bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analysis of critical incidents relevant to pediatric anesthesia reported to the UK National Reporting and Learning System, 2006–2008
Authors: MacLennan Andrew I. , Smith Andrew F.
Published: November 2010

Objectives/aims:  We aimed to identify and analyze critical incidents relating to pediatric anesthesia from the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) in England and Wales.

Background:  Critical incident reporting plays a key role in learning from problems and so enhancing patient safety. There has been no previous analysis of pediatric anesthetic incidents in the NRLS.

Methods:  We obtained potentially relevant records from the UK National Patient Safety Agency. Eligible incidents were classified according to patient age, degree of harm sustained, and clinical category.

Results:  A total of 606 incidents met the inclusion criteria. Six deaths were reported and 48 incidents resulted in severe harm. In many reports, sufficient detail was lacking for a full understanding of what had happened. However, the broad focus of the NRLS revealed a wide spectrum of clinical and organizational incidents relating to pediatric anesthesia. Medication issues predominated (35.6%), notably inadvertent duplication of dosing in operating theater and ward. Airway/ventilation incidents formed 18.8% of the total, cardiovascular incidents 5.9%, and equipment‐related incidents (failure or unavailability) 15.7%. Communication and organizational problems made up 8.6% of reports.

Conclusions:  We make a number of recommendations for practice. In addition, anesthetists should be encouraged to take ownership and contribute high‐quality descriptions of incidents to national systems.
Progression to insulin deficiency in Korean patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus positive for anti‐GAD antibody
Authors: Lee S. A. , Lee W. J. , Kim E. H. , Yu J. H. , Jung C. H. , Koh E. H. , Kim M.‐S. , Park J.‐Y. , Lee K.‐U.
Published: November 2010

Diabet. Med. 28, 319–324 (2011)

Aims  To investigate the rate of progression to insulin deficiency in Korean patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus positive for anti‐GAD antibody (GADA) and to determine the factors related to progression to insulin deficiency.

Methods  We retrospectively analysed data on 87 GADA‐positive and 87 age‐ and sex‐matched GADA‐negative patients with Type 2 diabetes. GADA‐positive patients were further subclassified into high‐titre (≥ 250 WHO units/ml) (n = 24) and low‐titre (< 250 WHO units/ml) (n = 63) subgroups. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to identify factors associated with progression to insulin deficiency.

Results  Over a period of 6 years, two of 87 (2.3%) GADA‐negative and 37 of 87 (42.5%) GADA‐positive patients had progressed to insulin deficiency. The rate of progression to insulin deficiency was higher in the high‐titre than in the low‐titre subgroup (75.0 vs. 30.2%). Multivariate analysis in GADA‐positive patients showed that high‐titre GADA and low BMI at diagnosis were independent factors significantly related to progression to insulin deficiency.

Conclusions  The presence of GADA predicted the progression to insulin deficiency in Korean patients with Type 2 diabetes. In GADA‐positive patients, high‐titre GADA and low BMI were associated with this progression.
Role of phosphodiesterase and adenylate cyclase isozymes in murine colonic glucagon‐like peptide 1 secreting cells
Authors: Friedlander Ronn S. , Moss Catherine E. , Mace Jessica , Parker Helen E. , Tolhurst Gwen , Habib Abdella M. , Wachten Sebastian , Cooper Dermot M. , Gribble Fiona M. , Reimann Frank
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is secreted from enteroendocrine L‐cells after food intake. Increasing GLP‐1 signalling either through inhibition of the GLP‐1 degrading enzyme dipeptidyl‐peptidase IV or injection of GLP‐1‐mimetics has recently been successfully introduced for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Boosting secretion from the L‐cell has so far not been exploited, due to our incomplete understanding of L‐cell physiology. Elevation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) has been shown to be a strong stimulus for GLP‐1 secretion and here we investigate the activities of adenylate cyclase (AC) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) isozymes likely to shape cAMP responses in L‐cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Expression of AC and PDE isoforms was quantified by RT‐PCR. Single cell responses to stimulation or inhibition of AC and PDE isoforms were monitored with real‐time cAMP probes. GLP‐1 secretion was assessed by elisa.

KEY RESULTS

Quantitative PCR identified expression of protein kinase C‐ and Ca2+‐activated ACs, corresponding with phorbolester and cytosolic Ca2+‐stimulated cAMP elevation. Inhibition of PDE2, 3 and 4 were found to stimulate GLP‐1 secretion from murine L‐cells in primary culture. This corresponded with cAMP elevations monitored with a plasma membrane targeted cAMP probe. Inhibition of PDE3 but not PDE2 was further shown to prevent GLP‐1 secretion in response to guanylin, a peptide secreted into the gut lumen, which had not previously been implicated in L‐cell secretion.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our results reveal several mechanisms shaping cAMP responses in GLP‐1 secreting cells, with some of the molecular components specifically expressed in L‐cells when compared with their epithelial neighbours, thus opening new strategies for targeting these cells therapeutically.
Prior hospitalization for stroke, diabetes, myocardial infarction, and subsequent risk of unprovoked seizures
Authors: Adelöw Cecilia , Andersson Tomas , Ahlbom Anders , Tomson Torbjörn
Published: November 2010

Purpose:  To study diabetes, acute myocardial infarction, and stroke as risk factors for unprovoked seizures in a population‐based cohort with incident cases of epilepsy.

Methods:  In this nested case–control study, the cases were 933 patients with newly diagnosed unprovoked seizures from the Stockholm Incidence Registry of Epilepsy. Controls, in total 6,039—matched for gender, year of diagnosis, and catchment area—were randomly selected from the register of the Stockholm County population. A history of diabetes, myocardial infarction, and stroke preceding the date of onset of seizure was determined by search of the Swedish Hospital Discharge Registry. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to assess the risk of developing unprovoked seizures after hospital admission for any of these diagnoses.

Results:  The age‐adjusted OR (95% confidence interval, 95% CI) for unprovoked seizures after a discharge diagnosis of diabetes was 1.9 (95% CI 1.4–2.8) and after acute myocardial infarction 1.7 (95% CI 1.0–2.9). The OR was 9.4 (95% CI 6.7–13.1) after cerebral infarction, 7.2 (95% CI 3.9–13.6) after intracerebral hemorrhage, 7.2 (95% CI 2.9–18.1) after subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 3.2 (95% CI 1.9–5.5) after transient ischemic attack. The population attributable risk percent (PAR%) was <2% for each of the diagnoses except for cerebral infarction, for which the PAR% was 9%. Taken together the studied diagnoses accounted for 15% of the incident cases of unprovoked seizures.

Discussion:  As previously known, the risk for unprovoked seizures and epilepsy after a cerebral infarction was highest the first year after the infarction. This risk remained substantial >7 years after a diagnosis of cerebral infarction.
School performance at age 16 in children exposed to antiepileptic drugs in utero—A population‐based study
Authors: Forsberg Lisa , Wide Katarina , Källén Bengt
Published: November 2010

Purpose:  In order to evaluate long‐term effects on neurodevelopment in children born to women with epilepsy during pregnancy we studied the children’s school grades at age 16.

Methods:  We used the Patient Register, the Medical Birth Register, and a local study at South Hospital, Stockholm, to identify women with epilepsy in Sweden who had given birth between 1973 and 1986. The Swedish School Mark Registry was used to obtain information about school grades from the last year of compulsory school, at age 16. Exposed children were compared to all other children born in Sweden between 1973 and 1986.

Key Findings:  Medical records were analyzed for 1,235 children. Six hundred forty‐one children had been exposed in utero to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in monotherapy, 429 in polytherapy, and 165 to no known AED. Children exposed to polytherapy had an increased risk of not receiving a final grade—odds ratio (OR) 2.99 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.14–4.17]. Children exposed to monotherapy, mainly carbamazepine or phenytoin, did not have a significantly increased risk of not receiving a final grade—OR 1.19 (95% CI 0.79–1.80). Children born to women with epilepsy had a decreased chance of getting a “pass with excellence.”

Significance:  Exposure to several AEDs in utero may have negative effects on neurodevelopment, and polytherapy should, if possible, be avoided in pregnant women.
Electrophysiological Changes in Patients with Acute Organophosphorous Pesticide Poisoning
Authors: Jalali Navid , Balali‐Mood Mahdi , Jalali Ishagh , Shakeri Mohammad T.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Organophosphorous pesticides (OP) are widely used in agriculture without proper control in the Islamic Republic of Iran and thus OP poisonings are common in this country. Epidemiological and management aspects of OP have been studied in detail, but there have been very few reports on peripheral polyneuropathy, particularly electrophysiological changes related to this poisoning. Thus, we aimed to study electrophysiological changes including electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in patients with OP poisoning. The patients with acute moderate to severe OP poisonings who revealed clinical symptoms and signs of peripheral polyneuropathy after recovery of the acute phase of intoxication were investigated from 2005 to 2006 in Mashhad, Iran. These patients lacked previous neurological problems and had not been chronically exposed to OP. EMG and NCV were performed using MEDELEC MS92 & TOENNIES Multiliner E. Statistical analyses including Student’s t‐test and Pearson’s test were applied using SPSS (Version 11.5). Of 342 hospitalized patients, eight patients (four females and four males) aged 13–59 years were investigated. Intervals between the onset of OP poisoning and electrodiagnostic tests varied between 10 and 210 days. On EMG, there was a sensory‐motor peripheral polyneuropathy, which was predominantly a distal sensory deficit. Sensory nerve dysfunction (84.4%) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than motor dysfunctions (18.7%). The lower extremities, particularly tibial and peroneal nerves, were more affected than the upper extremities (p < 0.0001). Sensory nerve dysfunction of the lower extremities was more common than motor nerves, which was predominantly a distal sensory deficit.
Sexual Function and Depressive Symptoms Among Female North American Medical Students
Authors: Shindel Alan W. , Eisenberg Michael L. , Breyer Benjamin N. , Sharlip Ira D. , Smith James F.
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Depression and sexual dysfunction are often comorbid.

Aim

We explored the relationship between sexuality, sexual dysfunction, and depressive symptoms in female medical students in North America.

Main Outcome Measure

Female North American medical students were invited to participate in an internet survey. The CES-D was utilized to screen for depressive symptoms and an abbreviated Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI) was used to quantify anxiety symptoms.

Methods

Subjects completed an ethnodemographic survey, a sexuality survey, and modified instruments for the quantification of sexual function (the Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] and the Index of Sexual Life [ISL]). Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between sexuality and depressive symptoms.

Results

There were 1,241 female subjects with complete data on CES-D and STAI. Mean age was 25.4 years. Depressive symptoms (CES-D > 16) were present in 46% of respondents and were more common in subjects with anxiety symptoms. Subjects who were Caucasian, younger than 28, heterosexual, and in a relationship were least likely to report depressive symptoms. High risk of female sexual dysfunction (HRFSD) was significantly associated with greater likelihood of depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 2.25, P < 0.001). After adjusting for ethnodemographic and sexual history factors, HRFSD remained significantly positively associated with depressive symptoms (OR 1.85, P < 0.001). Analysis of FSFI and ISL domains indicated that depressive symptoms were most directly associated with worse orgasmic function, interference in sex life from stress and lack of partner, and lower general life satisfaction (P < 0.05). Interestingly, greater ISL-sexual satisfaction was associated with greater odds of depressive symptoms (OR 1.40, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms are common in female medical students. HRFSD is associated with depressive symptoms, although the relationship is complex when psychoscial factors are included in the multivariate model. Attention to sexuality factors from student health providers may enhance quality-of-life, academic achievement, and patient care.
Change of Erectile Function and Responsiveness to Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors at Different Stages of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Cho Sung Yong , Park Kwanjin , Paick Jae-Seung , Kim Soo Woong
Published: November 2010

Introduction

It has been suggested that risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases with duration of diabetes and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5I) are not as effective in treatment of diabetes-associated ED. However, few studies have investigated time-dependent change in erectile function during the course of diabetes.

Aim

To investigate time-dependent change in erectile function and responsiveness to PDE5I in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and to understand the pathophysiology of diabetic ED.

Main Outcome Measures

At 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 weeks after diabetic induction, erectile function was assessed by cavernous nerve stimulation before and after administration of DA-8159, a novel PDE5I. Penile tissue was assessed for apoptosis with immunohistochemistry. Protein expression of Rho-kinase 2 (ROCK2), myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was evaluated by Western blot.

Methods

Streptozotocin was injected into 50 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were then classified into five diabetic groups according to the observation period.

Results

Diabetic rats maintained normal erectile responses until 6 weeks of diabetes. Following 8 weeks, the rats showed lower erectile responses at higher frequencies of nerve stimulation, which were normalized to control by administration of DA-8159. In contrast, erectile responses were significantly decreased in 10-week diabetic rats, and administration of DA-8159 resulted in partial recovery of normal responses. At more than 12 weeks, rats demonstrated severe deterioration of erectile function, which did not fully respond to PDE5I. Corporal apoptosis was significantly increased after 10 weeks. Upregulation of ROCK2 was found at 6 weeks, and was followed by an increase of MYPT1 phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of eNOS showed marked suppression at 6 weeks and remained lower during the experimental period.

Conclusions

Impairment of erectile function was followed by decreased responsiveness to PDE5I during the course of diabetes. The RhoA/ROCK pathway played an important role in diabetes-associated ED.
A 12 MINUTE CONSULTATION: 12 minute consultation: a patient with nasal crusting
Authors: Yaneza M.M.C. , Broomfield S.J. , Morar P.
Published: November 2010

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2010, 35, 313–320

Background:  Nasal crusting is frequently encountered by the otorhinolaryngologist and often requires no specific treatment. It is, however, important to carry out a full history and examination, followed by appropriate investigations, in order to detect the small number of cases in which crusting is caused by systemic or malignant disease.

Methods:  This review was based on a literature search last performed on 30th July 2009. The MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched using the subject headings (nasal crusting OR crusts) and in combination with diagnosis, therapy and surgery. Similar searches were performed for relevant diseases, e.g. Wegener’s granulomatosis, sarcoidosis. Results were limited to English language articles including clinical trials, meta‐analyses, systematic reviews and review articles. Relevant references from selected articles were reviewed.

Results:  Knowledge of the causes of nasal crusting will help to target the history, examination and investigation of patients with this condition. Screening tests for systemic conditions can be useful but most have limited sensitivity and must be interpreted cautiously. Nasal septal biopsy is indicated when there is a suspicion of malignancy, or to support a suspected diagnosis of vasculitis. The treatment offered depends upon the cause of crusting and the severity of symptoms.

Conclusion:  A careful and thorough history and examination, and targeted investigation, of the patient with nasal crusting will ensure correct diagnosis and treatment of patients with this common condition.
Comparison of a singleplex real‐time RT‐PCR assay and multiplex respiratory viral panel assay for detection of influenza “A” in respiratory specimens
Authors: Pabbaraju Kanti , Wong Sallene , Lee Bonita , Tellier Raymond , Fonseca Kevin , Louie Marie , Drews Steven J.
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as: Pabbaraju et al. (2011) Comparison of a singleplex real‐time RT‐PCR assay and multiplex respiratory viral panel assay for detection of influenza “A” in respiratory specimens. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 5(2), 99–103.

Background  Evaluation of different molecular tests for the detection of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus is important before the next wave of the pandemic.

Objectives  To compare a hydrolysis probe‐based real‐time RT‐PCR assay recommended by the CDC to the xTAG® respiratory viral panel (RVP) (Luminex® Molecular Diagnostics) for the detection of influenza A.

Methods  Eleven thousand eight hundred and ninety‐eight respiratory specimens were tested by the real‐time RT‐PCR and RVP assays for the detection of influenza A. The distribution of seasonal H1, H3 and pandemic H1N1 subtypes in these specimens was compared.

Results  The RVP assay was generally unable to identify influenza A–positive samples with a low viral load, whereas the real‐time RT‐PCR assay detected most of these samples resulting in a subset of specimens that could not be confirmed as either seasonal or pandemic influenza A subtypes.

Conclusions  When the prevalence of influenza A is high, the CDC recommended real‐time RT‐PCR has significant advantages as a frontline assay, namely higher sensitivity and shorter time to reporting a result. Anticipated scenarios would be during the peaks of the pandemic and episodes of seasonal influenza. Furthermore, the better sensitivity of the RT‐PCR makes it the preferred assay to detect influenza in patients with severe respiratory disease tested late in their clinical course. If pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus is not the dominant virus and there is a high proportion of other respiratory viruses circulating, laboratories will be faced with the decision to use the RVP assay for the detection of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus.
Canada in the face of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic
Authors: Moghadas Seyed M. , Pizzi Nick J. , Wu Jianhong , Tamblyn Susan E. , Fisman David N.
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as: Moghadas et al. (2011) Canada in the face of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 5(2), 83–88.

Background  Initial public health responses to the 2009 influenza H1N1 pandemic were based on difficult decisions in the face of substantial uncertainty. Policy effectiveness depends critically on such decisions, and future planning for maximum protection of community health requires understanding of the impact of public health responses in observed scenarios.

Objectives  In alignment with the objectives of the Pandemic Influenza Outbreak Research Modelling Team (Pan‐InfORM) and the Centre for Disease Modelling (CDM), a focused workshop was organized to: (i) evaluate Canada's response to the spring and autumn waves of the novel H1N1 pandemic; (ii) learn lessons from public health responses, and identify challenges that await public health planners and decision‐makers; and (iii) understand how best to integrate resources to overcome these challenges.

Main outcome measures  We report on key presentations and discussions that took place to achieve the objectives of the workshop.

Conclusions  Future emerging infectious diseases are likely to bring far greater challenges than those imposed by the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Canada must address these challenges and enhance its capacity for emergency responses by integrating modelling, surveillance, planning, and decision‐making.
Absorption of Folic Acid and Ascorbic Acid from Nutrient Comparable Beverages
Authors: Carter Brett , Monsivais Pablo , Drewnowski Adam
Published: November 2010

Abstract: One hundred percent fruit juices can help consumers increase the nutrient content of the diet since these beverages can be naturally rich in micronutrients. Micronutrient‐fortified low‐calorie beverages are an important alternative to those wishing to minimize their calorie intakes. However, little is known about the bioavailability of nutrients from fortified beverages relative to 100% fruit juices. The present study examined the bioavailability of ascorbic acid (AA) and folic acid (FA) in 100% orange juice (OJ) and a low‐calorie beverage fortified with these nutrients. In a within‐subjects, cross‐over design, 12 adult men consumed a 591 mL serving of OJ, a low‐calorie beverage fortified with AA and FA, and 1% low fat milk. Participants were aged 20 to 35 y, with body mass indexes between 20 and 30 kg/m2. Blood plasma concentrations of AA and serum concentrations of FA were assayed by serial blood draws, made at 30 min intervals for 4.5 h. Blood plasma concentration of AA was significantly greater after ingestion of the fortified beverage compared to after OJ ingestion. However, the bioavailability of AA did not significantly differ from that of OJ. Analyses of FA indicated no significant difference between fortified beverage and OJ. Consumption of both vitamin containing beverages led to higher concentrations of AA and FA than the milk control. This study showed that similar levels of AA and FA bioavailability can be attained through ingestion of 100% OJ and a fortified beverage.

Practical Application: A nutrient fortified beverage and a 100% OJ delivered similar amounts of folic acid and AA. However, the fortified beverage contained far fewer calories than the juice. Fortification can provide an effective way to increase the nutrient‐to‐calorie ratio of the diet.
Resistant Starch Modification: Effects on Starch Properties and Functionality as Co‐Encapsulant in Sodium Caseinate‐Based Fish Oil Microcapsules
Authors: Chung C. , Sanguansri L. , Augustin M.A.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  The properties of resistant starch (RS) modified by heating starch suspensions (Heat RS) or heating followed by microfluidization (Heat‐MF RS) and their functionality as co‐encapsulants in sodium caseinate (NaCas) based fish oil microcapsules (50%oil:25%NaCas:25%starch) were examined. RS modification reduced molecular weight and crystallinity of the starch, with the effects being more evident for Heat‐MF RS. The properties of fish oil microcapsules were influenced by the starch type used (RS, Heat RS, or Heat‐MF RS) in combination with NaCas. With both physical blends and heated mixtures of NaCas and starch as encapsulants, highest encapsulation efficiency but lowest oxidative stability was obtained for the microcapsules containing Heat‐MF RS. Oxidative stability was independent of heat treatment applied to the mixtures of NaCas and starch and also not related to encapsulation efficiency of the freeze‐dried microcapsules. The properties of the starch used in combination with NaCas were the major determinant of the oxidative stability, with lower molecular weight and decreased crystallinity providing less protection against oxidation.
Brief Report: Burnout Among Early Career Clinical Investigators
Authors: Primack Brian A. , Dilmore Terri C. , Switzer Galen E. , Bryce Cindy L. , Seltzer Deborah L. , Li Jie , Landsittel Douglas P. , Kapoor Wishwa N. , Rubio Doris M.
Published: November 2010

Burnout is a pervasive problem among clinicians. However, little is known about burnout among early career clinical investigators, who must balance clinical responsibilities with challenges related to research. We aimed to determine the prevalence of and demographic associations with burnout in a cohort of early career clinical investigators.

A cross‐sectional questionnaire was administered to 179 trainees at the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Clinical Research Education in 2007–2008. We used chi‐square analyses and Fisher’s exact test to determine whether associations between demographic characteristics and burnout were significant. Of the participants, 29 (16%) reported feeling burned out. Burnout was more prevalent among those over 35 years of age relative to their younger counterparts (29% vs. 13%, p= 0.01) and among females relative to males (22% vs. 10%, p= 0.03). With regard to race and ethnicity, burnout was most common among underrepresented minorities (30%) followed by Caucasians (18%) and Asians (3%); these differences were significant (p= 0.02). Considering the early career status of these research trainees, rates of burnout were concerning. Certain demographic subgroups—including older trainees, females, and underrepresented minorities—had particularly high rates of burnout and may benefit from interventions that provide them with skills needed to sustain successful clinical research careers. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 186–188
Noble gas record and cosmic‐ray exposure history of the new CO3 chondrite Moss––Comparison with Lancé and other CO chondrite falls
Authors: BARTOSCHEWITZ Rainer , OTT Ulrich , FRANKE Luitgard , HERRMANN Siegfried , YAMAMOTO Yukio , NAGAO Keisuke , BILET Morten , GRAU Thomas
Published: November 2010

Abstract– The Moss meteorite is the first CO chondrite fall after a time period of 70 yr and the least terrestrially contaminated member of its group. Its cosmic‐ray exposure (CRE) age (T3 ∼ 13.5 Ma; T21 ∼ 14.6 Ma) is distinct among CO chondrites and, within witnessed falls is the shortest after Lancé, which we have reanalyzed. Gas retention ages are approximately 3.95 × 109 yr (U/Th‐He) and approximately 4.43 × 109 yr (K/Ar), respectively. Trapped Ar, Kr, and Xe are present in Moss in abundances typical for CO chondrites, with “planetary” elemental and isotopic compositions. Presence of HL‐xenon from presolar diamonds is observed in the stepwise release analysis of Lancé. It may also be present in Moss, but it is difficult to ascertain in single‐step bulk analyses. It follows from our new data combined with a survey of the literature that the abundance of trapped gases in CO chondrites is not a good indicator of their petrological subtype.
Interfacial Water Transport Effects in Proton-Exchange Membranes
Authors: Kientiz Brian , Yamada Haruhiko , Nonoyama Nobuaki , Weber Adam Z.
Published: November 2010

It is well known that the proton-exchange membrane is perhaps the most critical component of a polymer-electrolyte fuel cell. Typical membranes, such as Nafion®, require hydration to conduct efficiently and are instrumental in cell water management. Recently, evidence has been shown that these membranes might have different interfacial morphology and transport properties than in bulk. In this paper, experimental data combined with theoretical simulations that explore the existence and impact of interfacial resistance on water transport for Nafion®21x membranes will be presented. A mass-transfer coefficient for the interfacial resistance is calculated from experimental data using different permeation cells. This coefficient is shown to depend exponentially on relative humidity or water activity. The interfacial resistance does not seem to exist for liquid/membrane or membrane/membrane interfaces. The effect of the interfacial resistance is to flatten the water content profiles within the membrane during operation. Under typical operating conditions, the resistance is on par with the water transport resistance of the bulk membrane. Thus, the interfacial resistance can be dominant especially in thin, dry membranes and can affect overall fuel cell performance.
Heat Transfer Enhancement of MHD Flow by Conducting Strips on the Insulating Wall
Authors: Huang Hulin , Li Bo
Published: November 2010

Due to the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect, which degrades heat transfer coefficients by pulsation suppression of the external magnetic field, on the electrically conducting flow, the wall with nonuniform electrical conductivity is employed in a MHD-flow system for heat transfer enhancement. The nonuniform electrical conductivity distribution of the channel wall could create alternate Lorentz forces along the spanwise direction, which can effectively produce flow disturbance, promote mixture, reduce the thickness of the boundary layer, and enhance heat transfer. So, the heat transfer performances enhanced by some conducting strips aligned with the mean flow direction on the insulating wall for free surface MHD flow are simulated numerically in this paper. The flow behaviors, heat transfer coefficients, friction factors, and pressure drops are presented under different Hartmann numbers. Results show that in the range of Hartmann numbers 30≤Ha≤100, the wall with nonuniform conductivity can achieve heat transfer enhancements (Nu/Nu0) of about 1.2–1.6 relative to the insulating wall, with negligible friction augmentation. This research indicates that the modules with three or five conducting strips can obtain better enhancement effect in our research. Particularly, the heat transfer augmentation increases monotonically with increasing Hartmann numbers. Therefore, the enhancement purpose for high Hartmann number MHD flow is marked, which may remedy the depressing heat transfer coefficients by the MHD effect.
Comparison of MRI-Based Estimates of Articular Cartilage Contact Area in the Tibiofemoral Joint
Authors: Henderson Christopher E. , Higginson Jill S. , Barrance Peter J.
Published: November 2010

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) detrimentally impacts the lives of millions of older Americans through pain and decreased functional ability. Unfortunately, the pathomechanics and associated deviations from joint homeostasis that OA patients experience are not well understood. Alterations in mechanical stress in the knee joint may play an essential role in OA; however, existing literature in this area is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of an existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based modeling method to estimate articular cartilage contact area in vivo. Imaging data of both knees were collected on a single subject with no history of knee pathology at three knee flexion angles. Intra-observer reliability and sensitivity studies were also performed to determine the role of operator-influenced elements of the data processing on the results. The method’s articular cartilage contact area estimates were compared with existing contact area estimates in the literature. The method demonstrated an intra-observer reliability of 0.95 when assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and was found to be most sensitive to changes in the cartilage tracings on the peripheries of the compartment. The articular cartilage contact area estimates at full extension were similar to those reported in the literature. The relationships between tibiofemoral articular cartilage contact area and knee flexion were also qualitatively and quantitatively similar to those previously reported. The MRI-based knee modeling method was found to have high intra-observer reliability, sensitivity to peripheral articular cartilage tracings, and agreeability with previous investigations when using data from a single healthy adult. Future studies will implement this modeling method to investigate the role that mechanical stress may play in progression of knee OA through estimation of articular cartilage contact area.
Theoretical study of the microwave spectrum of isotopologues of OCS–(He)2
Authors: Li Hui , Liu Yongdong , Jäger Wolfgang , Le Roy Robert J. , Roy Pierre-Nicholas
Published: November 2010

The rovibrational energy levels (J = 0–3) and rotational spectra of seven isotopologues of the OCS–(He)2 complex have been determined by numerically exact basis set calculations. The interaction energy is represented as a sum of two-body terms consisting of the OCS–He potential, which Howson and Hutson (J. Chem. Phys. 2001, 115, 5059) obtained at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory, and the He–He potential that Jeziorska et al. (J. Chem. Phys. 2007, 127,124303) obtained with SAPT theory. Three-body effects and the quality of the potential are discussed. Comparison with experiment shows that microwave transitions can be predicted by this additive approach with an accuracy equal or better than 0.7% for all the observed spectral lines. A method for the three-dimensional representation of the helium density in the body-fixed frame is presented that highlights the highly delocalized nature of the helium subsystem.
Survey of Practices Regarding Utilization of Inhaled Steroids in 223 German Neonatal Units
Authors: Maas C. , Poets C.F. , Bassler D.
Published: November 2010

Background: No survey has been published in recent years which primarily focuses on the prescription of inhaled corticosteroids in neonatal practice. Thus, the utilization rate of inhaled corticosteroids is unknown. Objectives: To elucidate the current utilization rate of inhaled corticosteroids in the prevention and therapy of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Methods: We developed an 18-item questionnaire that was distributed in March 2009, via electronic mail, to the pediatricians-in-chief of all the 343 German pediatric hospitals with a neonatal unit (all levels of neonatal care). We sent electronic reminders after 4 and 8 weeks. Results: 223 hospitals (65%) returned the questionnaire. Of these, 102 (46%) administered inhaled corticosteroids to premature infants either as prophylaxis or treatment for BPD. Predominantly, treatment with inhaled steroids was seen as a ‘rescue therapy’ and used only if other therapeutic approaches had failed. Of the hospitals not administering inhaled steroids, the most frequently stated reason was ‘insufficient robust evidence to support benefit of therapy’ (57%). In the majority of hospitals (81%), the active substance of choice was budesonide. Conclusions: Of the responders, approximately 50% administer inhaled corticosteroids to premature infants either as a prophylaxis or treatment for BPD. Lack of beneficial evidence was the main reason for not administering inhaled steroids in about half of the units which took this approach. Future trials should address this discrepancy by aiming to establish a clear benefit-risk ratio of inhaled corticosteroids.
Analysis of Autonomic Nerve Preservation and Pouch Reconstruction Influencing Fragmentation of Defecation after Sphincter-Preserving Surgery for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Katsumata K. , Sumi T. , Enomoto M. , Mori Y. , Aoki T.
Published: November 2010

Our questionnaire survey on defecation disorders after rectal cancer surgery revealed that 66.7% of postoperative patients were most annoyed with fragmentation of defecation. Therefore, we performed a change-over-time analysis on the relationship of fragmentation and factors including location of rectal cancer, surgical technique, anastomosis method, pouch reconstruction, extent of lymph node dissection, and degree of pelvic and colonic nerve preservation surrounding the superior mesenteric artery. The fragmentation decreased over time at the postoperative time points of 6 months, 2 and 5 years. A statistical analysis of factors influencing fragmentation revealed that location of cancer, reconstruction technique, anastomosis method and degree of pelvic nerve preservation were significant factors for the entire patient population and that colonic nerve preservation was a significant factor 5 years after surgery. Analysis of patients with lower rectal cancer only showed that in addition to surgical technique and anastomosis method, pouch reconstruction was effective and autonomic nerve preservation was effective 5 years after surgery. As a result, when the anastomotic site was closer to the anus, the frequency of fragmentation increased; we concluded that pouch reconstruction was an effective surgical technique and colonic nerve preservation was effective in the longer term.
Early Immunological Response to German Cockroach Frass Exposure Induces a Th2/Th17 Environment
Authors: Page Kristen , Zhou Ping , Ledford John R. , Day Scottie B. , Lutfi Riad , Dienger Krista , Lewkowich Ian P.
Published: November 2010

Cockroach exposure is a major risk factor for the development of asthma; however, the early immune events induced by cockroach leading to the Th2 response are not fully understood. Exposure of naïve mice to German cockroach (GC) feces (frass) was sufficient to induce dendritic cell (DC) recruiting and activating chemokines C-C motif ligand 20, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α into the airways. This corresponded with an increase in myeloid DCs (mDCs) in the airways as well as increased expression of CD80 and CD86 on the mDCs. Plasmacytoid DCs in the lung were unchanged. Levels of IL-5, IL-17A and IL-6 cytokines in whole lung cultures were significantly increased 18 h following GC frass exposure demonstrating the early development of a mixed Th2/Th17 response. In addition, GC frass stimulated the production of IL-23, IL-6 and IL-12p70 from bone marrow-derived mDCs. Adoptive transfer of GC frass-pulsed mDCs induced airway reactivity, airway inflammation as well as eosinophilia and induced a strong Th2/Th17 response in the lung. MyD88-deficient bone marrow-derived mDCs did not respond to GC frass treatment, suggesting a functional Toll-like receptor pathway was important to induce the Th2/Th17 response. Together, our data show that GC frass activated the innate immune response to augment DC recruitment and activation of mDCs which promoted robust T cell-skewing cytokines and ultimately drive the development of airway inflammation.
Risk of Malignancy from Thyroid Nodular Disease as an Element of Clinical Management of Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Consorti F. , Loponte M. , Milazzo F. , Potasso L. , Antonaci A.
Published: November 2010

Background: Many studies have investigated the association between chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), but clinical management of this condition has never been addressed specifically, even in recent guidelines. Surprisingly the likelihood of a nodule as being cancerous in a CLT has never been explicitly expressed in terms of relative risk. Methods: This study was based on a retrospective analysis of 404 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. Results: Sixty-nine patients (17.1%) had histological findings of true CLT, and 36.2% had concurrent PTC versus 22.6% of patients in the non-CLT group (p < 0.05), with a tumour risk in the CLT group of ×1.6 (95% CI = 1.21–1.94, likelihood ratio = +1.63). Conclusions: Patients with CLT and a nodular condition have a ×1.6 increased risk of harbouring a PTC. Moreover, these patients develop multicentric PTC more frequently, and, as a result, total thyroidectomy should always be considered.
Organizing Pneumonia due to Actinomycosis: An Undescribed Association
Authors: Alfaro T.M. , Bernardo J. , Garcia H. , Alves F. , Carvalho L. , Caseiro Alves F. , Robalo Cordeiro C.
Published: November 2010

Organizing pneumonia is a pathologic entity characterized by intra-alveolar buds of granulation tissue that can extend to the bronchiolar lumen. It is a non-specific finding reflecting a pattern of pulmonary response to aggression that can be cryptogenic or associated with several causes. Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare infectious disease, of bacterial aetiology, and of difficult diagnosis. This disease usually causes non-specific respiratory symptoms and radiological findings, and the treatment is based on the use of antibiotics. The authors describe a clinical case of a 53-year-old male smoker (50 pack years), initially seen for complaints of right-sided chest pain and sub-febrile temperature. Imaging studies revealed a mass in the inferior right lobe and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Empirical treatment with antibiotics caused partial and temporary improvement. Transthoracic biopsy revealed a pattern of organizing pneumonia with giant multinucleated cell granulomas. Repeat imaging studies revealed an enlargement of the pulmonary mass and therefore a right inferior lobectomy was performed. The pathologic study revealed a histological pattern of organizing pneumonia surrounding inflammatory bronchiectasis with a large number of Actinomyces colonies. To our knowledge there is presently no report in the literature of organizing pneumonia associated with Actinomyces infection.
Fibrin presence within aortic valves in patients with aortic stenosis: Association with in vivo thrombin generation and fibrin clot properties
Authors: Natorska Joanna , Marek Grzegorz , Hlawaty Marta , Sadowski Jerzy , Tracz Wieslawa , Undas Anetta
Published: November 2010

A role of coagulation in the pathogenesis of aortic stenosis (AS) is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the fibrin (Fn) presence and its determinants in calcified stenotic aortic valve leaflets. Twenty-one patients with dominant AS and 17 well-matched patients with dominant aortic insufficiency (AI) undergoing aortic valve replacement were studied. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed on decalcified leaflets using antibodies against human Fn and tissue factor (TF). Fn-positive (41.4%) and TF-positive (25.3%) areas were increased in AS valves compared with AI valves (7.9% and 5.9%, respectively, both p<0.001). Patients with AS had elevated plasma D-dimer (236.4 ± 28 ng/ml, p=0.002) and prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1.2) (261.7 ± 27.1 pM, p=0.005) compared to AI subjects (142.8 ± 10 ng/ml and 131.2 ± 1.3 pM, respectively). In AS patients Fn-positive areas correlated with TF-positive areas (r=0.68, p=0.0005), D-dimer (r=0.45, p=0.018), F1.2 (r=0.64, p=0.002), the time required for plasma fibrin clot formation (r=0.44, p=0.015) and maximum absorbance of fibrin clots (r=-0.38, p<0.0001), but not with clot permeability or lysis time. Thickness of Fn layer within AS valves was associated with maximum transvalvular gradient (r =0.41, p=0.048). Patients with maximal gradient above 75 mmHg (n=11) showed significant associations between Fn-positive area and both maximal (r =0.63) and mean (r =0.67) transvalvular gradients. Large fibrin amounts, mostly co-localised with TF, are present within the valve leaflets of patients with advanced AS. In vivothrombin generation and fibrin clot formation are associated with the extent of Fn presence within leaflets, which might contribute to the AS progression.
Deletion of the High-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Scavenger Receptor BI in Mice Modulates Thrombosis Susceptibility and Indirectly Affects Platelet Function by Elevation of Plasma Free Cholesterol
Authors: Korporaal Suzanne J.A. , Meurs Illiana , Hauer Arnaud D. , Hildebrand Reeni B. , Hoekstra Menno , Cate Hugo Ten , Praticò Domenico , Akkerman Jan-Willem N. , Van Berkel Theo J.C. , Kuiper Johan , Van Eck Miranda
Published: November 2010

Objective—

Scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) is a cell surface receptor that promotes the selective uptake of cholesteryl esters from high-density lipoprotein (HDL) by the liver. In mice, SR-BI deficiency results in increased plasma HDL cholesterol levels and enhanced susceptibility to atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of SR-BI deficiency on platelet function.

Methods and Results—

SR-BI-deficient mice were thrombocytopenic, and their platelets were abnormally large, probably because of an increased cholesterol content. The FeCl
3
acute injury model to study arterial thrombosis susceptibility showed that SR-BI wild-type mice developed total arterial occlusion after 24±2 minutes. In SR-BI-deficient mice, however, the time to occlusion was reduced to 13±1 minutes (
P
=0.02). Correspondingly, in SR-BI-deficient mice, platelets circulated in an activated state and showed increased adherence to immobilized fibrinogen. In contrast, platelet-specific disruption of SR-BI by bone marrow transplantation in wild-type mice did not alter plasma cholesterol levels or affect platelet count, size, cholesterol content, or reactivity, suggesting that changes in plasma cholesterol levels were responsible for the altered responsiveness of platelets in SR-BI-deficient mice.

Conclusion—

The function of SR-BI in HDL cholesterol homeostasis and prevention of atherosclerosis is indirectly also essential for maintaining normal platelet function and prevention of thrombosis.
Pin1 Prolyl Isomerase Regulates Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase
Authors: Ruan Ling , Torres Christina M. , Qian Jin , Chen Feng , Mintz James D. , Stepp David W. , Fulton David , Venema Richard C.
Published: November 2010

Objective—

The Pin1 prolyl isomerase acts in concert with proline-directed protein kinases to regulate function of protein substrates through isomerization of peptide bonds that link phosphoserine or phosphothreonine to proline. We sought to determine whether Pin1 interacts with endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in endothelial cells in a manner that depends on proline-directed phosphorylation of the eNOS enzyme and whether this interaction influences basal or agonist-stimulated eNOS activity.

Methods and Results—

Inhibitors of the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 MAP kinases inhibit proline-directed phosphorylation of eNOS at serine 116 (Ser116) in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). Moreover, eNOS and Pin1 can be coimmunoprecipitated from BAECs only when Ser116 is phosphorylated. In addition, phosphomimetic Ser116Asp eNOS, but not wild-type eNOS, can be coimmunoprecipitated with Pin1 coexpressed in COS-7 cells. Inhibition of Pin1 in BAECs by juglone or by dominant negative Pin1 increases basal and agonist-stimulated NO release from the cells, whereas overexpression of wild-type Pin1 in BAECs suppresses basal and agonist-stimulated NO production. Overexpression of wild-type Pin1 in intact aortae also reduces agonist-induced relaxation of aortic rings.

Conclusion—

Our results demonstrate a novel form of eNOS regulation in endothelial cells and blood vessels through Ser116 phosphorylation–dependent interaction of eNOS with Pin1.