bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovering the mechanisms underlying serotonin (5‐HT)2A and 5‐HT2C receptor regulation following nicotine withdrawal in rats
Authors: Zaniewska Magdalena , Alenina Natalia , Wydra Karolina , Fröhler Sebastian , Kuśmider Maciej , McCreary Andrew C. , Chen Wei , Bader Michael , Filip Małgorzata
Published: May 2015

We have previously demonstrated that nicotine withdrawal produces depression‐like behavior and that serotonin (5‐HT)2A/2C receptor ligands modulate that mood‐like state. In the present study we aimed to identify the mechanisms (changes in radioligand binding, transcription or RNA‐editing) related to such a behavioral outcome. Rats received vehicle or nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, s.c.) for 5 days in home cages. Brain 5‐HT2A/2C receptors were analyzed on day 3 of nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine withdrawal increased [3H]ketanserin binding to 5‐HT2A receptors in the ventral tegmental area and ventral dentate gyrus, yet decreased binding in the nucleus accumbens shell. Reduction in [3H]mesulergine binding to 5‐HT2C receptors was seen in the ventral dentate gyrus. Profound decrease in the 5‐HT2A receptor transcript level was noted in the hippocampus and ventral tegmental area. Out of five 5‐HT2C receptor mRNA editing sites, deep sequencing data showed a reduction in editing at the E site and a trend toward reduction at the C site in the hippocampus. In the ventral tegmental area, a reduction for the frequency of CD 5‐HT2C receptor transcript was seen. These results show that the reduction in the 5‐HT2A receptor transcript level may be an auto‐regulatory response to the increased receptor density in the hippocampus and ventral tegmental area during nicotine withdrawal, while decreased 5‐HT2C receptor mRNA editing may explain the reduction in receptor labeling in the hippocampus.

image

Serotonin (5‐HT)2A/2C receptor ligands alleviate depression‐like state in nicotine‐withdrawn rats. Here, we show that the reduction in 5‐HT2A receptor transcript level may be an auto‐regulatory response to the increased receptor number in the hippocampus and ventral tegmental area during nicotine withdrawal, while attenuated 5‐HT2C receptor mRNA editing in the hippocampus might explain reduced inverse agonist binding to 5‐HT2C receptor and suggest a shift toward a population of more active receptors. 5‐HT, serotonin; 5‐HT2AR, 5‐HT2A receptor; 5‐HT2CR, 5‐HT2C receptor.
Dynamic expression patterns of Pax6 during spermatogenesis in the mouse
Authors: Kimura Ryuichi , Yoshizaki Kaichi , Osumi Noriko
Published: June 2015

Spermatogenesis is a series of complex processes to generate mature sperm, and various molecules play crucial roles in regulating these processes. Previous studies imply a possibility that a transcriptional factor Pax6, a key player of brain and sensory organ development, could be involved in spermatogenesis, but neither expression nor function of Pax6 in the adult testis has been examined yet. In the present study, we described for the first time Pax6 expression dynamics in the adult mouse testis. Using cell‐type‐specific markers, the expression of Pax6 was detected in 67.0% of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (Plzf)‐positive type A spermatogonia. The expression of Pax6 was also observed in p63‐positive spermatocytes and round spermatids. We did not detect any expression of Pax6 in Sox9‐positive Sertoli cells or in elongated spermatids and mature sperm. High‐resolution analyses revealed that Pax6 formed a single dot‐like structure during mid‐phase of the pachytene spermatocyte. This dot‐like structure co‐localized with γH2A.X demarcating XY body, a domain in which X and Y chromosomes are silenced and compartmentalized. These results may suggest a novel role of Pax6 in spermatogenesis.
Portfolio Optimization Under Solvency II: Implicit Constraints Imposed by the Market Risk Standard Formula
Authors: Braun Alexander , Schmeiser Hato , Schreiber Florian
Published: June 2015

We optimize a life insurance company's asset allocation in the context of classical portfolio theory when the firm needs to adhere to the market risk capital requirements of Solvency II. The discussion starts with a brief review of the standard formula and the introduction of a parsimonious partial internal model. Subsequently, we estimate empirical risk–return profiles for the main asset classes held by European insurers and run a quadratic optimization program to derive nondominated frontiers with budget, short‐sale, and investment constraints. We then compute the capital charges under both solvency models and identify those efficient portfolio compositions that are permitted for an exogenously given amount of equity. Finally, we consider a systematically selected set of inefficient portfolios and check their admissibility, too. Our results show that the standard formula suffers from severe shortcomings that interfere with economically sensible asset management decisions. Therefore, the introduction of Solvency II in its current form is likely to have an adverse impact on certain parts of the European insurance sector.
Pricing and Hedging Variable Annuities in a Lévy Market: A Risk Management Perspective
Authors: Kélani Abdou , Quittard‐Pinon François
Published: June 2015

Pricing and hedging life insurance contracts with minimum guarantees are major areas of concern for insurers and researchers. In this article, we propose a unified framework for pricing, hedging, and assessing the risk embedded in the guarantees offered by Variable Annuities in a Lévy market. We address these questions from a risk management perspective. This method proves to be fast, accurate, and efficient. For hedging, we use a local risk minimization to provide a concise formula for the optimal hedging ratio. We also consider hedging strategies that use a portfolio of standard options. For assessing risk, we introduce an accumulated discounted loss function that takes mortality, transaction costs, and fees into account. We apply our resulting unified framework to the Minimum Guarantees for Maturity Benefit, Death Benefit, and Accumulation Benefit contracts. We illustrate the whole method with CGMY and Kou processes, which prove to offer a realistic modeling for financial prices. From this application, we draw important practical implications. In particular, we show that the assumption of geometric Brownian motion leads to undervalue the actual economic capital necessary to hedge and gives an illusion of safety.
Ridge augmentation using recombinant human fibroblast growth factor‐2 with biodegradable gelatin sponges incorporating β‐tricalcium phosphate: a preclinical study in dogs
Authors: Hoshi S. , Akizuki T. , Matsuura T. , Ikawa T. , Kinoshita A. , Oda S. , Tabata Y. , Matsui M. , Izumi Y.
Published: May 2015

Background and Objective

Fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) regulates the proliferation and differentiation of osteogenic cells, resulting in the promotion of bone formation. Biodegradable gelatin sponges incorporating β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) have been reported as a scaffold, which has the ability to control growth factor release, offering sufficient mechanical strength and efficient migration of mesenchymal cells. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the combined use of recombinant human FGF‐2 (rhFGF‐2) and gelatin/β‐TCP sponge on ridge augmentation in dogs.

Material and Methods

Six male beagle dogs were used in this study. Twelve wk after tooth extraction, bilateral 10 × 5 mm (width × depth) saddle‐type defects were created 3 mm apart from the mesial side of the maxillary canine. At the experimental sites, the defects were filled with gelatin/β‐TCP sponge infiltrated with 0.3% rhFGF‐2, whereas gelatin/β‐TCP sponge infiltrated with saline was applied to the control sites. Eight wk after surgery, qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed.

Results

There were no signs of clinical inflammation at 8 wk after surgery. Histometric measurements revealed that new bone height at the experimental sites (2.98 ± 0.65 mm) was significantly greater than that at the control sites (1.56 ± 0.66 mm; p = 0.004). The total tissue height was greater at the experimental sites (6.62 ± 0.66 mm) than that at the control sites (5.95 ± 0.74 mm), although there was no statistical significant difference (p = 0.051). Cast model measurements revealed that the residual defect height at the experimental sites (2.31 ± 0.50 mm) was significantly smaller than that at the control sites (3.51 ± 0.78 mm; p = 0.012).

Conclusion

The combined use of rhFGF‐2 and gelatin/β‐TCP sponge promotes ridge augmentation in canine saddle‐type bone defects.
Rheological Characteristics and Gelation of Tofu Made from Ultra‐High‐Pressure Homogenized Soymilk
Authors: Huang Ying‐Chia , Kuo Meng‐I
Published: June 2015

The effect of ultra‐high‐pressure homogenization (UHPH) on the rheological property and gelation of tofu was investigated. The results showed that proteins in soymilk could be properly denatured using 150 MPa UHPH as evidenced by the changes in protein surface hydrophobicity and sulfhydryl contents. The extent of protein denaturation increased with the number of homogenization cycle. The different gelation properties of the tofu prepared with UHPH soymilk and that prepared with heated soymilk led to distinct rheological property and microstructure of final products. UHPH may be considered a suitable nonthermal processing technique for manufacturing tofu.

Practical Applications

Tofu is a widely and commonly manufactured soy product in East Asia. However, the thermal process of soymilk during tofu making is time consuming. Ultra‐high‐pressure homogenization (UHPH) is a continuous, nonthermal processing technique. It has potential benefit for the food industry in producing better quality food products than conventional technologies. We observed that the tofu made by UHPH soymilk had the viscoelastic property and structure different from the tofu made by heated soymilk due to the particular gelation process. Therefore, application of UHPH in tofu making might be able to bring more innovative products to consumer with special quality.
The genetic structure of Nautilus pompilius populations surrounding Australia and the Philippines
Authors: Williams Rachel C. , Jackson Benjamin C. , Duvaux Ludovic , Dawson Deborah A. , Burke Terry , Sinclair William
Published: June 2015

Understanding the distribution of genetic diversity in exploited species is fundamental to successful conservation. Genetic structure and the degree of gene flow among populations must be assessed to design appropriate strategies to prevent the loss of distinct populations. The cephalopod Nautilus pompilius is fished unsustainably in the Philippines for the ornamental shell trade and has limited legislative protection, despite the species' recent dramatic decline in the region. Here, we use 14 microsatellite markers to evaluate the population structure of N. pompilius around Australia and the Philippines. Despite their relative geographical proximity, Great Barrier Reef individuals are genetically isolated from Osprey Reef and Shark Reef in the Coral Sea (FST = 0.312, 0.229, respectively). Conversely, despite the larger geographical distances between the Philippines and west Australian reefs, samples display a small degree of genetic structure (FST = 0.015). Demographic scenarios modelled using approximate Bayesian computation analysis indicate that this limited divergence is not due to contemporary gene flow between the Philippines and west Australia. Instead, present‐day genetic similarity can be explained by very limited genetic drift that has occurred due to large average effective population sizes that persisted at both locations following their separation. The lack of connectivity among populations suggests that immigrants from west Australia would not facilitate natural recolonization if Philippine populations were fished to extinction. These data help to rectify the paucity of information on the species' biology currently inhibiting their conservation classification. Understanding population structure can allow us to facilitate sustainable harvesting, thereby preserving the diversity of genetically distinct stocks.
TcPho91 is a contractile vacuole phosphate sodium symporter that regulates phosphate and polyphosphate metabolism in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Jimenez Veronica , Docampo Roberto
Published: June 2015

We have identified a phosphate transporter (TcPho91) localized to the bladder of the contractile vacuole complex (CVC) of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. TcPho91 has 12 transmembrane domains, an N‐terminal regulatory SPX (named after SYG1, Pho81 and XPR1) domain and an anion permease domain. Functional expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes followed by two‐electrode voltage clamp showed that TcPho91 is a low‐affinity transporter with a Km for Pi in the millimolar range, and sodium‐dependency. Epimastigotes overexpressing TcPho91‐green fluorescent protein have significantly higher levels of pyrophosphate (PPi) and short‐chain polyphosphate (polyP), suggesting accumulation of Pi in these cells. Moreover, when overexpressing parasites were maintained in a medium with low Pi, they grew at higher rates than control parasites. Only one allele of TcPho91 in the CL strain encodes for the complete open reading frame, while the other one is truncated encoding for only the N‐terminal domain. Taking advantage of this characteristic, knockdown experiments were performed resulting in cells with reduced growth rate as well as a reduction in PPi and short‐chain polyP levels. Our results indicate that TcPho91 is a phosphate sodium symporter involved in Pi homeostasis in T. cruzi.
Swa2, the yeast homolog of mammalian auxilin, is specifically required for the propagation of the prion variant [URE3‐1]
Authors: Troisi Elizabeth M. , Rockman Michael E. , Nguyen Phil P. , Oliver Emily E. , Hines Justin K.
Published: June 2015

Yeast prions require a core set of chaperone proteins including Sis1, Hsp70 and Hsp104 to generate new amyloid templates for stable propagation, yet emerging studies indicate that propagation of some prions requires additional chaperone activities, demonstrating chaperone specificity beyond the common amyloid requirements. To comprehensively assess such prion‐specific requirements for the propagation of the [URE3] prion variant [URE3‐1], we screened 12 yeast cytosolic J‐proteins, and here we report a novel role for the J‐protein Swa2/Aux1. Swa2 is the sole yeast homolog of the mammalian protein auxilin, which, like Swa2, functions in vesicle‐mediated endocytosis by disassembling the structural lattice formed by the protein clathrin. We found that, in addition to Sis1, [URE3‐1] is specifically dependent upon Swa2, but not on any of the 11 other J‐proteins. Further, we show that [URE3‐1] propagation requires both a functional J‐domain and the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain, but surprisingly does not require Swa2‐clathrin binding. Because the J‐domain of Swa2 can be replaced with the J‐domains of other proteins, our data strongly suggest that prion‐chaperone specificity arises from the Swa2 TPR domain and supports a model where Swa2 acts through Hsp70, most likely to provide additional access points for Hsp104 to promote prion template generation.
Optimum methodology for estimating baseline serum creatinine for the acute kidney injury classification
Authors: Thongprayoon Charat , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Kittanamongkolchai Wonngarm , Srivali Narat , Ungprasert Patompong , Kashani Kianoush
Published: June 2015

Aim

This study aimed to investigate how varied methods of determining baseline serum creatinine (SCr) would affect acute kidney injury (AKI) diagnosis and prediction of 60 day mortality in critically ill patients following an episode of AKI.

Methods

This is a single‐centre retrospective study conducted at a tertiary referral hospital. All adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients between January and December 2011, who had at least one SCr values measured between 7 days and 180 days before hospital admission and during ICU stay, were analyzed. The baseline SCr was calculated using either the most recent (SCrmost recent) or the minimum (SCrmin) value of SCr measurement over the specified assessment period before hospital admission. AKI was defined based on KDIGO SCr definition. The primary outcome was 60 day mortality after ICU admission.

Results

A total of 4020 patients were included in the analysis. AKI was detected in 1204 (30.0%) using the SCrmin and 945 (23.5%) using the SCrmost recent (P < 0.001). Compared with patients without AKI regardless of baseline SCr methodology, the 60 day mortality risk of patients who developed AKI using the SCrmin and SCrmost recent was significantly increased (odds ratio (OR) = 3.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.98–4.70). Similarly, the risk of 60 day mortality in patients who met AKI criteria using the SCrmin but not the SCrmost recent was significant higher than in patients without AKI (OR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.36–3.00).

Conclusion

Using the minimum value of preadmission SCr as a baseline kidney function not only can detect more AKI cases, but also provides the better predictive ability for 60 day mortality.
The impact of economic recession on health‐care and the contribution by nurses to promote individuals' dignity
Authors: Nunes Sofia , Rego Guilhermina , Nunes Rui
Published: June 2015

The health sector is facing many challenges, and there is a need to maintain the delivery of high‐quality health‐care. Issues related to equity and access to health‐care have emerged in a context of an economic recession in which the sustainability of the health system depends on everyone, including the actions and decisions of professionals. Therefore, nurses and their skills may be the answer to ethical, professional and community health management, but this recession could lead to major problems in the education of nurses in daily health‐care practice. Due to the limited availability of resources, nurses are increasingly taking leadership positions, continuing to develop their critical abilities and thinking skills, and considering sciences such as deontology and ethics. The main goals of this study were to reflect on the economic recession and its impact on health‐care and to demonstrate the contribution of nursing to the sustainability of health‐care and in the promotion of individuals' dignity. The authors conclude that health‐care depends on economic redistribution and, in this context, needs to be equitable and fair. Nurses have the responsibility to develop their profession according to the underlying sciences and can therefore strategically help the healthcare system.
The practice of nursing research: getting ready for ‘ethics’ and the matter of character
Authors: Sellman Derek
Published: June 2015

Few would argue with the idea that nursing research should be conducted ethically yet obtaining ethical approval is considered by many to have become unnecessarily burdensome. This brief article investigates the idea that there might be a relationship between the level of perceived burdensomeness of the research ethics application process on the one hand and the character of the nurse‐researcher on the other. Given that nurses are required to be other‐regarding, a nurse who undertakes research primarily for self‐regarding reasons would seem to be acting in ways inconsistent with the aims of nursing as set out in nursing codes. It is suggested that the self‐regarding nurse‐researcher may find the ethics application process more burdensome than the other‐regarding nurse‐researcher who, it is further suggested, is engaged with nursing research as a practice in the technical sense in which that term has been developed by the philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre.
Visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome: evidence for involvement of serotonin metabolism – a preliminary study
Authors: Keszthelyi D. , Troost F. J. , Jonkers D. M. , van Eijk H. M. , Dekker J. , Buurman W. A. , Masclee A. A. M.
Published: June 2015

Background

Altered serotonergic (5‐HT) metabolism and visceral perception have been associated with the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Aim of this preliminary study was to assess the effect of the direct precursor of 5‐HT, 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP), on systemic 5‐HT metabolites and visceral perception and to assess potential differential responses between IBS and controls.

Methods

15 IBS patients and 15 healthy volunteers participated in this randomized double‐blind placebo controlled study. Visceroperception was measured by rectal barostat. The 100 mg 5‐HTP or placebo was ingested orally. Serotonergic metabolites were assessed in platelet poor plasma.

Key Results

5‐HTP induces rectal allodynia in a significant number of healthy controls; IBS patients exhibit lowered pain thresholds in both placebo and 5‐HTP conditions. 5‐HTP induces rectal hyperalgesia in hypersensitive but not in non‐hypersensitive IBS patients. Administration of 5‐HTP significantly increased plasma 5‐HTP levels (p < 0.001), did not affect 5‐HT levels (p > 0.05), while levels of the main metabolite of 5‐HT, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid, increased significantly (p < 0.05) in both groups. The magnitude of these changes observed in 5‐HT metabolites was significantly greater in IBS patients.

Conclusions & Inferences

Oral administration of 5‐HTP induced significant alterations in systemic 5‐HT metabolites that were accompanied by increased visceroperception of pain in controls and hypersensitive IBS patients. Changes in 5‐HT metabolism appear to be important factors involved in visceral hypersensitivity as the 5‐HTP‐induced pro‐nociceptive response was observed in all hypersensitive IBS patients and to a lesser magnitude in a significant number of healthy controls but in none of the non‐hypersensitive IBS patients.
Adaptive radiation versus ‘radiation’ and ‘explosive diversification’: why conceptual distinctions are fundamental to understanding evolution
Authors: Givnish Thomas J.
Published: June 2015

Adaptive radiation is the rise of a diversity of ecological roles and role‐specific adaptations within a lineage. Recently, some researchers have begun to use ‘adaptive radiation’ or ‘radiation’ as synonymous with ‘explosive species diversification’. This essay aims to clarify distinctions between these concepts, and the related ideas of geographic speciation, sexual selection, key innovations, key landscapes and ecological keys. Several examples are given to demonstrate that adaptive radiation and explosive diversification are not the same phenomenon, and that focusing on explosive diversification and the analysis of phylogenetic topology ignores much of the rich biology associated with adaptive radiation, and risks generating confusion about the nature of the evolutionary forces driving species diversification. Some ‘radiations’ involve bursts of geographic speciation or sexual selection, rather than adaptive diversification; some adaptive radiations have little or no effect on speciation, or even a negative effect. Many classic examples of ‘adaptive radiation’ appear to involve effects driven partly by geographic speciation, species’ dispersal abilities, and the nature of extrinsic dispersal barriers; partly by sexual selection; and partly by adaptive radiation in the classical sense, including the origin of traits and invasion of adaptive zones that result in decreased diversification rates but add to overall diversity.
Progress on Clinical Characteristics and Identification of Location of Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum
Authors: Feng Fa‐bo , Sun Chui‐guo , Chen Zhong‐qiang
Published: June 2015

Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) is the most common cause for thoracic spinal stenosis. TOLF is usually complicated by thoracic disc herniation, ossiﬁcation of the posterior longitudinal ligament and degenerative spinal diseases such as cervical spondylosis and lumbar spinal stenosis, and the ossiﬁcation also usually has a discontinuous or continuous multi‐segment distribution. The resultant superposition of several symptoms makes the clinical manifestations complex. Currently, the diagnosis of TOLF depends mainly on the patient's symptoms, physical examination and thoracic CT and MRI examinations. Identification of the location of TOLF depends more on the doctor's subjective judgement. Diagnostic problems are related to the specific region and level of surgical decompression: if the extent of decompression is insufficient, the treatment is inadequate, resulting in residual symptoms. Obversely, unnecessary trauma and a various complications will occur if the decompression is too extensive. Hence, the clinical features and process of diagnosis, especially the means of identifying the location, still require further improvement. It is necessary to establish a simple and accurate means of identifying the segment of TOLF that is responsible for the neurologic deficit: a number of spinal surgeons have been working hard on this. This article will provided an overview of the clinical features of TOLF and the related problems of clinical identification of the location of the segment causing the neurological deficit. The relationship between the imaging manifestations and clinical characteristics still need to be explored with the aim of establishing a simple and precise method for determining precisely whether TOLF is related to spinal cord injury or not, thus reducing surgical trauma and achieving an optimal prognosis.
Treatment of Middle‐up Part Long‐segment Femoral Fracture with Long Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation
Authors: Lin Yan‐bin , Li Ren‐bin , Xiong Guo‐sheng , Zhuang Yan , Xiong Sheng‐ren , Huang Xian‐gui , Zhang Yi‐yuang
Published: June 2015

Objective

To investigate the outcomes of treating middle‐up part long‐segment fractures of the femur by long proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA‐long).

Methods

From June 2006 to December 2013, 139 cases (35 women, 104 men; mean age 48.8, range, 18−86 years) of long‐segment femoral fracture in middle‐up part were treated with long proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA, 320–380 mm) by minimally invasive percutaneous fixation and autogenous iliac bone graft. Fifty‐eight cases were graded as type IA long‐segment femoral fractures (41.73%), 25 type IB (17.99%), four type IC (2.88%), 28 type II (20.14%), 12 type IIIA (8.63%), five type IIIB (3.60%), and seven type IV (5.04%). Clinical efficacy was evaluated with Harris hip function scores and postoperative pain with visual analogue scale.

Results

The operative time was 35−90 min (mean, 45 min) and mean intraoperative blood loss 78.6 mL (range 30−200 mL). Most patients were walking with assistance 4−10 days postoperatively. All patients were followed up for 3−37 months (mean, 19 months). There were no serious complications. All fractures healed after 2.8–6.8 months (mean, 3.9 months). According to Harris criteria, the clinical results were excellent in 108 patients, good in 22, fair in eight and poor in one. Ninety‐three cases had no pain, 33 mild pain, 13 moderate pain and 25 occasionally needed non‐steroidal analgesics.

Conclusion

Closed reduction or limited open reduction with PFNA‐long is an effective treatment for long‐segment femoral fracture in middle‐up part, with good strength in fixation, high rate of fracture union, early functional recovery and low rate of complications.
Sternal Tumor Resection and Reconstruction with Titanium Mesh: a Preliminary Study
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Jia‐zhen , Hao Ying‐jie , Lu Xin‐chang , Shi Hai‐long , Liu Yuan , Zhang Peng‐fei
Published: June 2015

Objective

To explore the clinical efficacy and complications of treating sternal tumors by resection and titanium mesh thoracic reconstruction.

Methods

This retrospective analysis of eight patients with sternal tumors treated in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2008 to June 2012 included five men and three women aged 37–66 years (mean, 50.4 years). The histological diagnoses were chondrosarcoma (two cases), osteosarcoma (one), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (two), eosinophilic granuloma (one) and sternal metastasis from breast cancer (two). The tumors were invading the manubrium sterni (three cases), manubrium sterni and body (three) and sternal body (two). All patients underwent needle or incisional biopsy prior to sternal tumor resection and titanium mesh thoracic reconstruction.

Results

All patients were followed for 9 months to 4 years. There were no intraoperative complications or operative or postoperative deaths. One patient developed a deep wound hematoma 1 week postoperatively; incisional drainage and debridement resulting in healing within 2 weeks. There was no loosening or exsertion of the titanium mesh and no patients developed respiratory complications or thoracic deformity. One patient with malignant fibrous histiocytoma died of lung metastases 9 months postoperatively, another with malignant fibrous histiocytoma died of liver metastases 14 months postoperatively; the remaining patients survived without tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

Titanium mesh chest reconstruction after sternal tumor resection has the advantages of simplifying the procedure, achieving a good shape and having few complications. Titanium mesh is an ideal material for reconstruction of the sternum.
Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis Using a Retrograde Intramedullary Nail with a Valgus Curve
Authors: Fang Zhenhua , Claaßen Leif , Windhagen Henning , Daniilidis Kiriakos , Stukenborg‐Colsman Christina , Waizy Hazibullah
Published: June 2015

Objective

Many different techniques have been described for performing tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) in patients with severe hindfoot disorders such as failed ankle arthroplasty and failed ankle joint arthrodesis with subsequent subtalar arthritis. The use of straight retrograde intramedullary nails is extremely limited because they may interfere with normal heel valgus position and risk damaging the lateral plantar neurovascular structures. Curved retrograde intramedullary nails have been designed to overcome these shortcomings. The purpose of this single surgeon series was to investigate the outcomes of TTCA using a curved retrograde intramedullary nail.

Methods

From June 2009 to January 2012, 22 patients underwent TTCA using intramedullary nails with a valgus curve by the same senior surgeon. All patients were available for analysis, the mean follow‐up being 22.3 months (range, 6.8−38 months). The main outcome measurements included EQ‐5D functional scores, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scale, radiologic assessment and clinical examination.

Results

Bony union and a plantigrade foot were achieved in 100% of subjects, the mean time to union being 3.9 months (range, 2.4 to 6.2 months). Structural bone graft was used in all patients. Postoperative radiologic results showed a good hindfoot alignment in all patients. The only complication was one case of delayed wound healing without deep infection. The mean postoperative EQ‐5D functional and AOFAS ankle‐hindfoot scores were 69.33 (range, 20 to 90) and 69.9 (range, 45 to 85) points, respectively. No revision surgery was necessary in our cohort.

Conclusion

The results of the present study indicate that TTCA using a short, retrograde, curved intramedullary nail is an acceptable technique for obtaining solid fusion and good hindfoot alignment inpatients with severe hindfoot disorders.
Pedicle Length and Degree of Slip in Lumbosacral Isthmic Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Matthews Phoebe G , Phan Kevin , Rao Prashanth J , Ball Jonathan R
Published: June 2015

Objective

The present retrospective study was performed to assess the anatomical features of the pedicle in isthmic spondylolisthesis and to correlate this with degree of slip.

Methods

Twenty‐six patients with isthmic spondylolytic spondylolisthesis were studied. Relevant patient variables, length, width, height of the L5 pedicle, and the product of height and angle between pedicle and vertebral midline were measured. The length of the posterior compartment of the pedicle was calculated as the product of the pedicle length and angle.

Results

With measurements comparable to those reported in previous publications, the L5 pedicle was found to be longer, and the height and width of the body shorter, than published values for patients without spondylolysis. The difference between the length of the posterior compartment of the pedicle and height of body is significantly proportional to the degree of slip and may reflect an adaptive response for stabilizing the vertebral body with posterior elements.

Conclusions

The pedicle anatomy was found to be altered in patients with L5S1 spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. These anatomical changes have implications for surgeons performing fusion operations in terms of length of screw, landmarks used and entry approach.
Giant Cell Tumor of the Pelvis: a Systematic Review
Authors: Zheng Kai , Wang Zhen , Wu Su‐jia , Ye Zhao‐ming , Xu Song‐feng , Xu Ming , Hu Yong‐cheng , Yu Xiu‐chun
Published: June 2015

This is a systematic review of articles concerning the morbidity, recurrence rate, treatment and treatment complications of pelvic giant cell tumors (GCTs). The key words “giant cell tumor, pelvis” were used to identify articles which included data on patients with pelvic GCTs in English and Chinese databases of published reports from 1949–2012. The articles were filtered by title, abstract and full text. Thirty‐eight articles and 165 patients were identified for this review. Data on all identified patients were studies; data in different articles on the same patients was not used repeatedly. The following patient data were collected where possible and subjected to systematic analysis; age, location of GCT, treatment, follow‐up, complications, recurrence and whether alive or dead. The mean age of onset was 33.2 years (range, 14–73 years), the peak ages of onset being between 21 and 40 years. A pronounced sex difference was identified, the male : female ratio being 1:1.7. The acetabulum was the commonest area for pelvic GCTs. Forty‐eight tumors were primarily located in the iliac, 60 in the acetabular and 31 in the ischiopubic area. Twenty‐seven patients experienced complications of treatment. Patients who had been treated by wide resection had the most complications; these included incisional infection and delayed healing of incisions. Local recurrence was common, having occurred in 39/158 patients (24.6%), comprising 24/72 (33.3%) who had undergone intralesional surgery only; 9/20 (45.0%) who had undergone radiotherapy only; 1/51 (2.0%) who had undergone wide resection; and 5/14 patients (35.7%) who had undergone radiation therapy or cryotherapy plus intralesional surgery. Mortality was low (3.2%, 5/158). Pelvic GCT is not common, the acetabular area appears to the most frequent site and the peak age is the third and fourth decades. Although the recurrence rate is high for all pelvic GCTs, the mortality is low. Treatment has a critical influence on recurrence. In spite of the associated complications, the lower local recurrence rate makes wide resection a reasonable option for patients with extensive and/or aggressive GCTs.
Toxicity and Bioactivity of Cobalt Nanoparticles on the Monocytes
Authors: Liu Ya‐ke , Ye Jun , Han Qing‐lin , Tao Ran , Liu Fan , Wang Wei
Published: June 2015

Objective

To explore the toxicity and biological activity of cobalt nanoparticles on the osteoclasts. Analyze the relationship between cobalt nanoparticles and osteolysis.

Methods

Monocyte‐macrophages (RAW 264.7) was cultured in vitro, osteoclast‐like cells were induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). After RAW 264.7 was induced for 24 h, Methyl Thiazolium Tetrazolium (MTT) biological toxicity test of osteoclast‐like cell was preceded using Cobalt nanoparticles (set 4 concentrations: 10, 20, 50, 100 μM) and cobalt chloride (set 4 concentrations: 10, 20, 50, 100 μM) at 2, 4, 8, 24 and 48 h respectively. The relative expression of mRNA of CA II and Cat K after RAW 264.7 induction was determined by Q‐PCR.

Results

mRNA relative expression of CA II, Cat K were reduced at multiple concentrations both cobalt nanoparticles and cobalt chloride, and was time and concentration dependent, cobalt nanoparticles are more significant than cobalt chloride group. But when the cobalt nanoparticles concentration is in 10–50 μM, the mRNA relative expression of CA II, Cat K increased.

Conclusion

Cobalt nanoparticles have biological toxicity. At multiple concentrations, the differentiation and proliferation of osteoclasts was inhibited, but when the concentration of cobalt nanoparticles is in 10–50 μM, it has been strengthened.
Comparison of caudal bupivacaine alone with bupivacaine plus two doses of dexmedetomidine for postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing infra‐umbilical surgery: a randomized controlled double‐blinded study
Authors: Al‐Zaben Khaled R. , Qudaisat Ibraheem Y. , Abu‐Halaweh Sami A. , Al‐Ghanem Subhi M. , Al‐Mustafa Mahmoud M. , Alja'bari Aboud N. , Al‐Momani Hashem M.
Published: June 2015

Background

Data are still insufficient about the effects of different concentrations of caudal dexmedetomidine when used to prolong postoperative analgesia in children. The aim of this study was to assess the analgesic efficacy and side effects of two doses of caudal dexmedetomidine (1 and 2 μg·kg−1) co‐administered with bupivacaine in terms of postoperative pain scores and requirement of postoperative analgesia over 24 h in children undergoing infra‐umbilical surgery.

Methods

Ninety‐one children, aged 1–6 years, undergoing infra‐umbilical surgery were included and randomly allocated into three groups of caudal block. Group B received 0.25% bupivacaine 2 mg·kg−1 (0.8 ml·kg−1). Groups BD1 and BD2 received dexmedetomidine 1 and 2 μg·kg−1, respectively along with bupivacaine 2 mg·kg−1 in a total volume of 0.8 ml·kg−1. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in 100% oxygen. Hemodynamic and other routine intraoperative monitoring was carried out in addition to endtidal sevoflurane concentration. Time to spontaneous eye opening and postoperative pain and sedation scores were recorded in addition to time to first analgesia, paracetamol analgesic requirements, and any side effects during the first 24 postoperative hours.

Results

Time to first analgesia requirement was significantly longer in BD1 and BD2 groups compared to B group with mean values (95% CI) of 809 min (652–965), 880 (733–1026), and 396 (343–448), respectively, P < 0.001. Postoperative paracetamol analgesic requirements over 24 h were higher in group B compared to BD1 and BD2 groups (Mean (95% CI): 3.2 (2.9–3.5) doses, 1.9 (1.5–2.3), and 1.6 (1.3–1.9), respectively), P < 0.001. The dexmedetomidine groups had significantly higher postoperative sedation scores compared to plain bupivacaine group that were dose dependent and for longer time in BD2 group. Two patients in BD2 group developed bradycardia and hypotension, and one developed urine retention compared to none in other groups.

Conclusion

A 1 μg·kg−1 dose of caudal dexmedetomidine achieved comparable prolongation of postoperative analgesia to 2 μg·kg−1 dose, with shorter duration of postoperative sedation and lower incidence of other side effects.
Are preformed endotracheal tubes appropriately designed for pediatric patients?
Authors: Hunyady Agnes I. , Jonmarker Christer
Published: May 2015

Background

The aim of the study was to examine different brands of preformed oral and nasal endotracheal tubes (ETT) and to assess whether the bend placement gave acceptable guidance for ETT depth positioning in children.

Methods

The distance from the vertex of the bend to the tip (bend‐to‐tip distance) of seven brands of preformed oral and nasal ETTs were measured. Front teeth‐to‐carina (FTC) and nares‐to‐carina (NC) distance data from orally (0–19 years) and nasally (0–8 years) intubated children were used to assess the risk of endobronchial intubation if a preformed ETT had been placed with its bend at the front teeth or nares.

Results

While the bend‐to‐tip distance of a cuffed oral preformed ETT only differed by 0–1 cm from a same size ETT from another brand, uncuffed oral ETTs differed by 0–4 cm. The bend‐to‐tip distance of cuffed and uncuffed ETTs of the same brand and size differed by 0–3 cm. Had preformed cuffed oral ETTs been placed with their bends at the front teeth in children of the FTC reference group, endobronchial intubation would have occurred in 0–27% of the patients, depending on the size and brand of the used ETT. In contrast to oral ETTs, the bend‐to‐tip distance of cuffed nasal ETTs differed more (0–5.5 cm) between brands, and uncuffed nasal ETTs less (0–3 cm). Also, the bend‐to‐tip distance of a cuffed nasal ETT was consistently greater (2–9 cm) than that of a same brand and size nasal uncuffed ETT. Had a preformed cuffed nasal ETT been placed with its bend at the nares in the NC reference group, 50–100% of the patients would have been endobronchially intubated.

Conclusion

The bend‐to‐tip distance of preformed ETTs varies between brands, especially for nasal tubes. Some preformed tubes are not well suited for routine use in children. There is a high risk for accidental endobronchial intubation if a cuffed preformed ETT is positioned with its bend at the front teeth or nares in a young child. ETT tube tip position needs to be carefully controlled when a preformed ETT is used in a child.
Relevance of Bt toxin interaction studies for environmental risk assessment of genetically modified crops
Authors: De Schrijver Adinda , De Clercq Patrick , de Maagd Ruud A. , van Frankenhuyzen Kees
Published: June 2015

In recent years, different Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin‐encoding genes have been combined or ‘stacked’ in genetically modified (GM) crops. Synergism between Bt proteins may occur and thereby increase the impact of the stacked GM event on nontarget invertebrates compared to plants expressing a single Bt gene. On the basis of bioassay data available for Bt toxins alone or in combination, we argue that the current knowledge of Bt protein interactions is of limited relevance in environmental risk assessment (ERA).
If we build – they mostly come: partial functional recovery but persistent compositional differences in wetland beetle community restoration
Authors: Watts Corinne H. , Mason Norman W. H.
Published: June 2015

There is growing evidence of restoration success for wetland plant communities. However, little research has been done on the associated invertebrate community. We test whether restoring plant communities after peat extraction is sufficient for restoring the taxonomic and functional composition of beetle communities. We monitored taxonomic and trait‐based community metrics for beetle assemblages on restoration islands that were up to 13 years old and compared these with the adjacent “target” undisturbed peat bog. Recovery of beetle abundance, species richness, and trophic structure on the islands was remarkably rapid (i.e. within a decade) and converged on that of the undisturbed peat bog within 13 years after restoration commenced. In contrast, small, native, and poor‐dispersing taxa were persistently less abundant on the islands than in the undisturbed peat bog, causing persistent differences in species composition, even on the oldest islands. These poor‐dispersers probably need assistance to reach the islands and possibly ongoing intervention to allow them to survive there. Our findings emphasize the potential for functional trait analysis to reveal barriers to full restoration of insect community composition.
High‐throughput quantification of chloroplast RNA editing extent using multiplex RT‐PCR mass spectrometry
Authors: Germain Arnaud , Hanson Maureen R. , Bentolila Stéphane
Published: June 2015

RNA editing in plants, animals, and humans modifies genomically encoded cytidine or adenosine nucleotides to uridine or inosine, respectively, in mRNAs. We customized the MassARRAY System (Sequenom Inc., San Diego, CA, USA, www.sequenom.com) to assay multiplex PCR‐amplified single‐stranded cDNAs and easily analyse and display the captured data. By using appropriate oligonucleotide probes, the method can be tailored to any organism and gene where RNA editing occurs. Editing extent of up to 40 different nucleotides in each of either 94 or 382 different samples (3760 or 15 280 editing targets, respectively) can be examined by assaying a single plate and by performing one repetition. We have established this mass spectrometric method as a dependable, cost‐effective and time‐saving technique to examine the RNA editing efficiency at 37 Arabidopsis thaliana chloroplast editing sites at a high level of multiplexing. The high‐throughput editing assay, named Multiplex RT‐PCR Mass Spectrometry (MRMS), is ideal for large‐scale experiments such as identifying population variation, examining tissue‐specific changes in editing extent, or screening a mutant or transgenic collection. Moreover, the required amount of starting material is so low that RNA from fewer than 50 cells can be examined without amplification. We demonstrate the use of the method to identify natural variation in editing extent of chloroplast C targets in a collection of Arabidopsis accessions.
Dengue Virus Uses a Non‐Canonical Function of the Host GBF1‐Arf‐COPI System for Capsid Protein Accumulation on Lipid Droplets
Authors: Iglesias Nestor G. , Mondotte Juan A. , Byk Laura A. , De Maio Federico A. , Samsa Marcelo M. , Alvarez Cecilia , Gamarnik Andrea V.
Published: June 2015

Dengue viruses cause the most important human viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. In recent years, a great deal has been learned about molecular details of dengue virus genome replication; however, little is known about genome encapsidation and the functions of the viral capsid protein. During infection, dengue virus capsid progressively accumulates around lipid droplets (LDs) by an unknown mechanism. Here, we examined the process by which the viral capsid is transported from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, where the protein is synthesized, to LDs. Using different methods of intervention, we found that the GBF1‐Arf1/Arf4‐COPI pathway is necessary for capsid transport to LDs, while the process is independent of both COPII components and Golgi integrity. The transport was sensitive to Brefeldin A, while a drug resistant form of GBF1 was sufficient to restore capsid subcellular distribution in infected cells. The mechanism by which LDs gain or lose proteins is still an open question. Our results support a model in which the virus uses a non‐canonical function of the COPI system for capsid accumulation on LDs, providing new ideas for antiviral strategies.
Characteristics and Survival of 121 Cats Undergoing Excision of Intracranial Meningiomas (1994–2011)
Authors: Cameron Starr , Rishniw Mark , Miller Andrew D. , Sturges Beverly , Dewey Curtis W.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To report clinical features and outcomes of cats undergoing excision of intracranial meningiomas.

Study Design

Retrospective, multicenter case series.

Sample Population

One hundred and twenty‐one cats.

Methods

Signalment, clinical signs, duration of clinical signs, preoperative drug therapy, diagnostic imaging reports, surgery, histopathology, and outcome were collected from records of cats undergoing excision of intracranial meningiomas. Survival estimates were made using Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

There were 76/121 neutered males and 83/121 domestic short‐hairs. Body weight ranged from 1.5–8.7 kg (median 5.0 kg). Age at diagnosis ranged from 3‐18 years (median 12 years). Clinical signs included changes in behavior, ataxia, seizures, visual deficits, circling, and paresis. Duration of neurologic signs ranged from <1–23 months (median 1.25 months). At the time of writing, 13 cats were alive, 54 were dead or euthanatized, and 54 were lost to followup. Seven cats (13% of cats that died; 6% of all cats) died or were euthanatized in the immediate postoperative period (<1 month post‐surgery) and 9 cats (17% of all cats that died; 7% of all cats) died from causes related to the meningioma but outside the immediate perioperative period. The median survival time for all cats was 37 months (95% confidence interval 28–54 months).

Conclusion

Cats undergoing excision of intracranial meningiomas had a low perioperative mortality and a long‐term prognosis of more than 3 years.