bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Impact of Verticillium dahliae in Soil Associated with Certified Potato Seed Lots
Authors: Dung Jeremiah K. S. , Hamm Philip B. , Eggers Jordan E. , Johnson Dennis A.
Published: September 2012

Verticillium dahliae causes Verticillium wilt of potato and can be found in soil associated with potato seed tubers. The purpose of this research was to quantify V. dahliae in soil associated with certified seed tubers and determine if this potential inoculum source is related to disease development in the field. Approximately 68% of seed lots assayed contained V. dahliae-infested soil on seed tuber surfaces (seed tuber soil). Over 82% of seed lots contained V. dahliae in loose seed lot soil obtained from bags and trucks used to transport seed tubers. Most samples contained ≤50 CFU/g but some contained >500 CFU/g. Most isolates (93%) were vegetative compatibility group 4A. Populations of V. dahliae in stem sap increased with increasing inoculum densities in field soils only when V. dahliae concentrations in seed tuber soil were low. High concentrations of V. dahliae in seed tuber soil resulted in greater stem sap colonization when V. dahliae inoculum densities in field soil were low (P < 0.01) and resulted in greater pathogen inoculum densities in postharvest field soils (P = 0.04). Seed tubers contaminated with V. dahliae-infested soils may introduce the pathogen into fields not previously cropped to potato or recontaminate those which have received preplant management practices. Long-term management of V. dahliae requires reducing propagules in soil associated with seed lots.
Predicting evolutionary responses to selection on polyandry in the wild: additive genetic covariances with female extra-pair reproduction
Authors: Reid Jane M.
Published: September 2012

The evolutionary forces that underlie polyandry, including extra-pair reproduction (EPR) by socially monogamous females, remain unclear. Selection on EPR and resulting evolution have rarely been explicitly estimated or predicted in wild populations, and evolutionary predictions are vulnerable to bias due to environmental covariances and correlated selection through unmeasured traits. However, evolutionary responses to (correlated) selection on any trait can be directly predicted as additive genetic covariances (covA) with appropriate components of relative fitness. I used comprehensive life-history, paternity and pedigree data from song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) to estimate covAbetween a female's liability to produce extra-pair offspring and two specific fitness components: relative annual reproductive success (ARS) and survival to recruitment. All three traits showed non-zero additive genetic variance. Estimates of covAwere positive, predicting evolution towards increased EPR, but 95% credible intervals overlapped zero. There was therefore no conclusive prediction of evolutionary change in EPR due to (correlated) selection through female ARS or recruitment. Negative environmental covariance between EPR and ARS would have impeded evolutionary prediction from phenotypic selection differentials. These analyses demonstrate an explicit quantitative genetic approach to predicting evolutionary responses to components of (correlated) selection on EPR that should be unbiased by environmental covariances and unmeasured traits.
Maternal Aerobic Exercise during Pregnancy Can Increase Spatial Learning by Affecting Leptin Expression on Offspring's Early and Late Period in Life Depending on Gender
Authors: Dayi Ayfer , Agilkaya Sinem , Ozbal Seda , Cetin Ferihan , Aksu Ilkay , Gencoglu Celal , Cingoz Sultan , Pekcetin Cetın , Tugyan Kazim , Kayatekin Berkant Muammer , Uysal Nazan
Published: September 2012

Maternal exercise during pregnancy has been suggested to exert beneficial effects on brain functions of the offspring. Leptin is an adipocytokine which is secreted from adipose tissues and has positive effects on learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity. In this study, pregnant rats were moderately exercised and we observed the effects of this aerobic exercise on their prepubertal and adult offsprings' spatial learning, hippocampal neurogenesis, and expression of leptin. All the pups whose mothers exercised during pregnancy learned the platform earlier and spent longer time in the target quadrant. Their thigmotaxis times were shorter than those measured in the control group. It is shown that hippocampal CA1, CA3 neuron numbers increased in both prepubertal and adult pups, in addition that GD neuron numbers increased in adult pups. Leptin receptor expression significantly increased in the prepubertal male, adult male, and adult female pups. In our study, maternal running during pregnancy resulted in significant increase in the expression of leptin receptor but not in prepubertal female pups, enhanced hippocampal cell survival, and improved learning memory capability in prepubertal and adult rat pups, as compared to the control group. In conclusion, maternal exercise during pregnancy may regulate spatial plasticity in the hippocampus of the offspring by increasing the expression of leptin.
Subunit Organization of a Synechocystis Hetero-Oligomeric Thylakoid FtsH Complex Involved in Photosystem II Repair
Authors: Boehm Marko , Yu Jianfeng , Krynicka Vendula , Barker Myles , Tichy Martin , Komenda Josef , Nixon Peter J. , Nield Jon
Published: September 2012

FtsH metalloproteases are key components of the photosystem II (PSII) repair cycle, which operates to maintain photosynthetic activity in the light. Despite their physiological importance, the structure and subunit composition of thylakoid FtsH complexes remain uncertain. Mutagenesis has previously revealed that the four FtsH homologs encoded by the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp PCC 6803 are functionally different: FtsH1 and FtsH3 are required for cell viability, whereas FtsH2 and FtsH4 are dispensable. To gain insights into FtsH2, which is involved in selective D1 protein degradation during PSII repair, we used a strain of Synechocystis 6803 expressing a glutathione S-transferase (GST)–tagged derivative (FtsH2-GST) to isolate FtsH2-containing complexes. Biochemical analysis revealed that FtsH2-GST forms a hetero-oligomeric complex with FtsH3. FtsH2 also interacts with FtsH3 in the wild-type strain, and a mutant depleted in FtsH3, like ftsH2  − mutants, displays impaired D1 degradation. FtsH3 also forms a separate heterocomplex with FtsH1, thus explaining why FtsH3 is more important than FtsH2 for cell viability. We investigated the structure of the isolated FtsH2-GST/FtsH3 complex using transmission electron microscopy and single-particle analysis. The three-dimensional structural model obtained at a resolution of 26 Å revealed that the complex is hexameric and consists of alternating FtsH2/FtsH3 subunits.
Pathogen effects on vegetative and floral odours mediate vector attraction and host exposure in a complex pathosystem
Authors: Shapiro Lori , De Moraes Consuelo M. , Stephenson Andrew G. , Mescher Mark C.
Published: September 2012

Pathogens can alter host phenotypes in ways that influence interactions between hosts and other organisms, including insect disease vectors. Such effects have implications for pathogen transmission, as well as host exposure to secondary pathogens, but are not well studied in natural systems, particularly for plant pathogens. Here, we report that the beetle‐transmitted bacterial pathogen Erwinia tracheiphila – which causes a fatal wilt disease – alters the foliar and floral volatile emissions of its host (wild gourd, Cucurbita pepo ssp. texana) in ways that enhance both vector recruitment to infected plants and subsequent dispersal to healthy plants. Moreover, infection by Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), which also occurs at our study sites, reduces floral volatile emissions in a manner that discourages beetle recruitment and therefore likely reduces the exposure of virus‐infected plants to the lethal bacterial pathogen – a finding consistent with our previous observation of dramatically reduced wilt disease incidence in ZYMV‐infected plants.
Tumor‐to‐tumor metastasis from pituitary carcinoma to radiation‐induced meningioma
Authors: Zhou Quan , Chang Hong , Gao Ying , Cui Lifang
Published: September 2012

Radiation‐induced meningioma and pituitary carcinoma are both uncommon. Tumor‐to‐tumor metastasis (TTM) from pituitary carcinoma to meningioma, to our knowledge, has not been previously reported. A 67‐year old man presented with a previous history of transcranial subtotal resection of pituitary adenoma, at the age of 36, followed by radiotherapy. The follow‐up was uneventful for the following 31 years. The patient presented with worsening sight and numbness of the right arm. Three separate lesions were found on MRI. Histological examinations revealed pituitary carcinomas and TTM from pituitary carcinoma to meningioma. A constant surveillance is necessary for patients with pituitary tumor, especially those followed by radiotherapy.
Bimodal anti‐glioma mechanisms of cilengitide demonstrated by novel invasive glioma models
Authors: Onishi Manabu , Ichikawa Tomotsugu , Kurozumi Kazuhiko , Fujii Kentaro , Yoshida Koichi , Inoue Satoshi , Michiue Hiroyuki , Chiocca E. Antonio , Kaur Balveen , Date Isao
Published: September 2012

Integrins are expressed in tumor cells and tumor endothelial cells, and likely play important roles in glioma angiogenesis and invasion. We investigated the anti‐glioma mechanisms of cilengitide (EMD121974), an αvβ3 integrin inhibitor, utilizing the novel invasive glioma models, J3T‐1 and J3T‐2. Immunohistochemical staining of cells in culture and brain tumors in rats revealed positive αvβ3 integrin expression in J3T‐2 cells and tumor endothelial cells, but not in J3T‐1 cells. Established J3T‐1 and J3T‐2 orthotopic gliomas in athymic rats were treated with cilengitide or solvent. J3T‐1 gliomas showed perivascular tumor cluster formation and angiogenesis, while J3T‐2 gliomas showed diffuse single‐cell infiltration without obvious angiogenesis. Cilengitide treatment resulted in a significantly decreased diameter of the J3T‐1 tumor vessel clusters and its core vessels when compared with controls, while an anti‐invasive effect was shown in the J3T‐2 glioma with a significant reduction of diffuse cell infiltration around the tumor center. The survival of cilengitide‐treated mice harboring J3T‐1 tumors was significantly longer than that of control animals (median survival: 57.5 days and 31.8 days, respectively, P < 0.005), while cilengitide had no effect on the survival of mice with J3T‐2 tumors (median survival: 48.9 days and 48.5, P = 0.69). Our results indicate that cilengitide exerts a phenotypic anti‐tumor effect by inhibiting angiogenesis and glioma cell invasion. These two mechanisms are clearly shown by the experimental treatment of two different animal invasive glioma models.
Giant cell polymyositis and myocarditis associated with myasthenia gravis and thymoma
Authors: Kon Tomoya , Mori Fumiaki , Tanji Kunikazu , Miki Yasuo , Kimura Tamaki , Wakabayashi Koichi
Published: September 2012

We describe an unusual case of myasthenia gravis. Our patient had been diagnosed as having myasthenia gravis with thymoma at the age of 64 years, and died of acute respiratory failure at the age of 80 years. Post mortem examination revealed CD8‐positive lymphocytic infiltration with numerous giant cells in the skeletal muscles and myocardium. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies revealed that there were two types of giant cells: histiocytic and myocytic in origin. Furthermore, both types of giant cells were immunopositive for proteins implicated in the late endosome and lysosome‐protease systems, suggesting that endocytosis may be the key mechanism in the formation of giant cells. The present case, together with a few similar cases reported previously, may represent a particular subset of polymyositis, that is, giant cell polymyositis and myocarditis associated with myasthenia gravis and thymoma.
α1‐blocker tamsulosin as initial treatment for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: 5‐year outcome analysis of a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Masumori Naoya , Tsukamoto Taiji , Horita Hiroki , Sunaoshi Ken‐ichi , Tanaka Yoshinori , Takeyama Koh , Sato Eiji , Miyao Noriomi
Published: September 2012

Objective

To comprehensively analyze the 5‐year outcomes of tamsulosin treatment for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods

Tamsulosin (0.2 mg/day) was given to 112 patients who had International Prostate Symptom Scores ≥8. They were prospectively followed for 5 years with periodic evaluation. If tamsulosin had to be discontinued, the reason was determined. Treatment failure was considered in the case of disease progression (postvoid residual urine volume ≥200 mL, acute urinary retention, febrile urinary tract infection or hydronephrosis as a result of bladder outlet obstruction), conversion to other α1‐blockers or need for surgery. An intention‐to‐treat analysis was carried out.

Results

A total of 34 patients (30.4%) continued the same medication for the overall study period, whereas 78 patients (69.6%) discontinued the medication. International Prostate Symptom Scores, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Problem Index and Quality of Life Index were significantly improved over the 5‐year period. Treatment failure was observed in 21 patients (18.8%). Baseline prostate volume and postvoid residual urine volume were independent factors to predicting treatment failure. A total of 21 patients (18.8%) discontinued tamsulosin because of an improvement of symptoms. They were younger and had lower prostate‐specific antigen levels than the remaining 91 patients. Their symptoms were stable even 1 year after termination of therapy.

Conclusions

Long‐term efficacy of tamsulosin was observed, although only a small portion of patients continued the treatment. α1‐blocker monotherapy might be not appropriate for achieving a good long‐term outcome in patients with a large prostate volume and a large amount of postvoid residual urine volume. Persistent improvement of symptoms, even after termination of tamsulosin, was observed in young patients with low prostate‐specific antigen levels.
Wire‐guided biliary cannulation technique does not reduce the risk of post‐ERCP pancreatitis: Multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kobayashi Go , Fujita Naotaka , Imaizumi Kazuomi , Irisawa Atsushi , Suzuki Masaki , Murakami Akihiko , Oana Shuhei , Makino Naohiko , Komatsuda Tomoya , Yoneyama Kazuo
Published: September 2012

Aim

To evaluate the effect of wire‐guided biliary cannulation (WGC) on the prevention of post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP).

Methods

We investigated the impact of the WGC technique on the incidence of PEP by comparing the conventional cannulation (CC) technique in selective bile duct cannulation during ERCP with a cross‐over design in a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial and the potential risk factors for PEP. This involved six tertiary referral centers and three university hospitals. A total of 322 patients with indications for ERCP requiring selective biliary cannulation were enrolled from April 2008 to March 2009.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐three patients were assigned to the WGC group and 159 to the CC group. The incidence of PEP was the same between the groups (6.1% vs 6.3%, P = 0.95). Primary successful biliary cannulation was achieved in 136 patients (83%) in the WGC group and in 138 (87%) in the CC group (P = 0.40). The mean time required for primary successful biliary cannulation was 7.4 ± 8.3 min and 7.2 ± 7.9 min, respectively (P = 0.83). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that accidental guidewire insertions and unintended injections of contrast into the main pancreatic duct were the only independent risk factors for PEP (P = 0.001, relative risk [RR]: 8.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.46–30.81).

Conclusion

The WGC technique does not reduce the risk of PEP and also does not improve the success rate of selective bile duct cannulation.
Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and Turner syndrome
Authors: Bang Ji Young , Peter Shajan
Published: September 2012

Gastrointestinal bleeding in individuals with Turner syndrome is relatively rare and there have been only a handful of reported cases in the literature. Here, we present two patients with Turner syndrome who were evaluated for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Our first patient presented with iron deficiency anemia and the work‐up for a possible gastrointestinal bleed was pertinent only for polyps and a non‐bleeding vein in the colon seen on colonoscopy. Our second patient had a history of unexplained recurrent melena and iron deficiency anemia, with previously normal esophagogastroduodenoscopies, colonoscopies and a Meckel's diverticulum scan. Both patients were subsequently diagnosed with gastrointestinal vascular malformations via capsule endoscopy.
Comparison of endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology results with and without the stylet in 3364 cases
Authors: Gimeno‐García Antonio Z. , Paquin Sarto C. , Gariépy Gilles , Sosa Alejandro Jiménez , Sahai Anand V.
Published: September 2012

Background and Aim

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology (EUS‐FNA) is traditionally carried out with the stylet, as it is believed to prevent blockage or contamination of the needle by tissue coming from the gastrointestinal wall. However, this recommendation has not been demonstrated on an empirical basis. The aim of the present study was to compare the yield of EUS‐FNA in a very large series of patients with (S+) and without (S–) the stylet.

Methods

Until 2004, the stylet was used for EUS‐FNA in our center. After that, the stylet was never used. The results of all EUS‐FNA in solid lesions carried out by one endosonographer with the same needle type were compared before and after stylet use was stopped.

Results

3364 EUS‐FNA procedures (in 3078 patients) in solid lesions were included (1483 S+ and 1881 S–). There was no significant difference between the S+ and S– results for any variable other than the number of passes required. The number of passes was significantly lower in the S– group when sampling lymph nodes, wall lesions and when carrying out biopsies through the gastric or rectal wall. However the statistical differences disappeared after controlling for malignancy, location and lesion size.

Conclusion

This very large comparative study showed no benefit in diagnostic yield when using the stylet for EUS‐FNA.
Review of para‐articular soft tissue osteochondromas of the knee
Authors: Zhang Benny Xu , Chew David , Critchley Ian
Published: September 2012

Para‐articular osteochondromas (PAOCs) are a rare benign subtype of chondroma that occur in the soft tissues around the joints. Initially hypothesized to be derived from cartilaginous metaplasia, its aetiology and pathogenesis are still not fully understood. This tumour often causes a diagnostic and management dilemma due to similar clinical and histopathological features compared with other pathology. We report the fourth case of PAOC arising from the suprapatella region of the knee joint and review the literature to update our understanding of this tumour. From the data analysed, a distinctive pattern of tumour formation within or adjacent to a fat pad structure was evident, while trauma appears to play a role in its pathogenesis. Histologically, the tumour consists of a cartilage cap, with varying degrees of trabecular bone and endochondral ossification. Importantly, there are no features of nuclear pleomorphism or increased mitotic activity suggestive of a malignant process. All tumours were surgically removed and behaved in a benign fashion without evidence of recurrence. PAOC may often be suspected for more malignant processes; thus, recognition of this entity is important as simple excision is curative.
Dr George Home: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Fellow 169
Authors: Koea Jonathan B.
Published: September 2012

George Home was Fellow number 169 of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He was born in San Francisco in 1870, coming to New Zealand as an infant. He overcame the early death of his father to excel at school and graduate top of his class at the University of Edinburgh in 1892. During his time in Edinburgh, he was taught by Lord Lister and developed a lifelong interest in surgical asepsis and antisepsis. After working in Liverpool for five years, he returned to New Zealand and commenced practice as a surgeon in New Plymouth in 1899. He remained in New Plymouth for the remainder of his life, although served with distinction in World War I and was the longest serving New Zealand medical officer in the Gallipoli Campaign. Upon his return to New Zealand after World War I, he founded and developed many community institutions and was a noted amateur alpinist, photographer and botanist. He died in 1956 after a lifetime dominated, not by one single achievement, but by much service to his community.
Evaluating Statistical Hypotheses Using Weakly‐Identifiable Estimating Functions
Authors: CAO GUANQUN , TODEM DAVID , YANG LIJIAN , FINE JASON P.
Published: September 2012

Abstract.  Many statistical models arising in applications contain non‐ and weakly‐identified parameters. Due to identifiability concerns, tests concerning the parameters of interest may not be able to use conventional theories and it may not be clear how to assess statistical significance. This paper extends the literature by developing a testing procedure that can be used to evaluate hypotheses under non‐ and weakly‐identifiable semiparametric models. The test statistic is constructed from a general estimating function of a finite dimensional parameter model representing the population characteristics of interest, but other characteristics which may be described by infinite dimensional parameters, and viewed as nuisance, are left completely unspecified. We derive the limiting distribution of this statistic and propose theoretically justified resampling approaches to approximate its asymptotic distribution. The methodology's practical utility is illustrated in simulations and an analysis of quality‐of‐life outcomes from a longitudinal study on breast cancer.
In Goodness We Trust. The Role of Trust and Institutions Underpinning Trust in the Organic Food Market
Authors: Zagata Lukas , Lostak Michal
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study is to explain how trust in organic food is created, with regard to the subjective perspectives of consumers and the ways in which they trust in the quality of organic food. Empirical study includes qualitative analysis focused on how consumers build trust in organic food and its quality. The findings of the study challenge the assumption that organic certification can successfully operate only if consumers have an adequate amount of information about what they are buying. The article shows that consumers possess strategies that enable them to find sufficient and satisfying solutions, also in those situations in which they objectively lack the necessary knowledge. Trust plays a key role in this situation, which is based on faith.
Deep sequencing does not reveal additional transmitted mutations in patients diagnosed with HIV‐1 variants with single nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance mutations
Authors: Pingen M , van der Ende ME , Wensing AM , el Barzouhi A , Simen BB , Schutten M , Boucher CAB
Published: September 2012

Objectives

The aim of the study was to gain more insight into the relationship between transmitted singletons found at HIV diagnosis by population sequencing and the possible presence of clinically relevant viral minorities containing additional resistance mutations.

Methods

We studied the viral quasispecies and therapy response in 10 individuals with transmitted single nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)‐related resistance mutations as detected by population sequencing.

Results

Ultra‐deep pyrosequencing did not reveal additional drug‐resistance mutations in nine of 10 patients. In these nine patients, no breakthrough with resistant viruses was observed despite the use of low genetic nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based regimens in the majority of patients.

Conclusions

These data suggest that viral minority variants containing additional resistance mutations may be rare in patients with transmitted NRTI singletons in the Netherlands. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings and to determine the therapeutic consequences.
Positive modulation of the α9α10 nicotinic cholinergic receptor by ascorbic acid
Authors: Boffi JC , Wedemeyer C , Lipovsek M , Katz E , Calvo DJ , Elgoyhen AB
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose

The activation of α9α10 nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) present at the synapse between efferent olivocochlear fibres and cochlear hair cells can prevent acoustic trauma. Hence, pharmacological potentiators of these receptors could be useful therapeutically. In this work, we characterize ascorbic acid as a positive modulator of recombinant α9α10 nAChRs.

Experimental Approach

ACh‐evoked responses were analysed under two‐electrode voltage‐clamp recordings in Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with α9 and α10 cRNAs.

Key Results

Ascorbic acid potentiated ACh responses in X. laevis oocytes expressing α9α10 (but not α4β2 or α7) nAChRs, in a concentration‐dependent manner, with an effective concentration range of 1–30 mM. The compound did not affect the receptor's current–voltage profile nor its apparent affinity for ACh, but it significantly enhanced the maximal evoked currents (percentage of ACh maximal response, 240 ± 20%). This effect was specific for the L form of reduced ascorbic acid. Substitution of the extracellular cysteine residues present in loop C of the ACh binding site did not affect the potentiation. Ascorbic acid turned into a partial agonist of α9α10 nAChRs bearing a point mutation at the pore domain of the channel (TM2 V13′T mutant). A positive allosteric mechanism of action rather than an antioxidant effect of ascorbic acid is proposed.

Conclusions and Implications

The present work describes one of the few agents that activates or potentiates α9α10 nAChRs and leads to new avenues for designing drugs with potential therapeutic use in inner ear disorders.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF DIPMETER LOGS FROM EXPLORATION WELLS IN THE DRAVA DEPRESSION, NORTHERN CROATIA
Authors: Velic J. , Malvic T. , Cvetkovic M. , Bošnjak M.
Published: September 2012

Stratal dip and azimuth data from dipmeter logs recorded at wells in the western Drava Depression (northern Croatia) were analysed in order to assist with subsurface structural interpretations. The dipmeter data came from the Miocene Moslavacka gora, Ivanic‐Grad and Kloštar Ivanic Formations at wells Virovitica‐3, Rezovacke Krcevine‐1 istok, Rezovacke Krcevine‐2 and Orešac‐1, located near the town of Virovitica. In contrast to conventional dipmeter interpretations in which dip patterns are represented by “colour trends” (e.g. red represents increasing dip with depth), statistical methods of analysis were used in this study, and consisted of the interpretation of regression curves of dip and azimuth variations with depth. Interpretation of the dipmeter data in this way assisted with the structural interpretation of this folded and faulted part of the Drava Depression.

Also discussed are techniques for the selection of typical regression curves which can help in the identification of lithologically similar intervals based on stratal dip and azimuth data. A total of six such curves can be used for structural and depositional interpretation of such intervals.
Temporal occurrence of retinal detachments after cataract surgery
Authors: Hermann Manuel M. , Kirchhof Bernd , Fauser Sascha
Published: September 2012

Purpose:  To characterize the temporal occurrence of retinal detachments (RD) after cataract surgery.

Methods:  In this retrospective, consecutive case series, we reviewed the charts of 798 pseudophakic patients with primary rhegmatogenous RD that underwent surgery between 1999 and 2009, at the Center of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Germany.

Results:  Twenty‐five percent of all pseudophakic RDs occurred within 1 year after cataract surgery, 50% within 3.2 years and 90% within 9.9 years. Risk was increased for at least 11 years. The time interval was significantly shorter in vitrectomized eyes (2.49 versus 4.31 years, p = 0.016). Women showed a statistical trend towards longer time intervals (4.72 versus 3.93 years, p = 0.052), whereas myopic patients and different age groups showed no significant difference.

Conclusions:  After cataract surgery, the risk for RD was highest in the beginning and decreased continuously over time. However, the risk was increased for at least 11 years. Therefore, most studies have underestimated the incidence of RD after cataract surgery.
Initial Japanese experience with the LAP‐BAND system
Authors: Ohta Masayuki , Kitano Seigo , Kai Seiichiro , Shiromizu Akio , Iwashita Yukio , Endo Yuichi , Kawano Yuichiro , Masaki Takayuki , Kakuma Tetsuya , Yoshimatsu Hironobu
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Laparoscopic bariatric surgery has gradually spread in Japan since it was introduced in 2000. In 2005, we introduced laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) with the LAP‐BAND system into Japan. Here, we evaluate our intermediate‐term results with the LAP‐BAND system.

Methods

Between August 2005 and June 2010, 27 Japanese patients with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) underwent LAGB with the LAP‐BAND system in our institution. Our patients' average weight was 111 kg and BMI was 41 kg/m2. All LAGB procedures were performed through the pars flaccida pathway with band fixation using gastric‐to‐gastric sutures. The average follow‐up period was 48 months.

Results

All procedures were completed laparoscopically. One early complication (sudden cardiac arrest due to postoperative bleeding) and three late complications (port trouble, megaesophagus, and band slippage) were experienced, and reoperations were performed in three of the patients. Weight loss and percentage of excess weight loss on average were 26 kg and 53% after 3 years and 22 kg and 53% after 6 years, respectively. In line with this good weight loss, comorbidities, especially those of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome were frequently resolved or improved.

Conclusion

LAGB with the LAP‐BAND system appears to be beneficial in obese Japanese patients.
FROM WHITE BULLETS TO BLACK MARKETS AND GREENED MEDICINE: THE NEUROECONOMICS AND NEURORACIAL POLITICS OF OPIOID PHARMACEUTICALS
Authors: Hansen Helena , Skinner Mary E.
Published: September 2012

Synthetic opiates (opioids) have created among the most profitable markets worldwide. Two decades ago, FDA approval of Oxycontin® as a “minimally addictive” opioid pain reliever fueled an unprecedented rise in prescription opioid abuse. This was followed by a little known act of U.S. Congress enabling general physicians to use an opioid maintenance medication, buprenorphine, for addiction treatment in their private practices, leading to enormous growth in the U.S. addiction treatment market. Based on participant‐observation and interviews among pharmaceutical executives, policy makers, patients and prescribers, this article describes the neuroeconomics and neuropolitics of new opioid maintenance treatments. This article contrasts the historical emergence of methadone clinics from the 1960s to the 1980s as a treatment for the Black and Latino urban poor, with the current emergence of buprenorphine, a maintenance opioid approved for prescription on doctor's offices, as a treatment for white, middle‐class prescription opioid abusers. The article then traces the counterintuitive result of bringing addiction pharmaceuticals into the medical mainstream in an effort to reduce the stigma of addiction: a two tiered system of addiction treatment that reinforces stigma among the urban poor, and enhances the biological, political, and economic dependence of all classes on opioid markets, both legal and illegal.
Influence of translation on RppH‐dependent mRNA degradation in Escherichia coli
Authors: Richards Jamie , Luciano Daniel J. , Belasco Joel G.
Published: September 2012

In Escherichia coli, the endonuclease RNase E can access internal cleavage sites in mRNA either directly or by a 5′ end‐dependent mechanism in which cleavage is facilitated by prior RppH‐catalysed conversion of the 5′‐terminal triphosphate to a monophosphate, to which RNase E can bind. The characteristics of transcripts that determine which of these two pathways is primarily responsible for their decay are poorly understood. Here we report the influence of ribosome binding and translocation on each pathway, using yeiP and trxB as model transcripts. Ribosome binding to the translation initiation site impedes degradation by both mechanisms. However, because the effect on the rate of 5′ end‐independent decay is greater, poor ribosome binding favours degradation by that pathway. Arresting translation elongation with chloramphenicol quickly inhibits RNase E cleavage downstream of the initiation codon but has little or no immediate effect on cleavage upstream of the ribosome binding site. RNase E binding to a monophosphorylated 5′ end appears to increase the likelihood of cleavage at sites within the 5′ untranslated region. These findings indicate that ribosome binding and translocation can have a major impact on 5′ end‐dependent mRNA degradation in E. coli and suggest a possible sequence of events that follow pyrophosphate removal.
Sleep quality and nocturnal hypoxaemia and hypercapnia in children and young adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Fauroux Brigitte , Pepin Jean-Louis , Boelle Pierre-Yves , Cracowski Claire , Murris-Espin Marlène , Nove-Josserand Raphaele , Stremler Nathalie , Simon Tabassome , Burgel Pierre-Régis
Published: September 2012

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate sleep quality and nocturnal gas exchange in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to assess if sleep quality and daytime lung function could predict nocturnal hypoxaemia or hypercapnia.

Study design

Daytime sleepiness and objective sleep quality were evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and actigraphy in 25 children and 55 young adults (mean age 24±10 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 41±11% predicted). Nocturnal gas exchange was assessed by pulse oximetry (SpO2) and transcutaneous carbon dioxide (PtcCO2) recordings. Eleven patients underwent simultaneous polysomnography (PSG).

Results

PSQI was 6.3±3.4 with 51% of the patients having a score >5 corresponding to significant sleep complaints. On actigraphy, sleep efficiency was impaired at 79±11% with a fragmentation index at 41±18. Mean nocturnal SpO2 was 93±3% with 18% of the patients exhibiting >10% of night time spent with a value below 90%. Mean PtcCO2 was 44±6 mm Hg with 47% of the patients exhibiting >10% of night time with a value >45 mm Hg. Daytime arterial blood gases correlated with nocturnal gas exchange. FEV1 was the only lung function parameter that correlated with nocturnal SpO2 (p<0.01). Compared with PSG, SpO2 and PtcCO2 accurately identified rapid eye movement sleep hypoventilation.

Conclusions

Patients with CF exhibit poor sleep quality that does not predict nocturnal gas exchange. Nocturnal hypoxaemia and hypercapnia can be identified by simple tools.
Factors associated with mortality and length of stay in hospitalised neonates in Eritrea, Africa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shah Shetal , Zemichael O , Meng Hong Dao
Published: September 2012

Objective

To determine the factors associated with mortality in a hospitalised cohort of infants in Asmara, Eritrea.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional review of all 2006 admissions to a specialised neonatal intensive care unit. Data on gestational age (prematurity), age at presentation, birth weight, gender, mode of delivery, Apgar score, maternal age, birth location, admission diagnosis, admission comorbidities, time of admission and outcome were collected.

Setting

Orotta Pediatric Hospital ‘Specialised Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’ (SNCU) in Orotta National Maternity Referral Hospital, the nation's only tertiary newborn centre.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Factors associated with mortality and length of stay via multivariate regression analysis and the combined association of both hypothermia and pneumonia. Other outcome measures were determination of the association of admission hypothermia, time of admission and pneumonia on mortality.

Results

A total of 1502 infants were admitted to the SNCU with an average preterm gestational age of 35.9 weeks. 87 died (mortality 8.2%). In bivariate analysis, the highest mortality rate (10.3%) was seen in patient's admitted <1 h after birth. Patients with hypothermia or pneumonia exhibited higher mortality rates (13.6% and 13.4%, respectively). In multivariate analysis, birth weight <2 kg (p<0.01), birth weight between 2.1 and 2.5 kg (p<0.01), Apgar score at 1 min (p<0.01), small for gestational age (p<0.01), hypothermia (p<0.04) and pneumonia (p<0.01) were associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Hypothermia, pneumonia, younger gestational age, 1 min Apgar score and small size for gestational age are significantly associated with mortality and longer length of stay in the Eritrean SNCU.
Validation of prescribing appropriateness criteria for older Australians using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method
Authors: Basger Benjamin Joseph , Chen Timothy Frank , Moles Rebekah Jane
Published: September 2012

Objective

To further develop and validate previously published national prescribing appropriateness criteria to assist in identifying drug-related problems (DRPs) for commonly occurring medications and medical conditions in older (≥65 years old) Australians.

Design

RAND/UCLA appropriateness method.

Participants

A panel of medication management experts were identified consisting of geriatricians/pharmacologists, clinical pharmacists and disease management advisors to organisations that produce Australian evidence-based therapeutic publications. This resulted in a round-one panel of 15 members, and a round-two panel of 12 members.

Main outcome measure

Agreement on all criteria.

Results

Forty-eight prescribing criteria were rated. In the first rating round via email, there was disagreement regarding 17 of the criteria according to median panel ratings. During a face-to-face second round meeting, discussion resulted in retention of 25 criteria after amendments, agreement for 14 criteria with no changes required and deletion of 9 criteria. Two new criteria were added, resulting in a final validated list of 41 prescribing appropriateness criteria. Agreement after round two was reached for all 41 criteria, measured by median panel ratings and the amount of dispersion of panel ratings, based on the interpercentile range.

Conclusions

A set of 41 Australian prescribing appropriateness criteria were validated by an expert panel. Use of these criteria, together with clinical judgement and other medication review processes such as patient interview, is intended to assist in improving patient care by efficiently detecting potential DRPs related to commonly occurring medicines and medical conditions in older Australians. These criteria may also contribute to the medication management education of healthcare professionals.
Derivation and validation of a clinical prediction rule for delirium in patients admitted to a medical ward: an observational study
Authors: Martinez Juan Antonio , Belastegui Ana , Basabe Iban , Goicoechea Xabier , Aguirre Cristina , Lizeaga Nerea , Urreta Iratxe , Emparanza Jose Ignacio
Published: September 2012

Objectives

To develop and validate a simple clinical prediction rule, based on variables easily measurable at admission, to identify patients at high risk of developing delirium during their hospital stay on an internal medicine ward.

Design

Prospective study of two cohorts of patients admitted between 1 May and 30 June 2008 (derivation cohort), and between 1 May and 30 June 2009 (validation cohort).

Setting

A tertiary hospital in Donostia-Gipuzkoa (Spain).

Participants

In total 397 patients participated in the study. The mean age and incidence of delirium were 75.9 years and 13%, respectively, in the derivation cohort, and 75.8 years and 25% in the validation cohort.

Main outcome measures

The predictive variables analysed and finally included in the rule were: being aged 85 years old or older, being dependent in five or more activities of daily living, and taking two or more psychotropic drugs (antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, anticonvulsant and/or antidementia drugs). The variable of interest was delirium as defined by the short Confusion Assessment Method, which assesses four characteristics: acute onset and fluctuating course, inattention, disorganised thinking and altered level of consciousness.

Results

We developed a rule in which the individual risk of delirium is obtained by adding one point for each criterion met (age≥85, high level of dependence, and being on psychotropic medication). The result is considered positive if the score is ≥1. The rule accuracy was: sensitivity=93.4% (95% CI 85.5% to 97.2%), specificity=60.6% (95% CI 54.1% to 66.8%), positive predictive value=44.4% (95% CI 36.9% to 52.1%) and negative predictive value=96.5% (95% CI: 92% to 98.5%). The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.85 for the validation cohort.

Conclusions

The presence or absence of any of the three predictive factors (age≥85, high level of dependence and psychotropic medication) allowed us to classify patients on internal medicine wards according to the risk of developing delirium. The simplicity of the variables in our clinical prediction rule means that the data collection required is feasible in busy medicine units.
EXACT SPIN AND PSEUDO-SPIN SYMMETRIC SOLUTIONS OF THE DIRAC–KRATZER PROBLEM WITH A TENSOR POTENTIAL VIA LAPLACE TRANSFORM APPROACH
Authors: ARDA ALTUĞ , SEVER RAMAZAN
Published: September 2012

Exact bound state solutions of the Dirac equation for the Kratzer potential in the presence of a tensor potential are studied by using the Laplace transform approach for the cases of spin- and pseudo-spin symmetry. The energy spectrum is obtained in the closed form for the relativistic as well as non-relativistic cases including the Coulomb potential. It is seen that our analytical results are in agreement with the ones given in the literature. The numerical results are also given in a table for different parameter values.
LEPTON FLAVOR VIOLATION DECAYS OF VECTOR MESONS IN UNPARTICLE PHYSICS
Authors: SUN KE-SHENG , FENG TAI-FU , KOU LI-NA , SUN FEI , GAO TIE-JUN , ZHANG HAI-BIN
Published: September 2012

We investigate the lepton flavor violation decays of vector mesons in the scenario of the unparticle physics by considering the constraint from μ-e conversion. In unparticle physics, the predictions of LFV decays of vector mesons depend strongly on the scale dimension [Formula: see text]. The predictions of LFV decays of vector mesons can reach the detective sensitivity in experiment in region of [Formula: see text], while the prediction of μ-e conversion rate can meet the experimental upper limit. For the searching of the lepton flavor violation processes of charged lepton sector in experiment, the process ϒ→eμ may be a promising one to be observed.
Analysis of the impact of intravenous LH pulses versus continuous LH infusion on testosterone secretion during GnRH-receptor blockade
Authors: Veldhuis Johannes D. , Liu Peter Y. , Takahashi Paul Y. , Weist Suanne M. , Wigham Jean R.
Published: September 2012

Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility is required for optimal luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, but whether LH pulsatility is required for physiological testosterone (T) secretion is not known. To test the postulate that pulses of recombinant human (rh) LH stimulate greater T secretion than continuous infusion of the same dose, a potent selective GnRH antagonist was administered overnight to 19 healthy men ages 18–49 yr. Subjects then received saline or rhLH intravenously continuously or as 6-min pulses intravenously every 1 or 2 h at the same total dose. Blood was sampled every 10 min for 10 h to quantify T responses. For the four interventions, the descending rank order of mean LH and mean T concentrations was 1-h = 2-h rhLH pulses > continuous rhLH > saline ( P < 10−3). Plateau LH and T concentrations correlated positively ( R2 = 0.943, P = 0.029) as did LH concentrations and LH half-lives ( R2 = 0.962, P = 0.019). Percentage pulsatile T secretion assessed by deconvolution analysis (Keenan DM, Takahashi PY, Liu PY, Roebuck PD, Nehra AX, Iranmanesh A, Veldhuis JD. Endocrinology 147: 2817–2828, 2006) was the highest ( P = 0.019), and half-time to attain peak T concentrations was the shortest ( P < 10−6), for 1-h rhLH pulses. Approximate entropy (a pattern-regularity measure) revealed more orderly T secretion for 1- than 2-h rhLH pulses ( P = 0.0076). Accordingly, a pulsatile LH signal, while not obligatory to maintain mean T concentrations, controls the mean plasma LH concentration and determines quantifiable patterns of T secretion. These data introduce the question whether blood T patterns in turn supervise distinctive target-tissue responses.
Pneumoperitoneum, Retropneumoperitoneum, Pneumomediastinum, and Diffuse Subcutaneous Emphysema following Diagnostic Colonoscopy
Authors: Falidas Evangelos , Anyfantakis Georgios , Vlachos Konstantinos , Goudeli Christina , Stavros Boutzouvis , Villias Constantinos
Published: September 2012

Colonoscopy is a widely used diagnostic and curative procedure. Extraperitoneal perforation with pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema combined with intraperitoneal perforation is an extremely rare complication. We report a case of a 78-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and diffuse abdominal, chest, neck, and facial swelling appeared after a diagnostic colonoscopy. Diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are discussed.
Relaxation Estimation of RMSD in Molecular Dynamics Immunosimulations
Authors: Schreiner Wolfgang , Karch Rudolf , Knapp Bernhard , Ilieva Nevena
Published: September 2012

Molecular dynamics simulations have to be sufficiently long to draw reliable conclusions. However, no method exists to prove that a simulation has converged. We suggest the method of “lagged RMSD-analysis” as a tool to judge if an MD simulation has not yet run long enough. The analysis is based on RMSD values between pairs of configurations separated by variable time intervals Δt. Unless RMSD(Δt) has reached a stationary shape, the simulation has not yet converged.
An Unusual Endoscopic Image of a Submucosal Angiodysplasia
Authors: Carvalho Rita , Almeida Nuno , Ferreira Manuela , Amaro Pedro , Bernardes António , Cipriano Maria Augusta , Romãozinho J. M. , Gouveia Hermano , Sofia Carlos
Published: September 2012

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is responsible for 2–10% of the cases of digestive bleeding. Angiodysplasia is the most common cause. The authors report a case of a 70-year-old female patient admitted to our Gastrointestinal Intensive Care Unit with a significant digestive bleeding. Standard upper and lower endoscopy showed no abnormalities, and we decided to perform a capsule enteroscopy that revealed a submucosal nodule with active bleeding in the jejunum. An intraoperative enteroscopy confirmed the presence of a small submucosal lesion with a central ulceration, and subsequently a segmental enterectomy was performed. Surprisingly, the histopathological diagnosis was angiodysplasia. The patient remains well after a two-year period of follow-up. We present this case of obscure/overt gastrointestinal bleeding to emphasize the role of capsule and intraoperative enteroscopy in the evaluation of these situations, and because of the unusual endoscopic appearance of the angiodysplasia responsible for the hemorrhage.