bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Vibration Modes of N-H Related Complexes in GaAsN Grown by Chemical Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Suzuki Hidetoshi , Tanaka Tomohiro , Ohshita Yoshio , Kojima Nobuaki , Yamaguchi Masafumi
Published: September 2009

The local vibration modes of N-H bonds Fourier transform infrared spectrometry for GaAsN films grown by chemical beam epitaxy are investigated. Four stretching modes of N-H bonds exist in the films. The absorption intensities of stretching modes at 3125, 3098 and 2952 cm-1 have no relationships, suggesting that at least three kinds of N-H related defects are formed in the GaAsN films. Major stretching modes are 3098 and 2952 cm-1. The integrated absorption (IA) of 3098 cm-1 is proportional to H concentration ([H]). The IA of 2952 cm-1 changes super linearly with [H]. A simple N-H bond and a complex defect including N-H are suggested as the origin of 3098 and 2952 cm-1, respectively.
Growth of Metal Nanowhiskers on Patterned Substrate by High-Temperature Glancing Angle Deposition
Authors: Suzuki Motofumi , Hara Hideki , Kita Ryo , Hamachi Kenji , Nagai Koji , Nakajima Kaoru , Kimura Kenji
Published: September 2009

In this study, we carry out high-temperature glancing angle deposition (HT-GLAD) of Fe and Al on a heated substrate with trench patterns. When vapor is incident perpendicular to the trench direction, nanowhiskers grow only on the surface exposed to the vapor and not inside the trenches. On the other hand, when vapor is incident at a glancing angle on the sidewall of the trench and not on the substrate surface, nanowhiskers grow only on the sidewall, since the condition of deposition at high temperature and a glancing angle is satisfied only for the sidewall. Thus, we succeed the selective growth of nanowhiskers by controlling the geometrical deposition conditions. Further, we also discuss the effect of the local deposition geometry on the growth process. Geometrically selective growth by HT-GLAD is expected to be useful for growing nanowhiskers on nano- and microstructured substrates.
Plasmonic Behaviors of Gold-in-Ga2O3 Nanostructures
Authors: Wu Yi-Jen , Chen Po-Ham , Hsu Chia-Wei , Chou L-J. , Chen Lih-Juann
Published: September 2009

Light scattering properties of individual gold-in-Ga2O3 peapod nanowires and gold-in-Ga2O3 core/shell nanowires were investigated by optical dark-field microscopy. The observed scattering peaks are suggested to be the plasmonic resonance of the gold nanopeas and nanorods in the Ga2O3 nanowires. The cladding Ga2O3 dielectric layer also plays a key role on light scattering phenomena. The high frequency modulation in the p-polarized spectrum revealed that the future vertical nanoplasmonic devices made by plasmonic nanocavity due to the short propagation length of surface plasmons can be realized and optimized.
Au Nanowires and Their Field Emission Properties
Authors: Chen Chih-Yen , Lin Jian-You , Chou L-J. , Hwang Jenn-Chang
Published: September 2009

Free standing Au nanowires are successfully fabricated by the solid-liquid-solid (SLS) growth mechanism; the titanium and gold buffer layers were deposited respectively on the substrate by the E-gun evaporation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study indicated that the morphology of Au nanowires is needlelike with lengths up to 10 μm, the average diameter of Au nanowire is about 100 nm; the surfaces of the as-synthesized Au nanowires are smooth and neat. The single crystalline Au nanowires exhibit outstanding properties with the current density more than 0.1 mA/cm3 and a reproducible value of the field enhancement factor is close to 10,000.
Synthesis of GaN Nanowires Using Gold Nanoparticles on Plasma-Activated Silicon Substrate
Authors: Lee Kuo-Hao , Lo Pei-Lang , Chen In-Gann
Published: September 2009

The gallium nitride nanowires of different diameters were grown through the vapor-liquid-solid growth mechanism by using gold nanoparticles as a catalyst on plasma-treated silicon substrate. The Si substrates were activated by plasma treatment and followed by immersion in olefinthiolate protected gold nanoparticles solutions to stain the catalyst on substrate surface. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that the size of nanoparticles and the diameter of nanowires were associated with each other and demonstrated the confinement effect of vapor-liquid-solid growth mechanism as well. X-ray diffraction pattern and element analysis suggest that the nanowires were wurtzite structure and no impurity involved during the growth process.
Temperature Sensor Based on Ge‐Doped Microstructured Fibers
Authors: Torres-Peiró Salvador , Díez Antonio , Cruz José Luis , Andrés Miguel Vicente
Published: September 2009

The fundamental mode
cutoff properties of Ge‐doped microstructured
fibers, filled with a liquid, permit the
implementation of wavelength‐ and
amplitude‐encoded temperature sensors with an
ultra‐high sensitivity. The cutoff wavelength
changes with temperature, and the thermo‐optic
coefficient of the liquid determines the
sensitivity of the sensor. Sensitivity as high
as 25 nm/∘C is reported. In addition, simple amplitude interrogation techniques can be implemented using the same sensor heads.
A Three‐Dimensional Ply Failure Model for Composite Structures
Authors: Donadon Maurício V. , de Almeida Sérgio Frascino M. , Arbelo Mariano A. , de Faria Alfredo R.
Published: September 2009

A fully 3D failure model to predict damage in composite structures subjected to multiaxial loading is presented in this paper. The formulation incorporates shear nonlinearities effects, irreversible strains, damage and strain rate effects by using a viscoplastic damageable constitutive law. The proposed formulation enables the prediction of failure initiation and failure propagation by combining stress‐based, damage mechanics and fracture mechanics approaches within an unified energy based context. An objectivity algorithm has been embedded into the formulation to avoid problems associated with strain localization and mesh dependence. The proposed model has been implemented into ABAQUS/Explicit FE code within brick elements as a userdefined material model. Numerical predictions for standard uniaxial tests at element and coupon levels are
presented and discussed.
Existence of Infinitely Many Distinct Solutions to the Quasirelativistic Hartree‐Fock Equations
Authors: Enstedt M. , Melgaard M.
Published: September 2009

We establish existence of infinitely many distinct solutions to the semilinear elliptic Hartree‐Fock equations for N‐electron Coulomb systems with quasirelativistic kinetic energy for the nth electron. Moreover, we prove existence of a ground state. The results are valid under the hypotheses that the total charge Ztot of K nuclei is greater than N − 1 and that Ztot is smaller than a critical charge Zc. The proofs are based on a new application of the Fang‐Ghoussoub critical point approach to multiple solutions on a noncompact Riemannian manifold, in combination with density operator techniques.
Fiber‐Optic Aqueous Dipping Sensor Based on Coaxial‐Michelson Modal Interferometers
Authors: Barrios Paola , Sáez-Rodríguez David , Rodríguez Amparo , Cruz José Luis , Díez Antonio , Andrés Miguel Vicente
Published: September 2009

Fiber‐optic modal interferometers with a coaxial‐Michelson configuration can be used to monitor aqueous solutions by simple dipping of few centimeters of a fiber tip. The fabrication of these sensors to work around 850 nm enables the use of compact, robust, and low‐cost optical spectrum analyzers. The use of this type of portable sensor system to monitor sewage treatment plants is shown.
Far Wing Asymmetry of Rotational Raman Lines in Hydrogen
Authors: Gustafsson Magnus
Published: September 2009

Depolarized Raman spectra of compressed hydrogen gas have been computed rigorously previously
for 36 K and 50 K (Gustafsson et al. (2009)). The far wings of the
rotational lines show asymmetry that goes beyond that expected from the theory for intracollisional
interference and Fano line shapes. Here we analyze the (0) line for pure hydrogen at 36 K in detail. The added asymmetry stems partly from a shape resonance which adds significant intensity to the higher frequency side of the line profile. The influence of the threshold energy for the rotational transition accounts for the remainder.
Disease Behavior in Adult Patients: Are There Predictors for Stricture or Fistula Formation?
Authors: Dotan Iris
Published: September 2009

In the current era, in inflammatory bowel disease step-up vs. top-down therapeutic approaches for the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) are evaluated. As a consequence, we need to be able to differentiate between patients who will have more aggressive phenotypes to those with potentially more benign CD course. The former would require closer follow-up; however, more important might be the subgroup of patients to whom we want to offer biologic and immunomodulator therapy early on. This strategy is the only one supposed to prevent hospitalization and surgical intervention, specifically in patients with fistulae. Patients with expected fibrostenotic disease phenotype require early identification as well. The data regarding primary prevention of fibrostenosis are scarce; however, the association of biologic therapy with fewer surgeries might suggest that at least a subgroup of these patients would benefit from early, step-up therapeutic strategy. They might also benefit more from early immunomodulator therapy, as this was shown to have a secondary (though modest) preventive effect. The patients with fibrostenotic phenotype are also candidates for the most needed but still practically nonexistent anti-fibrotic therapies. In any case where patients are identified as having a higher chance to develop the more aggressive phenotypes, fibrostenotic and perforating, recommendation to avoid triggers/accelerators of disease progression (smoking, NSAIDS use) should be kept rigorously. Until recently, we based our attempts to predict disease phenotype mainly on clinical characteristics. As would be the case with many clinical features, some of them are not even predictors, but already manifestations of the condition we are trying to predict. Intervention at this stage might be too late for this patient. In addition to known demographic and clinical predictors reported, more recently sophisticated predictors shall be described. These predictors belong to three major groups: serologic markers, genetic markers, mucosal disease/healing. The major serologic markers used: anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), outer membrane porin C (OmpC), CBir1-flagellin, antibodies against I2 protein and the anti-glycan antibodies: anti-laminaribioside carbohydrate (ALCA), anti-chitobioside carbohydrate (ACCA) and anti-mannobioside carbohydrate (AMCA) and their associations with penetrating and fibrostenotic disease shall be discussed. The associations of genetic polymorphisms such as CARD15 and TLR4 variants and more aggressive disease phenotype will be described as well. Finally, the data supporting the relationship between inflamed, in contrast to healed intestinal mucosa and more aggressive disease course will be illustrated. These predictors may be used in clinical practice and/or research in order to better stratify CD prognosis. Thus they may be significant in our therapeutic decisions. Models for using these predictors would be presented.
Susceptibility Genes and Overall Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Fiocchi Claudio
Published: September 2009

The rapid accumulation of new knowledge on the genes, gene variations and genetic loci associated with both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), e.g. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is shedding new light on the immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying these conditions. After the initial report of the association of NOD2 mutations with ileal CD, a large number of additional genetic variants and loci has been found to be associated with both CD and UC, CD alone and, quite recently, UC-associated variants have also emerged. Much of this progress is due to the use of methods such as genome-wide associations (GWA) based on large numbers of reasonably well-characterized patient groups. Among several others, some of the most pathophysiologically relevant associations reported so far are with gene variants related to innate immunity, autophagy, apoptosis, Th1 and Th17 responses, T cell activation, and immunosuppression. Some of these associations have lent further support to previously construed disease mechanisms or disclosed brand new mechanisms, like in the case of the autophagy pathway. While this much progress is obviously welcome, it also brings new challenges. These include the fact that all the gene mutations uncovered so far only account for a minority of all IBD cases, the variable distribution of gene mutations among worldwide IBD populations, and the still unknown effects of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. Nevertheless, there is no question that genetic information will be quickly utilized not only for a better understanding of IBD pathogenesis, but it will also soon be incorporated into the armamentarium of better diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Genetic Determinants of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Is Age of Onset Genetically Determined?
Authors: Scherr Rebecca , Essers Jonah , Hakonarson Hakon , Kugathasan Subra
Published: September 2009

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is thought to develop as a result of dysregulation of the immune response to normal gut flora in a genetically susceptible host. Approximately 25% of incident cases of IBD occur during childhood and the rest occur throughout adulthood, peaking in the second and third decades of life. What determines the age of onset remains unexplained currently. Studying early-onset presentation of complex diseases such as IBD is appealing to geneticists and scientists alike because of the expectation that these efforts will increase the probability of finding novel risk variants. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have yielded more susceptible loci in IBD than in any other complex common disease studied. Using 35 confirmed Crohn’s disease risk alleles from adult studies, a recent pediatric replication study detected no significant association between risk score and age of onset through age 30, indicating age of onset does not have any impact on increased disease development in IBD. The first GWAS study using an exclusively pediatric IBD cohort found 2 novel risk variants that were not previously reported in predominately adult GWAS studies. However, during the data-mining of adult GWAS, these 2 novel loci (TNFRSF6 and PSMG1) were found with nominal significance suggesting that these risk loci are not restricted to early-onset CD cases. These analyses illustrate that the genetic effects of established CD risk variants is similar in early- and late-onset CD. However, the quest to find early-onset IBD risk variants is continuing. As such, GWAS studies involving large pediatric-onset CD cohorts and early-onset ulcerative colitis presentations are presently underway. A future joint analysis of genome-wide association data of early- and late-onset cohorts will likely reveal more IBD risk variants since the power to detect small effects of genes increases.
The Intestinal Epithelial Barrier: Does It Become Impaired with Age?
Authors: Meier Johannes , Sturm Andreas
Published: September 2009

The proportion of the population aged over 65 is increasing rapidly and malnutrition is a more common problem in elderly patients. The intestinal epithelium covers the surface of the digestive tract and consists of epithelial cells that constitute an efficient physical barrier between the dietary and enteric flora pathogens found in the intestinal lumen and the individuum, while at the same time allowing an exchange between nutrients and the systemic circulation. There is only a very limited amount of information available on whether and how age, with concomitant inflammation, influences the epithelial barrier. Although there is evidence that age does not correlate with the area of the duodenal surface epithelium or the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes, absorption of certain nutrients, e.g. lipids, does seem to be impaired in the elderly. However, impaired blood flow, ischemic changes and the increased use of NSAIDs naturally contribute to an impaired epithelial barrier in elderly patients.
Bowel Ultrasound and Mucosal Healing in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Parente F. , Molteni M. , Marino B. , Colli A. , Ardizzone S. , Greco S. , Sampietro G. , Gallus S.
Published: September 2009

Background and Aim: Mucosal healing (MH) after short-term medical treatment is being considered as an important step in the therapeutic work-up of inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD) patients due to the potential prognostic role of MH in predicting disease outcome. However, IBD patients are reluctant to be re-endoscoped during follow-up; therefore, there is a need for non-invasive alternative index of MH which can replace endoscopy in clinical practice. We evaluated bowel ultrasound (US) as a surrogate of colonoscopy in a series of consecutive patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC). Patients and Methods: 83 patients with moderate to severe UC requiring high-dose steroids were initially recruited; endoscopic severity of UC was graded 0–3 according to Baron score, and US severity was also graded 0–3 according to the colonic wall thickening and the presence of vascular signal at power Doppler. 74 patients responsive to steroids and then maintained on 5-ASA compounds were followed up with repeated colonoscopy and bowel US at 3, 9 and 15 months from entry. Concordance between clinical, endoscopic and US scores at various visits was determined by kappa statistics. Multiple unconditional logistic regression models were used to assess the predictivity of Truelove, Baron and US scores measured at 3 and 9 months on the development of a UC relapse (Baron score 2–3) at 15 months. Results: An inconsistent concordance was found over time between 0 and I Baron scores and Truelove score (weighted κ between 0.38 and 0.94), with high and consistent concordance between 0 and I Baron scores and US scores (weighted κ between 0.76 and 0.90). On logistic regression analysis, a moderate/severe Baron score, regardless of their Truelove score, at 3 months was associated with a high risk of endoscopic activity at 15 months (OR 5.2; 95% CI: 1.6–17.6); similarly, patients with severe US scores (2–3) at 3 months had a high risk of severe endoscopic activity at 15 months (OR 9.1; 95% CI: 2.5–33.5). Discussion: In expert hands bowel US may be used as a surrogate of colonoscopy in evaluating the response to high-dose steroids in severe forms of UC. US score after 3 months of steroid therapy accurately predicts clinical outcome of disease at 15 months.
Severe Acute Ulcerative Colitis: The Pediatric Perspective
Authors: Turner Dan
Published: September 2009

Many features of pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) are similar to adult-onset disease, but the rate of extensive disease is doubled in children. It is, therefore, not surprising that the admission rate for severe UC is higher in childhood-onset UC, reaching 28% by the age of 16 years. Approximately 30–40% of children will fail corticosteroids and require second-line medical therapy or colectomy. A pediatric UC activity index (PUCAI) score of >65 indicates severe disease and the index can assist in determining the need and timing of second-line medical therapy or colectomy early during the admission. A PUCAI score of >45 points on day 3 identify patients likely to fail corticosteroids (negative predictive value 90–95%), and a score >70 points on day 5 identify patients who will require short-term treatment escalation (positive predicting value 95–100%). Data in children are limited, but it seems that cyclosporine, tacrolimus and infliximab achieve a similar short-term response rate, in the range of 60–80%. Infliximab has the advantage that it may be given for a prolonged period of time while calcineurin inhibitors should not be used for more than 3–4 months, bridging to a thiopurine regimen. Colectomy is indicated in toxic megacolon or in cases refractory to one salvage therapy. The choice of colectomy in other cases should carefully consider its effect on the patient’s quality of life, its impact on the physical and emotional development at a critical age of personality development, and its association with a high infertility rate in females undergoing pouch procedure before childbearing age.
Management of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases during Pregnancy
Authors: Dignass Axel U. , Hartmann Franz , Sturm Andreas , Stein Jürgen
Published: September 2009

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have a high prevalence in younger patients with child-bearing potential. Usually, pregnancies in women with IBD will develop normally, if the patient is in remission or has minor disease activity at the time of conception. In contrast, the frequency of normal pregnancies is significantly reduced and the frequency of adverse outcomes like preterm birth or miscarriage is increased, when conception occurs in phases with active IBD. Therefore, it is generally recommended to women with IBD to conceive at a time with minor disease activity or in remission. IBD patients who plan to become pregnant or are pregnant should be treated adequately. Currently, it is widely accepted that the treatment of IBD with corticosteroids and 5-ASA derivatives does not increase the risk of malformations or adverse outcomes in pregnant IBD patients. However, a slight increase in the number of pre-term deliveries or reduced birth weight is observed. More recently, it has also been appreciated that azathioprine and 6-MP and presumably also infliximab and other TNF-α blockers can be safely used during pregnancy in IBD, as no significant increase of malformations, miscarriages or adverse pregnancy outcomes is observed. Information on cyclosporine and tacrolimus during pregnancy is scarcer, but it may be continued or started in some situations if clinically needed. Methotrexate is contraindicated, as this drug is known to significantly increase the risk of malformations and spontaneous abortion. Patients, who wish to nurse their babies, may be treated with steroids and 5-ASA derivatives without a significantly increased risk for the newborn.
Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Nonresponders in Crohn’s Disease: Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Louis E. , Belaiche J. , Reenaers C.
Published: September 2009

Anti-TNF antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of Crohn’s disease. In pivotal trials, however, the frequencies of primary and secondary nonresponders appeared rather high with, by the end of 1 year of scheduled treatment, only one fifth of the patients initially treated still in sustained remission. Other studies and monocentric experiences have indicated that these seemingly disappointing results were partly due to suboptimal selection of the patients and absence of treatment optimization. Optimal selection of the patient includes proving active intestinal lesions and systemic inflammation as well as excluding stricturing or infectious complications. Treatment optimization includes potential immunosuppressive co-treatment and dose or administration interval adjustment of the anti-TNF. When a failure is confirmed with an anti-TNF despite such optimization, second- or third-line anti-TNFs have proved useful. Beyond that, a transient steroid course and surgical procedures still represent rescue option, waiting for new promising biologics in development.
Drug Monitoring in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Helpful or Dispensable?
Authors: Bruns Tony , Stallmach Andreas
Published: September 2009

Thiopurines, methotrexate and the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporin A and tacrolimus are classical immunosuppressive treatment modalities for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Since a high inter-patient variability exists in drug efficacy and toxicity, their application requires the knowledge of appropriate indications as well as strategies for individualization of dosage and monitoring for adverse events. Results of pharmacogenetic studies that examine the relationship between single-gene polymorphisms and associated effects on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics may be helpful for the optimization of individualized therapy. Although 85–95% of patients worldwide present with the homozygote thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) wild-type genotype and a normal enzyme activity, cost-benefit analyses suggest assessment of TPMT enzyme activity prior to thiopurine therapy for IBD to prevent life-threatening toxicity. Monitoring of 6-mercaptopurine metabolites is a helpful, but not an indispensable tool in thiopurine non-responders to discriminate poor adherence and under-dosing from pharmacogenetic thiopurine resistance and thiopurine refractory disease. Response to and adverse events of methotrexate therapy are hard to predict. Pharmacogenetic indices of methotrexate metabolization have been evaluated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but not in IBD yet. In contrast to RA, concentration of methotrexate polyglutamates correlates positively with non-response and adverse effects in IBD. Calcineurin inhibitor metabolism is mainly controlled by cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes 3A4/3A5 and P-glycoprotein that underlie a variety of gene polymorphisms and are susceptible to drug interactions. Independent from pharmacokinetic alterations a MDR1 polymorphism may predict cyclosporin failure in severe ulcerative colitis. Frequent monitoring of whole blood levels is required since efficacy and toxicity are dose-dependent.
Growth Retardation in Early-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Should We Monitor and Treat These Patients Differently?
Authors: Griffiths Anne M.
Published: September 2009

Growth impairment and associated pubertal delay are common complications of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly Crohn’s disease (CD). Chronic undernutrition (related primarily to inadequate intake) and pro-inflammatory cytokines are the two major and interrelated contributory factors. Pathogenic mechanisms include interference with growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis, with gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion patterns, and direct cytokine effects on growing bone. Chronic corticosteroid therapy compounds disease-related causes of growth impairment. The influence on growth of polymorphisms in IBD susceptibility or modifier genes is under study. Accurate recognition of impaired growth requires appreciation of normal growth. Pre-illness standard deviation scores (SDS) for height should be obtained and compared with height SDS at diagnosis, so that the impact of disease on growth can be fully appreciated. The greater the deficit prior to recognition of IBD, the greater is the demand for catch-up growth. Height velocity should be regularly monitored and its adequacy for age and pubertal stage assessed. Restoration and maintenance of pre-illness growth pattern indicate success of therapy. Current treatment regimens limit use of corticosteroids, via optimization of immunomodulatory drugs, use of enteral nutrition in CD, and, if necessary, surgery for ulcerative colitis and for intestinal complications of localized CD. Biologic agents with the potential for mucosal healing hold promise of growth enhancement even among children, whose growth with previously available therapies remained compromised. For all therapies, there is a window of opportunity to achieve normal growth before puberty is too advanced.
Prebiotics, Probiotics and Helminths: The ‘Natural’ Solution?
Authors: Guarner Francisco
Published: September 2009

Background: The pathophysiological mechanisms that generate chronic inflammatory lesions in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have, at least in part, been unveiled. Abnormal communication between gut microbial communities and the mucosal immune system is being incriminated as the core defect leading to intestinal injury in genetically susceptible individuals. The therapeutic manipulation of gut microecology has attracted high expectation as a strategic area for the control and prevention of IBD. Method: Literature review. Results: The gut is the major site for induction of regulatory T cells, which secrete immunoregulatory cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF-β and can regulate both Th1 and Th2 responses. Recent findings suggest that some gut commensals, including lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and helminths, play a major role in the induction of regulatory T cells in gut lymphoid follicles. Such T cell-mediated regulatory pathways are essential homeostatic mechanisms by which the host can tolerate the massive burden of innocuous antigens within the gut without responding through inflammation. In clinical practice, the evidence for the use of probiotics or prebiotics is strongest in the case of pouchitis. In addition, one probiotic strain appears to be equivalent to mesalazine in maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis. However, studies of probiotics in Crohn’s disease have been disappointing. Conclusions: Further research is needed to optimize the use of probiotics, prebiotics or helminths for these indications.
Tetracycline Actions Relevant to Rosacea Treatment
Authors: Korting H.C. , Schöllmann C.
Published: September 2009

Until today, the pathogenesis of rosacea is not known in detail. Yet in recent years evidence has been accumulating that rosacea with its common symptoms such as inflammatory lesions, erythema, telangiectasia, phymatous changes, and ocular symptoms is of inflammatory nature. Tetracycline derivatives like doxycycline successfully used in the treatment of skin diseases like acne and rosacea seem to inhibit different inflammatory pathways involved in the pathogenesis by various modes of action. Although data for skin diseases are relatively scanty, the following modes of action of tetracyclines seem to be most relevant for an effective treatment of acne and rosacea: inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases, downmodulation of cytokines, inhibition of cell movement and proliferation, inhibition of granuloma formation, inhibition of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and angiogenesis, whereas inhibition of phospholipase A2 seems to be of lower importance. The role of the saprophytic mite Demodex folliculorum remains to be clarified. Additional studies are necessary to further elucidate how tetracyclines work in rosacea treatment.
Prolactinoma in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Fideleff H.L. , Boquete H.R. , Suárez M.G. , Azaretzky M.
Published: September 2009

The evolution of prolactinomas in children and adolescents continues to be controversial. Girls have more prevalence of microprolactinomas and their signs and symptoms are related to hyperprolactinemia and the resulting hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. In males, the greater incidence of macroadenomas results in the presence of neuro-ophthalmologic signs. The larger prevalence of macroadenomas in males is consistent with findings in adults and would not be related to a later diagnosis. In patients with asymptomatic hyperprolactinemia, the presence of altered proportions of PRL isoforms should be evaluated. The diagnosis of prolactinoma requires both radiographic evidence of pituitary adenoma and laboratory analysis documenting the presence of sustained hyperprolactinemia. Because of their effectiveness and tolerance, dopaminergic agonists are the initial therapy of choice in pediatric age patients. Finally, molecular biology and genetic studies have brought new insights into the pathogenesis, clinical behavior and different therapeutic responses.
Diagnostic Approach in Children with Short Stature
Authors: Oostdijk Wilma , Grote Floor K. , de Muinck Keizer-Schrama Sabine M.P.F. , Wit Jan M.
Published: September 2009

For early detection of pathological causes of growth failure proper referral criteria are needed, as well as a thorough clinical, radiological and laboratory assessment. In this minireview we first discuss the two consensus-based and one evidence-based guidelines for referral that have been published. The evidence-based guidelines result in a sensitivity of approximately 80% at a false-positive rate of 2%. Then, relevant clues from the medical history and physical examination are reviewed, and specific investigations based on clinical suspicion listed. In the absence of abnormal clinical findings, an X-ray of the hand/wrist and a laboratory screen are usually performed. Scientific evidence for the various components of laboratory screening is scarce, but accumulated experience and theoretical considerations have led to a list of investigations that may be considered until more evidence is available.
Immune-Mediated Encephalitis and Virilization in Association with a Mature Cystic Ovarian Teratoma in an Adolescent Girl
Authors: Poduval A. , Antal Z. , Lee T. , Bar A. , Dalmau J. , Muzumdar R.
Published: September 2009

Background: Mature cystic teratomas are the most common form of ovarian tumor in children and adolescents. These tumors are mostly benign and non-secreting. Virilization from an ovarian teratoma is exceptionally rare in pediatrics. Equally rare is the association of ovarian teratomas with auto-immune encephalitis. Methods: We describe the case of a 15-year-old girl with menstrual abnormalities and virilization, who had a past medical history of encephalitis of an unknown etiology 16 months prior to presentation. Results: Endocrine evaluation revealed an elevated serum testosterone and 17-hydroxy progesterone. A large left ovarian tumor was seen on a CT scan. Surgical excision revealed a mature cystic teratoma containing 6 liters of clear fluid with high androgen levels. Antibodies to the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor of the hippocampus were detected in pre-operatively archived serum, but undetectable 6 months postoperatively. Immunohistochemistry studies on the tumor sections revealed that the antibodies in the patient’s serum reacted with areas of the tumor expressing the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. Postoperatively, the patient’s menstrual cycles became regular and her behavioral problems resolved. Her testosterone levels fell precipitously as well. Conclusion: Both virilizing mature cystic teratomas and teratoma-associated encephalitis are extremely rare in the pediatric population. We report on the first instance of these 2 rare entities occurring in the same patient.
The Lack of Negative Affects as an Indicator for Identity Disturbance in Borderline Personality Disorder: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Walter Marc , Berth Hendrik , Selinger Joseph , Gerhard Urs , Küchenhoff Joachim , Frommer Jörg , Dammann Gerhard
Published: September 2009

Background: Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) suffer from instability of their relationships, their affectivity and their identity. The purpose of the study was to investigate negative affects and identity disturbance in patients with BPD and in patients without personality disorder using questionnaire data and interview data. Sampling and Methods: Twelve patients with BPD and 12 patients with major depressive disorder without any personality disorder were assessed with the Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO) and questionnaires (Inventory of Personality Organization, Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). They were compared with respect to the frequency of negative affective verbal expressions using computerized content analysis methods. Results: BPD patients showed higher levels of anxiety, depression and identity diffusion in the questionnaires than major depressive disorder patients without personality disorder. However, they did not report more negative affective expressions in the interview. Patients with identity disturbance of both groups showed higher values of negative mood in the questionnaires, but less anger, less anxiety and less affective intensity in the interview. Conclusion: The preliminary findings indicate that patients with identity disturbance show high levels of negative affects in questionnaires but only few negative affects in the interview situation. More studies are needed to enhance the understanding of negative affects and identity disturbance in BPD.
Skin Penetration of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate and Quercetin from Green Tea and Ginkgo biloba Extracts Vehiculated in Cosmetic Formulations
Authors: dal Belo S.E. , Gaspar L.R. , Maia Campos P.M.B.G. , Marty J.-P.
Published: September 2009

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) and Ginkgo biloba extracts in cosmetic formulations have been suggested to protect the skin against UV-induced damage and skin ageing. Thus, it is very important to assess the human skin penetration of their major flavonoids to verify if they penetrate and remain in the skin to exert their proposed effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the human skin penetration of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and quercetin from green tea and G. biloba extracts vehiculated in cosmetic formulations. This study was conducted with fresh dermatomed human Caucasian skin from abdominal surgery mounted on static Franz diffusion cells. Skin samples were mounted between two diffusion half-cells and 10 mg/cm2 of formulations supplemented with 6% of green tea or G. biloba extract were applied on the skin surface. The receptor fluid was removed after 6 and 24 h and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography for the quantification of the flavonoids. The stratum corneum was removed by tape stripping and immersed in methanol and the epidermis was mechanically separated from the dermis and triturated in methanol to extract EGCG and quercetin. The results showed that the flavonoids under study penetrated into the skin, without reaching the receptor fluid. The majority of EGCG was quantified in the stratum corneum (0.87 μg/cm2), which was statistically higher than the EGCG concentrations found in viable epidermis (0.54 μg/cm2) and in the dermis (0.38 μg/cm2). The majority of quercetin was quantified in the viable epidermis (0.23 μg/cm2), which was statistically higher than the EGCG concentration found in the stratum corneum layer (0.17 μg/cm2). Finally, it can be concluded that EGCG and quercetin from green tea and G. biloba extracts vehiculated in cosmetic formulations presented good skin penetration and retention, which can favor their skin effects.
Acrylamide, Acrylic Acid and N-Isopropylacrylamide Hydrogels as Osmotic Tissue Expanders
Authors: Varga J. , Janovak L. , Varga E. , Eros G. , Dekany I. , Kemeny L.
Published: September 2009

Background and Aim: Osmotically active tissue expanders allow the harvesting of soft tissue for reconstruction after different injuries. However, their expansion properties could be improved. Thus, our goal was to examine the in vivo applicability of acrylamide (AAm), acrylic acid (AAc) and N- isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) hydrogels. Materials and Methods: Cylinders of AAm, AAc and NIPAAm hydrogels were implanted under the skin of rats in the dorsal region. The diameter and the length of the cylinders were measured daily. After removal of the hydrogels, their mass and rheological properties were determined. Further, biopsies were taken from the adjacent tissue for histological analysis. Results: The hydrogels reached the peak of swelling by the end of the 2nd postoperative week. The wet mass of the removed cylinders was 25 times their dry mass prior to implantation. NIPAAm polymers exhibited the most favourable visco-elastic properties, with the highest tendency to retain their preformed shape. The histological analysis revealed serious tissue damage when the AAc devices were used, whereas the AAm and NIPAAm did not result in such lesions. Conclusion: In view of its mechanical and biological properties, NIPAAm hydrogel seems to be the most appropriate of these materials for application in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Absence of TARDBP Gene Mutations in an Italian Series of Patients with Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
Authors: Gallone Salvatore , Giordana Maria Teresa , Scarpini Elio , Rainero Innocenzo , Rubino Elisa , Fenoglio Pierpaola , Galimberti Daniela , Grifoni Silvia , Venturelli Eliana , Acutis Pier Luigi , Peletto Silvia , Maniaci Maria Grazia , Ferrero Patrizia , Zotta Michela , Pinessi Lorenzo
Published: September 2009

Background/Aim: Recent studies showed that TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), encoded by the TARDBP gene, is a major pathological protein in both sporadic and familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). The aim of this study was to search for mutations of the TARDBP gene in the disease. Methods: We sequenced the TARDBP gene in 172 unrelated FTLD patients recruited from 2 Italian memory clinics. Results: We identified 3 different variants of the TARDBP gene in 12 FTLD patients. Three patients showed a silent variant, Ala66Ala (c.332T → C) in exon 2. A novel heterozygous mutation was found in intron 4 (c.543 + 51A → G) in 1 patient, which is not located at the splicing site. Finally, a c.208C → T variant in the 3′ untranslated region was detected in 8 probands. None of the aforementioned variants were predicted to affect TDP-43. Hence, pathogenic mutations were not identified in any of the FTLD cases. Conclusion: Our study, in accord with previous studies in different populations, found no evidence for a major genetic role of the TARDBP gene in FTLD.
Mini-Mental State Examination Is Sensitive to Brain Atrophy in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Fjell A.M. , Amlien I.K. , Westlye L.T. , Walhovd K.B.
Published: September 2009

Background/Aims: Screening instruments such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) are useful for the early identification of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We tested whether macrostructural differences in brain volume are related to the MMSE. Methods: The MMSE was related to cortical thickness and the volume of 19 brain structures in 96 patients with mild to moderate AD. In addition, the patients were compared to 93 healthy elderly controls. Results: The MMSE was related to the volume of the total brain, cerebral cortex, accumbens, cerebral white matter, inferior lateral ventricles and hippocampus. Positive correlations with cortical thickness were found for 41% of the brain surface, and 58% of this area was significantly thinner in AD. Conclusion: The MMSE is sensitive to macrostructural brain atrophy in AD, but also to morphometric variation not specifically related to AD.
Performance of FDG PET for Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in Two Independent Multicentre Samples (NEST-DD and ADNI)
Authors: Haense C. , Herholz K. , Jagust W.J. , Heiss W.D.
Published: September 2009

Aim: We investigated the performance of FDG PET using an automated procedure for discrimination between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and controls, and studied the influence of demographic and technical factors. Methods: FDG PET data were obtained from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) [102 controls (76.0 ± 4.9 years) and 89 AD patients (75.7 ± 7.6 years, MMSE 23.5 ± 2.1) and the Network for Standardisation of Dementia Diagnosis (NEST-DD) [36 controls (62.2 ± 5.0 years) and 237 AD patients (70.8 ± 8.3 years, MMSE 20.9 ± 4.4). The procedure created t-maps of abnormal voxels. The sum of t-values in predefined areas that are typically affected by AD (AD t-sum) provided a measure of scan abnormality associated with a preset threshold for discrimination between patients and controls. Results: AD patients had much higher AD t-sum scores compared to controls (p < 0.01), which were significantly related to dementia severity (ADNI: r = –0.62, p < 0.01; NEST-DD: r = –0.59, p < 0.01). Early-onset AD patients had significantly higher AD t-sum scores than late-onset AD patients (p < 0.01). Differences between databases were mainly due to different age distributions. The predefined AD t-sum threshold yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 83 and 78% in ADNI and 78 and 94% in NEST-DD, respectively. Conclusion: The automated FDG PET analysis procedure provided good discrimination power, and was most accurate for early-onset AD.
Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Function in Term and Preterm Newborn Infants
Authors: Gahr Manfred , Blanke Rüdiger , Speer Christian P.
Published: September 2009

Bacterial infections are a major problem in the care for newborn infants. In search for immunological deficits we investigated phagocytosis and killing of staphylococci using polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) isolated from 2 ml of venous blood. Phagocytosis of PMN from preterm (n = 10) and newborn infants (n = 9; mean birth weights 1,949 and 3,523 g, respectively) was not different from that of adult PMN (n = 14). Killing capacity of PMN from preterm infants was markedly impaired compared to term newborn infants and to adult PMN. We found similar rates of superoxide anion production and similar times for activation in response to phorbolmyristate acetate stimulation. Our study gives further evidence that PMN from term newborn infants have normal phagocytotic and bactericidal capacity. In PMN from preterm newborn infants, however, the bactericidal capacity is diminished similar to newborn infants under stress as described earlier by others.
Effects of Oral Caffeine Intubation on Bones in Protein-Energy Malnourished Newborn Rats
Authors: Batirbaygil Y. , Quinby, Jr. G.E. , Nakamoto T.
Published: September 2009

Lactating dams with 8 suckling pups were fed either a 6% or a 20% protein diet from the birth of the pups to day 15. The pups were divided into caffeine and noncaffeine groups. Every other day between days 3 and 13, pups were either intubated with caffeine (1 mg/100 mg) dissolved in 0.1 ml physiological saline solution, or 0.1 ml saline solution as a control. On day 15, mandible and long bone weights, DNA, protein and calcium contents, collagen synthesis and 45Ca uptake in these bones of the pups were studied. Nutritional factors exercised consistent effects on all the studied parameters, but there was no difference in effects attributable to caffeine intubation, except the increased collagen synthesis in the long bones of the group with 6% protein diet with caffeine as compared to noncaffeine members of the same dietary group. We concluded that the direct administration of a relatively small amount of caffeine to newborns causes minor effects on bone development under certain nutritional conditions.
Protection by Magnesium of Renal Calcinosis in Furosemide-Treated Weanling Rats with Moderate Magnesium Deficiency
Authors: Caddell Joan L.
Published: September 2009

Prolonged treatment of premature infants with the potent diuretic furosemide has resulted in hypercalciuria, sometimes with renal calcinosis and other complications. Furosemide was administered to weanling rats to explore its effect on magnesium and calcium metabolism. The animals were fed purified diets providing 40 mg magnesium/100 g diet or 10 mg magnesium/100 g. Half of each dietary group (40-F or 10-F) received 18 doses of furosemide, 20 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally between days 7 and 35, and half received normal saline intraperitoneally (40-O or 10-O). Furosemide had little effect on the magnesium-sufficient animals (40-F), but comparison of 10-O and 10-F data showed that it aggravated the magnesium-deficiency syndrome. Comparison of data from 40-F and 10-F animals showed the protective effect of magnesium in preserving calcium homeostasis in furosemide-treated animals: the elevation of calcium values in 10-F rats was greater in plasma (p < 0.0005), heart (p < 0.0025), and kidney (p < 0.0005). Stated another way, furosemide was associated with severely disordered calcium metabolism only in animals fed suboptimal magnesium. Studies exploring the role of magnesium in furosemide-treated infants can be recommended.