bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refractive outcome of premature infants with or without retinopathy of prematurity at 2 years of age: A prospective controlled cohort study
Authors: Hsieh Ching‐ju , Liu Jai‐wen , Huang Jen‐shang , Lin Keh‐chung
Published: February 2012

This study evaluated the extent to which refractive morbidity is correlated to preterm birth or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) itself, or both, and examined the risk factors associated with refractive errors in a cohort of preterm infants with and without ROP compared with full‐term infants. This longitudinal, prospective, controlled cohort study enrolled 109 infants, including 74 preterm and 35 full‐term infants. Infants were divided into the following groups: no ROP, regressed ROP, laser‐treated threshold ROP, and full‐term. Cycloplegic refraction was determined at 6 and 24 months' corrected age. Multiple regression models, analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc comparisons, paired t test, and the χ2 test were used for data analysis. ROP status was highly predictive of significant refractive errors in preterm infants. Eyes with laser‐treated threshold ROP had significant myopia at both ages (mean spherical equivalent [MSE] in right eye at both refractions −0.72, −1.21 diopters [D]), astigmatism (MSE −1.62, −1.80 D), and anisometropia (MSE 0.82, 1.02 D; ANOVA p < 0.05), and increased refractive errors across ages (paired t test p < 0.05). Eyes with regressed ROP (MSE + 0.35 D) and eyes without ROP (MSE + 0.78 D) were less hyperopic than the controls (MSE + 1.60 D) before 1 year (post hoc comparisons p < 0.05). After 1 year, however, hyperopic status, astigmatism, and anisometropia were similar to eyes with regressed ROP (MSE + 0.38 D, astigmatism −0.94 D, anisometropia 0.32 D), eyes without ROP (MSE + 0.35 D, astigmatism −0.51 D, anisometropia 0.31 D) and the controls (MSE + 0.72 D, astigmatism −0.59 D, anisometropia 0.50 D) by post hoc comparisons (p > 0.05). Thus, the persistent hyperopic status across ages in patients with regressed ROP and in patients without ROP differed significantly (paired t test p > 0.05) from that in the full‐term infants, with a reduction in hypermetropia noted for the first 2 years of life (paired t test p < 0.05). The incidence and magnitude of significant refractive errors increased with severe ROP and with age. Although the emmetropization process of preterm birth, including regressed ROP and no ROP, differed from full‐term birth in early infancy, we found no differences in the refractive status after 1 year in patients with regressed ROP and in patients without ROP, who were at risk of developing ametropia similar to that of full‐term patients. Therefore, apart from laser‐treated ROP, children with regressed ROP and without ROP can likely be observed with a verbal vision screening at 3–4 years of age.
Clinical experience in diagnosis and treatment of malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Lin Fan , Cao Jie , Gu Wei‐Li , Fan Shao‐Feng , Li Kun‐Ping , Du Hong , Chen Guo‐Qin , Wen Min‐Jie , Dai Li‐Hua , Lai Yue‐Yuan
Published: February 2012

This study investigated the clinical pathologic character of malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (MGIST), their treatment with surgery, and evaluated the efficacy of imatinib postoperation. A total of 68 MGIST patients were enrolled. Of these, 27 patients underwent imatinib auxiliary therapy (treatment group) and 41 underwent imatinib therapy (control group). The therapeutic effects on the two groups were compared using χ2 test analysis after follow‐up of two years. The expressions of CD117, CD34, S100, Vimentin, and alpha smooth‐muscle actin (SMA) were detected by immunohistochemistry methods. Of the 68 cases, 28 showed potential MGIST, whereas 40 had MGIST. Haemorrhagia or necrosis, abundant cell, manifest heteromorphism, and caryocinesia were observed in varying degrees. The positive rates of CD117, CD34, Vimentin, S100, and SMA were 89.7% (61/62), 88.2% (60/62), 73.5% (50/62), 41.1% (28/62) and 25.0% (17/62), respectively. The recurrence rate in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.01). We concluded that CD117 and CD34 may be the most valuable markers in the diagnosis of MGIST, and the diagnosis of MGIST depends on the pathology. Surgery is a far better approach in the treatment of such patients, and imatinib is the more efficient target drug in preventing recurrence and metastasis.
Inlay buccal mucosal graft for reoperative posterior urethroplasty
Authors: Tang Shou‐Hung , Kao Chien‐Chang , Wu Seng‐Tang , Meng En , Cha Tai‐Lung
Published: February 2012

Posterior urethral distraction injury following major pelvic trauma is a surgical challenge. Although rarely seen, cases of failure after formal urethral reconstruction are even more problematic. We adapted the concept of augmented free buccal mucosal grafts, which have been successful in anterior urethroplasty, for repairing the posterior urethra in these rare cases with the aim of reducing the likelihood of penile chordee postoperatively. During 2007–2009, four patients were candidates for the proposed procedure because they had received formal transperineal urethral reconstruction but were unable to urinate through the urethra. The urethra was approached transperineally and opened in the midline, rather than divided. Buccal mucosal grafts of an appropriate size were placed in the created urethral groove from 4‐ to 8 o'clock in the lithotomy view. After the procedure, the urethral catheter was kept for 3 weeks. All patients voided through the urethra after the procedure. The maximal postoperative urinary flow rates were between 12–15 ml/seconds in all cases for a follow‐up period of 18–30 months. The recurrence rate was 50% (2/4). Recurrent strictures were minor, and they showed a web‐like stricture ring near the suture line. Restricture within 6 months of surgery responded well to endoscopic internal urethrotomy plus dilatations. In conclusion, without further compromising urethral length, reoperative posterior urethroplasty with the inlay grafting technique can be considered in selective cases.
Moving molecular targeted drug therapy towards personalized medicine: Issues related to clinical trial design
Authors: Verweij Jaap , de Jonge Maja , Eskens Ferry , Sleijfer Stefan
Published: February 2012

With the event of new Molecular targets, clinical trial design requirements to perform these trials are changing. This paper discusses some of the considerations that need to be taken into account when designing a trial, including those trials that assess combinations of targets.
Synchronous climatic change inferred from diatom records in four western Montana lakes in the U.S. Rocky Mountains
Authors: Bracht-Flyr Brandi , Fritz Sherilyn C.
Published: February 2012

Late-Holocene environmental and climatic conditions were reconstructed from diatom assemblages in sediment cores from four western Montana lakes: Crevice Lake, Foy Lake, Morrison Lake, and Reservoir Lake. The lakes show synchroneity in timing of shifts in diatom community structure, but the nature of these changes differs among the lakes. Two of the sites provide highly resolved records of hydrologic balance, while the other two stratigraphic sequences primarily record temperature impact on lake thermal structure. All four lakes show significant change in five discrete intervals: 2200–2100, 1700–1600, 1350–1200, 800–600, and 250 cal yr BP. The similarities in the timing of change suggest overlying regional climatic influences on lake dynamics. The 800–600 cal yr BP shift is evident in other paleorecords throughout the Great Plains and western US, associated with the transition from the Medieval Climate Anomaly to the Little Ice Age. Large-scale climatic mechanisms that influence these lake environments may result from atmospheric circulation patterns that are driven by interactions between Pacific and Atlantic sea-surface temperatures, which are then locally modified by topography.
Stability of two-dimensional collapsible-channel flow at high Reynolds number
Authors: Kudenatti Ramesh B. , Bujurke N. M. , Pedley T. J.
Published: February 2012

We study the linear stability of two-dimensional high-Reynolds-number flow in a rigid parallel-sided channel, of which part of one wall has been replaced by a flexible membrane under longitudinal tension ${T}^{\ensuremath{\ast} } $. Far upstream the flow is parallel Poiseuille flow at Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}$; the width of the channel is $a$ and the length of the membrane is $\lambda a$, where $1\ll {\mathit{Re}}^{1/ 7} \lesssim \lambda \ll \mathit{Re}$. Steady flow was studied using interactive boundary-layer theory by Guneratne & Pedley (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 569, 2006, pp. 151–184) for various values of the pressure difference ${P}_{e} $ across the membrane at its upstream end. Here unsteady interactive boundary-layer theory is used to investigate the stability of the trivial steady solution for ${P}_{e} = 0$. An unexpected finding is that the flow is always unstable, with a growth rate that increases with ${T}^{\ensuremath{\ast} } $. In other words, the stability problem is ill-posed. However, when the pressure difference is held fixed (${= }0$) at the downstream end of the membrane, or a little further downstream, the problem is well-posed and all solutions are stable. The physical mechanisms underlying these findings are explored using a simple inviscid model; the crucial factor in the fluid dynamics is the vorticity gradient across the incoming Poiseuille flow.
Seoul and Nanking, Baghdad and Kabul: A Response to Timothy Brook and Michael Shin
Authors: Treat John Whittier
Published: February 2012

I begin my rejoinder to Timothy Brook and Michael Shin by reiterating the important question with which Brook ends his piece. “[W]hen Hamid Karzai's government falls in Afghanistan, or Nouri al-Maliki's does in Iraq, who then will be the nation's heroes and who the collaborators?” Questions such as this and other present-day conundrums (including the choices I make living in a national security state) were certainly on my mind when I began thinking about collaboration during the Second World War and particularly within the Japanese empire. The line between then and now is direct and short for me. Timothy Brook himself has been the target of an internet smear campaign assailing his work on Chinese collaboration for purportedly preparing an alibi for American mischief in Iraq and Afghanistan. Paramount among my own thoughts was always: what would I do, were I faced with the choices a Yi Kwang-su, a Liang Hongzhi or a Wang Jingwei was? It seems an irresistible reflex to me that we place ourselves in the position of those in the past who wagered and lost, and rehearse their calculations as our own: judgment of their decisions is as inevitable as it is necessary. The question is not if we will judge—to refuse risks our claims to moral agency—it is how. Timothy Brook, whether he once declined or now hesitates, indeed does make ethical judgments (he is on the record, for example, against advocating “collaboration as a morally positive or politically advisable course” [2008]), and indeed he should. That we have not come to similar conclusions only points to our missing consensus on a moral calculus, and not to the lack of an imperative to possess one.
Finding a Place: Mainland Chinese Fiction in the 2000s
Authors: Lovell Julia
Published: February 2012

The political, economic and social changes experienced by China over the past decade have been mirrored by transformations in the literary realm. Writers, editors, critics and readers have contended with the acceleration of commercialisation, the rise of the Internet, and the Communist Party's subtly changing attitude to creative freedom. This essay examines the creative responses of three critically acclaimed generations of novelists – born between the 1950s and 1980s – to this new climate. It considers the way in which writers have become entrepreneurs, managing their own personality cults over the Internet and through media spin. It discusses widespread corruption in literary reviewing; the weaknesses in editorial standards that affect the work of even the most mature voices writing today; and the fluid way in which novelists often abandon fiction for other professions or expressive forms, such as film. Finally, it considers the limits of literary freedom in China's one-party cultural system.
Histological and molecular confirmation of the fourth human case caused by Dirofilaria repens in a new endemic region of Slovakia
Authors: Hrčkova G. , Kuchtová H. , Miterpáková M. , Ondriska F. , Cibíček J. , Kovacs Š.
Published: February 2012

Dirofilariosis is considered to be the arthropod vector-borne disease with the fastest spread in Europe. Slovakia belongs to new endemic regions for canine and human infections. This paper reports the fourth human case, where diagnosis was confirmed using computed tomography (CT), histological and molecular examinations – for the first time in this endemic region. The epidemiological history of this case indicated the autochthonous origin, and infection manifested by intense swelling in the periocular region, where a subcutaneous nodule was localized. Microscopic analysis of cross-sections of the surgically removed nodule confirmed the presence of a single male worm of Dirofilaria repens, indicated by the external cuticular ridges, the robust muscle cells and a single male sex organ seen as one tube beside the intestine. Considering that the worm morphology was partially damaged, molecular study was performed using DNA isolated from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections of the worm. In polymerase chain reactions (PCR) a set of primers specific for D. repens DNA for the CO1-encoding gene amplified the expected 246 bp product using a high concentration of DNA template. Our diagnostic approach, involving molecular techniques, showed that identification of D. repens from excised tissues is possible even when the morphology of the worm and DNA are damaged during tissue processing. It is expected that the spread of this disease will continue due to climatic changes in central Europe. This warrants higher awareness among clinicians, who will initially be approached by patients, and better co-operation with parasitologists in newly endemic countries.
The History of a Legend: Accounting for Popular Histories of Revolutionary Nationalism in India
Authors: MACLEAN KAMA
Published: February 2012

Narratives about the revolutionary movement have largely been the preserve of the popular domain in India, as Christopher Pinney has recently pointed out. India's best-known revolutionary, Bhagat Singh—who was executed by the British in 1931 for his role in the Lahore Conspiracy Case—has been celebrated more in posters, colourful bazaar histories and comic books than in academic tomes. These popular formats have established a hegemonic narrative of his life that has proved to be resistant to subsequent interventions as new materials, such as freshly-declassified intelligence reports and oral history testimonies, come to light. This paper accounts for why Bhagat Singh's life story has predominantly prevailed in the domain of the popular, with special reference to the secrecy of the revolutionary movement and the censure and censorship to which it was subjected in the 1930s.
ENVIRONMENTAL HETEROGENEITY AND NATURAL REGENERATION IN RIPARIAN VEGETATION OF THE BRAZILIAN SEMI-ARID REGION
Authors: Menino G. C. O. , Nunes Y. R. F. , Santos R. M. , Fernandes G. W. , Fernandes L. A.
Published: February 2012

This study investigated the structure, diversity and composition of the regenerating shrub-tree species community along a stretch of riparian vegetation in relation to environmental heterogeneity. In the Environmental Protection Area of Pandeiros River, southeastern Brazil, the regenerating stratum on 70 plots (25 m2) divided into four groups according to their soil characteristics and natural barriers was sampled. For each plot observations were made of variables related to several soil properties, canopy openness and flooding regime. In addition to the traditional calculation of phytosociological parameters and diversity, a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to examine the existing relationships between environmental variables and species distribution was performed. The families with the highest species richness were Fabaceae and Myrtaceae and the species with the highest importance value indices were Zygia latifolia, Tapirira guianensis, Butia capitata, Bauhinia rufa and Hirtella gracilipes. The CCA largely confirmed the groups that were originally proposed. The stretch of riparian vegetation studied was highly heterogeneous with regard to both the abiotic variables tested and floristic structure and composition.
Jupiter – friend or foe? IV: the influence of orbital eccentricity and inclination
Authors: Horner J. , Jones B. W.
Published: February 2012

For many years, it has been assumed that Jupiter has prevented the Earth from being subject to a punishing impact regime that would have greatly hindered the development of life. Here, we present the fourth in a series of dynamical studies investigating this hypothesis. In our earlier work, we examined the effect of Jupiter's mass on the impact rate experienced by the Earth. Here, we extend that approach to consider the influence of Jupiter's orbital eccentricity and inclination on the impact rate from asteroidal bodies and short-period comets. We first considered scenarios in which Jupiter's orbital eccentricity was somewhat higher and somewhat lower than that in our Solar System, for a variety of ‘Jupiter’ masses. We find that Jupiter's orbital eccentricity plays a moderate role in determining the impact flux at Earth, with more eccentric orbits resulting in a noticeably higher impact rate of asteroids than is the case for more circular orbits. This is particularly pronounced at high ‘Jupiter’ masses. For the short-period comets, the same effect is clearly apparent, albeit to a much lesser degree. The flux of short-period comets impacting the Earth is slightly higher for more eccentric Jovian orbits. We also considered scenarios in which Jupiter's orbital inclination was greater than that in our Solar System. Increasing Jupiter's orbital inclination greatly increased the flux of asteroidal impactors upon the Earth. However, at the highest tested inclination, the disruption to the Asteroid belt was so great that the belt would be entirely depleted after an astronomically short period of time. In such a system, the impact flux from asteroid bodies would therefore be very low, after an initial period of intense bombardment. By contrast, the influence of Jovian inclination on impacts from short-period comets was very small. A slight reduction in the impact flux was noted for the moderate and high inclination scenarios considered in this work – the results for inclinations of 5° and 25° were essentially identical.
Modeling the Parker instability in a rotating plasma screw pinch
Authors: Khalzov I. V. , Brown B. P. , Katz N. , Forest C. B.
Published: February 2012

We analytically and numerically study the analogue of the Parker (magnetic buoyancy) instability in a uniformly rotating plasma screw pinch confined in a cylinder. Uniform plasma rotation is imposed to create a centrifugal acceleration, which mimics the gravity required for the classical Parker instability. The goal of this study is to determine how the Parker instability could be unambiguously identified in a weakly magnetized, rapidly rotating screw pinch, in which the rotation provides an effective gravity and a radially varying azimuthal field is controlled to give conditions for which the plasma is magnetically buoyant to inward motion. We show that an axial magnetic field is also required to circumvent conventional current driven magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities such as the sausage and kink modes that would obscure the Parker instability. These conditions can be realized in the Madison plasma Couette experiment (MPCX). Simulations are performed using the extended MHD code NIMROD for an isothermal compressible plasma model. Both linear and nonlinear regimes of the instability are studied, and the results obtained for the linear regime are compared with analytical results from a slab geometry. Based on this comparison, it is found that in a cylindrical pinch, the magnetic buoyancy mechanism dominates at relatively large Mach numbers (M > 5), while at low Mach numbers (M < 1), the instability is due to the curvature of magnetic field lines. At intermediate values of Mach number (1 < M < 5), the Coriolis force has a strong stabilizing effect on the plasma. A possible scenario for experimental demonstration of the Parker instability in MPCX is discussed.
Reuse of GaAs substrates for epitaxial lift-off by employing protection layers
Authors: Lee Kyusang , Zimmerman Jeramy D. , Xiao Xin , Sun Kai , Forrest Stephen R.
Published: February 2012

We demonstrate repeated use of GaAs wafers for multiple growths by employing lattice-matched epitaxial protection layers to preserve the wafer surface in its original condition following their etch removal after growth. The protection layers provide a regrowth surface that eliminates the need for repolishing prior to subsequent growth. Between growths, the protection layers are removed by wet chemical etching. The resulting surface quality is examined using atomic force microscope and energy dispersive spectrometry. We show that the surface roughness, chemical composition, morphology, and electronic properties of the GaAs surface after protection-layer removal are comparable to that of the original substrate surface. We show that p-n junction GaAs solar cells grown on original and reused wafers have nearly identical performance with power conversion efficiencies of ∼23%, under simulated 1 sun illumination, AM1.5 G. The high power conversion efficiency of GaAs solar cells combined with reduced costs associated with multiple parent wafer reuses promise cost competitiveness with incumbent solar cell technologies.
Interfacial magnetization dynamics of a bi-component magnonic crystal comprising contacting ferromagnetic nanostripes
Authors: Lin C. S. , Lim H. S. , Zhang V. L. , Wang Z. K. , Ng S. C. , Kuok M. H. , Cottam M. G. , Jain S. , Adeyeye A. O.
Published: February 2012

An investigation of the interfacial magnetization dynamics of a magnonic crystal comprising alternating, contacting cobalt and Permalloy nanostripes is reported. Recently measured spin-wave dispersion data of the crystal in its ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases are interpreted in terms of the effective spin pinning at its cobalt-Permalloy interfaces based on generalized Guslienko-Slavin boundary conditions. Calculations using a macroscopic theory well reproduce the experimental data. Numerically generated mode profiles reveal considerable effective pinnings at the interfaces. The obtained pinning parameters have values significantly larger than the values calculated at the lateral edges of individual stripes, suggesting that the strong interfacial coupling, reported in our previous study, contributes significantly to the effective pinning at the interfaces between adjacent stripes.
Chicks and single-nucleotide polymorphisms: an entrée into identifying genes conferring disease resistance in chicken
Authors: Cheng Hans H. , MacEachern Sean , Subramaniam Sugalesini , Muir William M.
Published: February 2012

Marek’s disease (MD) is one of the most serious chronic infectious disease threats to the poultry industry worldwide. Selecting for increased genetic resistance to MD is a control strategy that can augment current vaccinal control measures. Although our previous efforts integrating various genomic screens successfully identified three resistance genes, the main limitation was mapping precision, which hindered our ability to identify and further evaluate high-confidence candidate genes. Towards identifying the remaining genes of this complex trait, we incorporated three additional approaches made substantially more powerful through next-generation sequencing and that exploit the growing importance of expression variation. First, we screened for allele-specific expression (ASE) in response to Marek’s disease virus (MDV) infection, which, when allelic imbalance was identified, is sufficient to indicate a cis-acting element for a specific gene. Second, sequencing of genomic regions enriched by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) combined with transcript profiling identified motifs bound and genes directly regulated by MDV Meq, a bZIP transcription factor and the viral oncogene. Finally, analysis of genomic sequences from two experimental lines divergently selected for MD genetic resistance allowed inference about regions under selection as well as potential causative polymorphisms. These new combined approaches have resulted in a large number of high-confidence genes conferring MD resistance reflecting the multigenic basis of this trait, which expands our biological knowledge and provides corresponding single-nucleotide polymorhpisms (SNPs) that can be directly evaluated for their genetic contribution towards disease resistance.
Synemin promotes AKT-dependent glioblastoma cell proliferation by antagonizing PP2A
Authors: Pitre Aaron , Davis Nathan , Paul Madhumita , Orr A Wayne , Skalli Omar
Published: February 2012

The intermediate filament protein synemin is present in astrocyte progenitors and glioblastoma cells but not in mature astrocytes. Here we demonstrate a role for synemin in enhancing glioblastoma cell proliferation and clonogenic survival, as synemin RNA interference decreased both behaviors by inducing G1 arrest along with Rb hypophosphorylation and increased protein levels of the G1/S inhibitors p21Cip1and p27Kip1. Akt involvement was demonstrated by decreased phosphorylation of its substrate, p21Cip1, and reduced Akt catalytic activity and phosphorylation at essential activation sites. Synemin silencing, however, did not affect the activities of PDPK1 and mTOR complex 2, which directly phosphorylate Akt activation sites, but instead enhanced the activity of the major regulator of Akt dephosphorylation, protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A). This was accompanied by changes in PP2A subcellular distribution resulting in increased physical interactions between PP2A and Akt, as shown by proximity ligation assays (PLAs). PLAs and immunoprecipitation experiments further revealed that synemin and PP2A form a protein complex. In addition, treatment of synemin-silenced cells with the PP2A inhibitor cantharidic acid resulted in proliferation and pAkt and pRb levels similar to those of controls. Collectively these results indicate that synemin positively regulates glioblastoma cell proliferation by helping sequester PP2A away from Akt, thereby favoring Akt activation.
Using interview-based recall surveys to estimate cod Gadus morhua and eel Anguilla anguilla harvest in Danish recreational fishing
Authors: Sparrevohn Claus Reedtz , Storr-Paulsen Marie
Published: February 2012

Sparrevohn, C. R., and Storr-Paulsen, M. 2012. Using interview-based recall surveys to estimate cod Gadus morhua and eel Anguilla anguilla harvest in Danish recreational fishing. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 323–330. Marine recreational fishing is a popular outdoor activity in Denmark, practised by both anglers and passive gear fishers. However, the impact on the targeted stocks is unknown, so to estimate the 2009 harvest of cod Gadus morhua and eel Anguilla anguilla, two separate interview-based surveys were initiated and carried out in 2009/2010. The first recall survey exclusively targeted fishers who had been issued with the mandatory Danish fishing licence. The second survey was designed to identify those who fish without a licence. It was estimated that 1231 t of cod were harvested in 2009, corresponding to 4.8% of the entire Danish cod yield (recreational harvest + commercial landings). Area differences were found, and, in certain areas, the recreational harvest of cod accounted for more than 30% of the total yield. The majority (81%) of the recreational cod harvest was taken by anglers. Eels, however, are almost exclusively caught with passive gear (fykenets) and a total of 104 t year−1 was harvested, which corresponds to 19% of the entire Danish eel yield. The inclusion of the harvest taken by fishers without a valid licence was important and added almost 20% to the estimated harvest.
Overexpression of the μ-Opioid Receptor in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Promotes Akt and mTOR Activation, Tumor Growth, and Metastasis
Authors: Lennon Frances E. , Mirzapoiazova Tamara , Mambetsariev Bolot , Salgia Ravi , Moss Jonathan , Singleton Patrick A.
Published: February 2012

Background

Recent epidemiologic studies suggesting that there were differences in cancer recurrence contingent on anesthetic regimens have raised the possibility that μ-opioid agonists can influence cancer progression. Based on our previous studies indicating the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) is up-regulated in several types of non-small cell lung cancer, this study examined the functional significance of MOR overexpression to elucidate a possible mechanism for the epidemiologic findings.

Methods

Stable vector control and MOR1 overexpressing human bronchioloalveolar carcinoma cells were evaluated using immunoblot analysis, proliferation and transendothelial extravasation assays with or without Akt inhibitor, mTOR inhibitor (temsirolimus), or the peripheral MOR antagonist, methylnaltrexone. In human lung cancer xenograft models, primary tumor growth rates and lung metastasis were analyzed using consecutive tumor volume measurements and nestin immunoreactivity in lungs of the nude mouse model.

Results

The authors provide evidence that MOR is an important regulator of lung cancer progression. MOR overexpression increased Akt and mTOR activation, proliferation, and extravasation in human bronchioloalveolar carcinoma cells. In vivo, overexpression of MOR in human bronchoalveolar carcinoma cells increased primary tumor growth rates in nude mice by approximately 2.5-fold and lung metastasis by approximately 20-fold compared with vector control cells (n = 4 per condition).

Conclusions

The overexpression data suggest a possible direct effect of MOR on Akt and mTOR activation and lung cancer progression. Such an effect provides a plausible explanation for the epidemiologic findings. The authors' observations further suggest that exploration of MOR in non-small cell lung carcinoma merits further study both as a diagnostic and therapeutic option.
Substance P Signaling Controls Mast Cell Activation, Degranulation, and Nociceptive Sensitization in a Rat Fracture Model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Li Wen-Wu , Guo Tian-Zhi , Liang De-yong , Sun Yuan , Kingery Wade S. , Clark J. David
Published: February 2012

Background

Patients with complex regional pain syndrome have increased tryptase in the skin of the affected extremity indicating mast cell (MC) accumulation and degranulation, processes known to be mediated by substance P (SP). The dysregulation of SP release from primary afferent neurons is characteristic of complex regional pain syndrome. The authors hypothesized that SP acting through the neurokinin-1 receptor results in mast cell accumulation, degranulation, and nociceptive sensitization in a rat model of complex regional pain syndrome.

Methods

Groups of 6-10 rats underwent tibia fracture and hind limb casting for 4 weeks, and the hind paw skin was harvested for histologic and immunohistochemical analysis. The effects of a selective neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist (LY303870) and of direct SP intraplantar injection were measured. Dermal MC degranulation induced by sciatic nerve stimulation and the effects of LY303870 on this process were investigated. Finally, the antinociceptive effects of acute and chronic treatment with a MC degranulator (48/80) were tested.

Results

The authors observed that fracture caused MC accumulation, activation, and degranulation, which were inhibited by LY303870; the percentage of MCs in close proximity to peptidergic nerve fibers increased after fracture; electrical stimulation caused MC activation and degranulation, which was blocked by LY303870; intraplantar SP-induced MC degranulation and acute administration of 48/80 caused MC degranulation and enhanced postfracture nociception, but MC-depleted animals showed less sensitization.

Conclusions

These results indicate that facilitated peptidergic neuron-MC signaling after fracture can cause MC accumulation, activation, and degranulation in the injured limb, resulting in nociceptive sensitization.
Isoflurane Enhances Both Fast and Slow Synaptic Inhibition in the Hippocampus at Amnestic Concentrations
Authors: Dai Shuiping , Perouansky Misha , Pearce Robert A.
Published: February 2012

Background

Inhibition mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA A) receptors has long been considered an important target for a variety of general anesthetics. In the hippocampus, two types of phasic GABA A receptor-mediated inhibition coexist: GABA A,fast, which is expressed primarily at peri-somatic sites, and GABAA,slow, which is expressed primarily in the dendrites. Their spatial segregation suggests distinct functions: GABA A,slow may control plasticity of dendritic synapses, whereas GABA A,fast controls action potential initiation at the soma. We examined modulation of GABA A,fast and GABA A,slow inhibition by isoflurane at amnesic concentrations, and compared it with modulation by behaviorally equivalent doses of the GABA A receptor-selective drug etomidate.

Methods

Whole cell recordings were obtained from pyramidal cells in organotypic hippocampal cultures prepared from C57BL/6 × 129/SvJ F1 hybrid mice. GABA A receptor-mediated currents were isolated using glutamate receptor antagonists. GABAA,slow currents were evoked by electrical stimulation in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare. Miniature GABA A,fast currents were recorded in the presence of tetrodotoxin.

Results

100 μM isoflurane (approximately EC50,amnesia) slowed fast- and slow-inhibitory postsynaptic current decay by approximately 25%. Higher concentrations, up to 400 μM, produced proportionally greater effects without altering current amplitudes. The effects on GABA A,slow were approximately one-half those produced by equi-amnesic concentrations of etomidate.

Conclusions

Isoflurane enhances both types of phasic GABA A receptor-mediated inhibition to similar degrees at amnesic concentrations. This pattern differs from etomidate, which at low concentrations selectively enhances slow inhibition. These effects of isoflurane are sufficiently large that they may contribute substantially to its suppression of hippocampal learning and memory.
Surgical wound healing in bleeding disorders
Authors: RODRIGUEZ‐MERCHAN E. C.
Published: February 2012

Summary.  Animal experiments have shown that a number of bleeding disorders may affect wound healing (WH), including haemophilia B, deficiency of factor XIII and abnormalities of fibrinogen. Therefore, normal healing requires adequate haemostatic function for the appropriate time frame (up to 4 weeks in the clean and uncontaminated wound). Many factors may affect WH, including impaired haemostasis, diabetes, poor nutrition, insufficient oxygenation, infection, smoking, alcoholism, old age, stress and obesity. The gold standard for the correct care of surgical wounds in patients with bleeding disorders includes wound dressing and comprehensive standard care (haemostasis, nutritional support, treatment of co‐morbidities, offloading, reperfusion therapy and compression). Although complications of surgical wounds healing in patients with bleeding disorders are uncommon, a low level of the deficient factor for an insufficient period of time could cause WH complications such as haematomas, infection, and skin necrosis and dehiscence. Clinical experience and animal experiments appear to indicate that, to get a satisfactory healing of surgical wounds and avoid potential complications of WH, a good level of haemostasis is necessary for 2–3 weeks after surgery. However, many treaters would regard this recommendation at odds with (i.e. more aggressive than) current standards. Unfortunately no additional clinical evidence for this recommendation can be provided.
What’s on your boots: an investigation into the role we play in protist dispersal
Authors: Perrigo Allison L. , Romeralo Maria , Baldauf Sandra L.
Published: February 2012

D. M. Wilkinson (2010, Journal of Biogeography, 37, 393–397) suggested that anthropogenic dispersal is an understudied and potentially important factor in terrestrial protist biogeography. We investigated human footwear as a potential vector of dictyostelids, a diverse group of amoebae that includes both geographically restricted and cosmopolitan species. Eighteen pairs of boots were examined and dictyostelids were isolated from nearly all samples larger than 5.0 g. In total, six dictyostelid isolates were recovered, corresponding to four species –Dictyostelium minutum, D. sphaerocephalum, D. leptosomopsis and a new species, Polysphondylium sp. 1. Myxogastrid amoebae and acrasid‐like aggregations were also observed. Thus anthropogenic dispersal of naked amoebae appears to occur. The possible role of variations in dictyostelid fruiting body morphologies in dispersal potential is also discussed. These results support Wilkinson’s proposal and suggest that dictyostelids may be a useful group with which to study anthropogenic dispersal of terrestrial protists.
Ultrasonography reveals a high prevalence of lower spinal dysraphism in children with urogenital anomalies
Authors: KOO B.‐N. , HONG J.‐Y. , SONG H.‐T. , KIM J. M. , KIL H. K.
Published: February 2012

Background

Lower spinal dysraphism is frequently reported in anorectal anomaly combined with urogenital anomalies. The prevalence of the spinal dysraphism has not been comprehensively studied in children with simple urogenital anomalies. We evaluated the prevalence of the spinal dysraphism using ultrasound data of the lumbosacral area in children with urogenital anomalies.

Methods

Lumbosacral ultrasound images of 259 children who underwent urological surgery with simple urogenital anomalies were reviewed by an ultrasound‐specialized radiologist. The primary outcome measures were the conus medullaris (CM) level and the thickness of the filum terminale. The spinal ultrasonographic findings that were assessed in children showed abnormal spinal findings compared with the other children having normal findings. Two years later, the follow‐up telephone interviews were made with the parents of the children with abnormal findings.

Results

Eighteen children were differentiated as the abnormal finding group. They were suspected of spinal cord tethering. The level of CM was lower, and the filum terminale was thicker compared to the normal group [L2lower (L) vs. L1L, 2.2 mm vs. 0.8 mm]. Of eighteen children, four were confirmed as tethered spinal cord with lipoma on magnetic resonance imaging by the time of surgery, and two were strongly suspected of occult spinal dysraphism (OSD) based on ultrasound findings and follow‐up interviews.

Conclusions

The prevalence of OSD in children under 24 months of age with simple urogenital anomaly was higher than what was reported for the general population. Ultrasound examination of spinal structures before caudal block in children with urogenital anomaly should be considered.
Laparoscopic management of the median arcuate ligament syndrome
Authors: Nguyen Tam , Neale Michael , Lane Rodney , Schiavone Vivienne , Samra Jaswinder S. , Hugh Thomas J.
Published: February 2012

Background:  The median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is an infrequent cause of abdominal pain. This diagnosis is made after exclusion of other more common causes of upper abdominal symptoms. Mesenteric duplex and a computerized tomography mesenteric angiography demonstrate dynamic compression of the coeliac axis during expiration.

Methods:  Retrospective analysis of presenting symptoms, preoperative findings and postoperative outcomes.

Results:  Five consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic division of the median arcuate ligament over a 4‐year period (2006–2010) are presented. This procedure was associated with low morbidity and complete relief of symptoms in all patients.

Conclusion:  A minimally invasive procedure is the treatment of choice in selected patients with MALS.
Successful pregnancy in a patient suffering from recurrent mid‐trimester miscarriage with C9 deficiency after receiving cervical cerclage followed by clindamycin and progesterone: A case report
Authors: Watanabe Noriyoshi , Suzuki Tomo , Kitano Etsuko , Kitamura Hajime , Hatanaka Michiyo , Sago Haruhiko
Published: February 2012

Complement component 9 (C9) deficiency is relatively common, especially in Japan. Here we present the case of a 27‐year‐old Japanese woman whose obstetric history involved three mid‐trimester miscarriages (at 22 weeks', 18 weeks' and 21 weeks' gestation) and one early spontaneous miscarriage. Her fifth pregnancy was successfully managed by cervical cerclage at 13 weeks' gestation, followed by clindamycin administration (600 mg/day for 7 days) and progesterone injections (250 mg/week). She gave birth to a healthy 3326‐g male infant at 40 weeks and 1 day gestation after natural onset of labor. After delivery, the serum complement components were analyzed. C9 protein and activity were undetectable in the patient's serum. We suggest that an immunologic disorder such as C9 deficiency should be considered as a potential complication of undiagnosed recurrent miscarriages.
Angiotensin II receptor antagonist reduces subsequent uterine arterial dysfunction in pregnant offspring of protein‐restricted rat dams
Authors: Saito Tomomi , Musha Yuka , Miyakawa Miho , Itoh Shigeru , Ohtsuji Mareki , Hanson Mark A. , Takeda Satoru
Published: February 2012

Aim:  A low‐protein diet (LPD) during pregnancy induces vascular dysfunction and hypertension in the offspring, prevented by administration of an angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist in early life to the offspring. Whether such protection extends to subsequent pregnancy is unknown; we therefore hypothesized that administration of a specific AT1 receptor antagonist (losartan) in early life to offspring of LPD dams would improve vascular dysfunction in their uterine arteries when they, in turn, were pregnant.

Methods:  Pregnant rats were randomly divided into two dietary groups fed a control (C) or protein‐restricted (R) diet throughout pregnancy. Between two and 10 weeks postnatally, female offspring (F1) were randomly assigned to drink either pure tap water (CO, RO) or water with losartan (CL, RL). Offspring were mated and killed on gestational day 19 or 20 in order to investigate uterine artery function.

Results:  In pregnant offspring, vasoconstriction of the uterine arteries to phenylephrine (PE) and the thromboxane A2 mimetic U46619 was greater in RO than CO (F1). Responses to both antagonists were suppressed in RL (F1). Relaxation to sodium nitroprusside was increased in RO versus CO and suppressed in RL versus RO (F1).

Conclusion:  Administration of an AT1 receptor antagonist to offspring during the suckling and juvenile period improves the uterine vascular dysfunction in pregnancy induced by prior maternal LPD during their development. Such treatment may contribute to decreasing the transmitted risks of maternal malnutrition from offspring to the subsequent generation.
Primary diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer in the third trimester of pregnancy: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: El‐Safadi Samer , Wuesten Oliver , Muenstedt Karsten
Published: February 2012

To the best of our knowledge, we are presenting the first documented primary diagnosis of a 32‐year‐old pregnant patient at 29 + 4 weeks' gestation with poorly differentiated, metastatic scirrhous breast cancer, with negative hormone receptors, HER‐2/neu receptor overexpression and metastases in the lumbar spine. The patient was administered neoadjuvant chemotherapy with vinorelbine and trastuzumab, and received ibandronate for the bone metastases. The tumor responded well to treatment; however, treatment was associated with anhydramnios, probably related to the trastuzumab treatment. Delivery was planned for 33 + 5 weeks' gestation by cesarean section due to concurrent breech presentation and anhydramnios, and the infant is in good health. After delivery, the patient underwent a mastectomy. Following completion of six courses of vinorelbine and ongoing treatment with trastuzumab and ibandronate, the patient's tumor went into regression and currently the patient does not present with any clinical evidence of disease.
Mitochondrial fission proteins in peripheral blood lymphocytes are potential biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang S. , Song J. , Tan M. , Albers K. M. , Jia J.
Published: February 2012

Background and purpose:  Expression of the mitochondrial fission proteins dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1), S‐nitrosylated Drp1 (SNO‐Drp1), and Fis1 has been found to be altered in brain tissues and skin fibroblasts from patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of this study was to determine whether these proteins are also changed in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of AD patients and whether these changes are specific and sensitive enough for AD diagnosis.

Methods:  Western blot analysis and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to quantify relative levels of Drp1, SNO‐Drp1, and Fis1 in PBL obtained from 91 controls, 82 AD, 26 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 12 Parkinson’s disease (PD), and 36 vascular dementia (VaD) patients. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to measure diagnostic accuracy of these proteins.

Results:  Compared with controls, SNO‐Drp1 and Fis1 levels were remarkably increased in PBL of AD and MCI patients, and Drp1 was significantly decreased in AD, MCI, and PD. None of these proteins were changed in VaD patients. Disease severity or duration had no major effects on levels of these proteins in AD PBL. ROC curve analysis showed that the specificity and sensitivity were 81% and 73% for Drp1, 84% and 82% for SNO‐Drp1, and 89% and 80% for Fis1 in identifying AD patients from control subjects.

Conclusions:  Altered mitochondrial fission proteins Drp1, SNO‐Drp1, and Fis1 in PBL were relatively sensitive and specific in identifying AD patients and could be serving as a biomarker in the procedure of diagnosis.
‘Beer and Britannia’: public‐house culture and the construction of nineteenth‐century British‐Welsh industrial identity
Authors: Pritchard Ian
Published: February 2012

Prior to industrialisation, there was a nebulous and fragmented Welsh national character or mass collective identity. Industrialisation engendered significant sociocultural upheaval and change, and for this ‘new’ society to function effectively a cohesive Welsh identity had to emerge. Because the impetus behind industrialisation had occurred primarily in a British context, any newly formed Welsh identity would ultimately have to be reconciled to the nation's industrial import within a ‘United Kingdom’. Mass cultural commonalities and the role played by leisure in this procedure is a core element in the establishment of industrial modernist nation‐states. Therefore, this article argues that public‐house culture played a central role in the construction of a new industrial Welsh national ideology that was ultimately allied to, and a constituent of, a British imperial agenda designed to exploit both the natural resources and workforce of the area to its maximum extent.