bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neighborhood disadvantage, individual‐level socioeconomic position, and self‐reported chronic arthritis: A cross‐sectional multilevel study
Authors: Brennan S. L. , Turrell G.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To examine the association between individual‐ and neighborhood‐level disadvantage and self‐reported arthritis.

Methods

We used data from a population‐based cross‐sectional study conducted in 2007 among 10,757 men and women ages 40–65 years, selected from 200 neighborhoods in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia using a stratified 2‐stage cluster design. Data were collected using a mail survey (68.5% response). Neighborhood disadvantage was measured using a census‐based composite index, and individual disadvantage was measured using self‐reported education, household income, and occupation. Arthritis was indicated by self‐report. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling.

Results

The overall rate of self‐reported arthritis was 23% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 22–24). After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, arthritis prevalence was greatest for women (odds ratio [OR] 1.5, 95% CI 1.4–1.7) and in those ages 60–65 years (OR 4.4, 95% CI 3.7–5.2), those with a diploma/associate diploma (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6), those who were permanently unable to work (OR 4.0, 95% CI 3.1–5.3), and those with a household income <$25,999 (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7–2.6). Independent of individual‐level factors, residents of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods were 42% (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.7) more likely than those in the least disadvantaged neighborhoods to self‐report arthritis. Cross‐level interactions between neighborhood disadvantage and education, occupation, and household income were not significant.

Conclusion

Arthritis prevalence is greater in more socially disadvantaged neighborhoods. These are the first multilevel data to examine the relationship between individual‐ and neighborhood‐level disadvantage upon arthritis and have important implications for policy, health promotion, and other intervention strategies designed to reduce the rates of arthritis, indicating that intervention efforts may need to focus on both people and places.
Muscle–tendon tissue properties in the hypermobility type of Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome
Authors: Rombaut Lies , Malfait Fransiska , De Wandele Inge , Mahieu Nele , Thijs Youri , Segers Patrick , De Paepe Anne , Calders Patrick
Published: January 2012

Objective

To investigate the passive properties of the plantar flexors muscle–tendon tissue in patients with the hypermobility type of Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (EDS‐HT).

Methods

Twenty‐five women with EDS‐HT and 25 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy control subjects participated in the study. Passive resistive torque (PRT) of the plantar flexors was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer during 2 standardized stretch protocols to obtain the passive muscle tension. Protocol 1 consisted of 4 continuous cycles to a predetermined angle of 10° dorsiflexion. Protocol 2 consisted of a slow stretch to the onset of pain. Torque, angle, and electromyography were simultaneously recorded during the tests. To take muscle thickness into account, muscle cross‐sectional area (MCSA) was obtained with peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Stiffness of the Achilles tendon was assessed using a dynamometer in combination with ultrasonography.

Results

The results demonstrate a significantly larger maximal joint angle in the EDS‐HT patients accompanied by a similar PRT compared to the control subjects (protocol 2), indicating a lower passive muscle tension in the patient group. PRT for the predetermined angle (protocol 1) was the same for both groups and there was no difference in MSCA. Furthermore, a significantly lower Achilles tendon stiffness was seen in the patient group than in the control group.

Conclusion

This study is the first to provide evidence for altered passive properties of the muscle–tendon unit in EDS‐HT patients. These changes are thought to be associated with structural modifications in connective tissue.
Clinical tool to identify patients who are most likely to achieve long‐term improvement in physical function after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Judge Andy , Javaid M. Kassim , Arden Nigel K. , Cushnaghan Janet , Reading Isabel , Croft Peter , Dieppe Paul A. , Cooper Cyrus
Published: January 2012

Objective

To develop a clinical risk prediction tool to identify patients most likely to experience long‐term clinically meaningful functional improvement following total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

We studied 282 patients from 2 health districts in England (Portsmouth and North Staffordshire) who were ≥45 years of age and undergoing THA for primary osteoarthritis. Baseline data on age, sex, comorbidity, body mass index (BMI), functional status (Short Form 36 [SF‐36]), and preoperative radiographic severity were collected by interview and examination. The outcome was a clinically significant (30‐point) improvement in SF‐36 physical function score assessed ∼8 years after THA. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify predictors of functional improvement.

Results

Improvement in physical function was less likely in patients with better preoperative functioning (odds ratio [OR] 0.73 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.60, 0.89]), older people (OR 0.94 [95% CI 0.90, 0.98]), women (OR 0.37 [95% CI 0.19, 0.72]), those with a previous hip injury (OR 0.14 [95% CI 0.03, 0.74]), and those with a greater number of painful joint sites (OR 0.61 [95% CI 0.46, 0.80]). Patients with worse radiographic grades were most likely to improve (OR 2.15 [95% CI 1.17, 3.93]). We found no influence of BMI or patient comorbidity on functional outcome. Predictors of good outcomes were the same as those of bad outcomes, acting in the opposite direction. A clinical risk prediction tool was developed to identify patients who are most likely to receive functional improvement following THA.

Conclusion

This prediction tool has the potential to inform health care professionals and patients about functional improvement following THA (as distinct from driving rationing or commissioning decisions regarding who should have surgery); it requires introduction into clinical practice under research conditions to investigate its impact on decisions made by patients and clinicians.
Long‐term outcome of lupus nephritis in Asian Indians
Authors: Dhir Varun , Aggarwal Amita , Lawrence Able , Agarwal Vikas , Misra Ramnath
Published: January 2012

Objective

There are sparse data on outcome of lupus nephritis from developing countries. This study looks at outcome in Asian Indians.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients at a single center over 20 years. Patients were treated as per standard protocols. The primary outcome measure was chronic renal failure or death; the secondary outcome was end‐stage renal disease or death. The worst‐case scenario was also calculated, considering those lost to followup in the first year as events. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and the log rank test were used for survival analysis. Data are shown as the mean ± SD.

Results

We included 188 patients with lupus nephritis, with a female:male ratio of 11:1, a mean ± SD age at onset of 23.6 ± 10.5 years, and a median followup time of 6 years (interquartile range 3–9 years). Of 136 patients with a biopsy sample, the distribution was as follows: class II in 22, class III in 36, class IV in 61, class V in 16, and class VI in 1. Survival with normal renal function was 84%, 69%, and 57% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively; in the worst‐case scenario, survival was 77%, 63%, and 51%, respectively. There was no difference in survival by histologic class; however, nonbiopsied patients had lower survival. Renal survival was 91%, 81%, and 76% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively; in the worst‐case scenario, survival was 79%, 70%, and 66%, respectively. Risk factors for poor outcome were low C3, hematuria, hypertension, creatinine, lack of remission, and occurrence of major infection. There was a high rate of major infections of 42.3%, with tuberculosis at 11.5%. Infections caused one‐half of all deaths.

Conclusion

The outcome of lupus nephritis in Asian Indians with standard immunosuppressive regimens is reasonable, but immunosuppression is associated with a high rate of infection.
Predicting future response to certolizumab pegol in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Features at 12 weeks associated with low disease activity at 1 year
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Luijtens Kristel , Kavanaugh Arthur
Published: January 2012

Objective

To determine the prognostic significance of data collected early after starting certolizumab pegol (CZP) to predict low disease activity (LDA) at week 52.

Methods

Data from 703 CZP‐treated patients in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Prevention of Structural Damage 1 (RAPID 1) trial through week 12 were used as variables to predict LDA (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints–erythrocyte sedimentation rate ≤3.2) at week 52. We identified variables, developed prediction models using classification trees, and tested performance using training and testing data sets. Additional prediction models were constructed using the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and an alternate outcome definition (composite of LDA or American College of Rheumatology criteria for 50% improvement [ACR50]).

Results

Using week 6 and 12 data and across several different prediction models, response (LDA) and nonresponse at 1 year were predicted with relatively high accuracy (70–90%) for most patients. The best performing model predicting nonresponse by 12 weeks was 90% accurate and applied to 46% of the population. Model accuracy for predicted responders (30% of the RAPID 1 population) was 74%. The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.76. Depending on the desired certainty of prediction at 12 weeks, ∼12–25% of patients required >12 weeks of treatment to be accurately classified. CDAI‐based models and those evaluating the composite outcome (LDA or ACR50) achieved comparable accuracy.

Conclusion

We could accurately predict within 12 weeks of starting CZP whether most established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with high baseline disease activity would likely achieve/not achieve LDA at 1 year. Decision trees may be useful to guide prospective management for RA patients treated with CZP and other biologics.
Prediction of Fatigue Lives of MAR‐M247 LC Based on the Crack Closure Concept
Authors: Gelmedin Domnin , Lang Karl‐Heinz , Newman James C.
Published: January 2012

Low cycle fatigue (LCF), high cycle fatigue (HCF), and combined LCF and HCF tests are carried out on MAR‐M247 LC at 650 °C in air environment. Under combined LCF and HCF loading, block striations form on the fracture surface which are used to complete an effective crack growth curve by using the linear summation model. Crack growth lives starting from equivalent initial flaw sizes are calculated by the crack closure code FASTRAN and compared with experimental fatigue lives. Under HCF loading, predicted and experimental fatigue lives agree well for lifetimes above 105 cycles. Lower lifetimes are overestimated indicating that the linear summation model is not valid for MAR‐M247 LC in this loading range. Interactions between the non‐crystallographic HCF crack growth and striated crack growth that is caused by the LCF loading are probably responsible for this behavior.
Gold Coating of Silver Nanoprisms
Authors: Shahjamali Mohammad Mehdi , Bosman Michel , Cao Shaowen , Huang Xiao , Saadat Somaye , Martinsson Erik , Aili Daniel , Tay Yee Yan , Liedberg Bo , Loo Say Chye Joachim , Zhang Hua , Boey Freddy , Xue Can
Published: January 2012

Core–shell Ag@Au nanoprisms are prepared through a surfactant‐free seed‐mediated approach by taking advantage of the anisotropic structure of silver nanoprisms as seeds. The gold coating on the silver nanoprism surface is achieved by using hydroxylamine as a mild reducing agent, and the final fully gold‐coated prism structures are confirmed by microscopic and spectroscopic characterization. The resulting Ag@Au core–shell structure preserves the optical signatures of nanoprisms and offers versatile functionality and particularly better stability against oxidation than the bare silver nanoprism. The surface plasmon resonances of the core–shell Ag@Au nanoprisms can be tuned throughout the visible and near‐IR range as a function of the Au shell thickness. Such tailorable optical features and surfactant‐free gold shells have great potential applications in biosensing and bioimaging.
Perylene Imides for Organic Photovoltaics: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Authors: Li Chen , Wonneberger Henrike
Published: January 2012

Perylene imides have been an object of research for 100 years and their derivatives are key n‐type semiconductors in the field of organic electronics. While perylene diimides have been applied in many electronic and photonic devices, their use can be traced back to the first efficient organic solar cell. By functionalizing different positions of the in total 12 positions (four peri, four bay, and four ortho‐positions) on the perylene core, perylene imides with significantly different optical, electronic and morphological properties may be prepared. Perylene imides and their derivatives have been used in several types of organic photovoltaics, including flat‐, and bulk‐heterojunction devices as well as dye‐sensitized solar cells. Additionally perylene imides‐based copolymers or oligomers play an important role in single junction devices. In this review, the relationship between the photovoltaic performance and the structure of perylene imides is discussed.
Perturbation of nuclear lamin A causes cell death in chondrocytes
Authors: Attur Mukundan , Ben‐Artzi Ami , Yang Qing , Al‐Mussawir Hayf E. , Worman Howard J. , Palmer Glyn , Abramson Steven B.
Published: January 2012

Objective

Mutations in LMNA encoding the A‐type lamins cause several diseases, including those with features of premature aging and skeletal abnormalities. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of lamin A in cartilage from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and the effects of its overexpression on chondrocyte senescence and apoptosis.

Methods

Human chondrocyte‐like cells (SW‐1353) were used. RNA isolated from human OA and non‐OA cartilage was used for profiling messenger RNA expression, using Affymetrix microarray analysis. The effects of lamin A overexpression on mitochondrial function and apoptosis were examined by assessing mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP levels, and cytochrome c release, and with a TUNEL assay. Western blotting was performed to determine protein expression.

Results

Lamin A expression was markedly elevated in OA cartilage samples compared with non‐OA control samples. Western blot analysis confirmed increased expression of lamin A in OA compared with non‐OA cartilage. Interleukin‐1β treatment inhibited lamin A accumulation, whereas treatment with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) caused a marked increase in lamin A accumulation. These effects of exogenous PGE2 on lamin A expression were mediated via the EP2/EP4 receptors. Transfected chondrocytes that expressed lamin A displayed markers of early senescence/apoptosis.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that lamin A is up‐regulated in OA chondrocytes, and that increased nuclear accumulation of lamin A in response to catabolic stress may account for the premature aging phenotype and apoptosis of OA chondrocytes.
Evaluation of TRAF6 in a large multiancestral lupus cohort
Authors: Namjou Bahram , Choi Chan‐Bum , Harley Isaac T. W. , Alarcón‐Riquelme Marta E. ,   BIOLUPUS Network, Kelly Jennifer A. , Glenn Stuart B. , Ojwang Joshua O. , Adler Adam , Kim Kwangwoo , Gallant Caroline J. , Boackle Susan A. , Criswell Lindsey A. , Kimberly Robert P. , Brown Elizabeth E. , Edberg Jeffrey , Alarcón Graciela S. , Stevens Anne M. , Jacob Chaim O. , Gilkeson Gary S. , Kamen Diane L. , Tsao Betty P. , Anaya Juan‐Manuel , Kim Eun‐Mi , Park So‐Yeon , Sung Yoon‐Kyoung , Guthridge Joel M. , Merrill Joan T. , Petri Michelle , Ramsey‐Goldman Rosalind , Vilá Luis M. , Niewold Timothy B. , Martin Javier , Pons‐Estel Bernardo A. ,   Genoma en Lupus Network, Vyse Timothy J. , Freedman Barry I. , Moser Kathy L. , Gaffney Patrick M. , Williams Adrienne H. , Comeau Mary E. , Reveille John D. , Kang Changwon , James Judith A. , Scofield R. Hal , Langefeld Carl D. , Kaufman Kenneth M. , Harley John B. , Bae Sang‐Cheol
Published: January 2012

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease with significant immune system aberrations resulting from complex heritable genetics as well as environmental factors. We undertook to study the role of TRAF6 as a candidate gene for SLE, since it plays a major role in several signaling pathways that are important for immunity and organ development.

Methods

Fifteen single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across TRAF6 were evaluated in 7,490 SLE patients and 6,780 control subjects from different ancestries. Population‐based case–control association analyses and meta‐analyses were performed. P values, false discovery rate q values, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.

Results

Evidence of associations was detected in multiple SNPs. The best overall P values were obtained for SNPs rs5030437 and rs4755453 (P = 7.85 × 10−5 and P = 4.73 × 10−5, respectively) without significant heterogeneity among populations (P = 0.67 and P = 0.50, respectively, in Q statistic). In addition, SNP rs540386, which was previously reported to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), was found to be in linkage disequilibrium with these 2 SNPs (r2 = 0.95) and demonstrated evidence of association with SLE in the same direction (meta‐analysis P = 9.15 × 10−4, OR 0.89 [95% CI 0.83–0.95]). The presence of thrombocytopenia improved the overall results in different populations (meta‐analysis P = 1.99 × 10−6, OR 0.57 [95% CI 0.45–0.72], for rs5030470). Finally, evidence of family‐based association in 34 African American pedigrees with the presence of thrombocytopenia was detected in 1 available SNP (rs5030437) with a Z score magnitude of 2.28 (P = 0.02) under a dominant model.

Conclusion

Our data indicate the presence of association of TRAF6 with SLE, consistent with the previous report of association with RA. These data provide further support for the involvement of TRAF6 in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity.
Inhibiting calcineurin activity under physiologic tonicity elevates anabolic but suppresses catabolic chondrocyte markers
Authors: van der Windt Anna E. , Haak Esther , Kops Nicole , Verhaar Jan A. N. , Weinans Harrie , Jahr Holger
Published: January 2012

Objective

The physiologic interstitial tonicity of healthy articular cartilage (350–480 mOsm) is lowered to 280–350 mOsm in osteoarthritis (OA). This results in loss of tissue prestress, altered compressive behavior, and, thus, inferior tissue properties. This study was undertaken to determine whether physiologic tonicity in combination with the inhibition of calcineurin (Cn) activity by FK‐506 has synergistic effects on human articular chondrocytes and explants in vitro.

Methods

OA chondrocytes and explants and non‐OA chondrocytes were cultured in cytokine‐free medium of 280 mOsm or 380 mOsm with or without Cn inhibition by FK‐506. Chondrogenic, hypertrophic, and catabolic marker expression was evaluated at the messenger RNA (mRNA), protein, and activity levels.

Results

Compared to OA chondrocytes cultured at 280 mOsm, those cultured at 380 mOsm had increased expression of mRNA for chondrogenic markers (e.g., ∼13 fold for COL2; P < 0.001), and decreased COL1 expression (∼0.5 fold, P < 0.01). Inhibiting Cn activity under physiologic tonicity further enhanced the expression of anabolic markers at the mRNA level (∼50 fold for COL2; P < 0.001, ∼2 fold for AGC1; P < 0.001, and ∼3.5 fold for SOX9; P < 0.001) and at the protein level (∼6 fold for type II collagen; P < 0.001). Cn inhibition suppressed relevant collagenases as well as hypertropic and mineralization markers at the mRNA and activity levels. Expression of aggrecanase 1 and aggrecanase 2 was not influenced by tonicity or FK‐506 alone, but the combination suppressed both, by ∼50% (P < 0.05) and ∼40% (P < 0.001), respectively. Generally, similar anabolic and antihypertrophic effects were observed in ex vivo cartilage explant cultures and non‐OA chondrocytes.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that Cn at physiologic tonicity exerts a superior effect compared to physiologic tonicity or FK‐506 alone, increasing anabolic markers while suppressing hypertrophic and catabolic markers. Our data may aid in the development of improved cell‐based chondral repair and OA treatment strategies.
DNA demethylation of CD40L in CD4+ T cells from women with systemic sclerosis: A possible explanation for female susceptibility
Authors: Lian XiaoRi , Xiao Rong , Hu Xinhong , Kanekura Takuro , Jiang HongYan , Li YaPing , Wang YaoYao , Yang Yan , Zhao Ming , Lu QianJin
Published: January 2012

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with a predilection for women. The interaction between CD40 and CD154 (CD40L) is known to be involved in the development of SSc. Although CD40L is overexpressed in patients with SSc, the mechanisms leading to this overexpression are not well understood. We previously demonstrated that DNA demethylation reactivates the silent X chromosome, resulting in CD40L overexpression in healthy women. We hypothesized that CD40L up‐regulation by DNA demethylation and subsequent reactivation of the silent X chromosome in female patients with SSc explain the susceptibility of women to SSc. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DNA demethylation on CD40L expression in CD4+ T cells from female patients with SSc.

Methods

CD40L expression in CD4+ T cells from patients with SSc and healthy control subjects was measured by flow cytometry and real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Bisulfite sequencing was performed to determine the methylation status of the CD40L regulatory region.

Results

CD40L expression was significantly elevated in female patients with SSc. The methylation levels of the DNA regulatory sequences were reduced in female patients with SSc compared with healthy women, and there was a significant inverse correlation between the average methylation level and CD40L mRNA expression in female patients with SSc. In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the expression of CD40L between male patients with SSc and male control subjects. The DNA regulatory regions in both male patients and male control subjects were largely unmethylated.

Conclusion

Demethylation of CD40L regulatory elements on the inactive X chromosome contributes to CD40L overexpression in CD4+ T cells from female patients with SSc.
Anatomists provide the foundation for learning pathophysiology
Authors: McBride Jennifer M. , Bierer S. B.
Published: January 2012

The need for interdisciplinary graduate training programs which prepare students to conceptualize the application of their research in clinical settings continues to grow. Though several programs have been cultivated to address this need, demand still outweighs supply. The following describes a curriculum developed with the intent of incorporating medical knowledge into a PhD graduate training program. Development of this Molecular Medicine program by the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University was funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute “Med into Grad” initiative. The core curriculum of this program begins with a foundation in Human Physiology and Disease course in which anatomy faculty introduce students to a basic overview of gross anatomy structure and function. This course is followed by five fundamental basic science courses, a composite course focusing on principles of clinical and translation research, a course on laboratory techniques and three, 12‐week research rotations. In the second year of the program, students begin their dissertation research, complete their qualifying examination, and partake in an individually tailored Clinical Experience course. Interdisciplinary graduate programs like this provide another venue for faculty in anatomical sciences to help aspiring translational scientists relate basic science knowledge to human pathophysiology and health. Anat Sci Educ. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Computer visualizations: Factors that influence spatial anatomy comprehension
Authors: Nguyen Ngan , Nelson Andrew J. , Wilson Timothy D.
Published: January 2012

Computer visualizations are increasingly common in education across a range of subject disciplines, including anatomy. Despite optimism about their educational potential, students sometime have difficulty learning from these visualizations. The purpose of this study was to explore a range of factors that influence spatial anatomy comprehension before and after instruction with different computer visualizations. Three major factors were considered: (1) visualization ability (VZ) of learners, (2) dynamism of the visual display, and (3) interactivity of the system. Participants (N = 60) of differing VZs (high, low) studied a group of anatomical structures in one of three visual conditions (control, static, dynamic) and one of two interactive conditions (interactive, non‐interactive). Before and after the study phase, participants' comprehension of spatial anatomical information was assessed using a multiple‐choice spatial anatomy task (SAT) involving the mental rotation of the anatomical structures, identification of the structures in 2D cross‐sections, and localization of planes corresponding to given cross‐sections. Results indicate that VZ had a positive influence on SAT performance but instruction with different computer visualizations could modulate the effect of VZ on task performance. Anat Sci Educ. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Risk factors for postoperative bleeding after thyroid surgery
Authors: Promberger R , Ott J , Kober F , Koppitsch C , Seemann R , Freissmuth M , Hermann M
Published: January 2012

Background

Postoperative bleeding after thyroid surgery is a feared and life-threatening complication. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors for postoperative bleeding, with special emphasis on the impact of the individual surgeon and the time to diagnosis of the complication.

Methods

Data on consecutive thyroid operations were collected prospectively in a database over 30 years and analysed retrospectively for potential risk factors for postoperative bleeding.

Results

There were 30 142 operations and postoperative bleeding occurred in 519 patients (1·7 per cent). Risk factors identified were older age (odds ratio (OR) 1·03 per year), male sex (OR 1·64), extent of resection (OR up to 1·41), bilateral procedure (OR 1·99) and operation for recurrent disease (OR 1·54). The risk of complications among individual surgeons differed by up to sevenfold. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 336 (80·6 per cent) of 417 patients within the first 6 h after surgery. Postoperative bleeding was diagnosed after 24 h in ten patients (2·4 per cent), all of whom had bilateral procedures. Nine patients required urgent tracheostomy. Three patients died, giving a mortality rate of 0·01 per cent overall and 0·6 per cent among patients who had surgery for postoperative bleeding.

Conclusion

Observation for up to 24 h is recommended for the majority of patients undergoing bilateral thyroid surgery in an endemic goitre area. Same-day discharge is feasible in selected patients, especially after a unilateral procedure. Quality improvement by continuous outcome monitoring and retraining of individual surgeons is suggested.
Supramolecular cellular filament systems: How and why do they form?
Authors: Popp David , Robinson Robert C.
Published: January 2012

All cells, from simple bacteria to complex human tissues, rely on extensive networks of protein fibers to help maintain their proper form and function. These filament systems usually do not operate as single filaments, but form complex suprastructures, which are essential for specific cellular functions. Here, we describe the progress in determining the architectures of molecular filamentous suprastructures, the principles leading to their formation, and the mechanisms by which they may facilitate function. The complex eukaryotic cytoskeleton is tightly regulated by a large number of actin‐ or microtubule‐associated proteins. In contrast, recently discovered bacterial actins and tubulins have few associated regulatory proteins. Hence, the quest to find basic principles that govern the formation of filamentous suprastructures is simplified in bacteria. Three common principles, which have been probed extensively during evolution, can be identified that lead to suprastructures formation: cationic counterion fluctuations; self‐association into liquid crystals; and molecular crowding. The underlying physics of these processes will be discussed with respect to physiological circumstance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Towards a Sustainable Coffee Market: Paradoxes Faced by a Multinational Company
Authors: Kolk Ans
Published: January 2012

This paper examines the case of sustainable coffee as faced by Sara Lee's International Coffee and Tea Division (SL), asking which strategic direction the company should take considering its regulatory, competitive, and societal contexts. More than a decade after sustainable coffee became a strategic issue for SL, emerging public purchasing guidelines seem to exclude the ‘mainstream‐market’ policy of the company and instead favour the Fairtrade standard that embodies a niche approach. The case presents the strategic, organisational, and marketing dimensions, in their international supply‐chain and industry dynamics. It raises the question what it means for a large, mainstream, multinational company to move to sustainability when the issues at hand are very complex, when consumer awareness is limited, and when the market for sustainable coffee is not yet mature. Several strategic options are presented, each with their pros and cons, as input for further discussion and research on the paradoxes related to sustainability and international business. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Catalytic Hydrocarbon Functionalization with Gold Complexes Containing N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands with Pendant Donor Groups
Authors: Delgado‐Rebollo Manuela , Beltrán Álvaro , Prieto Auxiliadora , Mar Díaz‐Requejo M. , Echavarren Antonio M. , Pérez Pedro J.
Published: January 2012

A series of silver and gold complexes bearing N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands with a –CH2CO2Et pendant group attached to one N atom of the NHC ligand have been prepared. The catalytic properties of the gold complexes toward the decomposition of ethyl diazoacetate (N2CHCO2Et) and the transfer of the carbene CHCO2Et group to benzene and hexane have been investigated. A somewhat different reaction outcome has been found for this family of gold catalysts compared with the parent IPrAuCl catalyst.
Chiral separation of Huperzine A using CE – Method validation and application in pharmaceutical formulations
Authors: Tsioupi Despina A. , Nicolaou Irene N. , Moore Leonard , Kapnissi‐Christodoulou Constantina P.
Published: January 2012

The aim of this work is the development, validation and application of an MEKC method for the chiral separation of Huperzine A. Huperzine A is an important compound that is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. However, only the (−)‐form of this compound is biologically active and behaves as a potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Therefore, the separation of the (−)‐form from the (+)‐form is of greatest importance. Optimal conditions, regarding resolution and analysis time, were established by altering several experimental parameters, such as temperature, field strength, pH, type and concentration of BGE and chiral selector. A major problem that had to be solved in this study was the low intensity and efficiency of the peaks. More parameters were examined, such as the addition of modifiers, to optimize further the separation, and particularly the efficiency. Baseline enantioseparation was achieved by using a BGE of 50 mM acetate (pH 5.0), supplemented with 0.2% w/v poly(sodium N‐undecanoyl‐ll‐alanyl‐valinate) and 10% v/v tert‐butanol. Finally, the optimum conditions were applied to a pharmaceutical formulation, to demonstrate the ability of the method to control the purity of the (−)‐Huperzine A in pharmaceutical formulations.
Flower and inflorescence development in Salicornia (Chenopodiaceae)
Authors: Beer Svetlana S. , Beer Anton S. , Sokoloff Dmitry D.
Published: January 2012

Five species of Salicornia are investigated with respect to flower and inflorescence development. The triad of flowers likely represents a dichasium. Flowers possess three to four tepals, one or two stamens and two or three carpels. In the central flower of a triad, stamen insertion is always in the median plane, which is a major symmetry plane of a flower. Major symmetry planes of lateral flowers are usually parallel to the major symmetry plane of the central flower, whereas they are expected to be perpendicular to that of the central flower according to the dichasium model. This could be explained by strong displacement of positions of ablasted subtending bracts of lateral flowers from the transversal plane towards the subtending bract of the dichasium. This study showed the absence of a clear correlation between presence of one or two stamens and ploidy level in Salicornia. The species S. heterantha exhibits one of most curious combinations of different types of organ fusion in angiosperms. All three flowers of a dichasium have their perianth tube basally congenitally united with the main inflorescence axis. The distal part of the perianth tube of central flowers of S. heterantha is postgentinally fused to the inflorescence main axis. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relationship of endothelial function and atherosclerosis to treatment response in late‐life depression
Authors: Paranthaman R. , Greenstein A. , Burns A. S. , Heagerty A. M. , Malik R. A. , Baldwin R. C.
Published: January 2012

Objective

Treatment response in late‐life depression has been linked to cerebrovascular disease notably via the vascular depression hypothesis. This study investigated the relationship between endothelial function and atherosclerosis and treatment response to antidepressant monotherapy.

Methods

Twenty five patients with late‐life depression were compared with 21 non‐depressed control subjects in a case control study. Nine of the depressed subjects were responders to antidepressant monotherapy and 16 were not. Vascular measures included assessment of carotid intima media thickness (IMT) representing atherosclerosis and biopsied small artery dilatation to acetylcholine to assess endothelial function in a subset of subjects.

Results

There were no group differences in vascular risks or sociodemographic variables. There was a significant group difference (responders versus non‐responders versus controls) on both IMT and endothelial function (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) with a significant difference between controls and non‐responders (p < 0.001) on IMT and between controls and responders (p < 0.05) and control versus non‐responders (p < 0.05) on endothelial function but no significant difference between responders and non‐responders. On both IMT and endothelial function, there was a gradient across groups, with control subjects having best vascular structure or function, non‐responders worse and responders in‐between.

Conclusions

The results are consistent with a hypothesis that poorer antidepressant response in later life depressive disorder may be linked to an underlying vascular dysfunction and pathology. The study is small, and the results require replication but if confirmed, trials with vasoprotective medication aimed at improving vascular function in order to alter the prognosis of late‐life depression would be a rational development. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of cevimeline to improve oral health in patients with postradiation xerostomia
Authors: Witsell David L. , Stinnett Sandra , Chambers Mark S.
Published: January 2012

Background

We assessed the effectiveness of cevimeline 30 mg 3 times daily in patient‐reported oral health (Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP‐49]) and quality of life (QOL) in patients with xerostomia.

Methods

In our investigator‐initiated, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, patients who received >40 Gy of radiation therapy to the head and neck including at least 3 major salivary glands were randomized to cevimeline 30 mg or placebo orally 3 times daily for 6 weeks. Patients had to have grade 1 or 2 xerostomia and be >16 weeks posttreatment. Clinical data were collected and questionnaires administered at baseline and week 6. The primary outcome was change in OHIP‐49 total score from baseline to week 6.

Results

No statistically significant differences in oral health or QOL were observed. During the 6 weeks of the study, the severity of xerostomia decreased from baseline.

Conclusions

Xerostomia is a significant sequela of treatment of head and neck cancer that may improve with time. The role of oral parasympathetic muscarinic secretogogues in alleviating patient symptoms and complaints remains unclear. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Is antipsychotic treatment linked to low bone mineral density and osteoporosis? A review of the evidence and the clinical implications
Authors: Crews Matthieu P K , Howes Oliver D
Published: January 2012

Objective

Osteoporosis is increasingly common worldwide and there is a growing concern that the long‐term use of antipsychotic medications increases the risk of this disorder. In this review, we consider whether antipsychotics may contribute to the development of osteoporosis through reductions in bone mineral density, discuss the possible mechanisms involved and consider the clinical implications of such a relationship.

Methods

We searched the literature for studies in this area published between 1966 and 2010 using the Medline and PubMed databases, supplemented by hand searches of retrieved reports.

Results

The available data indicate that statistically significant reductions in bone mineral density are frequently seen in patients prescribed with antipsychotic medications and suggest that there is a higher incidence of clinically significant reductions compared with the normal population.

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware for the potential negative effects of antipsychotic medications on bone mineral density, particularly in patients with additional risk factors for osteoporosis. Recommendations regarding routine monitoring of bone mineral density for patients prescribed antipsychotic medications cannot be made on the basis of existing evidence, and more research is required. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chiral separation of mandelic acid by temperature‐induced aqueous two‐phase system
Authors: Xing Jian‐min , Li Fen‐fang
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: R‐mandelic acid is an important chiral pharmaceutical intermediate, which is commonly obtained by biotransformation. This work has focused on using novel chiral recognition technology, aqueous two‐phase extraction, for the chiral separation of mandelic acid.

RESULTS: The copper (II) formed a 2:1 complex with β‐CD in an alkaline solution, which was isolated from solution by the addition of ethanol. The complex structure was characterized by IR and UV spectroscopy. The chiral recognition system was established by adding Cu2‐β‐CD into the triton‐114 aqueous two‐phase extraction system, which preferentially recognizes the (R)‐enantiomer rather than the (S)‐enantiomer. Factors affecting the extraction mechanism were analyzed, namely the concentration of Cu2‐β‐CD and tritonX‐114, the types of salts, pH, and temperature. It was found that the concentration of Cu2‐β‐CD and temperature were the most important influencing factors for chiral separation of mandedlic acid. The experimental results showed that the ee values increased with pH and concentration of trition‐114, and the maximum ee was 67.91%. The addition of inorganic salt had a strong influence on ee, which decreased when salt was added into the aqueous two‐phase extraction system.

CONCLUSION: A novel chiral recognition technology ‐ aqueous two phase extraction is reported in this paper.The tritonX‐114 aqueous two phase system have a good recognition ability for mandelic acid. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of bacterial inoculum ratio in mixed culture for decolourization and detoxification of pulp paper mill effluent
Authors: Chandra Ram , Singh Rachna , Yadav Sangeeta
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Effluent released from industry is a mixture of various pollutants. For the degradation of complex pollutants, mixed bacterial cultures can be more effective than a single culture. This study investigated the balance of bacterial populations in a mixed culture for maximum reduction of pollutants.

RESULTS: This study deals with the degradation and detoxification of pulp paper mill effluent (PPME) by three bacterial strains, i.e. Serratia marcescens, Serratia liquefaciens and Bacillus cereus in different ratios, and found that two ratios, 4:1:1 and 1:4:1, were effective for the degradation of PPME. These ratios reduced the various pollution parameters. Enzyme bioassay revealed that more enzyme was produced during degradation for the ratio 4:1:1. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that the ratio 4:1:1 degraded 95% of lignin and related compounds, and chlorophenols up to 98%, whereas ratio 1:4:1 reduced lignin by 84% and chlorophenols by 58% after 7 days incubation. Degradation products were confirmed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis. A seed germination bioassay on Phaseolous mungo L. revealed that toxicity was reduced by the ratio 4:1:1.

CONCLUSION: Due to variable potential of different bacteria show variation in their growth pattern at any contaminated site. This study shows that an appropriate ratio of mixed cultures is required for maximum degradation and detoxification of PPME. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Growth promotive conditions for enhanced eritadenine production during submerged cultivation of Lentinus edodes
Authors: Enman Josefine , Hodge David , Berglund Kris Arvid , Rova Ulrika
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Mycelium of the medicinal mushroom shiitake, Lentinus edodes, is a potential source for production of the blood cholesterol reducing compound eritadenine. To increase the mycelial biomass and in turn the production of eritadenine, a potential growth promoting substance in the form of a water extract of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was added to the culture media.

RESULTS: The hot water extract of DDGS was shown to considerably increase the growth of shiitake mycelia in bioreactor cultivations; the mycelial yield was 2–3 times higher than in the control, and the highest final biomass concentration obtained was 3.4 g L−1. Further, by using shake flask cultures as inoculums the bioreactor cultivation time could be reduced by 1 week for some of the experiments. The highest final titer of eritadenine in the present study was 25.1 mg L−1, which was about 2 times higher than in the control, and was also obtained when a water extract of DDGS was added to the culture medium.

CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that a water extract of DDGS promoted the growth of shiitake mycelia in bioreactor cultivations, along with enhanced eritadenine production. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Removal of Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution using a cation exchanger derived from banana stem
Authors: Anirudhan Thayyath S. , Fernandez Noeline B. , Mullassery Manohar D.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Environmental pollution and its abatement have attracted much attention for some time. The problem of removing pollutants from water and wastewater has grown along with rapid industrialization. Formaldehyde polymerized banana stem (FPBS) having sulphonic acid groups was investigated as an adsorbent for cadmium(II) removal from aqueous solutions.

RESULTS: The outstanding function of the adsorbent was demonstrated at pH 9.0. The adsorption efficiency of FPBS was compared with BS and results showed that FPBS was two times more effective than BS for cadmium(II) removal. Maximum recoveries of 97.3 and 90.3% for 10 and 25 mg L−1 initial concentrations were obtained at pH 9.0. Kinetic studies revealed that adsorption occurred in two stages: external mass transport in the first stage and intra‐particular diffusion in the second stage. Adsorption was found to be rapid and equilibrium was attained in 60 min. Among the various desorbing agents tested, 99.2% cadmium recovery was achieved with 0.1 mol L−1 HCl.

CONCLUSIONS: The uptake efficiency of cadmium(II) by FPBS was determined. Repeated adsorption‐desorption study showed that FPBS can be used as an adsorbent for the removal and recovery of Cd(II) from aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Introduction: General versus specific measures and the special case of core self‐evaluations
Authors: Spector Paul E.
Published: January 2012

This paper introduces a Journal of Organizational Behavior point/counterpoint exchange (this issue) that focuses on the appropriate level of aggregation primarily in the assessment of personality in general and core self‐evaluations (CSE) in particular. Gilad Chen reviews arguments for and against the higher‐order construct of CSE, offering a number of recommendations for strengthening it. Timothy Judge and John Kammeyer‐Mueller offer a defense of CSE, and then extend the discussion to the measurement of other constructs beyond the personality domain. Together these two papers provide important insights about the appropriate level of aggregation of individual measures, and situations in which higher‐order versus lower‐order measures might be preferred. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of splinting and exercise on intraneural edema of the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome—an MRI study to reveal therapeutic mechanisms
Authors: Schmid Annina B. , Elliott James M. , Strudwick Mark W. , Little Mary , Coppieters Michel W.
Published: January 2012

Splinting and nerve and tendon gliding exercises are commonly used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It has been postulated that both modalities reduce intraneural edema. To test this hypothesis, 20 patients with mild to moderate CTS were randomly allocated to either night splinting or a home program of nerve and tendon gliding exercises. Magnetic resonance images of the wrist were taken at baseline, immediately after 10 min of splinting or exercise, and following 1 week of intervention. Primary outcome measures were signal intensity of the median nerve at the wrist as a measure of intraneural edema and palmar bowing of the carpal ligament. Secondary outcome measures were changes in symptom severity and function. Following 1 week of intervention, but not immediately after 10 min, signal intensity of the median nerve was reduced by ∼11% at the radioulnar level for both interventions (p = 0.03). This was accompanied by a mild improvement in symptoms and function (p < 0.004). A similar reduction in signal intensity is not observed in patients who only receive advice to remain active. No changes in signal intensity were identified further distally (p > 0.28). Ligament bowing remained unchanged (p > 0.08). Intraneural edema reduction is a likely therapeutic mechanism of splinting and exercise. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1343–1350, 2012