bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for mutations of the cationic trypsinogen gene: are they of relevance in chronic alcoholic pancreatitis?
Authors: Teich N , Mössner J , Keim V
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

In hereditary pancreatitis mutations of exons 2 (N21I) and 3 (R117H) of the cationic trypsinogen gene have been described.

AIMS

To investigate whether the same mutations can also be found in patients with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis.

METHODS

Leucocyte DNA was prepared from 23 patients with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis, 21 with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, 34 individuals from seven independent families with hereditary pancreatitis, and 15 healthy controls. DNA was also obtained from pancreatic tissue (n=7) and from pancreatic juice (n=5) of patients suffering from chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. R117H was detected by restriction digestion with Afl III. N21I was identified by an allele specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

R117H was detected in four families with hereditary pancreatitis. The N21I mutation was identified in three families. All mutations were confirmed by sequencing of the corresponding DNAs. In patients with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis neither the exon 2 nor exon 3 mutations were present in blood leucocytes, pancreatic juice, or pancreatic tissue. DNA of the patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis as well as all controls was of wild type.

CONCLUSIONS

The allele specific PCR may be used to screen for the N21I mutation of cationic trypsinogen. Both trypsinogen mutations were found in hereditary pancreatitis but do not seem to be major pathogenic factors in chronic alcoholic pancreatitis.
The effects of glutamine on intestinal epithelial cell proliferation in parenterally fed rats
Authors: Mandir N , Goodlad R A
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

Several papers have indicated that glutamine is a preferred fuel for the enterocyte and that it can increase intestinal epithelial cell proliferation.

AIMS

To investigate the effects of glutamine on intestinal epithelial cell proliferation in the parenterally fed rat.

METHODS

Five groups of six rats were fed parenterally; a group of orally fed rats was also studied. Crypt cell proliferation was studied after six days using native mitoses in microdissected crypts and bromodeoxyuridine labelling.

RESULTS

No effect of treatment was seen on intestinal weight; however, the weights of the small intestine, caecum, and colon were all significantly heavier in the orally fed group than in the total parenteral nutrition groups (p<0.001). There was no effect of any of the glutamine treatments on mitotic activity in the small intestine. In the colon there was a small increase in native mitoses with glutamine (p=0.03). There was also an indication of increased proliferative activity in the first fifth of the small intestine and colon with glutamine. Little effect of glutamine on bromodeoxyuridine labelling in either site was observed, but there was a small but significant reduction in growth fraction of the colon of the glutamine treated group. The labelling distribution curve from sections and the mitotic distribution curve obtained from crypt squashes showed a good correlation.

CONCLUSION

Glutamine has a small, but significant effect on mitotic activity but only in the colon. Modest effects on the distribution of labelled cells were also seen.
Randomised trial of mycophenolate mofetil versus azathioprine for treatment of chronic active Crohn’s disease
Authors: Neurath M F , Wanitschke R , Peters M , Krummenauer F , zum Büschenfelde K-H Meyer , Schlaak J F
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the alimentary tract. Azathioprine is an effective agent in the management of chronic active Crohn’s disease leading to long term remission of disease activity. Such treatment leads to limited efficacy or side effects in a small subset of patients.

AIMS

To compare efficacy and side effects of treatment with azathioprine plus corticosteroids versus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) plus corticosteroids in patients with chronic active Crohn’s disease.

METHODS

Seventy patients with chronic active Crohn’s disease (Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) greater than 150) were randomised for treatment with azathioprine/cortisone or MMF/cortisone. Corticosteroid dosage was tapered according to a standard protocol. Disease activity was monitored by clinical scores after one, two, three, and six months.

RESULTS

Treatment of patients with moderately active (CDAI 150–300) Crohn’s disease with MMF/cortisone led to a significant reduction in clinical activity scores comparable to treatment with azathioprine/cortisone. Treatment of patients with highly active Crohn’s disease (CDAI greater than 300) with MMF/cortisone caused significant suppression of clinical activity earlier than azathioprine/cortisone treatment. Treatment with MMF/cortisone was associated with few adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of chronic active Crohn’s disease with MMF plus cortisone appears to be effective and well tolerated and should be considered in patients allergic to azathioprine or in whom azathioprine has failed.
Mast cells are an important cellular source of tumour necrosis factor α in human intestinal tissue
Authors: Bischoff S C , Lorentz A , Schwengberg S , Weier G , Raab R , Manns M P
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

Several inflammatory disorders of the intestine are characterised by enhanced expression of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Monocytes and macrophages have been suggested as a major cellular source of TNF-α in human gut, whereas mast cells, although known to be capable of producing TNF-α, have been poorly examined in this respect.

AIMS

To investigate whether human intestinal mast cells can produce TNF-α, and which factors regulate TNF-α production in these cells.

METHODS

Mast cells were isolated from surgery tissue specimens of patients undergoing bowel resection because of cancer. Immunohistochemical studies were performed in biopsy specimens derived from 13 patients (two healthy controls, four with Crohn’s disease, four with ulcerative colitis, three others). TNF-α mRNA and protein expression were studied in vitro by polymerase chain reaction, RNAse protection assay, western blot, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in isolated purified human intestinal mast cells stimulated by IgE receptor crosslinking, intestinal bacteria, and lipopolysaccharide. Cellular localisation of TNF-α was examined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

TNF-α mRNA and protein were expressed constitutively in isolated human intestinal mast cells. Expression of TNF-α mRNA and release of TNF-α protein were substantially enhanced by IgE receptor crosslinking and by coculture of mast cells with intestinal bacteria; lipopolysaccharide had only marginal effects. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that approximately 60% of the lamina propria cells with immunoreactivity for TNF-α were mast cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The data show that mast cells are an important source of TNF-α in the human intestinal mucosa.
Comparison of adrenaline injection and bipolar electrocoagulation for the arrest of peptic ulcer bleeding
Authors: Lin H-J , Tseng G-Y , Perng C-L , Lee F-Y , Chang F-Y , Lee S-D
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcers with active bleeding or a non-bleeding visible vessel require aggressive endoscopic treatment.

AIMS

To determine whether endoscopic adrenaline injection alone or contact probe therapy following injection is a suitable treatment for peptic ulcer bleeding.

METHODS

A total of 96 patients with active bleeding or non-bleeding visible vessels received adrenaline alone, bipolar electrocoagulation alone, or combined treatment (n=32 in each group).

RESULTS

Initial haemostasis was not achieved in one patient in the adrenaline group, two in the gold probe group, and two in the injection gold probe group (p>0.1). Rebleeding episodes were fewer in the injection gold probe group (2/30, 6.7%) than in the gold probe group (9/30, 30%, p=0.04) and in the adrenaline group (11/31, 35.5%, p=0.01). Treatment failure (other therapy required) was rarer in the injection gold probe group (4/32, 12.5%) than in the adrenaline group (12/32, 37.5%, p=0.04). The volume of blood transfused after entry of the study was less in the injection gold probe group (mean 491 ml) than in the adrenaline group (1548 ml, p<0.0001) and the gold probe group (1105 ml, p<0.01). Duration of hospital stay, numbers of patients requiring urgent surgery, and death rate were not statistically different among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with peptic ulcer bleeding, combined adrenaline injection and gold probe treatment offers an advantage in preventing rebleeding and decreasing the need for blood transfusion.
Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy: a large single centre experience
Authors: Williams D B , Sahai A V , Aabakken L , Penman I D , van Velse A , Webb J , Wilson M , Hoffman B J , Hawes R H
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) is a recent innovation in the evaluation of gastrointestinal and pulmonary malignancies.

AIMS

To review the experience with EUS-FNA of a large single centre.

METHODS

333 consecutive patients underwent EUS-FNA. Follow up data were available on 327 lesions in 317 patients, including 160 lymph nodes, 144 pancreatic lesions, 15 extraintestinal masses, and eight intramural tumours.

RESULTS

A primary diagnosis of malignancy was obtained by EUS-FNA in 62% of patients with clinically suspicious lesions. The overall accuracy of EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of malignancy was 86%, with sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 96%. With respect to lesion types, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 85%, 100%, and 89% for lymph nodes; 82%, 100%, and 85% for pancreatic lesions; 88%, 100%, and 90% for perirectal masses; and 50%, 25%, and 38% for intramural lesions, respectively. Compared with size and sonographic criteria, EUS-FNA in the evaluation of lymph nodes provided superior accuracy and specificity, without compromising sensitivity. Inadequate specimens were obtained from only six patients, including 3/5 with stromal tumors. Only one complication occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-FNA is safe and can readily obtain tissue specimens adequate for cytopathological diagnoses. Compared with size and sonographic criteria, it is a superior modality for the detection of nodal metastases. While providing accurate diagnosis of pancreatic and perirectal malignancies, results suggest the technique is less useful for intramural lesions.
Gastric antral vascular ectasia in cirrhotic patients: absence of relation with portal hypertension
Authors: Spahr L , Villeneuve J-P , Dufresne M-P , Tassé D , Bui B , Willems B , Fenyves D , Pomier-Layrargues G
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

Portal hypertensive gastropathy and gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) are increasingly recognised as separate entities. The pathogenic role of portal hypertension for the development of GAVE is still controversial.

AIMS

To evaluate the effects of portal decompression on chronic bleeding related to GAVE in cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

Eight patients with cirrhosis and chronic blood loss related to GAVE were included. GAVE was defined endoscopically and histologically.

RESULTS

All patients had severe portal hypertension (mean portocaval gradient (PCG) 26 mm Hg) and chronic low grade bleeding. Seven patients underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and one had an end to side portacaval shunt. Rebleeding occurred in seven patients. In these, TIPS was found to be occluded after 15 days in one patient; in the other six, the shunt was patent and the PCG was below 12 mm Hg in five. In the responder, PCG was 16 mm Hg. Antrectomy was performed in four non-responders; surgery was uneventful, and they did not rebleed after surgery, but two died 11 and 30 days postoperatively from multiorgan failure. In one patient, TIPS did not control GAVE related bleeding despite a notable decrease in PCG. This patient underwent liver transplantation 14 months after TIPS; two months after transplantation, bleeding had stopped and the endoscopic appearance of the antrum had normalised.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that GAVE is not directly related to portal hypertension, but is influenced by the presence of liver dysfunction. Antrectomy is a therapeutic option when chronic bleeding becomes a significant problem but carries a risk of postoperative mortality.
Effect of Helicobacter pyloriinfection and its eradication on cell proliferation, DNA status, and oncogene expression in patients with chronic gastritis
Authors: Nardone G , Staibano S , Rocco A , Mezza E , D’Armiento F P , Insabato L , Coppola A , Salvatore G , Lucariello A , Figura N , De Rosa G , Budillon G
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori, the main cause of chronic gastritis, is a class I gastric carcinogen. Chronic gastritis progresses to cancer through atrophy, metaplasia, and dysplasia. Precancerous phenotypic expression is generally associated with acquired genomic instability.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of H pylori infection and its eradication on gastric histology, cell proliferation, DNA status, and oncogene expression.

METHODS/SUBJECTS

Morphometric and immunohistochemical techniques were used to examine gastric mucosal biopsy specimens from eight controls, 10 patients withH pylori negative chronic gastritis, 53 withH pylori positive chronic gastritis, and 11 with gastric cancer.

RESULTS

All patients with chronic gastritis were in a hyperproliferative state related to mucosal inflammation, regardless of H pyloriinfection. Atrophy was present in three of 10 patients withH pylori negative chronic gastritis and in 26 of 53 with H pylori positive chronic gastritis, associated in 18 with intestinal metaplasia. DNA content was abnormal in only 11 patients with atrophy and H pylori infection; eight of these also had c-Myc expression, associated in six cases with p53 expression. Fifty three patients withH pylori positive chronic gastritis were monitored for 12 months after antibiotic treatment: three dropped out; infection was eradicated in 45, in whom cell proliferation decreased in parallel with the reduction in gastritis activity; atrophy previously detected in 21/45 disappeared in five, regressed from moderate to mild in nine, and remained unchanged in seven; complete metaplasia disappeared in 4/14, and markers of genomic instability disappeared where previously present. In the five patients in whomH pylori persisted, atrophy, metaplasia, dysplasia, and markers of genomic instability remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

ChronicH pylori infection seems to be responsible for genomic instability in a subset of cases of H pylori positive chronic atrophic gastritis; eradication ofH pylori infection can reverse inflammation and the related atrophy, metaplasia, and genomic instability.
T cell specificity and cross reactivity towards enterobacteria,Bacteroides,Bifidobacterium, and antigens from resident intestinal flora in humans
Authors: Duchmann R , May E , Heike M , Knolle P , Neurath M , zum Büschenfelde K-H Meyer
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

T cell responses to normal intestinal bacteria or their products may be important in the immunopathogenesis of chronic enterocolitis.

AIMS

To investigate the T cell specificity and cross reactivity towards intestinal bacteria.

PATIENTS/METHODS

T cell clones were isolated with phytohaemagglutinin from peripheral blood and biopsy specimens of inflamed and non-inflamed colon from five patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and two controls. T cell clones were restimulated with anaerobicBacteroides andBifidobacteria species, enterobacteria, and direct isolates of aerobic intestinal flora. T cell phenotype was analysed by single-cell immunocyte assay.

RESULTS

Analysis of 96 T cell clones isolated from peripheral blood and biopsy specimens from two patients with IBD showed that bothBifidobacterium andBacteroides species specifically stimulate proliferation of CD4+TCRαβ+ T cell clones from both sites and that cross reactivity exists between these anaerobic bacteria and different enterobacteria. Analysis of 210 T cell clones isolated from three patients with IBD and two controls showed that indigenous aerobic flora specifically stimulate T cell clones from peripheral blood and biopsy specimens from a foreign subject. Some of these flora specific T cell clones were cross reactive with defined enterobacteria. In addition, T cell clones stimulated by their own indigenous aerobic flora were identified in patients with IBD.

CONCLUSION

Immune responses to antigens from the intestinal microflora involve a complex network of T cell specificities.
No association between colon cancer and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus in a population based cohort study in Sweden
Authors: Lagergren J , Nyren O
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

Previous reports have indicated an association between Barrett’s metaplasia or adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and colonic neoplasia, but the findings have been inconsistent. If true, such an association suggests common causal mechanisms.

AIMS

To test the hypothesis of an association between Barrett’s metaplasia or adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and colonic neoplasia.

METHODS

A population based, retrospective cohort study was performed on all Swedish patients with colon cancer diagnosed between 1958 and 1992. 538 500 person years at risk were reviewed among the 118 030 patients in the cohort (average follow up 4.6 years, median 2.1 years). The standardised incidence ratio (SIR), the ratio of the observed to the expected number of incident oesophageal adenocarcinomas, was used as a measure of relative risk. The expected number was derived from the entire Swedish population.

RESULTS

Eleven oesophageal adenocarcinomas were found during follow up in the cohort, as against 9.5 expected (SIR=1.2; 95% confidence interval 0.6–2.1). Analysis by latency intervals after diagnosis of colon cancer showed no trend towards increasing or decreasing risk over time. There were no important sex differences in relative risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Results provide no support for a common link between colon cancer and oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Although the direct relation between colon cancer and Barrett’s oesophagus was not looked at, a search for common aetiological factors or genetic defects may not be fruitful. Screening for colonic neoplasia among patients with malignant or premalignant oesophageal mucosa, or vice versa, may not be warranted.
Serum hepatocyte growth factor as an index of extensive catabolism of patients awaiting liver transplantation
Authors: Miki C , Mayer A D , Buckels J A C , Iriyama K , Suzuki H , McMaster P
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

Whole body catabolism as the result of intrahepatic metabolic derangement is common in liver transplant candidates. However, individual nutritional assessment parameters lack sensitivity and specificity in determining energy status of these patients. Recently, serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to reflect the recovery of hepatic energy metabolism after liver transplantation.

AIMS

The relation between preoperative levels of serum HGF and metabolic variables was investigated to clarify the clinical value of measuring HGF in evaluations of the catabolism.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Blood samples were obtained from 30 liver transplant recipients, and biopsy specimens were taken from each recipient’s rectus muscle and the explanted liver. Preoperative serum concentration of HGF was determined. Whole body energy metabolism was assessed by measuring glycogen contents of biopsy specimens and plasma or serum levels of glucose, insulin, total ketone bodies, total carnitine, and amino acids.

RESULTS

Serum HGF concentration was elevated in 22 of 30 patients and correlated with the Child-Pugh score. It showed a negative association with muscle glycogen content, and a positive correlation with serum levels of glucose, total carnitine, and total ketone bodies. Patients with elevated serum HGF concentrations had higher preoperative plasma levels of aromatic amino acids and branched chain amino acids, associated with lower branched chain to aromatic amino acid ratios.

CONCLUSIONS

The elevated serum concentration of HGF in liver transplant candidates reflected inhibition of peripheral glucose storage, enhanced lipid oxidation, and increased peripheral release of branched chain amino acids, and thus extensive energy catabolism.
Cholinergic effects on human gastric motility
Authors: Parkman H P , Trate D M , Knight L C , Brown K L , Maurer A H , Fisher R S
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

Cholinergic regulation of chronotropic (frequency) and inotropic (force) aspects of antral contractility and how these impact on gastric emptying are not well delineated.

AIMS

To determine the effects of cholinergic stimulation and inhibition on myoelectric, contractile, and emptying parameters of gastric motility.

METHODS

Ten normal subjects underwent three studies each, using simultaneous electrogastrography (EGG), antroduodenal manometry, and gastric emptying with dynamic antral scintigraphy (DAS). After 30 minutes of baseline fasting manometry and EGG, subjects received saline intravenously, atropine (0.6 mg then 0.25 mg/hour intravenously), or bethanechol (5 mg subcutaneously). This was followed by another 30 minutes’ recording and by three hours of postprandial recording after ingestion of a technetium-99m labelled solid meal.

RESULTS

During fasting, atropine decreased, whereas bethanechol increased, the antral manometric motility index and EGG power. Postprandially, atropine decreased the amplitude of antral contractions by DAS, decreased the postprandial antral manometric motility index, and slowed gastric emptying. Atropine caused a slight increase in postprandial frequency of antral contractions by DAS and gastric myoelectrical activity by EGG. Bethanechol slightly increased the amplitude, but slightly decreased the frequency of antral contractions by DAS and decreased the frequency of gastric myoelectrical activity by EGG, with no significant increase in the motility index or gastric emptying.

CONCLUSIONS

Cholinergic antagonism with atropine reduces antral contractility and slows gastric emptying. Cholinergic stimulation with bethanechol increases antral contractility, but decreases the frequency of antral contractions, without altering the antral motility index or gastric emptying.
Serum concentrations and peripheral secretion of the beta chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α in alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Fisher N C , Neil D A H , Williams A , Adams D H
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

Alcoholic liver disease is associated with increased hepatic expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α).

AIMS

To determine whether concentrations of chemokines in the peripheral circulation reflect disease activity, and whether chemokine secretion is restricted to the liver or is part of a systemic inflammatory response in alcoholic liver disease.

PATIENTS

Fifty one patients with alcoholic liver disease and 12 healthy controls.

METHODS

Peripheral vein (and hepatic vein in patients undergoing transjugular liver biopsy) chemokine concentrations were measured by ELISA. Chemokine secretion and transcription in isolated peripheral mononuclear cells were assessed using ELISA and in situ hybridisation in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis.

RESULTS

Serum MCP-1 concentrations were higher in alcoholic hepatitis compared with cirrhosis or healthy controls. MIP-1α concentrations were below the assay sensitivity in most patients. Serum MCP-1 concentrations correlated significantly with serum aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine. In severe alcoholic hepatitis, MCP-1 concentrations were higher in hepatic compared with peripheral veins; in mild alcoholic hepatitis there was no difference. Mononuclear cell secretion of both MCP-1 and MIP-1α was higher in severe alcoholic hepatitis compared with healthy controls, and chemokine mRNA was identified in monocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum MCP-1 concentrations are raised in alcoholic liver disease and reflect severity of hepatic inflammation. Monocyte secretion of both MCP-1 and MIP-1α is increased in severe alcoholic hepatitis. Both intrahepatic sources and peripheral mononuclear cells contribute to the raised serum MCP-1 concentrations.
The effect of business improvement districts on the incidence of violent crimes
Authors: MacDonald John , Golinelli Daniela , Stokes Robert J , Bluthenthal Ricky
Published: June 2010

Objective

To examine whether business improvement districts (BID) contributed to greater than expected declines in the incidence of violent crimes in affected neighbourhoods.

Method

A Bayesian hierarchical model was used to assess the changes in the incidence of violent crimes between 1994 and 2005 and the implementation of 30 BID in Los Angeles neighbourhoods.

Results

The implementation of BID was associated with a 12% reduction in the incidence of robbery (95% posterior probability interval −2 to 24) and an 8% reduction in the total incidence of violent crimes (95% posterior probability interval −5 to 21). The strength of the effect of BID on robbery crimes varied by location.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that the implementation of BID can reduce the incidence of violent crimes likely to result in injury to individuals. The findings also indicate that the establishment of a BID by itself is not a panacea, and highlight the importance of targeting BID efforts to crime prevention interventions that reduce violence exposure associated with criminal behaviours.
How to Provide Fair and Effective Feedback in Asynchronous Courses
Authors: Gruenbaum Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2010

There are several policies and procedures that online instructors can implement that will help them provide specific, fair, consistent, and effective feedback to their students in an online, asynchronous course.
An Interview With Bryan Chapman, Chief Learning Strategist at Chapman Alliance
Authors: Gulatieri Lisa , Chapman Bryan
Published: June 2010

Bryan Chapman, chief learning strategist at the Chapman Alliance, is focused on the application and delivery of e-Learning. Here, he discusses innovations in online learning delivery, as well as what changes he sees coming to the e-learning landscape.
Why Don't Teachers Adopt Technology?
Authors: Vrasidas Charalambos
Published: June 2010

Public education is compulsory in Cyprus and is under the auspices of the country's Ministry of Education and Culture (MOEC). The majority of re-service teacher education is provided by local universities, while in-service public school teacher training is provided by the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute and other public and private agencies. This article contains information from a survey in which teacher in Cyprus gave reasons for not adopting technology.
Finding a Place for Twitter in Higher Education
Authors: Al-Khalifa Hend Suliman
Published: June 2010

Twitter has recently flourished in its number of registered users. Amazingly, nearly 73 percent of all Twitter users have joined the service in the first five months of 2009. This Twitter trend can and should be utilized to benefit education. Twitter has various educational uses in both developing countries and more developed ones. But the real tipping point for Twitter in education will only come if teachers can manage to add Twitter to their arsenal of teaching tools. The question is can they do it?
An e-Learning Update from the U.K.
Authors: Little Bob
Published: June 2010

A recent report from Learning Light found that the annual size of the U.K. e-learning industry in 2009 was between £300 million and £450 million, with growth rates forecast of between 6.7 and 8 percent.
Sounding liquids
Authors: Moss William , Yeh Hengchin , Hong Jeong-Mo , Lin Ming C. , Manocha Dinesh
Published: June 2010

We present a novel approach for synthesizing liquid sounds directly from visual simulation of fluid dynamics. Our approach takes advantage of the fact that the sound generated by liquid is mainly due to the vibration of resonating bubbles in the medium and performs automatic sound synthesis by coupling physically-based equations for bubble resonance with multiple fluid simulators. We effectively demonstrate our system on several benchmarks using a real-time shallow-water fluid simulator as well as a hybrid grid-SPH simulator.
Levels of Circulating TIMP‐2 and MMP2‐TIMP2 Complex Are Decreased in Squamous Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Anne Talvensaari-Mattila , Taina Turpeenniemi-Hujanen
Published: June 2010

Background. The role of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and ‐9 (MMP‐2, MMP‐9) in matrix degradation and metastasis has been described in various tumors. Their action is inhibited by their natural tissue inhibitor molecules TIMP‐1 and ‐2. Methods. The study population consisted of 12 squamous cervical carcinoma patients and 27 healthy volunteer control patients. MMP‐9, MMP‐2‐TIMP‐2 complex, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 were analyzed from serum samples using enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA). Results. The mean levels of serum TIMP‐2 and of MMP‐2‐TIMP‐2 complex were higher in healthy controls compared to patients with a malignant tumor. Serum TIMP‐2 values decreased significantly from healthy controls (median 323 μg/l, range 305–342 μg/l) to malignant (median 136 μg/l, range 120–151 μg/l) squamous cervical carcinoma patients (P < .000). Also, serum proMMP2‐TIMP2 complex values decreased from control patients to squamous cervical carcinoma patients (P < .006). Conclusion. This paper shows that the levels of circulating TIMP‐2 and that of MMP‐2‐TIMP‐2 complex are lower in squamous cervical carcinoma patients than in healthy women.
Deoxycorticosterone Producing Tumor as a Cause of Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Gupta Saurabh , Melendez Jose , Khanna Apurv
Published: June 2010

We describe a young woman with longstanding resistant hypertension. Evaluation for renal artery stenosis and primary aldosteronism was unrevealing. In this setting of a suppressed plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and a suppressed plasma renin activity (PRA), a differential diagnosis of a deoxycorticosterone (DOC) producing tumor was entertained. Biochemical and imaging studies confirmed this diagnosis. Rare and novel DOC producing tumors are an important cause of resistant hypertension.
Chlorophyll Extraction from Microalgae: A Review on the Process Engineering Aspects
Authors: Hosikian Aris , Lim Su , Halim Ronald , Danquah Michael K.
Published: June 2010

Chlorophyll is an essential compound in many everyday products. It is used not only as an additive in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products but also as a natural food colouring agent. Additionally, it has antioxidant and antimutagenic properties. This review discusses the process engineering of chlorophyll extraction from microalgae. Different chlorophyll extraction methods and chlorophyll purification techniques are evaluated. Our preliminary analysis suggests supercritical fluid extraction to be superior to organic solvent extraction. When compared to spectroscopic technique, high performance liquid chromatography was shown to be more accurate and sensitive for chlorophyll analysis. Finally, throughCO2capture and wastewater treatment, microalgae cultivation process was shown to have strong potential for mitigation of environmental impacts.
Investigation on the Interactions of NiCR and NiCR‐2H with DNA
Authors: Chitranshi Priyanka , Chen Chang-Nan , Jones Patrick R. , Faridi Jesika S. , Xue Liang
Published: June 2010

We report here a biophysical and biochemical approach to determine the differences in interactions of NiCR and NiCR‐2H with DNA. Our goal is to determine whether such interactions are responsible for the recently observed differences in their cytotoxicity toward MCF‐7 cancer cells. Viscosity measurement and fluorescence displacement titration indicated that both NiCR and NiCR‐2H bind weakly to duplex DNA in the grooves. The coordination of NiCR‐2H with the N‐7 of 2′‐deoxyguanosine 5′‐monophosphate (5′‐dGMP) is stronger than that of NiCR as determined by  1H NMR. NiCR‐2H, like NiCR, can selectively oxidize guanines present in distinctive DNA structures (e.g., bulges), and notably, NiCR‐2H oxidizes guanines more efficiently than NiCR. In addition, UV and  1H NMR studies revealed that NiCR is oxidized into NiCR‐2H in the presence of KHSO5 at low molar ratios with respect to NiCR (≤4).
Internet Usage by Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Implications to Participatory Medicine and Personalized Healthcare
Authors: Lejbkowicz Izabella , Paperna Tamar , Stein Nili , Dishon Sara , Miller Ariel
Published: June 2010

Online health information and services for patients were suggested to improve symptom management and treatment adherence, thereby contributing to healthcare optimization. This paper aimed to characterize multiple sclerosis (MS) patients Internet usage. Information regarding browsing habits, Internet reliability, and the medical team's attitude to information collected online was obtained by questionnaires from MS patients. Data was compared between nonbrowsers, browsers on MS topics, and browsers on non-MS topics only. From the 96 patients recruited, 61 (63.5%) performed MS-related searches. The most viewed topics were “understanding the disease” and “treatments”. Patients reported that the information helped coping with MS and assured them of the appropriateness of their therapy. Shorter disease duration was correlated with higher Internet activity. Disabled patients were more interested in online interaction with specialists and support groups. This paper suggests that MS patients benefit from online information, and it emphasizes the importance of resources tailored to patients needs.
The Well‐Posedness of the Dirichlet Problem in the Cylindric Domain for the Multidimensional Wave Equation
Authors: Aldashev Serik A.
Published: June 2010

In the theory of hyperbolic PDEs, the boundary‐value problems with conditions on
the entire boundary of the domain serve typically as the examples of the ill‐posedness.
The paper shows the unique solvability of the Dirichlet problem in the cylindric domain
for the multidimensional wave equation. We also establish the criterion for the unique
solvability of the equation.
Fruit Damage Patterns Caused by Ovipositing Females ofConotrachelus dimidiatus(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Guava Trees
Authors: Tafoya Felipe , Perales-Segovia Catarino , Gonzalez-Gaona Ernesto , Calyecac-Cortero Humberta Gloria
Published: June 2010

We evaluated the damage patterns produced by females of the guava weevilConotrachelus dimidiatusChampion, 1904 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), according to the position of the damaged fruit in guava treesPsidium guajavaL. in Calvillo, Aguascalientes, Mexico. The trees were subdivided in eight zones, and during one year the level of fruit lesions due to oviposition was registered. Results showed a higher level of damage in the upper and external zone of the trees(P≤.05). We found no significant differences in damage between the four cardinal points(P≥.05). During the year, the level of damage was recorded and was higher in the months of August and September(P≤.05)associated with rainfall (0.86,P=.06) and increase in temperature (0.84,P=.03). The most susceptible fruits were in the size range of 2.1–4.0 cm (polar diameter). The information from this study will be used to design and establish effective control strategies for the guava weevil, taking into account location of the most susceptible fruits, seasonality of the pest, and the abiotic factors.
Temporal Variations among Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Serotypes in Children and Adults in Germany (1992–2008)
Authors: Imöhl Matthias , Reinert Ralf René , van der Linden Mark
Published: June 2010

Nationwide surveillance of invasive pneumococcal disease has been conducted in Germany since 1992. From 1992 to 2008, a total of 12,137 isolates from invasive pneumococcal disease were collected. Data on serotypes were available for 9,394 invasive isolates. The leading serotypes were serotypes 14 (16.5%), 3 (8.0%), 7F (7.6%), 1 (7.3%), and 23F (6.0%). Variations in serotype distribution over the years are particularly extensive, especially concerning serotype 14 (min 7.4%, max 33.5%) with the highest percentages among the isolates serotyped from around 1997 to 2006. Serotypes 1 and 7F increased over the last decade. No increase was observed concerning serotype 19A. Higher pneumococcal conjugate vaccine coverages were observed among children (7v, 57.3%; 10v, 72.8%; 13v, 83.5%) than among adults (7v, 39.9%; 10v, 55.5%; 13v, 73.5%). The temporal variations in serotype distribution have to be kept in mind when interpreting vaccine coverages reported in epidemiological studies.
Psychological Impact of a “Health-at-Every-Size” Intervention on Weight-Preoccupied Overweight/Obese Women
Authors: Gagnon-Girouard Marie-Pierre , Bégin Catherine , Provencher Véronique , Tremblay Angelo , Mongeau Lyne , Boivin Sonia , Lemieux Simone
Published: June 2010

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of a “Health-at-every-size” (HAES) intervention on psychological variables and body weight the weight-preoccupied overweight/obese women. Those women were randomized into three groups (1) HAES, (2) social support (SS), (3) waiting-list (WL), and were tested at baseline, post-treatment and six-month and one-year follow-ups. All participants presented significant psychological improvement no matter if they received the HAES intervention or not. However, even if during the intervention, the three groups showed improvements, during the follow up, the HAES group continued to improve while the other groups did not, even sometimes experiencing some deterioration. Furthermore, in the HAES group only, participant's weight maintenance 12 months after the intervention was related to their psychological improvement (quality of life, body dissatisfaction, and binge eating) during the intervention. Thus, even if, in the short-term, our study did not show distinctive effects of the HAES intervention compared to SS and WL on all variables, in the long-term, HAES group seemed to present a different trajectory as psychological variables and body weight are maintained or continue to improve, which was not the case in other groups. These differential long-term effects still need to be documented and further empirically demonstrated.
Translocation of Helicobacter pylori CagA into Human B Lymphocytes, the Origin of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma
Authors: Lin Wei-Cheng , Tsai Hwei-Fang , Kuo Sung-Hsin , Wu Ming-Shiang , Lin Chung-Wu , Hsu Ping-I , Cheng Ann-Lii , Hsu Ping-Ning
Published: June 2010

Infection by cagA-positive Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is strongly associated with gastric carcinomas and gastric mucosa–associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas. H. pylori translocates the bacterial protein CagA into gastric epithelial cells, and the translocated CagA deregulates intracellular signaling pathways and thereby initiates pathogenesis. This in turn raised the possibility that H. pylori is associated with the development of MALT lymphomas during persistent infection by direct interaction with B lymphocytes. In this work, we showed that CagA can be directly translocated into human B lymphoid cells by H. pylori, and the translocated CagA undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation and binds to intracellular SH-2. Meanwhile, the translocated CagA induces activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in human B lymphoid cells, and upregulates the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL, which prevents apoptosis. These results provide the first direct evidence for the role of CagA as a bacterium-derived oncoprotein that acts in human B cells, and further implies that CagA is directly delivered into B cells by H. pylori and is associated with the development of MALT lymphomas. Cancer Res; 70(14); 5740–8. ©2010 AACR.
Integrated Profiling Reveals a Global Correlation between Epigenetic and Genetic Alterations in Mesothelioma
Authors: Christensen Brock C. , Houseman E. Andres , Poage Graham M. , Godleski John J. , Bueno Raphael , Sugarbaker David J. , Wiencke John K. , Nelson Heather H. , Marsit Carmen J. , Kelsey Karl T.
Published: June 2010

Development of mesothelioma is linked mainly to asbestos exposure, but the combined contributions of genetic and epigenetic alterations are unclear. We investigated the potential relationships between gene copy number (CN) alterations and DNA methylation profiles in a case series of pleural mesotheliomas (n = 23). There were no instances of significantly correlated CN alteration and methylation at probed loci, whereas averaging loci over their associated genes revealed only two genes with significantly correlated CN and methylation alterations. In contrast to the lack of discrete correlations, the overall extent of tumor CN alteration was significantly associated with DNA methylation profile when comparing CN alteration extent among methylation profile classes. Further, there was evidence that this association was partially attributable to prevalent allele loss at the DNA methyltransferase gene DNMT1. Our findings define a strong association between global genetic and global epigenetic dysregulation in mesothelioma, rather than a discrete, local coordination of gene inactivation. Cancer Res; 70(14); 5686–94. ©2010 AACR.
Influence of CYP2D6 Deletion, Multiplication, –1584C→G, 31G→A and 2988G→A Gene Polymorphisms on Dextromethorphan Metabolism among Mexican Tepehuanos and Mestizos
Authors: Sosa-Macías Martha , Dorado Pedro , Alanis-Bañuelos Ruth E. , Llerena Adrián , Lares-Asseff Ismael
Published: June 2010

The aim of this study was to explain the variability of CYP2D6 activity by the identification of CYP2D6 deletion and multiplications, and the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) –1584C→G, 31G→A and 2988G→A in Mexican Mestizo and Tepehuano subjects. One hundred twelve Mestizos and 99 Tepehuano Amerindians were studied, who were previously phenotyped with dextromethorphan. The frequencies of CYP2D6*2A [–1584C→G] and *35 [–1584C→G, 31G→A] were 10.7 and 4.1%, respectively, in Mestizos, which is evidently a trend towards an extensive metabolism in carriers of the –1584G change. In Tepehuanos, *2A was identified with a frequency of 20%, and the allele *35 was not found. The frequencies of CYP2D6*5 (deletion) and *41[2988G→A] were 1.3 and 2.2% in Mestizos and 0.5 and 1% in Tepehuanos, respectively. The SNP 2988A was found to be significantly related with the intermediate metabolizer phenotype in Mestizos (R = 0.309; n = 88; p = 0.006). The multiplications had frequencies of 4.1% in Mestizos and 1.5% in Tepehuanos. Only in the Mestizos did the presence of multiplications significantly decrease the DM/DX (dextromethorphan/dextrorphan) values (R = 0.273; n = 88; p = 0.016). The polymorphisms studied had different frequencies between Tepehuanos and Mestizos (p < 0.001); however, in the Tepehuano group these had a low influence on their phenotypic expression. It helps to understand the genotype-phenotype relationships of CYP2D6 in our studied populations.
Expression of Cathepsins in Human Skin Photoaging
Authors: Zheng Y. , Lai W. , Wan M. , Maibach H.I.
Published: June 2010

Cathepsins are involved in regulatory mechanisms in human skin, but their role in photoaged skin remains unknown. This study investigates the role of cathepsin B, D, K, and G in skin photoaging in vivo and in vitro. Cathepsin-induced changes in skin as a result of chronic UV irradiation were detected by immunohistochemistry methods. Protein cathepsin expressions in UVA-induced premature senescence in fibroblasts in vitro were detected by Western blot technique. Cathepsin mRNA expression in photoaged skin and fibroblasts was detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot show lower protein expression of cathepsin B, D, and K in photoaged skin and fibroblasts, while cathepsin G was higher. The mRNA expression of cathepsin B, D, and K of the photoaged skin in vivo decreased to 20 ± 0.5, 25 ± 1.6 and 22 ± 0.8%, while cathepsin G mRNA increased to 2.24 ± 0.09 times that of control. In photoaged fibroblasts, cathepsin B, D, and K mRNA was downregulated to 64 ± 2.9, 24 ± 2.1 and 9 ± 0.5% while cathepsin G mRNA was upregulated to 1.42 ± 0.06 times that of control fibroblasts. These experiments suggest that cathepsin B, D, K, and G may act as biomarkers in photoaged human skin.
Ischemia-Modified Albumin: Is It a Reliable Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker for Myocardial Ischemia in Real Clinical Practice?
Authors: Kim Jin-Sun , Hwang Hye Jin , Ko Young-Guk , Kim Jung-Sun , Choi Donghoon , Ha Jong-Won , Hong Myeong-Ki , Jang Yangsoo
Published: June 2010

Objectives: We investigated whether ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), a novel biomarker of acute myocardial ischemia, is reliable for diagnosing ischemic chest pain and predicting future cardiac events in clinical practice. Methods: We enrolled 390 patients (age 61.7 ± 39.9 years) who arrived at the emergency department within 6 h of pain onset. We compared serum IMA levels of patients with ischemic chest pain (ICP) to those with nonischemic chest pain (NICP). Results: NICP was diagnosed in 162 patients and ICP in 205 patients. Median serum IMA levels did not differ between the NICP (99.0 U/ml; 95% confidence interval, 98.2–101.2 U/ml) and the ICP group (99.0 U/ml; 95% confidence interval, 99.4–102.6 U/ml; p = 0.320). During a 2-year follow-up, adverse cardiac events including cardiac death, myocardial infarction and recurrent angina occurred in 25 of 205 patients (12.2%) in the ICP group, but IMA was not predictive of cardiac events. Conclusions: IMA was neither able to discriminate acute chest pain due to myocardial ischemia from that of other origin nor to predict cardiac events. Therefore, use of serum IMA levels for triage of patients with acute chest pain does not seem effective in clinical practice.
Urinary Bladder Tissue Engineering Using Natural Scaffolds in a Porcine Model: Role of Toll-Like Receptors and Impact of Biomimetic Molecules
Authors: Evren Sevan , Loai Yasir , Antoon Roula , Islam Syed , Yeger Herman , Moore Katherine , Wong Karrie , Gorczynski Reginald , Farhat Walid A.
Published: June 2010

Introduction: Natural scaffolds have been shown to induce T helper 2 (TH2)-specific immune responses in host tissues; however, the precise mechanisms that underlie this immune response are unknown. Using a porcine animal model, we evaluated the role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and matrix remodelling in the implantation of bladder acellular matrix (ACM) grafts and ACMs fortified with biomimetic materials. Materials and Methods: Bladders were decellularized with detergent and treated in 3 different ways prior to implantation: ACM alone, hyaluronic acid (HA)-ACM and HA-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-ACM. Animals were sacrificed at 4 or 10 weeks post-implantation and total gene expressions for TH2 (IL-4), TH1 (IFN-γ), TLR2, TLR4, and TGF-β1 were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR. Using histology (H&E and Masson’s trichrome) and immunohistochemistry (uroplakin, α-smooth muscle actin, CD31 and factor VIII) the regenerative capacity was correlated with the gene expression of different proteins. Results: IL-4, TLR2, and TLR4 gene expression were markedly decreased at 4 and 10 weeks in both the HA-ACM group and the HA-VEGF-ACM group compared to ACM alone. IFN-γ expression was negligible in all groups and time periods. TGF-β1 expression was highest in the HA- and VEGF-treated grafts. Recellularization was inversely proportional to TLR and TH2 expression but proportional to TGF-β1. Conclusion: ACM alone grafts demonstrated stronger TLR4 expression which may promote a distinct TH2 immune response and a reduced regenerative capacity in grafts. Treatment of grafts with HA and VEGF may help regulate host immune responses by reducing TLR4 and IL-4 and increasing TGF-β1.