , Truy Eric , Van de Heyning Paul , Venail Fréderic , Vincent Christophe , Lazard Diane S.
Published: October 2012

Objective: To update a 15-year-old study of 800 postlinguistically deaf adult patients showing how duration of severe to profound hearing loss, age at cochlear implantation (CI), age at onset of severe to profound hearing loss, etiology and CI experience affected CI outcome. Study Design: Retrospective multicenter study. Methods: Data from 2251 adult patients implanted since 2003 in 15 international centers were collected and speech scores in quiet were converted to percentile ranks to remove differences between centers. Results: The negative effect of long duration of severe to profound hearing loss was less important in the new data than in 1996; the effects of age at CI and age at onset of severe to profound hearing loss were delayed until older ages; etiology had a smaller effect, and the effect of CI experience was greater with a steeper learning curve. Patients with longer durations of severe to profound hearing loss were less likely to improve with CI experience than patients with shorter duration of severe to profound hearing loss. Conclusions: The factors that were relevant in 1996 were still relevant in 2011, although their relative importance had changed. Relaxed patient selection criteria, improved clinical management of hearing loss, modifications of surgical practice, and improved devices may explain the differences.
A Novel Homozygous WDR72 Mutation in Two Siblings with Amelogenesis Imperfecta and Mild Short Stature
Authors: Kuechler A. , Hentschel J. , Kurth I. , Stephan B. , Prott E.-C. , Schweiger B. , Schuster A. , Wieczorek D. , Lüdecke H.-J.
Published: October 2012

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited defects of enamel formation. In isolated AI (no additional segregating features), mutations in at least 7 genes are known so far, causing dominant, recessive or X-linked AI and allowing the identification of the molecular etiology in 40–50% of affected families. We report on 2 siblings (an 11-year-old female and a 7-year-old male) born to consanguineous Turkish parents, with AI and mild, proportionate short stature. Both parents have normal teeth, but mother, maternal grandmother and great-grandfather are/were also of short stature. A spine X-ray performed in the girl excluded brachyolmia. Affymetrix GenomeWide SNP6.0 Array analysis identified no pathogenic copy number changes, but showed sharing of large homozygous regions, including chromosome band 15q21.3 containing the WDR72 gene. WDR72 sequence analysis in both siblings revealed homozygosity for a novel stop mutation in exon 10 (c.997A>T, p.Lys333X) explaining the AI phenotype. Mutations in WDR72 are a very rare cause of autosomal-recessive hypomaturation type of isolated AI. The mutation described in our patients specifies the diagnosis AI IIA3 and represents only the sixth WDR72 mutation reported so far. The WDR72 protein is critical for dental enamel formation, but its exact function is still unknown.
Obesity Is an Independent Determinant of Ischemia-Modified Albumin
Authors: Mehmetoğlu İdris , Kurban Sevil , Yerlikaya Fatma Hümeyra , Polat Hakkı
Published: October 2012

Objective: We have measured ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in obese and normal-weight subjects to investigate if IMA can be used as a biomarker of oxidative stress and inflammation and if IMA was an independent determinant of obesity or not. Methods: The study was performed on 92 obese subjects (20 male, 72 female) aged 38 ± 11 years and 78 normal-weight controls (19 male, 59 female) aged 37 ± 11 years. Serum lipids, IMA, TAS, TOS, and hsCRP levels of the subjects were measured. Results: IMA (p < 0.05), TOS (p < 0.001), and hsCRP (p < 0.001) levels of the obese subjects were significantly higher, whereas TAS levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of the controls after adjustment for age and gender. In the linear regression analysis, waist circumference (r2 = 0.139, p < 0.01), BMI (r2 = 0.136, p < 0.01) and insulin (r2 = 0.120, p < 0.05) were shown to be significant independent determinants of IMA levels. Conclusions: We have found that oxidative stress and inflammation were increased and antioxidative defense was decreased, which resulted in increased levels of IMA, a biomarker of ischemia, in obese subjects. Also, obesity and insulin were found to be independent determinants of IMA. Thus, obese subjects are under high risk of ischemia, and IMA may be used as a biomarker of oxidative stress and ischemia. Further larger investigations are needed to confirm this opinion.
Isolating the Industrial Contribution of PM2.5 in Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario
Authors: Barker H. W.
Published: October 2012

Hourly measurements of particulate matter that is smaller than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) have been made at air-monitoring sites in Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario, Canada, since 2003. These sites are separated by ~6 km; Burlington is right on Lake Ontario while Hamilton has, directly to the east, very heavy industry between it and Lake Ontario. Hence, by taking the difference between measurements at Hamilton and Burlington, it is possible to isolate, during east-wind conditions, PM2.5 that result from emissions from the industrial sectors (primarily steel mills) located in Hamilton’s northeast end. After screening the data for east winds off Lake Ontario, it was found that median background values of PM2.5, of 5–10 μg m−3 are increased by an additional 5–10 μg m−3 by emissions from local sources. On the contrary, however, industrial contributions to PM2.5 in Burlington during south winds are much smaller at ~3 μg m−3 (industrial sectors are due south of Burlington). This difference is likely due either to wind direction–dependent local circulation patterns or to alignment of sources that can concentrate PM2.5 into Hamilton. It was also found that throughout much of 2009, but especially during spring and early summer, the industrial contribution of PM2.5 at Hamilton was reduced relative to other years by amounts that are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level, even when measurements are augmented with large amounts of Gaussian noise. These reductions are consistent with documented reductions in steel production during the global economic crisis that peaked in the first half of 2009.
Impacts of Snow Initialization on Subseasonal Forecasts of Surface Air Temperature for the Cold Season
Authors: Jeong Jee-Hoon , Linderholm Hans W. , Woo Sung-Ho , Folland Chris , Kim Baek-Min , Kim Seong-Joong , Chen Deliang
Published: October 2012

The present study examines the impacts of snow initialization on surface air temperature by a number of ensemble seasonal predictability experiments using the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model version 3 (CAM3) AGCM with and without snow initialization. The study attempts to isolate snow signals on surface air temperature. In this preliminary study, any effects of variations in sea ice extent are ignored and do not explicitly identify possible impacts on atmospheric circulation. The Canadian Meteorological Center (CMC) daily snow depth analysis was used in defining initial snow states, where anomaly rescaling was applied in order to account for the systematic bias of the CAM3 snow depth with respect to the CMC analysis. Two suites of seasonal (3 months long) ensemble hindcasts starting at each month in the colder part of the year (September–April) with and without the snow initialization were performed for 12 recent years (1999–2010), and the predictability skill of surface air temperature was estimated. Results show that considerable potential predictability increases up to 2 months ahead can be attained using snow initialization. Relatively large increases are found over East Asia, western Russia, and western Canada in the later part of this period. It is suggested that the predictability increases are sensitive to the strength of snow–albedo feedback determined by given local climate conditions; large gains tend to exist over the regions of strong snow–albedo feedback. Implications of these results for seasonal predictability over the extratropical Northern Hemisphere and future direction for this research are discussed.
Prevention of demoralization in prolonged bicultural conflict and interaction: The role of cultural receptors I – Description of a natural experiment
Authors: de Figueiredo John M
Published: October 2012

Background:

This article examines how symbols and sentiments are exchanged to produce a synthesis of two cultures in the context of prolonged bicultural conflict and interaction, thereby minimizing or preventing sociocultural disintegration and the resulting demoralization. This process will be shown to be anchored on the discovery of certain thematic areas (cultural receptors) in which social roles or cultural mandates are missing, unclear, ambiguous or congruent.

Material:

The setting of this research is the history of Goa, a former Portuguese state on the western coast of India, where the exchange between the Portuguese and Indian cultures lasted longer than four centuries (1510–1961). Both published and unpublished sources were studied.

Discussion:

From 1510, the year of the beginning of the Portuguese rule, until 1540, the local traditions and leadership patterns were respected. This was followed by a period of religious intolerance during which attempts were made to encourage Hindus to convert to Christianity and to wipe out the bicultural interaction. Finally a new era of tolerance and cultural integration started around 1773 and continued until 1961. The bicultural interaction persisted and a hybrid culture developed around cultural receptors.

Conclusions:

The history of Portuguese Goa is a natural experiment that allows us to examine the role played by cultural receptors in the adaptation to acculturative stress.
Performance of dimethyl dioxirane/nano-TiO2 on epoxidation of polybutadiene and hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene
Authors: Nikje Mir Mohammad Alavi , Hajifatheali Hassan
Published: October 2012

Polybutadiene and hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) were epoxidized using in situ-generated dimethyl dioxirane (DMD) as an oxidant in the presence of nano-TiO2 at 25°C. Reaction time and different percentages of catalyst/Oxone® (w/w) were also examined. The capability of different kinds of double bonds to be epoxidized was studied in detail at various reaction times, and the products were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR), 13CNMR, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques, with no side reaction being detected. The results indicate that using nano-TiO2 as a catalyst increases the epoxidation yield, especially of cis double bonds.
‘Paschim Banga Kheria Sabar Kalyan Samiti’, Puruliya, West Bengal, India: Case Study of an NGO’s Role in Poverty Alleviation
Authors: Gupta Susmita
Published: October 2012

India is still struggling with poverty, especially rural poverty, which is most widespread among the socially disadvantaged groups. Following a global shift in the poverty debate from top–down to bottom–up approaches, there seems to be a greater need for engagement at the local level to tackle with the problem of poverty, and non-governmental organizations (NGO) have an important role to play in this context. The present analysis is presented against this backdrop of the need for effective poverty reduction in the country, and reviews the role of an NGO, the Paschim Banga Kheria Sabar Kalyan Samiti (PBKSKS) in Puruliya, West Bengal that has been working with a marginalized community, the Kheria Sabar. The analysis highlights the achievements of the NGO, and comments on its role in poverty alleviation through social and economic empowerment of the community. The article is based on ethnographic research conducted in 2004 at the micro-level in Puruliya where the community largely resides.
Factors Affecting Prevalence and Extent of Intimate Partner Violence in Ukraine
Authors: Barrett Betty Jo , Habibov Nazim , Chernyak Elena
Published: October 2012

This study examined the prevalence and ecological correlates of intimate partner violence against women in Ukraine. A nationally representative sample of ever-married female respondents of the 2007 Ukraine Demographic Health Survey was used for this analysis. Findings suggest that although numerous ecological factors predict women’s experiences of emotional, physical, and sexual intimate partner violence, two factors were common correlates of all three forms of violence: the frequent intoxication of women’s partners and the exhibition of marital controlling behaviors by male perpetrators. Implications for the development of effective programming to prevent violence against Ukrainian women are provided.