bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holter Monitoring and Long-Term Prognosis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kawasaki Tatsuya , Sakai Chieko , Harimoto Kuniyasu , Yamano Michiyo , Miki Shigeyuki , Kamitani Tadaaki , Sugihara Hiroki
Published: June 2012

Objectives: Limited data are available regarding Holter monitoring for cardiovascular events except for ventricular tachycardia as a risk marker for sudden death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We aimed to examine Holter findings in relation to the long-term prognosis in patients with HCM. Methods: Ambulatory Holter monitoring was performed in 106 HCM patients with sinus rhythm. All were prospectively followed for the composite endpoint of sudden death, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure or stroke associated with atrial fibrillation. Results: Cardiovascular events occurred in 19 patients during a mean follow-up of 10.1 years. Neither arrhythmia information nor autonomic information as assessed by heart rate variability and turbulence significantly differed between HCM patients with and without cardiovascular events. Average heart rates were lower in HCM patients with cardiovascular events (64.7 ± 11.2 beats/min) than in those without (73.7 ± 10.2 beats/min, p = 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis after adjustment for baseline characteristics showed that lower average heart rate remained an independent predictor of cardiovascular events (HR: 0.47 per 10 increase; 95% CI: 0.25–0.87; p = 0.016). Conclusion: Average heart rate on Holter monitoring predicted long-term prognosis in our cohort. Further multicenter studies are needed to confirm our results.
Complete Response of Myeloid Sarcoma with FIP1L1-PDGFRA-Associated Myeloproliferative Neoplasms to Imatinib Mesylate Monotherapy
Authors: Tang Tzung-Chih , Chang Hung , Chuang Wen-Yu
Published: June 2012

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a localized, extramedullary tumor of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that typically presents either de novo or concomitantly with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), AML and myelodysplastic syndrome. Patients who have MS must be treated with intensive chemotherapy, as are patients with AML, because MS usually progresses to a systemic manifestation and leads to dismal outcomes. FIP1L1-PDGFRA-associated MPN, a subtype of myeloid and lymphoid neoplasm, is characterized by eosinophilia and abnormalities in the PDGFRA, PDGFRB or FGFR1 gene. Fusion of the FIP1L1 and PDGFRA genes activates the tyrosine kinase. As a result, imatinib mesylate (IM) is widely used for the treatment of this disorder. The coexistence of FIP1L1-PDGFRA-associated MPN and MS is extremely rare. Patients with this condition fail to achieve durable remission and long-term survival without a combination of intensive chemotherapy and IM. Here, we report a case of MS and FIP1L1-PDGFRA-associated MPN that was successfully treated with IM monotherapy.
Synthetic Immunomodulatory Peptide IDR-1002 Enhances Monocyte Migration and Adhesion on Fibronectin
Authors: Madera Laurence , Hancock Robert E.W.
Published: June 2012

Regulation of the immune system by immunomodulatory agents, such as the synthetic innate defense regulator (IDR) peptides, has been proposed as a potential strategy to strengthen host immune responses against infection. IDR peptides confer protection in vivo against a range of bacterial infections and have been developed as components of single-dose vaccine adjuvants due to their ability to modulate innate immunity, correlating with an increased recruitment of monocytes to sites of infection or immunization. However, the mechanisms by which IDR peptides augment monocyte recruitment remain poorly defined. Anti-infective peptide IDR-1002 was demonstrated here to lack direct monocyte chemoattractive activity yet enhance, by up to 5-fold, the ability of human monocytes to migrate on fibronectin towards chemokines. This effect correlated with an increased adhesion of monocytes and THP-1 cells to fibronectin by IDR-1002 and other IDR peptides and the adhesion of THP-1 cells to fibronectin occurred in a β1-integrin-dependent manner, corresponding with an increased activation of β1-integrins and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway. PI3K- and Akt-specific inhibitors abrogated IDR-1002-induced adhesion and activation of β1-integrins, whereas p38 and MEK1 inhibitors did not affect, or moderately inhibited, adhesion, respectively. Furthermore, IDR-1002 enhancement of monocyte migration towards chemokines and activation of β1-integrins was abrogated in the presence of PI3K- and Akt-specific inhibitors. In summary, IDR-1002 enhanced monocyte migration on fibronectin through promotion of β1-integrin-mediated interactions regulated by the PI3K-Akt pathway, revealing a mechanism by which IDR-1002 promotes monocyte recruitment.
Lipid Serum Profile in Patients with Viral Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Vere Cristin Constantin , Streba Costin Teodor , Streba Liliana , Rogoveanu Ion
Published: June 2012

Objective: Our main aim was to investigate the serum lipid levels in a series of patients with liver cirrhosis of viral origin. Subjects and Methods: The study comprised 90 patients, 60 with viral liver cirrhosis, equally divided between hepatitis virus C (HCV) and B (HBV) etiologies, and 30 control patients with no known liver pathology. Patients were investigated during a 5-year period in the 1st Medical Clinic of the Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, Romania. The following series of serum lipid parameters were recorded: lipemia, total cholesterol and cholesteryl ester, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) values. Statistical analysis of these parameters was performed using the ANOVA test followed by Tukey multiple comparison tests to compare replicate means; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We observed significantly lower values for serum lipids (543.5 and 549.37 mg/dl in the HBV and HCV cirrhosis subgroups, compared with 649.9 mg/dl in controls), total cholesterol (143.6 and 147.9 vs. 198.0 mg/dl, respectively), cholesteryl esters (83.6 and 80, compared to 147.9 mg/dl, respectively), LDL cholesterol (91.6 and 88.5 vs. 132.4 mg/dl) in both cirrhosis groups when compared with controls (p < 0.001), as well as HDL cholesterol (32.1 and 36.9 vs. 47.3 mg/dl, p < 0.05). However, TG and VLDL cholesterol values of controls and cirrhosis groups were similar (p > 0.05). We did not register any differences between the two cirrhosis groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our data showed that both HCV and HBV cirrhosis severely impaired liver lipid metabolism. Late stages of the disease resulted in a pseudonormalization of VLDL cholesterol and TG values.
School Choice and Segregation
Authors: Davis Tomeka M.
Published: June 2012

Three arguments regarding racial equity have arisen in the school choice debate. Choice advocates charge that choice will improve access to quality schools for disadvantaged minority students (Chubb & Moe 1990; Coons & Sugarman, 1978; Godwin & Kemerer, 2002; Viteritti, 1999). Critics argue that choice is unlikely to benefit minority students, but they are divided as to why this may be the case. Some maintain that unfettered choice leads to racial segregation (Henig, 1996; Mickelson, 2005; Saporito, 2003); others maintain that while choice may be successful in reducing segregation at the building level, choice programs may be problematic to the extent that they segregate schools at the classroom level (Wells & Crain, 1997; Wells, Holme, & Vasudeva, 2000; Wells & Roda, 2009; West, 1994). I use data from the eighth-grade wave of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study to examine these questions. Results indicate that the racial composition of magnet schools is not statistically different from regular public schools; however, magnet schools are more heterogeneous at the classroom level, but only with respect to White/Hispanic racial composition. In particular, honors classes in magnet schools are significantly more diverse than honors classes in regular public schools, but only with regard to White/Hispanic diversity.
Morphological Processing in Hebrew-Speaking Students With Reading Disabilities
Authors: Schiff Rachel , Ravid Dorit
Published: June 2012

Marking number/gender agreement on Hebrew adjectives is a case in point: It is a challenging task requiring lexical and grammatical insight, a well-known source of processing errors in Hebrew usage. The current study examined impaired processing of noun and adjective inflection in adult speakers of Hebrew with dyslexia. Thirty normally reading university students, 30 university students with dyslexia, and 30 normally reading sixth-grade students were administered a production task on noun-adjective pluralization. Accuracy of noun form and adjective agreement were measured, as well as reaction time to producing the whole plural noun phrase. Of interest was the contrast between forms involving a stem change and forms taking a predictable (regular) versus idiosyncratic (irregular) suffix. The study found that individuals with dyslexia tended to be slower and less accurate overall, though the extent of this impairment was somewhat more pronounced for irregular forms and forms involving a stem change. Performance was also compared to younger controls (sixth graders) and indicated ways in which these deficits could versus could not be explained by their relative reading experience.
Bringing Culture Back: Traditional Agricultural Knowledge, Food Production and Sustainable Livelihood among Chuktia Bhunjia of Orissa
Authors: Sabar Bhubaneswar
Published: June 2012

This article deals with how Chuktia Bhunjia tribe of Orissa negotiates with their ecosystem to ensure that agricultural production and livelihood are sustainable. This study shows that the reasons behind continuation of traditional agriculture are the life experience with the traditional methods and cultural acceptance that not only make them economical but help in managing the ecosystem and natural resources management, and in procuring good production. However, a few of them have started adopting modern agriculture due to the influence of outsiders, including NGOs, they still follow the traditional methods and system. But such conventional intervention, to some extent, has rooted the culture, belief, taboo and knowledge out from practice. Also, despite the influence of mainstream agriculture, traditional agriculture still remains a practice and a system for many traditional agriculturist communities. From the study, it is argued that traditional knowledge, however, has been gaining momentum in contemporary development framework due to its ecological value; the successive agricultural policies fail to recognise traditional knowledge and, thus, it has been under threat particularly after the adoption of neo-liberal policies on agriculture in the form of introducing mechanised agricultural system and chemical fertilisers. Thus, given the contemporary debate of food crisis, ecological devastations and decline of traditional knowledge, there is a need to bring the culture back into agriculture through policy implementation. Also, given the decline of traditional knowledge, including agricultural, may be due to anti-development forest policies, there is urgent need to integrate the traditional knowledge with modern knowledge at functional level that can preserve not only their culture but they can access the conventional methods of agriculture in a sustainable way. There may be many communities practicing similar kinds of agriculture, if not exactly the same. Thus, policy makers must aware of such practices in order to make the agricultural policy successful.
Jyotiprasad Agarwala: A Revolutionary Cultural Architect of Twentieth Century Assam
Authors: Dutta Akhil Ranjan
Published: June 2012

Jyotiprasad is one of the leading cultural architects of twentieth century Assam. The life span of Jyotiprasad Agarwala (1903–51) corresponds to a historical phase of transition of Assamese and Indian society to a modern era. This phase was marked both by achievements and setbacks. The freedom movement got enriched during this phase and attained intensity through different experiments and achieved the most desired independence amid the tragedies of partition and communal cleansing. This was also a period when both the Assamese and the rest of India attained the consciousness of modern self-entity in all aspects of art, literature, science and culture. In Assam, too, which was the hinterland of colonialism, the creative and vibrant consciousness of the new age awakened the general masses. Jyotiprasad was a true representative of this age of cultural awakening of the Assamese society.

The present article is an attempt to explore the revolutionary cultural philosophy of Jyotiprasad Agarwala and its relevance for social transformation.
Simulating disabilities as a tool for altering individual perceptions of working with children with special needs
Authors: Colwell Cynthia M.
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of disability simulations on the attitudes of individuals who will be working with children with special needs in music settings and to compare these attitudes between student music therapists and pre-service music educators. Each participant completed a questionnaire on the first day of class and again after participating in a disability simulation approximately two weeks later. The disabilities simulated included an individual with a one-arm amputation, an individual requiring mobility in a wheelchair due to paralysis, an individual with a hearing impairment, and an individual with a visual impairment. Results indicated that participants had more positive attitudes after experiencing the simulation although there was no difference between majors (music therapy or music education). Results also indicated that attitudes showed a greater shift when statements on the questionnaire were stated negatively rather than positively. Limitations and implications for future studies were discussed.
Bilateral Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Functional Assessment of the Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendons a Minimum of 6 Years After Ipsilateral Harvest for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Åhlén Martina , Lidén Mattias , Bovaller Åke , Sernert Ninni , Kartus Jüri
Published: June 2012

Background:

Previous studies are contradictory in terms of the function, regeneration potential, insertion point, and cross-sectional area of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons after harvest for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Hypotheses:

In the long term, the tendons will regenerate in most patients with a more proximal point of insertion, the cross-sectional area of the tendons will be smaller compared with the nonoperated contralateral side, and the patients will be weaker in terms of the internal rotation and deep flexion of the knee.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Nineteen patients (9 women and 10 men) who had undergone ACL reconstruction a minimum of 6 years earlier, median 8.5 years (range, 6-11 years), with ipsilateral semitendinosus and gracilis autografts, underwent bilateral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of their knees. An experienced, independent musculoskeletal radiologist evaluated all MRI examinations. To evaluate the function, strength measurements in deep knee flexion and internal rotation were performed using an isokinetic strength-testing machine.

Results:

The semitendinosus tendon had regenerated in 17 of 19 (89%) patients and the gracilis tendon in 18 of 19 (95%) patients, as seen on MRI. There were no significant differences between the point of insertion for the tendons on the operated and nonoperated sides. The cross-sectional areas of the regenerated tendons revealed no significant differences compared with the normal tendons on the contralateral side, as measured 4 cm above the joint line. The patients were significantly weaker in terms of deep knee flexion at 60 and 180 deg/sec, but they were stronger in terms of internal rotation of the tibia at 60 deg/sec in the operated leg compared with the nonoperated leg.

Conclusion:

The semitendinosus and gracilis tendons regenerated in the majority of patients and regained an almost normal point of insertion on the pes anserinus a minimum of 6 years after harvest. The regenerated tendons had a cross-sectional area similar to that on the nonoperated contralateral side. The patients revealed a strength deficit in deep knee flexion but not in internal rotation.
Ultrasonication and Genipin Cross-Linking to Prepare Novel Silk Fibroin–Gelatin Composite Hydrogel
Authors: Xiao Wenqian , Liu Wenlong , Sun Jing , Dan Xiuli , Wei Dan , Fan Hongsong
Published: June 2012

Hydrogels are highly desirable tissue engineering scaffolds due to their high water content and structural similarity to a natural extra cellular matrix. However, the extensive use of hydrogels is limited by their low strength and facile degradation. By combining mechanical integrity and slow degradation of silk fibroin with excellent bioactivity of gelatin, a novel biocompatible protein-based composite hydrogel of silk fibroin and gelatin was developed. The gelation of silk fibroin aqueous solution was accelerated by ultrasonication, and gelatin derived from porcine skin was immobilized into the hydrogel network by the silk fibroin β-sheets. After that, genipin was used to post-cross-link the hydrogel to form a compact and stable hydrogel network. This hydrogel composite was a mechanically robust biomaterial with predictable long-term degradation characteristics. MG63 cells readily attached, spread, and proliferated on the surface of the hydrogels as demonstrated by fluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide staining and mitochondrial activity (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. Furthermore, the physicochemical and biological properties of hydrogel were fine-tunable by altering the ratio of silk fibroin and gelatin. The silk fibroin/gelatin composite hydrogels are anticipated to have the potential as cartilage or non-load-bearing bone tissue engineering and regeneration.
Individualization, Life Politics, and the Reformulation of Social Critique: An Analysis of the Global Justice Movement
Authors: Sörbom Adrienne , Wennerhag Magnus
Published: June 2012

Taking the contemporary political activism of ‘the Global Justice Movement’ as an illustrative case, this article scrutinizes some influential theoretical ideas about the consequences of ‘individualization’ for collective political action. Quite often, this process is seen as implying a new politics of individual life style – ‘life politics’ – which is associated with new social movements and claimed to have gained importance since the 1960s, on the expense of the collective ‘emancipatory politics’ being associated with ‘old social movements’ such as the Labor Movement. In the light of the article’s empirical findings, this alleged division between life politics and emancipatory politics is questioned, and it is argued that these two kinds of politics should be understood as intertwined practices. The article’s theoretically grounded analysis is based on quantitative data from a survey of participants at the fifth European Social Forum. These data are interpreted and further explored using qualitative interviews with activists.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma Involving the Prostate With Features of Granulomatous Prostatitis
Authors: Coyne John D. , Foster Christopher S.
Published: June 2012

A case of mantle cell lymphoma involving the prostate is reported. This was associated with scattered histiocytes and features of granulomatous prostatitis. This demonstrates that histiocytes are seen in mantle cell lymphoma in unusual sites and raises the possibility of a pathogenetic association with granulomatous prostatitis.
Cotyledonoid Dissecting Leiomyoma of the Uterus
Authors: Smith Catherine C. , Gold Michael A. , Wile Geoffrey , Fadare Oluwole
Published: June 2012

Cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma is a rare benign uterine tumor whose gross and radiological appearance may raise the possibility of a malignancy. The authors summarize herein the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of the 41 previously reported cases. The patients typically presented with menorrhagia or symptoms that were ultimately relatable to the presence of a pelvic mass. The median patient age was 46 years (range 23-73). The average tumor size was 15.4 cm (range 4-41); most were exophytic, multinodular, occasionally cystic masses with a congested, spleen or placenta-like color, protruding over the uterine serosa and, variably, the broad ligaments and adjacent organs. In most cases, the exophytic component was contiguous with the intramural dissecting leiomyomatous components. Histological features suggestive of malignancy, such as cytological atypia, necrosis, or increased mitotic activity were absent. Intravascular growth, as assessed histologically, was present in 20% of reported cases, and this finding is apparently devoid of clinical significance based on limited data. Reported information on radiological features is limited. However, these lesions are typically isointense to myometrium on T1-weighted MRI and are in general less heterogeneous on T2 and postcontrast-imaging than sarcomatous lesions. The tumor may display extension to but not frank invasion of surrounding organs. Ultrasound features are nonspecific. Follow-up information was available in 25 (61%) of 41 reported patients: none experienced a tumor recurrence or metastases during the follow-up period, which ranged from 1 month to 41 years. This affirms the benign nature of this tumor, its alarming gross appearance and growth patterns notwithstanding.
Clinical features and risk factors for development of urinary tract infections in cats
Authors: Martinez-Ruzafa Ivan , Kruger John M , Miller RoseAnn , Swenson Cheryl L , Bolin Carole A , Kaneene John B
Published: June 2012

The clinical and diagnostic features of 155 cats with urinary tract infection (UTI) and 186 controls with negative urine culture/s were characterized retrospectively (signalment, clinical signs, urinalysis, urine culture, concurrent diseases, lower urinary tract diagnostic/therapeutic procedures). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with UTI. Cats of all ages were affected by UTI with no sex/breed predisposition. Lower urinary tract signs were absent in 35.5% of cats with UTI. Pyuria and bacteriuria had sensitivities of 52.9% and 72.9%, and specificities of 85.5% and 67.7% for detection of UTI, respectively. Risk factors significantly associated with increased odds of UTI were urinary incontinence [odds ratio (OR) = 10.78, P = 0.0331], transurethral procedures (OR = 8.37, P <0.0001), urogenital surgery (OR = 6.03, P = 0.0385), gastrointestinal disease (OR = 2.62, P = 0.0331), decreased body weight (OR = 0.81, P = 0.0259) and decreased urine specific gravity (OR = 0.78, P = 0.0055). Whilst not independently significant, renal disease and lower urinary tract anatomic abnormalities improved statistical model performance and contributed to UTI.
Expression of the Bcl-2 apoptotic marker in cats diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and gastrointestinal lymphoma
Authors: Swanson Christine M , Smedley Rebecca C , Saavedra Paulo Vilar , Kiupel Matti , Kitchell Barbara E
Published: June 2012

Immunolabeling for the critical lymphocyte survival factor, Bcl-2, of intestinal biopsies from cats with histologic evidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma was evaluated to determine if expression differed significantly between these two disease processes. Immunolabeling for Bcl-2 was performed on small intestinal endoscopic or full thickness biopsy sections from 55 cats. Diagnosis of IBD, T-cell lymphoma or B-cell lymphoma was established previously. The percentage of infiltrating lymphocytes that were positively labeled for Bcl-2 was subjectively determined for each case. Eight cats were diagnosed with IBD and 47 cats with lymphoma. A significantly higher percentage of cells were positively immunolabeled for Bcl-2 in cats with GI lymphoma [median (range); 90 (5–95)%] compared with cats with IBD [60 (15–95)%] ( P = 0.029). However, the overall degree of positive immunolabeling in both groups tended to be high. This over-expression of Bcl-2 may prove useful as a therapeutic target for IBD and GI lymphoma in cats.
Kerygma, Catechesis and Other Things We Used to Find: Twentieth-Century Research on Early Christian Teaching since Alfred
Authors: Edsall Benjamin
Published: June 2012

Inquiry into the content of the preaching and teaching of the early Church was commonplace in the first part of the twentieth century. Such research was carried out under a number of different headings – kerygma, catechesis, etc. – and pursued with the form-critical tools of the day. However, these reconstructions encountered serious criticism and since the 1970s such inquiries have been more reserved. Today the field is divided, if sparse, with some employing the methods and results of earlier scholarship and others all but ignoring the question entirely. The present article examines this history of scholarship from Alfred Seeberg into the twenty-first century.
The Impact of Healing Touch on Pediatric Oncology Patients
Authors: Wong Joyce , Ghiasuddin Asad , Kimata Chieko , Patelesio Bonnie , Siu Andrea
Published: June 2012

Hypotheses. Healing Touch (HT) is an energy therapy that has been shown to lower stress, pain, and fatigue in adult oncology patients. This study evaluated the feasibility of administering HT in pediatric oncology inpatient and outpatient units at Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children. Study design. This study was a 1-year randomized prospective study consisting of 2 study arms. The HT arm was considered the treatment group, and reading/play activity was designated as the control group. Participants were randomly assigned to each arm on enrollment in the study. Methods. They were recruited by the pediatric oncology social worker. Interested participants were asked to provide informed consent and were randomized to either the HT arm or the reading/play activity arm of the study. They received their designated intervention for 30 minutes at each inpatient or outpatient encounter. Participants, parents, and care providers were asked to complete preintervention and postintervention assessments. Results. In all, 15 participants, aged 3 to 18 years old, were approached about the study between July 2009 and June 2010. A total of 9 participants enrolled (recruitment rate of 60%); 6 patients were randomized to receive HT sessions, and 3 patients received reading/play activities; 2 participants dropped out of the study because of prolonged hospitalizations and complicated treatments. An additional participant expired while in the study because of disease progression. Those in the HT group showed significant decreases in the scores for pain, stress, and fatigue for participants, parents, and caregivers. Furthermore, parents’ perception of their children’s pain decreased significantly for the HT group when compared with the group receiving reading/play activity. Conclusion. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using energy therapy in the pediatric oncology patient population. There also seems to be an interest in this treatment modality for this patient population. Furthermore, these findings suggest that HT has a positive impact on pain, stress, and fatigue related to oncology treatment.
Optimizing postoperative sexual function after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Tutolo Manuela , Briganti Alberto , Suardi Nazareno , Gallina Andrea , Abdollah Firas , Capitanio Umberto , Bianchi Marco , Passoni Niccolò , Nini Alessandro , Fossati Nicola , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco
Published: June 2012

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the complications associated with pelvic surgery. The significance of ED as a complication following pelvic surgery, especially radical prostatectomy (RP), lies in the negative impact that it has on patients’ sexual and overall life. In the literature, rates of ED following RP range from 25% to 100%. Such variety is associated with pelvic dissection and conservation of neurovascular structures. Another important factor impacting on postoperative ED is the preoperative erectile function of the patient. Advances in the knowledge of pelvic anatomy and pathological mechanisms led to a refinement of pelvic surgical techniques, with attention to the main structures that if damaged compromise erectile function. These improvements resulted in lower postoperative ED rates and better erectile recovery, especially in patients undergoing RP. Furthermore, surgery alone is not sufficient to prevent this complication, and thus, several medical strategies have been tested with the aim of maximizing erectile function recovery. Indeed it seems that prevention of postoperative ED must be addressed by a multimodal approach. The aim of this review is to give a picture of recent knowledge, novel techniques and therapeutic approaches in order to reach the best combination of treatments to reduce the rate of ED after pelvic surgery.
Investigation on TIG arc welding–brazing of Ti/Al dissimilar alloys with Al based fillers
Authors: Lv S X , Jing X J , Huang Y X , Xu Y Q , Zheng C Q , Yang S Q
Published: June 2012

Dissimilar alloys of Ti–6Al–4V and 5A06 Al were butt joined by Al based fillers using a novel TIG welding process, referred to as keyhole arc welding–brazing. The flow behaviour of weld pool was introduced, which was characterised by the formation of a keyhole under the tungsten electrode. It was found that porosity tended to be produced in the middle of the fusion line, while adding elements prevented its formation. At brazing interface, interfacial reaction at root face was enhanced, and a uniform serrated layer, identified as TiAl3, was obtained by pure Al fillers. When Al–Cu–La fillers were used, block Ti2Al20La phases appeared at the interface between the TiAl3 layer and the brazed seam. Compared to joints brazed by pure Al fillers, the formation of Ti2Al20La reduced the hardness of the interfacial layer by more than half, while Al2Cu increased that of the brazed seam by ∼50%. The tensile strength of Ti/Al joints reached 270 MPa.
Magnetic detection technology for tiny flaws in FSW of aluminium alloy
Authors: Yu R Q , Hu B , Zou H C
Published: June 2012

The present paper put forward a magnetic non-destructive testing method for the complex tiny flaws existing in the friction stir welding (FSW) of aluminium alloy. Through magnetisation testing, it is confirmed that the relative magnetic permeability of aluminium alloy material is larger than the relative magnetic permeability of aluminium. Aluminium alloy is a paramagnetic material. The anomalous characteristics of the magnetic field in the flaw were analysed according to the differences of the relative magnetic permeability of the flaws. Magnetic detection technology detects flaws in FSW based on theoretical analysis. High precision measuring magnetic sensors were used to detect the magnetic field. Test results show that the magnetic field signal in flaw have obvious anomalous fluctuations. The reliability of the magnetic method is confirmed through comparison with the micrograph specimens. A new detection method for the tiny flaws in FSW specimens was provided.
Microstructural study of forged magnesium pipes at room temperature
Authors: Lu L W , Liu T M , Tan M-J , He J J , Liu L F , Wang Z C
Published: June 2012

We report the impact of room temperature forging on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of hot extruded Mg pipes with a special focus on twinning behaviour and texture. The twinning is identified as an important deformation mechanism. The amount of twins are first increased with the increase in forging strain and then reduced remarkably, followed by a sudden increase until the saturation state. Different types of twins are identified, and the role they play in the deformation process is discussed. The basal planes are found to be rotated by a right angle from the extrusion direction during the room temperature forging. The Vickers hardness is increased drastically once imposing the room temperature forging, thereby demonstrating that this technique is effective in modifying microstructures and mechanical properties of metals.
Investigations on corrosion proceeding path and EIS of Ni–ZrO2 composite coating
Authors: Arghavanian R , Ahmadi N Parvini , Yazdani S , Bostani B
Published: June 2012

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of Ni and Ni–ZrO2 composite coatings was studied. Investigation of corroded surfaces showed that the cluster boundaries in pure Ni and weak bonds between Ni matrix and ZrO2 particles in Ni–ZrO2 composite coating are the appropriate paths for corrosion to proceed. An equivalent circuit diagram based on blocked and partially corroded surface characterisations was proposed, and good agreement was observed between theoretical impedance spectra obtained on the basis of the equivalent circuit and spectra recorded during the measurements. Changes of microstructure and corrosion proceeding paths were recognised as the reasons for the higher corrosion resistance of Ni–ZrO2 with respect to pure Ni.
Correlation of blood counts with vascular complications in essential thrombocythemia: analysis of the prospective PT1 cohort
Authors: Campbell Peter J. , MacLean Cathy , Beer Philip A. , Buck Georgina , Wheatley Keith , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques , Forsyth Cecily , Harrison Claire N. , Green Anthony R.
Published: June 2012

Essential thrombocythemia, a myeloproliferative neoplasm, is associated with increased platelet count and risk of thrombosis or hemorrhage. Cytoreductive therapy aims to normalize platelet counts despite there being only a minimal association between platelet count and complication rates. Evidence is increasing for a correlation between WBC count and thrombosis, but prospective data are lacking. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between vascular complications and 21 887 longitudinal blood counts in a prospective, multicenter cohort of 776 essential thrombocythemia patients. After correction for confounding variables, no association was seen between blood counts at diagnosis and future complications. However, platelet count outside of the normal range during follow-up was associated with an immediate risk of major hemorrhage (P = .0005) but not thrombosis (P = .7). Elevated WBC count during follow-up was correlated with thrombosis (P = .05) and major hemorrhage (P = .01). These data imply that the aim of cytoreduction in essential thrombocythemia should be to keep the platelet count, and arguably the WBC count, within the normal range. This study is registered at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials Number Registry (www.isrctn.org) as number 72251782.
A low level of serum total testosterone is independently associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kim Sunmi , Kwon Hyuktae , Park Jin-Ho , Cho Belong , Kim Donghee , Oh Seung-Won , Lee Cheol Min , Choi Ho-Chun
Published: June 2012

Background

The association between low serum testosterone levels, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and metabolic syndrome is now well known. However, the relationship between hepatic steatosis and serum testosterone levels has not been extensively studied. Our aim was to investigate the association of serum total testosterone levels with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), adjusting for the influence of VAT and insulin resistance.

Methods

This study is a retrospective observational cross-sectional one of healthy Korean men and was conducted at the Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center. We used data obtained from 495 men who were at least 20 years of age and who had undergone blood testing, abdominal computed tomography, and ultrasonography. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association of serum total testosterone levels with NAFLD.

Results

Men in the low serum testosterone quintile were at a higher risk for NAFLD than men in the highest serum testosterone quintile. After adjusting for age, smoking, diabetes, exercise, BMI, triglycerides, and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, subjects with serum testosterone levels in the lowest quintile had an odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of 5.12 (2.43–10.77) for NAFLD (p value, 0.0004). The inverse association between serum testosterone and NAFLD was attenuated by further adjustment for variables including VAT; however, it remained statistically significant (OR (95% CI): 4.52 (2.09–9.80) in the lowest quintile; p value=0.004).

Conclusions

A low serum total testosterone level was independently associated with NAFLD. This report is the first one suggesting the association remains unchanged even after controlling for VAT and insulin resistance.
Novel mutations in natriuretic peptide receptor-2 gene underlie acromesomelic dysplasia, type maroteaux
Authors: Khan Saadullah , Ali Raja Hussain , Abbasi Sanaullah , Nawaz Muhammad , Muhammad Noor , Ahmad Wasim
Published: June 2012

Background

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are peptide hormones that exert their biological actions by binding to three types of cell surface natriuretic peptide receptors (NPRs). The receptor NPR-B binding C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) acts locally as a paracrine and/or autocrine regulator in a wide variety of tissues. Mutations in the gene NPR2 have been shown to cause acromesomelic dysplasia-type Maroteaux (AMDM), an autosomal recessive skeletal disproportionate dwarfism disorder in humans.

Methods

In the study, presented here, genotyping of six consanguineous families of Pakistani origin with AMDM was carried out using polymorphic microsatellite markers, which are closely linked to the gene NPR2 on chromosome 9p21-p12. To screen for mutations in the gene NPR2, all of its coding exons and splice junction sites were PCR amplified from genomic DNA of affected and unaffected individuals of the families and sequenced.

Results

Sequence analysis of the gene NPR2 identified a novel missence mutation (p.T907M) in five families, and a splice donor site mutation c.2986 + 2 T > G in the other family.

Conclusion

We have described two novel mutations in the gene NPR2. The presence of the same mutation (p.T907M) and haplotype in five families (A, B, C, D, E) is suggestive of a founder effect.
Role of polymorphisms of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, TLR9, toll-interleukin 1 receptor domain containing adaptor protein (TIRAP) and FCGR2A genes in malaria susceptibility and severity in Burundian children
Authors: Esposito Susanna , Molteni Claudio Giuseppe , Zampiero Alberto , Baggi Elena , Lavizzari Anna , Semino Margherita , Daleno Cristina , Groppo Michela , Scala Alessia , Terranova Leonardo , Miozzo Monica , Pelucchi Claudio , Principi Nicola
Published: June 2012

Background

Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is one of the leading causes of human morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, predominantly in tropical and sub-tropical countries. As genetic variations in the toll-like receptors (TLRs)-signalling pathway have been associated with either susceptibility or resistance to several infectious and inflammatory diseases, the supposition is that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR2, TLR4, TLR9, Toll-interleukin 1 receptor domain containing adaptor protein (TIRAP) and FCGR2A could modulate malaria susceptibility and severity.

Methods

This study was planned to make a further contribution to solving the problem of the real role of the most common polymorphisms of TLR4, TLR9, TIRAP and FCGR2A genes in modulating the risk of malaria and disease severity in children from Burundi, Central Africa. All the paediatric patients aged six months to 10 years admitted to the hospital of Kiremba, Burundi, between February 2011 and September 2011, for fever and suspicion of acute malaria were screened for malaria parasitaemia by light microscopy of thick and thin blood smears. In children with malaria and in uninfected controls enrolled during the study period in the same hospital, blood samples were obtained on filter paper and TLR4 Asp299Gly rs4986790, TLR9 G1174A rs352139, T-1486 C rs187084 TLR9 T-1237 C rs5743836, TIRAP Ser180Leu rs8177374 and the FCGR2A His131Arg rs1801274 polymorphisms were studied using an ABI PRISM 7900 HT Fast Real-time instrument.

Results

A total of 602 patients and 337 controls were enrolled. Among the malaria cases, 553 (91.9 %) were considered as suffering from uncomplicated and 49 (8.1 %) from severe malaria. TLR9 T1237C rs5743836CC was associated with an increased risk of developing malaria (p = 0.03), although it was found with the same frequency in uncomplicated and severe malaria cases. No other differences were found in all alleles studied and in genotype frequencies between malaria cases and uninfected controls as well as between uncomplicated and severe malaria cases.

Conclusions

TLR9 T1237C seems to condition susceptibility to malaria in Burundian children but not its severity, whereas none of the assessed SNPs of TLR4, TIRAP and FCGR2A seem to influence susceptibility to malaria and disease severity in this population.
Long-term outcome and toxicity of hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy as a boost treatment for head and neck cancer: the importance of boost volume assessment
Authors: Lee Dong Soo , Kim Yeon Sil , Cheon Jae Seok , Song Jin Ho , Son Seok Hyun , Jang Ji Sun , Kang Young Nam , Kang Jing Hyoung , Jung So Lyoung , Yoo Ie Ryung , Jang Hong Seok
Published: June 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to report the long-term clinical outcomes of patients who received stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as a boost treatment for head and neck cancer.

Materials and methods

Between March 2004 and July 2007, 26 patients with locally advanced, medically inoperable head and neck cancer or gross residual tumors in close proximity to critical structures following head and neck surgery were treated with SBRT as a boost treatment. All patients were initially treated with standard external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). SBRT boost was prescribed to the median 80% isodose line with a median dose of 21 (range 10–25) Gy in 2–5 (median, 5) fractions.

Results

The median follow-up after SBRT was 56 (range 27.6 − 80.2) months. The distribution of treatment sites in 26 patients was as follows: the nasopharynx, including the base of the skull in 10 (38.5%); nasal cavity or paranasal sinus in 8 (30.8%); periorbit in 4 (15.4%); tongue in 3 (11.5%); and oropharyngeal wall in 1 (3.8%). The median EBRT dose before SBRT was 50.4 Gy (range 39.6 − 70.2). The major response rate was 100% with 21 (80.8%) complete responses (CR). Severe (grade ≥ 3) late toxicities developed in 9 (34.6%) patients, and SBRT boost volume was a significant parameter predicting severe late complication.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that a modern SBRT boost is a highly efficient tool for local tumor control. However, we observed a high frequency of serious late complications. More optimized dose fractionation schedule and patient selection are required to achieve excellent local control without significant late morbidities in head and neck boost treatment.
The empowerment of translational research: lessons from laminopathies
Authors: Benedetti Sara , Bernasconi Pia , Bertini Enrico , Biagini Elena , Boriani Giuseppe , Capanni Cristina , Carboni Nicola , Cenacchi Giovanna , Columbaro Marta , D'Adamo Monica , D’Amico Adele , D’Apice Maria Rosaria , Fontana Marianna , Gambineri Alessandra , Lattanzi Giovanna , Liguori Rocco , Maraldi Nadir M , Mazzanti Laura , Mercuri Eugenio , Mongini Tiziana , Morandi Lucia O , Neri Iria , Nigro Giovanni , Novelli Giuseppe , Ortolani Michela , Pasquali Renato , Pini Antonella , Petrini Stefania , Politano Luisa , Previtali Stefano , Pucci Lisa , Rapezzi Claudio , Ricci Giulia , Rodolico Carmelo , Sbraccia Paolo , Scarano Emanuela , Siciliano Gabriele , Squarzoni Stefano , Toscano Antonio , Vercelli Liliana , Ziacchi Matteo
Published: June 2012

The need for a collaborative approach to complex inherited diseases collectively referred to as laminopathies, encouraged Italian researchers, geneticists, physicians and patients to join in the Italian Network for Laminopathies, in 2009. Here, we highlight the advantages and added value of such a multidisciplinary effort to understand pathogenesis, clinical aspects and try to find a cure for Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, Mandibuloacral dysplasia, Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria and forms of lamin-linked cardiomyopathy, neuropathy and lipodystrophy.
The effectiveness of ultrasonography in verifying the placement of a nasogastric tube in patients with low consciousness at an emergency center
Authors: Kim Hyung Min , So Byung Hak , Jeong Won Jung , Choi Se Min , Park Kyu Nam
Published: June 2012

Background

This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of using auscultation, pH measurements of gastric aspirates, and ultrasonography as physical examination methods to verify nasogastric tube(NGT) placement in emergency room patients with low consciousness who require NGT insertion.

Methods

The study included 47 patients who were all over 18 years of age. In all patients, tube placement was verified by chest X-rays. Auscultation, pH analysis of gastric aspirates, and ultrasonography were conducted on each patient in random order. The mean patient age was 57.62 ± 17.24 years, and 28 males (59.6%) and 19 females (40.4%) were included. The NGT was inserted by an emergency room resident. For pH testing, gastric aspirates were dropped onto litmus paper, and the resulting color of the paper was compared with a reference table. Ultrasonography was performed by an emergency medicine specialist, and the chest X-ray examination was interpreted by a different emergency medicine specialist who did not conduct the ultrasonography test. The results of the auscultation, gastric aspirate pH, and ultrasonography examinations were compared with the results of the chest x-ray examination.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 33.3%, respectively, for auscultation and 86.4% and 66.7%, respectively, for ultrasonography. Kappa values were the highest for auscultation at 0.484 compared to chest x-rays, followed by 0.299 for ultrasonography and 0.444 for pH analysis of the gastric aspirate. The ultrasonography has a positive predictive value of 97.4% and a negative predictive value of 25%.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography is useful for confirming the results of auscultation after NGT insertion among patients with low consciousness at an emergency center. When ultrasound findings suggest that the NGT placement is not gastric, additional chest X-ray should be performed.