bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Somatic mutations of STK11 gene in human papillomavirus positive and negative penile cancer
Authors: Annunziata Clorinda , Buonaguro Luigi , Losito Simona , Buonaguro Franco M , Tornesello Maria Lina
Published: January 2013

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection accounts for about 40-50% of all cases of penile carcinoma suggesting that other factors, including host genetic status, are involved in neoplastic transformation. In this perspective, STK11 gene, which has been found frequently mutated in HPV-related cervical carcinoma, has been analyzed in HPV-positive and HPV-negative invasive penile cancers to establish its mutational status and the possible correlation of HPV infection with specific genetic alterations.

Methods

Genomic DNAs extracted from 26 cases of penile squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed for genetic alterations in the exons 1 to 9 of STK11 gene by quantitative real-time PCR. Ratios of potentially deleted and non-deleted exons were indicative of specific loss of STK11 coding regions. DNA samples of 5 cancer cases were subjected to standard PCR amplification of STK11 exons 1 to 9 and analyzed for somatic mutations by direct nucleotide sequencing analysis.

Results

Heterozygous deletions of STK11 exon 1 and 2 were identified in 2 out of 14 HPV-positive (14.3%) and 1 out of 12 HPV-negative cases (8.3%). Complete nucleotide sequencing analysis of exons 1 to 9 showed a single nucleotide change upstream the exon 2 coding region in 1 out of 5 penile carcinoma samples.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that single nucleotide mutations and/or deletions of STK11 gene are rare events in penile cancer. Moreover, no significant association was observed between STK11 alterations and HPV infection in these tumors.
Protocol for a systematic review on the extent of non-publication of research studies and associated study characteristics
Authors: Portalupi Susan , von Elm Erik , Schmucker Christine , Lang Britta , Motschall Edith , Schwarzer Guido , Gross Isabel T , Scherer Roberta W , Bassler Dirk , Meerpohl Joerg J
Published: January 2013

Background

Methodological research has found that non-published studies often have different results than those that are published, a phenomenon known as publication bias. When results are not published, or are published selectively based on the direction or the strength of the findings, healthcare professionals and consumers of healthcare cannot base their decision-making on the full body of current evidence.

Methods

As part of the OPEN project (http://www.open-project.eu) we will conduct a systematic review with the following objectives:

To determine the proportion and/or rate of non-publication of studies by systematically reviewing methodological research projects that followed up a cohort of studies that

received research ethics committee (REC) approval,

were registered in trial registries, or

were presented as abstracts at conferences.

To assess the association of study characteristics (for example, direction and/or strength of findings) with likelihood of full publication.

To identify reports of relevant methodological research projects we will conduct electronic database searches, check reference lists, and contact experts. Published and unpublished projects will be included. The inclusion criteria are as follows:

RECs: methodological research projects that examined the subsequent proportion and/or rate of publication of studies that received approval from RECs;

Trial registries: methodological research projects that examine the subsequent proportion and/or rate of publication of studies registered in trial registries;

Conference abstracts: methodological research projects that examine the subsequent proportion and/or rate of full publication of studies which were initially presented at conferences as abstracts.

Primary outcomes: Proportion/rate of published studies; time to full publication (mean/median; cumulative publication rate by time).

Secondary outcomes: Association of study characteristics with full publication.

The different questions (a, b, and c) will be investigated separately. Data synthesis will involve a combination of descriptive and statistical summaries of the included methodological research projects.

Discussion

Results are expected to be publicly available in mid 2013.
How bioinformatics influences health informatics: usage of biomolecular sequences, expression profiles and automated microscopic image analyses for clinical needs and public health
Authors: Kuznetsov Vladimir , Lee Hwee Kuan , Maurer-Stroh Sebastian , Molnár Maria Judit , Pongor Sandor , Eisenhaber Birgit , Eisenhaber Frank
Published: January 2013

The currently hyped expectation of personalized medicine is often associated with just achieving the information technology led integration of biomolecular sequencing, expression and histopathological bioimaging data with clinical records at the individual patients’ level as if the significant biomedical conclusions would be its more or less mandatory result. It remains a sad fact that many, if not most biomolecular mechanisms that translate the human genomic information into phenotypes are not known and, thus, most of the molecular and cellular data cannot be interpreted in terms of biomedically relevant conclusions. Whereas the historical trend will certainly be into the general direction of personalized diagnostics and cures, the temperate view suggests that biomedical applications that rely either on the comparison of biomolecular sequences and/or on the already known biomolecular mechanisms have much greater chances to enter clinical practice soon. In addition to considering the general trends, we exemplarily review advances in the area of cancer biomarker discovery, in the clinically relevant characterization of patient-specific viral and bacterial pathogens (with emphasis on drug selection for influenza and enterohemorrhagicE. coli) as well as progress in the automated assessment of histopathological images. As molecular and cellular data analysis will become instrumental for achieving desirable clinical outcomes, the role of bioinformatics and computational biology approaches will dramatically grow.

Author summary

With DNA sequencing and computers becoming increasingly cheap and accessible to the layman, the idea of integrating biomolecular and clinical patient data seems to become a realistic, short-term option that will lead to patient-specific diagnostics and treatment design for many diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, inherited conditions, etc. These hyped expectations will fail since many, if not most biomolecular mechanisms that translate the human genomic information into phenotypes are not known yet and, thus, most of the molecular and cellular data collected will not lead to biomedically relevant conclusions. At the same time, less spectacular biomedical applications based on biomolecular sequence comparison and/or known biomolecular mechanisms have the potential to unfold enormous potential for healthcare and public health. Since the analysis of heterogeneous biomolecular data in context with clinical data will be increasingly critical, the role of bioinformatics and computational biology will grow correspondingly in this process.
iPathCaseKEGG: An iPad interface for KEGG metabolic pathways
Authors: Johnson Stephen R , Qi Xinjian , Cicek A Ercument , Ozsoyoglu Gultekin
Published: January 2013

Background

Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) is an online and integrated molecular database for several organisms. KEGG has been a highly useful site, helping domain scientists understand, research, study, and teach metabolisms by linking sequenced genomes to higher level systematic functions. KEGG databases are accessible through the web pages of the system, but the capabilities of the web interface are limited. Third party systems have been built over the KEGG data to provide extensive functionalities. However, there have been no attempts towards providing a tablet interface for KEGG data. Recognizing the rise of mobile technologies and the importance of tablets in education, this paper presents the design and implementation of iPathCaseKEGG, an iPad interface for KEGG data, which is empowered with multiple browsing and visualization capabilities.

Results

iPathCaseKEGG has been implemented and is available, free of charge, in the Apple App Store (locatable by searching for “Pathcase” in the app store). The application provides browsing and interactive visualization functionalities on the KEGG data. Users can pick pathways, visualize them, and see detail pages of reactions and molecules using the multi-touch interface of iPad.

Conclusions

iPathCaseKEGG provides a mobile interface to access KEGG data. Interactive visualization and browsing functionalities let users to interact with the data in multiple ways. As the importance of tablets and their usage in research education continue to rise, we think iPathCaseKEGG will be a useful tool for life science instructors and researchers.
Co-enrollment of critically ill patients into multiple studies: patterns, predictors and consequences
Authors: Cook Deborah , McDonald Ellen , Smith Orla , Zytaruk Nicole , Heels-Ansdell Diane , Watpool Irene , McArdle Tracy , Matte Andrea , Clarke France , Vallance Shirley , Finfer Simon , Galt Pauline , Crozier Tim , Fowler Rob , Arabi Yaseen , Woolfe Clive , Orford Neil , Hall Richard , Adhikari Neill KJ , Ferland Marie-Clauide , Marshall John , Meade Maureen ,   The PROTECT Research Coordinators,   PROTECT Investigators,   Canadian Critical Care Trials Group and the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Research on co-enrollment practices and their impact are limited in the ICU setting. The objectives of this study were: 1) to describe patterns and predictors of co-enrollment of patients in a thromboprophylaxis trial, and 2) to examine the consequences of co-enrollment on clinical and trial outcomes.

Methods

In an observational analysis of an international thromboprophylaxis trial in 67 ICUs, we examined the co-enrollment of critically ill medical-surgical patients into more than one study, and examined the clinical and trial outcomes among co-enrolled and non-co-enrolled patients.

Results

Among 3,746 patients enrolled in PROTECT (Prophylaxis for ThromboEmbolism in Critical Care Trial), 713 (19.0%) were co-enrolled in at least one other study (53.6% in a randomized trial, 37.0% in an observational study and 9.4% in both). Six factors independently associated with co-enrollment (all P < 0.001) were illness severity (odds ratio (OR) 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19 to 1.53 for each 10-point Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score increase), substitute decision-makers providing consent, rather than patients (OR 3.31, 2.03 to 5.41), experience of persons inviting consent (OR 2.67, 1.74 to 4.11 for persons with > 10 years' experience compared to persons with none), center size (all ORs > 10 for ICUs with > 15 beds), affiliation with trials groups (OR 5.59, 3.49 to 8.95), and main trial rather than pilot phase (all ORs > 8 for recruitment year beyond the pilot). Co-enrollment did not influence clinical or trial outcomes or risk of adverse events.

Conclusions

Co-enrollment was strongly associated with features of the patients, research personnel, setting and study. Co-enrollment had no impact on trial results, and appeared safe, acceptable and feasible. Transparent reporting, scholarly discourse, ethical analysis and further research are needed on the complex topic of co-enrollment during critical illness.
Recyclable Pd-Incorporated Perovskite-Titanate Catalysts Synthesized in Molten Salts for the Liquid-Phase Oxidation of Alcohols with Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Adilina Indri Badria , Hara Takayoshi , Ichikuni Nobuyuki , Kumada Nobuhiro , Shimazu Shogo
Published: January 2013

A series of Pd-incorporated titanate catalysts (Pd/KSTO) were synthesized by the intercalation of Pd(NO3)2 into layered potassium titanate (KTO), which proceeded via a cation-exchange reaction in molten salts. Perovskite phases of Pd/KSTO for catalysis were synthesized at 600 °C and above, whereas a lepidocrocite-type layered titanate structure, similar to that of the parent KTO, was retained when a lower temperature of 400 °C was used during synthesis. In both cases, the Pd species exists as divalent Pd. The synthesized Pd/KSTO catalysts were then applied to the liquid-phase oxidation of alcohols using molecular oxygen without any additives. The perovskite-type Pd/KSTO catalyst displayed superior activity when compared to that of the lepidocrocite-type, yielding a high turnover number of 800 in the aerobic oxidation of 1-phenylethanol with no loss of catalytic activity after three runs in catalyst recycling experiments.
Gaming in Air Pollution Data? Lessons from China
Authors: Chen Yuyu , Jin Ginger Zhe , Kumar Naresh , Shi Guang
Published: January 2013

Protecting the environment during economic growth is a challenge facing every country. This paper focuses on two regulatory measures that China has adopted to incentivize air quality improvement: publishing a daily air pollution index (API) for major cities since 2000 and linking the API to performance evaluations of local governments. In particular, China defines a day with an API at or below 100 as a blue sky day. Starting in 2003, a city with at least 80% blue sky days in a calendar year (among other criteria) qualified for the “national environmental protection model city” award. This cutoff was increased to 85% in 2007.Using officially reported API data from 37 large cities during 2000-2009, we find a significant discontinuity at the threshold of 100 and this discontinuity is of a greater magnitude after 2003. Moreover, we find that the model cities were less likely to report API right above 100 when they were close to the targeted blue sky days in the fourth quarter of the year when or before they won the model city award. That being said, we also find significant correlation of API with two alternative measures of air pollution – namely visibility as reported by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) and Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), corrected for meteorological conditions, from NASA satellites. The discontinuity around 100 suggests that count of blue sky days could have been subject to data manipulation; nevertheless, API does contain useful information about air pollution.
The meaning of aluminium exposure on human health and aluminium-related diseases
Authors: Crisponi Guido , Fanni Daniela , Gerosa Clara , Nemolato Sonia , Nurchi Valeria M. , Crespo-Alonso Miriam , Lachowicz Joanna I. , Faa Gavino
Published: January 2013

The aim of this review is to attempt to answer extremely important questions related to aluminium-related diseases. Starting from an overview on the main sources of aluminium exposure in everyday life, the principal aspects of aluminium metabolism in humans have been taken into consideration in an attempt to enlighten the main metabolic pathways utilised by trivalent metal ions in different organs. The second part of this review is focused on the available evidence concerning the pathogenetic consequences of aluminium overload in human health, with particular attention to its putative role in bone and neurodegenerative human diseases.
Additional diagnostic and prognostic value of copeptin ultra-sensitive for diagnosis of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction in older patients presenting to the emergency department1)
Authors: Bahrmann Philipp , Bahrmann Anke , Breithardt Ole-A. , Daniel Werner G. , Christ Michael , Sieber Cornel C. , Bertsch Thomas
Published: January 2013

Background: Identifying older patients with non-ST- elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) within the very large proportion with elevated high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) is a diagnostic challenge because they often present without clear symptoms or electrocardiographic features of acute coronary syndrome to the emergency department (ED). We prospectively investigated the diagnostic and prognostic performance of copeptin ultra-sensitive (copeptin-us) and hs-cTnT compared to hs-cTnT alone for NSTEMI at prespecified cut-offs in unselected older patients.

Methods: We consecutively enrolled 306 non-surgical patients ≥70 years presenting to the ED. In addition to clinical examination, copeptin-us and hs-cTnT were measured at admission. Two cardiologists independently adjudicated the final diagnosis of NSTEMI after reviewing all available data. All patients were followed up for cardiovascular-related death within the following 12 months.

Results: NSTEMI was diagnosed in 38 (12%) patients (age 81±6 years). The combination of copeptin-us ≥14 pmol/L and hs-cTnT ≥0.014 µg/L compared to hs-cTnT ≥0.014 µg/L alone had a positive predictive value of 21% vs. 19% to rule in NSTEMI. The combination of copeptin-us <14 pmol/L and hs-cTnT <0.014 µg/L compared to hs-cTnT <0.014 µg/L alone had a negative predictive value of 100% vs. 99% to rule out NSTEMI. Hs-cTnT ≥0.014 µg/L alone was significantly associated with outcome. When copeptin-us ≥14 pmol/L was added, the net reclassification improvement for outcome was not significant (p=0.809).

Conclusions: In unselected older patients presenting to the ED, the additional use of copeptin-us at predefined cut-offs may help to reliably rule out NSTEMI but may not help to increase predicted risk for outcome compared to hs-cTnT alone.
Serum levels of cancer biomarkers in diabetic and non-diabetic proteinuric patients: a preliminary study
Authors: Turgutalp Kenan , Ozhan Onur , Helvacı İlter , Ata Alper , Arican Ali , Boztepe Burcu , Kıykım Ahmet
Published: January 2013

Background: Cancer biomarkers (CBs) can be used in early detection of several cancers as well as in detection of recurrence and following response to treatment. We aimed to investigate the levels of CBs in proteinuric patients with primary glomerular disease (PGD) and diabetes mellitus, and compare them with healthy controls.

Methods: One hundred and two patients with untreated PGD, 62 proteinuric patients with diabetic nephropathy, and 84 healthy controls were enrolled. Levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA 125), cancer antigen 15–3 (CA 15–3), carcinoembriogenic antigen (CEA), α-fetoprotein (AFP), total prostate specific antigen (TPSA), free prostate specific antigen (FPSA) and carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA 19–9) were measured.

Results: Compared to healthy controls, levels of CA 125, CA 15–3 and CA 19–9 were higher in patients with PGD and diabetic patients (all p<0.05), while levels of TPSA, FPSA, AFP and CEA were lower (all p<0.05). There was no correlation between levels of cancer biomarkers and serum fibrinogen and serum amyloid A protein levels (all p>0.05). Both urinary protein excretion rate and serum albumin levels were correlated with all CBs (all p<0.05).

Conclusions: CBs levels seem to be changed in different proteinuric patients. This condition should be kept in mind when evaluating CBs levels in proteinuric patients.
Suitability of quality control materials for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement: inter-method variability of common tumor marker control materials
Authors: Vucetic Zivjena , Dnistrian Ann , Nilsson Olle , Lilja Hans G. , Plebani Mario
Published: January 2013

Background: Quality control materials with minimal inter-assay differences and clinically relevant proportions of different molecular forms of the analyte are needed to optimize intra- and inter-laboratory accuracy and precision.

Methods: We assessed if clinically relevant total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) levels were present in seven commercially available Multi Constituent Tumor Marker Controls (MC-TMC). Further, we determined the concentration of free PSA (fPSA) and calculated the percentage of free PSA (%fPSA) in all materials. Finally, we determined variability of TMC materials across several commonly used PSA platforms.

Results: All MC-TMC materials contained at least one concentration of tPSA in normal and pathologic range. Control materials varied in the amount of fPSA and %fPSA, with most controls consisting of fPSA only and only one MC-TMC containing medically relevant levels of around 35% fPSA. Only a minority of MC-TMC materials showed minimal variability across four PSA methods while the majority of PSA controls showed wide inter-method differences.

Conclusions: Use of many commercially available controls for PSA could lead to biased PSA measurements because they contain medically irrelevant proportions of fPSA and show significant variation among different PSA assay platforms.
Coffee consumption, serum γ-glutamyltransferase, and glucose tolerance status in middle-aged Japanese men
Authors: Hiramatsu Tatsuo , Tajima Osamu , Uezono Kousaku , Tabata Shinji , Abe Hiroshi , Ohnaka Keizo , Kono Suminori
Published: January 2013

Background:Recently, coffee consumption has been related to decreased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) among those with high levels of serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT). We examined the association between coffee and glucose tolerance, determined by a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, and the effect modification of serum GGT on the association.

Methods:The study subjects were 5320 men aged 46–60 years who received a health examination at two Self-Defense Forces hospitals from January 1997 to March 2004. Those medicated for DM were excluded. Coffee consumption was classified into <1, 1–2, 3–4, and ≥5 cups/day. Statistical adjustment was made for age, body mass index, smoking, alcohol use, leisure-time physical activity, green tea consumption, parental diabetes, hospital, and rank in the Self-Defense Forces.

Results:Men with normal glucose tolerance, isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), combined IFG/IGT, and type 2 DM numbered 3384, 398, 790, 348, and 400, respectively. The prevalence odds of isolated IGT, combined IFG/IGT, and type 2 DM, but not of isolated IFG, decreased with increasing consumption of coffee. An inverse association with coffee was observed for isolated IGT in both low (≤40 IU/L) and high (>40 IU/L) GGT groups, and for combined IFG/IGT and type 2 DM in the latter group.

Conclusions:Coffee drinking is protective against glucose intolerance. A possible effect modification of GGT on the coffee-DM association warrants further studies.
Orbital hemorrhage as a primary manifestation of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) associated with intrauterine fetal death and placental abruption
Authors: Mayer-Pickel Karoline , Mörtl Manfred Georg , Jetzl Jörg , Lang Uwe , Schlembach Dietmar
Published: January 2013

Introduction: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious complication of obstetric emergencies, and its clinical manifestation occurs in various organs and tissues. Ocular and orbital involvement has been reported only rarely.

Presentation of the case: A 15-year-old primigravida complained about loss of vision in the right eye for 3 days. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a retrobulbar hemorrhage. A first diagnosis of pregnancy (estimated gestational age of 23 weeks) was made, and intrauterine fetal death was diagnosed by ultrasound examination. Laboratory workup revealed the diagnosis of DIC. Due to massive vaginal bleeding a cesarean section was performed, and placental abruption was diagnosed intraoperatively.

Discussion: The concomitance of intrauterine fetal death and other obstetric complications such as placental abruption might induce a fulminant coagulopathy with severe consequences even with uncommon organ localization.
Projectively flat Finsler manifolds with infinite dimensional holonomy
Authors: Muzsnay Zoltán , Nagy Péter T.
Published: January 2013

Recently, we developed a method for the study of holonomy properties of
non-Riemannian Finsler manifolds and obtained that the holonomy group cannot be a compact Lie group if the Finsler manifold of dimension >2 has non-zero constant flag curvature. The purpose of this paper is to move
further, exploring the holonomy properties of projectively flat Finsler
manifolds of non-zero constant flag curvature. We prove in particular that
projectively flat Randers and Bryant–Shen manifolds of non-zero constant
flag curvature have infinite dimensional holonomy group.
On the subconvexity problem for GL(3) × GL(2) L-functions
Authors: Khan Rizwanur
Published: January 2013

Fix g a self-dual Hecke–Maass form for SL3(ℤ). Let f be a holomorphic newform of prime level q and fixed weight. Conditional on a lower bound for a short sum of squares of Fourier coefficients of f, we prove a subconvexity bound in the q aspect for L(s,g×f) at the central point.
On hypersurfaces containing projective varieties
Authors: Park Euisung
Published: January 2013

Classical Castelnuovo's lemma shows that the number of linearly independent quadratic equations of a nondegenerate irreducible projective variety of codimension c is at most

c
+
1

2

${{\binom{c+1}{2}}}$

and the equality is attained if and only if the variety is of minimal degree. Also a generalization of Castelnuovo's lemma by G. Fano implies that the next case occurs if and only if the variety is a del Pezzo variety. For curve case, these results are extended to equations of arbitrary degree respectively by J. Harris and S. L'vovsky. This paper is intended to extend these results to arbitrary dimensional varieties and to the next cases.
A simple and efficient procedure for synthesis of symmetrical bis(4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole-5-thiols)
Authors: Ebrahimi Sattar
Published: January 2013

A series of bis(1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols) 3a–d were prepared by condensation reactions of arylbis(carboxymethylthio)methanes 2a–d with thiocarbohydrazide. The starting diacids 2a–d were prepared by reactions of aromatic aldehydes 1a–d with thioglycolic acid. The structures of these newly synthesized compounds are characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and NMR spectroscopy.
Microcompartments in the Drosophila heart and the mammalian brain: general features and common principles
Authors: Brandt Roland , Paululat Achim
Published: January 2013

Microcompartments are sub-organellar functional units and may have an important role in cellular physiology. They can act as highly dynamic or even transiently forming organizing compartments within cells. In this review, we would like to extend the concept of microcompartments as subcellular structures in individual cells in a way that it includes specializations that occur between different cells and between cells and components of the extracellular matrix. To develop the general features and properties of these structures, we will present two quite different examples – the development and maturation of the Drosophila heart and the dynamics of synaptic contacts in the mammalian brain. We argue that the molecular architecture, the function and the maintenance of these specializations follows common principles independent of the organ or the organism under investigation. They fulfill the criteria for being proper microcompartments, including their function as local units for the segregation of responses, their ability to serve as organizing platforms in a temporally and spatially highly restricted manner, and their regulation through instructions from neighboring cells or extracellular matrix components in a locally restricted and autonomous manner.
Finite groups of fourth-power free order
Authors: Li Cai Heng , Qiao Shouhong
Published: January 2013

A characterization is given of finite groups of order indivisible by the fourth power of any prime, which shows that such a group has the following form:
An identification theorem for the sporadic simple groups F2 and M(23)
Authors: Parker Chris , Stroth Gernot
Published: January 2013

We identify the sporadic groups M(23) and F
Carleman estimates for global uniqueness, stability and numerical
methods for coefficient inverse problems
Authors: Klibanov Michael V.
Published: January 2013

This is a review paper of the role of Carleman estimates in the theory of
multidimensional coefficient inverse problems since the first inception of this idea in 1981.
Prenatal care in adult women exposed to childhood sexual abuse
Authors: Leeners Brigitte , Stiller Ruth , Block Emina , Görres Gisela , Rath Werner , Tschudin Sibil
Published: January 2013

Aims: Several case reports show a negative impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on prenatal care. The study aimed to systematically investigate this association in a larger study group.

Methods: CSA was investigated by face-to-face interviews and by a modified questionnaire developed by Wyatt. All study participants completed a self-administered questionnaire designed to investigate the consequences of CSA on prenatal care during adulthood. Data from 85 women after CSA were compared to those of 170 matched women without such experiences.

Results: Women exposed to CSA had fewer than five prenatal consultations more often than unexposed women (26%/7%; P<0.0001). Of the 85 women with a positive history for CSA, 9.4% had been asked for such antecedents, 36.5% had intense memories on original abuse situations during pregnancy, 56.6% mentioned specific consequences of CSA on prenatal care and 61.2% were satisfied with obstetrical support. Exposed women (62.4%) felt significantly less prepared for labor than unexposed women (75.9%) (P<0.0001).

Conclusions: CSA experiences are associated with impaired prenatal care. These results underscore the compelling need to improve prenatal care in women exposed to CSA through better education of obstetricians regarding the effects of CSA and in their ability to provide empathetic professional support.
A blueprint for the prevention of preterm birth: vaginal progesterone in women with a short cervix
Authors: Romero Roberto , Yeo Lami , Miranda Jezid , Hassan Sonia S. , Conde-Agudelo Agustin , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn
Published: January 2013

Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, and is the most important challenge to modern obstetrics. A major obstacle has been that preterm birth is treated (implicitly or explicitly) as a single condition. Two thirds of preterm births occur after the spontaneous onset of labor, and the remaining one third after “indicated” preterm birth; however, the causes of spontaneous preterm labor and “indicated” preterm birth are different. Spontaneous preterm birth is a syndrome caused by multiple etiologies, one of which is a decline in progesterone action, which induces cervical ripening. A sonographic short cervix (identified in the midtrimester) is a powerful predictor of spontaneous preterm delivery. Randomized clinical trials and individual patient meta-analyses have shown that vaginal progesterone reduces the rate of preterm delivery at <33 weeks of gestation by 44%, along with the rate of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, respiratory distress syndrome, requirement for mechanical ventilation, and composite neonatal morbidity/mortality score. There is no evidence that 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate can reduce the rate of preterm delivery in women with a short cervix, and therefore, the compound of choice is natural progesterone (not the synthetic progestin). Routine assessment of the risk of preterm birth with cervical ultrasound coupled with vaginal progesterone for women with a short cervix is cost-effective, and the implementation of such a policy is urgently needed. Vaginal progesterone is as effective as cervical cerclage in reducing the rate of preterm delivery in women with a singleton gestation, history of preterm birth, and a short cervix (<25 mm).
Cation exchange characterizations of phosphotungstic acid-doped polyvinyl alcohol/polyethersulfone blend membranes by sodium chloride solution
Authors: Madaeni Sayed S. , Amirinejad Sedigheh , Amirinejad Mehdi , Hosseini Sayed M. , Khodabakhshi Alireza
Published: January 2013

Cation exchange membranes were prepared based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethersulfone (PES) polymer blends using dimethyl sulfoxide as solvent and phosphotungstic acid (PWA) as functional group agent. The membranes were fabricated by solution casting method. The effects of PVA-to-PES polymer blend ratio and PWA content on the electrochemical ion exchange properties of the prepared membranes, including fixed ion concentration (FIC), membrane potential, permselectivity, surface charge density, transport number and electrical resistance, were studied. The areal electrical resistance at room temperature was reduced by increasing the PES and decreasing the PWA contents of membranes. The results show that the addition of PWA to the membranes provides additional counterion-conducting passages and enhances the FIC, membrane potential, permselectivity and transport number.
Superabsorbent hydrogels of poly(sodium acrylate) with crude and exfoliated vermiculites
Authors: Mucientes Antonio E. , Santiago Francisca , Carrero Ana María , Talavera Beatriz
Published: January 2013

Novel superabsorbent hydrogels of poly(sodium acrylate) [poly(SA)] with crude vermiculite (CVMT) and exfoliated vermiculite (EVMT) were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Both types of hybrids are more stable materials than poly(SA) and their thermal stability increases as the clay content increases. The equilibrium water absorbency for each hybrid type varies with the clay content, showing a maximum at 15 wt% and 20 wt% for EVMT and CVMT, respectively. The equilibrium water absorbency is higher for the hybrids than for poly(SA) at clay contents close to their maxima. The swelling kinetics obey a Voigt-based equation. The water desorption kinetics showed the existence of free water and bound water within the polymeric matrix. All of the superabsorbent materials investigated retained the water absorption capacity after repeating five wet-dry cycles.
Enhancement of flexural performance of wood beams using textile fabrics
Authors: Beylergil Bertan , Aktas Alaattin , Pekbey Yeliz
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the flexural performance of wood beams (beech — Fagus orientalis Lipsky) reinforced with woven and selected weft knitted glass fabrics, namely, Milano and plain knit. Some physical and mechanical properties of the beech wood and the textile fabrics were determined in accordance with relevant ASTM standards. Twenty-four wood beams which have two different cross sections (I-shaped and square hollow) were manufactured and tested under a three-point load. They were divided into two groups: Group A specimens were not reinforced to serve as a reference, whereas Group B specimens were reinforced with textile fabrics combined with adhesion. The flexural behavior of the specimens was studied through their load-deflection characteristics. The modes of failure were identified and categorized. The experimental results showed that the load-bearing capacity of reinforced beams increased significantly compared to the beam without reinforcement. This method can be used to repair and strengthen damaged wood beams.
Effects of cutouts on natural frequency of laminated composite plates
Authors: Erkliğ Ahmet , Bulut Mehmet , Yeter Eyüp
Published: January 2013

In this study, the effects of cutouts (circular, square, triangular and elliptical), cutout position and fiber orientations of laminated composite plates on natural frequencies are investigated. In order to study the effects of cutouts on natural frequencies of the composite plates, experiments have been carried out. Finite element analysis is also performed to predict the effects of different cutouts, cutout position, fiber orientation and length of the plate on natural frequencies for E-glass/polyester. Several outcomes and behavioral characteristics are discussed. These outcomes include the cutout shape, cutout orientation and fiber orientation angle. It has been seen that all of the experimental and finite element results are very close to each other. It has also been concluded that the natural frequency of composite plate is affected by the fiber orientation and cutout location but not considerably affected by cutout shape. The results show that fiber orientation angle and cutout location are the most important parameters on the natural frequency. When the fiber orientation angle increases, both bending and twisting natural frequencies decrease. Maximum natural frequency occurs on [(0/90)4]S laminated plate.
The Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) Associates with and Signals through p21-Activated Kinase 1 (Pak1)
Authors: Li Shen , Leshchyns'ka Iryna , Chernyshova Yana , Schachner Melitta , Sytnyk Vladimir
Published: January 2013

The Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) plays an important role in regulation of nervous system development. To expand our understanding of the molecular mechanisms via which NCAM influences differentiation of neurons, we used a yeast two-hybrid screening to search for new binding partners of NCAM and identified p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1). We show that NCAM interacts with Pak1 in growth cones of neurons. The autophosphorylation and activity of Pak1 were enhanced when isolated growth cones were incubated with NCAM function triggering antibodies, which mimic the interaction between NCAM and its extracellular ligands. The association of Pak1 with cell membranes, the efficiency of Pak1 binding to its activators, and Pak1 activity were inhibited in brains of NCAM-deficient mice. NCAM-dependent Pak1 activation was abolished after lipid raft disruption, suggesting that NCAM promotes Pak1 activation in the lipid raft environment. Phosphorylation of the downstream Pak1 effectors LIMK1 and cofilin was reduced in growth cones from NCAM-deficient neurons, which was accompanied by decreased levels of filamentous actin and inhibited filopodium mobility in the growth cones. Dominant-negative Pak1 inhibited and constitutively active Pak1 enhanced the ability of neurons to increase neurite outgrowth in response to the extracellular ligands of NCAM. Our combined observations thus indicate that NCAM activates Pak1 to drive actin polymerization to promote neuronal differentiation.
LTP-Induced Long-Term Stabilization of Individual Nascent Dendritic Spines
Authors: Hill Travis C. , Zito Karen
Published: January 2013

Learning new tasks has been associated with increased growth and stabilization of new dendritic spines. We examined whether long-term potentiation (LTP), a key cellular mechanism thought to underlie learning, plays a role in selective stabilization of individual new spines during circuit plasticity. Using two-photon glutamate uncaging, we stimulated nascent spines on dendrites of rat hippocampal CA1 neurons with patterns that induce LTP and then monitored spine survival rates using time-lapse imaging. Remarkably, we found that LTP-inducing stimuli increased the long-term survivorship (>14 h) of individual new spines. Activity-induced new spine stabilization required NMDA receptor activation and was specific for stimuli that induced LTP. Moreover, abrogating CaMKII binding to the NMDA receptor abolished activity-induced new spine stabilization. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that, in addition to enhancing the efficacy of preexisting synapses, LTP-inducing stimuli promote the transition of nascent spines from a short-lived, transient state to a longer-lived, persistent state.
A Common Optimization Principle for Motor Execution in Healthy Subjects and Parkinsonian Patients
Authors: Baraduc Pierre , Thobois Stéphane , Gan Jing , Broussolle Emmanuel , Desmurget Michel
Published: January 2013

Recent research on Parkinson's disease (PD) has emphasized that parkinsonian movement, although bradykinetic, shares many attributes with healthy behavior. This observation led to the suggestion that bradykinesia in PD could be due to a reduction in motor motivation. This hypothesis can be tested in the framework of optimal control theory, which accounts for many characteristics of healthy human movement while providing a link between the motor behavior and a cost/benefit trade-off. This approach offers the opportunity to interpret movement deficits of PD patients in the light of a computational theory of normal motor control. We studied 14 PD patients with bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation and 16 age-matched healthy controls, and tested whether reaching movements were governed by similar rules in these two groups. A single optimal control model accounted for the reaching movements of healthy subjects and PD patients, whatever the condition of STN stimulation (on or off). The choice of movement speed was explained in all subjects by the existence of a preset dynamic range for the motor signals. This range was idiosyncratic and applied to all movements regardless of their amplitude. In PD patients this dynamic range was abnormally narrow and correlated with bradykinesia. STN stimulation reduced bradykinesia and widened this range in all patients, but did not restore it to a normal value. These results, consistent with the motor motivation hypothesis, suggest that constrained optimization of motor effort is the main determinant of movement planning (choice of speed) and movement production, in both healthy and PD subjects.
Amphetamine Paradoxically Augments Exocytotic Dopamine Release and Phasic Dopamine Signals
Authors: Daberkow D.P. , Brown H.D. , Bunner K.D. , Kraniotis S.A. , Doellman M.A. , Ragozzino M.E. , Garris P.A. , Roitman M.F.
Published: January 2013

Drugs of abuse hijack brain-reward circuitry during the addiction process by augmenting action potential-dependent phasic dopamine release events associated with learning and goal-directed behavior. One prominent exception to this notion would appear to be amphetamine (AMPH) and related analogs, which are proposed instead to disrupt normal patterns of dopamine neurotransmission by depleting vesicular stores and promoting nonexocytotic dopamine efflux via reverse transport. This mechanism of AMPH action, though, is inconsistent with its therapeutic effects and addictive properties, which are thought to be reliant on phasic dopamine signaling. Here we used fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in freely moving rats to interrogate principal neurochemical responses to AMPH in the striatum and relate these changes to behavior. First, we showed that AMPH dose-dependently enhanced evoked dopamine responses to phasic-like current pulse trains for up to 2 h. Modeling the data revealed that AMPH inhibited dopamine uptake but also unexpectedly potentiated vesicular dopamine release. Second, we found that AMPH increased the amplitude, duration, and frequency of spontaneous dopamine transients, the naturally occurring, nonelectrically evoked, phasic increases in extracellular dopamine. Finally, using an operant sugar reward paradigm, we showed that low-dose AMPH augmented dopamine transients elicited by sugar-predictive cues. However, operant behavior failed at high-dose AMPH, which was due to phasic dopamine hyperactivity and the decoupling of dopamine transients from the reward predictive cue. These findings identify upregulation of exocytotic dopamine release as a key AMPH action in behaving animals and support a unified mechanism of abused drugs to activate phasic dopamine signaling.
Cell Type-Specific Inhibitory Inputs to Dendritic and Somatic Compartments of Parvalbumin-Expressing Neocortical Interneuron
Authors: Hioki Hiroyuki , Okamoto Shinichiro , Konno Michiteru , Kameda Hiroshi , Sohn Jaerin , Kuramoto Eriko , Fujiyama Fumino , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: January 2013

Parvalbumin (PV)-producing fast-spiking neurons are well known to generate gamma oscillation by mutual chemical and electrical connections in the neocortex. Although it was clearly demonstrated that PV neurons form a dense gap junction network with each other not only at the proximal sites but also at the distal dendrites, comprehensive quantitative data on the chemical connections are still lacking. To elucidate the connectivity, we investigated inhibitory inputs to PV neurons in the somatosensory cortex, using the transgenic mice in which the dendrites and cell bodies of PV neurons were clearly visualized. We first examined GABAergic inputs to PV neurons by labeling postsynaptic and presynaptic sites with the immunoreactivities for gephyrin and vesicular GABA transporter. The density of GABAergic inputs was highest on the cell bodies, and almost linearly decreased to the distal dendrites. We then investigated inhibitory inputs from three distinct subgroups of GABAergic interneurons by visualizing the axon terminals immunopositive for PV, somatostatin (SOM), or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). PV and SOM inputs were frequently located on the dendrites with the ratio of 2.5:1, but much less on the cell bodies. By contrast, VIP inputs clearly preferred the cell bodies to the dendrites. Consequently, the dendritic and somatic compartments of PV neurons received ∼60 and 62% of inhibitory inputs from PV and VIP neurons, respectively. This compartmental organization of inhibitory inputs suggests that PV neurons, together with gap junctions, constitute mutual connections at the dendrites, and that their activities are negatively controlled by the somatic inputs of VIP neurons.
Enhanced Recruitment of Endosomal Na+/H+Exchanger NHE6 into Dendritic Spines of Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons during NMDA Receptor-Dependent Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: Deane Emily C. , Ilie Alina E. , Sizdahkhani Saman , Das Gupta Micaela , Orlowski John , McKinney R. Anne
Published: January 2013

Postsynaptic endosomal trafficking has emerged as a principal regulatory mechanism of structural and functional plasticity of glutamatergic synapses. Recycling endosomes perform activity-dependent transport of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) and lipids to the postsynaptic membrane, activities that are known to contribute to long-term synaptic potentiation and hypothesized to subserve learning and memory processes in the brain. Recently, genetic defects in a widely expressed vesicular pH-regulating transporter, the Na+/H+exchanger NHE6 isoform, have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders including severe X-linked mental retardation and autism. However, little information is available regarding the cellular properties of this transporter in the CNS. Here, we show by quantitative light microscopy that the protein abundance of NHE6 is developmentally regulated in area CA1 of the mouse hippocampus. Within pyramidal neurons, NHE6 was found to localize to discrete puncta throughout the soma and neurites, with noticeable accumulation at dendritic spines and presynaptic terminals. Dual immunolabeling of dendritic spines revealed that NHE6 partially colocalizes with typical markers of early and recycling endosomes as well as with the AMPAR subunit GluA1. Significantly, NHE6-containing vesicles exhibited enhanced translocation to dendritic spine heads during NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent long-term potentiation. These data suggest that NHE6 may play a unique, previously unrecognized, role at glutamatergic synapses that are important for learning and memory.