bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of transient hypoxia during pre‐hospital rapid sequence intubation by anaesthesiologists
Authors: HELM M. , KREMERS G. , LAMPL L. , HOSSFELD B.
Published: December 2012

Background

Pre‐hospital tracheal intubation (TI) is an important but difficult procedure with the potential to produce hypoxaemia. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of desaturation episodes during out‐of‐hospital rapid sequence induction (RSI) and TI by the medical team of a German Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).

Methods

We performed a prospective study at HEMS ‘CHRISTOPH 22’. TI was performed as RSI according to a standard protocol. Desaturation was defined as a reduction in SpO2 below 90% or a reduction of more than 10% from baseline SpO2 when initial values were less than 90%.

Results

The RSI/TI manoeuvre was attempted in 150 patients [107 male (71.3%); median age 40 years (IQR 21–61); overall success rate 100%]. The incidence of desaturation episodes was 13.3% with a median duration of 50 sec. (IQR 30–92) and a median SpO2 decrease of 24 ± 10%. Upon hospital admission, all patients had SpO2 values ≥ 96%. In the desaturation group the duration of successful TI was significantly longer [median 85 sec. (IQR 60–119) vs. median 63 sec. (IQR 48–70); P < 0.01], and the number of patients with a baseline SpO2 ≥ 90% was significantly lower (65.0% vs. 88.5%; P < 0.01). Among patients with difficult to manage airway, those with desaturation were significantly younger, and technical problems were significantly more frequent.

Conclusion

The incidence of episodes of desaturation during pre‐hospital RSI/TI at HEMS Ulm is relatively low, and the duration of such episodes is short.
Internal Delorme's procedure for rectal outlet obstruction
Authors: Ganio E. , Martina S. , Novelli E. , Sandru R. , Clerico G. , Realis Luc A. , Trompetto M.
Published: December 2012

Aim

The outcome of the internal Delorme's procedure (IDP) for obstructed defaecation was assessed.

Method

From October 2001 to March 2009, 167 patients with obstructed defaecation associated with rectal intussusception were operated on. Patients were selected on the basis of validated constipation and continence scores, clinical examination and defaecography. Seventy‐six patients were treated by the IDP alone and 91 patients were treated by the IDP with a levatorplasty. Before surgery and after a mean ± SD follow up of 3.0 ± 1.5 years, patients were assessed using the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence and Constipation Score (CCIS and CCCS), the Obstructed Defecation Score (ODS), faecal urgency and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC‐QoL) questionnaire.

Results

Seventeen (10.2%) patients developed a postoperative complication including fissure‐in‐ano (4.2%), proctalgia (3.0%), suture‐line dehiscence with stenosis (1.8%) and Clostridium difficile colitis (1.2%). Faecal urgency changed from 22% to 17.6% (P = 0.754). Tenesmus fell from 53.9% to 17.1% (P < 0.001). The CCCS and the ODS fell by 50% or more in 82.6% and 73.7% of the patients, respectively. The CCIS did not worsen significantly in patients who remained incontinent, and 45.7% of the previously incontinent patients regained normal continence. The CCCS decreased from 11 to 3 (P < 0.001) in the patients treated by the IDP and from 12 to 3 (P < 0.001) in the patients treated by the IDP with levatorplasty. The overall recurrence rate was 5.4%. The PAC‐QoL showed a reduction of anxiety/depression and of physical and psychological discomfort (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The IDP is an effective and safe option for rectal outlet obstruction caused by rectal intussusception with excellent function and patient satisfaction.
A review of posterior tibial nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence
Authors: Thomas G. P. , Dudding T. C. , Rahbour G. , Nicholls R. J. , Vaizey C. J.
Published: December 2012

Aim

This review aimed to assess the published results of posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for faecal incontinence.

Method

A search was performed of PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase to identify studies describing the clinical outcome of PTNS for faecal incontinence.

Results

Thirteen studies were identified. These described the outcome of PTNS for faecal incontinence in 273 patients. Four described transcutaneous PTNS, eight percutaneous PTNS and one compared both methods of PTNS with a sham transcutaneous group. One investigated patients with faecal incontinence and spinal cord injury and another with inflammatory bowel disease. There was marked heterogeneity of the treatment regimens and of the end points used. All reported that PTNS improved faecal incontinence. A > 50% improvement was reported in episodes of faecal incontinence in 63–82% of patients. An improvement was seen in urgency (1–5 min). Improvement was also described in the Cleveland Clinic faecal incontinence score in eight studies. Patients with urge and mixed incontinence appear to benefit more than those with passive incontinence. Treatment regimens ranged in duration from 1–3 months. A residual therapeutic effect is seen after completion of treatment. Follow‐up ranged from 1–30 months.

Conclusion

PTNS is effective for faecal incontinence. However, many of the published studies are of poor quality. Comparison between studies is difficult owing to differences in the outcome measures used, technique of PTNS and the timing and duration of treatment.
The Microbial Efficiency‐Matrix Stabilization (MEMS) framework integrates plant litter decomposition with soil organic matter stabilization: do labile plant inputs form stable soil organic matter?
Authors: Cotrufo M. Francesca , Wallenstein Matthew D. , Boot Claudia M. , Denef Karolien , Paul Eldor
Published: December 2012

The decomposition and transformation of above‐ and below‐ground plant detritus (litter) is the main process by which soil organic matter (SOM) is formed. Yet, research on litter decay and SOM formation has been largely uncoupled, failing to provide an effective nexus between these two fundamental processes for carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling and storage. We present the current understanding of the importance of microbial substrate use efficiency and C and N allocation in controlling the proportion of plant‐derived C and N that is incorporated into SOM, and of soil matrix interactions in controlling SOM stabilization. We synthesize this understanding into the Microbial Efficiency‐Matrix Stabilization (MEMS) framework. This framework leads to the hypothesis that labile plant constituents are the dominant source of microbial products, relative to input rates, because they are utilized more efficiently by microbes. These microbial products of decomposition would thus become the main precursors of stable SOM by promoting aggregation and through strong chemical bonding to the mineral soil matrix.
Swedish alcohol consumption on the threshold of modernity: legislation, attitudes and national economy c. 1775–1855
Authors: Enefalk Hanna
Published: December 2012

Aims

We aimed to map the context of the large increase in vodka consumption in Sweden during the transition from early modern to modern times (c. 1775–1855). What were the attitudes to alcohol among the groups that dominated society, and how did these attitudes relate to contemporary legislation and socio‐economic change?

Methods

Qualitative analysis of diaries and memoirs. Information was also collected from legislation, writings of the temperance movement and previous research.

Findings

During the period studied, attitudes to alcohol among the socio‐economic elite were positive if the drinker was a person of standing, whereas drinking among the working population was scorned and, from the 1830s onwards, a cause for concern. Legislation was characterized by frequent and radical changes. Consumption levels are difficult to estimate: in the 1820s, agricultural overproduction, liberal legislation and improved distilling methods probably resulted in a major consumption increase. In 1846–53, permissive licensing laws and the industrialization of distilling similarly led to very high consumption levels.

Conclusions

In Sweden in the late 18th and early 19th centuries the social elite appears to have used alcohol as a tool in their negotiations with the working population but later, as the spread of wage labour and cheap vodka coincided with Sweden's largest ever population growth, the view that popular drinking must be checked gained support in leading circles.
Antipsychotic discontinuation syndromes: A narrative review of the evidence and its integration into Australian mental health nursing textbooks
Authors: Salomon Carmela , Hamilton Bridget
Published: December 2012

In light of the high number of people discontinuing antipsychotics each year, it is essential that nurses develop a robust understanding of all aspects of the discontinuation experience. While there is a large body of published work documenting post‐discontinuation relapse rates, less is known about other aspects of the discontinuation experience. This paper presents the results of a narrative review of international studies of antipsychotic discontinuation syndromes and their relevance to nursing practice. Four key mental health nursing textbooks used in student nurse education in Australia are examined to assess how this evidence has been incorporated into clinical recommendations. This review finds that the evidence for discontinuation syndromes could be more widely disseminated and applied than it is at present. Strikingly, this evidence has not been incorporated into key mental health nursing textbooks in Australia at all. Slow integration into nursing published work may be influenced by a number of clinical and research uncertainties. We consider the impact of this silence on key nursing roles of psycho‐education and adverse event monitoring during antipsychotic discontinuation periods. Further robust research should be conducted into discontinuation syndromes as a matter of urgency. Given the high number of consumers potentially impacted upon by discontinuation syndromes, nurse authors and educators should consider revising key nursing textbooks to include the currently available information about discontinuation syndromes.
The Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Trust in Government
Authors: Nicholls Keith , Picou J. Steven
Published: December 2012

Objectives

To explore the impact Hurricane Katrina on citizens’ trust in government. Of primary interest is the relationship between poor governmental performance in the aftermath of the storm and low levels of political trust. In addition, levels of trust are related to respondents’ predictions regarding the time it will take their communities to recover.

Methods

Relationships are investigated through an analysis of data from a survey of residents in the Katrina‐affected areas of Louisiana and Mississippi. For this initial exploration, bivariate analysis is used to elaborate relationships between measures of trust in government and the experiences and attitudes of survey respondents.

Results

Analyses reveal interesting and significant relationships among the variables. Negative experiences during and after Hurricane Katrina are correlated with low levels of political trust. Also, low levels of trust are associated with pessimistic predictions of the time it will take communities to recover from the storm.

Conclusions

Given the importance of political trust for the long‐term health of the political system, it is critical that governments at all levels enhance their effectiveness in dealing with such disasters.
Radiology and pathology correlation in common infiltrative cardiomyopathies
Authors: Varzeshi Neda , Hansen Mark , Rezaee Amir , Dixon Natalie , Duhig Edwina , Slaughter Richard
Published: December 2012

Infiltrative cardiomyopathies generally pose a diagnostic dilemma as current diagnostic tools are imprecise. Invasive endomyocardial biopsy is considered as the gold standard however it has some limitations. Recently cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is emerging as an excellent technique in diagnosing infiltrative cardiomyopathies and is increasingly being used. Characteristic pathologic and radiologic findings in most common infiltrative cardiomyopathies (amyloid, sarcoid and Fabry's) are discussed and correlated with relative CMR and histologic examples. There is fairly good correlation between the non‐invasive radiologic and the invasive histologic findings in common infiltrative cardiomyopathies. Non‐invasive CMR with its high sensitivity and specificity has an excellent role in establishing the diagnosis and improving the prognosis of common infiltrative cardiomyopathies.
Development of a Shelf‐Stable Omega–3‐Rich Bar
Authors: Ananthan Padmashree , Sharma Gopal kumar , Thimma Govindraj , Bawa Amarinder Singh
Published: December 2012

Omega–3‐rich bar was developed using flax seed and walnut as sources of omega‐3‐fatty acids. Bars packed in polypropylene (PP, 75 μ), paper (42 GSM) aluminum foil (20 μ) polyethylene (PFP, 37.5 μ) and metalized polyester (12 μ) low‐density/linear low‐density (MP 150 μ) (with and without vacuum) films, were stored under ambient conditions and 37C. The bars packed in PP films spoiled with in 1 month, while those packed in PFP and MP films found stable for 3 months, and the one packed under vacuum in MP film remained stable and acceptable up to 5 months under ambient and 37C conditions. Chemical changes like PV, free fatty acid, thiobarbituric acid and browning index were found more in bars packed in PP films both at ambient conditions and 37C. Oleic acid was found to be the major fatty acid followed by linoleic acid having 2.8 g of omega‐3 fatty acid per 100 g bar.

Practical Applications

Omega–3‐rich bar was prepared using flaxseed and walnut as the main source of omega‐3‐fatty acids to cater to the needs of consumers especially vegetarians. Foods rich in omega‐3‐fatty acids have proven to be beneficial in improving cardiovascular health, cognitive function, inflammatory problems etc. This bar can be described as a healthy, nutritious, calorie rich and a delicious sweet product.
High Submuscular Placement of Urologic Prosthetic Balloons and Reservoirs via Transscrotal Approach
Authors: Morey Allen F. , Cefalu Christopher A. , Hudak Steven J.
Published: December 2012

Introduction

Traditional placement of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) reservoirs and/or artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) balloons into the space of Retzius may be challenging following major pelvic surgery.

Aim

The aim of this study is to report our 1-year experience using a novel technique for high balloon/reservoir placement beneath the rectus abdominus muscle, thus completely obviating deep pelvic dissection during prosthetic urologic surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent IPP and/or AUS placement between June 2011 and June 2012 was performed. All had AUS balloons and/or IPP reservoirs placed in a submuscular location by bluntly tunneling through the external inguinal ring into a potential space between the transversalis fascia and the rectus abdominus muscle using a long, angled, lung grasping clamp.

Main Outcome Measures

Patient demographics, perioperative outcomes, and initial follow-up patient-reported outcomes were reviewed.

Results

During the study period, 120 submuscular balloons/reservoirs were inserted in 107 consecutive patients who underwent placement of an IPP (61 patients), AUS (33 patients), or both (13 patients). Among our 48 most recent patients, 41 (85%) reported they were totally unable to feel their balloon/reservoir, and all but two patients reported no bother from the submuscular balloon/reservoir placement. Of the 120 total submuscular balloons and reservoirs, surgical time and outcomes of the prosthetic procedures appeared similar to those placed using traditional methods; two reservoirs required revision surgery for repositioning.

Conclusions

High submuscular placement of genitourinary prosthetic balloons and reservoirs via a transscrotal approach is both safely and effective, while avoiding deep retropubic dissection.
Perceived enactment of autonomy of nursing home residents: A German cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wulff Ines , Kölzsch Marita , Kalinowski Sonja , Kopke Kirsten , Fischer Thomas , Kreutz Reinhold , Dräger Dagmar
Published: December 2012

Recognizing the ageing of populations and expected increase in prevalence of dementia, the necessity of research involving persons with dementia is widely agreed upon. Autonomy is key to nursing home residents' well‐being and quality of life, but this phenomenon has not been thoroughly assessed from the residents' perspective. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate perceived autonomy of nursing home residents. Data on 560 randomly selected residents in 40 nursing homes in two German federal states were generated by face‐to‐face interviews, psychological and physical assessments, analysis of nursing records, and acquisition of institutional parameters. This paper reports on a subsample (n = 179) that met screening requirements, including subjects with and without mild cognitive impairment (Mini Mental Status Examination score 30–18), who completed the Hertz Perceived Enactment of Autonomy Scale (HPEAS). The mean score of HPEAS was 101.1 ± 14.5 (range 54–122). In our population, Cronbach's alpha was 0.89. Scores in HPEAS were not related to demographical factors but positively associated with increasing self‐efficacy and absence of pain. The novel findings contribute to an understanding of autonomy from the residents' perspective.
Modulation of respiratory metabolism in response to nutrient changes along a soil chronosequence
Authors: KORNFELD ARI , ATKIN OWEN K. , GRIFFIN KEVIN L. , HORTON TRAVIS W. , YAKIR DAN , TURNBULL MATTHEW H.
Published: December 2012

The ability for plants to sequester atmospheric carbon, and thus offset anthropogenic carbon inputs, is partly determined by the amount of
CO

2 returned to the atmosphere by respiration, yet little is known about how plants modulate respiratory efficiency under natural conditions. Here we investigated how respiratory efficiency might be affected by changes in soil fertility associated with soil development and decline along a natural soil chronosequence near Franz Josef, New Zealand. Whereas respiration tracked leaf nitrogen content, we found that determinants of respiratory efficiency were more strongly influenced by leaf phosphorus or the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus. These results, the first of their kind to look at plants growing along a natural gradient, highlight the importance of understanding the details of plant respiratory metabolism when modeling the interactions between plants, atmosphere, and Earth's climate system.
Regulation of basal and oxidative stress‐triggered jasmonic acid‐related gene expression by glutathione
Authors: HAN YI , MHAMDI AMNA , CHAOUCH SEJIR , NOCTOR GRAHAM
Published: December 2012

Using a combination of Arabidopsis mutants for enhanced H2O2 availability (cat2), partial glutathione deficiency (cad2) and loss of NPR1 function (npr1), the roles of glutathione in determining jasmonic acid (JA) gene expression were studied. Genetically or pharmacologically induced glutathione deficiency decreased basal expression of two jasmonic acid (JA) marker genes, and microarray analysis of the cad2 mutant indicated that this was part of a general effect on JA‐associated gene expression. Comparison of cat2 cad2 and cat2 npr1 double mutants revealed that glutathione plays an important part in linking intracellular oxidative stress to induced JA signaling, and that this effect of glutathione is not explainable in terms of altered NPR1 function. Overall, the study indicates new glutathione‐dependent points of control in defense hormone signaling.
Effects of peat and water quality parameters on groundwater arsenic contamination in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Md. Shamim , Kurosawa Kiyoshi
Published: December 2012

To clarify the effect of peat and groundwater quality parameters on groundwater arsenic (As) contamination, As concentrations and the source of nitrogen (N) in groundwater and peat, and oxidation‐reduction potential (ORP) and ammonium‐N concentration of groundwater were compared between As‐contaminated and uncontaminated areas in Bangladesh. Groundwater in the contaminated area had a reducing ORP with a high ammonium‐N concentration, whereas groundwater in the uncontaminated area had a non‐reducing ORP with a low ammonium‐N concentration. Peat was present only in the contaminated area, whose As concentration was very high, indicating the critical role of peat in groundwater As contamination. The source of N in peat and groundwater was identified as chemical N fertilizer. N present in peat and groundwater served as a nutrient, enhancing microbial activity. In the reducing ORP condition, As was thought to be released intensively to groundwater by the mechanism of reductive release.
α-Synuclein–Induced Down-Regulation of Nurr1 Disrupts GDNF Signaling in Nigral Dopamine Neurons
Authors: Decressac Mickael , Kadkhodaei Banafsheh , Mattsson Bengt , Laguna Ariadna , Perlmann Thomas , Björklund Anders
Published: December 2012

The trophic response of dopamine neurons to GDNF, mediated by the transcription factor Nurr1, protects them from α-synuclein–mediated toxicity.
Hypokalaemia and refractory asystole complicating diabetic ketoacidosis, lessons for prevention
Authors: Abdulaziz Salman , Dabbagh Ousama , Al Daker Mohamed Ousama , Hassan Imad
Published: December 2012

We report a unique case of diabetic ketoacidosis in which a relatively low potassium level on admission was associated with consequent life-threatening and refractory arrhythmia secondary to inappropriate use of intravenous insulin and bicarbonate therapy. The latter was reversed by rapid bolus potassium injection. Although we do not advocate this approach in every case, we emphasise that a bolus injection of potassium may be life saving in such cases. The lessons from this case have led to multidisciplinary meetings and modification of the institute's diabetic ketoacidosis clinical pathway.
Sexually transmitted infections manifesting as proctitis
Authors: Lamb Chris A , Lamb Elizabeth Iris Mary , Mansfield John C , Sankar K Nathan
Published: December 2012

There is a rising incidence of several sexually transmitted infections (STIs), many of which can present with proctitis. Causative organisms includeNeisseria gonorrhoeae,Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus,Treponema pallidum(syphilis),Giardia lamblia(giardiasis) andEntamoeba histolytica(amoebiasis). This paper outlines important clinical discriminators and key investigations to distinguish these organisms from non-infective pathology that include inflammatory bowel disease, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and Behçet's syndrome. Management of these infections is described and suggestions are made for successful gastroenterology clinical consultation when an STI is suspected.
Geographic variation and adaptation to current and future climates of Callitropsis nootkatensis populations
Authors: Russell John H. , Krakowski Jodie
Published: December 2012

Forty-one range-wide Callitropsis nootkatensis (D. Don) Orsted (syn. Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (D. Don) Spach) populations were tested at 12 geographically and ecologically diverse sites throughout British Columbia, Canada. There were significant region and population within region effects for 15-year height at most sites but not for adaptability, a binary trait combining survival and cold hardiness. Across-site analysis revealed significant site by population within region interaction for both traits. These interactions were less pronounced when just the core sites were analysed and without two southern disjunct populations. Based on a productivity index that combined height, survival, and cold hardiness, populations were adapted to broad temperature gradients compared with most temperate tree species and were relatively insensitive to moisture. Only the northern California population from the extreme southernmost part of the species’ range had consistent and significant adaptive differentiation, showing maladaptation characterized by severe cold damage and mortality at all test sites. Northern populations grew slowly but survived well. Productivity of this montane species is likely to increase in situ with projected warming across the range of tested sites. Transfer to sites warmer than the population origin increases productivity. Currently and in the long term, populations from the core of the species’ range can be widely transferred for reforestation with minimal risk of maladaptation, provided highly inbred sources from isolated, small populations and sites at risk for yellow cypress decline are avoided.
Coenzyme Q10and selenium in statin-associated myopathy treatment
Authors: Fedacko Jan , Pella Daniel , Fedackova Petra , Hänninen Osmo , Tuomainen Petri , Jarcuska Peter , Lopuchovsky Tomas , Jedlickova Lucia , Merkovska Lucia , Littarru Gian Paolo
Published: December 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible benefits of coenzyme Q10and selenium supplementation administered to patients with statin-associated myopathy (SAM). Sixty eligible patients entered the pilot study. Laboratory examination (CoQ10, selenium, creatin kinase) and intensity of SAM (visual scale) were performed at baseline, after 1 month, and at the end of study at month 3. Plasma levels of CoQ10 increased from 0.81 ± 0.39 to 3.31 ± 1.72 μmol/L in the active group of patients treated by CoQ10, compared with the placebo (p = 0.001). Also, the symptoms of SAM significantly improved in the active group (p < 0.001): the intensity of muscle pain decreased from 6.7 ± 1.72 to 3.2 ± 2.1 (p < 0.01, –53.4 ± 28.2%); muscle weakness decreased from 7.0 ± 1.63 to 2.8 ± 2.34 (p < 0.01, –60 ± 24.0%); muscle cramps decreased from 5.33 ± 2.06 to 1.86 ± 2.42, p < 0.01, –65 ± 28%); tiredness decreased from the initial 6.7 ± 1.34 to 1.2 ± 1.32 (p < 0.01, –82 ± 22%). We did not observe any significant changes in the placebo group. In conclusion, supplementation of statin-treated patients with CoQ10 resulted in a decrease in the symptoms of SAM, both in absolute numbers and intensity. Additional selenium supplementation was not associated with any statistically significant decrease of SAM. However, it is not possible to draw any definite conclusions, even though this study was carried out in double-blind fashion, because it involved a small number of patients.
Unnatural C-1 homologues of pancratistatin — Synthesis and promising biological activities
Authors: Vshyvenko Sergey , Scattolon Jon , Hudlicky Tomas , Romero Anntherese E. , Kornienko Alexander , Ma Dennis , Tuffley Ian , Pandey Siyaram
Published: December 2012

Several C-1 homologues of pancratistatin and 7-deoxypancratistatin were synthesized by a phenanthrene–phenathridone oxidative recyclization strategy. The key steps involved the enzymatic dihydroxylation of bromobenzene, addition of an aryl alane to an epoxyaziridine, an intramolecular aziridine opening on silica gel in solid phase, and the above-mentioned recylization strategy. Experimental and spectral data are reported for all new compounds. All synthesized C-1 homologues of pancratistatin and 7-deoxypancratistatin were evaluated for antiproliferative activity in a panel of human cancer cell lines. As expected, the 7-hydroxy compounds were found to be more potent and the activity of the C-1 benzoxymethyl analogue exceeded that of narciclasine, which was used as a positive control.
Evaluating Textual Entailment Recognition for University Entrance Examinations
Authors: Miyao Yusuke , Shima Hideki , Kanayama Hiroshi , Mitamura Teruko
Published: December 2012

The present article addresses an attempt to apply questions in university entrance examinations to the evaluation of textual entailment recognition. Questions in several fields, such as history and politics, primarily test the examinee’s knowledge in the form of choosing true statements from multiple choices. Answering such questions can be regarded as equivalent to finding evidential texts from a textbase such as textbooks and Wikipedia. Therefore, this task can be recast as recognizing textual entailment between a description in a textbase and a statement given in a question. We focused on the National Center Test for University Admission in Japan and converted questions into the evaluation data for textual entailment recognition by using Wikipedia as a textbase. Consequently, it is revealed that nearly half of the questions can be mapped into textual entailment recognition; 941 text pairs were created from 404 questions from six subjects. This data set is provided for a subtask of NTCIR RITE (Recognizing Inference in Text), and 16 systems from six teams used the data set for evaluation. The evaluation results revealed that the best system achieved a correct answer ratio of 56%, which is significantly better than a random choice baseline.
Validating Contradiction in Texts Using Online Co-Mention Pattern Checking
Authors: Shih Chengwei , Lee Chengwei , Tsai Richard Tzonghan , Hsu Wenlian
Published: December 2012

Detecting contradictive statements is a foundational and challenging task for text understanding applications such as textual entailment. In this article, we aim to address the problem of the shortage of specific background knowledge in contradiction detection. A novel contradiction detecting approach based on the distribution of the query composed of critical mismatch combinations on the Internet is proposed to tackle the problem. By measuring the availability of mismatch conjunction phrases (MCPs), the background knowledge about two target statements can be implicitly obtained for identifying contradictions. Experiments on three different configurations show that the MCP-based approach achieves remarkable improvement on contradiction detection and can significantly improve the performance of textual entailment recognition.
Recognition of Bacteria by Inflammasomes
Authors: von Moltke Jakob , Ayres Janelle S. , Kofoed Eric M. , Chavarría-Smith Joseph , Vance Russell E.
Published: December 2012

Inflammasomes are cytosolic multiprotein complexes that assemble in response to a variety of infectious and noxious insults. Inflammasomes play a critical role in the initiation of innate immune responses, primarily by serving as platforms for the activation of inflammatory caspase proteases. One such caspase, CASPASE-1 (CASP1), initiates innate immune responses by cleaving pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18, leading to their activation and release. CASP1 and another inflammatory caspase termed CASP11 can also initiate a rapid and inflammatory form of cell death termed pyroptosis. Several distinct inflammasomes have been described, each of which contains a unique sensor protein of the NLR (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat–containing) superfamily or the PYHIN (PYRIN and HIN-200 domain–containing) superfamily. Here we describe the surprisingly diverse mechanisms by which NLR/PYHIN proteins sense bacteria and initiate innate immune responses. We conclude that inflammasomes represent a highly adaptable scaffold ideally suited for detecting and initiating rapid innate responses to diverse and rapidly evolving bacteria.
Memory T Cell Subsets, Migration Patterns, and Tissue Residence
Authors: Mueller Scott N. , Gebhardt Thomas , Carbone Francis R. , Heath William R.
Published: December 2012

Tissues such as the skin and mucosae are frequently exposed to microbial pathogens. Infectious agents must be quickly and efficiently controlled by our immune system, but the low frequency of naive T cells specific for any one pathogen means dependence on primary responses initiated in draining lymph nodes, often allowing time for serious infection to develop. These responses imprint effectors with the capacity to home to infected tissues; this process, combined with inflammatory signals, ensures the effective targeting of primary immunity. Upon vaccination or previous pathogen exposure, increased pathogen-specific T cell numbers together with altered migratory patterns of memory T cells can greatly improve immune efficacy, ensuring infections are prevented or at least remain subclinical. Until recently, memory T cell populations were considered to comprise central memory T cells (TCM), which are restricted to the secondary lymphoid tissues and blood, and effector memory T cells (TEM), which broadly migrate between peripheral tissues, the blood, and the spleen. Here we review evidence for these two memory populations, highlight a relatively new player, the tissue-resident memory T cell (TRM), and emphasize the potential differences between the migratory patterns of CD4+and CD8+T cells. This new understanding raises important considerations for vaccine design and for the measurement of immune parameters critical to the control of infectious disease, autoimmunity, and cancer.
Large increases in adipose triacylglycerol flux in Cushingoid CRH-Tg mice are explained by futile cycling
Authors: Harris Charles , Roohk Donald J. , Fitch Mark , Boudignon Benjamin M. , Halloran Bernard P. , Hellerstein Marc K.
Published: December 2012

Glucocorticoids are extremely effective anti-inflammatory therapies, but their clinical use is limited due to severe side effects, including osteoporosis, muscle wasting, fat redistribution, and skin thinning. Here we use heavy water labeling and mass spectrometry to measure fluxes through metabolic pathways impacted by glucocorticoids. We combine these methods with measurements of body composition in corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-transgenic (Tg)+ mice that have chronically elevated, endogenously produced corticosterone and a phenotype that closely mimics Cushing's disease in humans. CRH-Tg+ mice had increased adipose mass, adipose triglyceride synthesis, and greatly increased triglyceride/fatty acid cycling in subcutaneous and abdominal fat depots and increased de novo lipogenesis in the abdominal depot. In bone, CRH-Tg+ mice had decreased bone mass, absolute collagen synthesis rates, and collagen breakdown rate. In skin, CRH-Tg+ mice had decreased skin thickness and absolute collagen synthesis rates but no decrease in the collagen breakdown rate. In muscle, CRH-Tg+ mice had decreased muscle mass and absolute protein synthesis but no decrease in the protein breakdown rate. We conclude that chronic exposure to endogenous glucocorticoid excess in mice is associated with ongoing decreases in bone collagen, skin collagen, and muscle protein synthesis without compensatory reduction (coupling) of breakdown rates in skin and muscle. Both of these actions contribute to reduced protein pool sizes. We also conclude that increased cycling between triglycerides and free fatty acids occurs in both abdominal and subcutaneous fat depots in CRH-Tg+ mice. CRH-Tg mice have both increased lipolysis and increased triglyceride synthesis in adipose tissue.
A Role for A-to-I RNA Editing in Temperature Adaptation
Authors: Garrett Sandra C. , Rosenthal Joshua J. C.
Published: December 2012

A-to-I RNA editing can recode mRNAs, giving organisms the option to express diverse, functionally distinct protein isoforms. Here, we propose that RNA editing is inherently geared for temperature adaptation because it tends to recode to smaller, less stabilizing amino acids. Studies on how editing affects protein function support this idea.
A Randomized Trial Assessing the Effectiveness of Ezetimibe in South Asian Canadians with Coronary Artery Disease or Diabetes: The INFINITY Study
Authors: Madan Mina , Vira Tasnim , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Gupta Anup , Khithani Anil , Balleza Lyn , Vaillancourt Julie , Boukas Stella , Sampalis John , de Carolis Emidio
Published: December 2012

Background. There is a paucity of data regarding the effectiveness and safety of lipid-lowering treatments among South-Asian patients.Methods. Sixty-four South-Asian Canadians with coronary artery disease or diabetes and persistent hypercholesterolemia on statin therapy, were randomized to ezetimibe 10 mg/day co-administered with statin therapy (EZE + Statin) or doubling their current statin dose (STAT2). Primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving target LDL-C (<2.0 mmol/L) after 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the change in lipid profile and the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events through 12 weeks. Exploratory markers for vascular inflammation were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks.Results. At 6 weeks, the primary outcome was significantly higher among the EZE + Statin patients (68% versus 36%;P=0.031) with an OR (95% CI) of 3.97 (1.19, 13.18) upon accounting for baseline LDL-C and adjusting for age. At 12 weeks, 76% of EZE + Statin patients achieved target LDL-C compared to 48% (P=0.047) of the STAT2patients (adjusted OR (95% CI) = 3.31 (1.01,10.89)). No significant between-group differences in exploratory markers were observed with the exception of CRP.Conclusions. Patients receiving ezetimibe and statin were more likely to achieve target LDL-C after 6 and 12 weeks compared to patients doubling their statin dose. Ezetimibe/statin combination therapy was well tolerated among this cohort of South-Asian Canadians, without safety concerns.
Community Genetic Services in Iran
Authors: Atri Barzanjeh Shirin , Behshid Mozhgan , Hosseini Mohammad Bagher , Ezari Maryam , Taghizadeh Mahdieh , Dastgiri Saeed
Published: December 2012

The aim of the study was to report a description of the primary, secondary, and tertiary level services available for genetic disorders in Iran. For the purpose of this study, essential data were collected from every facility providing community genetic services in Tabriz city of Iran using a prestructured checklist. Technical information was filled in the predesigned forms using diagnostic records of each client/patient. Information was also gathered from community genetic services clients through a face-to-face interview at these facilities to assess the quality of services provided. Primary prevention measures were available in 80 percent of centres in the study population. Diagnostic techniques were fully available in the study area both in public and private sectors. Screening of congenital hypothyroidism and thalassemia has been successfully performed across the country by the Ministry of Health. Other screening programs have also been initiated by the country health authorities for neural tube defects, Down syndrome, and phenylketonuria. The high cost of genetic services at secondary and tertiary levels does not allow many people to get access to these services despite their needs. Governments will therefore need to allocate necessary resources to make the essential genetic services available for everyone needing these in the community.
Iterative Algorithms with Perturbations for Solving the Systems of Generalized Equilibrium Problems and the Fixed Point Problems of Two Quasi‐Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Wangkeeree Rabian , Boonkong Uraiwan
Published: December 2012

We introduce new iterative algorithms with perturbations for finding a common element of the set of solutions of the system of generalized equilibrium problems and the set of common fixed points of two quasi‐nonexpansive mappings in a Hilbert space. Under suitable conditions, strong convergence theorems are obtained. Furthermore, we also consider the iterative algorithms with perturbations for finding a common element of the solution set of the systems of generalized equilibrium problems and the common fixed point set of the super hybrid mappings in Hilbert spaces.
Symptoms, but Not a Biomarker Response to Inhaled Corticosteroids, Predict Asthma in Preschool Children with Recurrent Wheeze
Authors: Klaassen E. M. M. , Kant K. D. G. van de , Jöbsis Q. , Høvig S. T. P. , Schayck C. P. van , Rijkers G. T. , Dompeling E.
Published: December 2012

Background. A reliable asthma diagnosis is challenging in preschool wheezing children. As inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are more effective in asthmatics than in children with transient wheeze, an ICS response might be helpful in early asthma diagnosis.Methods. 175 children (aged two–four years) with recurrent wheeze received 200 μg Beclomethasone extra-fine daily for eight weeks. Changes in Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC) biomarkers (pH, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IFN-γ, sICAM, and CCL-11), Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO), airway resistance, and symptoms were assessed. At six years of age a child was diagnosed as transient wheezer or asthmatic. Adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed with multiple testing correction.Results. 106 transient wheezers and 64 asthmatics were analysed at six years of age. Neither changes in EBC biomarkers, nor FeNO, airway resistance, or symptoms during ICS trial at preschool age were related to asthma diagnosis at six years of age. However, asthmatics had more airway symptoms before the start of the ICS trial than transient wheezers (P<0.01).Discussion. Although symptom score in preschool wheezing children at baseline was associated with asthma at six years of age, EBC biomarkers, airway resistance, or symptom response to ICS at preschool age could not predict asthma diagnosis at six years of age.
Inflammatory Pseudotumour of the Lung: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Morar R. , Bhayat A. , Hammond G. , Bruinette H. , Feldman C.
Published: December 2012

We describe a patient with inflammatory pseudotumour of the lung. He was a young man who presented with haemotysis and the chest X-ray and computerized tomography were indicative of a nonbenign lesion in the right upper lobe. Excision biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumour of the lung. This is a rare inflammatory nonneoplastic condition commonly affecting children and young adults.
All-Cause Mortality Risk of Metabolically Healthy Obese Individuals in NHANES III
Authors: Durward C. M. , Hartman T. J. , Nickols-Richardson S. M.
Published: December 2012

Mortality risk across metabolic health-by-BMI categories in NHANES-III was examined. Metabolic health was defined as: (1) homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) <2.5; (2) ≤2 Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III metabolic syndrome criteria; (3) combined definition using ≤1 of the following: HOMA-IR ≥1.95 (or diabetes medications), triglycerides ≥1.7 mmol/L, HDL-C <1.04 mmol/L (males) or <1.30 mmol/L (females), LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L, and total cholesterol ≥5.2 mmol/L (or cholesterol-lowering medications). Hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause mortality were estimated with Cox regression models. Nonpregnant women and men were included (n=4373, mean ± SD, age37.1±10.9years, BMI27.3±5.8 kg/m2, 49.4% female). Only 40 of 1160 obese individuals were identified as MHO by all definitions. MHO groups had superior levels of clinical risk factors compared to unhealthy individuals but inferior levels compared to healthy lean groups. There was increased risk of all-cause mortality in metabolically unhealthy obese participants regardless of definition (HOMA-IR HR 2.07 (CI 1.3–3.4),P<0.01; ATP-III HR 1.98 (CI 1.4–2.9),P<0.001; combined definition HR 2.19 (CI 1.3–3.8),P<0.01). MHO participants were not significantly different from healthy lean individuals by any definition. While MHO individuals are not at significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality, their clinical risk profile is worse than that of metabolically healthy lean individuals.
Use of Plasmapheresis in Managing the Diagnostic Dilemma of Symptomatic Hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Maher Nigel Gordon , Ramaswamykanive Hariharan
Published: December 2012

We present a case study of a 29-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain typical for pancreatitis. Detailed history and investigations revealed that the cause of abdominal pain was secondary to the raised triglyceride levels. It was difficult to distinguish whether he had hypertriglyceridemia-induced abdominal pain or acute pancreatitis, given that he had only a mildly raised lipase and a normal contrast computed tomography scan of the pancreas. The abdominal pain resolved with the fall in the triglyceride levels following plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis is an underevaluated modality of the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia due to its cost and availability.
Cytoskeletal Strains in Modeled Optohydrodynamically Stressed Healthy and Diseased Biological Cells
Authors: Kohles Sean S. , Liang Yu , Saha Asit K.
Published: December 2012

Controlled external chemomechanical stimuli have been shown to influence cellular and tissue regeneration/degeneration, especially with regards to distinct disease sequelae or health maintenance. Recently, a unique three-dimensional stress state was mathematically derived to describe the experimental stresses applied to isolated living cells suspended in an optohydrodynamic trap (optical tweezers combined with microfluidics). These formulae were previously developed in two and three dimensions from the fundamental equations describing creeping flows past a suspended sphere. The objective of the current study is to determine the full-field cellular strain response due to the applied three-dimensional stress environment through a multiphysics computational simulation. In this investigation, the multiscale cytoskeletal structures are modeled as homogeneous, isotropic, and linearly elastic. The resulting computational biophysics can be directly compared with experimental strain measurements, other modeling interpretations of cellular mechanics including the liquid drop theory, and biokinetic models of biomolecule dynamics. The described multiphysics computational framework will facilitate more realistic cytoskeletal model interpretations, whose intracellular structures can be distinctly defined, including the cellular membrane substructures, nucleus, and organelles.
Hydrogen Sulfide as an Endogenous Modulator in Mitochondria and Mitochondria Dysfunction
Authors: Guo Wei , Kan Jun-tao , Cheng Ze-yu , Chen Jie-fang , Shen Ya-qi , Xu Jie , Wu Dan , Zhu Yi-zhun
Published: December 2012

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has historically been considered to be a toxic gas, an environmental and occupational hazard. However, with the discovery of its presence and enzymatic production through precursors of L-cysteine and homocysteine in mammalian tissues, H2S has recently received much interest as a physiological signaling molecule. H2S is a gaseous messenger molecule that has been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes in mammals, including vascular relaxation, angiogenesis, and the function of ion channels, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), and heart injury. H2S is an endogenous neuromodulator and present studies show that physiological concentrations of H2S enhance NMDA receptor-mediated responses and aid in the induction of hippocampal long-term potentiation. Moreover, in the field of neuronal protection, physiological concentrations of H2S in mitochondria have many favorable effects on cytoprotection.
Atlas Hypoplasia and Ossification of the Transverse Atlantal Ligament: A Rare Cause of Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Bokhari Rakan , Baeesa Saleh
Published: December 2012

Myelopathy at the level of the atlas is rarely encountered by the practicing spine surgeon. Due to the region's unique anatomy, compression of the cord at this level is either caused by a large compressing lesion or an abnormally stenotic canal. We describe a rare instance of a congenitally stenotic canal due to a hypoplastic intact posterior arch of atlas, coexisting with an extremely rare ossified transverse ligament of the atlas. The coexistence of these two lesions has only been documented thrice before. We describe the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and favorable response to surgery.