bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The “Crowned Dens” Revisited: Imaging Findings in Calcium Crystal Deposition Diseases Around the Odontoid
Authors: Viana Sergio L. , Fernandes João L. , De Araújo Coimbra Pablo P. , De Mendonça José L. F. , Freitas Flávia M. O. , De Carvalho Barbosa Viana Maria A.
Published: June 2010

The so‐called “crowned dens” is a peculiar manifestation of calcium crystal deposition diseases, either caused by calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate or caused by calcium hydroxiapatite crystals, characterized by the presence of calcific deposits around the odontoid, often showing a crown‐like configuration on imaging. It has protean clinical and radiological pictures, and care should be taken to avoid misinterpretation and diagnostic errors. Although asymptomatic in many patients, this entity may present as a predominantly algic or febrile condition, and in some cases, signs of compression of the spinal cord may be the major complaint. The detection of calcifications in the periodontoid tissues is the key to the diagnosis, erosive osseous changes, and variably calcified soft‐tissue masses being occasionally associated. Computed tomography is the most important imaging study to be performed in this setting.
Clinical and Carotid Ultrasonographic Features of Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas in Patients with and without Pulsatile Tinnitus
Authors: Yeh Shin‐Joe , Tsai Li‐Kai , Jeng Jiann‐Shing
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pulsatile tinnitus is a common symptom of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF). This study aims to characterize the clinical and ultrasonographic features of DAVF in patients with pulsatile tinnitus.

METHODS

We compared the characteristics of DAVF and carotid duplex sonography (CDS) results between 67 DAVF patients with and without pulsatile tinnitus. We also investigated the relationship between changes in tinnitus status and serial CDS changes in 25 DAVF patients with pulsatile tinnitus.

RESULTS

Pulsatile tinnitus was highly associated with the location and feeding arteries of DAVF (P < .001). The sensitivity of resistive index (RI; Norm, >.72) and end diastolic velocity (EDV; Norm, <21 cm/sec) of external carotid artery (ECA) in CDS study for diagnosing DAVF in patients with pulsatile tinnitus was 95% and 92%, respectively. Changes of RI and EDV of ECA also correlated with the changes of tinnitus status.

CONCLUSIONS

RI and EDV of ECA have high diagnostic sensitivity and reliability for detecting DAVF in patients with pulsatile tinnitus.
Transvenous Embolization of a Symptomatic Venous Aneurysm Developing in the Drainage Network of a Deep Cerebral AVM: A Case Report
Authors: Benabu Yves , Roy Daniel , Guilbert Francois , Raymond Jean , Weill Alain
Published: June 2010

We present a case of a symptomatic venous aneurysm that developed in the drainage network of a deep‐seated basal ganglia and thalamic arteriovenous malformation. The venous aneurysm was treated selectively with platinum coils using a venous approach.
Multifocal Intradural Spinal AVF and Renal Artery Aneurysms in a Case of Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS)
Authors: Sharma Sandeep
Published: June 2010

We report an interesting case of a young patient who had hypertrophy of right leg and nevoid geographic skin lesion on the dorsal aspect of the right foot and leg suggestive of Klippel Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) and who presented for spinal digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to investigate the cause of progressive weakness of bilateral lower limbs. DSA revealed spinal arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) at 3 levels and bilateral renal artery aneurysms. Although multiple intradural spinal cord AVFs and renal artery aneurysms are considered a feature of KTS, their clear demonstration in a single case either alone or together is not available in literature to the best of this author's knowledge. Existence of multifocal intradural fistulae in KTS calls for a detailed and complete spinal DSA even after a fistula is detected.
DWI Lesion Volume Reduction Following Acute Stroke Treatment with Transient Partial Aortic Obstruction
Authors: Hussain Muhammad S. , Bhagat Yusuf A. , Liu Songling , Scozzafava James , Khan Khurshid A. , Dillon William P. , Shuaib Ashfaq
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) identifies acute cerebral ischemia and DWI lesions are thought to indicate irreversibly damaged areas. However, new evidence suggests that DWI lesions may be reversible, especially with reperfusion. We present a patient who showed substantial reversal of her acute DWI lesion following partial aortic occlusion with Neuroflo™, a novel dual balloon catheter (Neuroflo™, CoAxia, MN).

METHODS

Case report/literature review.

RESULTS

A 48‐year‐old woman presented with left‐sided weakness and demonstrated an acute DWI lesion in the right middle cerebral artery territory, with diffusion‐perfusion mismatch. She was enrolled into an experimental study in which a dual balloon catheter was inflated in the lower aorta. The patient improved and her postprocedure magnetic resonance image showed a significant reduction in lesion volume on diffusion and perfusion‐weighted imaging. At 1 month, a repeat computed tomography scan showed a small infarction in the right insula, lentiform nucleus, and frontal cortex. The patient had recovered with no significant disability at her 3‐month follow‐up.

CONCLUSION

Reperfusion can improve DWI lesions. Partial aortic obstruction with a novel dual balloon catheter may be useful to promote reperfusion.
Age Estimation by Amino Acid Racemization in Human Teeth
Authors: Ohtani Susumu , Yamamoto Toshiharu
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  When an unidentified body is found, it is essential to establish the personal identity of the body in addition to investigating the cause of death. Identification is one of the most important functions of forensic dentistry. Fingerprint, dental, and DNA analysis can be used to accurately identify a body. However, if no information is available for identification, age estimation can contribute to the resolution of a case. The authors have been using aspartic acid racemization rates in dentin (D‐aspartic acid/L‐aspartic acid: D/L Asp) as an index for age estimation and have obtained satisfactory results. We report five cases of age estimation using the racemization method. In all five cases, estimated ages were accurate within a range ±3 years. We conclude that the racemization method is a reliable and practical method for estimating age.
The effects of lithium and anticonvulsants on brain structure in bipolar disorder
Authors: Germaná C. , Kempton M. J. , Sarnicola A. , Christodoulou T. , Haldane M. , Hadjulis M. , Girardi P. , Tatarelli R. , Frangou S.
Published: June 2010

Germaná C, Kempton MJ, Sarnicola A, Christodoulou T, Haldane M, Hadjulis M, Girardi P, Tatarelli R, Frangou S. The effects of lithium and anticonvulsants on brain structure in bipolar disorder.

Objective:  To investigate the effect of lithium, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics on brain structure in bipolar disorder (BD).

Method:  A cross‐sectional structural brain magnetic resonance imaging study of 74 remitted patients with BD, aged 18–65, who were receiving long‐term prophylactic treatment with lithium or anticonvulsants or antipsychotics. Global and regional grey matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid volumes were compared between treatment groups.

Results:  Grey matter in the subgenual anterior cingulate gyrus on the right (extending into the hypothalamus) and in the postcentral gyrus, the hippocampus/amygdale complex and the insula on the left was greater in BD patients on lithium treatment compared to all other treatment groups.

Conclusion:  Lithium treatment in BD has a significant effect on brain structure particularly in limbic/paralimbic regions associated with emotional processing.
Relation of chelation regimes to cardiac mortality and morbidity in patients with thalassaemia major: an observational study from a large Greek Unit
Authors: Ladis Vassilios , Chouliaras Giorgos , Berdoukas Vasilios , Moraitis Panagiotis , Zannikos Kirykos , Berdoussi Eleni , Kattamis Christos
Published: June 2010

Objectives:  Cardiac complications because of transfusional iron overload are the main cause of death in thalassaemia major. New chelators and iron monitoring methods such as cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) became available after the year 2000. We evaluated the impact of these new management options on cardiac mortality and morbidity.

Methods:  The risk of cardiac death during 1990–1999 and 2000–2008 was compared. Furthermore, after 1999, morbidity, mortality and reversal of heart failure were evaluated according to chelation regime: desferrioxamine (DFO), deferiprone (DFP) and combination therapy of DFO and DFP. We also present preliminary results for deferasirox (DFX), a new oral chelator.

Results:  Three hundred and fifty‐four patients were included in the de novo cardiac event evaluation, while 86 were included in the improvement component. The annual risk of cardiac death in patients aged between 20–30 and 30–40 reduced from 1.52% to 0.67% and 1.87% to 0.56%, respectively, before and after the year 2000. The risk for a de novo cardiac event for DFO was 9.1 times greater than that of DFP and 23.6 than with the combination of DFP and DFO. For DFX, there was one cardiac event over 269 patient‐years. The risk of cardiac death was 9.5 per 1000 patient‐years for DFO, 2.5 on DFP, 1.4 on combination. In the DFX group no cardiac deaths were recorded. The odds of improvement were 8.5 times greater with DFP and 6.1 with combination therapy compared to DFO.

Conclusions:  The new chelation regimes, together with CMR have contributed significantly to the reduction in cardiac morbidity and mortality in patients with thalassaemia major.
Networking among women snowboarders: a study of participants at an International Woman Snowboard Camp
Authors: Sisjord M. K.
Published: June 2010

The article focuses on women snowboarders' networking and relationships with national snowboard associations and commercial organizers. The study was conducted at an International Women Snowboard Camp, which attracted women snowboarders from five different countries. A qualitative interview was undertaken with participants from each country, eight in total, plus an interview with one of the organizers (a woman). The results indicate that participants from the Nordic countries adopt a more proactive stand to promote snowboarding by organizing specific groups in relation to national associations, particularly the Norwegians and the Finnish. Furthermore, some collaboration across national boarders appeared. The only Swedish participant was associated with several snowboarding communities; whereas the Italian (only one) and the Latvian snowboarders had links with commercial organizers, apparently male dominated in structure. The findings are discussed in the light of Castells' network theory and identity construction in social movements, and gender perspectives. The participants' doing/undoing gender reveals different strategies in negotiating hegemonic masculinity and the power structure in the organizations. Narratives from the Nordic participants reflect undoing gender that impacts on identity constructions in terms of project and/or resistance identity. The Italians and Latvians seemingly do gender while undertaking a subordinate position in the male‐dominated structure.
Differences in adaptations to 1 year of aerobic endurance training: individual patterns of nonresponse
Authors: Scharhag‐Rosenberger F. , Walitzek S. , Kindermann W. , Meyer T.
Published: June 2010

Lacking responses to endurance training (ET) have been observed for several variables. However, detailed analyses of individuals' responses are scarce. To learn more about the variability of ET adaptations, patterns of response were analyzed for each subject in a 1‐year ET study. Eighteen participants [42±5 years, body mass index: 24±3 kg/m2, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max): 38±5 mL/min/kg] completed a 1‐year jogging/walking program on 3 days/week, 45 min/session at 60% heart rate (HR) reserve. VO2max, resting HR (rHR), exercise HR (eHR) and individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) were determined by treadmill and cycling ergometry respectively. Intraindividual coefficients of variation were extracted from the literature to distinguish random changes from training responses. Eight participants showed improvements in all variables. In 10 participants, one or two variables did not improve (VO2max, rHR, eHR and IAT remained unchanged in four, four, three and one cases, respectively). At least one variable improved in each subject. Data indicate that ET adaptations might be detected in each individual using multiple variables of different adaptation levels and intensity domains. Nonresponse seems to occur frequently and might affect all variables. Further studies should investigate whether nonresponders improve with altered training. Furthermore, associations between patterns of nonresponse and health benefits from ET are worth considering.
Time course of the hemoglobin mass response to natural altitude training in elite endurance cyclists
Authors: Garvican L. , Martin D. , Quod M. , Stephens B. , Sassi A. , Gore C.
Published: June 2010

To determine the time course of hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) to natural altitude training, Hbmass, erythropoietin [EPO], reticulocytes, ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were measured in 13 elite cyclists during, and 10 days after, 3 weeks of sea level (n=5) or altitude (n=8, 2760 m) training. Mean Hbmass, with a typical error of ∼2%, increased during the first 11 days at altitude (mean ± standard deviation 2.9 ± 2.0%) and was 3.5 ± 2.5% higher than baseline after 19 days. [EPO] increased 64.2 ± 18.8% after 2 nights at altitude but was not different from baseline after 12 nights. Hbmass and [EPO] did not increase in sea level. Reticulocytes (%) were slightly elevated in altitude at Days 5 and 12 (18.9 ± 17.7% and 20.4 ± 25.3%), sTfR was elevated at Day 12 (18.9 ± 15.0%), but both returned to baseline by Day 20. Hbmass and [EPO] decreased on descent to sea level while ferritin increased. The mean increase in Hbmass observed after 11 days (∼300 h) of altitude training was beyond the measurement error and consitent with the mean increase after 300 h of simulated live high:train low altitude. Our results suggest that in elite cyclists, Hbmass increases progressively with 3 weeks of natural altitude exposure, with greater increases expected as exposure persists.
Relationships between biomechanics and physiology in older, recreational alpine skiers
Authors: Scheiber P. , Seifert J. , Müller E.
Published: June 2010

The aims of this applied field study were (1) to provide descriptive data on the biomechanical variables of parallel ski steering, carving in long radii and individual technique skiing modes of older recreational skiers and (2) to determine the relationships between biomechanical and physiological variables during these skiing modes. The mean knee angle (MKA), range of knee angle (RKA), ground reaction forces (GRF), co‐loading of the inner leg, mean heart rate (HRave), blood lactate (LA) and mean arterial pressure were determined for 14 older skiers (61.1 ± 5.4 years). The mean GRF did not differ between the skiing modes. Parallel ski steering resulted in a greater MKA, lower RKA and lower peak GRF compared with carving in long radii and individual technique. LA correlated positively to RKA during carving in long radii and individual technique, while HRave correlated negatively to MKA during parallel ski steering and carving in long radii. No significant relationships were found between the physiological and kinetic variables. In conclusion, dynamic skiing styles may result in increased muscle fiber recruitments, hence greater LA levels. Along with potentially greater loading of knee extensor muscles, lower MKAs may reduce perfusion and hinder substrate metabolism, consequently making ski turning more strenuous. Skiing with less knee flexion and a reduced RKAs could be recommended for older recreational skiers.
Limited difference in time to failure between sustained force and position control contractions with the knee extensors
Authors: Bojsen‐Møller J. , Schwartz S. , Magnusson S. P.
Published: June 2010

Different types of contractile fatiguing tasks (“force/position tasks”) have shown that the rate of neuromuscular impairment is task dependent. Whether fatigue resistance is uniform across different types of limb joints is poorly understood because the force–position paradigm has mainly been applied to upper extremity joints under unstable conditions. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate task dependency in the more stable knee joint. Fourteen subjects performed two sustained isometric knee extensor contractions to failure. In the force task, 20% of maximal voluntary contraction force was maintained for as long as possible with visual feedback of the force, while in the position task, the load was similar, but subjects received visual joint angle feedback. No significant difference was observed in time to failure (force task: 423±61 s, position task: 379±48 s), increase in electromyographic amplitude or perceived exertion between tasks. The force–position paradigm has not been applied previously to the quadriceps, and the difference between the present and the previous results may partly be attributed to joint stability and the volume of co‐contracting muscles, such that in addition to the previously noted mechanisms of muscle fatigue, the mechanical design of the relevant joint and muscle actuators may influence task dependency during sustained submaximal contractions.
Optical diagnostics in the oral cavity: an overview
Authors: Wilder‐Smith P , Holtzman J , Epstein J , Le A
Published: June 2010

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 717–728

As the emphasis shifts from damage mitigation to disease prevention or reversal of early disease in the oral cavity, the need for sensitive and accurate detection and diagnostic tools become more important. Many novel and emergent optical diagnostic modalities for the oral cavity are becoming available to clinicians with a variety of desirable attributes including: (i) non‐invasiveness, (ii) absence of ionizing radiation, (iii) patient‐friendliness, (iv) real‐time information (v) repeatability, and (vi) high‐resolution surface and subsurface images. In this article, the principles behind optical diagnostic approaches, their feasibility and applicability for imaging soft and hard tissues, and their potential usefulness as a tool in the diagnosis of oral mucosal lesions, dental pathologies, and other dental applications will be reviewed. The clinical applications of light‐based imaging technologies in the oral cavity and of their derivative devices will be discussed to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of emergent diagnostic modalities.
Relationship between periodontal condition and arterial properties in an adult population in Japan
Authors: Furuta M , Tomofuji T , Ekuni D , Tamaki N , Yamamoto T , Azuma T , Irie K , Endo Y , Yamada S , Morita M
Published: June 2010

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 781–787

Objective:  This study addressed the relationship between periodontal condition and second derivative of the finger photoplethysmogram (SDPTG) in Japanese adults.

Subject and methods:  The Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and SDPTG were recorded in 415 subjects (mean age: 44.0 years). For assessing SDPTG, we mainly focused on the ratio of the absolute value of the height of the early negative ‘b’ wave and ratio of the late re‐decreasing ‘d’ wave to the height of the initial positive ‘a’ wave, namely the b/a and d/a ratios.

Results:  The CPI score was positively correlated with the b/a ratio (P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with the d/a ratio (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that subjects with CPI scores ≥3 were more likely to have a higher level (male >−0.69, female >−0.64) of b/a ratio (Odds ratio = 1.7, P = 0.026) and lower level (male ≤−0.29, female ≤−0.32) of d/a ratio (Odds ratio = 2.2, P = 0.001) than those with CPI scores 0–2, after adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, pulse rate and presence of hypertension.

Conclusion:  There was a statistical association between the CPI scores and SDPTG indices in Japanese adults.
Suppressive effects of nicotine on the cytodifferentiation of murine periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Yanagita M , Kojima Y , Kawahara T , Kajikawa T , Oohara H , Takedachi M , Yamada S , Murakami S
Published: June 2010

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 812–817

Objectives:  Tobacco smoking has been suggested to be one of the important risk factors of developing periodontal disease. Although epidemiological studies have shown the detrimental effects of smoking on periodontal disease, the effects of smoke compounds on gingival tissue are not well understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nicotine, which is the major component of the thousands of chemicals that constitute cigarette smoke, for cytodifferentiation of murine periodontal ligament (MPDL) cell.

Materials and methods:  Expression of nAChR subunits on MPDL cells was examined using RT‐PCR. The effects of nicotine on gene expression of extracellular matrices and osteoblastic transcription factors were evaluated by quantitative RT‐PCR. Mineralized nodule formation of nicotine‐treated MPDL cells was characterized by alizarin red staining.

Results:  Murine periodontal ligament cells expressed several subunits of nAChR, which have functional calcium signals in response to nicotine. Gene expression of extracellular matrices and osteoblastic transcription factors were reduced in nicotine‐treated MPDL cells. In addition, mineralized nodule formation was inhibited in MPDL cells in the presence of nicotine.

Conclusion:  Our findings indicate that nicotine may negatively regulate the cytodifferentiation and mineralization of MPDL cells.
Misnomers in oral pathology
Authors: Subramanyam RV
Published: June 2010

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 740–746

Background:  Diseases which involve the oral cavity usually derive their names from either Greek or Latin. These terms are customarily based on etiology or description of the lesion. However, because of various reasons, some of these terms are misnomers.

Objective:  To review commonly encountered misnomers in oral pathology.

Conclusions:  Most of the misnomers encountered in oral pathology may arise from lack of understanding of underlying etiology, pathogenesis, histopathology, and/or concepts. Some misnomers are due to imprecise translations from word origins, etymological bungles, and/or factual errors. Clinical, histopathological, and/or etymological explanations are used to analyze and elucidate the nature of these misnomers. Alternative terms, where possible, have been suggested.
Comparative proteomic analysis of human oral fluids according to gender and age
Authors: Fleissig Y , Reichenberg E , Redlich M , Zaks B , Deutsch O , Aframian D J , Palmon A
Published: June 2010

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 831–838

Background:  Recently, interest in finding disease bio‐markers in human body fluids including oral fluids (OF), mainly saliva has increased. However, the physiologic differences in salivary proteins according to gender and age should be explored to establish a clinical diagnostic tool.

Objective:  To compare OF protein expression according to gender and age, using proteomic approaches.

Materials and Methods:  Oral fluids from 27 healthy volunteers (14 males, 13 females) was collected and divided into three age‐groups. OF proteins were separated by means of 2D‐SDS‐PAGE. A total of 51 proteins in 37 protein spots were identified by ESI‐MS/MS.

Results:  Gender differences revealed six proteins with significant higher expression in females, including β‐2‐microglobulin and transferrin. Age differences revealed decrease in expression of eight proteins with aging among males and seven proteins differentially expressed with aging among females including prolactin inducible protein, Ig‐k light chain, transferrin, and calgranulin‐B.

Conclusion:  Proteomic analysis of OF revealed differences in protein expression according to gender and age and therefore can highlight future use of this technique for diagnostic purposes in health and in disease.
Immunohistochemical expression of SHH, PTC, SMO and GLI1 in glandular odontogenic cysts and dentigerous cysts
Authors: Zhang L , Sun ZJ , Chen XM , Chen Z
Published: June 2010

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 818–822

Objective:  To investigate expression of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway components in glandular odontogenic cysts (GOCs), and dentigerous cysts (DCs).

MATIERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for SHH, patched (PTC), smoothened (SMO), and the transcriptional factor GLI1 were investigated in the 12 GOCs specimens and 20 DCs.

Results:  In GOCs and DCs, immunoreactivity for SHH, PTC, SMO, and GLI1 were detected in the epithelial cytoplasm. Each of the genes of the SHH signaling pathway was expressed in similar patterns in the epithelial lining of the cysts. The expression of SHH, PTC, SMO, and GLI1 was significantly higher in epithelia than that of subepithelial fibroblasts (P < 0.01). No statistical difference among the labeling index of the epithelial lining among the different cyst types could be revealed.

Conclusions:  The findings suggest that the proteins of the SHH signaling pathway are predominantly located within the epithelial components of GOCs and DCs. SHH signaling pathway may play a role in epithelial lining formation.
Safety Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacokinetic Assessment of Human Gc Globulin (Vitamin D Binding Protein)
Authors: Pihl Tina Holberg , Jørgensen Charlotte Sværke , Santoni‐Rugiu Eric , Leifsson Páll Skúli , Hansen Erik Wind , Laursen Inga , Houen Gunnar
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Gc globulin is an important protein of the plasma actin‐scavenger system. As such, it has been shown to bind free actin and prevent hypercoagulation and shock in patients with massive actin release resulting from severe tissue injuries. Treatment of such patients with Gc globulin could therefore potentially be life‐saving. This article presents pre‐clinical toxicology experiments conducted on purified plasma‐derived human Gc globulin. The Gc globulin formulation was shown to be stable for at least 4 years with full retention of actin‐binding capacity. In vitro studies did not reveal activation of the kallikrein system or the complement system and cellular studies showed no toxic effects on a variety of human cell lines. In vivo studies showed no acute toxic effects in mice, rats or guinea pigs upon intravenous infusion. A 14‐day local tolerance study in rabbits showed no adverse effects, and 14‐day toxicity studies in rats and horses did not show any unwanted reactions. In a 14‐day toxicology study in beagle dogs, formation of antibodies was seen and in the end of the study period, three out of four dogs showed clinical immunological reactions, which could be ascribed to the formation of antibodies. The half‐life, T, for human Gc globulin was 12 hr in rats, 16 hr in horses and 30 hr in dogs. The safety profile of plasma‐derived Gc globulin is concluded to be consistent to that required for use in man.
Derivatives of Salicylic Acid as Inhibitors of YopH in Yersinia pestis
Authors: Huang Zunnan , He Yantao , Zhang Xian , Gunawan Andrea , Wu Li , Zhang Zhong‐Yin , Wong Chung F.
Published: June 2010

Yersinia pestis causes diseases ranging from gastrointestinal syndromes to bubonic plague and could be misused as a biological weapon. As its protein tyrosine phosphatase YopH has already been demonstrated as a potential drug target, we have developed two series of forty salicylic acid derivatives and found sixteen to have micromolar inhibitory activity. We designed these ligands to have two chemical moieties connected by a flexible hydrocarbon linker to target two pockets in the active site of the protein to achieve binding affinity and selectivity. One moiety possessed the salicylic acid core intending to target the phosphotyrosine‐binding pocket. The other moiety contained different chemical fragments meant to target a nearby secondary pocket. The two series of compounds differed by having hydrocarbon linkers with different lengths. Before experimental co‐crystal structures are available, we have performed molecular docking to predict how these compounds might bind to the protein and to generate structural models for performing binding affinity calculation to aid future optimization of these series of compounds.
Comparison of Classical and Bayesian Approaches for Intervention Analysis
Authors: Santos Thiago R. , Franco Glaura C. , Gamerman Dani
Published: June 2010

Intervention analysis has been recently the subject of several studies, mainly because real time series present a wide variety of phenomena that are caused by external and/or unexpected events. In this work, transfer functions are used to model different forms of intervention to the mean level of a time series. This is performed in the framework of state‐space models. Two canonical forms of intervention are considered: pulse and step functions. Static and dynamic explanation of the intervention effects, normal and non‐normal time series, detection of intervention, and study of the effect of outliers are also discussed. The performance of the two approaches is compared in terms of point and interval estimation through Monte Carlo simulation. The methodology was applied to real time series and showed satisfactory results for the intervention models used.
Oral cysticercosis: report of two cases with review of literature
Authors: Gadbail A.R. , Korde S. , Wadhwan V. , Chaudhary M. , Patil S.
Published: June 2010

Cysticercosis is the result of infestation with the larval stage of the tapeworm (Taenia solium). Cysticercosis is a potentially fatal parasitic disease when involving the central nervous system (neurocysticercosis). This article reports two cases of oral cysticercosis and reviews 133 reported cases in English language literature. The prevalence of oral cysticercosis was 3.5% out of 769 cases of cysticercosis. Tongue is the most commonly affected site followed by buccal mucosa and lower lip. Most oral lesions appeared as asymptomatic submucosal nodules. Multiple oral involvements have been reported in few cases. Both genders were nearly equally affected. Fine needle aspiration cytology has also been used for preoperative diagnosis. The definitive diagnosis was done histopathologically. Simple surgical excision was sufficient to ensure complete removal. It is important to carry out a detailed medical evaluation in every case, in order to exclude the presence of the parasite at other sites. Medical treatment with antihelminthics drugs such as Praziquantel and Albendazole used for multiple involvement and neurocysticercosis.
The Pyhäjärvi Cataract Study II. Criteria for cataract surgery
Authors: Kuoppala Jaana , Falck Aura , Winblad Ilkka , Tuulonen Anja
Published: June 2010

Purpose:  It is necessary to develop tools for patient selection to target cataract surgery to patients with the best expected outcomes. We used visual acuity, visual functioning 14 (VF‐14) test, the 15‐dimension health‐related quality‐of‐life questionnaire (15D) and the New Zealand priority criteria to evaluate the criteria for cataract surgery in a post hoc setting.

Material and methods:  Ninety‐three consecutive patients living in a defined rural area in Finland had cataract surgery as a part of the Pyhäjärvi Cataract Study in 2003. Success of cataract surgery was defined as improvement of visual acuity by at least 2 lines and/or improvement of visual function measured by questionnaires.

Results:  The patients with a visual acuity of 0.30 logMAR (0.5 Snellen decimal) or worse in the better eye and/or 0.52 logMAR (0.3 Snellen decimal) in the worse eye had successful surgery in 59–83% of cases depending on the definition of success. When subjective judgement was added, the success rates varied between 63% and 91%.

Conclusion:  Setting indication criteria, it seems sufficient to use two global questions in addition to visual acuity: one on the subjective view on disability, and one on a more neutral view on visual function, such as the 15D item on vision. The VF‐14 did not perform any better than the single item counterparts.
Ocular motor function in relation to gross motor function in congenital and childhood myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Aring Eva , Ekström Anne‐Berit , Tulinius Mar , Sjöström Anders
Published: June 2010

Purpose:  To assess ocular motor function in congenital and childhood myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and correlate the results with cytosine‐thymine‐guanine (CTG) repeat size, severity of the disease, myotonia and skeletal muscle function.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional investigation into strabismus, versions/ductions, saccades, smooth pursuit movements and ptosis was performed on 49 individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of DM1, all diagnosed at <18 years of age and with >40 CTG expansion repeats. The results were correlated with myotonia as well as Hammersmith motor ability scale (HMA). In addition, the ocular results were compared to results from an age and‐ sex‐matched control group.

Results:  Ocular motor abnormalities were seen in 82%; the most frequent findings were altered conjugate eye movements and ‘pseudoptosis’ while blepharoptosis was rare. Strabismus was most common in the severe congenital subgroup, with a frequency 14 times higher than in the control group. Positive correlations were seen between CTG repeat size and affected eyelids, and between myotonia and affected eyelids; both these findings were most prominent in the mild congenital group. CTG repeat size was also correlated with version/duction defects, and most obviously in the childhood group. Low HMA scores were associated with high occurrence of strabismus and version/duction defects.

Conclusion:  Abnormalities of ocular motor function are frequently present. CTG repeat size correlates positively with altered versions/ductions and eyelid pathology. Gross motor dysfunction correlates with strabismus and defect versions/ductions, and eyelid pathology indicates involvement of myotonia.
Inflorescence characteristics, seed composition, and allometric relationships predicting seed yields in the biomass crop Cynara cardunculus
Authors: ARCHONTOULIS S. V. , STRUIK P. C. , YIN X. , BASTIAANS L. , VOS J. , DANALATOS N. G.
Published: June 2010

Cynara (Cynara cardunculus) is a perennial C3 herb that has its potential as bioenergy crop. This paper aims (a) to derive empirical relationships to predict cynara seed yield per head and per unit area, avoiding laborious extraction of seeds from the complex structure of its inflorescences; (b) to determine the head‐weight distribution per unit area, the seed composition and the oil profile of cynara seeds; and (c) to estimate the range of cynara biomass, seed and oil yield in representative parts of Greece. We analyzed 16 field experiments, varying in crop age and environmental conditions in Greece. Seed yield per head (SYhead) can be accurately predicted as a linear function of dry head weight (Hw): SYhead=0.429·Hw−2.9 (r2=0.96; n=617). Based on this relationship, we developed a simple two‐parameter equation to predict seed yield per unit area (SY): SY=HN·(0.429·μ−2.9), where μ is the mean head weight (g head−1) and HN is the total number of heads per unit area, respectively. The models were tested against current and published data (n=180 for head‐level; n=35 for unit area‐level models), and proved to be valid under diverse management and environmental conditions. Attainable cynara seed yields ranged from 190 to 480 g m−2 yr−1, on dry soils and on aquic soils (shallow ground water level). This variation in seed yield was sufficiently explained by the analyses of head‐weight distribution per unit area (small, medium and large heads) and variability of seed/head weight ratio at head level. Seed oil concentration (average: 23%) and crude protein concentration (average: 18.7%) were rather invariant across different seed sizes (range: 26–56 mg seed−1) and growing environments.
Global mapping of Jatropha curcas yield based on response of fitness to present and future climate
Authors: TRABUCCO ANTONIO , ACHTEN WOUTER M. J. , BOWE COLM , AERTS RAF , ORSHOVEN JOS VAN , NORGROVE LINDSEY , MUYS BART
Published: June 2010

Although acclaimed as a biofuel crop with high potential to sustainably replace fossil fuels, Jatropha curcas L. remains a poorly studied plant. Reliable yield assessments with conventional methods require agroclimatic and physiological knowledge, which is not yet available for Jatropha. To fill this gap, we tested a novel two‐step approach integrating knowledge from biogeography and population biology with available Jatropha field data. In the first step, using MaxEnt, a widely implemented model in biogeography, we predicted Jatropha fitness in response to climate by relating natural occurrence recorded in herbaria with bioclimatic geodatasets. In the second step, we relied on population biology principles supported by seed mass addition experiments to relate fitness to reproductive potential, hence seed yield. Jatropha seed yield in response to climate was mapped worldwide for actual (1950–2000 average) and future (2020) climate conditions. The modelled Jatropha seed yield was validated against a set of on‐field yield assessments (R2=0.67, P<0.001). The discrepancies between estimated and measured yields were partially explained by model uncertainties, as quantified by the sensitivity analysis of our modelling (R2=0.57, P=0.001). Jatropha has a pan‐tropical distribution, plus specific adaptability to hot temperate areas. Climate variables most significantly affecting modelled yield response were annual average temperature, minimum temperature, annual precipitation and precipitation seasonality.
Business Strategy and Design: Can this Marriage Be Saved?
Authors: Liedtka Jeanne
Published: June 2010

Business and design: They need each other. For example, if the tests of value creation, execution, and scalability are met, competitors can't easily imitate you. Designers have no problem assessing the first test; but they need business partners to answer the other two.
Get Fired: A New Framework for Change
Authors: Levine Josh , Stone John Root
Published: June 2010

You'd think with all the rallying cries today of “Innovate! Innovate!” that more businesses would be willing to take the risk. Taking the risk: That's the problem. But Get Fired is a way of adding credibility to an innovator's idea—while mitigating risk for those who must make the decision about pursuing it.
A Septin Diffusion Barrier at the Base of the Primary Cilium Maintains Ciliary Membrane Protein Distribution
Authors: Hu Qicong , Milenkovic Ljiljana , Jin Hua , Scott Matthew P. , Nachury Maxence V. , Spiliotis Elias T. , Nelson W. James
Published: June 2010

Staying in Place

The primary cilium is found on nearly all mammalian cells and is a key regulatory organelle for proper signal transduction throughout development and in adults. Extracellular signal transduction, such as that promoted by Sonic hedgehog (Shh), requires the enrichment of receptors and downstream signaling components in the ciliary membrane. Intraflagellar transport is involved in selective trafficking of proteins into the cilium, but it is not known how these proteins are retained in the cilium. It has been speculated that a diffusion barrier exists at the base of the ciliary membrane. Now,

Hu
et al.

(p.
436
, published online 17 June) demonstrate directly that a membrane diffusion barrier is indeed present at the base of the ciliary membrane. SEPT2, a member of the septin family that also forms a diffusion barrier in budding yeast and mammalian sperm membranes, localizes to the base of the ciliary membrane and is required for ciliogenesis, ciliary membrane protein localization, and cilium-dependent Shh signaling.
Probing the Superfluid–to–Mott Insulator Transition at the Single-Atom Level
Authors: Bakr W. S. , Peng A. , Tai M. E. , Ma R. , Simon J. , Gillen J. I. , Fölling S. , Pollet L. , Greiner M.
Published: June 2010

From Superfluid to Mott Insulator

One of the most attractive characteristics of cold atomic gases in optical lattices is their ability to simulate condensed-matter systems. The results of these quantum simulations are usually averaged over the atomic ensemble, or course-grained over several lattice sites. Now,

Bakr
et al.

(p.
547
, published online 17 June; see the Perspective by

DeMarco

) provide a single lattice site view onto the transition of a Bose gas of Rb-87 from the superfluid to the Mott-insulating state. Characteristic concentric shells of uniform number density were observed deep in the Mott insulator regime, and probing the local quantum dynamics revealed unexpectedly short time scales. The low-defect Mott structures identified may provide a starting point for quantum magnetism experiments.
Recommended aerobic fitness level for metabolic health in children and adolescents: a study of diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Adegboye Amanda RA , Anderssen Sigmund A , Froberg Karsten , Sardinha Luis B , Heitmann Berit L , Steene-Johannessen Jostein , Kolle Elin , Andersen Lars B
Published: June 2010

Objective

To define the optimal cut-off for low aerobic fitness and to evaluate its accuracy to predict clustering of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents.

Design

Study of diagnostic accuracy using a cross-sectional database.

Setting

European Youth Heart Study including Denmark, Portugal, Estonia and Norway.

Participants

4500 schoolchildren aged 9 or 15 years.

Main Outcome Measure

Aerobic fitness was expressed as peak oxygen consumption relative to bodyweight (mlO2/min/kg).

Results

Risk factors included in the composite risk score (mean of z-scores) were systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio, insulin resistance and sum of four skinfolds. 14.5% of the sample, with a risk score above one SD, were defined as being at risk. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to define the optimal cut-off for sex and age-specific distribution. In girls, the optimal cut-offs for identifying individuals at risk were: 37.4 mlO2/min/kg (9-year-old) and 33.0 mlO2/min/kg (15-year-old). In boys, the optimal cut-offs were 43.6 mlO2/min/kg (9-year-old) and 46.0 mlO2/min/kg (15-year-old). Specificity (range 79.3–86.4%) was markedly higher than sensitivity (range 29.7–55.6%) for all cut-offs. Positive predictive values ranged from 19% to 41% and negative predictive values ranged from 88% to 90%. The diagnostic accuracy for identifying children at risk, measured by the area under the curve (AUC), was significantly higher than what would be expected by chance (AUC >0.5) for all cut-offs.

Conclusions

Aerobic fitness is easy to measure, and is an accurate tool for screening children with clustering of cardiovascular risk factors. Promoting physical activity in children with aerobic fitness level lower than the suggested cut-points might improve their health.
Biomechanics laboratory-based prediction algorithm to identify female athletes with high knee loads that increase risk of ACL injury
Authors: Myer Gregory D , Ford Kevin R , Khoury Jane , Succop Paul , Hewett Timothy E
Published: June 2010

Objective

Knee abduction moment (KAM) during landing predicts non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk with high sensitivity and specificity in female athletes. The purpose of this study was to employ sensitive laboratory (lab-based) tools to determine predictive mechanisms that underlie increased KAM during landing.

Methods

Female basketball and soccer players (N=744) from a single county public school district were recruited to participate in testing of anthropometrics, maturation, laxity/flexibility, strength and landing biomechanics. Linear regression was used to model KAM, and logistic regression was used to examine high (>25.25 Nm of KAM) versus low KAM as surrogate for ACL injury risk.

Results

The most parsimonious model included independent predictors (β±1 SE) (1) peak knee abduction angle (1.78±0.05; p<0.001), (2) peak knee extensor moment (0.17±0.01; p<0.001), (3) knee flexion range of motion (0.15±0.03; p<0.01), (4) body mass index (BMI) Z-score (−1.67±0.36; p<0.001) and (5) tibia length (−0.50±0.14; p<0.001) and accounted for 78% of the variance in KAM during landing. The logistic regression model that employed these same variables predicted high KAM status with 85% sensitivity and 93% specificity and a C-statistic of 0.96.

Conclusions

Increased knee abduction angle, quadriceps recruitment, tibia length and BMI with decreased knee flexion account for 80% of the measured variance in KAM during a drop vertical jump.

Clinical relevance

Females who demonstrate increased KAM are more responsive and more likely to benefit from neuromuscular training. These findings should significantly enhance the identification of those at increased risk and facilitate neuromuscular training targeted to this important risk factor (high KAM) for ACL injury.
Life-prolonging treatment in nursing homes: how do physicians and nurses describe and justify their own practice?
Authors: Dreyer A , Førde R , Nortvedt P
Published: June 2010

Background

Making the right decisions, while simultaneously showing respect for patient autonomy, represents a great challenge to nursing home staff in the issues of life-prolonging treatment, hydration, nutrition and hospitalisation to dying patents in end-of-life.

Objectives

To study how physicians and nurses protect nursing home patients' autonomy in end-of-life decisions, and how they justify their practice.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design with analysis of the content of transcribed in-depth interviews with physicians and nurses.

Participants

Nine physicians and ten nurses in 10 nursing homes in Norway.

Results and interpretations

Assessment of the patient's competence to consent to treatment is almost absent. The physicians build their practice on the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. Nurses tend to trust the patients' rejection of life support, even when the patients have difficulty speaking or suffer from dementia. Relatives were, according to the health personnel, included in decision-making processes to a very limited extent. However, futile life support is sometimes provided contrary to the physicians' judgement of what constitutes the patient's best interest on occasions when they are pressurised by next of kin.

Conclusions

The study reveals a need to improve decision-making routines according to ethical ideals and legislation. Conflicts between relatives and healthcare professionals in the decision-making process deflect the focus from searching for the best possible treatment for the terminal patient. Further discussion is required as to whether the concept of autonomy is applicable in situations in which the patient is impaired and dying.
PHOTOPRODUCTION OF π0π+ ON THE PROTON AND DEUTERON AT Eγ = 0.7 - 1.5 GeV
Authors: MUSHKARENKOV A. , BELLINI V. , BOCQUET J. P. , CASANO L. , D'ANGELO A. , DI SALVO R. , FANTINI A. , FRANCO D. , GERVINO G. , GHIO F. , GIARDINA G. , GIROLAMI B. , GIUSA A. , IGNATOV A. , LAPIK A. , LEVI SANDRI P. , LLERES A. , MAMMOLITI F. , MANDAGLIO G. , MANGANARO M. , MORICCIANI D. , NEDOREZOV V. , RANDIERI C. , REBREYEND D. , RUDNEV N. , RUSSO G. , SCHAERF C. , SPERDUTO M. L. , SUTERA M. C. , TURINGE A. , VEGNA V.
Published: June 2010

The preliminary results obtained by the GRAAL collaboration for the π0π+ photoproduction on the free and quasi-free proton (deuteron) at Eγ = 0.7-1.5 GeV are presented. The total cross section of the γp → π0π+n reaction and invariant mass spectra for the π+π0, π+n and π0n systems are presented in the photon energy range from 0.7 to 1.5 GeV. These results are in good agreement with the 2π-MAID calculations.