bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A WIEN FIREBALL MODEL OF RELATIVISTIC OUTFLOWS IN AGNs
Authors: TAKAHARA F. , ASANO K. , IWAMOTO S.
Published: November 2008

A new mechanism for the production and acceleration of relativistic outflows in active galactic nuclei is presented. When copious pair production occurs in a hot accretion plasma, optically thin to absorption but optically thick to scattering, the free energy per electron or positron can exceed its rest mass. Then, if pairs can escape, they produce a powerful outflow of a large bulk Lorentz factor. We show analytically and numerically that this picture holds for spherically symmetric flows of pure pairs and radiation. We further simulate the generation process of a pair outflow from a hot plasma with normal proton-electron composition. Using a multifluid approximation and a Monte Carlo method of radiative transfer, we obtain spherically symmetric steady solutions of radiation and pair outflows, taking Coulomb friction into account. We show that a powerful and moderately relativistic flow is realized and discuss several possibilities to realize a highly relativistic flow.
Head-down tilt posture elicits transient lymphocyte mobilization from the iliac, but not mesenteric, lymph nodes of rats
Authors: Suzuki Shigeru , Mizuno Risuke , Ikomi Fumitaka , Ohhashi Toshio
Published: November 2008

The effects of short-term simulated microgravity on the lymph dynamics of rat lymph nodes were investigated using a combination of Bollman's cage and head-down tilt (HDT). Efferent lymphatics of the iliac and mesenteric lymph nodes were cannulated for the collection of lymph. There was no significant difference in lymph flow rate from the iliac lymph nodes between non-HDT (control) and HDT rats. Lymph flow rate from the mesenteric lymph nodes in HDT rats was slightly higher than that obtained with the control. The cell count obtained from the iliac lymph nodes in HDT rats was significantly larger than those of the controls, while no significant difference in the number of cells from the mesenteric lymph nodes was observed between the control and HDT groups. The cells from the iliac lymph nodes in the control and HDT rats were mostly lymphocytes. The distribution of subsets of lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+, CD8a+, and CD45R+) from the iliac lymph nodes in HDT rats was not significantly different from the subsets of lymphocytes in the control. Immunization did not affect the distribution of lymphocyte subsets from the iliac lymph nodes in the control and HDT groups. There was no significant difference in the concentrations of lymph albumin in iliac afferent or efferent lymphatics between the control and HDT groups. These findings suggest that HDT posture in Bollman's cage induces transient output of lymphocytes from the iliac lymph nodes of rats in vivo without changing the flow rate, lymphocyte subsets, or concentration of albumin.
Interaction between Uneven Cavity Length and Shaft Vibration at the Inception of Synchronous Rotating Cavitation
Authors: Yoshida Y. , Kazami Y. , Nagaura K. , Shimagaki M. , Iga Y. , Ikohagi T.
Published: November 2008

Asymmetric cavitation is known as one type of the sources of cavitation induced vibration in turbomachinery. Cavity lengths are unequal on each blade under condition of synchronous rotating cavitation, which causes synchronous shaft vibration. To investigate the relationship of the cavity length, fluid force, and shaft vibration in a cavitating inducer with three blades, we observed the unevenness of cavity length at the inception of synchronous rotating cavitation. The fluid force generated by the unevenness of the cavity length was found to grow exponentially, and the amplitude of shaft vibration was observed to increase exponentially. These experimental results indicate that the synchronous shaft vibration due to synchronous rotating cavitation is like selfexcited vibrations arising from the coupling between cavitation instability and rotordynamics.
Essential Norms of Weighted Composition Operators from the α‐Bloch Space to a Weighted‐Type Space on the Unit Ball
Authors: Stević Stevo
Published: November 2008

This paper finds some lower and upper bounds for the essential norm of the weighted composition operator from
α‐Bloch spaces to the weighted‐type space on the unit ball for the case α ≥ 1.
Packet Classification by Multilevel Cutting of the Classification Space: An Algorithmic‐Architectural Solution for IP Packet Classification in Next Generation Networks
Authors: Aldiab Motasem , Garcia-Palacios Emi , Crookes Danny , Sezer Sakir
Published: November 2008

Traditionally, the Internet provides only a “best‐effort” service, treating all packets going to the same destination equally. However, providing differentiated services for different users based on their quality requirements is increasingly becoming a demanding issue. For this, routers need to have the capability to distinguish and isolate traffic belonging to different flows. This ability to determine the flow each packet belongs to is called packet classification. Technology vendors are reluctant to support algorithmic solutions for classification due to their nondeterministic performance. Although content addressable memories (CAMs) are favoured by technology vendors due to their deterministic high‐lookup rates, they suffer from the problems of high‐power consumption and high‐silicon cost. This paper provides a new algorithmic‐architectural solution for packet classification that mixes CAMs with algorithms based on multilevel cutting of the classification space into smaller spaces. The provided solution utilizes the geometrical distribution of rules in the classification space. It provides the deterministic performance of CAMs, support for dynamic updates, and added flexibility for system designers.
GPS/Reduced IMU with a Local Terrain Predictor in Land Vehicle Navigation
Authors: Sun Debo , Petovello Mark G. , Cannon M. Elizabeth
Published: November 2008

In order to reduce the cost and volume of land vehicle navigation (LVN) systems, a “reduced” inertial measurement unit (IMU) consisting of only one vertical gyro and two or three accelerometers is generally used and is often integrated with other sensors. Since there are no horizontal gyros in a reduced IMU, the pitch and roll cannot be calculated or observed directly from the inertial data, and the navigation performance is thus affected by local terrain variations. In this work, a reduced IMU is integrated with global positioning system (GPS) data and a novel local terrain predictor (LTP) algorithm. The latter is used primarily to help estimate the pitch and roll of the reduced IMU system and thus to improve the navigation performance. In this paper, two reduced IMU configurations and two grades of IMUs are investigated using field data. Test results show that the LTP is valid. Specifically, inclusion of the LTP provides more than an 80% horizontal velocity improvement relative to the case when the LTP is not used in a GPS/reduced IMU configuration.
Prolactin and Male Fertility: The Long and Short Feedback Regulation
Authors: Gill-Sharma M. K.
Published: November 2008

In the last 20 years, a pituitary‐hypothalamus tissue culture system with intact neural and portal connections has been developed in our lab and used to understand the feedback mechanisms that regulate the secretions of adenohypophyseal hormones and fertility of male rats. In the last decade, several in vivo rat models have also been developed in our lab with a view to substantiate the in vitro findings, in order to delineate the role of pituitary hormones in the regulation of fertility of male rats. These studies have relied on both surgical and pharmacological interventions to modulate the secretions of gonadotropins and testosterone. The interrelationship between the circadian release of reproductive hormones has also been ascertained in normal men. Our studies suggest that testosterone regulates the secretion of prolactin through a long feedback mechanism, which appears to have been conserved from rats to humans. These studies have filled in a major lacuna pertaining to the role of prolactin in male reproductive physiology by demonstrating the interdependence between testosterone and prolactin. Systemic levels of prolactin play a deterministic role in the mechanism of chromatin condensation during spermiogenesis.
A Multiagent Potential Field‐Based Bot for Real‐Time Strategy Games
Authors: Hagelbäck Johan , Johansson Stefan J.
Published: November 2008

Bots for real‐time strategy (RTS) games may be very challenging to implement. A bot controls a number of units that will have to navigate in a partially unknown environment, while at the same time avoid each other, search for enemies, and coordinate attacks to fight them down. Potential fields are a technique originating from the area of robotics where it is used in controlling the navigation of robots in dynamic environments. Although attempts have been made to transfer the technology to the gaming sector, assumed problems with efficiency and high costs for implementation have made the industry reluctant to adopt it. We present a multiagent potential field‐based bot architecture that is evaluated in two different real‐time strategy game settings and compare them, both in terms of performance, and in terms of softer attributes such as configurability with other state‐of‐the‐art solutions. We show that the solution is a highly configurable bot that can match the performance standards of traditional RTS bots. Furthermore, we show that our approach deals with Fog of War (imperfect information about the opponent units) surprisingly well. We also show that a multiagent potential field‐based bot is highly competitive in a resource gathering scenario.
Cell Physiology and Protein Secretion of Bacillus licheniformis Compared to Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Voigt Birgit , Antelmann Haike , Albrecht Dirk , Ehrenreich Armin , Maurer Karl-Heinz , Evers Stefan , Gottschalk Gerhard , van Dijl Jan Maarten , Schweder Thomas , Hecker Michael
Published: November 2008

The genome sequence of Bacillus subtilis was published in 1997 and since then many other bacterial genomes have been sequenced, among them Bacillus licheniformis in 2004. B. subtilis and B. licheniformis are closely related and feature similar saprophytic lifestyles in the soil. Both species can secrete numerous proteins into the surrounding medium enabling them to use high-molecular-weight substances, which are abundant in soils, as nutrient sources. The availability of complete genome sequences allows for the prediction of the proteins containing signals for secretion into the extracellular milieu and also of the proteins which form the secretion machinery needed for protein translocation through the cytoplasmic membrane. To confirm the predicted subcellular localization of proteins, proteomics is the best choice. The extracellular proteomes of B. subtilis and B. licheniformis have been analyzed under different growth conditions allowing comparisons of the extracellular proteomes and conclusions regarding similarities and differences of the protein secretion mechanisms between the two species.
Ralstonia eutropha Strain H16 as Model Organism for PHA Metabolism and for Biotechnological Production of Technically Interesting Biopolymers
Authors: Reinecke Frank , Steinbüchel Alexander
Published: November 2008

The Gram-negative, facultative chemolithoautotrophic bacterium Ralstonia eutropha has been intensively investigated for almost 50 years. Today it is the best studied ‘Knallgas’ bacterium and producer of poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid). This polyester provides the basis for renewable resource-based biodegradable plastic materials and has attracted much biotechnological interest. The polymer is accumulated in large amounts in the cell and can be used for various applications ranging from replacement of fossil resource-based bulk plastics to high-value special purpose polymers. To further enhance productivity and to allow tailormade poly(hydroxyalkanoic acids) (PHA) with different monomer compositions by metabolic engineering, the knowledge of metabolic pathways and of the biochemical properties of the enzymes involved is essential. Furthermore, proteins covering the PHA granule surface, which are referred to as phasins, and fusions of these phasins to other proteins are promising candidates for various protein technologies. The recently published genome sequence of strain H16 allows researchers to take a closer look at the genetic potential of this versatile bacterium. R. eutropha is, however, not limited to PHAs and to PHA-related polymers like poly(mercaptoalkanoic acids) as it can also be employed for production of a range of other interesting polymers including polyamides like cyanophycin.
Metagenomics for Mining New Genetic Resources of Microbial Communities
Authors: Ferrer Manuel , Beloqui Ana , Timmis Kenneth N. , Golyshin Peter N.
Published: November 2008

Recent progress has revealed that the capture of genetic resources of complex microbial communities in metagenome libraries allows the discovery of a richness of new enzymatic diversity that had not previously been imagined. Activity-based screening of such libraries has demonstrated that this new diversity is not simply variations on known sequence themes, but rather the existence of entirely new sequence classes and novel functionalities. This new diversity, the surface of which has thus far only been scratched, constitutes potential for a wealth of new and improved applications in industry, medicine, agriculture, etc., and promises to facilitate in a significant manner our transition to a sustainable society, by contributing to the transition to renewable sources of energy, chemicals and materials, the lowering of pollutant burdens, lower processes energies, etc. Current bottlenecks in metagenomics include insufficient functional characterization and amplifying non-validated annotations of proteins in databases.
The Genome Organization of Ralstonia eutropha Strain H16 and Related Species of the Burkholderiaceae
Authors: Fricke Wolfgang Florian , Kusian Bernhard , Bowien Botho
Published: November 2008

Ralstonia eutropha strain H16 is a facultatively chemolithoautotrophic, hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium belonging to the family Burkholderiaceae of the Betaproteobacteria. The genome of R. eutropha H16 consists of two chromosomes (Chr1, Chr2) and one megaplasmid (pHG1), and thus shows a multi-replicon architecture, which is characteristic for all members of the Burkholderiaceae sequenced so far. The genes for housekeeping cell functions are located on Chr1. In contrast, many characteristic traits of R. eutropha H16 such as the ability to switch between alternative lifestyles and to utilize a broad variety of growth substrates are primarily encoded on the smaller replicons Chr2 and pHG1. The latter replicons also differ from Chr1 by carrying a repA-associated origin of replication typically found on plasmids. Relationships between the individual replicons from various Burkholderiaceae genomes were studied by multiple sequence alignments and whole-replicon protein comparisons. While strong conservation of gene content and order among the largest replicons indicate a common ancestor, the resemblance between the smaller replicons is considerably lower, suggesting a species-specific origin of Chr2. The megaplasmids, however, in most cases do not show any taxonomically related similarities. Based on the results of the comparative studies, a hypothesis for the evolution of the multi-replicon genomes of the Burkholderiaceae is proposed.
Warthin’s Tumor at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute: Additional Evidence of Homogeneous Sex Prevalence and Association with Other Neoplasms
Authors: Cardoso Sérgio Vitorino , do Nascimento Souza Kelen Christine , de Faria Paulo Rogério , Lima Roberto Araújo , Nascimento Marilene Filgueira , Eisenberg Ana Lúcia Amaral , Dias Fernando Luiz , Loyola Adriano Mota
Published: November 2008

Purpose of the Study: To report the largest Brazilian series of Warthin’s tumor (WT). Procedures: The medical files of 76 patients with WT treated in the Brazilian National Cancer Institute from 1996 to 2006 were reviewed. Results: The male:female ratio was 2:1, with a predominance of white, old, and smoking patients. However, there were more women among the nonsmokers. One fifth of the patients presented with synchronous multiple lesions. Parotid lesions were prevalent, but there were patients with lesions in cervical lymph nodes and in the inferior lip. Most cases were treated by superficial parotidectomy, without recurrences. One fourth of the patients also developed other primary neoplasms. Conclusions: The observed data do not differ from those in the international literature. Multiplicity and the development of other neoplastic diseases require close clinical management of patients with WT. Message: The previously unreported observation of female prevalence among nonsmoking people with WT should be confirmed and explored in future studies.
Postoperative Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Primary Head and Neck Mucosal Melanomas
Authors: Nakashima Juliano P. , Viégas Célia M. , Fassizoli Ana L. , Rodrigues Marcelo , Chamon Leonardo A.G. , Silva João H.C. , Dias Fernando L. , Araújo Carlos M.
Published: November 2008

Background/Aims: The role of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in head and neck mucosal melanomas (HNMM) is not yet clearly defined. The aim of this study is to report the 21-year experience of the Brazilian National Cancer Institute in such treatment. Methods: From January 1983 to December 2003, 31 patients with confirmed histological diagnosis of HNMM underwent treatment at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. Of these, 20 received radical treatment with surgery alone (8 patients – group 1) or surgery and PORT (12 patients – group 2). Results: Local control and the median time to local failure at 5 years were 75% and 14 months for group 1 and 83.5% and 40 months for group 2 (p = 0.06). The overall survival rates at 3 years were 37.5% for group 1 and 58% for group 2. At 5 years the survival rates were 25% for both groups (p = NS). When PORT was initiated within 60 days after surgery, there was a trend towards improvement in overall survival (p = 0.08). After univariate analysis, distant metastasis, location of primary disease and tobacco smoking were important prognostic factors. Conclusion: Early (<60 days) PORT for HNMM provides better local control with a longer disease-free survival.
The Relationship between the Extracellular Matrix and the Angiogenesis and Metastasis of Laryngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Han Zhao , Lin Guo-Jing , Chi Fang-Lu , Wang Shu-Yi , Huang Jian-Min , Liu Hong-Jian , Zhang Lu-Rong
Published: November 2008

Aims: We studied the relationships between the growth, metastasis and angiogenesis of laryngeal carcinoma and extracellular matrix protein-1 (ECM1) and hyaluronan (HA). Methods: Thirty-three cases of benign and malignant laryngeal tumors were included. Using immunohistochemical staining, we examined the expression of ECM1 and HA in tumors and metastatic lymph nodes and correlated it with counts of microvessel density. Results: The expression of ECM1 (p = 0.004) and HA (p = 0.036) was significantly different between benign and malignant tumors. The expression of ECM1 was strongly associated with microvessel density (Spearman’s ρ = 0.513, p = 0.017), with the strongest expression present within caner nests. With respect to HA, expression was significantly associated with more advanced clinical TNM stage (Spearman’s ρ = 0.521, p = 0.015). The link was stronger in cases where metastasis or recurrence occurred than in those without complication (p = 0.014). No significant relationship was found between ECM1 and HA expression among malignant samples (Spearman’s ρ = 0.383, p = 0.087). Conclusions: ECM1 has a high association with the growth, metastasis and angiogenesis of laryngeal carcinoma. An increased level of HA expression was related to the process of laryngeal carcinogenesis. Specifically, carcinoma cells with high levels of HA secretion had a higher potential for metastasis. No significant relative expression of ECM1 and HA was found.
A New Combined Speech Processor for Electric and Acoustic Stimulation – Eight Months Experience
Authors: Helbig Silke , Baumann Uwe , Helbig Matthias , von Malsen-Waldkirch Nicola , Gstoettner Wolfgang
Published: November 2008

Purpose: Electric acoustic stimulation (EAS) relies on the preservation of low-frequency hearing and adequate amplification of these frequencies. EAS has been achieved by fitting the cochlear implant (CI) speech processor together with an ipsilateral in-the-ear hearing aid. This study will evaluate the outcomes when CI/EAS users upgrade to a new combination of hearing aid and speech processor in 1 device (DUET™). Method: Nine EAS patients participated in this study. Before switchover and after 2 and 8 months of DUET device use, they were assessed using monosyllables and sentences in quiet and in noise. Additionally, a questionnaire, the Abbreviated Profile for Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB), was used to evaluate subjective impressions. Results: All subjects performed equally well, or even better, after switchover. This was also demonstrated over time. The participants with EAS before switchover performed equally afterwards, while those who used CI only did markedly better with the new device, especially in noisy conditions. Slight preference for the new system was also demonstrated with the APHAB. Conclusion: All subjects showed benefit in noise; CI-only users before switchover particularly benefited from the new hearing system. Those who applied EAS before switchover performed equally well. The DUET allows individuals better access to EAS.
Prediction of the Pure-Tone Average from the Speech Reception and Auditory Brainstem Response Thresholds in a Geriatric Population
Authors: Chien Chih-Hung , Tu Tzong-Yang , Shiao An-Suey , Chien Shu-Feng , Wang Yi-Fen , Li Angela Chung-I , Yang Mei-Jan
Published: November 2008

Background: Although the pure-tone average (PTA) remains the standard assessment of hearing status, its results are questionable in the difficult-to-test geriatric population. In this study, we assessed the relationship between the 4-frequency PTA, speech reception threshold (SRT) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold in the aged. We developed an equation as a tool to predict the actual PTA. Methods: Forty-six subjects more than 60 years of age were consecutively enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent hearing threshold evaluation by means of PTA, SRT and ABR testing on both ears. Using simple linear and multiple regressions, the correlation and multiple regression models between PTA, SRT and ABR thresholds were calculated. Results: The Pearson correlation coefficient between pure-tone thresholds (PTTs) and SRT was highest at 0.5–2 kHz (r = 0.948). The Pearson correlation coefficient between PTTs and ABR thresholds was highest at 2–4 kHz (r = 0.690). The resultant multiple regression model to predict actual PTA was: PTA = 3.274 + 0.774 (SRT) + 0.245 (ABR). Conclusions: In this study, we delineated the relationship between the PTA, SRT and ABR threshold, and established an equation to predict the actual PTA from the SRT and ABR threshold in difficult-to-test patients, allowing accurate assessment of the hearing threshold in geriatric populations.
Serum and Middle Ear Immunoglobulins in Suppurative Otitis Media
Authors: Lasisi Akeem O. , Arinola Olatubosun G. , Bakare Rasheed A.
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose: Despite the increasing occurrence of suppurative otitis media (SOM), the content of immunoglobulin fractions in the middle ear secretion (MES) has still not been determined. Method: The serum and MESwere analyzed for IgG and M using enzyme-linked immunoassay. Result: The subjects and controls were 30 males and 22 females, between 6 months and 9 years old, with a mean age of 6 years (SD = 3.26). The patient group included 20 chronic SOM (CSOM) and 17 acute SOM (ASOM) cases, and sera of 15 subjects made the control group. The mean serum IgG levels were for controls 1,051 mg/dl, ASOM 666.1 mg/dl and CSOM 1,321.1 mg/dl; the MES levels were for ASOM 203.4 mg/dl and CSOM 511.5 mg/dl. The mean serum IgM levels were for controls 35 mg/dl, ASOM 64.1 mg/dl and CSOM 40 mg/dl; the MES levels were for ASOM 22.59 mg/dl and CSOM 3.44 mg/dl. The mean MES:serum ratios for IgG and IgM were between 0.1 and 0.4 in ASOM and CSOM. The ratio of serum IgG levels of controls to ASOM cases was 0.66 while that of controls to CSOM was 1.3. The corresponding ratios of IgM were 1.6 and 0.88. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between serum IgG levels of ASOM and CSOM (p = 0.043) and MES IgG (p = 0.02) in ASOM and CSOM but no correlation between serum IgG levels in controls and ASOM (p = 0.25), serum IgM levels in controls and CSOM (p = 0.62) and serum IgM levels in controls and ASOM (p = 0.73), ASOM and CSOM (p = 0.064) and MES IgM levels of ASOM and CSOM (p = 0.06). Conclusions: Monitoring of the serum and MES IgG in ASOM may provide a useful index to assess the possibility of progression to chronicity. This forms a database for the immunological status of SOM patients.
A Swallowing Evaluation with Simultaneous Videoendoscopy, Ultrasonography and Videofluorography in Healthy Controls
Authors: Komori Masahiro , Hyodo Masamitsu , Gyo Kiyofumi
Published: November 2008

Purpose: A new bedside method for the evaluation of swallowing function was pursued. Procedures: To compare our technique combining videoendoscopy (VE) and ultrasonography (US) with videofluorography (VF) in healthy controls, these images were displayed simultaneously. Results: The beginning of laryngeal elevation was identified by VF and US. Thereafter, the pharynx became invisible with VE. Then the bolus head passed through the tongue base and reached the vallecula and the piriform sinus. Laryngeal elevation was at maximum height for VF and US. The timing of elevation assessed by VF and US was almost equivalent. The distances and durations of the maximum laryngeal elevation, measured by US and VF, were almost equal and significantly positively correlated (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This study suggested that our technique could demonstrate swallowing function as efficiently as VF.
Early Sacral Neural Crest Migration in Dominant megacolon Mouse Embryos
Authors: Tam W.Y. , Wang X. , Wang L. , Bao L.H. , Chan W.Y.
Published: November 2008

Hirschsprung’s disease, or congenital megacolon, is the most common gastrointestinal motility disorder in newborns. The prominent feature of Hirschsprung’s disease is an abnormal dilatation of the distal colon resulting from a regional absence or reduction of enteric ganglion cells. It has been known that all intrinsic enteric ganglion cells are derived from neural crest cells, which migrate along defined pathways from the neural tube (embryonic central nervous system) to the gut during embryonic development. Recent studies on avian embryos have also indicated that neural crest cells at the sacral level contribute a significant number of enteric neurons to the hindgut, the region of the gut where aganglionosis is usually detected in Hirschsprung’s disease. In the present study, we aimed to identify anomalies in the early migration of sacral neural crest cells in the Dominant megacolon(Dom) mouse mutant, a model for Hirschsprung’s disease. A combination of whole embryo culture, in situ cell labeling and histochemical staining was used to follow the early sacral neural crest cell migration. In the wild-type embryos, when sacral neural crest cells caudal to the 24th somite were labeled at embryonic day 10.0 (E10.0), labeled cells were found in the mesenchyme on the two sides of neural tube and many of them resided in the region of dorsal root ganglia at E11.0. Some of them were also found in the region around the dorsal aorta. In embryos heterozygous and homozygous for Dom, similar distribution and migratory pattern were found, indicating that the early migration of sacral neural crest cells was not affected in the mutant. Our results hence implicated that anomalies in the early sacral crest cell migration are unlikely to be a cause of aganglionosis in the hindgut of the Dom mutant.
Rapid Encephalopathy Associated with Anti-D Immune Globulin Treatment for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Golla Sunitha , Horkan Clare , Dogaru Grigore , Teske Thomas E. , Christopher Kenneth
Published: November 2008

Rho (D) immune globulin intravenous (IV RhIG, WinRho SDF) has been shown to be a safe treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Common side effects of IV RhIG include mild hemolysis, febrile reaction and headache. Significant hemolysis with renal impairment is infrequently noted. A single case of irreversible encephalopathy following IV RhIG has been reported. We report a second case of encephalopathy following an infusion of IV RhIG for treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Repeated in vitro Fertilization Failure and Its Relation with Thrombophilia
Authors: Simur Aynur , Özdemir Suna , Acar Hasan , Çolakoğlu M. Cengiz , Görkemli Hüseyin , Balcı Osman , Nergis Süleyman
Published: November 2008

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of some thrombophilic factors and its relation to in vitro fertilization (IVF)-embryo transfer failure in women who had had three or more previously failed IVF-embryo transfer cycles. Methods: The study group included 51 consecutive women with three or more previously failed IVF-embryo transfer cycles (group 1). The control group included 50 women who conceived spontaneously with at least one uneventful pregnancy and no previous history of miscarriage. All women were tested for the presence of factor V Leiden, prothrombin (G20210A), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (C677T) mutations. Results: A similar prevalence of factor V Leiden, prothrombin, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutations was found in both groups. At least one inherited thrombophilic factor was detected in 62.7% of women with repeated IVF failure and in 53.9% of women in group 2. No association between repeated IVF failure and these thrombophilic factors was found statistically. Conclusion: These data suggest that factor V Leiden, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and prothrombin gene mutation do not have a significant role in IVF-embryo transfer implantation failure.
Surgical Invasiveness of Cell Transplantation into the Guinea Pig Cochlear Modiolus
Authors: Ogita Hideaki , Nakagawa Takayuki , Lee Kyu Yup , Inaoka Takatoshi , Okano Takayuki , Kikkawa Yayoi S. , Sakamoto Tatsunori , Ito Juichi
Published: November 2008

Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of cell transplantation for regeneration of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). However, the effect of surgical invasion on host cochleae has yet to be evaluated. The present study investigated the efficiency and invasiveness of our surgical procedure using a fine glass pipette for injections into the cochlear modiolus. Methods: We examined the survival of transplanted embryonic stem cell-derived neurons in the cochlear modiolus of guinea pigs. Surgical invasiveness was assessed by measurements of electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (eABRs) and SGN densities after an injection of 5 ml of saline into the cochlear modiolus. Results: All of the transplanted animals exhibited localization of transplanted cells in the cochlear modiolus. No significant alterations in the eABR thresholds or SGN densities were found following surgery. Conclusion: These findings indicate that our procedure is a viable method for testing the potential of transplants for SGN replacement.
Indocyanine Green Angiography in Experimental Choroidal Circulatory Disturbance
Authors: Nishikawa M. , Matsunaga H. , Takahashi K. , Matsumura M.
Published: November 2008

Purpose: To determine how choroidal venous congestion alters the indocyanine green angiograms (ICGA) of monkeys. Methods: Two vortex veins in each eye of 5 Japanese macaque monkeys were sutured and cauterized at their exit. ICGA and fluorescein angiography (FA) were performed immediately after the occlusions. The FA and ICGA findings were correlated with the histopathological changes. Results: ICGA showed a delay in filling the choroidal arteries in the field of the occluded vortex veins, and the choroidal veins were filled retrogradely in a pulsatile manner. The fluorescence intensity of the larger veins was higher in the occluded area. The clearance of the indocyanine green dye was delayed by approximately 15 min. Histology showed that the choroidal veins in the occluded field were engorged with red blood cells. Conclusion: The ICGA findings in eyes with choroidal venous congestion are a delay in the filling of the choroidal arteries, reflux of venous blood flow, increase in fluorescence intensity of the choroidal veins, and delayed indocyanine green dye clearance.
Frequency and Case Identification of Dementia with Lewy Bodies Using the Revised Consensus Criteria
Authors: Aarsland Dag , Rongve Arvid , Piepenstock Nore Sabine , Skogseth Ragnhild , Skulstad Siri , Ehrt Uwe , Hoprekstad Dagne , Ballard Clive
Published: November 2008

Objective: To find the proportion of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in a referral cohort of patients with a first-time diagnosis of mild dementia. Background: The proportion of DLB among the dementia sufferers is not known and the clinical consensus criteria have low sensitivity. We employed the revised DLB criteria to study the proportion with DLB in a community sample of patients with mild dementia. Methods: From March 2005 to March 2007, we included 196 patients from referrals to all geriatric medicine, old age psychiatry and neurology outpatient clinics in Rogaland and Hordaland counties in Western Norway. Standardized clinical instruments and diagnostic criteria were employed. Results: 65% had Alzheimer dementia, 20% DLB (16% probable DLB), 5.6% vascular dementia, 5.6% Parkinson disease with dementia, 2.0% frontotemporal dementia and 1.5% alcoholic dementia. There were no significant differences in the proportion with DLB according to age bands and dementia severity groups. The revised criteria for a clinical diagnosis of DLB increased the proportion of probable DLB by 25% compared to the previous criteria. Conclusion: DLB is common in patients with mild dementia, and is the second most common type of dementia. The introduction of new clinical criteria for DLB leads to an increase in the proportion diagnosed with probable DLB.
Comparison of the Usefulness of Brain Perfusion SPECT and MIBG Myocardial Scintigraphy for the Diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Tateno Masaru , Kobayashi Seiju , Shirasaka Tomohiro , Furukawa Yoshimori , Fujii Kazuki , Morii Hidetoshi , Yasumura Shuichi , Utsumi Kumiko , Saito Toshikazu
Published: November 2008

Background: Supportive features in the diagnostic criteria for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) include occipital hypoperfusion and decreased cardiac uptake of 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG). In this study, we performed both brain perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and MIBG myocardial scintigraphy in the same subjects and evaluated their sensitivity to detect the characteristic features of DLB. Methods: Twenty-five patients with probable DLB (76.8 ± 5.1 years old, 10 male) underwent 99mTc-ethylcysteinate dimer brain perfusion SPECT and 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy. The results of SPECT were analyzed using a qualitative analysis program, easy Z score imaging system (eZIS), and an automated quantitative analysis program, 3DSRT. Results: Qualitative analysis using eZIS demonstrated occipital hypoperfusion in 17 subjects (68%). The quantified mean blood perfusion in the occipital segment on the 3DSRT template was 40.7 ± 5.03 ml/100 g/min (right) and 40.5 ± 5.38 ml/100 g/min (left), and in 19 DLB patients these values were below the normal limit. Twenty-four of 25 subjects (96%) had decreased cardiac MIBG uptake in the delayed image. Conclusion: MIBG myocardial scintigraphy was superior to brain perfusion SPECT in detecting a characteristic feature of DLB. Our results suggest that combining SPECT and MIBG scintigraphy could increase the accuracy of clinical diagnosis of DLB.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Infants of Very Low Birth Weight
Authors: Iglesias Platas Isabel , Thió Lluch Marta , Pociello Almiñana Neus , Morillo Palomo Ana , Iriondo Sanz Martí , Krauel Vidal Xavier
Published: November 2008

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) in a population of infants of very low birth weight (VLBW). Study Design: Infants weighing ≤1,500 g and of ≤32 weeks of gestation were recruited within 24 h of delivery. A subcutaneous sensor connected to a CGMS was inserted and maintained for 7 days or until dysfunction. Therapeutic management followed the usual standard protocols. Results: 38 patients (21 male) were included over 17 months. Their mean gestational age was 27.5 ± 2.0 weeks and their mean birth weight was 958.3 ± 205.5 g. Their perinatal histories and complications during admission were unremarkable for extremely premature babies. Continuous monitoring lasted an average of 7.84 ± 1.99 days per patient. Hyperglycaemia was detected in 22 (57.90%) patients and it lasted a mean of 20.33 ± 30.13 h, while 14 (36.8%) presented with hypoglycaemia for a mean of 2.45 ± 2.3 h. Conclusions: The CGMS gave a safe and useful estimate of glucose levels in VLBW infants, revealing abnormal glucose levels at a much higher rate than expected by usual sampling. However, it was not able to provide real-time glucose concentration data. CGMS may be very useful in providing information on the role of hyper- and hypoglycaemia on short- and long-term outcomes in VLBW infants.
Bone Mineral Density and Vitamin D Status in Female and Male Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee or Hip
Authors: Breijawi N. , Eckardt A. , Pitton M.B. , Hoelzl A.J. , Giesa M. , von Stechow D. , Haid F. , Drees P.
Published: November 2008

Objective: Osteoporosis (OP), osteoarthritis (OA) and vitamin D deficiency are age-related disorders. We investigated the association between bone mineral density (BMD), vitamin D and OA in patients undergoing total hip or knee replacements. Method: In total, 82 women and 35 men with mean ages of 70 and 68 years, respectively, were recruited for the study. The BMD of the lumbar spine and the proximal femur were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The vitamin D status was assessed by 25(OH)D levels, with a cut-off of ≤30 ng·ml–1. Results: In total, 84.7% of the patients had a vitamin D deficiency; 20% of the men had a T-score below –2.5; 23.2% of the women were affected by OP. Furthermore, 37.1 and 42.7% of the male and female patients, respectively, had osteopenia. We concluded that OP and osteopenia were not due to immobility. Conclusion: The average age, rather than the frequency of OP, in cases with OA of the hip or knee differed from the general population. The incidence of low BMD in the male cohort was notably higher than expected. We detected a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, independent of the BMD.
Aspirin Inhibits MMP-2 and MMP-9 Expressions and Activities through Upregulation of PPARα/γ and TIMP Gene Expressions in ox-LDL-Stimulated Macrophages Derived from Human Monocytes
Authors: Hua Yinan , Xue Jie , Sun Fan , Zhu Lujia , Xie Meilin
Published: November 2008

Recently, aspirin has been shown to alleviate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, the effects of aspirin on oxidative low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-stimulated human monocyte-derived macrophages were examined. Following treatment of cells with aspirin, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and release were significantly reduced. Moreover, expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) α and γ was markedly enhanced. The effect of PPAR inhibitors on MMP levels in aspirin-treated cells was examined. RT-PCR and ELISA assays showed that inhibition of MMP-9 levels by aspirin was notably alleviated by PPAR antagonists. Interestingly, expression of nuclear factor (NF)- κB was also decreased by aspirin. RT-PCR study also indicated that aspirin could upregulate the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2. In all of these studies, lower dosage (50 or 100 μg/ml) exerted the best effect. These results demonstrate that aspirin could inhibit MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression through upregulation of PPARα/γ expression in ox-LDL-stimulated macrophages, and could potentially inhibit MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity by induction of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression. This finding may demonstrate a novel pharmacological effect of aspirin protecting against atherosclerotic plaque rupture.
Risk Factors for Cesarean Delivery in Preterm, Term and Post-Term Patients Undergoing Induction of Labor with an Unfavorable Cervix
Authors: Ennen Christopher S. , Bofill James A. , Magann Everett F. , Bass John D. , Chauhan Suneet P. , Morrison John C.
Published: November 2008

Background/Aims: To identify risk factors for cesarean delivery in patients with an unfavorable cervix undergoing an indicated induction of labor. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of combined data from three prospective randomized trials comparing cervical ripening methods in singleton pregnancies with an unfavorable cervix seeking to identify risk factors for cesarean delivery. Results: Nine hundred and five women underwent an induction of labor for a variety of indications. Gestational age ranged from 27.0–42.8 weeks (mean of 37.8 weeks) and initial Bishop’s score from 0–6 (mean 2.5). There were 613 vaginal deliveries (67.7%) and 292 cesarean deliveries (32.2%). Factors associated with an increased risk for cesarean delivery included nulliparous status, Bishop’s score ≤1, body mass index >40 and diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Risk factors for cesarean delivery in women undergoing an indicated induction include a low Bishop’s score, high BMI, nulliparity and diabetes.
Protective Effect of Geranylgeranylacetone on Cisplatin Ototoxicity
Authors: Yin Hai Ying , Ma Xiu Fang , Liu Fang , Xia Ming , Xu An Ting
Published: November 2008

Background: Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) has the ability to induce heat shock proteins and to protect cells from apoptotic insults. This study aims to investigate whether GGA has a protective effect on cisplatin (CDDP) ototoxicity. Methods: The auditory threshold was assessed using the auditory brainstem response test. Hsp70 and C-reactive protein expressions were investigated by Western blot analysis. The amount of hair cells was counted under scanning electron microscopy. Results: The auditory threshold and the percentage of missing outer hair cells in the CDDP group were significantly higher than in the GGA + CDDP group. C-reactive protein expression was less in the GGA + CDDP group compared with the CDDP group. Hsp70 expression showed an adverse result. Conclusion: It was suggested that GGA had a protective effect on CDDP ototoxicity.
Quercetin Is Able to Demethylate the p16INK4a Gene Promoter
Authors: Tan Sainan , Wang Chong , Lu Cailing , Zhao Baojian , Cui Yi , Shi Xinquan , Ma Xu
Published: November 2008

Background: Quercetin is a flavonoid found ubiquitously in nature. Studies in vitroand in vivohave suggested that quercetin may have a protective role against colon cancer. Methods: We selected the human colon cancer cell line RKO to investigate the effects of quercetin in vitro. RKO cells were treated with different concentrations of quercetin. Results: In comparison to the control, quercetin was able to inhibit the growth of RKO cells, as measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Untreated RKO cells demonstrated almost complete methylation of the p16INK4a gene. Hypermethylation of the p16INK4a gene was successfully reversed after 120 h of treatment with quercetin. Expression of the p16INK4a gene was restored in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: All these data suggest that quercetin has antitumor properties, probably via demethylation of the p16INK4a gene promoter.
Male Sex Hormones May Influence the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Young Men
Authors: Kim Beom Jin , Rhee Poong-Lyul , Park Jung Ho , Chang Dong Kyung , Kim Young-Ho , Son Hee Jung , Kim Jae J. , Rhee Jong Chul , Lee Hyuk
Published: November 2008

Aims: To evaluate the sex hormone status of young male patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and to investigate whether there were any differences in bowel symptoms related to the hormone levels. Methods: Thirty-eight young male patients with IBS were compared with 20 healthy young men. Details of symptoms were collected by a structured questionnaire. Each subject underwent a blood test and colonoscopy. The blood test included serum testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Based on the questionnaire, patients were classified as having diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) or constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C). Results: Among the 38 patients with IBS, 24 had IBS-D and 14 had IBS-C. The patients had higher levels of testosterone and SHBG than did the controls (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between the IBS-D and IBS-C group with regard to the testosterone and SHBG levels (p > 0.05). There was also no difference in the duration and severity of symptoms between these 2 groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Sex hormone status in young men differ from those in older men and may play an important role in the pathophysiology of IBS, regardless of the dominant symptom type.
Monthly Ambient Sunlight, Infections and Relapse Rates in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Tremlett Helen , van der Mei Ingrid A.F. , Pittas Fotini , Blizzard Leigh , Paley Glenys , Mesaros Desiree , Woodbaker Richard , Nunez Manuel , Dwyer Terence , Taylor Bruce V. , Ponsonby Anne-Louise
Published: November 2008

Background: Monthly variation in multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses has been found. The relationship between seasonal environmental factors, infections, serum vitamin D [25(OH)D] and MS relapses is undetermined. Methods: We prospectively followed a population-based cohort of relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients in Southern Tasmania for a mean 2.3 years (January 2002–April 2005). Associations between monthly ambient environmental factors, estimated serum 25(OH)D, upper respiratory tract (URT) infections and relapse rates were examined using weighted Pearson’s correlation and linear regression. Results: Of 199 definite MS patients, 142 had RRMS. The lowest relapse rate of 0.5 per 1,000 days (95% CI: 0.2–1.3) occurred in February (mid-late summer) versus the March–January RR of 1.1 per 1,000 days (95% CI: 0.9–1.3; p = 0.018, weighted regression). Monthly relapse rates correlated with: (1) prior erythemal ultraviolet radiation (EUV): lagged 1.5 months, r = –0.32, p = 0.046; (2) URT infection rate: no lag, r = 0.39, p = 0.014; (3) 25(OH)D: no lag, r = –0.31, p = 0.057. The association between URT infections and relapses was reduced after adjustment for monthly EUV. Conclusions: Relapse rates were inversely associated with EUV and serum 25(OH)D levels and positively associated with URT infections. The demonstrated lag between EUV but not 25(OH)D and relapse rates is consistent with a role for EUV-generated 25(OH)D in the alteration of relapse rates. Future work on the association between URT infections and relapses should be considered in the context of ultraviolet radiation and vitamin D.