bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laryngeal cancer and silica dust exposure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Minghui , Tse Lap Ah
Published: March 2012

Background

Individual epidemiological studies generally lack the power to examine the association between silica exposure or silicosis and laryngeal cancer. We summarized pertinent evidence from published literature by using meta‐analysis.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed to identify cohort and case–control studies, and the method of meta‐analysis was used to combine standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) or standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) from cohort studies and odds ratios (ORs) from case–control studies.

Results

A significantly increased risk of laryngeal cancer (pooled OR = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.17–1.67) among workers exposed to silica dust was observed by combining six case–control studies with adjustment for smoking and alcohol consumption. A similarly increased but statistically non‐significant risk estimate was observed from cohort studies, with a pooled SMR of 1.38 (95% CI: 0.79–1.96) for silicosis cases; and a pooled SMR of 1.13 (95% CI: 0.82–1.45) and a pooled SIR of 1.50 (95% CI: 0.59–2.42) for workers with silica dust exposure.

Conclusion

This systematic review demonstrated a weak association between silica or silicosis and laryngeal cancer. Owing to the inherent limitations of the original studies, interpretation of the results of this meta‐analysis should be cautious. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:669–676, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic overlap of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in a high‐density linkage survey in the Portuguese Island population
Authors: Fanous Ayman H. , Middleton Frank A. , Gentile Karen , Amdur Richard L. , Maher Brion S. , Zhao Zhongming , Sun Jingchun , Medeiros Helena , Carvalho Celia , Ferreira Susana R. , Macedo Antonio , Knowles James A. , Azevedo Maria H. , Pato Michele T. , Pato Carlos N.
Published: March 2012

Recent family and genome‐wide association studies strongly suggest shared genetic risk factors for schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BP). However, linkage studies have not been used to test for statistically significant genome‐wide overlap between them. Forty‐seven Portuguese families with sibpairs concordant for SZ, BP, or psychosis (PSY, which includes either SZ or psychotic BP) were genotyped for over 57,000 markers using the Affymetrix 50K Xba SNP array. NPL and Kong and Cox LOD scores were calculated in Merlin for all three phenotypes. Empirical significance was determined using 1,000 gene‐dropping simulations. Significance of genome‐wide genetic overlap between SZ and BP was determined by the number of simulated BP scans having the same number of loci jointly linked with the real SZ scan, and vice versa. For all three phenotypes, a number of regions previously linked in this sample remained so. For BP, chromosome 1p36 achieved significance (11.54–15.71 MB, LOD = 3.51), whereas it was not even suggestively linked at lower marker densities, as did chromosome 11q14.1 (89.32–90.15 MB, NPL = 4.15). Four chromosomes had loci at which both SZ and BP had NPL ≥ 1.98, which was more than would be expected by chance (empirical P = 0.01 using simulated SZ scans; 0.07 using simulated BP scans), although they did not necessarily meet criteria for suggestive linkage individually. These results suggest that high‐density marker maps may provide greater power and precision in linkage studies than lower density maps. They also further support the hypothesis that SZ and BP share at least some risk alleles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The potential of adipose‐derived stem cells in craniofacial repair and regeneration
Authors: Marra Kacey G. , Rubin J. Peter
Published: March 2012

The recent identification of a mesenchymal stem cell population in adipose tissue has led to an abundance of research focused on the regenerative properties of these cells. As such, adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) and potential therapies in craniofacial regeneration have been widely studied. This review will discuss the identification and potential of ASCs, and specifically, preclinical and clinical studies using ASCs in craniofacial repair. Studies involving ASCs in the repair of defects caused by craniosynostosis and Treacher Collins syndrome will be discussed. A comprehensive review of the literature will be presented, focusing on fat grafting and biomaterials‐based approaches that include ASCs for craniofacial regeneration. (Part C) 96:95–97, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Animal models for basic and translational research in reconstructive transplantation
Authors: Brandacher Gerald , Grahammer Johanna , Sucher Robert , Lee Wei‐Ping Andrew
Published: March 2012

Reconstructive transplantation represents a bona fide option for select patients with devastating tissue loss, which could better restore the appearance, anatomy, and function than any other conventional treatment currently available. Despite favorable outcomes, broad clinical application of reconstructive transplantation is limited by the potential side effects of chronic multidrug immunosuppression. Thus, any reconstructive measures to improve these non‐life‐threatening conditions must address a delicate balance of risks and benefits. Today, several exciting novel therapeutic strategies, such as the implementation of cellular therapies including bone marrow or stem cells that integrate the concepts of immune regulation with those of nerve regeneration, are on the horizon. The development of reliable and reproducible small andlarge animal models is essential for the study of the unique immunological and biological aspects of vascularized composite allografts and to translate such novel immunoregulatory and tolerance‐inducing strategies and therapeutic concepts from the bench to bedside. This review provides an overview of the multitude of small and largeanimal models that have been particularly designed for basicand translational research related to reconstructive transplantation. (Part C) 96:39–50, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pluripotent stem cell‐based heart regeneration: From the developmental and immunological perspectives
Authors: Lui Kathy O. , Bu Lei , Li Ronald A. , Chan Camie W.
Published: March 2012

Heart diseases such as myocardial infarction cause massive loss of cardiomyocytes, but the human heart lacks the innate ability to regenerate. In the adult mammalian heart, a resident progenitor cell population, termed epicardial progenitors, has been identified and reported to stay quiescent under uninjured conditions; however, myocardial infarction induces their proliferation and de novo differentiation into cardiac cells. It is conceivable to develop novel therapeutic approaches for myocardial repair by targeting such expandable sources of cardiac progenitors, thereby giving rise to new muscle and vasculatures. Human pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells can self‐renew and differentiate into the three major cell types of the heart, namely cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle, and endothelial cells. In this review, we describe our current knowledge of the therapeutic potential and challenges associated with the use of pluripotent stem cell and progenitor biology in cell therapy. An emphasis is placed on the contribution of paracrine factors in the growth of myocardium and neovascularization as well as the role of immunogenicity in cell survival and engraftment. (Part C) 96:98–107, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strength of CH···π interactions in the C‐terminal subdomain of villin headpiece
Authors: Kang Young Kee , Byun Byung Jin
Published: March 2012

The relative free energies of the folded structures of the seven model peptides with PLX (X = W, Y, F, H, and A) and ALX (X = W and A) sequences to the corresponding extended structures are calculated using the density functional methods in water to evaluate the relative strengths of CH···π interactions, especially proline···aromatic interactions for the PLX motif of the C‐terminal subdomain of villin headpiece. It has been found that the Pro···π contacts for the folded structures of the PLW, PLY, PLF, and PLH peptides have in common a geometric pattern having the edge of the Pro ring interacting with the face of the aromatic ring, as found for functionally important Pro residues in proteins. At the M06‐2X/cc‐pVTZ//SMD M06‐2X/6‐31+G(d) level of theory, the relative stabilities of the folded structures to the extended structures are obtained in the order PLW > ALW > PLA > PLH > PLY > ALA > PLF by the conformational Gibbs free energies in water, which is reasonably consistent with the observed results from the CD thermal analysis for wild‐type and mutants of the C‐terminal subdomains of villin headpieces. Although the interaction energies excluding the solvation free energies play a role in determining the relative stabilities of the PLX and ALX peptides, the solvation and entropic terms are found to be of consequence, too. In particular, it has been known that ∼40% of the total interaction energy of the PLW peptide is ascribed to the CH···π interactions of the contacting side chains for Pro and Trp residues, in which the dispersion terms play a role. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97: 778–788, 2012.
The linguistic roots of Modern English anatomical terminology
Authors: Turmezei Tom D.
Published: March 2012

Previous research focusing on Classical Latin and Greek roots has shown that understanding the etymology of English anatomical terms may be beneficial for students of human anatomy. However, not all anatomical terms are derived from Classical origins. This study aims to explore the linguistic roots of the Modern English terminology used in human gross anatomy. By reference to the Oxford English Dictionary, etymologies were determined for a lexicon of 798 Modern English gross anatomical terms from the 40th edition of Gray's Anatomy. Earliest traceable language of origin was determined for all 798 terms; language of acquisition was determined for 747 terms. Earliest traceable languages of origin were: Classical Latin (62%), Classical Greek (24%), Old English (7%), Post‐Classical Latin (3%), and other (4%). Languages of acquisition were: Classical Latin (42%), Post‐Classical Latin (29%), Old English (8%), Modern French (6%), Classical Greek (5%), Middle English (3%), and other (7%). While the roots of Modern English anatomical terminology mostly lie in Classical languages (accounting for the origin of 86% of terms), the anatomical lexicon of Modern English is actually much more diverse. Interesting and perhaps less familiar examples from these languages and the methods by which such terms have been created and absorbed are discussed. The author suggests that awareness of anatomical etymologies may enhance the enjoyment and understanding of human anatomy for students and teachers alike. Clin. Anat. 25:1015–1022, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nucleophilicity Parameters of Enamides and Their Implications for Organocatalytic Transformations
Authors: Maji Biplab , Lakhdar Sami , Mayr Herbert
Published: March 2012

The kinetics of the reactions of eleven substituted enamides with benzhydrylium ions (diarylcarbenium ions) were determined in acetonitrile solution. The second‐order rate constants follow the correlation log k2(20 °C)=sN(E+N), which allowed us to derive reactivity parameters N and sN. With 4.6<N<7.1, enamides had similar nucleophilicities to enol ethers and non‐ or weakly activated indoles and pyrroles. The combination of the N and sN parameters with the previously reported E parameters of typical Michael acceptors, α,β‐unsaturated iminium ions, and the chlorinating agent hexachlorocyclohexa‐2,4‐dienone allowed us to reliably reproduce the experimental rate constants of the reactions with these electrophiles. The reactions of enamides with α,β‐unsaturated iminium ions only proceeded in the presence of bases (e.g., 2,6‐lutidine), which was explained by the low Lewis acidities of the iminium ions. The consequences of these results for the use of enamides in organocatalytic reactions are discussed.
Optical Properties of Assembled Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Gels
Authors: Ostojic Gordana N.
Published: March 2012

A macroscopic system of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) created by a novel DNA/protein complex‐assisted assembly is investigated. Due to a point‐like nature of connectors, the resulting SWNT aerogel represents a network of self‐suspended nanotubes with a record‐low density of less than 0.75 mg cm−3. The assembly method and low density enable a direct comparison of optical properties of nanotubes in solvent and air to surfactant solubilized nanotubes. Optical properties of SWNT gels are investigated using optical absorption, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy. Gelled nanotubes in water and in the low‐energy regime behave similar to solubilized nanotubes. In contrast, the photoluminescence of SWNT aerogels exhibits a previously unobserved peak at 1.3 eV that corresponds to a phonon‐assisted recombination of photoexcited charges. This new emission pathway is the result of the unique nature of self‐suspended nanotubes in aerogel and a reduced phonon decay.
Hybrid Polymer–Nanocrystal Materials for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Zhou Renjia , Xue Jiangeng
Published: March 2012

Hybrid polymer–nanocrystal photovoltaic (PV) cells have received much attention during the past decade as promising low‐cost solar energy harvesting devices, and showed significant progress with power conversion efficiency reaching 5 % recently. This review starts from the introduction of hybrid materials to their application in electronic devices, with particular focus on bulk‐heterojunction hybrid polymer–nanocrystal PV devices. The synthesis, surface chemistry, and electronic properties of colloidal inorganic nanocrystals are described. The recent development of hybrid PV devices will be discussed from the perspective of tailoring both inorganic nanocrystals and conjugated polymers, controlling polymer–nanocrystal hybrid morphology, engineering polymer–nanocrystal interface, and optimizing device architecture. Finally, future directions for further advancing hybrid PV technology to potential commercialization are also discussed.
In Vivo and In Vitro Studies on the Antioxidant Activity of Aloin Compared to Doxorubicin in Rats
Authors: Esmat Amr Y. , Said Mahmoud M. , Hamdy Germine M. , Soliman Amel A. , Khalil Sally A.
Published: March 2012

Strategy, Management and Health Policy

Enabling Technology, Genomics, Proteomics
Preclinical Research
Preclinical Development Toxicology, Formulation Drug Delivery, Pharmacokinetics
Clinical Development Phases I‐III Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing
Postmarketing Phase IV

In the present study, the cardiotoxicity of aloin, a naturally occurring anthraquinone glycoside with antiproliferative activity was compared with doxorubicin, a cardiotoxic anthracyline drug, in rats. The antioxidant and iron‐chelating activities of aloin and doxorubicin in vitro were also evaluated. Rats treated with aloin (50 mg/kg body weight, intramuscular)) twice weekly over 2 weeks showed no signs of cardiotoxicity as assessed by an absence of changes in relative heart weight, serum level of heart function enzymes, and a lack of degeneration in the myocardium of the left ventricle. Acute doxorubicin administration (30 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal) to rats produced severe cardiotoxicity as supported by biochemical and histological studies. Aloin did not induce oxidative stress or enhance the endogenous antioxidant defense system in the heart. In vitro antioxidant tests showed that aloin, in contrast to doxorubicin, had substantial antioxidant activity represented by scavenging of 1,1‐diphenyl 2‐picrylhydrazyl and nitric oxide· radicals, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and ferric‐reducing antioxidant activity in addition to iron chelating potential. Ventricular inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression was unaffected by either aloin and doxorubicin treatments. In conclusion, repeated aloin treatment, in contrast to that of doxorubicin, failed to produce oxidative stress‐induced cardiotoxicity in the rats.
The renal v‐ATPase a4 subunit is expressed in specific subtypes of human gliomas
Authors: Gleize Vincent , Boisselier Blandine , Marie Yannick , Poëa‐Guyon Sandrine , Sanson Marc , Morel Nicolas
Published: March 2012

Vacuolar H+‐ATPases (v‐ATPases) are multimeric proton pumps which acidify various intra‐cellular organelles and may participate in pHe and pHi regulation in cancer cell lines. The ATP6V0A4 gene encodes the a4 subunit which is expressed in kidney and epididymis. Because we found a4 mRNA highly expressed in C6Bu1 glioma cell line, we measured it in 205 glioma biopsies and 11 brain biopsies from epileptic patients. a4 was absent in epileptic brain biopsies, but was expressed by 34% (11/32) of grade III oligodendrogliomas, independently of the chromosome 1p19q codeletion. a4 expression in grade III oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas without the 1p19q codeletion tended to be associated with a shorter overall survival of patients. We also observed a4 expression in biopsies of pilocytic astrocytomas (68%; 19/28) and gangliogliomas (37%; 6/16). In pilocytic astrocytomas a4 expression was associated with a tandem duplication of the 7q34 chromosome region, distant 0.5 Mb to the ATP6V0A4 gene locus. In conclusion, a4 expression identifies subtypes of oligodendrogliomas, pilocytic astrocytomas and gangliogliomas and may contribute to refine characterization of these tumors. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebral somatic pain modulation during autogenic training in fMRI
Authors: Naglatzki R.P. , Schlamann M. , Gasser T. , Ladd M.E. , Sure U. , Forsting M. , Gizewski E.R.
Published: March 2012

Background

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies are increasingly employed in different conscious states. Autogenic training (AT) is a common clinically used relaxation method. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cerebral modulation of pain activity patterns due to AT and to correlate the effects to the degree of experience with AT and strength of stimuli.

Methods

Thirteen volunteers familiar with AT were studied with fMRI during painful electrical stimulation in a block design alternating between resting state and electrical stimulation, both without AT and while employing the same paradigm when utilizing their AT abilities. The subjective rating of painful stimulation and success in modulation during AT was assessed.

Results

During painful electrical stimulation without AT, fMRI revealed activation of midcingulate, right secondary sensory, right supplementary motor, and insular cortices, the right thalamus and left caudate nucleus. In contrast, utilizing AT only activation of left insular and supplementary motor cortices was revealed. The paired t‐test revealed pain‐related activation in the midcingulate, posterior cingulate and left anterior insular cortices for the condition without AT, and activation in the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex under AT. Activation of the posterior cingulate cortex and thalamus correlated with the amplitude of electrical stimulation.

Conclusions

This study revealed an effect on cerebral pain processing while performing AT. This might represent the cerebral correlate of different painful stimulus processing by subjects who are trained in performing relaxation techniques. However, due to the absence of a control group, further studies are needed to confirm this theory.
Ski inhibits TGF‐β/phospho‐Smad3 signaling and accelerates hypertrophic differentiation in chondrocytes
Authors: Kim Kyung‐Ok , Sampson Erik R. , Maynard Robert D. , O'Keefe Regis J. , Chen Di , Drissi Hicham , Rosier Randy N. , Hilton Matthew J. , Zuscik Michael J.
Published: March 2012

Since transforming growing factor‐β (TGF‐β)/Smad signaling inhibits chondrocyte maturation, endogenous negative regulators of TGF‐β signaling are likely also important regulators of the chondrocyte differentiation process. One such negative regulator, Ski, is an oncoprotein that is known to inhibit TGF‐β/Smad3 signaling via its interaction with phospho‐Smad3 and recruitment of histone deacetylases (HDACs) to the DNA binding complex. Based on this, we hypothesized that Ski inhibits TGF‐β signaling and accelerates maturation in chondrocytes via recruitment of HDACs to transcriptional complexes containing Smads. We tested this hypothesis in chick upper sternal chondrocytes (USCs), where gain and loss of Ski expression experiments were performed. Over‐expression of Ski not only reversed the inhibitory effect of TGF‐β on the expression of hypertrophic marker genes such as type X collagen (colX) and osteocalcin, it induced these genes basally as well. Conversely, knockdown of Ski by RNA interference led to a reduction of colX and osteocalcin expression under basal conditions. Furthermore, Ski blocked TGF‐β induction of cyclinD1 and caused a basal up‐regulation of Runx2, consistent with the observed acceleration of hypertrophy. Regarding mechanism, not only does Ski associate with phospho‐Smad2 and 3, but its association with phospho‐Smad3 is required for recruitment of HDAC4 and 5. Implicating this recruitment of HDACs in the phenotypic effects of Ski in chondrocytes, the HDAC inhibitor SAHA reversed the up‐regulation of colX and osteocalcin in Ski over‐expressing cells. These results suggest that inhibition of TGF‐β signaling by Ski, which involves its association with phospho‐Smad3 and recruitment of HDAC4 and 5, leads to accelerated chondrocyte differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2156–2166, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular dynamics extended for fluctuating networks: Application to water
Authors: Kashmirian Jennifer M. , Uhlherr Alfred , Dorin Alan , Green David G.
Published: March 2012

Molecular simulation models are increasingly important tools in efforts to understand the role that water plays in biochemical processes. However, existing models of water have limited capacity to deal with the characteristics of hydrogen bond networks. This article proposes a new fluctuating network (FN) algorithm as an extension of the standard molecular dynamics algorithm. The new algorithm allows for the simulation of a molecular system based on an underlying network, such as the hydrogen bond network in water. This algorithm distinguishes strong from weak network connections, applying a potential that best describes the specific connection behavior. We model liquid water with this new technique using a single‐site, isotropic, short‐range potential. We successfully reproduce liquid water's signature molecular spacing (as represented by the radial distribution function) and characterize its dynamic properties including the exponential hydrogen bond lifetime distribution, diffusion rate, and average hydrogen bonds per molecule. The FN algorithm allows exploration of the behavior of networked systems where explicit coordination limits are required. As such it could also be used to model covalent interactions, reaction dynamics, and applied to simulation of cellular networks. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do Positive Psychology Exercises Work? A Replication of Seligman et al. ()
Authors: Mongrain Myriam , Anselmo-Matthews Tracy
Published: March 2012

Objectives

The current work replicated a landmark study conducted by Seligman and colleagues (2005) that demonstrated the long‐term benefits of positive psychology exercises (PPEs). In the original study, two exercises administered over 1 week (“Three Good Things” and “Using your Signature Strengths in a New Way”) were found to have long‐lasting effects on depression and happiness (Seligman, Steen, Park, & Peterson, 2005).

Design

These exercises were tested here using the same methodology except for improvements to the control condition, and the addition of a second “positive placebo” to isolate the common factor of accessing positive, self‐relevant constructs. This component control design was meant to assess the effect of expectancies for success (expectancy control), as well the cognitive access of positive information about the self (positive placebo).

Results

Repeated measures analyses showed that the PPEs led to lasting increases in happiness, as did the positive placebo. The PPEs did not exceed the control condition in producing changes in depression over time.

Conclusions

Brief, positive psychology interventions may boost happiness through a common factor involving the activation of positive, self‐relevant information rather than through other specific mechanisms. Finally, the effects of PPEs on depression may be more modest than previously assumed.
Spontaneous rupture of a middle colic artery aneurysm arising from superior mesenteric artery dissection: Diagnosis by color Doppler ultrasonography and CT angiography
Authors: Yoo Bo Reum , Han Hyun Young , Cho Young Kwon , Park Suk Jin
Published: March 2012

Both middle colic artery (MCA) aneurysm and spontaneous dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) are rare. We report the first case of concomitancy of both conditions, diagnosed by ultrasonography and CT angiography. A 56‐year‐old man with abrupt abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock was diagnosed initially with ruptured MCA aneurysm by color Doppler ultrasonography. Computed tomography and angiography confirmed MCA aneurysm and showed that it was arising from the false lumen of an SMA dissection and was probably associated with segmental arterial mediolysis. The MCA aneurysm was treated successfully by transcatheter coil embolization, and the SMA dissection was treated conservatively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2012
Intratendinous gouty tophus mimics patellar tendonitis in an athlete
Authors: Rodas Gil , Pedret Carles , Català Jordi , Soler Robert , Orozco Lluís , Cusi Manuel
Published: March 2012

We describe the imaging and pathologic features of a case of intratendinous patellar gouty tophus incidentally discovered in a patient with knee pain. The possibility of intratendinous gouty tophus must be kept in mind by sports physicians, especially in the management of patellar tendinopathy in athletes. It may be associated with other injuries, such as enthesopathies or partial tendon tears. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013
Comparison of transcranial color Doppler sonography without and with contrast enhancement for detection and characterization of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Wang Li‐Shu , He Wen , Zhang Hui‐qin , Wang Shuo , Zhao Yuan‐li , Tian Feng‐lan , Xiang Dong‐ying
Published: March 2012

Objective:

To compare the diagnostic value of transcranial color Doppler sonography (TCCS) with contrast‐enhanced transcranial color Doppler sonography (CE‐TCCS) for the detection and characterization of intracranial aneurysms.

Methods:

Thirty patients highly suspected of having an intracranial aneurysm were imaged using TCCS and CE‐TCCS. The ability to detect the aneurysms and determine their size and location accurately was compared with findings from digital subtraction angiography.

Results:

The overall sensitivity of CE‐TCCS was greater than that of TCCS (24/30 versus 20/30, respectively) (p = 0.125), but the difference was not significant. Neither TCCS nor CE‐TCCS could detect the three small (≤5 mm diameter) aneurysms. The detection rate for larger aneurysms (5–15 mm diameter, n = 17) was nonsignificantly greater with CE‐TCCS (14/17) than with TCCS (11/17) (p = 0.438). Similarly, CE‐TCCS detected more large or giant aneurysms (>16 mm diameter) than TCCS (10/10 versus 9/10, respectively) but the difference was not significant (p = 1.000). The benefit of contrast enhancement was identical for aneurysms ≥10 mm or <10 mm in diameter. All (7/7) middle cerebral artery aneurysms were detected by both TCCS and CE‐TCCS. CE‐TCCS yielded similar or slightly better results than TCCS for all other aneurysm locations.

Conclusion:

CE‐TCCS can improve the sensitivity and detection rate of intracranial aneurysms ≥5 mm in size. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2012
Effects of joint contracture on the contralateral unoperated limb in a rabbit knee contracture model: A biomechanical and genetic study
Authors: Abdel Matthew P. , Morrey Mark E. , Grill Diane E. , Kolbert Christopher P. , An Kai‐Nan , Steinmann Scott P. , Sanchez‐Sotelo Joaquin , Morrey Bernard F.
Published: March 2012

In most animal models, unoperated contralateral limbs are used as controls. However, in some experimental circumstances, the contralateral limb may represent a skewed control. The main purpose of this study was to determine if the unoperated contralateral limb could be used as a control, or if a different unoperated animal's limb should be used instead. Seventeen rabbits were divided into two groups. Group 1 rabbits (n = 12) underwent surgery on their right limbs to induce a contracture. Group 2 rabbits (n = 5) underwent no surgery. The left non‐operated limbs of rabbits in group 1 were biomechanically and genetically compared to the limbs of unoperated rabbits in group 2 with the use of a validated joint measuring device and custom microarray, respectively. After 8 weeks of immobilization, there was a statistically greater flexion contracture in the unoperated contralateral limbs compared to the limbs of animals that received no surgery(8.4 ± 8.9° vs. 0 ± 0°; p‐value = 0.03). When animals were remobilized for an additional 16 weeks, the significance between groups was lost (11.9 ± 21.4° vs. 8.9 ± 9.5°; p = 0.38). Similarly, there was a statistically significant increase in nine genes at 8 weeks (p < 0.001). However, at 24 weeks, only the PMCA 1 gene was statically increased (p < 0.001). In our rabbit model, the non‐operated limb develops a small flexion contracture at 8 weeks. After 16 weeks of remobilization, there is no biomechanical or genetic difference between contralateral non‐operated limbs and limbs of animals not undergoing any surgical intervention. Given the biomechanical and genetic findings, the contralateral non‐operated limb can be used as a valid control. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1581–1585, 2012
Intrasynovial flexor tendon repair: A biomechanical study of variations in suture application in human cadavera
Authors: Nelson Gregory N. , Potter Ryan , Ntouvali Eleni , Silva Matthew J. , Boyer Martin I. , Gelberman Richard H. , Thomopoulos Stavros
Published: March 2012

To improve the functional outcomes of intrasynovial tendon suture, prior experiments evaluated individual technical modifications used in the repair process. Few studies, however, have assessed the combinatorial effects of those suture modifications in an integrated biomechanical manner, including a sample size sufficient to make definitive observations on repair technique. Two hundred fifty‐six flexor tendon repairs were performed in human cadavera, and biomechanical properties were determined. The effects of five factors for flexor tendon repair were tested: core suture caliber (4‐0 or 3‐0), number of sutures crossing the repair site (four‐ or eight‐strand), core suture purchase (0.75 or 1.2 cm), peripheral suture caliber (6‐0 or 5‐0), and peripheral suture purchase (superficial or 2 mm). Significant factors affecting the properties of the repair were the number of core suture strands and the peripheral suture purchase. The least significant factors were core suture purchase and peripheral suture caliber. The choice of core suture caliber affected the properties of repair marginally. Based on these results, we recommend that surgeons continue to focus on multi‐strand repair methods, as the properties of eight‐strand repairs were far better than those of four‐strand repairs. To resist gap formation and enhance repair strength, a peripheral suture with 2 mm purchase is also recommended. Finally, since core suture caliber affected some biomechanical properties, including the failure mode, a 3‐0 suture could be considered, provided that future in vivo studies can confirm that gliding properties are not adversely influenced. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1652–1659, 2012
Tree structure for intermolecular hydrogen abstraction from hydrocarbons (C/H) and generic rate constant rules for abstraction by vinyl radical
Authors: Raman Sumathy , Carstensen Hans‐Heinrich
Published: March 2012

Modeling of complex reaction systems is necessary in the design, analysis, and optimization of many technologically important processes such as pyrolysis, steam cracking, coking, partial oxidation, and combustion. The complexity in kinetic modeling of all these processes is introduced both by the feed, which is a hydrocarbon mixture, and the high reactivity of radical intermediates. Recent advances in automated mechanism generation tools, although capable of establishing the complex reaction network, pose a big challenge of assigning rate parameters for all the reactions or devising appropriate estimation rules for all reaction classes in the network. The kinetics of free radical reactions dictates the chemistry of technologically important thermal processes. Intermolecular hydrogen abstraction by radicals is one of the dominant reaction types and constitutes a major part (often >50%) in any thermal reaction network owing to their profound effect on product distribution. While abstraction reactions by H atoms (and to some extent by methyl radicals) have been studied extensively in the past, the abstraction kinetics by vinyl radical is less explored even though vinyl radicals play an important role in molecular weight growth chemistry and in predicting acetylene concentrations in pyrolysis and fuel‐rich hydrocarbon flames. This study presents the hierarchical tree structure for intermolecular hydrogen abstraction by vinyl radicals from {C/H} molecules and provides generic rate rules that account for most of the variation in CH bond energy in the family of aliphatic, aromatic, naphthenic, olefinic, and aromatic naphtheno hydrocarbons. Reaction classes developed in this work are still dictated by immediate neighbors within the spirit of group additivity, although some efforts were made to access the effect of non–next neighbors on generic rate parameters. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 327–349, 2012
The interpretation of clinical tests of peripheral vestibular function
Authors: Curthoys Ian S.
Published: March 2012

Recently, new clinical tests of canal and otolith function have been introduced. They rest on sound anatomical and physiological evidence; however, the interpretation of the results of these tests has only recently been clarified. This review summarizes the anatomical and physiological evidence underpinning the tests of both canal and otolith function to provide a full picture of the interpretation of the tests, which allow the clinician to assess the status of the peripheral vestibular function of a patient—all six canals and four otoliths. The present review does not document all the minute details associated with each test, but provides an overview of the interpretation of properly presented tests and shows typical response profiles of patients with various types of vestibular loss, based on published anatomical, physiological, and clinical evidence.
Comparison of imaging modalities in pediatric thyroglossal duct cysts
Authors: Huoh Kevin C. , Durr Megan L. , Meyer Anna K. , Rosbe Kristina W.
Published: March 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine and compare the accuracy of different imaging modalities including ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) in children.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients under the age of 18 years who had undergone surgical excision of midline neck masses between January 2002 and June 2011. All patients had preoperative imaging. Data including age at surgery, preoperative imaging results, and postoperative pathology results were recorded. Preoperative imaging diagnoses were then compared to postoperative pathologic diagnoses. Diagnostic test statistics were performed.

Results:

A total of 44 patients met the study criteria. There were 15 patients who underwent more than one modality of imaging study. US had a sensitivity of 75% in diagnosis of TGDC. MRI sensitivity was 60% and CT was 82%. None of the tests had high specificity for TGDC; US was the highest at 80%. All three modalities had positive predictive values higher than 90%. US had the highest positive likelihood ratio (3.8), although the 95% confidence interval was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

In a comparison of the three most commonly used imaging modalities for pediatric TGDC, US was the preferred exam given its comparable accuracy, ease of administration, and lower cost. In addition, the added risks of general anesthesia with MRI and ionizing radiation with CT are not justified in this setting given their equivalent or inferior performance when compared to US in this cohort.
Clinical relevance of quality‐of‐life data in laryngectomized patients
Authors: Fahsl Sabine , Keszte Judith , Boehm Andreas , Vogel Hans‐Joachim , Völkel Wolfram , Meister Eberhard F. , Oeken Jens , Sandner Annett , Koscielny Sven , Kluge Angela , Heim Manfred E. , Dietz Andreas , Singer Susanne
Published: March 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Statistically significant differences in health‐related quality of life (HRQL) are not always clinically relevant. It is also plausible that patients perceive other changes to be relevant than health professionals do. The objective of this study was to find thresholds for HRQL that laryngectomees consider to be clinically relevant 1 year after surgery, (i.e., the level of HRQL that patients rate as satisfactory). A second aim was to investigate how many laryngectomized patients reached those targets.

Study Design:

Multicenter cross‐sectional study.

Methods:

A total of 28 patients 1 year following laryngectomy and 24 healthcare professionals (HCPs) defined target values for the QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐H&N35. In another sample of 157 laryngectomized patients 1 year following laryngectomy, we determined what percentage of patients reached these thresholds.

Results:

Patients are the most accepting of sensory impairments (56.5), coughing (53.6), and dyspnea (44.0), whereas constipation (9.1) and nausea/vomiting (10.7) were rated as being the most troublesome symptoms. HCPs assessed more of the studied complaints as being tolerable than patients did, especially in psychosocial domains. Between 34.5% (senses) and 86.5% (constipation) of the reference group hit the predefined targets at different scales.

Conclusions:

Symptoms caused by disease are easier for patients to live with than more general nonspecific symptoms. Taking into account that some adverse effects of disease or therapy are partially irreversible, target values additional to changes of HRQL can be helpful when interpreting data.
Characteristics of temperature variation in seasonal snow in the Western Tianshan Mountains, China
Authors: Chen Xia , Wei Wenshou , Liu Mingzhe
Published: March 2012

The temperature of snow at 10 discrete vertical levels in the snow pack was measured using automatic temperature recorders at 10 min intervals following 5 snowfalls between January and March 2009 at the Tianshan Station for Snow Cover and Avalanche Research. The amplitude of the diurnal fluctuation in the temperature during the measurement run of 10 March 2009, when the snow was melting, was 1.85 times greater than during the measurement run of 15 February, when snow was accumulating. Analysis of the vertical temperature gradient for all five measurement runs shows that the temperature gradient of the snow was at a maximum value at the snow surface. The maximum snow temperature gradient was measured during the run of 21 January and was 4.46 times greater than during the run of 15 February. The temperature gradient was approximately zero 30 cm below the snow surface. Analysis of the characteristics of the snow temperature and the daily mean volumetric moisture content of the snow leads to the conclusion that the snow cover in the western Tianshan Mountains can be divided into stable, interim, and melting stages. A critical snow volumetric moisture content of 0.1% separates the stable and interim stages, while a volumetric moisture content of 0.3% separates the interim and melting stages.
Urethral pressure reflectometry before and after tension‐free vaginal tape
Authors: Saaby Marie‐Louise , Klarskov Niels , Lose Gunnar
Published: March 2012

Aim

Urethral pressure reflectometry (UPR) is a new method for measuring pressure and cross‐sectional area in the urethra. Our aim was to investigate if the UPR parameters at rest and during squeeze were unchanged after TVT.

Methods

The technique enables measurement along the entire length of the urethra simultaneously and avoids the common artefacts encountered with conventional catheters. Twenty‐two stress urinary incontinent women were included. The UPR polyurethane bag was placed in the urethra and connected to a pump and an acoustic transmitter. The bag was inflated, distending it accordingly, and the CA within the bag, and thus the urethra, was measured with acoustic reflectometry. Opening and closing pressure and elastance, and hysteresis were measured. “Relaxing” and “squeezing” measurements were conducted in the supine and standing position before and after TVT.

Results

Subjective and objective cure rates were 82% and 100%, respectively. Maximum urine flow rate decreased from 31 to 18 ml/sec (P = 0.0002). Supine and standing relaxing urethral opening and closing pressures were unchanged. Supine opening elastance increased 18% (P = 0.04), which indicates an increased resistance against the opening of the urethra. Supine squeezing opening pressure decreased 10%.

Conclusions

UPR measurements confirmed that urethral opening pressure at rest is unchanged after TVT. The TVT somewhat improves the closure function by providing increased resistance against the dilation of the urethra, which probably explains the decreased maximum urine flow rate. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:1231–1235, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The application of elastic auxiliary air bag imprinting technology to the development of linear gradient micro‐structure replication processes
Authors: Weng Y.‐C. , Weng Y.‐J. , Yang S.‐Y.
Published: March 2012

This study proposed an innovative imprinting process technology using an elastic auxiliary air bag imprinting mechanism, combined with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) soft mold and UV–LED array photocuring equipment, to evenly imprint and reproduce a micro‐lens mold into a gradient micro‐lens structure in order to achieve linear gradient in micro‐structures. The structure defined by the proposed process technology is more continuous and smoother than that of the current semi‐conductor gray scale photomasking process technology. The process is simpler, faster, and less expensive and is a more effective option for satisfying the formation requirements of different structural heights. This study used pressure‐sensitive film to test and discuss gradient imprint force distribution. The test results suggested that different spring constants led to tilt impressions, which caused the PDMS soft mold to contact with the substrate surface at different pressures. The color depth distribution of the pressure‐sensitive film testing results indicated that the spring constant and pressure distribution were somewhat correlated. Hence, the height of structural formation can be controlled by different spring constants. Finally, SEM and surface profiler measurements suggested that different spring constants can result in different tilt degrees of the imprinting platform of air bag imprinting applications for the imprinting and reproduction of smooth, continuous micro‐lens array structures of different heights. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hedgehog signaling inhibition by the small molecule smoothened inhibitor GDC‐0449 in the bone forming prostate cancer xenograft MDA PCa 118b
Authors: Karlou Maria , Lu Jing‐Fang , Wu Guanglin , Maity Sankar , Tzelepi Vassiliki , Navone Nora M. , Hoang Anh , Logothetis Christopher J. , Efstathiou Eleni
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND

Hedgehog signaling is a stromal‐mesenchymal pathway central to the development and homeostasis of both the prostate and the bone. Aberrant Hedgehog signaling activation has been associated with prostate cancer aggressiveness. We hypothesize that Hedgehog pathway is a candidate therapeutic target in advanced prostate cancer. We confirm increased Hedgehog signaling in advanced and bone metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer and examine the pharmacodynamic effect of Smoothened inhibition by the novel reagent GDC‐0449 in an experimental prostate cancer model.

METHODS

Hedgehog signaling component expression was assessed in tissue microarrays of high grade locally advanced and bone metastatic disease. Male SCID mice subcutaneously injected with the bone forming xenograft MDA PCa 118b were treated with GDC‐0449. Hedgehog signaling in the tumor microenvironment was assessed by proteomic and species specific RNA expression and compared between GDC‐0449 treated and untreated animals.

RESULTS

We observe Hedgehog signaling in high grade locally advanced and bone marrow infiltrating disease. Evidence of paracrine activation of Hedgehog signaling in the tumor xenograft, was provided by increased Sonic Hedgehog expression in human tumor epithelial cells, coupled with increased Gli1 and Patched1 expression in the murine stromal compartment, while normal murine stroma did not exhibit Hh signaling expression. GDC‐0449 treatment attenuated Hh signaling as evidenced by reduced expression of Gli1 and Ptch1. Reduction in proliferation (Ki67) was observed with no change in tumor volume.

CONCLUSIONS

GDC‐0449 treatment is pharmacodynamically effective as evidenced by paracrine Hedgehog signaling inhibition and results in tumor cell proliferation reduction. Understanding these observations will inform the clinical development of therapy based on Hedgehog signaling inhibition. Prostate 72:1638–1647, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overactive bladder in men: treatment options
Authors: Birch Andrew , Dowson Christopher , Seth Jai , Khan Mohammad Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar , Sahai Arun
Published: March 2012

Treatment of men with overactive bladder should be guided by the severity of symptoms and bother. In the second article in this series, the authors describe the goals and strategies of therapy for this often debilitating condition. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons
Epididymo–orchitis in primary care: is management adequate?
Authors: Modgil Vaibhav , Sturch Paul , Abdelrahman Tarig , Riley Angie , Bhaduri Sumit , Heath Chris , Phillips Joshua , Rajjayabun Paul
Published: March 2012

Acute epididymo‐orchitis is a common and increasing problem for GPs, which, if untreated, carries risks of significant sequelae, including infertility. Recent literature suggests widespread suboptimal management of epididymo‐orchitis in secondary care, in spite of published guidelines. In this article, the authors evaluated adherence to these guidelines in primary care. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons
Treatment modalities for localised prostate cancer
Authors: Abu‐Ghanem Yasmin , Madhavan Subash Guru , Kirby Roger , Challacombe Ben
Published: March 2012

There are often several suitable treatment options for any individual patient with localised prostate cancer. The authors clarify some of the issues involved when helping men to face the difficult treatment decision of how best to manage their disease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons
Role of screening in urological malignancies
Authors: Scott Alasdair
Published: March 2012

Urological malignancies, in particular prostate and bladder cancers, are significant causes of morbidity and mortality. Alasdair Scott discusses whether these conditions are suitable for population‐based screening programmes, which must balance mortality reductions with the harm done by investigation, overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons