bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upper Airway Dysfunction of Tau-P301L Mice Correlates with Tauopathy in Midbrain and Ponto-Medullary Brainstem Nuclei
Authors: Dutschmann Mathias , Menuet Clement , Stettner Georg M. , Gestreau Christian , Borghgraef Peter , Devijver Herman , Gielis Lies , Hilaire Gerard , Van Leuven Fred
Published: February 2010

Tauopathy comprises hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau, causing intracellular aggregation and accumulation as neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil treads. Some primary tauopathies are linked to mutations in theMAPTgene coding for protein tau, but most are sporadic with unknown causes. Also, in Alzheimer's disease, the most frequent secondary tauopathy, neither the cause nor the pathological mechanisms and repercussions are understood. Transgenic mice expressing mutant Tau-P301L suffer cognitive and motor defects and die prematurely from unknown causes. Here,in situelectrophysiology in symptomatic Tau-P301L mice (7–8 months of age) revealed reduced postinspiratory discharges of laryngeal motor outputs that control laryngeal constrictor muscles. Under high chemical drive (hypercapnia), postinspiratory discharge was nearly abolished, whereas laryngeal inspiratory discharge was increased disproportionally. The latter may suggest a shift of postinspiratory laryngeal constrictor activity into inspiration.In vivodouble-chamber plethysmography of Tau-P301L mice showed significantly reduced respiratory airflow but significantly increased chest movements during baseline breathing, but particularly in hypercapnia, confirming a significant increase in inspiratory resistive load. Histological analysis demonstrated hyperphosphorylated tau in brainstem nuclei, directly or indirectly involved in upper airway motor control (i.e., the Kölliker–Fuse, periaqueductal gray, and intermediate reticular nuclei). In contrast, young Tau-P301L mice did not show breathing disorders or brainstem tauopathy. Consequently, in aging Tau-P301L mice, progressive upper airway dysfunction is linked to progressive tauopathy in identified neural circuits. Because patients with tauopathy suffer from upper airway dysfunction, the Tau-P301L mice can serve as an experimental model to study disease-specific synaptic dysfunction in well defined functional neural circuits.
Contextual Novelty Changes Reward Representations in the Striatum
Authors: Guitart-Masip Marc , Bunzeck Nico , Stephan Klaas E. , Dolan Raymond J. , Düzel Emrah
Published: February 2010

Reward representation in ventral striatum is boosted by perceptual novelty, although the mechanism of this effect remains elusive. Animal studies indicate a functional loop (Lisman and Grace, 2005) that includes hippocampus, ventral striatum, and midbrain as being important in regulating salience attribution within the context of novel stimuli. According to this model, reward responses in ventral striatum or midbrain should be enhanced in the context of novelty even if reward and novelty constitute unrelated, independent events. Using fMRI, we show that trials with reward-predictive cues and subsequent outcomes elicit higher responses in the striatum if preceded by an unrelated novel picture, indicating that reward representation is enhanced in the context of novelty. Notably, this effect was observed solely when reward occurrence, and hence reward-related salience, was low. These findings support a view that contextual novelty enhances neural responses underlying reward representation in the striatum and concur with the effects of novelty processing as predicted by the model of Lisman and Grace (2005).
Intracellular Redox State Alters NMDA Receptor Response during Aging through Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II
Authors: Bodhinathan Karthik , Kumar Ashok , Foster Thomas C.
Published: February 2010

The contribution of the NMDA receptors (NMDARs) to synaptic plasticity declines during aging, and the decline is thought to contribute to memory deficits. Here, we demonstrate that an age-related shift in intracellular redox state contributes to the decline in NMDAR responses through Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). The oxidizing agent xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO) decreased the NMDAR-mediated synaptic responses at hippocampal CA3–CA1 synapses in slices from young (3–8 months) but not aged (20–25 months) rats. Conversely, the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) selectively enhanced NMDAR response to a greater extent in aged hippocampal slices. The enhancement of NMDAR responses facilitated induction of long-term potentiation in aged but not young animals. The DTT-mediated growth in the NMDAR response was not observed for the AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic responses. A similar increase was observed by intracellular application of the membrane-impermeable reducing agent,l-glutathione (l-GSH), through the intracellular recording pipette, indicating that the increased NMDAR response was dependent on intracellular redox state. DTT enhancement of the NMDAR response was dependent on CaMKII activity and was blocked by the CaMKII inhibitor—myristoylated autocamtide-2-related inhibitory peptide (myr-AIP)—but not by inhibition of the activity of protein phosphatases—PP1 and calcineurin (CaN/PP2B) or protein kinase C. CaMKII activity assays established that DTT increased CaMKII activity in CA1 cytosolic extracts in aged but not in young animals. These findings indicate a link between oxidation of CaMKII during aging, a decline in NMDAR responses, and altered synaptic plasticity.
Enhanced Striatal Dopamine Transmission and Motor Performance with LRRK2 Overexpression in Mice Is Eliminated by Familial Parkinson's Disease Mutation G2019S
Authors: Li Xianting , Patel Jyoti C. , Wang Jing , Avshalumov Marat V. , Nicholson Charles , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Elder Gregory A. , Rice Margaret E. , Yue Zhenyu
Published: February 2010

PARK8/LRRK2(leucine-rich repeat kinase 2) was recently identified as a causative gene for autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease (PD), withLRRK2mutation G2019S linked to the most frequent familial form of PD. Emergingin vitroevidence indicates that aberrant enzymatic activity of LRRK2 protein carrying this mutation can cause neurotoxicity. However, the physiological and pathophysiological functions of LRRK2in vivoremain elusive. Here we characterize two bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mouse strains overexpressing LRRK2 wild-type (Wt) or mutant G2019S. Transgenic LRRK2-Wt mice had elevated striatal dopamine (DA) release with unaltered DA uptake or tissue content. Consistent with this result, LRRK2-Wt mice were hyperactive and showed enhanced performance in motor function tests. These results suggest a role for LRRK2 in striatal DA transmission and the consequent motor function. In contrast, LRRK2-G2019S mice showed an age-dependent decrease in striatal DA content, as well as decreased striatal DA release and uptake. Despite increased brain kinase activity, LRRK2-G2019S overexpression was not associated with loss of DAergic neurons in substantia nigra or degeneration of nigrostriatal terminals at 12 months. Our results thus reveal a pivotal role for LRRK2 in regulating striatal DA transmission and consequent control of motor function. The PD-associated mutation G2019S may exert pathogenic effects by impairing these functions of LRRK2. Our LRRK2 BAC transgenic mice, therefore, could provide a useful model for understanding early PD pathological events.
Single-Unit Activity in Piriform Cortex during Slow-Wave State Is Shaped by Recent Odor Experience
Authors: Wilson Donald A.
Published: February 2010

Memory and its underlying neural plasticity play important roles in sensory discrimination and cortical pattern recognition in olfaction. Given the reported function of slow-wave sleep states in neocortical and hippocampal memory consolidation, we hypothesized that activity during slow-wave states within the piriform cortex may be shaped by recent olfactory experience. Rats were anesthetized with urethane and allowed to spontaneously shift between slow-wave and fast-wave states as recorded in local field potentials within the anterior piriform cortex. Single-unit activity of piriform cortical layer II/III neurons was recorded simultaneously. The results suggest that piriform cortical activity during slow-wave states is shaped by recent (several minutes) odor experience. The temporal structure of single-unit activity during slow waves was modified if the animal had been stimulated with an odor within the receptive field of that cell. If no odor had been delivered, the activity of the cell during slow-wave activity was stable across the two periods. The results demonstrate that piriform cortical activity during slow-wave state is shaped by recent odor experience, which could contribute to odor memory consolidation.
Konrad Zuse und seine RechenmaschinenKonrad Zuse and his Computing Machines
Authors: Zoppke Till
Published: February 2010

In diesem Artikel beschäftigen wir uns mit den Rechenmaschinen Z1 bis Z4, die Konrad Zuse Mitte der 30er bis Mitte der 40er Jahre des 20. Jhds konstruierte. Quasi aus dem Nichts entwickelte Zuse noch heute tragende Grundpfeiler der Rechnerarchitektur und verwirklichte sie in der mechanischen, leider unzuverlässig arbeitenden Z1. Im Folgenden stellte er seine Schaltungen sukzessive auf Relais um und baute zunächst den Prototypen Z2 und anschließend die Z3, den ersten lauffähigen programmierbaren Rechner. In den folgenden Jahren bis Kriegsende verfeinerte Zuse seine Architektur und baute das Nachfolgemodell Z4, dessen Architektur weniger bekannt ist. Die Architektur und Funktionsweise dieser Maschinen sind Hauptgegenstand dieses Artikels. Auch auf biographische Aspekte werden wir kurz eingehen.
National Bernstein Network Computational NeuroscienceNationales Bernstein Netzwerk Computational Neuroscience
Authors: Schwarzwaelder Kerstin , Cardoso de Oliveira Simone
Published: February 2010

The National Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience is a funding initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). It aims at understanding the brain´s function through the interdisciplinary approach of Computational Neuroscience. In a joint collaborative effort, biologists, physicians, psychologists, physicists, mathematicians, and computer scientists translate experimental results into mathematical models that can be tested in computer simulations. Their insights into normal and pathologically altered brain functions open new perspectives for innovative treatments as well as technological applications.
Effiziente Ähnlichkeitssuche und Data Mining in großen MultimediadatenbankenEfficient Adaptive Retrieval and Mining in Large Multimedia Databases
Authors: Assent Ira
Published: February 2010

Adaptive inhaltsbasierte Ähnlichkeitsmodelle erlauben effektiven Zugriff auf Multimediadatenbanken. Mit zunehmendem Datenvolumen und steigender Anzahl an Attributen in vielen Anwendungen führt ihre hohe Berechnungskomplexität zu schlechtem Laufzeitverhalten. Wir schlagen effiziente Algorithmen und Indexstrukturen für effektive inhaltsbasierte Zugriffsmethoden vor. Wir stellen Lösungen sowohl für Ähnlichkeitssuchanfragen als auch für Data Mining Aufgaben vor. Diese Techniken erfüllen unsere ICES Kriterien, und garantieren daher die Richtigkeit der Ergebnisse und gute Performanz. Experimentelle Untersuchungen auf synthetischen und Realdaten zeigen deutliche Geschwindigkeitsgewinne.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adaptive inhaltsbasierte Ähnlichkeitsmodelle erlauben effektiven Zugriff auf Multimediadatenbanken. Mit zunehmendem Datenvolumen und steigender Anzahl an Attributen in vielen Anwendungen führt ihre hohe Berechnungskomplexität zu schlechtem Laufzeitverhalten. Wir schlagen effiziente Algorithmen und Indexstrukturen für effektive inhaltsbasierte Zugriffsmethoden vor. Wir stellen Lösungen sowohl für Ähnlichkeitssuchanfragen als auch für Data Mining Aufgaben vor. Diese Techniken erfüllen unsere ICES Kriterien, und garantieren daher die Richtigkeit der Ergebnisse und gute Performanz. Experimentelle Untersuchungen auf synthetischen und Realdaten zeigen deutliche Geschwindigkeitsgewinne.
Why Doesn't Imatinib Cure Chronic Myeloid Leukemia?
Authors: Redner Robert L.
Published: February 2010

Imatinib mesylate has transformed the treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The vast majority of patients obtain hematologic remission, with a low probability of progression of disease. Yet imatinib rarely cures CML, and current recommendations dictate lifelong treatment with imatinib. In this review we analyze the biology behind the failure of imatinib to fully eradicate CML. We review evidence that indicates that the leukemic stem cell for CML is inherently resistant to imatinib, and that imatinib treatment itself may enhance this resistance.
Simulation and Control of a Commercial Double Effect Evaporator: Tomato Juice
Authors: Yadav Praveen , Jana Amiya K
Published: February 2010

This work aims to present a detailed study on a commercial double-effect tomato paste evaporation system. The modeling equations formulated for process simulation belong to backward feeding arrangement. Open-loop process dynamics has been studied by rigorous simulation of the model structure. In the next, three multi-loop control schemes, namely conventional proportional integral (PI), gain-scheduled PI (GSPI) and nonlinear PI (NLPI), have been synthesized for the sample process. Finally, several simulation experiments have been conducted to investigate the comparative closed-loop performance based on set point tracking and disturbance rejection.
Surgical Results of Myomectomy Using Laparoscopic and Minilaparotomic Access
Authors: Holub Zdenek
Published: February 2010

Evaluation of: Palombo S, Zupi E, Russo T et al.: A multicentric randomized, controlled study comparing laparoscopic versus minilaparotomic myomectomy: short-term outcomes. Fertil. Steril. (2007) (In Press) [ 1 ]. There has been significant debate regarding the best route to myomectomy in symptomatic and infertile women. In this study, 136 premenopausal women wishing to conceive were randomly allocated to two groups and these were compared. The patients were assigned to one of the surgical procedures (i.e., laparoscopic or minilaparotomic). Fibroid enucleation and suturing times were significantly shorter after minilaparotomic myomectomy, whereas the degree of surgical difficulty was significantly higher when using laparoscopic myomectomy. The surgical results were significantly influenced by specific investigational centers involved, and also by fibroid dimension and localization. This last variable was the strongest predictor of surgical outcome.
Should All Pregnant Women be Screened for Syphilis?
Authors: Buvé Anne
Published: February 2010

In industrialized countries, the incidence of syphilis has decreased dramatically since the discovery of penicillin in the 1940s. However, syphilis and congenital syphilis are far from eradicated, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Syphilis in pregnant women is a cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes that can be prevented by screening for syphilis and early treatment in pregnancy. Several studies have found screening of pregnant women for syphilis to be a highly cost-effective intervention, even if the prevalence of syphilis is low. Obstacles to universal screening of pregnant women include low awareness of syphilis and low quality of antenatal care and healthcare in general in many low- and middle-income countries. For these settings, we need simpler and more reliable serological tests for syphilis, but we also need to strengthen health services in general to ensure sustainable antenatal care services to ensure sustainability of syphilis screening programmes.
Ethnic Disparities in Breast Cancer
Authors: Karliner Leah S , Kerlikowske Karla
Published: February 2010

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for women worldwide. While breast cancer incidence is lower for many ethnic minority women than for white women, stage at diagnosis and survival are often worse. These disparities are most marked for African–American women, but are also present for Asians, Latinas, Native Americans and Hawaiians. The etiology of ethnic disparities in breast cancer is multifactorial, including differences in tumor characteristics, genetics, access to care and insurance, prevalence of risk factors, screening participation and processes of care, such as timeliness of diagnosis and quality of communication and treatment. This review will examine what is known regarding ethnic differences in all of these areas, what questions remain, and where researchers and policy makers should focus their future efforts.
Injectable Bisphosphonates for the Treatment of Osteoporosis
Authors: Reginster Jean-Yves , Burlet Nansa , Close Pierre , Bruyere Olivier
Published: February 2010

Bisphosphonates are the current mainstay of the management of osteoporosis worldwide. Oral daily and weekly formulations have been linked to poor adherence, yielding a decrease in antifracture efficacy, in real-life settings. Development of new bisphosphonates, with increased antiosteoclastic potency and affinity for bone matrix allowed intravenous administration and intervals between dosingsto be higher than weekly. Ibandronate and zoledronic acid have been investigated in established osteoporosis. Quarterly injections of ibandronate (3 mg) have been shown to be at least as effective in increasing bone mineral density and reducing bone turnover markers as the oral ibandronate regimen, which has proven antifracture efficacy. A once-yearly infusion of zoledronic acid (5 mg) during a 3-year period significantly reduced the risk of vertebral, hip and other fractures. Intravenous administration of bisphosphonates can now be considered as an important component of the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: What Options Lie between Traditional Therapies and Surgery?
Authors: Elser Denise M
Published: February 2010

Stress urinary incontinence affects women of all ages, becoming more prevalent with increasing age. While many nonsurgical therapies are available for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, options are limited for women who fail to respond to these therapies yet may not be candidates for, or wish to avoid, surgery. This limitation prompted efforts to develop less-invasive procedures for treating stress urinary incontinence patients, including bulking-agent injections and a new transurethral, radiofrequency collagen-denaturation system. This new treatment (Renessa®) reduces tissue compliance without necrosis or stricture, thus differentiating it from a surgical radiofrequency treatment, transvaginal radiofrequency tissue ablation. The advent of new treatment options for stress urinary incontinence allows physicians to offer their patients a broader choice of treatment options, underscoring the importance of educating patients regarding all available therapies, including success rates and risk for complications. This is particularly important for women who have not responded to prior treatment strategies.
Quality of Sexual Life and Menopause
Authors: Eden Kate Jane , Wylie Kevan Richard
Published: February 2010

The importance of female sexual fulfillment is increasingly recognized in today's society. Women's sexual lives continue well into the menopausal years and beyond; however, the impact of menopause on the quality of that sexual life has not been comprehensively studied in the medical literature. This review attempts to clarify the impact of the physiological, psychological and psychosocial changes occurring at midlife that may affect women's quality of sexual life. Pharmaceutical and psychological interventions that may assist in improving the quality of sexual life of menopausal women are discussed. Female sexuality is complex and not fully understood and, consequently, controversy frequently arises in the discussion of female sexual problems and their treatment. This article highlights some of these controversies and provides a future perspective on how the impact of menopause on the quality of sexual life may be more cohesively investigated.
Cytoreductive Surgery for Advanced and Recurrent Endometrial Cancer: a Review of the Literature
Authors: Barlin Joyce N , Ueda Stefanie M , Bristow Robert E
Published: February 2010

There is no standard approach to managing women with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer; however, there is increasing evidence to support a role for cytoreductive surgery in these women to improve survival outcome. The existing literature is limited by the inherent biases of retrospective studies, as well as small numbers of patients in individual studies; however, the association between optimal or complete cytoreductive surgery in patients with advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer and improved overall survival has been consistent. Furthermore, there is also a strong association between the size of postoperative residual disease and survival; as such, maximal cytoreduction should be the goal in carefully selected patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer who are candidates for surgical management. Additional prospective research is needed in order to further define the role of cytoreductive surgery in advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer, and to develop effective adjuvant therapy to be used postoperatively in order to improve the prognosis in these women.
Global Cultural and Socioeconomic Factors That Influence Access to Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Adamson G David
Published: February 2010

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is the most successful treatment for the 9% of people at reproductive age who suffer with infertility, but only a small percentage of those needing ART actually access it. Access varies greatly internationally owing to religious, cultural and political factors, probably the most important factor being each society's perspective on the moral status of the embryo. Economic factors, the nature of the healthcare system and public funding affect access both among and within countries. Regulations and guidelines are highly variable, but critical, in determining access and types of services. Cross-border travel for reproductive care is not uncommon. In the future, better public funding of ART, technological improvements, lower cost and slow international harmonization with fewer differences in ART services will probably increase access significantly.
Advances in the Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms
Authors: Pinkerton JoAnn V , Stovall Dale W , Kightlinger Rebecca S
Published: February 2010

Vasomotor symptoms and vaginal atrophy are both common menopausal symptoms. Hormone therapy is currently the only FDA-approved treatment for hot flashes. Current recommendations are to use the lowest dose of hormone therapy for the shortest period that will allow treatment goals to be met. Although the reanalysis of the WHI in 2007 by Roussow et al. provided evidence of coronary heart safety for users of hormone therapy under the age of 60 years and within 10 years of the onset of menopause, not all women desire or are candidates for hormone therapy. In this review we present an evidence-based discussion considering the effectiveness of hormonal and nonhormonal therapies for the relief of vasomotor symptoms and vaginal atrophy. Concern exists regarding systemic absorption of vaginal estrogen and possible adverse effects on the breast and uterus. Selective estrogen receptor modulators and estrogen agonists offer benefits through targeted estrogen agonist/antagonistic effects and are being evaluated with and without estrogen for symptomatic menopausal women. Centrally acting nonhormonal therapies that are effective for the relief of vasomotor symptoms include various antidepressants, gabapentin and clonidine. A limited number of clinical trials have been conducted with nonprescription remedies, including paced respiration, yoga, acupuncture, exercise, homeopathy and magnet therapy, and some, but not all of these, have been found to be more effective than placebo. Dietary herbal supplements, such as soy and black cohosh, have demonstrated mixed and inconclusive results in placebo-controlled trials. Potential therapies for vasomotor symptoms and vaginal atrophy require randomized, placebo-controlled trials of sufficient duration to establish efficacy and safety. Agents under investigation for vasomotor symptoms relief include neuroactive agents, such as gabapentin and desvenlafaxine; an estrogen receptor-β-targeted herbal therapy, MF-101; and the selective estrogen receptor modulator, bazedoxifene, paired with estrogen.
State of the Art of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Vulvar Carcinoma
Authors: McGee Jacob , Covens Allan
Published: February 2010

Treatment for early-stage vulvar carcinoma has evolved from radical en bloc dissection to wide local incision with lymphadenectomy through separate groin incisions, to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The morbidity of SLNB is far less than traditional inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, with less lymphedema and sensory deficit, shorter hospital stays and fewer infections. A multidisciplinary approach is required, with success of the SLNB technique maximized when radiolabeled colloid is used, with blue dye added when further identification is needed. Frozen-section analysis, followed by ultrastaging of the nodal sample, minimizes the need for reoperations and decreases the risk of false negatives. We believe that SLNB will become the standard of care for treatment of early-stage vulvar carcinoma.
Ibandronate: A Review of its Vertebral and Nonvertebral Antifracture Efficacy
Authors: Amling Michael , Kurth Andreas
Published: February 2010

After the Ibandronate Osteoporosis Vertebral Fracture Trial in North America and Europe (BONE) study had demonstrated the strong vertebral and nonvertebral antifracture efficacy of daily and intermittent oral ibandronate, the Monthly Oral Ibandronate In Ladies (MOBILE) study gave evidence for an increased efficacy on the bone mineral density (BMD) of higher intermittent oral ibandronate doses (150 mg monthly) compared with 2.5 mg daily. The BONE study also observed nonvertebral antifracture efficacy in patients with a high risk for fractures (mean femoral neck T score of −3.0 or less). A recently published meta-analysis assessing the nonvertebral antifracture efficacy corresponding to the annual cumulative exposure (ACE) of ibandronate demonstrated a significantly better antifracture efficacy of higher compared with lower doses of ibandronate. The Dosing Intravenous Administration (DIVA) study demonstrated evidence for the high efficacy and good tolerability of intravenous ibandronate delivered by quarterly injections. This review summarizes the efficacy and tolerability data of ibandronate concerning monthly oral treatment as well as quarterly injection therapy.
Stroke Hormones and Outcomes in Women (SHOW) Study: Is the ‘Healthy-User Effect’ Valid for Women after Stroke?
Authors: Bushnell Cheryl
Published: February 2010

Aims: To determine differences in stroke severity and outcomes in women using hormone therapy (HT) versus nonusers at baseline, and to investigate whether there is a ‘healthy-user effect’ of HT in women with stroke. Materials and methods: A total of 133 women over the age of 18 years with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled and categorized based on their use of HT at the time of stroke. Initial stroke severity was assessed at admission, and disability and activities of daily living were assessed at 6-month intervals for 2 years. Results: A total of 30% of the cohort were HT users. HT users were less likely to have hypertension and were leaner than nonusers. There were no differences in initial stroke severity, mortality or any of the functional status outcomes based on HT use at baseline. Conclusion: There did appear to be a healthy-user effect for HT users at baseline, but following stroke, there were no significant differences in long-term outcomes.
Costs of Hormonal and Nonhormonal Prescription Medications for Hot Flashes
Authors: Williams-Frame Amie , Carpenter Janet S
Published: February 2010

Hot flashes are the cardinal symptom of menopause and can be treated with hormonal and nonhormonal prescription medications. However, considering that 6000 women enter menopause daily in the USA, and many of these women are symptomatic, the costs of these treatments can be a significant public health issue. We evaluated annual individual and population costs of hormonal and nonhormonal prescription treatments for hot flashes. Cost information may be helpful to clinicians and consumers in making treatment decisions.
Can Pregnant Diabetics be Treated with Glyburide?
Authors: Melamed Nir , Yogev Yariv
Published: February 2010

Until the last decade, oral hypoglycemic agents have not been recommended in pregnancy owing to fear of their potential adverse fetal effects, including teratogenicity and neonatal hypoglycemia. However, the evidence in support of these recommendations is weak and is principally based on case series involving the use of first-generation sulfonylureas. Studies using a single-cotyledon placental model have found glyburide to only minimally cross the placenta, an observation that paved the way for a landmark randomized clinical trial that found glyburide to be as safe and effective as insulin in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus. Still, contradicting results regarding its trans-placental transfer, lack of adequate data regarding its safety during the first trimester and reports of increased neonatal morbidity raise concerns regarding the universal application of glyburide as an alternative to insulin therapy in diabetic pregnant women. Thus, there is a need for large, randomized, controlled trials with adequate power to evaluate the possibility of increased neonatal metabolic complications as well as the long-term outcome of infants born to mothers treated with glyburide and insulin. Unless future studies refute current data regarding the efficacy and safety of glyburide, we believe that, owing to its ease of administration, convenience and low cost, glyburide will become the first line of medical treatment in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus within the next few years.
Diabetes and Female Sexual Health
Authors: Bitzer J , Alder J
Published: February 2010

Sexual function in female diabetic patients is much less investigated than in males. Empirical studies do not show uniform results, but it appears that diabetic women experience more frequent sexual dysfunction in general than age-matched healthy controls, independent of the sociocultural environment. The most frequently cited dysfunctions are desire and arousal disorders, such as lubrication difficulties, while orgasmic capacity appears to be less affected. Direct pathophysiological effects on lubrication are proven, but the impact on mental arousal is unclear. The role of diabetic complications is controversial. The comorbidity with depression plays a major role. Individual coping with the disease and the quality of the relationship are also contributing factors. Patients should be encouraged to talk about their sexual problems, as both biomedical and psychosocial factors have to be explored. Therapeutic interventions include basic counseling, biomedical treatment of atrophy and lubrication difficulties, as well as treatment of comorbidities and/or sex therapy.
Chronic Renal Insufficiency, Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Women: A Causal Relationship or Coincidence?
Authors: Fishman Miriam L , McLaughlin Mary Ann , Fuster Valentin
Published: February 2010

Evaluation of: Kurth T, de Jong PE, Cook NR, Buring J: Kidney function and risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in women: a prospective cohort study. BMJ 338, B2769 (2009). The incidence of cardiovascular disease events and cardiovascular death in a cohort of 27,939 apparently healthy female health professionals over 45 years of age (Women's Health Study) who were stratified by estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and followed for 12 years was assessed. Women with a GFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73m2 demonstrated an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease (HR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.02–2.79) compared with women with a GFR higher than 90 ml/min/1.73 m2. There was no difference in risk when groups with decreased GFR of different ranges were compared with the group of women with normal GFR for first cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization and noncardiovascular death.
Embryonic Development and Pregnancy Test Sensitivity: The Importance of Earlier Pregnancy Detection
Authors: Minkin Mary Jane
Published: February 2010

Embryogenesis research provides information on a time of heightened vulnerability in embryo development: the time from conception to the day a woman misses her menstrual period. During this period, it is vital for the woman to be aware of exposures, behaviors and nutritional factors that could negatively impact the developing embryo. This article discusses this critical, often-overlooked window of development and will review the various types of teratogens that affect pregnancy. Over-the-counter pregnancy tests are widely used to determine pregnancy status. Earlier test models detected only the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine, but it is now known that there are other key forms of human chorionic gonadotropin that are relevant when determining pregnancy status. This article will explain why early knowledge of pregnancy status is important for both woman and embryo, and the role that patient education and pregnancy test choice can have on normal embryonic development.
Lung Cancer: A Biologically Different Disease in Women?
Authors: Patel Jyoti D
Published: February 2010

Lung cancer is now the leading cancer killer of women, having surpassed breast cancer in 1987. Over 30,000 more US women are expected to die from lung cancer than from breast cancer annually. The vast majority of lung cancer cases are attributable to smoking, and smoking prevalence rates remain unacceptably high in US women. Mounting evidence suggests that there are significant differences in lung cancer between the sexes. Although the magnitude of the effect of smoking on the development of lung cancer may not be different, smoking appears to have an impact on the histology of lung cancer. Hormonal and biologic effects may play a role in lung cancer carcinogenesis, and may impact treatment response. A more thorough understanding of the biologically different aspects of lung cancer across different populations may lead to innovations in prevention and treatment.
Hand and wrist arthritis of behçet disease: Imaging features
Authors: Sugawara Shunsuke , Ehara Shigeru , Hitachi Shin , Sugimoto Hideharu
Published: February 2010

Background: Reports on arthritis in Behçet disease are relatively scarce, and imaging features vary.

Purpose: To document the various imaging features of articular disorders of the hand and wrist in Behçet disease.

Material and Methods: Four patients, four women aged 26 to 65 years, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of Behçet disease, with imaging findings of hand and wrist arthritis, were seen in two institutions. Radiography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were studied to elucidate the pattern and distribution.

Results: Both non-erosive arthritis and erosive arthritis of different features were noted: one with non-erosive synovitis of the wrist, one with wrist synovitis with minimal erosion, and two with erosive arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint.

Conclusion: Imaging manifestations of arthritis of Behçet disease vary, and may be similar to other seronegative arthritides.
Do Health Beliefs and Behaviors Differ According to Severity of Obesity? A Qualitative Study of Australian Adults
Authors: Lewis Sophie , Thomas Samantha L. , Blood R. Warwick , Hyde Jim , Castle David J. , Komesaroff Paul A.
Published: February 2010

Public responses to obesity have focused on providing standardized messages and supports to all obese individuals, but there is limited understanding of the impact of these messages on obese adults. This descriptive qualitative study using in-depth interviews and a thematic method of analysis, compares the health beliefs and behaviors of 141 Australian adults with mild to moderate (BMI 30−39.9) and severe (BMI ≥ 40) obesity. Mildly obese individuals felt little need to change their health behaviors or to lose weight for health reasons. Most believed they could “lose weight” if they needed to, distanced themselves from the word obesity, and stigmatized those “fatter” than themselves. Severely obese individuals felt an urgent need to change their health behaviors, but felt powerless to do so. They blamed themselves for their weight, used stereotypical language to describe their health behaviors, and described being “at war” with their bodies. Further research, particularly about the role of stigma and stereotyping, is needed to fully understand the impact of obesity messaging on the health beliefs, behaviors, and wellbeing of obese and severely obese adults.
Bacillus marcorestinctum sp. nov., a Novel Soil Acylhomoserine Lactone Quorum-Sensing Signal Quenching Bacterium
Authors: Han Yan , Chen Fang , Li Nuo , Zhu Bo , Li Xianzhen
Published: February 2010

A Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, endospore-forming and rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from soil samples and designated strain LQQ. This organism strongly quenches the acylhomoserine lactone quorum-sensing signal. The LQQ strain exhibits phenotypic characteristics consistent with its classification in the genus Bacillus. It is positive in catalase and no special growth factor is needed. It uses glucose as sole carbon source. The DNA G + C content is 39.8 mol %. The closest relatives based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence are Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Brevibacillus brevis (syn. Bacillus brevis) with the similarity of 96.5%. The DNA–DNA hybridization data indicates a low level of genomic relatedness with the relative type strains of Bacillus thuringiensis (6.1%), Bacillus anthracis (10.5%) and Brevibacillus brevis (8.7%). On the basis of the phenotypic and phylogenetic data together with the genomic distinctiveness, the LQQ strain represents a novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus marcorestinctum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LQQT.
A Review of Keratin-Based Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Rouse Jillian G. , Van Dyke Mark E.
Published: February 2010

Advances in the extraction, purification, and characterization of keratin proteins from hair and wool fibers over the past century have led to the development of a keratin-based biomaterials platform. Like many naturally-derived biomolecules, keratins have intrinsic biological activity and biocompatibility. In addition, extracted keratins are capable of forming self-assembled structures that regulate cellular recognition and behavior. These qualities have led to the development of keratin biomaterials with applications in wound healing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, trauma and medical devices. This review discusses the history of keratin research and the advancement of keratin biomaterials for biomedical applications.
Silicoaluminates as “Support Activator” Systems in Olefin Polymerization Processes
Authors: Tabernero Vanessa , Camejo Claudimar , Terreros Pilar , Alba María Dolores , Cuenca Tomás
Published: February 2010

In this work we report the polymerization behaviour of natural clays (montmorillonites, MMT) as activating supports. These materials have been modified by treatment with different aluminium compounds in order to obtain enriched aluminium clays and to modify the global Brönsted/Lewis acidity. As a consequence, the intrinsic structural properties of the starting materials have been changed. These changes were studied and these new materials used for ethylene polymerization using a zirconocene complex as catalyst. All the systems were shown to be active in ethylene polymerization. The catalyst activity and the dependence on acid strength and textural properties have been also studied. The behaviour of an artificial silica (SBA 15) modified with an aluminium compound to obtain a silicoaluminate has been studied, but no ethylene polymerization activity has been found yet.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Novel Sulfone Derivatives Containing 1,2,4-Triazole Moieties
Authors: Xu Weiming , Song Baoan , Bhadury Pinaki , Song Yang , Hu Deyu
Published: February 2010

Some 3-(Substituted methylthio)-4-phenyl-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives were synthesized in six steps starting from easily accessible gallic acid. The resulting sulfides were then catalytically oxidized to the title sulfones with H2O2. The products were obtained in high yield under mild conditions and practically devoid of any by-products. The structures were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR spectral data. Furthermore, a detailed X-ray crystallography structural analysis of model triazole 7g was carried out.
Evaluation of Enoyl-Acyl Carrier Protein Reductase Inhibitors as Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum-Quenching Reagents
Authors: Yang Liang , Liu Yang , Sternberg Claus , Molin Søren
Published: February 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen which is responsible for a wide range of infections. Production of virulence factors and biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa are partly regulated by cell-to-cell communication quorum-sensing systems. Identification of quorum-quenching reagents which block the quorum-sensing process can facilitate development of novel treatment strategies for P. aeruginosa infections. We have used molecular dynamics simulation and experimental studies to elucidate the efficiencies of two potential quorum-quenching reagents, triclosan and green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which both function as inhibitors of the enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase (ENR) from the bacterial type II fatty acid synthesis pathway. Our studies suggest that EGCG has a higher binding affinity towards ENR of P. aeruginosa and is an efficient quorum-quenching reagent. EGCG treatment was further shown to be able to attenuate the production of virulence factors and biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa.
Cell Permeable Peptides: A Promising Tool to Deliver Neuroprotective Agents in the Brain
Authors: Antoniou Xanthi , Borsello Tiziana
Published: February 2010

The inability of most drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier and/or plasma membrane limits their use for biomedical applications in the brain. Cell Permeable Peptides (CPPs) overcome this problem and are effective in vivo, crossing the plasma membrane and the blood-brain barrier. CPPs deliver a wide variety of compounds intracellularly in an active form. In fact, many bioactive cargoes have neuroprotective properties, and due to their ability to block protein-protein interactions, offer exciting perspectives in the clinical setting. In this review we give an overview of the Cell Permeable Peptides strategy to deliver neuroprotectants against neurodegeneration in the CNS.
Secure Adaptive Topology Control for Wireless Ad-Hoc Sensor Networks
Authors: Hsueh Ching-Tsung , Li Yu-Wei , Wen Chih-Yu , Ouyang Yen-Chieh
Published: February 2010

This paper presents a secure decentralized clustering algorithm for wireless ad-hoc sensor networks. The algorithm operates without a centralized controller, operates asynchronously, and does not require that the location of the sensors be known a priori. Based on the cluster-based topology, secure hierarchical communication protocols and dynamic quarantine strategies are introduced to defend against spam attacks, since this type of attacks can exhaust the energy of sensor nodes and will shorten the lifetime of a sensor network drastically. By adjusting the threshold of infected percentage of the cluster coverage, our scheme can dynamically coordinate the proportion of the quarantine region and adaptively achieve the cluster control and the neighborhood control of attacks. Simulation results show that the proposed approach is feasible and cost effective for wireless sensor networks.
Cancer Diagnostic Assessment Programs: Standards for the Organization of Care in Ontario
Authors: Brouwers M. , Oliver T. K. , Crawford J. , Ellison P. , Evans W. K. , Gagliardi A. , Lacourciere J. , Lo D. , Mai V. , McNair S. , Minuk T. , Rabeneck L. , Rand C. , Ross J. , Smylie J. , Srigley J. , Stern H. , Trudeau M.
Published: February 2010

Background: Improving access to better, more efficient, and rapid cancer diagnosis is a necessary component of a high-quality cancer system. How diagnostic services ought to be organized, structured, and evaluated is less understood and studied. Our objective was to address this gap. Methods: As a quality initiative of Cancer Care Ontario’s Program in Evidence-Based Care, the Diagnostic Assessment Standards Panel, with representation from clinical oncology experts, institutional and clinical administrative leaders, health service researchers, and methodologists, conducted a systematic review and a targeted environmental scan of the unpublished literature. Standards were developed based on expert consensus opinion informed by the identified evidence. Through external review, clinicians and administrators across Ontario were given the opportunity to provide feedback. Results: The body of evidence consists of thirty-five published studies and fifteen unpublished guidance documents. The evidence and consensus opinion consistently favoured an organized, centralized system with multidisciplinary team membership as the optimal approach for the delivery of diagnostic cancer assessment services. Independent external stakeholders agreed (with higher mean values, maximum 5, indicating stronger agreement) that dap standards are needed (mean: 4.6), that standards should be formally approved (mean: 4.3), and importantly, that standards reflect an effective approach that will lead to quality improvements in the cancer system (mean: 4.5) and in patient care (mean: 4.3). Interpretation: Based on the best available evidence, standards for the organization of daps are offered. There is clear need to integrate formal and comprehensive evaluation strategies with the implementation of the standards to advance this field.