bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breastfeeding duration, age of starting solids and high BMI risk and adiposity in Indian children
Authors: Caleyachetty Amrit , Krishnaveni Ghattu V. , Veena Sargoor R. , Hill Jacqui , Karat Samuel C. , Fall Caroline H.D. , Wills Andrew K.
Published: October 2011

This study utilized data from a prospective birth cohort study on 568 Indian children, to determine whether a longer duration of breastfeeding and later introduction of solid feeding were associated with a reduced higher body mass index (BMI) and less adiposity. Main outcomes were high BMI (>90th within‐cohort sex‐specific BMI percentile) and sum of skinfold thickness (triceps and subscapular) at age 5. Main exposures were breastfeeding (six categories from 1–4 to ≥21 months) and age of starting regular solid feeding (four categories from ≤3 to ≥6 months). Data on infant‐feeding practices, socio‐economic and maternal factors were collected by questionnaire. Birthweight, maternal and child anthropometry were measured. Multiple regression analysis that accounted for potential confounders demonstrated a small magnitude of effect for breastfeeding duration or introduction of solid feeds on the risk of high BMI but not for lower skinfold thickness. Breastfeeding duration was strongly negatively associated with weight gain (0–2 years) [adjusted β = –0.12 standard deviation, 95% confidence interval (CI): –0.19 to –0.05 per category change in breastfeeding duration, P = 0.001], and weight gain (0–2 years) was strongly associated with high BMI at 5 years (adjusted odds ratio = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.53–5.56, P < 0.001). In our sample, findings suggest that longer breastfeeding duration and later introduction of solids has a small reduction on later high BMI risk and a negligible effect on skinfold thickness. However, accounting for sampling variability, these findings cannot exclude the possibility of no effect at the population level.
Trade-Offs between Effectiveness and Efficiency in Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Koh Gerald Choon-Huat , Chen Cynthia , Cheong Angela , Choo Tai Bee , Pui Choi Kwok , Phoon Fong Ngan , Ming Chan Kin , Yeow Tan Boon , Petrella Robert , Thind Amardeep , Koh David , Seng Chia Kee
Published: October 2011

Background

Most stroke research has studied rehabilitation effectiveness and rehabilitation efficiency separately and not investigated the potential trade-offs between these two indices of rehabilitation.

Aims

To determine whether there is a trade-off between independent factors of rehabilitation effectiveness and rehabilitation efficiency.

Methods

Using a retrospective cohort study design, we studied all stroke patients ( n = 2810) from two sub-acute rehabilitation hospitals from 1996 to 2005, representing 87·5% of national bed-years during the same period.

Results

Independent predictors of poorer rehabilitation effectiveness and log rehabilitation efficiency were older age race-ethnicity caregiver availability ischemic stroke longer time to admission dementia admission Barthel Index score, and length of stay. Rehabilitation effectiveness was lower in females, and the gender differences were significantly lower in those aged ≥70 years (β −4·7 (95% confidence interval −7·4 to −2·0)). There were trade-offs between effectiveness and efficiency with respect to admission Barthel Index score and length of stay. An increase of 10 in admission Barthel Index score predicted an increase of 3·6% (95% confidence interval 3·2–4·0) in effectiveness but a decrease of 0·04 (95% confidence interval −0·05 to −0·02) in log efficiency (a reduction of efficiency by 1·0 per 30 days). An increase in log length of stay by 1 (length of stay of 2·7 days) predicted an increase of 8·0% (95% confidence interval 5·7–10·3) in effectiveness but a decrease of 0·82 (95% confidence interval −0·90 to −0·74) in log efficiency (equivalent to a reduction in efficiency by 2·3 per 30 days). For optimal rehabilitation effectiveness and rehabilitation efficiency, the admission Barthel Index score was 30–62 and length of stay was 37–41 days.

Conclusions

There are trade-offs between effectiveness and efficiency during inpatient sub-acute stroke rehabilitation with respect to admission functional status and length of stay.
Future directions for the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse in Australia
Authors: Sykes Julie
Published: October 2011

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men. A cancer diagnosis causes physical, social and psychological morbidity. The role of the specialist nurse in chronic illness care is well recognized both nationally and internationally; however, the role of the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse is not as developed or formalized in Australian health care delivery. Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) aims to bridge this gap and has developed a model to pilot a number of Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses in various locations throughout both metropolitan and regional Australia.

This paper reports on the findings of a project commissioned by PCFA to define a model for a national Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing service. The service model was developed following an extensive consultation process at a national level. A framework for practice and professional development for the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse has been developed which utilizes both the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council Registered Nurse Competency Frameworks and the National Cancer Nursing Education Project Professional Development Framework. The pilot program will involve PCFA working in partnership with host health regions by providing funding for the recruitment of the nurses on a 3‐year trial basis. The nurses will be employed directly by the host health regions and will be professionally supported by PCFA. The program will also be formally evaluated.
Assessing the role of non‐cotton refuges in delaying Helicoverpa armigera resistance to Bt cotton in West Africa
Authors: Brévault Thierry , Nibouche Samuel , Achaleke Joseph , Carrière Yves
Published: October 2011

Non‐cotton host plants without Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins can provide refuges that delay resistance to Bt cotton in polyphagous insect pests. It has proven difficult, however, to determine the effective contribution of such refuges and their role in delaying resistance evolution. Here, we used biogeochemical markers to quantify movement of Helicoverpa armigera moths from non‐cotton hosts to cotton fields in three agricultural landscapes of the West African cotton belt (Cameroon) where Bt cotton was absent. We show that the contribution of non‐cotton hosts as a source of moths was spatially and temporally variable, but at least equivalent to a 7.5% sprayed refuge of non‐Bt cotton. Simulation models incorporating H. armigera biological parameters, however, indicate that planting non‐Bt cotton refuges may be needed to significantly delay resistance to cotton producing the toxins Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab. Specifically, when the concentration of one toxin (here Cry1Ac) declined seasonally, resistance to Bt cotton often occurred rapidly in simulations where refuges of non‐Bt cotton were rare and resistance to Cry2Ab was non‐recessive, because resistance was essentially driven by one toxin (here Cry2Ab). The use of biogeochemical markers to quantify insect movement can provide a valuable tool to evaluate the role of non‐cotton refuges in delaying the evolution of H. armigera resistance to Bt cotton.
Hybridization and asymmetric introgression between Cypripedium tibeticum and C. yunnanense in Shangrila County, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Hu Shi‐Jun , Hu Hong , Yan Ning , Huang Jia‐Lin , Li Shu‐Yun
Published: October 2011

Hybridization and introgression are thought to be important for speciation and adaptation in many plants. However, little is known about the hybridization and introgression among Cypripedium species. To investigate the evidence for hybridization and the pattern of introgression between Cypripedium yunnanense and C. tibeticum in Shangrila County, Yunnan Province, China, morphological characters and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) data for both the species and their putative hybrids were studied. Hand pollination was also performed to verify the crossability of the putative parents. Principal coordinate analysis based on morphological characters and the AFLP data suggested that the putative hybrids were true hybrids of these two Cypripedium species. Analysis with the NewHybrids software indicated that the putative hybrids were F1 generation individuals and backcrosses to C. yunnanese, but no F2 generation was found. Analysis with the Structure software demonstrated asymmetric introgression from C. tibeticum to C. yunnanense. We conclude that natural hybridization and introgression can occur between these two species and that in situ conservation of the parental species is required before fully assessing the evolutionary potential of hybrids.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating a Farm‐of‐Origin Autogenous Moraxella bovis Vaccine to Control Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivis (Pinkeye) in Beef Cattle
Authors: O'Connor A.M. , Brace S. , Gould S. , Dewell R. , Engelken T.
Published: October 2011

Background

A randomized, masked, 2‐arm parallel trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of a Moraxella bovis (M. bovis) autogenous vaccine to prevent naturally occurring infectious bovine keratoconjunctivis (IBK) in beef calves.

Hypothesis

The null hypothesis was that treatment group was not associated with either risk of IBK or last observed weight.

Animals

The trial was conducted between May and November 2009 and 2010 on a university‐owned farm in Iowa. The vaccine contained 2 randomly selected M. bovis from IBK cases that occurred at the farm in 2008. Calves born between January and May 2009 and 2010 without visible corneal lesions were randomly allocated to receive vaccine (n = 191) or placebo (n = 178).

Methods

Two SC doses were administered 21–28 days apart. Allocation to treatment was concealed using bottles marked A or B. Staff observing the animals for IBK could not determine the treatment grouping. The herd met the “at‐risk” criteria (ie, >15% IBK in unvaccinated calves and M. bovis detection in IBK cases). Analysis was “per‐protocol”.

Results

The risk of IBK was 58/185 (31%) in vaccinated calves and 66/173 (38%) in unvaccinated calves (adjusted risk ratio = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.49–1.24). Average weight before sale did not differ between the vaccinated calves (196.6 kg, SD ± 39.9) and unvaccinated calves (198.1 kg, SD ± 42.7) (P value = .19). No adverse effects were noted.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Combination of the study results with previous studies suggests that autogenous M. bovis vaccines often are ineffective in controlling naturally occurring IBK.
Serial Measurement of Lactate Concentration in Horses with Acute Colitis
Authors: Hashimoto‐Hill S. , Magdesian K.G. , Kass P.H.
Published: October 2011

Background

Serial measurement of lactate concentration is utilized for therapeutic and prognostic purposes in human critical care. The prognostic value of serial lactate measurement in equine acute colitis warrants investigation.

Hypothesis

Serial lactate concentrations are predictive of outcome in horses with colitis.

Animals

A total of 101 horses with colitis.

Methods

Retrospective study. Plasma l‐lactate concentrations were measured at admission and at 4–8 and 24 hours after admission. Associations between admission, early (4–8 hours) and late (24 hours) lactate concentrations, and survival status were determined. The percent reduction in lactate concentration between admission and the early time point, and between admission and the late time point, was calculated. Using a cutoff value, associations between percent reduction in lactate and survival status and associations between percent reduction in lactate and clinical and clinicopathologic data were determined.

Results

There was no association between admission plasma lactate concentration and survival status (P = .26). The 4–8 and 24 hour after admission lactate concentrations were associated with survival status (P = .023, .013, respectively). Lactate cutoffs of ≤2.3 and ≤1.5 mmol/L had the maximum sensitivity and specificity for predicting survival at the 4–8 and 24 hour time points, respectively. When lactate reduction ≥30% at 4–8 hours and ≥50% at 24 hours after admission were used as the cutoffs, the percent reduction of lactate concentration was significantly associated with survival (P = .012 and .019, respectively).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The prognostic ability of serial measurement of blood lactate concentration warrants prospective study as a measure of therapeutic response in horses with colitis.
Comparisons of 2‐ and 3‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Methods for Estimation of Left Atrial Size in Dogs with and without Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Tidholm A. , Bodegård‐Westling A. , Höglund K. , Ljungvall I. , Häggström J.
Published: October 2011

Background

Two‐dimensional (2D) and real‐time three‐dimensional (RT3D) echocardiography can be used to assess left atrial (LA) size, but their correlation in dogs remains unknown.

Hypothesis

Estimations of LA size differ depending on the echocardiographic technique.

Animals

Privately owned dogs; 70 with myxomatous mitral valve disease and 32 healthy control dogs.

Methods

Prospective observational study comparing RT3D volume at atrial end‐diastole (RT3DLAd) with 4 different 2D methods of estimating LA size: LA diameter and area in short‐axis (LAsax and LAarea) and LA diameter in long‐axis (LAlax), both as indexed variables and as predictors of LA volume indexed to body weight (BW) using allometric scaling and geometric assumption of sphericity. Furthermore, agreement between indexed 2D based methods was studied using concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

None of the indexed 2D methods of estimating LA size showed good correlation with BW‐indexed RT3DLAd volumes. Estimates of LA volumes from 2D measurements using allometric scaling showed better correlation with RT3D volumes than corresponding calculated volume approximations. The best correlation was found between RT3DLAd and estimated LA volumes based on allometric scaling of LAlax (ρc = 0.89) followed by LAarea (ρc = 0.86) measurements. Comparing indexed 2D‐based measurements of LA size, best agreement was found between LAsax to aortic diameter and LAsax to expected LA diameter, based on allometric scaling.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Allometric scaling of 2D‐based measurements of LA showed good correlation with RT3DLAd, whereas corresponding indexed measurements or calculated volume approximations did not.
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy—What Can We Learn from Humans?
Authors: Dickey E.J. , Long S.N. , Hunt R.W.
Published: October 2011

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a condition that occurs in both human newborns and foals. The condition is the subject of extensive current research in human infants, but there have been no direct studies ofHIEin foals, and hence, knowledge of the condition has been extrapolated from studies in humans and other animal models. The purpose of this review article is to highlight the most up‐to‐date and relevant research in the human field, and discuss how this potentially might have an impact in the management of foals withHIE.
Community pharmacists' perceptions of barriers to communication with migrants
Authors: Cleland Jennifer A , Watson Margaret C , Walker Leighto , Denison Ala , Vanes Nei , Moffat Mand
Published: October 2011

Objectives

Effective communication by pharmacists is essential to ensure patient safety in terms of provision and use of medications by patients. Global migration trends mean community pharmacists increasingly encounter patients with a variety of first languages. The aim of this study was to explore community pharmacists' perceptions of communication barriers during the provision of care to A8 (nationals from central/Eastern European states) migrants.

Methods

A qualitative face-to-face interview study of purposively sampled community pharmacists, North East Scotland.

Key findings

Participants (n = 14) identified a number of barriers to providing optimal care to A8 migrants including: communication (information gathering and giving); confidentiality when using family/friends as translators; the impact of patient healthcare expectations on communication and the length of the consultation; and frustration with the process of the consultation.

Conclusions

Several barriers were specific to A8 migrants but most seemed pertinent to any group with limited English proficiency and reflect those found in studies of healthcare professionals caring for more traditional UK migrant populations. Further research is needed using objective outcome measures, such as consultation recordings, to measure the impact of these perceived barriers on pharmacist-patient consultations. Language and cultural barriers impact on the quality of pharmacist-patient communication and thus may have patient safety and pharmacist training implications.
Effects of Partial Slip on the Analytic Heat and Mass Transfer for the Incompressible Viscous Fluid of a Porous Rotating Disk Flow
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa
Published: October 2011

The present paper is concerned with a class of exact solutions to the steady Navier-Stokes equations for the incompressible Newtonian viscous fluid flow motion due to a porous disk rotating with a constant angular speed about its axis. The recent study (Turkyilmazoglu, 2009, “Exact Solutions for the Incompressible Viscous Fluid of a Porous Rotating Disk Flow,” Int. J. Non-Linear Mech., 44, pp. 352–357) is extended to account for the effects of partial flow slip and temperature jump imposed on the wall. The three-dimensional equations of motion are treated analytically yielding derivation of exact solutions for the flow and temperature fields. Explicit expressions representing the flow properties influenced by the slip as well as a uniform suction and injection are extracted, including the velocity, vorticity and temperature fields, shear stresses, flow and thermal layer thicknesses, and Nusselt number. The effects of variation in the slip parameters are better visualized from the formulae obtained.
Semiconductor nanopores formed by chemical vapor deposition of heteroepitaxial SiC films on SOI(100) substrates
Authors: Ikoma Yoshifumi , Yahaya Hafizal , Kuriyama Keiji , Sakita Hirofumi , Nishino Yuta , Motooka Teruaki
Published: October 2011

The authors investigated the formation of nanometer-scale pore (nanopore) arrays by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of heteroepitaxial SiC films on Si(100) membranes prepared by anisotropic etching of silicon on insulator substrates from the back-side surfaces. SiC heteroepitaxial films with thicknesses of ∼10 nm were grown by pulse jet CVD of CH3SiH3 gas. During the SiC growth, inverted pyramidal pits with {111} facets grew into the Si membranes due to the surface diffusion of Si atoms outward from the bulk Si. Nanopores were formed at the tips of the inverted pyramidal pits. The pore sizes were found to be dependent on the existence of the buried oxide layers under the Si membranes. It is suggested that maintaining the {111} facets during the SiC growth on the Si membrane is essential for smaller size (∼nm) pore formation.
Hot Carrier–Assisted Intrinsic Photoresponse in Graphene
Authors: Gabor Nathaniel M. , Song Justin C. W. , Ma Qiong , Nair Nityan L. , Taychatanapat Thiti , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Levitov Leonid S. , Jarillo-Herrero Pablo
Published: October 2011

Photoexcited electrons in graphene remain thermally excited because they cannot transfer this energy to lattice vibrations.
Complete Genome Sequence of Human Adenovirus Prototype 17
Authors: Dehghan Shoaleh , Seto Jason , Hudson Nolan R. , Robinson Christopher M. , Jones Morris S. , Dyer David W. , Chodosh James , Seto Donald
Published: October 2011

As one of the first five human adenoviruses (HAdVs) to be sequenced, type 17 was important as a reference tool for comparative genomics of recently isolated HAdV pathogens in species D. HAdV-D17 was the first species D adenovirus to be sequenced and was deposited in GenBank in 1999. These genome data were not of high quality, and a redetermination of the same stock virus provides corrected data; among the differences are a length of 35,139 bp versus 35,100 bp in the original, and 160 mismatches to the original genome were found. Annotation of the coding sequences reveals 39 as opposed to 8, a finding which is important for phylogenomic studies.
Improvement in lung diffusion by endothelin A receptor blockade at high altitude
Authors: de Bisschop Claire , Martinot Jean-Benoit , Leurquin-Sterk Gil , Faoro Vitalie , Guénard Hervé , Naeije Robert
Published: October 2011

Lung diffusing capacity has been reported variably in high-altitude newcomers and may be in relation to different pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Twenty-two healthy volunteers were investigated at sea level and at 5,050 m before and after random double-blind intake of the endothelin A receptor blocker sitaxsentan (100 mg/day) vs. a placebo during 1 wk. PVR was estimated by Doppler echocardiography, and exercise capacity by maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2 max). The diffusing capacities for nitric oxide (DLNO) and carbon monoxide (DLCO) were measured using a single-breath method before and 30 min after maximal exercise. The membrane component of DLCO(Dm) and capillary volume (Vc) was calculated with corrections for hemoglobin, alveolar volume, and barometric pressure. Altitude exposure was associated with unchanged DLCO, DLNO, and Dm but a slight decrease in Vc. Exercise at altitude decreased DLNOand Dm. Sitaxsentan intake improved V̇o2 maxtogether with an increase in resting and postexercise DLNOand Dm. Sitaxsentan-induced decrease in PVR was inversely correlated to DLNO. Both DLCOand DLNOwere correlated to V̇o2 maxat sea level ( r = 0.41–0.42, P < 0.1) and more so at altitude ( r = 0.56–0.59, P < 0.05). Pharmacological pulmonary vasodilation improves the membrane component of lung diffusion in high-altitude newcomers, which may contribute to exercise capacity.
Characterization of the Cellular and Antitumor Effects of MPI-0479605, a Small-Molecule Inhibitor of the Mitotic Kinase Mps1
Authors: Tardif Keith D. , Rogers Aaron , Cassiano Jared , Roth Bruce L. , Cimbora Daniel M. , McKinnon Rena , Peterson Ashley , Douce Thomas B. , Robinson Rosann , Dorweiler Irene , Davis Thaylon , Hess Mark A. , Ostanin Kirill , Papac Damon I. , Baichwal Vijay , McAlexander Ian , Willardsen J. Adam , Saunders Michael , Christophe Hoarau , Kumar D. Vijay , Wettstein Daniel A. , Carlson Robert O. , Williams Brandi L.
Published: October 2011

Mps1 is a dual specificity protein kinase that is essential for the bipolar attachment of chromosomes to the mitotic spindle and for maintaining the spindle assembly checkpoint until all chromosomes are properly attached. Mps1 is expressed at high levels during mitosis and is abundantly expressed in cancer cells. Disruption of Mps1 function induces aneuploidy and cell death. We report the identification of MPI-0479605, a potent and selective ATP competitive inhibitor of Mps1. Cells treated with MPI-0479605 undergo aberrant mitosis, resulting in aneuploidy and formation of micronuclei. In cells with wild-type p53, this promotes the induction of a postmitotic checkpoint characterized by the ATM- and RAD3-related-dependent activation of the p53–p21 pathway. In both wild-type and p53 mutant cells lines, there is a growth arrest and inhibition of DNA synthesis. Subsequently, cells undergo mitotic catastrophe and/or an apoptotic response. In xenograft models, MPI-0479605 inhibits tumor growth, suggesting that drugs targeting Mps1 may have utility as novel cancer therapeutics. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(12); 2267–75. ©2011 AACR.
Integrin α6high Cell Population Functions as an Initiator in Tumorigenesis and Relapse of Human Liposarcoma
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Lingxian , Gu Yanhong , Shu Yongqian , Shen Yan , Xu Qiang
Published: October 2011

The relapse and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy are main problems in the treatment of human liposarcoma. It is important to find a functional marker existing in the liposarcoma cells for targeting. In this article, we established a new sub-cell line SW872-S cells with high tumorigenicity from human liposarcoma SW872 cells by repeated inoculation approach. The characteristic of the sub-cell line is linked to the high levels of integrin α6 on the surface. The integrin α6high cells show much higher tumor initiation and self-renewal potential in vivo than integrin α6low cells do. Targeting integrin α6 with its specific short interfering RNA and antibody significantly inhibits the cell adhesion to laminin and the tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Interestingly, integrin α6 marks almost all of the surgical biopsy specimens of patients with liposarcoma relapse. Moreover, integrin α6 is found to coexpress with CD13, which might contribute to the antiapoptosis ability of integrin α6high cells. Consistently, integrin α6high cells are more sensitive to the CD13 inhibitor bestatin, and 61% of 23 other human tumor cell lines also contain integrin α6high CD13high subgroup. These results provide evidence, for the first time, to our knowledge, that integrin α6 and CD13 can serve as functional markers of the tumor-initiation subcell population in human liposarcoma as well as other cancers for therapeutic targeting. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(12); 2276–86. ©2011 AACR.
Death Receptor Pathway Activation and Increase of ROS Production by the Triple Epigenetic Inhibitor UVI5008
Authors: Nebbioso Angela , Pereira Raquel , Khanwalkar Harshal , Matarese Filomena , García-Rodríguez José , Miceli Marco , Logie Colin , Kedinger Valerie , Ferrara Felicetto , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. , de Lera Angel R. , Gronemeyer Hinrich , Altucci Lucia
Published: October 2011

Deregulation of the epigenome is recognized as cause of cancer and epigenetic factors are receiving major attention as therapeutic targets; yet, the molecular mode of action of existing epi-drugs is largely elusive. Here, we report on the decryption of the mechanism of action of UVI5008, a novel epigenetic modifier, that inhibits histone deacetylases, sirtuins, and DNA methyltransferases. UVI5008 highly efficiently induces cancer cell–selective death in a variety of models and exerts its activities in several human tumor xenografts and genetic mouse models of human breast cancer in vivo. Its anticancer activity involves independent activation of death receptors and reactive oxygen species production. Importantly, UVI5008 action is not critically dependent on p53, Bcl-2 modifying factor, and/or TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand as cell death is efficiently induced in cells mutated or deficient for these factors limiting the risk of drug resistance development and maximizing its application spectrum. The simultaneous modulation of multiple (epigenetic) targets promises to open new avenues with unanticipated potential against cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(12); 2394–404. ©2011 AACR.
Macrophage Polarization by Angiotensin II-Type 1 Receptor Aggravates Renal Injury-Acceleration of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Yamamoto Suguru , Yancey Patricia G. , Zuo Yiqin , Ma Li-Jun , Kaseda Ryohei , Fogo Agnes B. , Ichikawa Iekuni , Linton MacRae F. , Fazio Sergio , Kon Valentina
Published: October 2011

Objective—

Angiotensin II is a major determinant of atherosclerosis. Although macrophages are the most abundant cells in atherosclerotic plaques and express angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1), the pathophysiologic role of macrophage AT1 in atherogenesis remains uncertain. We examined the contribution of macrophage AT1 to accelerated atherosclerosis in an angiotensin II-responsive setting induced by uninephrectomy (UNx).

Methods and Results—

AT1
−/−
or AT1
+/+
marrow from apolipoprotein E deficient (apoE
−/−
) mice was transplanted into recipient apoE
−/−
mice with subsequent UNx or sham operation: apoE
−/−
/AT1
+/+
→apoE
−/−
+sham; apoE
−/−
/AT1
+/+
→apoE
−/−
+UNx; apoE
−/−
/AT1
−/−
→apoE
−/−
+sham; apoE
−/−
/AT1
−/−
→apoE
−/−
+UNx. No differences in body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, and serum creatinine were observed between the 2 UNx groups. ApoE
−/−
/AT1
+/+
→apoE
−/−
+UNx had significantly more atherosclerosis (16907±21473 versus 116071±8180 μm
2
,
P
<0.05). By contrast, loss of macrophage AT1 which reduced local AT1 expression, prevented any effect of UNx on atherosclerosis (77174±9947 versus 75714±11333 μm
2
,
P
=NS). Although UNx did not affect total macrophage content in the atheroma, lesions in apoE
−/−
/AT1
−/−
→apoE
−/−
+UNx had fewer classically activated macrophage phenotype (M1) and more alternatively activated phenotype (M2). Further, UNx did not affect plaque necrosis or apoptosis in apoE
−/−
/AT1
−/−
→apoE
−/−
whereas it significantly increased both (by 2- and 6-fold, respectively) in apoE
−/−
/AT1
+/+
→apoE
−/−
mice. Instead, apoE
−/−
/AT1
−/−
→apoE
−/−
had 5-fold–increase in macrophage-associated apoptotic bodies, indicating enhanced efferocytosis. In vitro studies confirmed blunted susceptibility to apoptosis, especially in M2 macrophages, and a more efficient phagocytic function of AT1
−/−
macrophages versus AT1
+/+
.

Conclusion—

AT1 receptor of bone marrow-derived macrophages worsens the extent and complexity of renal injury-induced atherosclerosis by shifting the macrophage phenotype to more M1 and less M2 through mechanisms that include increased apoptosis and impaired efferocytosis.
Contrast Extravasation on Computed Tomography Angiography Predicts Clinical Outcome in Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Li Na , Wang Yilong , Wang Wenjuan , Ma Li , Xue Jing , Weissenborn Karin , Dengler Reinhard , Worthmann Hans , Wang David Z. , Gao Peiyi , Liu Liping , Wang Yongjun , Zhao Xingquan
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—

Several retrospective studies suggested that contrast extravasation on CT angiography predicts hematoma expansion, poor outcome, and mortality in primary intracerebral hemorrhage. We aimed to determine the predictive value of contrast extravasation on multidetector CT angiography for clinical outcome in a prospective study.

Methods—

In 160 consecutive patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage admitted within 6 hours of symptom onset, noncontrast CT and multidetector CT angiography were performed on admission. A follow-up noncontrast CT was done at 24 hours. Multidetector CT angiography images were analyzed to identify the presence of contrast extravasation. Clinical outcome was assessed by modified Rankin Scale on discharge and at 90 days.

Results—

A total of 139 patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage were included in the final analysis. Contrast extravasation occurred in 30 (21.6%) patients. The presence of contrast extravasation was associated with increased hematoma expansion (
P
<0.0001), in-hospital mortality (
P
=0.008), prolonged hospital stay (
P
=0.006), poor outcome on discharge (
P
=0.025), increased 3-month mortality (
P
=0.009), and poor clinical outcome (
P
<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, contrast extravasation was a promising independent predictor (OR, 10.5; 95% CI, 3.2–34.7;
P
<0.0001) for 90-day poor clinical outcome followed by the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.5–7.7;
P
=0.003) and initial hematoma volume (OR, 1.0; 95% CI, 1.0–1.1;
P
=0.013).

Conclusions—

The presence of contrast extravasation on multidetector CT angiography in patients with hyperacute-stage intracerebral hemorrhage is an independent and strong factor associated with poor outcome. Any patient with intracerebral hemorrhage with such sign on multidetector CT angiography should be monitored intensely and treated accordingly.
Risk Profile of Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Sato Koji , Yoshimoto Yuhei
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—

Management of asymptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms remains controversial, and recent prospective follow-up studies showed that the rupture rate of small aneurysms is very low. These results are inconsistent with the finding that the majority of ruptured aneurysms in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage are small.

Methods—

A Markov model was constructed to simulate the natural history of intracranial aneurysms. All epidemiological and statistical data obtained from the Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan (e-Stat) were adjusted to the standardized age distribution. From the selected data of aneurysm formation, the prevalence of unruptured aneurysms was estimated as 1.45% and the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage calculated to be 19.7/100 000/year in the whole standardized population.

Results—

The function for rupture rate constant with time was first analyzed. Selected values for annual rupture rates of 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7%, and 1.0% showed inconsistencies in the relationship between the prevalence of unruptured aneurysm and the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Next, the function for a short period of high risk followed by a long period of low risk was considered. Annual rupture rates of 0.5%, 0.7%, and 1.0% indicated epidemiological compatibility with additional early rupture rates of 20%, 15%, and 10%, respectively.

Conclusions—

This study suggests that some aneurysms bleed shortly after formation and thus are rarely detected as unruptured aneurysms. Most aneurysms without early rupture remain stable for the remainder of life through some healing process, and prophylactic treatment for incidentally identified small unruptured aneurysms has no rationale.
Thrombolytic Therapy Rates and Stroke Severity
Authors: Stecksén Anna , Asplund Kjell , Appelros Peter , Glader Eva-Lotta , Norrving Bo , Eriksson Marie ,   for the Riks-Stroke Collaboration
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—

We tested the hypothesis that higher proportions of patients with minor stroke being treated with thrombolysis contribute to increasing overall rates of thrombolysis.

Methods—

We included 1743 ischemic stroke patients (age 18–80 years) treated with thrombolysis, recorded in the Swedish stroke register Riks-Stroke between 2007 and 2010. Minor stroke was defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5.

Results—

The proportion with minor stroke among patients treated with thrombolysis increased from 22.1% in 2007 to 28.7% in 2010 (
P
=0.021). The rate of increase did not differ significantly between men and women, age groups, or hospital types (university hospitals, other large hospitals, or community hospitals). Hospitals with high proportions of thrombolysis patients with minor stroke were more likely to have high thrombolysis frequencies (
R
=0.55;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

In recent years, an increase in the proportion of patients with minor stroke treated with thrombolysis has contributed to rising overall thrombolysis rates in Sweden. At the hospital level, high rates of thrombolysis are associated with a high proportion of minor stroke being treated.
Temporal Profile of Amygdala Gamma Oscillations in Response to Faces
Authors: Sato Wataru , Kochiyama Takanori , Uono Shota , Matsuda Kazumi , Usui Keiko , Inoue Yushi , Toichi Motomi
Published: October 2011

Neuroimaging studies have reported greater activation of the human amygdala in response to faces than to nonfacial stimuli, yet little is known about the temporal profile of this activation. We investigated this issue by recording the intracranial field potentials of the amygdala in participants undergoing preneurosurgical assessment (n = 6). Participants observed faces, mosaics, and houses in upright and inverted orientations using a dummy target detection task. Time–frequency statistical parametric mapping analyses revealed that the amygdala showed greater gamma-band activity in response to faces than to mosaics at 200–300 msec, with a peak at 255 msec. Gamma-band activation with a similar temporal profile was also found in response to faces versus houses. Activation patterns did not differ between upright and inverted presentations of stimuli. These results suggest that the human amygdala is involved in the early stages of face processing, including the modulation of subjective perception of faces.
The Influence of Language Proficiency on Lexical Semantic Processing in Native and Late Learners of English
Authors: Newman Aaron J. , Tremblay Antoine , Nichols Emily S. , Neville Helen J. , Ullman Michael T.
Published: October 2011

We investigated the influence of English proficiency on ERPs elicited by lexical semantic violations in English sentences, in both native English speakers and native Spanish speakers who learned English in adulthood. All participants were administered a standardized test of English proficiency, and data were analyzed using linear mixed effects (LME) modeling. Relative to native learners, late learners showed reduced amplitude and delayed onset of the N400 component associated with reading semantic violations. As well, after the N400 late learners showed reduced anterior negative scalp potentials and increased posterior potentials. In both native and late learners, N400 amplitudes to semantically appropriate words were larger for people with lower English proficiency. N400 amplitudes to semantic violations, however, were not influenced by proficiency. Although both N400 onset latency and the late ERP effects differed between L1 and L2 learners, neither correlated with proficiency. Different approaches to dealing with the high degree of correlation between proficiency and native/late learner group status are discussed in the context of LME modeling. The results thus indicate that proficiency can modulate ERP effects in both L1 and L2 learners, and for some measures (in this case, N400 amplitude), L1–L2 differences may be entirely accounted for by proficiency. On the other hand, not all effects of L2 learning can be attributed to proficiency. Rather, the differences in N400 onset and the post-N400 violation effects appear to reflect fundamental differences in L1–L2 processing.
Brain Oscillations during Spoken Sentence Processing
Authors: Peña Marcela , Melloni Lucia
Published: October 2011

Spoken sentence comprehension relies on rapid and effortless temporal integration of speech units displayed at different rates. Temporal integration refers to how chunks of information perceived at different time scales are linked together by the listener in mapping speech sounds onto meaning. The neural implementation of this integration remains unclear. This study explores the role of short and long windows of integration in accessing meaning from long samples of speech. In a cross-linguistic study, we explore the time course of oscillatory brain activity between 1 and 100 Hz, recorded using EEG, during the processing of native and foreign languages. We compare oscillatory responses in a group of Italian and Spanish native speakers while they attentively listen to Italian, Japanese, and Spanish utterances, played either forward or backward. The results show that both groups of participants display a significant increase in gamma band power (55–75 Hz) only when they listen to their native language played forward. The increase in gamma power starts around 1000 msec after the onset of the utterance and decreases by its end, resembling the time course of access to meaning during speech perception. In contrast, changes in low-frequency power show similar patterns for both native and foreign languages. We propose that gamma band power reflects a temporal binding phenomenon concerning the coordination of neural assemblies involved in accessing meaning of long samples of speech.
Spatio-temporal Brain Dynamics Mediating Post-error Behavioral Adjustments
Authors: Manuel Aurelie L. , Bernasconi Fosco , Murray Micah M. , Spierer Lucas
Published: October 2011

Optimal behavior relies on flexible adaptation to environmental requirements, notably based on the detection of errors. The impact of error detection on subsequent behavior typically manifests as a slowing down of RTs following errors. Precisely how errors impact the processing of subsequent stimuli and in turn shape behavior remains unresolved. To address these questions, we used an auditory spatial go/no-go task where continual feedback informed participants of whether they were too slow. We contrasted auditory-evoked potentials to left-lateralized go and right no-go stimuli as a function of performance on the preceding go stimuli, generating a 2 × 2 design with “preceding performance” (fast hit [FH], slow hit [SH]) and stimulus type (go, no-go) as within-subject factors. SH trials yielded SH trials on the following trials more often than did FHs, supporting our assumption that SHs engaged effects similar to errors. Electrophysiologically, auditory-evoked potentials modulated topographically as a function of preceding performance 80–110 msec poststimulus onset and then as a function of stimulus type at 110–140 msec, indicative of changes in the underlying brain networks. Source estimations revealed a stronger activity of prefrontal regions to stimuli after successful than error trials, followed by a stronger response of parietal areas to the no-go than go stimuli. We interpret these results in terms of a shift from a fast automatic to a slow controlled form of inhibitory control induced by the detection of errors, manifesting during low-level integration of task-relevant features of subsequent stimuli, which in turn influences response speed.
Recipes for Correcting the Impact of Effective Mesoscale Resolution on the Estimation of Extreme Winds
Authors: Larsén Xiaoli Guo , Ott Søren , Badger Jake , Hahmann Andrea N. , Mann Jakob
Published: October 2011

Extreme winds derived from simulations using mesoscale models are underestimated because of the effective spatial and temporal resolutions. This is reflected in the spectral domain as an energy deficit in the mesoscale range. The energy deficit implies smaller spectral moments and thus underestimation in the extreme winds. The authors have developed two approaches for correcting the smoothing effect resulting from the mesoscale model resolution that impacts the extreme wind estimation by taking into account the difference between the modeled and measured spectra in the high-frequency range. Both approaches give estimates of the smoothing effect that are in good agreement with measurements from several sites in Denmark and Germany.
Recanalization of Failed Autogenous Conduit Utilizing Laser Revascularization
Authors: Chander Rajiv K. , Oza Parind , Patel Mayank , Balar Nilesh
Published: October 2011

The traditional approach for the treatment of restenosis of autogenous vein bypass has been revision of bypass with vein patch angioplasty, interposition jump graft, or thrombectomy procedures for those patients with extensive occlusive disease and limb-threatening ischemia. Endovascular intervention traditionally involves angioplasty of the graft; however, vessels with diffuse disease or extensive longitudinal lesions are generally difficult to revascularize utilizing this technique. Surgical revision of a threatened autogenous vein graft may carry a morbidity rate as high as 13.6%. We present a series of cases in which excimer laser atherectomy (LA) was used to recanalize an occluded autogenous saphenous vein bypass. Of the occluded vein bypasses failed angioplasty and were successfully atherectomized with LA measuring lengths of 35 and 30 cm, respectively. The infrainguinal has a 6-month follow-up, while the infragencular has a follow-up of 1 year, with resolution of presenting symptoms.
Modeling tumor invasion and metastasis inDrosophila
Authors: Miles Wayne O. , Dyson Nicholas J. , Walker James A.
Published: October 2011

Conservation of major signaling pathways between humans and flies has made Drosophila a useful model organism for cancer research. Our understanding of the mechanisms regulating cell growth, differentiation and development has been considerably advanced by studies in Drosophila. Several recent high profile studies have examined the processes constraining the metastatic growth of tumor cells in fruit fly models. Cell invasion can be studied in the context of an in vivo setting in flies, enabling the genetic requirements of the microenvironment of tumor cells undergoing metastasis to be analyzed. This Perspective discusses the strengths and limitations of Drosophila models of cancer invasion and the unique tools that have enabled these studies. It also highlights several recent reports that together make a strong case for Drosophila as a system with the potential for both testing novel concepts in tumor progression and cell invasion, and for uncovering players in metastasis.
Gas-phase electrochemistry: Measuring absolute potentials and investigating ion and electron hydration
Authors: Donald William A. , Williams Evan R.
Published: October 2011

In solution, half-cell potentials and ion solvation energies (or enthalpies) are measured relative to other values, thus establishing ladders of thermochemical values that are referenced to the potential of the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) and the proton hydration energy (or enthalpy), respectively, which are both arbitrarily assigned a value of 0. In this focused review article, we describe three routes for obtaining absolute solution-phase half-cell potentials using ion nanocalorimetry, in which the energy resulting from electron capture (EC) by large hydrated ions in the gas phase are obtained from the number of water molecules lost from the reduced precursor cluster, which was developed by the Williams group at the University of California, Berkeley. Recent ion nanocalorimetry methods for investigating ion and electron hydration and for obtaining the absolute hydration enthalpy of the electron are discussed. From these methods, an absolute electrochemical scale and ion solvation scale can be established from experimental measurements without any models.
Long-Term Biological Variation of Serum Protein Electrophoresis M-Spike, Urine M-Spike, and Monoclonal Serum Free Light Chain Quantification: Implications for Monitoring Monoclonal Gammopathies
Authors: Katzmann Jerry A , Snyder Melissa R , Rajkumar S Vincent , Kyle Robert A , Therneau Terry M , Benson Joanne T , Dispenzieri Angela
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND

We analyzed serial data in patients with clinically stable monoclonal gammopathy to determine the total variation of serum M-spikes [measured with serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP)], urine M-spikes [measured with urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP)], and monoclonal serum free light chain (FLC) concentrations measured with immunoassay.

METHODS

Patients to be studied were identified by (a) no treatment during the study interval, (b) no change in diagnosis and <5 g/L change in serum M-spike over the course of observation; (c) performance of all 3 tests (SPEP, UPEP, FLC immunoassay) in at least 3 serial samples that were obtained 9 months to 5 years apart; (d) serum M-spike ≥10 g/L, urine M-spike ≥200 mg/24 h, or clonal FLC ≥100 mg/L. The total CV was calculated for each method.

RESULTS

Among the cohort of 158 patients, 90 had measurable serum M-spikes, 25 had urine M-spikes, and 52 had measurable serum FLC abnormalities. The CVs were calculated for serial SPEP M-spikes (8.1%), UPEP M-spikes (35.8%), and serum FLC concentrations (28.4%). Combining these CVs and the interassay analytical CVs, we calculated the biological CV for the serum M-spike (7.8%), urine M-spike (35.5%), and serum FLC concentration (27.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The variations in urine M-spike and serum FLC measurements during patient monitoring are similar and are larger than those for serum M-spikes. In addition, in this group of stable patients, a measurable serum FLC concentration was available twice as often as a measurable urine M-spike.