bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum tryptase correlates with the KIT D816V mutation burden in adults with indolent systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Kristensen Thomas , Broesby‐Olsen Sigurd , Vestergaard Hanne , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten , Møller Michael Boe ,   the Mastocytosis Centre Odense University Hospital (MastOUH)
Published: April 2013

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is characterized by the growth of neoplastic mast cells (MCs). Most adults with indolent SM carry the KIT D816V mutation. We recently introduced the D816V+ allele fraction as a disease marker in SM using a sensitive and quantitative KIT D816V mutation analysis that consistently allows mutation detection in peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM). The D816V+ allele fraction represents a quantitative measure which allows KIT D816V‐positivity to be analyzed as a continuous variable instead of a categorical variable (negative/positive) as previously described. Serum tryptase represents an established disease marker in SM, and it remains to be tested whether tryptase and the D816V+ allele fraction are associated or represent independent disease markers. In this study, correlation analysis between serum tryptase, the D816V+ allele fraction in PB and BM, and the MC fraction was performed in 57 indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) patients. We detected significant correlations between the D816V+ allele fraction, the mature neoplastic MC fraction, and serum tryptase which represent three different biological measures of disease burden. Mutation analysis was performed in two or more PB samples in 39 patients, and the results demonstrated high stability with no overall tendency to increasing D816V+ allele fractions over time. Considerable variation was nevertheless observed in the correlation analyses. Serum tryptase reflects the mature MC load, whereas the D816V+ allele fraction includes cells other than mature MCs to a variable extent. We conclude that tryptase and the D816V+ allele fraction represent different, although correlated, measures of disease status in SM.
Discrepant ratios of arterial vs. venous thrombosis in hemophilias A and B as compared to FVII deficiency
Authors: Girolami Antonio , Berti de Marinis Giulia , Bertozzi Irene , Peroni Edoardo , Tasinato Valentina , Lombardi Anna Maria
Published: April 2013

Background

The occurrence of a thrombotic event in congenital bleeding disorders has drawn considerable attention in recent years. Both patients with hemophilia and patients with von Willebrand disease and even those with rare coagulation disorders have been shown to present occasional thrombotic events. Little is known on the comparative prevalence of arterial vs. venous thrombosis in these patients.

Objectives

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the prevalence of arterial vs. venous occlusions in hemophilia A and B vs. FVII deficiency.

Methods

A time unlimited search of the literature was carried out using pertinent key words. Arterial or venous occlusions had to be proven by objective methods.

Results

Eighty‐five patients with hemophilia A or B have been reported to have had an arterial occlusion vs. six cases of FVII deficiency. On the contrary, 34 patients with hemophilia A or B and 32 cases with FVII deficiency have been reported to have presented with a venous thrombosis. The ratios of arterial vs. venous thrombosis are 3.72, 1.13, and 2.50 for hemophilia A, hemophilia B, and hemophilia A + B combined, respectively, and 0.19 for FVII deficiency.

Conclusions

Hemophilia A and hemophilia B do not protect from arterial occlusions (mainly acute coronary syndromes), whereas they assure some protection from venous thrombosis. The opposite seems true for FVII deficiency. The potential significance of this discrepancy is discussed.
Effect of periodontal therapy on the subgingival microbiota over a 2‐year monitoring period. I. Overall effect and kinetics of change
Authors: Socransky Sigmund S. , Haffajee Anne D. , Teles Ricardo , Wennstrom Jan L. , Lindhe Jan , Bogren Anna , Hasturk Hatice , van Dyke Thomas , Wang Xiaoshan , Goodson Jo Max
Published: April 2013

Aim

To examine the 2‐year post‐therapy kinetics of change in the composition of subgingival biofilms.

Material and Methods

In this study, 178 chronic periodontitis subjects were recruited and clinically monitored at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after therapy. All subjects received scaling and root planing and 156 one or more of periodontal surgery, systemically administered amoxicillin + metronidazole or local tetracycline at pockets ≥5 mm. Subgingival biofilm samples taken from each subject at each time point were analysed for their content of 40 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization. The significance of changes in median species counts over time was sought using the Wilcoxon or Friedman tests and adjusted for multiple comparisons.

Results

Mean counts were significantly reduced from baseline to 2 years for 30 of the 40 taxa. Marked reductions were observed for periodontal pathogens including Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola and Eubacterium nodatum. The kinetics of change differed from species to species. When data were subset according to baseline PD, patterns of change in the microbial profiles were generally similar.

Conclusion

Periodontal therapy leads to a rapid reduction in periodontal pathogens, followed by a slower reduction in other taxa that can be sustained for at least 2 years.
Endovascular Treatment of Posttraumatic Carotid‐Cavernous Fistulas and Pseudoaneurysms with Covered Stents
Authors: He Xin‐Hong , Li Wen‐Tao , Peng Wei‐Jun , Lu Jian‐Ping , Liu Qi , Zhao Rui
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE

The treatment of posttraumatic direct carotid‐cavernous fistulas (TCCFs) with detachable balloons (DBs) is associated with relatively high recanalization rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using covered stents in patients with posttraumatic carotid‐cavernous fistulas (CCFs) and pseudoaneurysms.

METHODS

Twelve patients with posttraumatic CCFs and 3 with pseudoaneurysms following detachable balloon deployment referred for treatment with covered stents were enrolled into this prospective study. Data on technical success, initial and final angiography results, mortality, morbidity, and the final clinical outcome, were retrospectively collected and analyzed at 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 12‐months, and then annually.

RESULTS

The navigation and deployment of the covered stents to the target CCF were technically successful in 14 of the 15 attempted stents, giving a successful technical rate of 93.3%. Angiography poststent placement showed complete occlusion in 11 patients with 11 CCFs, and incomplete occlusion in 3. Follow‐up angiography revealed complete occlusion and no obvious in‐stent stenosis in any patient. Clinical follow‐up demonstrated full recovery in 13 patients, and an unchanged status in 1.

CONCLUSION

These preliminary results indicate that the use of a covered stent is a feasible procedure for the treatment CCFs and pseudoaneurysms.
Atlas of vertebrate decay: a visual and taphonomic guide to fossil interpretation
Authors: Sansom Robert S. , Gabbott Sarah E. , Purnell Mark A.
Published: April 2013

Like many other important evolutionary transitions, our knowledge of the origin of vertebrates is limited to windows of exceptional preservation of soft‐bodied fossils. Unfortunately, these fossils are rare and have been subjected to complex taphonomic filters including decay, collapse and distortion. To maximize our ability to utilize these crucial fossils to reconstruct the timing and sequence of evolutionary events, we are in the need of a robust taphonomic framework with in which to interpret them. Here, we report the results of a series of experiments designed to examine patterns of transformation and loss during decay of important anatomical characters of chordates and primitive vertebrates (ammocoete, adult lamprey, hagfish, juvenile chondrichthyans and a non‐vertebrate chordate,Branchiostoma). Complex and repeated patterns of transformation during decay are identified and figured for informative character complexes including eyes, feeding apparatus, skull and brain, muscles, branchial apparatus, axial structures, viscera, heart and fins. The resulting data regarding character decay and relative loss serve as a guide to recognition and interpretation of the anatomy of non‐biomineralized fossil vertebrates. The methods and techniques outlined are eminently applicable to other soft‐bodied groups and present a new way to interpret the exceptionally preserved fossil record.
Chemical taphonomy of biomineralized tissues
Authors: Trueman Clive N.
Published: April 2013

Biomineralized tissues are chemically altered after death, and this diagenetic alteration can obscure original biological chemical features or provide new chemical information about the depositional environment. To use the chemistry of fossil biominerals to reconstruct biological, environmental or taphonomic information, a solid appreciation of biomineralization, mineral diagenesis and biomineral–water interaction is needed. Here, I summarize the key recent developments in the fields of biomineralization and post‐mortem trace element exchange that have significant implications for our understanding of the diagenetic behaviour of biominerals and the ways in which biomineral chemistry can be used in palaeontological and taphonomic research.
Increased pfmdr1 copy number in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Suriname
Authors: Labadie‐Bracho Mergiory , Adhin Malti R.
Published: April 2013

Amplification of the pfmdr1 gene is associated with clinical failures and reduced in vivo and in vitro sensitivity to both mefloquine and artemether–lumefantrine in South‐East Asia. Several African countries have reported the absence or very low prevalence of increased copy number, whilst South American reports are limited to Peru without and Venezuela with increased pfmdr1 multiplication. The relative pfmdr1 copy numbers were assessed in 68 isolates from Suriname collected from different endemic villages (2005) and from mining areas (2009). 11% of the isolates harbour multiple copies of the pfmdr1 gene. Isolates originating from mining areas do not yet display a higher tendency for increased copy number and no significant differences could be registered within a time span of 4 years, but the mere presence of increased copy number warrants caution and should be considered as an early warning sign for emerging drug resistance in Suriname and South America.
The presence of diatom algae in a tracheal wash from a German Wirehaired Pointer with aspiration pneumonia
Authors: Benson Catherine J. , Edlund Mark B. , Gray Sarah , Powell Lisa , Paulin‐Curlee Geisa , Armien Anibal , Overmann Jed A.
Published: April 2013

A 7‐year‐old spayed female German Wirehaired Pointer was presented with difficulty breathing after being found seizing in a water‐filled drainage ditch while out hunting. Aspirates from a tracheal wash contained numerous degenerate neutrophils, fewer macrophages, some of which contained basophilic debris, low numbers of extracellular diatoms, and a single intracellular short bacterial rod. As the dog continued to clinically decline and could not be weaned from oxygen support, the owners chose euthanasia. The major necropsy finding was a severe granulomatous bronchopneumonia that was likely due to aspiration of foreign material based on the microscopic presence of plant‐like material, bi‐refringent crystalline material, non‐cellular debris, and occasional fungal structures. Diatoms are a class of algae that live primarily in water. Diatom analysis has been used, with some controversy, in human forensics to assist in documenting drowning as the cause of death. In this case, given the clinical history, the presence of diatoms and inflammation in the tracheal wash were interpreted as a likely result of the aspiration of surface water. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of diatoms observed in a cytologic specimen in a nonhuman mammal with aspiration pneumonia.
Validation of the IDS Octeia ELISA for the determination of insulin‐like growth factor 1 in equine serum and tendon tissue extracts
Authors: Lygren Tone , Schjerling Peter , Jacobsen Stine , Berg Lise C. , Nielsen Mette O. , Langberg Henning , Thomsen Preben D.
Published: April 2013

Background

Insulin‐like growth factor (IGF‐1) is an important mediator of tissue repair in horses.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether IGF‐1 could be measured reliably in equine serum and tendon tissue extracts, using an IGF‐1 ELISA kit developed for human serum and plasma.

Methods

A glycyl‐glycine pretreatment protocol of samples was compared with the pretreatment procedure recommended by the manufacturer. Intra‐ and inter‐assay imprecision were evaluated by repeated measurements of equine serum pools. Assay inaccuracy was determined based on the linearity of serially diluted equine serum samples and tendon tissue extracts. The recovery of IGF‐1 was evaluated in serum and tendon tissue extracts spiked with known amounts of IGF‐1.

Results

The range of IGF‐1 released using the manufacturer's pretreatment was between 23% and 56% of the amount released using the gly‐gly pretreatment in different equine samples. In serum pools with low, intermediate, and high IGF‐1 concentrations, intra‐assay imprecision was 4.0%, 4.0%, and 3.1%, respectively, and inter‐assay imprecision was 13.9%, 7.3%, and 12.8%, respectively. The recovery of serially diluted serum was 96 ± 3% when diluted with serum, and 72 ± 15% when diluted with PBS. The recovery after dilution was 108 ± 17% in tendon tissue extracts. Recovery from serum spiked with a fixed amount of IGF‐1 was 101 ± 5% and 99 ± 7% from tendon tissue samples.

Conclusions

The IDS Octeia IGF‐1 ELISA kit can be used for measuring IGF‐1 in equine serum and tendon tissue extract after pretreatment with glycyl‐glycine.
Serum alpha1‐proteinase inhibitor concentrations in healthy dogs – method validation and determination of reference interval and intra‐individual variation
Authors: Heilmann Romy M. , Ruaux Craig G. , Burgener Iwan A. , Hern Jennifer D. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: April 2013

Background

A chronic loss of canine α1‐proteinase inhibitor (cα1‐PI) into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract could change the systemic proteinase‐proteinase inhibitor balance. Serum cα1‐PIconcentrations have not been studied in dogs with well‐definedGIdiseases.

Objectives

To further evaluate serum cα1‐PIconcentrations in dogs withGIdiseases, the objectives of this study were to (1) analytically validate a previously developed fecal cα1‐PIimmunoassay to determine serum concentrations, (2) determine a population‐based reference interval (RI) and assess the clinical utility, (3) determine stability of serum cα1‐PI, (4) determine the intra‐individual variation in healthy dogs, and (5) determine the clinically relevant magnitude of change of serum cα1‐PI.

Methods

Prestudy validation of the125I‐cα1‐PIimmunoassay included linearity, spiking recovery, and intra‐ and inter‐assay precision. ARIwas calculated with samples of healthy dogs. Stability at −20°C was tested on 36 samples. Intra‐individual variation was assessed using samples collected from 11 healthy dogs over a 12‐week period.

Results

The cα1‐PI radioimmunoassay (RIA)was linear, accurate, precise, and reproducible. Serum cα1‐PIdecreased by 11% after one year at −20°C. Analytical, intra‐individual, inter‐individual, and total variation were 6.4, 9.9, 9.0, and 25.3%, respectively. TheRIfor serum cα1‐PIwas 732–1802 mg/L (n = 87); there were no differences between sex and age groups. The index of individuality was 1.31. As analytical variation was > ½ inter‐individual variation, the minimum critical difference was not determined.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide the basis for further evaluating serum cα1‐PIin dogs withGIdisease. Using a population‐basedRIfor serum cα1‐PIappears to be appropriate.
Diagnosis of rickettsial diseases in dogs and cats
Authors: Allison Robin W. , Little Susan E.
Published: April 2013

Rickettsial agents, including those in the generaAnaplasma,Ehrlichia,Neorickettsia, andRickettsia, are important and common vector‐borne pathogens of dogs and cats. Disease induced by these organisms ranges from clinically inapparent to severe and potentially fatal. However, laboratory confirmation of a rickettsial etiology can be complicated by a number of factors, including the wide spectrum of disease induced by these organisms, an often low and widely fluctuating level of organism present in infected animals, cross‐reactions on serologic and molecular assays, and the presence of co‐infections. Correct diagnosis is most likely to be reached when multiple diagnostic strategies, including careful microscopic examination of stained blood films or tissues, both specific and broad serologic tests, and a suite of molecular detection assays, are used in concert. Accurate interpretation of diagnostic tests requires awareness of the likelihood for multiple agents, including novel organisms, to be responsible for the results seen in a given patient. This review provides an overview of current strategies used to diagnose rickettsial infections in dogs and cats.
Deletion ofv-chiAfrom a Baculovirus Reduces Horizontal Transmission in the Field
Authors: D'Amico Vincent , Slavicek James , Podgwaite John D. , Webb Ralph , Fuester Roger , Peiffer Randall A.
Published: April 2013

Nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) can initiate devastating disease outbreaks in populations of defoliating Lepidoptera, a fact that has been exploited for the purposes of biological control of some pest insects. A key part of the horizontal transmission process of NPVs is the degradation of the larval integument by virus-coded proteins called chitinases, such as V-CHIA produced by thev-chiAgenes. We used recombinant and naturally occurring strains of theLymantria disparNPV (LdMNPV) to test horizontal transmission in the field, release of virus from dead larvae under laboratory conditions, and cell lysis and virus release in cell culture. In the field, strains of LdMNPV lacking functionalv-chiAgenes showed reduced horizontal transmission compared to wild-type or repaired strains. These findings were mirrored by a marked reduction in released virus in laboratory tests and cell culture when the same strains were used to infect larvae or cells. Thus, this study tests the pivotal role of liquefaction and thev-chiAgene in field transmission for the first time and uses complementary laboratory data to provide a likely explanation for our findings.
Spatial Distribution and Factors Shaping the Niche Segregation of Ammonia-Oxidizing Microorganisms in the Qiantang River, China
Authors: Liu Shuai , Shen Lidong , Lou Liping , Tian Guangming , Zheng Ping , Hu Baolan
Published: April 2013

Ammonia oxidation is performed by both ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). However, the current knowledge of the distribution, diversity, and relative abundance of these two microbial groups in freshwater sediments is insufficient. We examined the spatial distribution and analyzed the possible factors leading to the niche segregation of AOA and AOB in the sediments of the Qiantang River, using clone library construction and quantitative PCR for both archaeal and bacterial
amoA
genes. pH and NH
4
+
-N content had a significant effect on AOA abundance and AOA operational taxonomy unit (OTU) numbers. pH and organic carbon content influenced the ratio of AOA/AOB OTU numbers significantly. The influence of these factors showed an obvious spatial trend along the Qiantang River. This result suggested that AOA may contribute more than AOB to the upstream reaches of the Qiantang River, where the pH is lower and the organic carbon and NH
4
+
-N contents are higher, but AOB were the principal driver of nitrification downstream, where the opposite environmental conditions were present.
Constitutively Opa-Expressing and Opa-Deficient Neisseria gonorrhoeae Strains Differentially Stimulate and Survive Exposure to Human Neutrophils
Authors: Ball Louise M. , Criss Alison K.
Published: April 2013

The
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(the gonococcus [Gc]) opacity-associated (Opa) proteins mediate bacterial binding and internalization by human epithelial cells and neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs]). Investigating the contribution of Opa proteins to gonococcal pathogenesis is complicated by high-frequency phase variation of the
opa
genes. We therefore engineered a derivative of Gc strain FA1090 in which all
opa
genes were deleted in frame, termed Opaless. Opaless Gc remained uniformly Opa negative (Opa
−
), whereas cultures of predominantly Opa
−
parental Gc and an intermediate lacking the “translucent” subset of
opa
genes (Δ
opaBEGK
) stochastically gave rise to Opa-positive (Opa
+
) bacterial colonies. Loss of Opa expression did not affect Gc growth. Opaless Gc survived exposure to primary human PMNs and suppressed the PMN oxidative burst akin to parental, Opa
−
bacteria. Notably, unopsonized Opaless Gc was internalized by adherent, chemokine-primed, primary human PMNs, by an actin-dependent process. When a non-phase-variable, in-frame allele of FA1090
opaD
was reintroduced into Opaless Gc, the bacteria induced the PMN oxidative burst, and OpaD
+
Gc survived less well after exposure to PMNs compared to Opa
−
bacteria. These derivatives provide a robust system for assessing the role of Opa proteins in Gc biology.
Biofilms 2012: New Discoveries and Significant Wrinkles in a Dynamic Field
Authors: Haussler Susanne , Fuqua Clay
Published: April 2013

The ASM 6th Conference on Biofilms was held in Miami, Florida, 29 September to 4 October, 2012. The conference provided an opportunity for the exchange of new findings and ideas with regard to biofilm research. A wide range of findings, spanning applied biology, evolution, ecology, physiology, and molecular biology, were presented at the conference. This review summarizes the presentations with regard to emerging biofilm-related themes.
Effects of a 20-month cluster randomised controlled school-based intervention trial on BMI of school-aged boys and girls: the HEIA study
Authors: Grydeland May , Bjelland Mona , Anderssen Sigmund Alfred , Klepp Knut-Inge , Bergh Ingunn Holden , Andersen Lene Frost , Ommundsen Yngvar , Lien Nanna
Published: April 2013

Background

School-based interventions that target prevention of overweight and obesity in children have been tested with mixed results. Thus, successful interventions are still called for. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of a multicomponent school-based intervention programme targeting physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviours on anthropometric outcomes.

Methods

A 20-month intervention was evaluated in a cluster randomised, controlled study of 1324 11-year-olds. Outcome variables were body mass index (BMI), BMI-for-age z-score (BMIz), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WTHR) and weight status (International Obesity Task Force's cut-offs). Weight, height and WC were measured objectively; pubertal status was self-reported and parental education was self-reported by the parents. Intervention effects were determined by one-way analysis of covariance and logistic regression, after checking for clustering effects of school, and moderating effects of gender, pubertal status and parental education.

Results

Beneficial effects were found for BMI (p=0.02) and BMIz (p=0.003) in girls, but not in boys. While a beneficial effect was found for BMI (p=0.03) in participants of parents reporting a high level of education, a negative effect was found for WTHR in participants with parents reporting a low level of education (p=0.003). There were no intervention effects for WC and weight status.

Conclusions

A multicomponent 20-month school-based intervention had a beneficial effect on BMI and BMIz in adolescent girls, but not in boys. Furthermore, children of higher educated parents seemed to benefit more from the intervention, and this needs attention in future interventions to avoid further increase in social inequalities in overweight and obesity.
Association of type XI collagen genes with chronic Achilles tendinopathy in independent populations from South Africa and Australia
Authors: Hay Melanie , Patricios Jon , Collins Robert , Branfield Andy , Cook Jill , Handley Christopher J , September Alison V , Posthumus Michael , Collins Malcolm
Published: April 2013

Background

Type XI collagen, which is expressed in developing tendons and is encoded by theCOL11A1,COL11A2andCOL2A1genes, shares structural and functional homology with type V collagen, which plays an important role in collagen fibril assembly. We investigated the association of these three polymorphisms with Achilles tendinopathy (AT) and whether these polymorphisms interact withCOL5A1to modulate the risk of AT.

Methods

184 participants diagnosed with chronic AT (TEN) and 338 appropriately matched asymptomatic controls (CON) were genotyped for the three polymorphisms.

Results

Although there were no independent associations with AT, the TCT pseudohaplotype constructed from rs3753841 (T/C), rs1676486 (C/T) and rs1799907 (T/A) was significantly over-represented (p=0.006) in the TEN (25.9%) compared with the CON (17.1%) group. The TCT(AGGG) pseudohaplotypes constructed using these type XI collagen polymorphisms and the functionalCOL5A1rs71746744 (-/AGGG) polymorphism were also significantly over-represented (p<0.001) in the TEN (25.2%) compared with the CON (9.1%) group.

Discussion

The genes encoding structural and functionally related type XI (COL11A1andCOL11A2) and type V (COL5A1) collagens interact with one another to collectively modulate the risk for AT. Although there are no immediate clinical applications, the results of this study provide additional evidence that interindividual variations in collagen fibril assembly might be an important molecular mechanism in the aetiology of chronic AT.
Suicide following the death of a sibling: a nationwide follow-up study from Sweden
Authors: Rostila Mikael , Saarela Jan , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: April 2013

Objectives

The death of a sibling can trigger grief and depression. Sibling deaths from external causes may be particularly detrimental, since they are often sudden. We aimed to examine the association between the death of an adult sibling from external causes and the risk of suicide among surviving siblings up to 18 years after bereavement. We adjusted for intrafamily correlation in death risks, which might occur because of shared genetics and shared early-life experiences of siblings in the same family.

Design

A follow-up study between 1981 and 2002 based on the total population.

Setting

Sweden.

Participants

Swedes aged 25–64 years (n=1 748 069).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Suicide from the Swedish cause of death register.

Results

An increased risk of mortality from suicide was found among persons who had experienced the death of a sibling. In women, the suicide risk was 1.55 times that of non-bereaved persons (95% CI 0.99 to 2.44), and in men it was 1.28 times higher (95% CI 0.93 to 1.77). If one sibling committed suicide, the risk of the remaining sibling also committing suicide was 3.19 (95% CI 1.23 to 8.25) among women and 2.44 (95% CI 1.34 to 4.45) among men. Associations with other main causes of death—such as external other than suicide, cardiovascular diseases or cancer—were generally much smaller and statistically not significant in either sex. We found no clear support for a specific time pattern according to time since a sibling's death.

Conclusions

Our study provided evidence for suicide risk associated with the death of a sibling at adult age, revealing that bereaved persons’ risk of suicide is higher when siblings die from suicide, even when adjusting for intrafamily correlation in death risks.
High rates of head injury among homeless and low-income housed men: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Svoboda Tomislav , Ramsay Jason T
Published: April 2013

Objective

To examine the predictors and temporal patterns of head injury (HI) presentation in the emergency department among cohorts of homeless and low-income housed men.

Methods

Retrospective review and logistic regression of HIs found in emergency department records for three groups of men, those: (1) who were chronically homeless with drinking problems (CHDP) (n=50), (2) in the general homeless population (GH) (n=60) and (3) in low-income housing (LIH) (n=59).

Results

The proportion of individuals with non-minimal HIs documented in the previous year were 28%, 3% and 5% with annual rates of 0.47, 0.017 and 0.037 among the CHDP, GH and LIH groups (p<0.0001). In the multivariate model, independent associations with having an HI included: an HI in the previous year (OR 11.8, 95% CI 3.83 to 36.4), drug dependence (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.11 to 12.13) and seizures (OR 3.50, 95% CI 1.13 to 10.90), while mood-disorders were protective. Homelessness had a crude risk increase of HI (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.21 to 8.23) but was not significant in the multivariate model. Among those with HIs, chronic homelessness with drinking problems was associated with a higher rate of HI. With each successive HI, the time interval to another HI was 12 days shorter (p=0.0004). The chronic subdural haematoma incidence in the under-65-year-old CHDP group was 11 per 1000 (95% CI 2.8 to 45).

Conclusions

Having an HI is better predicted by previous head injuries, drug dependence or a seizure disorder than a history of homelessness or alcohol dependence. HIs may become more frequent with time.
Cross-sectional study of the characteristics, healthcare usage, morbidity and mortality of injecting drug users attending an inner city emergency department
Authors: O'Connor Gerard , McGinty Tara , Yeung Sarah Jane , O'Shea Daire , Macken Alan , Brazil Eamon , Mallon Patrick
Published: April 2013

Background

The affliction of injecting drug use (IDU) has resulted in the emergence of a subgroup of people with a unique set of medical issues. We aimed to describe the emergency department (ED) presentations of IDUs.

Methods

In a prospective observational study over a 3-month period, we identified characteristics of patients with a history of active IDU presenting to the ED.

Results

From 1 January 2010 to 31 March 2010, 146 patients with a history of IDU were identified. These contributed to 222 acute presentations to the ED. Baseline characteristics revealed that patients were predominantly male, of Irish nationality, with high levels of homelessness, unemployment and lack of stable family or intimate partner relationships. 45% of presentations occurred as a result of infection (95% CI 38.5% to 51.5%). Trauma, pure toxicological issues, thromboembolic phenomena and psychiatric issues comprised the other common acute diagnoses. The burden of comorbid medical illness was substantial with high rates of hepatitis C infection (74%) and HIV infection (13.8%). Healthcare utilisation indices for this cohort are extreme on multiple measures. We found an ED attendance rate of 445 per 100 patient-years, an admission rate of 68.8 per 100 patient-years and mortality rate of 4.86 per 100 patient-years.

Conclusions

Our study characterises the emergency presentations of active IDUs. We describe considerable acute and chronic medical consequences and high healthcare utilisation associated with IDU. This study is of particular relevance to any institution that provides acute medical care to this group of patients.
Smoking-related interstitial fibrosis (SRIF): pathologic findings and distinction from other chronic fibrosing lung diseases
Authors: Katzenstein Anna-Luise A
Published: April 2013

Smoking-related interstitial fibrosis (SRIF) is a common, histologically striking finding in smokers that must be distinguished from the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias and other chronic interstitial fibrosing lesions. It is characterised by marked thickening of alveolar septa by fibrosis composed of thick collagen bundles that have a distinctive hyalinised quality and often are admixed with variable numbers of hyperplastic smooth muscle fibres. There is minimal accompanying inflammation. This fibrosis is usually most prominent in subpleural and centrilobular parenchyma, but can be present elsewhere as well. It is accompanied by emphysema and respiratory bronchiolitis. Most patients are asymptomatic or only mildly symptomatic, and the clinical course is stable in most. This paper reviews the pathologic features of SRIF in detail, its differentiation from more ominous interstitial fibrosing processes, and the clinical implications of its diagnosis.
p63 And p53 expression in extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type
Authors: Ye Ziyin , Cao Qinghua , Niu Gang , Liang Yingjie , Liu Yongdong , Jiang Lili , Yu Xiaoling , Han Anjia
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To investigate the pathological and clinical meaning of p63 in extranodal nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL).

Methods

We detected p63 and p53 expression using immunohistochemistry staining in 84 cases of NKTCL from Southern of China, an area with a well known high incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which is closely associated with Epstein–Barr virus infection. Moreover, we analysed the relationship between p63 and p53 expression and the clinicopathological features of NKTCL.

Results

Our results first showed that p63 expression was found in 14.3% (12/84) of NKTCL compared with 6.6% (2/30) in reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of nasopharynx. p63 Expression rate in NKTCL was significantly higher than that in reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of nasopharynx (p=0.016). NKTCL patients with p63 positivity had poorer 5-year overall survival rate (29.2%) than that (49.9%) of p63 negativity. p53 expression was found in 33.3% (28/84) of NKTCL. Our data showed that p53 expression was significantly associated with tumour stage (p=0.016) and international prognostic index (p=0.026) in patients with NKTCL. Cox regression test showed that p53 expression rate and international prognostic index score were statistically independent prognostic factors for NKTCL patients (p=0.002 and p=0.016, respectively). Our results suggest that p63 and p53 might play a role in pathogenesis of NKTCL.
Aggressive variants of follicular cell derived thyroid carcinoma; the so called ‘Real Thyroid Carcinomas’
Authors: Baloch Zubair , LiVolsi Virginia A , Tondon Rashmi
Published: April 2013

The pathological diagnoses and classification schemes for thyroid carcinoma have changed over the past 20 years and continue to do so. New entities have been described and molecular analyses have suggested better characterisation and grouping of certain tumours. Because some of the lesions have been named differently by different authors, clinicians and patients may be confused as to what a specific patient's lesion represents. In this review, we discuss the thyroid tumours of follicular origin which are clinically unusual but important to recognise as their behaviour may be aggressive, they may not respond to radioiodine treatment and they may cause significant mortality. This paper describes these important but rare lesions, their pathological features, important clinicopathological correlations, molecular correlates and prognostic implications.
Gene of the month:KRAS
Authors: Chetty Runjan , Govender Dhirendra
Published: April 2013

This is a general overview of KRAS, its structure and role in pertinent cancers. Also its role in determining adjuvant therapy is discussed.
What is the actual cost of providing the intrauterine system for contraception in a UK community sexual and reproductive health setting?
Authors: Cook Louise , Fleming Charlotte
Published: April 2013

Background

The anticipated increase in uptake of intrauterine system (IUS) fittings is slower than predicted by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). There is evidence to suggest that this is because of a high perceived cost of providing this contraceptive method. Whereas studies to date have all guessed at these costs, we calculated the actual costs of providing the IUS.

Methods

We tracked the notes of 283 women who had an IUS fitted in our community sexual and reproductive health service for 5 years. We recorded duration of use, measured the actual cost of all appointments and interventions over the lifespan of the device, and compared our findings with NICE predicted costs.

Results

With 70% complete follow-up, the average duration of use of the IUS was 3.44 years compared to NICE's prediction of 3.32. The average annual cost of providing an IUS for contraception in community clinics was £54.55 per woman; this compares with £70.49 modelled by NICE for provision in primary care. Most (80%) of the cost is incurred in the first year. The cost of managing problems is small.

Conclusions

Providing the IUS for contraception was 23% cheaper in the present study than that predicted by NICE and cheaper than providing combined oral contraception in our service. Fitting IUSs in community clinics may be cheaper than in primary care. Streamlining the patient pathway will reduce costs further. Restricting access to the IUS because of initial cost is a false economy.
Initial clinical experience with the ADAPT technique: A direct aspiration first pass technique for stroke thrombectomy
Authors: Turk Aquilla S , Spiotta Alex , Frei Don , Mocco J , Baxter Blaise , Fiorella David , Siddiqui Adnan , Mokin Maxim , Dewan Michael , Woo Henry , Turner Raymond , Hawk Harris , Miranpuri Amrendra , Chaudry Imran
Published: April 2013

Background

The development of new revascularization devices has improved recanalization rates and time but not clinical outcomes. We report our initial results with a new technique utilizing a direct aspiration first pass technique with a large bore aspiration catheter as the primary method for vessel recanalization.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation of a prospectively captured database of 37 patients at six institutions was performed on patients where the ADAPT technique was utilized. The data represent the initial experience with this technique.

Results

The ADAPT technique alone was successful in 28 of 37 (75%) cases although six cases had large downstream emboli that required additional aspiration. Nine cases required the additional use of a stent retriever and one case required the addition of a Penumbra aspiration separator to achieve recanalization. The average time from groin puncture to at least Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (TICI) 2b recanalization was 28.1 min, and all cases were successfully revascularized. TICI 3 recanalization was achieved 65% of the time. On average, patients presented with an admitting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 16.3 and improved to an NIHSS score of 4.2 by the time of hospital discharge. There was one procedural complication.

Discussion

This initial experience highlights the fact that the importance of the technique with which new stroke thrombectomy devices are used may be as crucial as the device itself. The ADAPT technique is a simple and effective approach to acute ischemic stroke thrombectomy. Utilizing the latest generation of large bore aspiration catheters in this fashion has allowed us to achieve excellent clinical and angiographic outcomes.
Adenylyl cyclase type 5 in cardiac disease, metabolism, and aging
Authors: Vatner Stephen F. , Park Misun , Yan Lin , Lee Grace J. , Lai Lo , Iwatsubo Kousaku , Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Pessin Jeffrey , Vatner Dorothy E.
Published: April 2013

G protein-coupled receptor/adenylyl cyclase (AC)/cAMP signaling is crucial for all cellular responses to physiological and pathophysiological stimuli. There are nine isoforms of membrane-bound AC, with type 5 being one of the two major isoforms in the heart. Since the role of AC in the heart in regulating cAMP and acute changes in inotropic and chronotropic state are well known, this review will address our current understanding of the distinct regulatory role of the AC5 isoform in response to chronic stress. Transgenic overexpression of AC5 in cardiomyocytes of the heart (AC5-Tg) improves baseline cardiac function but impairs the ability of the heart to withstand stress. For example, chronic catecholamine stimulation induces cardiomyopathy, which is more severe in AC5-Tg mice, mediated through the AC5/sirtuin 1/forkhead box O3a pathway. Conversely, disrupting AC5, i.e., AC5 knockout, protects the heart from chronic catecholamine cardiomyopathy as well as the cardiomyopathies resulting from chronic pressure overload or aging. Moreover, AC5 knockout results in a 30% increase in a healthy life span, resembling the most widely studied model of longevity, i.e., calorie restriction. These two models of longevity share similar gene regulation in the heart, muscle, liver, and brain in that they are both protected against diabetes, obesity, and diabetic and aging cardiomyopathy. A pharmacological inhibitor of AC5 also provides protection against cardiac stress, diabetes, and obesity. Thus AC5 inhibition has novel, potential therapeutic applicability to several diseases not only in the heart but also in aging, diabetes, and obesity.
Quantitative microscopy of the lung: a problem-based approach. Part 1: basic principles of lung stereology
Authors: Ochs Matthias , Mühlfeld Christian
Published: April 2013

The growing awareness of the importance of accurate morphometry in lung research has recently motivated the publication of guidelines set forth by a combined task force of the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society ( 20 ). This official ATS/ERS Research Policy Statement provides general recommendations on which stereological methods are to be used in quantitative microscopy of the lung. However, to integrate stereology into a particular experimental study design, investigators are left with the problem of how to implement this in practice. Specifically, different animal models of human lung disease require the use of different stereological techniques and may determine the mode of lung fixation, tissue processing, preparation of sections, and other things. Therefore, the present companion articles were designed to allow a short practically oriented introduction into the concepts of design-based stereology (Part 1) and to provide recommendations for choosing the most appropriate methods to investigate a number of important disease models (Part 2). Worked examples with illustrative images will facilitate the practical performance of equivalent analyses. Study algorithms provide comprehensive surveys to ensure that no essential step gets lost during the multistage workflow. Thus, with this review, we hope to close the gap between theory and practice and enhance the use of stereological techniques in pulmonary research.
The Effect of Saturated Fatty Acids on Methanogenesis and Cell Viability ofMethanobrevibacter ruminantium
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Meile Leo , Kreuzer Michael , Zeitz Johanna O.
Published: April 2013

Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) are known to suppress ruminal methanogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms are not well known. In the present study, inhibition of methane formation, cell membrane permeability (potassium efflux), and survival rate (LIVE/DEAD staining) of pure ruminalMethanobrevibacter ruminantium(DSM 1093) cell suspensions were tested for a number of SFAs. Methane production rate was not influenced by low concentrations of lauric (C12; 1 μg/mL), myristic (C14; 1 and 5 μg/mL), or palmitic (C16; 3 and 5 μg/mL) acids, while higher concentrations were inhibitory. C12and C14were most inhibitory. Stearic acid (C18), tested at 10–80 μg/mL and ineffective at 37°C, decreased methane production rate by half or more at 50°C and ≥50 μg/mL. Potassium efflux was triggered by SFAs (C12= C14> C16> C18= control), corroborating data on methane inhibition. Moreover, the exposure to C12and C14decreased cell viability to close to zero, while 40% of control cells remained alive after 24 h. Generally, tested SFAs inhibited methanogenesis, increased cell membrane permeability, and decreased survival ofM. ruminantiumin a dose- and time-dependent way. These results give new insights into how the methane suppressing effect of SFAs could be mediated in methanogens.
New Results on Impulsive Functional Differential Equations with Infinite Delays
Authors: Yang Jie , Xie Bing
Published: April 2013

We investigate the stability for a class of impulsive functional differential equations with infinite delays by using Lyapunov functions and Razumikhin-technique. Some new Razumikhin-type theorems on stability are obtained, which shows that impulses do contribute to the system’s stability behavior. An example is also given to illustrate the importance of our results.
Hardware Architecture Design for WSN Runtime Extension
Authors: Asensio Ángel , Blasco Rubén , Marco Álvaro , Casas Roberto
Published: April 2013

Internet of Things imposes demanding requirements on wireless sensor networks as key players in context awareness procurement. Temporal and spatial ubiquities are one of the essential features that meet technology boundaries in terms of energy management. Limited energy availability makes anywhere and anytime sensing a challenging task that forces sensor nodes to wisely use every bit of available power. One of the earliest and most determining decisions in the electronic design stage is the choice of the silicon building blocks that will conform hardware architecture. Designers have to choose between dual architectures (based on a low-power microcontroller controlling a radio module) and single architectures (based on a system on chip). This decision, together with finite state machine design and application firmware, is crucial to minimize power consumption while maintaining expected sensor node performance. This paper provides keys for energy analysis of wireless sensor node architecture according to the specific requirements of any application. It thoroughly analyzes pros and cons of dual and single architectures providing designers with the basis to select the most efficient for each application. It also provides helpful considerations for optimal sensing-system design, analyzing how different strategies for sensor measuring and data exchanging affect node energy consumption.
Roquefort Cheese Proteins Inhibit Chlamydia pneumoniae Propagation and LPS‐Induced Leukocyte Migration
Authors: Petyaev Ivan M. , Zigangirova Naylia A. , Kobets Natalie V. , Tsibezov Valery , Kapotina Lydia N. , Fedina Elena D. , Bashmakov Yuriy K.
Published: April 2013

Inflammation in atherosclerosis, which could be associated with some subclinical infections such as C. pneumoniae, is one of the key factors responsible for the development of clinical complications of this disease. We report that a proprietary protein extract isolated from Roquefort cheese inhibits the propagation of C. pneumoniae in a human HL cell line in a dose‐dependent manner, as revealed by the immunofluorescence analysis. These changes were accompanied by a significant reduction in the infective progeny formation over the protein extract range of 0.12–0.5 μg/mL. Moreover, short term feeding of mice with Roquefort cheese (twice, 10 mg per mouse with an interval of 24 hours) led to the inhibition of the migration of peritoneal leukocytes caused by intraperitoneal injection of E. coli lipopolysaccharide. These changes were complemented by a reduction in neutrophil count and a relative increase in peritoneal macrophages, suggesting that ingestion of Roquefort could promote regenerative processes at the site of inflammation. The ability of this protein to inhibit propagation of Chlamydia infection, as well as the anti‐inflammatory and proregenerative effects of Roquefort itself, may contribute to the low prevalence of cardiovascular mortality in France where consumption of fungal fermented cheeses is the highest in the world.