bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Erectile Dysfunction Following Surgical Correction of Peyronie’s Disease Without Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Placement: Vascular Assessment and Preoperative Risk Factors
Authors: Taylor Frederick L. , Abern Michael R. , Levine Laurence A.
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Surgical therapy remains the gold standard treatment for Peyronie’s Disease (PD). Surgical options include plication, grafting, and placement of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) is a potential complication for PD surgery without IPP. We present our large series follow-up to evaluate preoperative risk factors for postoperative ED.

Aims

The aim of this study is to evaluate preoperative risk factors for the development of ED following surgical correction of PD taking into account the degree of curvature, graft size, surgical approach, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking history, preoperative use of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5), and preoperative duplex ultrasound findings including peak systolic and end diastolic velocities and resistive index.

Methods

We identified 218 men undergoing either tunica albuginea plication (TAP) or partial plaque excision with pericardial grafting for PD following a previously published algorithm between November 1992 and April 2007. Preoperative and postoperative erectile function, curvature characteristics, presence of vascular risk factors, and duplex ultrasound findings were available on 109 patients.

Main Outcome Measures

Our primary outcome measure is the development of ED after surgery for PD.

Results

Ten percent of TAP and 21% of plaque excision with grafting patients developed postoperative ED. Neither curve direction (P = 0.76), graft area (P = 0.78), surgical approach (P = 0.12), chronic hypertension (P = 0.51), hyperlipidemia (P = 0.87), diabetes (P = 0.69), nor smoking history (P = 0.99) were significant predictors of postoperative ED. No combination of risk factors was found to be predictive of postoperative ED. Preoperative use of PDE5 was not a significant predictor of postoperative ED (P = 0.33). Neither peak systolic, end diastolic, nor resistive index were significant predictors of ED (P = 0.28, 0.28, and 0.25, respectively).

Conclusion

This long-term follow-up of a large published series suggests that neither preoperative risk factors nor preoperative duplex ultrasound findings are predictive of postoperative ED, thus reinforcing the use of previously published preoperative treatment algorithms.
Penile Fracture Seems More Likely During Sex Under Stressful Situations
Authors: Kramer Andrew C.
Published: September 2011

Introduction

The unusual event of penile fracture occurs when there is a disruption of the tunica albuginea surrounding engorged erectile tissue during aggressive sexual behavior. There is often an audible crack and rapid detumescence with subcutaneous hemorrhage that follows.

Aims

Medical literature has described the etiology and treatment of penile fracture. We report the remarkably unusual social situations of a series of patients who sustained this unique injury.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 16 patients whose injury was severe enough to require surgical repair at the University of Maryland between 2007 and 2011. Particular attention was paid to the intake interview in the emergency department and the postoperative chart notes by the attending urologist to ascertain out-of-the-ordinary social situations in which the injury was sustained.

Main Outcome Measures

The occurrence of penile fracture is sufficiently rare that the author was able to interact personally with most of the patients. The patients were remarkably forthcoming with the personal social dynamics of the sexual encounter.

Results

Half of these penile fracture patients sustained the injury during an extramarital affair. Only three patients sustained the injury in a bedroom; the remainder was in out-of-the-ordinary locations for sexual intercourse, e.g., cars, elevator, the workplace, and public restrooms.

Conclusions

Penile fracture patients appear to be a unique population of men who are having sexual intercourse under stressful situations. Extramarital affairs and out-of-the-ordinary locations appear common in patients sustaining this relatively rare injury.
Effects of Climate Change on the Potential Species Richness of Mesoamerican Forests
Authors: Golicher Duncan J. , Cayuela Luis , Newton Adrian C.
Published: September 2011

The realized species richness of tropical forests cannot yet be reliably mapped at a regional scale due to lack of systematically collected data. An estimate of the potential species richness (PSR), however, can be produced through the use of species distribution modelling. PSR is interpretable as a climatically determined upper limit to observed species richness. We mapped current PSR and future PSR under climate change scenarios for Mesoamerica by combining the spatial distributions of 2000 tree species as predicted by generalized additive models built from herbaria records and climate layers. An explanatory regression tree was used to extract conditional rules describing the relationship between PSR and climate. The results were summarized by country, ecoregion and protected area status in order to investigate current and possible future variability in PSR in the context of regional biodiversity conservation. Length of the dry season was found to be the key determinant of PSR. Protected areas were found to have higher median PSR values than unprotected areas in most of the countries within the study area. Areas with exceptionally high PSR, however, remain unprotected throughout the region. Neither changes in realized species richness nor extinctions will necessarily follow changes in modelled PSR under climate change. However model output suggests that an increase in temperature of around 3°C, combined with a 20 percent decrease in rainfall could lead to a widespread reduction of around 15 percent of current PSR, with values of up to 40 percent in some moist lower montane tropical forests. The modelled PSR of dry forest ecoregions was found to be relatively stable. Some cooler upper montane forests in northern Mesoamerica, where few species of tropical origin are currently found, may gain PSR if species are free to migrate.
Identification of Novel Antitubulin Agents by Using a Virtual Screening Approach Based on a 7‐Point Pharmacophore Model of the Tubulin Colchi‐Site
Authors: Massarotti Alberto , Theeramunkong Sewan , Mesenzani Ornella , Caldarelli Antonio , Genazzani Armando A. , Tron Gian Cesare
Published: September 2011

Tubulin inhibition represents an established target in the field of anticancer research, and over the last 20 years, an intensive search for new antimicrotubule agents has occurred. Indeed, in silico models have been presented that might aid the discovery of novel agents. Among these, a 7‐point pharmacophore model has been recently proposed. As a formal proof of this model, we carried out a ligand‐based virtual screening on the colchicine‐binding site. In vitro testing demonstrated that two compounds displayed a cytotoxic profile on neuroblastoma cancer cells (SH‐SY5H) and one had an antitubulinic profile.
Toward Understanding the Atrial Septum in Cryptogenic Stroke
Authors: Cotter Paul E. , Martin Peter J. , Belham Mark
Published: September 2011

Ischemic stroke in younger people is common, and often remains unexplained. There is a well-documented association between unexplained stroke in younger people, and the presence of a patent foramen ovale. Therefore, in the absence of a clear cause of stroke, the heart is often assessed in detail for such lower risk causes of stroke. This usually involves imaging with a transesophageal echo, and investigation for a right-to-left shunt. An understanding of the anatomy of the atrial septum, and its associated abnormalities, is important for the stroke neurologist charged with decision making regarding appropriate secondary prevention. In this paper, we review the development and anatomy of the right heart with a focus on patent foramen ovale, and other associated abnormalities. We discuss how the heart can be imaged in the case of unexplained stroke, and provide examples. Finally, we suggest a method of investigation, in light of the recent European Association of Echocardiography guidance. Our aim is to provide the neurologist with an understanding on how the heart can be investigated in unexplained stroke, and the significance of abnormalities detected.
Can Stroke Cause Neurodegenerative Dementia?
Authors: Cumming Toby B. , Brodtmann Amy
Published: September 2011

Stroke and dementia have typically been housed in different taxonomies. They are considered to be exemplars of very different forms of brain injury: stroke as an acute vascular injury and dementia as a progressive degenerative disease. Yet there is definite overlap between the two conditions: stroke increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Recent work has confirmed that vascular risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension predispose to dementia. However, in the absence of any clear findings of a direct pathway from stroke to degenerative dementia, the separation has persisted. In this review, we summarize the evidence relating to whether stroke can initiate or promote degenerative dementia and, in particular, Alzheimer's disease. The evidence comes from autopsy studies, from brain imaging studies, from studies of patients with symptomatic stroke and from studies in CADASIL. A number of studies have demonstrated that stroke can lead to changes in brain volume and cognitive performance, although generally of a different profile to the atrophy and cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer's disease. Much of the evidence is circumstantial, and does little to support a claim that stroke triggers neurodegenerative dementia. The question, then, remains open. None of the studies reviewed included the necessary longitudinal follow-up of stroke patients incorporating cognitive assessment, imaging and pathology. Given the high prevalence and substantial burden of dementia, there is much to be gained from identifying prognostic markers and it remains an exciting idea that we might be able to identify a subgroup of stroke patients who are at high risk.
Barrett's esophagus: prevalence–incidence and etiology–origins
Authors: Falk Gary W. , Jacobson Brian C. , Riddell Robert H. , Rubenstein Joel H. , El‐Zimaity Hala , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Roark Katie S. , Sontag Stephen J. , Schnell Thomas G. , Leya Jack , Chejfec Gregorio , Richter Joel E. , Jenkins Gareth , Goldman Aaron , Dvorak Katerina , Nardone Gerardo
Published: September 2011

Although the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus (BE) is rising no data exist for racial minorities on prevalence in the general population. Minorities have a lower prevalence than Caucasians, and yet age, smoking, abdominal obesity, and Helicobacter pylori are all risk factors. Metabolic changes induced by adipocytokines and the apparently strong association between obesity, central adiposity, and BE may lead to reconsideration of some aspects of the natural history of BE. There is lack of experimental evidence on acid sensitivity and BE, which is hyposensitive compared to esophageal reflux disease. Reactive nitrogen and oxygen species lead to impaired expression of tumor suppressor genes, which can lead to cancer development; thus, antioxidants may be protective. Gastroesophageal reflux disease may be considered an immune‐mediated disease starting at the submucosal layer; the cytokine profile of the mucosal immune response may explain the different outcome of gastroesophageal reflux.
Molecular mechanisms of Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma
Authors: Dvorak Katerina , Goldman Aaron , Kong Jianping , Lynch John P. , Hutchinson Lloyd , Houghton Jean Marie , Chen Hao , Chen Xiaoxin , Krishnadath Kausilia K. , Westra Wytske M.
Published: September 2011

The following on molecular mechanisms of Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma contains commentaries on the mechanism of bile and gastric acid induced damage; the roles of BMP‐4 and CDX‐2 in the development of intestinal metaplasia; the transcription factors driving intestinalization in Barrett's esophagus; the contribution of bone marrow to metaplasia and adenocarcinoma; activation and inactivation of transcription factors; and a novel study design targeting molecular pathways in Barrett's esophagus.
Esophageal disease: updated information on inflammation
Authors: Orlando Roy C. , Paterson William G. , Harnett Karen M. , Ma Jie , Behar Jose , Biancani Piero , Guarino Michele Pier Luca , Altomare Annamaria , Cicala Michele , Cao Weibiao
Published: September 2011

The following on esophageal disease provides updated information the mucosal defense against acid and acid–pepsin injury; the roles of platelet activating factor, mast cells, proinflammatory cytokines, and chemokines in inflammation; differences and similarities in erosive and nonerosive esophagitis; acid and vanilloid receptors in esophageal mucosa; and bile acid receptors in esophageal epithelium.
Neural mechanisms for smooth pursuit in strabismus
Authors: Mustari Michael J. , Ono Seiji
Published: September 2011

The visual and oculomotor systems of primates are immature at birth and sensitive to injury. If synergistic interactions between visual and oculomotor systems are compromised during the first months of life, disorders in eye alignment, gaze holding, and smooth pursuit (SP) follow. Here we consider some potential neural mechanisms supporting SP and associated vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) behavior in normal and strabismic monkeys. Experimental strabismus was created by prism goggle wearing or eye muscle surgery in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). SP and cancellation of the VOR were highly asymmetric in strabismic monkeys during monocular viewing conditions. Similar asymmetric SP and VOR cancellation could be produced in normal monkeys by delivering unilateral muscimol injections to the dorsolateral pontine nucleus (DLPN). We suggest that failure to develop balanced cortical‐brainstem circuits in strabismus accounts for many of the components of infantile strabismus syndrome.
Critical role of cerebellar fastigial nucleus in programming sequences of saccades
Authors: King Susan A. , Schneider Rosalyn M. , Serra Alessandro , Leigh R. John
Published: September 2011

The cerebellum plays an important role in programming accurate saccades. Cerebellar lesions affecting the ocular motor region of the fastigial nucleus (FOR) cause saccadic hypermetria; however, if a second target is presented before a saccade can be initiated (double‐step paradigm), saccade hypermetria may be decreased. We tested the hypothesis that the cerebellum, especially FOR, plays a pivotal role in programming sequences of saccades. We studied patients with saccadic hypermetria because of either genetic cerebellar ataxia or surgical lesions affecting FOR and confirmed that the gain of initial saccades made to double‐step stimuli was reduced compared with the gain of saccades to single target jumps. Based on measurements of the intersaccadic interval, we found that the ability to perform parallel processing of saccades was reduced or absent in all of our patients with cerebellar disease. Our results support the crucial role of the cerebellum, especially FOR, in programming sequences of saccades.
The mechanism of oscillopsia and its suppression
Authors: Dell’Osso L.F.
Published: September 2011

We studied the mechanisms of oscillopsia suppression in subjects with infantile nystagmus syndrome, fusion maldevelopment nystagmus syndrome, and acquired nystagmus (AN). Hypothetical possibilities for perceptual stability were the following: (1) epochs of clear and stable vision during foveation periods of nystagmus waveforms; (2) cancellation by efference copy of motor output; (3) a combination of the effects of both foveation‐period stability and efference‐copy cancellation; or (4) elevated motion‐detection threshold and vision suppression. Observations, studies, and models of oscillopsia suppression allowed comparison of these possibilities. Data from individual subjects supported some of the putative hypotheses. However, only one hypothesis remained viable that could explain how all subjects maintained perceptual stability despite their different nystagmus types, waveforms, and variability. Robust suppression of oscillopsia was only possible using efference‐copy feedback of the motor output containing these specific nystagmus signals to cancel that motion from the retinal error signals. In cases of AN, where oscillopsia could not be suppressed, the deficit was postulated to interfere with or lie outside of this efference‐copy feedback loop.
Cells in the supraoculomotor area in monkeys with strabismus show activity related to the strabismus angle
Authors: Das Vallabh E.
Published: September 2011

We have earlier shown that monkeys reared with daily alternating monocular occlusion for the first few months of life develop large horizontal strabismus, A/V patterns, dissociated vertical deviation (DVD), and dissociated horizontal deviation (DHD). Here, we present results from neurophysiological experiments that show that neuronal activity of cells within the supraoculomotor area (SOA) of juvenile strabismic monkeys is correlated with the angle of strabismus. There was no modulation of SOA cell activity with conjugate eye position as tested during horizontal smooth pursuit. Comparison of SOA population activity in these strabismic animals and normal monkeys (described in the literature) suggests that both vergence (misalignment in the case of the strabismic animals) thresholds and vergence position sensitivities are different in the strabismic animals compared to the normals. Our data suggest that activity within the SOA cells is important in determining the state of horizontal strabismus possibly by altering vergence tone in extraocular muscle.
Comparison of infantile nystagmus syndrome in achiasmatic zebrafish and humans
Authors: Ying‐Yu Huang Melody , Chen Chieng‐Cheng , Huber‐Reggi Sabina P. , Neuhauss Stephan C.F. , Straumann Dominik
Published: September 2011

Infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS; formerly called congenital nystagmus) is an ocular motor disorder characterized by several typical nystagmus waveforms. To date, restrictions inherent to human research and the absence of a handy animal model have impeded efforts to identify the underlying mechanism of INS. Displaying INS‐like spontaneous eye oscillations, achiasmatic zebrafish belladonna (bel) mutants may provide new insights into the mystery of INS. In this study, we demonstrate that these spontaneous eye oscillations match the diagnostic waveforms of INS. As a result, zebrafish bel mutants can be used as an animal model for the study of INS. In zebrafish bel mutants, visual pathway abnormalities may contribute to the spontaneous nystagmus via an inverted signal to the pretectal area. We hypothesized that human INS may also be linked to visual pathway abnormalities (possibly underdiagnosed in INS patients) in a similar way.
A new device to assess static ocular torsion
Authors: Ramat Stefano , Nesti Alessandro , Versino Maurizio , Colnaghi Silvia , Magnaghi Catia , Bianchi Alessandro , Beltrami Giorgio
Published: September 2011

In clinical settings, static ocular torsion is assessed by taking a fundus photograph and measuring the angle between a horizontal line and the line connecting the fovea to the head of the optic nerve (centro‐cecal axis rotation; CCAR). We developed and tested a system specifically aimed at CCAR measurements, based on low‐cost commercial hardware, and that implements an adaptive research algorithm that selects and presents bright dots on a monitor to outline the borders of the blind spot, locate its center, and measure CCAR. We examined 10 healthy subjects who underwent four CCAR measurements to evaluate the reliability of the system and compared our results with those of fundus photographic examination. Our data showed an excyclophoria, with mean ocular torsion of 6.4° in the right and 6.7° in the left eye. These values are in keeping with those in the literature. Moreover, the values of the intraclass correlation coefficients suggest excellent reliability of the technique.
Vestibular perceptual thresholds to angular rotation in acute unilateral vestibular paresis and with galvanic stimulation
Authors: Cutfield Nicholas J. , Cousins Sian , Seemungal Barry M. , Gresty Michael A. , Bronstein Adolfo M.
Published: September 2011

Studies of compensation of injury to the human vestibular system have, in the main, focused on the vestibular‐ocular reflex. Probing vestibular perception allows more of the sensory pathway to be assessed. We present a novel paradigm for simultaneously testing vestibular perceptual and nystagmic thresholds to angular acceleration around an earth vertical axis. The perceptual thresholds can be modulated asymmetrically in normal subjects by DC galvanic stimulation with the head flexed in the roll plane, as expected from the main torsional plane of action of the galvanic stimulus. The perceptual and nystagmic thresholds were bilaterally elevated in acute vestibular neuritis, a unilateral condition, possibly due to central suppression of vestibular input. The degree of asymmetry in thresholds was small in comparison with the large caloric asymmetry present in the patients, indicating a relatively preserved capacity for near‐threshold performance of the non‐damaged labyrinth both in the “on” and “off” directions.
Neural substrate for suppression of omnipause neurons at the onset of saccades
Authors: Shinoda Yoshikazu , Sugiuchi Yuriko , Takahashi Mayu , Izawa Yoshiko
Published: September 2011

The saccade trigger signal was proposed by D.A. Robinson, but neural substrates for triggering saccades by inhibiting omnipause neuron (OPN) activity still remain controversial. We investigated tectal inputs to OPNs by recording intracellular potentials from OPNs and inhibitory burst neurons (IBNs) and searched for interneurons to inhibit OPNs in the brainstem of anesthetized cats. IBNs received monosynaptic excitation from the contralateral caudal superior colliculus (SC) and disynaptic inhibition via contralateral IBNs from the ipsilateral caudal SC, whereas IBNs received disynaptic inhibition from the rostral SC. The latter disynaptic inhibition was mediated by OPNs, since OPNs received monosynaptic excitation from the rostral SC and projected to IBNs. In contrast, OPNs received disynaptic inhibition from the caudal SC. This disynaptic inhibition from the caudal SC was mediated to OPNs by IBNs. These findings suggested possible roles of IBNs for triggering and maintaining saccades by actively inhibiting the tonic activity of OPNs.
Foveal development and nystagmus
Authors: Proudlock Frank , Gottlob Irene
Published: September 2011

The combination of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and genetic methods along with other clinical diagnostic tools permit the discrimination of infantile nystagmus subtypes with a precision that has not previously been possible. Analysis of specific diseases, such as albinism and achromatopsia as well as known genetic abnormalities, such as FRMD7 and PAX6 mutations, shows subtle but significant differences between nystagmus subtypes using eye movement recordings. In addition, OCT can be used to chart the progression of retinal diseases with age, for example, as has been shown in achromatopsia. OCT can also be used to predict the level of visual deficit due to retinal abnormalities, as demonstrated for albinism. These findings suggest that the classification of all infantile nystagmus into one single entity is premature.
Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Organized After‐School Activities: Taking a Closer Look at Participation of Ethnic Minority Youth
Authors: Fredricks Jennifer A. , Simpkins Sandra D.
Published: September 2011

Abstract— Youth participation in organized after‐school activities provides opportunities for positive growth and development. Unfortunately, ethnic minority youth, especially those living in low‐income communities, participate in these activities at lower rates and less consistently than nonminority youth. This article reviews the research on the academic, psychological, and behavioral outcomes of participation in organized activities for African American and Latino youth. Second, it highlights individual and contextual factors associated with these youth’s initial and ongoing participation. It concludes by outlining the gaps in the literature on ethnic minority youth and articulates areas that require additional theory and research.
Epiploic appendagitis: An uncommon and easily misdiagnosed disease
Authors: CHEN Jui‐Hao , WU Chin‐Chu , WU Ping‐Hsiu
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE:  Epiploic appendagitis (EA) is a rare cause of focal abdominal pain in otherwise healthy patients. It may mimic diverticulitis, appendicitis or mesenteric infarction on clinical manifestation. The diagnosis of EA is very infrequent due in part to low awareness by clinical physicians. The aim of this study was to review and describe the clinical presentation and computed tomography (CT) findings of EA.

METHODS:  Twenty‐one patients (6 women and 15 men, average age 40 years [range 27–65 years]) were diagnosed with EA by CT between January 2006 and October 2009. The patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed with regard to their socioeconomic data, characteristics of abdominal pain, associated symptoms, laboratory results, radiological findings and treatment.

RESULTS:  Abdominal pain was the leading symptom. The pain was localized in the left lower quadrant (17 patients, 81.0%), left middle abdomen (2 patients, 9.5%) and right lower quadrant (2 patients, 9.5%), respectively. Leukocytosis (white blood cell > 10 × 109/L) without left shift was found in 6 patients but all patients were afebrile. Characteristic CT findings of paracolonic oval hypodense fat tissue with thickened peritoneal ring and periappendageal fat stranding were all presented in 21 patients, but the central dot sign was presented in only 7 patients. They were all treated was conservative therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:  Epiploic appendagitis is the inflammatory response of an appendage to infarction or spontaneous venous thrombosis. A CT scan provides a definite diagnosis of epiploic appendagitis, thus avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention and antibiotics.
Neoproterozoic Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Carbonatites and Gold Deposits of the Yenisei Ridge, Central Siberia: Evidence of Mantle Plume Activity and Late Collision Shear Tectonics Associated with Orogenic Gold Mineralization
Authors: GERTNER Igor , TISHIN Platon , VRUBLEVSKII Vassily , SAZONOV Anatoly , ZVYAGINA Elena , KOLMAKOV Yuriy
Published: September 2011

This paper discusses the plausible genetic relationship between disseminated Au‐sulfide mineralization and mantle plume‐related magmatism in the context of the tectonic evolution of the Yenisei ridge in central Siberia. The relationship is inferred based on structural and geochemical studies of the Blagodat Au deposit, and the Transangara alkaline syenite and Penchenga fenite‐carbonatite complexes. Analyses of Nd, Sr and Ar isotopic compositions of samples from these geological features show their possible close temporal relationships but different sources. Nevertheless, the present data sets suggest that thermal effects of mantle plume activity likely controlled hydrothermal fluid mobilization in metamorphic suites and further enrichment of gold. The structural setting of the Blagodat Au deposit demonstrates the typical example of Au‐sulfide mineralization controlled by late collisional shear deformations. The present example of Au deposit associated temporally and spatially with carbonatites and alkaline rock complexes is an exclusive case in the Earth's history supporting a plausible genetic relationship between mantle plume‐related magmatism and orogenic‐Au mineralization.
Genesis of the Jurassic Carbonate‐Hosted Pb–Zn Deposits of Jebel Ressas (North‐Eastern Tunisia): Evidence from Mineralogy, Petrography and Trace Metal Contents and Isotope (O, C, S, Pb) Geochemistry
Authors: JEMMALI Nejib , SOUISSI Fouad , VENNEMANN Torsten W. , CARRANZA Emmanuel John M.
Published: September 2011

The Jebel Ressas Pb–Zn deposits in North‐Eastern Tunisia occur mainly as open‐space fillings (lodes, tectonic breccia cements) in bioclastic limestones of the Upper Jurassic Ressas Formation and along the contact of this formation with Triassic rocks. The galena–sphalerite association and their alteration products (cerussite, hemimorphite, hydrozincite) are set within a calcite gangue. The Triassic rocks exhibit enrichments in trace metals, namely Pb, Co and Cd enrichment in clays and Pb, Zn, Cd, Co and Cr enrichment in carbonates, suggesting that the Triassic rocks have interacted with the ore‐bearing fluids associated with the Jebel Ressas Pb–Zn deposits. The δ18O content of calcite associated with the Pb–Zn mineralization suggests that it is likely to have precipitated from a fluid that was in equilibrium with the Triassic dolostones. The δ34S values in galenas from the Pb–Zn deposits range from −1.5 to +11.4‰, with an average of 5.9‰ and standard deviation of 3.9‰. These data imply mixing of thermochemically‐reduced heavy sulfur carried in geothermal‐ and fault‐stress‐driven deep‐seated source fluid with bacterially‐reduced light sulfur carried in topography‐driven meteoric fluid. Lead isotope ratios in galenas from the Pb–Zn deposits are homogenous and indicate a single upper crustal source of base‐metals for these deposits. Synthesis of the geochemical data with geological data suggests that the base‐metal mineralization at Jebel Ressas was formed during the Serravallian–Tortonian (or Middle–Late Miocene) Alpine compressional tectonics.
Treating young individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Marshall Catherine , Addington Jean , Epstein Irvin , Liu Lu , Deighton Stephanie , Zipursky Robert B.
Published: September 2011

Background: Typically, studies investigating those at clinical high risk for psychosis have focused on predictors of conversion and treatments that might prevent conversion to full‐blown psychosis. Few studies have followed those who do not go on to develop a psychotic illness.

Methods: Participants were 48 young people who were at risk for developing psychosis based on the Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms criteria and participated in a treatment programme where they were offered up to 6 months of psychosocial treatment and psychiatric management. Attenuated psychotic symptoms, negative symptoms, depression, anxiety, social functioning, alcohol and drug use, and meta‐cognitive beliefs were assessed at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months. Personality characteristics were assessed at baseline. Medication use was tracked and psychiatric visits were logged over the 18‐month study period.

Results: On average, participants attended 12 sessions of psychosocial treatment and had one meeting with the psychiatrist every 6 months. Only 24% were ever prescribed any psychotropic medications, and antipsychotics were not used. Significant improvements were found over time in attenuated positive symptoms, negative symptoms, depression, anxiety, meta‐cognitions and social functioning with most improvement occurring in the first 6 months. There was no change in the level of substance use. For personality assessment, participants generally scored high on neuroticism and openness and had low scores on extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness.

Conclusion: With minimal treatment and no antipsychotics, young people who present as being at risk for developing a psychotic disorder demonstrate clinical improvement over time. However, a few continued to have the liability of ongoing attenuated psychotic symptoms.
Permanent Genetic Resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 June 2011–31 July 2011
Authors:   Molecular Ecology Resources Primer Development Consortium, BARKER F. KEITH , BELL JAMES J. , BOGDANOWICZ STEVEN M. , BONATTO S. L. , CEZILLY FRANK , COLLINS SARAH M. , DUBREUIL CHRISTINE , DUFORT MATTHEW J. , ERAUD CYRIL , FUSEYA REIKO , HEAP E. A. , JACOBSEN N. , MADDERS M. , McEWING R. , MICHEL ANDREW P. , MOUGEOT F. , OGDEN R. S. , ORANTES LUCIA C. , OTHMAN A. S. , PARENT ÉRIC , PULIDO‐SANTACRUZ P. , RIOUX‐PARÉ RACHEL , ROBERTS M. F. , ROSAZLINA R. , SAKAMOTO TAKASHI , De‐LEÓN PELAYO SALINAS , SÉVIGNY JEAN‐MARIE , ST‐ONGE PHILIPPE , TERRAUBE J. , TINGAY R. E. , TREMBLAY RÉJEAN , WATANABE SEIICHI , WATTIER RÉMI A.
Published: September 2011

This article documents the addition of 112 microsatellite marker loci and 24 pairs of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sequencing primers to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Agelaius phoeniceus, Austrolittorina cincta, Circus cyaneus, Circus macrourus, Circus pygargus, Cryptocoryne × purpurea Ridl. nothovar. purpurea, Mya arenaria, Patagioenas squamosa, Prochilodus mariae, Scylla serrata and Scytalopus speluncae. These loci were cross‐tested on the following species: Cryptocoryne × purpurea nothovar. purpurea, Cryptocoryne affinis, Cryptocoryne ciliata, Cryptocoryne cordata var. cordata, Cryptocoryne elliptica, Cryptocoryne griffithii, Cryptocoryne minima, Cryptocoryne nurii and Cryptocoryne schulzei. This article also documents the addition of 24 sequencing primer pairs and 24 allele‐specific primers or probes for Aphis glycines.
From Hypertension to Stroke: Mechanisms and Potential Prevention Strategies
Authors: Yu Jian‐Guang , Zhou Rui‐Rui , Cai Guo‐Jun
Published: September 2011

Stroke is a major cause of disability and death worldwide. Prevention aimed at risk factors of stroke is the most effective strategy to curb the stroke pandemic. Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for stroke. Despite the substantial evidence of the benefits of lowering blood pressure, conventional treatment does not normalize the burden of major cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension. Fully understanding the factors involved in the hypertension‐induced stroke helps to develop new strategies for stroke prevention. Antihypertensive therapies selected should have positive blood pressure‐independent effects on stroke risk. This review summarizes the factors involved in the hypertension‐induced stroke, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and arterial baroreflex dysfunction, and potential strategies for its prevention, therefore, provides clues for clinicians.
Tumor markers are elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and do not indicate presence of cancer
Authors: BERGAMASCHI Samuel , MORATO Edelton , BAZZO Maria , NEVES Fabricio , FIALHO Sonia , CASTRO Glaucio , ZIMMERMANN Adriana , PEREIRA Ivanio
Published: September 2011

Aim:  To investigate serum levels of tumor markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their association with disease activity or the presence of cancer.

Method:  We performed an observational cohort study including 100 patients with RA and control subjects. Serum levels of tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen (CA) 125, CA 19–9 and CA 15–3 were evaluated along with clinical and laboratorial RA data. Association tests between tumor markers levels and RA disease activity parameters were performed. Patients with abnormal tests were submitted to further investigation, including chest X‐ray, colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and mammography, depending on the type of tumor marker that was elevated.

Results:  Patients with RA had high levels of CEA and CA 19–9 more frequently than controls (P < 0.05). No correlation was found between tumor markers and RA disease activity assessed by the Disease Activity Score 28. Two neoplasms were found, but only one was related to high tumor marker (an ovarian carcinoma with high CA 125 levels).

Conclusion:  High tumor markers were frequently found in RA patients, even with controlled disease and were not related to actual cancer. Therefore, small increases of these markers in RA cases probably do not warrant a search for an occult neoplasm.
Response to gemcitabine–platinum chemotherapy by single nucleotide polymorphisms of RRM1 and ERCC1 genes in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Oh In‐Jae , Ban Hee‐Jung , Kim Kyu‐Sik , Song Sang‐Yun , Na Kook‐Joo , Kim Yun‐Hyeon , Ahn Sung‐Ja , Choi Song , Cho Hyun‐Ju , Kim Young‐Chul
Published: September 2011

Background:  RRM1, the regulatory subunit of ribonucleotide reductase, is involved in carcinogenesis and the response to gemcitabine. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the RRM1 gene (RR37 and RR524) impact promoter activity and are associated with prognosis. The excision repair cross‐complementation group 1 protein (ERCC1) is associated with platinum resistance. A SNP of the ERCC1 gene (T19007C) has been reported as a prognostic marker in platinum‐treated non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials and methods:  Patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC were treated with gemcitabine and platinum (GP) as first‐line chemotherapy. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological type, followed by squamous cell carcinoma and then other types. SNP were analyzed with real time‐polymerase chain reaction using genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood.

Results:  Based on responses to GP patients were classified as responders or non‐responders. The response rate was significantly higher in patients with the RR AC‐CT genotype (35/64, 54.7%) compared to those with the RR CC‐TT genotype (56/147, 38.1%, P= 0.025). No significant difference in response rate was observed according to ERCC1 genotype. In 128 patients with non‐squamous cell lung cancer, RR AC‐CT + ERCC1 CC (63.2%) and RR AC‐CT + ERCC1 CT/TT (61.9%) showed higher response rates compared to RR CC‐TT + ERCC1 CC (36.5%), and RR CC‐TT + ERCC1 CT/TT (22.2%; P= 0.004). Progression‐free and overall survival times were not different between genotypes.

Conclusions:  We observed significantly different responses to the GP regimen according to SNP of the RRM1 and ERCC1 genes.
Reading development in a tracked school system: A longitudinal study over 3 years using propensity score matching
Authors: Retelsdorf Jan , Becker Michael , Köller Olaf , Möller Jens
Published: September 2011

Background. Assigning students to different school tracks on the basis of their achievement levels is a widely used strategy that aims at giving students the best possible learning opportunity. There is, however, a growing body of literature that questions such positive effects of tracking.

Aims. This study compared the developmental trajectories of reading comprehension and decoding speed between students at academic track schools that typically prepare students for university entrance and students at non‐academic track schools that usually prepare students for vocational education.

Sample. In a longitudinal design with three occasions of data collection, the authors drew on a sample of N= 1,508 5th graders (age at T1 about 11 years, age at T3 about 14 years) from 60 schools in Germany. The academic track sample comprised n= 568 students; the non‐academic track sample comprised n= 940 students.

Method. Achievement measures were obtained by standardized tests of reading comprehension and decoding speed. Students at the different tracks were closely matched using propensity scores. To compare students’ growth trajectories between the different school tracks, we applied multi‐group latent growth curve models.

Results. Comparable results were recorded for the complete (unmatched) sample and for the matched pairs. In all cases, students at the different tracks displayed a similar growth in reading comprehension, whereas larger growth rates for students at academic track schools were recorded for decoding speed.

Conclusions. Our findings contribute to an increasing body of literature suggesting that tracking might have undesired side effects.
The effects of third‐party validation and minimization on judgments of the transgressor and the third party
Authors: Eaton Judy
Published: September 2011

Victims of interpersonal transgressions often turn to friends, family, and trusted others when trying to make sense of negative events. This research explored the effect of two of the many ways that these informal third parties can respond: validating the victim's experience, and downplaying or minimizing the transgression. Two studies found that validation from a third party increases revenge motivations and that minimization of the transgression is more effective than validation at reducing revenge motivations. However, results also indicated that victims judge third parties more positively if they validate rather than minimize the transgression. These findings suggest that, when choosing between validation and minimization, third parties must make a choice between promoting forgiveness and promoting themselves.
Assessing good qualitative research in the work psychology field: A response to the commentaries
Authors: Cassell Catherine , Symon Gillian
Published: September 2011

This article is a response to three commentaries (Halbesleben, 2011; Hickson, 2011 & Locke, 2011) on ‘Assessing “good” qualitative research in the work psychology field: A narrative analysis’ (Cassell & Symon, 2011).
Do infants have a theory of mind?
Authors: Rakoczy Hannes
Published: September 2011

The central question debated in current research on infant social cognition is ‘do infants have a theory of mind?’ It is argued here that this question is understood and treated in radically different ways by different participants of the debate arguing either for (e.g.,Onishi & Baillargeon, 2005) or against early competence in theory of mind (e.g.,Perner & Ruffman, 2005). As a consequence, there is considerable talking past each other, both sides make claims that appear incompatible but are actually answers to different questions and framed at different levels of description. Some conceptual distinctions from the philosophy of mind are therefore introduced to describe the different interpretations of the question and the misunderstandings based thereupon, with the aim of providing some conceptual clarification as groundwork for future debates.
Visual motion integration by neurons in the middle temporal area of a New World monkey, the marmoset
Authors: Solomon Selina S. , Tailby Chris , Gharaei Saba , Camp Aaron J. , Bourne James A. , Solomon Samuel G.
Published: September 2011

Non‐technical summary  The machinery of motion vision is highly conserved across New World and Old World monkeys, according to our study of the marmoset visual cortex. The marmoset is a New World primate, part of a lineage that diverged from Old World monkeys some 30–40 million years ago. A small part of the cerebral cortex, area MT, can be identified anatomically in both New and Old World primates. In the macaque, an Old World primate, this area is thought to be important in analysing the motion of complex patterns. Here we quantified the capacity of neurons in area MT of marmosets to extract motion from complex patterns. We find the responses of neurons in area MT of marmosets to be indistinguishable from those in macaques, suggesting that the functional role of this small area of the visual cortex is highly conserved over evolution.
Strength training increases the size of the satellite cell pool in type I and II fibres of chronically painful trapezius muscle in females
Authors: Mackey Abigail L. , Andersen Lars L. , Frandsen Ulrik , Sjøgaard Gisela
Published: September 2011

Non‐Technical Summary  Exercise has been shown to greatly reduce pain in female computer users suffering from neck pain (myalgia), but understanding of differences between healthy and myalgic muscle at the cellular level is poor. We report a large increase in muscle stem cell number in types I and II fibres with heavy strength training in this population. These findings contribute to understanding of the potential of exercise to influence the activity of cells found in the painful skeletal muscle of individuals suffering from myalgia.
Flow Modifiers for Preventing Sedimentation in Heat Exchangers
Authors: Kulju Timo , Riihimäki Markus , Pääkkönen Tiina M. , Vilhunen Ossi , Lipiäinen Kyösti , Muurinen Esa , Keiski Riitta
Published: September 2011

Heat exchangers are commonly used in process industries; however, fouling, such as sedimentation of particulate material is a significant challenge hindering the efficient use of heat exchangers in a wide range of industrial processes. This research studied the prevention of sedimentation in tube heat exchanger header sections, which typically are the critical areas for sediment accumulation. Numerous flow modifiers were explored, of which the most advantageous ones are presented in this paper. The study included construction and analysis of a miniature, validation of the used CFD model, and finally simulating an industrial scale heat exchanger. This research considered both flow fields and wall shear stresses for reducing sedimentation. The study showed that CFD models are capable of describing flow fields and their spatial variations in heat exchangers especially in their header sections. The selected flow modifier setups increased wall shear stresses in critical areas and hence reduced sedimentation. The presented solution consisted of utilizing different flow modifiers, filling elements, and their combinations. Industry should consider utilizing flow modifiers in heat exchangers as a potential solution to prevent sedimentation. Industrial cases are worth analyzing by using miniatures and CFD modeling. Analyses should pay special attention to flow fields and wall shear stresses. Heat exchangers include also other fouling mechanisms beside sedimentation; however, further study is required to clarify how flow modifiers influence these mechanisms.
Theory of the Short Time Mechanical Relaxation in Articular Cartilage
Authors: Ruberti J. W. , Sokoloff J. B.
Published: September 2011

Articular cartilage is comprised of macromolecules, proteoglycans, with (charged) chondroitin sulfate side-chains attached to them. The proteoglycans are attached to longer hyaluronic acid chains, trapped within a network of type II collagen fibrils. As a consequence of their relatively long persistence lengths, the number of persistence lengths along the chondroitin sulfate and proteoglycan chains is relatively small, and consequently, the retraction times for these side chains are also quite short. We argue that, as a consequence of this, they will not significantly inhibit the reptation of the hyaluronic acid chains. Scaling arguments applied to this model allow us to show that the shortest of the mechanical relaxation times of cartilage, that have been determined by Fyhrie and Barone to be due to reptation of the hyaluronic acid polymers, should have a dependence on the load, i.e., force per unit interface area P, carried by the cartilage, proportional to P3/2.