bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prurigo as a symptom of atopic and non‐atopic diseases: aetiological survey in a consecutive cohort of 108 patients
Authors: Iking A. , Grundmann S. , Chatzigeorgakidis E. , Phan N.Q. , Klein D. , Ständer S.
Published: February 2012

Background  Prurigo nodularis Hyde (PN) is a highly pruritic condition due to a vicious circle of repeated itching and scratching. There are no representative clinical studies investigating comorbidities in a large collective of PN patients.

Objective  This pilot study aimed to investigate the exact distribution of the coexisting diseases in a large representative consecutive cohort of PN patients.

Methods  A total of 108 PN patients (36.1% male; mean age of 61.5 ± 16.7 years) were enrolled in the study.

Results  In 87.0% of patients, diseases underlying PN could be established (18.5% skin disease, 7.4% systemic origin, 1.8% neurological diseases, 59.3% mixed origin). Due to several possible causative co‐factors, the majority of patients were classified in the group of mixed origin (59.3%). In 53.1% of these patients, at least one dermatological factor was involved in the induction of PN. Interestingly, nearly half (46.3%) of all PN patients had either an atopic predisposition or atopic dermatitis as a single cause of PN (18.5%) or as one co‐factor of PN of mixed origin (27.8%). Considering the different underlying diseases, there was no significant age or gender difference.

Conclusion  PN does not seem to represent a characteristic symptom of one disease only. Multiple pruritogenic diseases are linked to evolution and improvement of PN upon treatment. Atopic predisposition is a major factor in nearly half of PN patients. The large collective of the present study helped detect a broad range of underlying diseases and thus to provide recommendations for rational diagnostics.
Recurrent Seizures in Tramadol Intoxication: Implications for Therapy Based on 100 Patients
Authors: Shadnia Shahin , Brent Jeffrey , Mousavi‐Fatemi Khatereh , Hafezi Peyman , Soltaninejad Kambiz
Published: February 2012

Tramadol is an atypical opioid analgesic used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. Despite being a GABAA agonist, seizures are a prominent complication with its therapeutic use, abuse or overdose. For patients who have had a tramadol‐induced seizure, the likelihood of recurrent seizures and the need for emergent anticonvulsant prophylaxis is unknown. However, treatment of patients with anticonvulsants prophylactically may cause adverse effects and increased morbidity in tramadol poisoning. We studied the outcome and frequency of recurrent seizures in tramadol‐intoxicated patients in an attempt to determine the need for prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy. This was a retrospective cohort study of tramadol‐intoxicated patients who had at least one seizure. Patients' age, sex, cause(s) of intoxication, route of poisoning, dose or number of capsules or tablets taken, vital signs, other signs or symptoms, numbers of seizures, length of stay, co‐ingestions and past medical history were ascertained. Exactly 100 patients met the inclusion criteria. Eighty‐two per cent were men, and 50% were between 21 and 30 years old. By our standard clinical protocol, none were treated with seizure prophylaxis after their first seizure. Only 7% had recurrent seizures and all patients recovered without sequelae. Because of the low risk of multiple seizures in tramadol poisoning and the lack of morbidity in patients who do seize, it appears to be unnecessary to administer prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy in patients with tramadol poisoning, even if they have an initial seizure.
Gadolinium Containing Photochromic Micelles as Potential Magnetic Resonance Imaging Traceable Drug Carriers
Authors: Heta Yushi , Kumaki Kentaro , Hifumi Hiroki , Citterio Daniel , Tanimoto Akihiro , Suzuki Koji
Published: February 2012

Novel photochromic amphipathic molecules, KMR‐AZn (Gd‐DTPA‐AZCn), composed of hydrophilic Gd‐DTPA and hydrophobic alkylated azobenzene were prepared. In aqueous environment, KMR‐AZn indicated self‐assembly. The resulting aggregates were demonstrated to be able to include a hydrophobic drug substitute (hydrophobic fluorescent dye) into the internal core, and to release the included compound upon photoirradiation within 10 min through the influence of azobenzene photoisomerization. This micellar MRI contrast agent exhibited three‐ to four‐fold higher r1 relaxivity (r1 = 14.5–16.5 mm−1 s−1, 0.47 T at 40°C) than the widely applied small molecule contrast agent Gd‐DTPA (Magnevist®r1 = 4.1 mm−1 s−1, 0.47 T at 40°C). This dual functionality of encapsulated compound release and increased MR imaging contrast indicates that KMR‐AZn is a potential candidate for application as a lipid‐based MRI‐traceable drug carrier.
Theoretical Study of Absorption and Fluorescence Spectra of Firefly Luciferin in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Hiyama Miyabi , Akiyama Hidefumi , Yamada Kenta , Koga Nobuaki
Published: February 2012

The absorption and fluorescence spectra of firefly luciferin, which is an analog of oxyluciferin, are investigated by performing the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, especially focusing on the experimentally unassigned peaks. Time‐dependent DFT calculations are performed for the excited states of firefly luciferin and its conjugate acids and bases. We find that (1) the peaks in the experimental absorption spectra correspond to the excited states of not only (6′O−, 4COO−) and (6′OH, 4COO−), but also (6′OH, 4COOH) and (6′OH, 3H+, 4COOH); (2) the peaks in the experimental fluorescence spectra correspond to the excited states of not only (6′O−, 4COO−), but also (6′OH, 4COO−), (6′O−, 4COOH), (6′OH, 4COOH) and (6′OH, 3H+, 4COOH); (3) the unassigned peak near 400 nm in the experimental absorption spectra at pH 1 is assigned to the absorption from the equilibrium ground state to the first excited state of (6′OH, 3H+, 4COOH); and (4) the unassigned peak at 610 nm in the experimental fluorescence spectra corresponds to the transition from the equilibrium first excited state to the ground state of (6′OH, 4COO−).
Telomere length and regulatory proteins in human skeletal muscle with and without ongoing regenerative cycles
Authors: Ponsot Elodie , Echaniz‐Laguna Andoni , Delis Anna‐Maria , Kadi Fawzi
Published: February 2012

New insights suggest the existence of telomere regulatory mechanisms in several adult tissues. In this study, we aimed to assess in vivo telomere length and the presence of specific proteins involved in telomere regulation in a model of human skeletal muscle with (patients with dermatomyosis or polymyositis) and without ongoing regenerative events (healthy subjects). Mean (meanTRF) and minimal telomere (miniTRF) lengths and the expression of telomerase, tankyrase 1, TRF2 (telomeric repeat binding factor 2) and POT1 (protection of telomeres 1) were investigated in skeletal muscle samples from 12 patients (MYO) and 13 healthy subjects (CON). There was no significant shortening of telomeres in skeletal muscle from patients compared with control subjects (MYO, meanTRF length 11.0 ± 1.8 kbp and miniTRF length 4.7 ± 0.8 kbp; CON, meanTRF length 10.4 ± 1.1 kbp and miniTRF length 4.6 ± 0.5 kbp). Theoretically, telomere length can be controlled by endogenous mechanisms. Here, we show for the first time that expression levels of telomerase, tankyrase 1, TRF2 and POT1 were, respectively, six‐, seven‐, three‐ and fivefold higher in the nuclear fraction of skeletal muscle of MYO compared with CON (P < 0.05). This suggests the existence of endogenous mechanisms allowing for telomere regulation in skeletal muscle with ongoing cycles of degeneration and regeneration and a model where regulatory factors are possibly involved in the protection of skeletal muscle telomeres.
Presence of a Large β(1-3)Glucan Linked to Chitin at the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mother-Bud Neck Suggests Involvement in Localized Growth Control
Authors: Cabib Enrico , Blanco Noelia , Arroyo Javier
Published: February 2012

Previous results suggested that the chitin ring present at the yeast mother-bud neck, which is linked specifically to the nonreducing ends of β(1-3)glucan, may help to suppress cell wall growth at the neck by competing with β(1-6)glucan and thereby with mannoproteins for their attachment to the same sites. Here we explored whether the linkage of chitin to β(1-3)glucan may also prevent the remodeling of this polysaccharide that would be necessary for cell wall growth. By a novel mild procedure, β(1-3)glucan was isolated from cell walls, solubilized by carboxymethylation, and fractionated by size exclusion chromatography, giving rise to a very high-molecular-weight peak and to highly polydisperse material. The latter material, soluble in alkali, may correspond to glucan being remodeled, whereas the large-size fraction would be the final cross-linked structural product. In fact, the β(1-3)glucan of buds, where growth occurs, is solubilized by alkali. A
gas1
mutant with an expected defect in glucan elongation showed a large increase in the polydisperse fraction. By a procedure involving sodium hydroxide treatment, carboxymethylation, fractionation by affinity chromatography on wheat germ agglutinin-agarose, and fractionation by size chromatography on Sephacryl columns, it was shown that the β(1-3)glucan attached to chitin consists mostly of high-molecular-weight material. Therefore, it appears that linkage to chitin results in a polysaccharide that cannot be further remodeled and does not contribute to growth at the neck. In the course of these experiments, the new finding was made that part of the chitin forms a noncovalent complex with β(1-3)glucan.
Role of the NiFe Hydrogenase Hya in Oxidative Stress Defense in Geobacter sulfurreducens
Authors: Tremblay Pier-Luc , Lovley Derek R.
Published: February 2012

Geobacter sulfurreducens
, an Fe(III)-reducing deltaproteobacterium found in anoxic subsurface environments, contains 4 NiFe hydrogenases. Hyb, a periplasmically oriented membrane-bound NiFe hydrogenase, is essential for hydrogen-dependent growth. The functions of the three other hydrogenases are unknown. We show here that the other periplasmically oriented membrane-bound NiFe hydrogenase, Hya, is necessary for growth after exposure to oxidative stress when hydrogen or a highly limiting concentration of acetate is the electron source. The beneficial impact of Hya on growth was dependent on the presence of H
2
in the atmosphere. Moreover, the Hya-deficient strain was more sensitive to the presence of superoxide or hydrogen peroxide. Hya was also required to safeguard Hyb hydrogen oxidation activity after exposure to O
2
. Overexpression studies demonstrated that Hya was more resistant to oxidative stress than Hyb. Overexpression of Hya also resulted in the creation of a recombinant strain better fitted for exposure to oxidative stress than wild-type
G. sulfurreducens
. These results demonstrate that one of the physiological roles of the O
2
-resistant Hya is to participate in the oxidative stress defense of
G. sulfurreducens
.
Repression of Salmonella entericaphoPExpression by Small Molecules from Physiological Bile
Authors: Antunes L. Caetano M. , Wang Melody , Andersen Sarah K. , Ferreira Rosana B. R. , Kappelhoff Reinhild , Han Jun , Borchers Christoph H. , Finlay B. Brett
Published: February 2012

Infection withSalmonella entericaserovar Typhi in humans causes the life-threatening disease typhoid fever. In the laboratory, typhoid fever can be modeled through the inoculation of susceptible mice withSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium. Using this murine model, we previously characterized the interactions betweenSalmonellaTyphimurium and host cells in the gallbladder and showed that this pathogen can successfully invade gallbladder epithelial cells and proliferate. Additionally, we showed thatSalmonellaTyphimurium can use bile phospholipids to grow at high rates. These abilities are likely important for quick colonization of the gallbladder during typhoid fever and further pathogen dissemination through fecal shedding. To further characterize the interactions betweenSalmonellaand the gallbladder environment, we compared the transcriptomes ofSalmonellacultures grown in LB broth or physiological murine bile. Our data showed that many genes involved in bacterial central metabolism are affected by bile, with the citric acid cycle being repressed and alternative respiratory systems being activated. Additionally, our study revealed a new aspect ofSalmonellainteractions with bile through the identification of the global regulatorphoPas a bile-responsive gene. Repression ofphoPexpression could also be achieved using physiological, but not commercial, bovine bile. The biological activity does not involve PhoPQ sensing of a bile component and is not caused by bile acids, the most abundant organic components of bile. Bioactivity-guided purification allowed the identification of a subset of small molecules from bile that can elicit full activity; however, a single compound withphoPinhibitory activity could not be isolated, suggesting that multiple molecules may act in synergy to achieve this effect. Due to the critical role ofphoPinSalmonellavirulence, further studies in this area will likely reveal aspects of the interaction betweenSalmonellaand bile that are relevant to disease.
GntR-Type Transcriptional Regulator PckR Negatively Regulates the Expression of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Hyeon Jeong Eun , Kang Dae Hee , Kim Young In , You Seung Kyou , Han Sung Ok
Published: February 2012

The
pck
(
cg3169
) gene of
Corynebacterium glutamicum
encodes a phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). Here, a candidate transcriptional regulator that binds to the promoter region of
pck
was detected using a DNA affinity purification approach. An isolated protein was identified to be PckR (Cg0196), a GntR family transcriptional regulator which consists of 253 amino acids with a mass of 27 kDa as measured by peptide mass fingerprinting. The results of electrophoretic mobility shift assays verified that PckR specifically binds to the
pck
promoter. The putative regulator binding region extended from position −44 to −27 (an 18-bp sequence) relative to the transcriptional start point of the
pck
gene. We measured the expression of
pck
in a
pckR
deletion mutant by using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR. The expression level of
pck
in the
pckR
mutant was 7.6 times higher than that in wild-type cells grown in glucose. Comparative DNA microarray hybridizations and bioinformatic searches revealed the gene composition of the transcriptional regulon of
C. glutamicum
. Based on these results, PckR seemed to play an important role in the regulation of PEPCK in
C. glutamicum
grown in glucose. In particular, these assays revealed that PckR acts as a repressor of
pck
expression during glucose metabolism.
A Stress-Inducible Quorum-Sensing Peptide Mediates the Formation of Persister Cells with Noninherited Multidrug Tolerance
Authors: Leung Vincent , Lévesque Céline M.
Published: February 2012

Within a given microbial population, a small subpopulation known as dormant persister cells exists. This persistence property ensures the survival of the population as a whole in the presence of lethal factors. Although persisters are highly important in antibiotic therapy, the mechanism for persistence is still not thoroughly understood. We show here that the cariogenic organism
Streptococcus mutans
forms persister cells showing noninherited multidrug tolerance. We demonstrated that the ectopic expression of the type II toxin-antitoxin systems, MazEF and RelBE, caused an increase in the number of persisters. In a search for additional persistence genes, an expression library was constructed, and several clones exhibiting a significant difference in persister formation after prolonged antibiotic treatment were selected. The candidate persister genes include genes involved in transcription/replication, sugar metabolism, cell wall synthesis, and energy metabolism, clearly pointing to redundant pathways for persister formation. We have previously reported that the
S. mutans
quorum-sensing peptide, CSP pheromone, was a stress-inducible alarmone capable of conveying sophisticated messages in the bacterial population. In this study, we demonstrate the involvement of the intraspecies quorum-sensing system during the formation of stress-induced multidrug-tolerant persisters. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the induction of bacterial persistence using a quorum-sensing regulatory system.
A VapBC Toxin-Antitoxin Module Is a Posttranscriptional Regulator of Metabolic Flux in Mycobacteria
Authors: McKenzie Joanna L. , Robson Jennifer , Berney Michael , Smith Tony C. , Ruthe Alaine , Gardner Paul P. , Arcus Vickery L. , Cook Gregory M.
Published: February 2012

The largest family of toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules are encoded by the
vapBC
operons, but their roles in bacterial physiology remain enigmatic. Microarray analysis in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
overexpressing VapC/VapBC revealed a high percentage of downregulated genes with annotated roles in carbon transport and metabolism, suggesting that VapC was targeting specific metabolic mRNA transcripts. To validate this hypothesis, purified VapC was used to identify the RNA cleavage site
in vitro
. VapC had RNase activity that was sequence specific, cleaving single-stranded RNA substrates at AUAU and AUAA
in vitro
and
in vivo
(
viz
., MSMEG_2121 to MSMEG_2124). A bioinformatic analysis of these regions suggested that an RNA hairpin 3′ of the AUA(U/A) motif is also required for efficient cleavage. VapC-mediated regulation
in vivo
was demonstrated by showing that MSMEG_2124 (
dhaF
) and MSMEG_2121 (
dhaM
) were upregulated in a Δ
vapBC
mutant growing on glycerol. The Δ
vapBC
mutant had a specific rate of glycerol consumption that was 2.4-fold higher than that of the wild type during exponential growth. This increased rate of glycerol consumption was not used for generating bacterial biomass, suggesting that metabolism by the Δ
vapBC
mutant was uncoupled from growth. These data suggest a model in which VapC regulates the rate of glycerol utilization to match the anabolic demands of the cell, allowing for fine-tuning of the catabolic rate at a posttranscriptional level.
Acupuncture Combined with Curcumin Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Zhang Feng , Ma Jin , Lu Yin , Ni Guang-Xia , Ni Chun-Yan , Zhang Xue-Jiao , Zhang Xiao-Ping , Kong De-Song , Wang Ai-Yun , Chen Wen-Xing , Zheng Shi-Zhong
Published: February 2012

Background

Increasingly, studies demonstrate the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy against liver fibrosis. Curcumin is a natural product with antifibrotic effects, but has poor pharmacokinetic profiles. This study aimed to evaluate whether acupuncture combined with curcumin could more potently attenuate liver fibrosis in chemical intoxicated rats.

Methods

60 Sprague–Dawley male rats were randomly divided into control, model, sham, acupuncture, curcumin and combination therapy groups. During the establishment of fibrosis using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), acupuncture at LR3, LR14, BL18 and ST36 and/or curcumin treatment by mouth were performed simultaneously. After treatment, pathological indexes and histology for hepatic injury and fibrogenesis were detected. The expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components was also determined.

Results

Acupuncture combined with curcumin potently protected the liver from CCl4-induced injury and fibrogenesis, as indicated by reduced levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, hyaluronic acid, laminin and procollagen III. Combined use also led to significant liver histological improvements. Furthermore, combined use effectively inhibited ECM expression such as α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin and α1(1) collagen.

Conclusions

Acupuncture treatment could significantly enhance the antifibrotic efficacy of curcumin on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats in vivo, suggesting that a combination of acupuncture with curcumin may be exploited for the prevention of hepatic fibrosis.
Quality of medical care and excess mortality in psychiatric patients—a nationwide register-based study in Sweden
Authors: Björkenstam Emma , Ljung Rickard , Burström Bo , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor , Hallqvist Johan , Weitoft Gunilla Ringbäck
Published: February 2012

Objective

To assess overall and cause-specific mortality and the quality of somatic care among psychiatric patients.

Design

A register-based cohort study.

Setting

All individuals aged 20–79 years in Sweden in 2005.

Participants

In total 6 294 339 individuals.

Primary outcome measure

The individuals were followed for mortality in 2006 and 2007, generating 72 187 deaths. Psychiatric patients were grouped according to their diagnosis in the National Patient Register. Mortality risk of psychiatric patients was compared with that of non-psychiatric patients. Estimates of RR of mortality were calculated as incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% CIs using Poisson regression analysis. Psychiatric patients were compared with non-psychiatric patients for three healthcare quality indicators: the proportion of avoidable hospitalisations, case death rate after myocardial infarction and statin use among diabetic patients.

Results

Compared with individuals with no episodes of treatment for mental disorder, psychiatric patients had a substantially increased risk of all studied causes of death as well as death from conditions considered amenable to intervention by the health service, that is, avoidable mortality. The highest mortality was found among those with another mental disorder, predominantly substance abuse (for women, an IRR of 4.7 (95% CI 4.3 to 5.0) and for men, an IRR of 4.8 (95% CI 4.6 to 5.0)). The analysis of quality of somatic care revealed lower levels of healthcare quality for psychiatric patients, signalling failures in public health and medical care.

Conclusion

This study shows a marked increase in excess mortality, suggesting a lower quality of somatic healthcare in psychiatric patients.
Cardioprotection of electroacupuncture against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by modulation of cardiac norepinephrine release
Authors: Zhou Wei , Ko Yoshihiro , Benharash Peyman , Yamakawa Kentaro , Patel Sunny , Ajijola Olujimi A. , Mahajan Aman
Published: February 2012

Augmentation of cardiac sympathetic tone during myocardial ischemia has been shown to increase myocardial O2 demand and infarct size as well as induce arrhythmias. We have previously demonstrated that electroacupuncture (EA) inhibits the visceral sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular reflex. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of EA on left ventricular (LV) function, O2 demand, infarct size, arrhythmogenesis, and in vivo cardiac norepinephrine (NE) release in a myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model. Anesthetized rabbits ( n = 36) underwent 30 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 90 min of reperfusion. We evaluated myocardial O2 demand, infarct size, ventricular arrhythmias, and myocardial NE release using microdialysis under the following experimental conditions: 1) untreated, 2) EA at P5–6 acupoints, 3) sham acupuncture, 4) EA with pretreatment with naloxone (a nonselective opioid receptor antagonist), 5) EA with pretreatment with chelerythrine (a nonselective PKC inhibitor), and 6) EA with pretreatment with both naloxone and chelerythrine. Compared with the untreated and sham acupuncture groups, EA resulted in decreased O2 demand, myocardial NE concentration, and infarct size. Furthermore, the degree of ST segment elevation and severity of LV dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias were all significantly decreased ( P < 0.05). The cardioprotective effects of EA were partially blocked by pretreatment with naloxone or chelerythrine alone and completely blocked by pretreatment with both naloxone and chelerythrine. These results suggest that the cardioprotective effects of EA against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion are mediated through inhibition of the cardiac sympathetic nervous system as well as opioid and PKC-dependent pathways.
Characterization of the Niemann-Pick C pathway in alveolar type II cells and lamellar bodies of the lung
Authors: Roszell Blair R. , Tao Jian-Qin , Yu Kevin J. , Huang Shaohui , Bates Sandra R.
Published: February 2012

The Niemann-Pick C (NPC) pathway plays an essential role in the intracellular trafficking of cholesterol by facilitating the release of lipoprotein-derived sterol from the lumen of lysosomes. Regulation of cellular cholesterol homeostasis is of particular importance to lung alveolar type II cells because of the need for production of surfactant with an appropriate lipid composition. We performed microscopic and biochemical analysis of NPC proteins in isolated rat type II pneumocytes. NPC1 and NPC2 proteins were present in the lung, isolated type II cells in culture, and alveolar macrophages. The glycosylated and nonglycosylated forms of NPC1 were prominent in the lung and the lamellar body organelles. Immunocytochemical analysis of isolated type II pneumocytes showed localization of NPC1 to the limiting membrane of lamellar bodies. NPC2 and lysosomal acid lipase were found within these organelles, as confirmed by z-stack analysis of confocal images. All three proteins also were identified in small, lysosome-like vesicles. In the presence of serum, pharmacological inhibition of the NPC pathway with compound U18666A resulted in doubling of the cholesterol content of the type II cells. Filipin staining revealed a striking accumulation of cholesterol within lamellar bodies. Thus the NPC pathway functions to control cholesterol accumulation in lamellar bodies of type II pneumocytes and, thereby, may play a role in the regulation of surfactant cholesterol content.
Antimicrobials for Preterm Birth Prevention: An Overview
Authors: Subramaniam Akila , Abramovici Adi , Andrews William W. , Tita Alan T.
Published: February 2012

Objective. Preterm birth (PTB) remains a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The association between PTB and infection is clear. The purpose of this report is to present a focused review of information on the use of antibiotics to prevent PTB.Methods. We performed a search of the PubMed database restricted to clinical trials or meta-analyses published in English from 1990 through May 2011 using keywords “antibiotics or antimicrobials” and “preterm.”Results. The search yielded 67 abstracts for review. We selected 31 clinical trials (n=26) or meta-analysis (n=5) for further full-text review. Discussion of each eligible clinical trial, its specific inclusion criteria, antibiotic regimen used, and study results are presented. Overall, trials evaluating antibiotic treatment to prevent preterm birth have yielded mixed results regarding any benefit.Conclusion. Routine antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for prevention of preterm birth.
Metabolic Syndrome in Estonia: Prevalence and Associations with Insulin Resistance
Authors: Eglit Triin , Rajasalu Tarvo , Lember Margus
Published: February 2012

Recently, it has been suggested that metabolic syndrome should be considered a premorbid condition in younger individuals. We evaluated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Estonia and compared the characteristic profiles between morbid metabolic syndrome (previously established diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidaemia) and premorbid metabolic syndrome subgroups. Our study was a cross-sectional, population-based sample of the general population in Estonia aged 20–74 years (n=495). Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Insulin resistance was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). The crude and weighted prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 27.9% and 25.9%, respectively. Despite being significantly younger, the premorbid subgroup showed similar levels of insulin resistance as the morbid subgroup (mean HOMA-IR ± SD2.73±1.8versus2.97±2.1,P=0.5). The most important attribute of metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance, which already characterises metabolic syndrome in the early stages of its metabolic abnormalities.
Randomized Comparison of the Therapeutic Effect of Acupuncture, Massage, and Tachibana-Style-Method on Stiff Shoulders by Measuring Muscle Firmness, VAS, Pulse, and Blood Pressure
Authors: Tachibana Kazuhiro , Ueki Noriyuki , Uchida Takuji , Koga Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

To compare the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture, massage, and Tachibana-Ryojutsu (one of Japanese traditional body balance therapy techniques (SEITAI)), on stiff shoulders, the subjects’ muscle firmness, blood pressure, pulse, VAS, and body temperature were measured before and after the treatment. Forty-seven volunteer subjects gave written informed consent to participate in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups to receive acupuncture, massage, or Tachibana-Ryojutsu. Each therapy lasted for 90 seconds. The acupuncture treatment was applied by a retaining-needle at GB-21, massage was conducted softly on the shoulders, and Tachibana-Ryojutsu treated only the muscles and joints from the legs to buttocks without touching the shoulders or backs. The study indicated that the muscle firmness and VAS of the Tachibana-Ryojutsu group decreased significantly in comparison with the acupuncture and massage groups after treatment.
A New Biomarker That Predicts Colonic Neoplasia Outcome in Patients with Hyperplastic Colonic Polyps
Authors: Do Catherine , Bertrand Claudine , Palasse Julien , Delisle Marie-Bernadette , Shulkes Arthur , Cohen-Jonathan-Moyal Elizabeth , Ferrand Audrey , Seva Catherine
Published: February 2012

The most frequently occurring lesions in the colon are the hyperplastic polyps. Hyperplastic polyps have long been considered as lesions with no malignant potential and colonoscopy for these patients is not recommended. However, recent works suggest that hyperplastic polyps may represent precursor lesions of some sporadic colorectal cancers. Until now, no biomarker allows to identify the subset of hyperplastic polyps that may have a malignant potential. Because the hormone precursor progastrin has been involved in colon carcinogenesis, we investigated whether its expression in hyperplastic polyps predicts the occurrence of colonic neoplasm after resection of hyperplastic polyps. We retrospectively analyzed progastrin expression in hyperplastic polyps from 74 patients without history of colorectal pathology. In our study, 41% of patients presenting an initial hyperplastic polyp subsequently developed adenomatous polyps, recognized as precursor lesions for colorectal adenocarcinomas. Progastrin was overexpressed in the hyperplastic polyps in 40% of the patients. We showed a significant association between progastrin overexpression and shortened neoplasm-free survival (P = 0.001). Patients with high overexpression of progastrin had a 5-year neoplasm-free survival rate of 38% as compared with 100% for the patients with low progastrin expression. In addition, we established a predictive test on the basis of progastrin staining and patients' age that predicts occurrence of neoplasm after developing a first hyperplastic polyp with a sensitivity of 100% [95% confidence interval (CI), 79%–100%] and a specificity of 74% (51%–90%). We show that progastrin expression evaluation in hyperplastic polyps is an efficient prognostic tool to determine patients with higher risk of metachronous neoplasms who could benefit from an adapted follow-up. Cancer Prev Res; 5(4); 675–84. ©2012 AACR.
Suppression of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis by Concurrent Inhibition of c-Met and VEGF Signaling in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Sennino Barbara , Ishiguro-Oonuma Toshina , Wei Ying , Naylor Ryan M. , Williamson Casey W. , Bhagwandin Vikash , Tabruyn Sebastien P. , You Weon-Kyoo , Chapman Harold A. , Christensen James G. , Aftab Dana T. , McDonald Donald M.
Published: February 2012

Invasion and metastasis increase after the inhibition of VEGF signaling in some preclinical tumor models. In the present study we asked whether selective VEGF inhibition is sufficient to increase invasion and metastasis and whether selective c-Met inhibition is sufficient to block this effect. Treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in RIP-Tag2 mice with a neutralizing anti-VEGF antibody reduced tumor burden but increased tumor hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and c-Met activation and also increased invasion and metastasis. However, invasion and metastasis were reduced by concurrent inhibition of c-Met by PF-04217903 or PF-02341066 (crizotinib). A similar benefit was found in orthotopic Panc-1 pancreatic carcinomas treated with sunitinib plus PF-04217903 and in RIP-Tag2 tumors treated with XL184 (cabozantinib), which simultaneously blocks VEGF and c-Met signaling. These findings document that invasion and metastasis are promoted by selective inhibition of VEGF signaling and can be reduced by the concurrent inhibition of c-Met.

Significance: This report examines the mechanism of increased tumor aggressiveness after anti-VEGF therapy and presents evidence for roles of vascular pruning, hypoxia, and c-Met activation. The results show that simultaneous inhibition of c-Met and VEGF signaling not only slows tumor growth but also reduces invasion and metastasis. Cancer Discovery; 2(3); 270–87. ©2012 AACR.

Read the Commentary on this article by Lynn and Brekken, p. 211

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Reduced Cx43 Expression Triggers Increased Fibrosis Due to Enhanced Fibroblast Activity
Authors: Jansen John A. , van Veen Toon A.B. , de Jong Sanne , van der Nagel Roel , van Stuijvenberg Leonie , Driessen Helen , Labzowski Ronald , Oefner Carolin M. , Bosch Astrid A. , Nguyen Tri Q. , Goldschmeding Roel , Vos Marc A. , de Bakker Jacques M.T. , van Rijen Harold V.M.
Published: February 2012

Background—

Arrhythmogenic ventricular remodeling is hallmarked by both reduced gap junction expression and increased collagen deposition. We hypothesized that reduced connexin43 (Cx43) expression is responsible for enhanced fibrosis in the remodeled heart, resulting in an arrhythmogenic substrate. Therefore, we investigated the effect of normal or reduced Cx43 expression on the formation of fibrosis in a physiological (aging) and pathophysiological (transverse aortic constriction [TAC]) mouse model.

Methods and Results—

The Cx43
fl/fl
and Cx43
CreER(T)/fl
mice were aged 18 to 21 months or, at the age of 3 months, either TAC or sham operated and euthanized after 16 weeks. Epicardial activation mapping of the right and left ventricles was performed on Langendorff perfused hearts. Sustained ventricular arrhythmias were induced in 0 of 11 aged Cx43
fl/fl
and 10 of 15 Cx43
Cre-ER(T)/fl
mice (
P
<0.01). Cx43 expression was reduced by half in aged Cx43
CreER(T)/fl
compared with aged Cx43
fl/fl
mice, whereas collagen deposition was significantly increased from 1.1±0.2% to 7.4±1.3%. Aged Cx43
CreER(T)/fl
mice with arrhythmias had significantly higher levels of fibrosis and conduction heterogeneity than aged Cx43
CreER(T)/fl
mice without arrhythmias. The TAC operation significantly increased fibrosis in control compared with sham (4.0±1.2% versus 0.4±0.06%), but this increase was significantly higher in Cx43
CreER(T)/fl
mice (10.8±1.4%). Discoidin domain receptor 2 expression was unchanged, but procollagen peptide I and III expression and collagen type 1α2 mRNA levels were higher in TAC–operated Cx43HZ mice.

Conclusions—

Reduced cellular coupling results in more excessive collagen deposition during aging or pressure overload in mice due to enhanced fibroblast activity, leading to increased conduction in homogeneity and proarrhythmia.
Does giving up substance use work for patients with psychosis? A systematic meta-analysis
Authors: Mullin Katherine , Gupta Pal , Compton Michael T , Nielssen Olav , Harris Anthony , Large Matthew
Published: February 2012

Objective:

To assess the extent to which ceasing the use of cannabis or other substances reduces the symptoms and social disability associated with psychotic illness.

Methods:

The electronic databases CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched for peer-reviewed publications in English that report data about the characteristics of current and former substance-using patients diagnosed with psychotic illnesses. The searches yielded 328 articles, of which 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. Four key outcome variables; positive symptoms, negative symptoms, ratings of depression and global function, and five other measures of outcome that were reported in five or more studies were examined using meta-analysis.

Results:

Current substance-using patients were significantly younger than former substance-using patients (standardised mean difference (SMD) = −0.38), but did not differ in age at onset of psychosis, sex, level of education or marital status. Current substance users had higher scores on rating scales of positive symptoms (SMD = 0.29) and depression (SMD = 0.36), and lower scores on global function (SMD = −0.26) when compared with former substance users. There was a significant improvement in the ratings of positive symptoms, mood and global function among patients who stopped using substances during the first episode of psychosis, while improvements in the symptoms of patients with a more established psychotic illness did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that substance use contributes to both the symptoms and the burden of disability experienced by patients with psychosis. Patients in the early stages of psychotic illness should be informed about the benefits of giving up substances earlier, rather than later in the illness. Psychiatric services should regard the treatment of substance use as an integral part of the treatment of psychotic disorders.
Effects of coupling agents on thermal behavior and mechanical properties of wood flour/polypropylene composites
Authors: Ndiaye Diène , Tidjani Adams
Published: February 2012

The efficiency of two coupling agents in wood-polymer composites was investigated in this study. Thermal behavior of neat polypropylene, wood flour/polypropylene composite, maleated anhydride polypropylene-reinforced wood-polymer composite, and oxidized polypropylene-reinforced wood-polymer composite was investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy in order to obtain information on the dispersion of the wood flour in the polymeric matrix, on the crystallization kinetics of polypropylene, and the macrostructure of its composites. The results confirm the expected nucleant effect of wood with and without the coupling agents used. The wide angle X-ray diffraction patterns indicated enhanced compatibility between polypropylene and wood with the addition of coupling agent. As a coupling agent, maleated anhydride polypropylene had a better performance in wood-polymer composites than polypropylene oxide and neat polypropylene because of its stronger interfacial bonding. Coupling agents help overcome the polarity disparity increase. All the results showed that with maleated anhydride polypropylene, oxidized polypropylene or without any coupling agent, wood flour acted as nucleating agent and increased the crystallization rate of polypropylene. For the composites, wood with maleated anhydride polypropylene was a more effective nucleating agent for polypropylene than wood with oxidized polypropylene. The mechanical properties were evaluated and the samples with coupling agent showed superior results like tensile and flexural properties.
Bone‐Anchored Implantation for Single‐Sided Deafness in Patients with Less Than Profound Hearing Loss
Authors: Zeitler Daniel M. , Snapp Hillary A. , Telischi Fred F. , Angeli Simon I.
Published: February 2012

Objective

The benefit of bone‐anchored implantation (BAI) for the treatment of single‐sided deafness (SSD) is well established. In this study, the authors sought to evaluate objective hearing outcomes and subjective benefits in patients undergoing BAI for SSD with residual hearing in the implanted ear.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

All adult, English‐speaking patients undergoing BAI for SSD from 2004 to 2010 were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) residual hearing in the affected ear (≤90 db hearing level [HL] pure‐tone average [PTA]) and (2) profound hearing loss in the affected ear (>90 dB HL PTA). Patients underwent pre‐ and postoperative objective hearing outcomes testing including speech‐in‐noise and monosyllabic word tests. Subjective outcomes were measured pre‐ and postoperatively using the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile (GHABP).

Results

Patients in both groups showed significant improvement in all objective hearing measures following implantation (P <. 0001), and there were no significant differences in objective hearing outcomes between groups. Subjective benefits from BAI varied across patients according to GHABP results, but patients with residual hearing in the affected ear trended toward improved satisfaction with their device postoperatively.

Conclusion

Individuals with SSD and residual cochlear reserve can be successfully implanted with BAI, achieving significant improvements in objective hearing measures. Postoperative improvements do not seem to correlate with the preoperative audiometric testing scores. Although subjective benefit varies across patients, BAI is clearly a viable rehabilitation option for patients with SSD and less than profound hearing loss.
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion in Patients with Olfactory Neuroblastoma
Authors: Gray Stacey T. , Holbrook Eric H. , Najm Mohammed H. , Sadow Peter M. , Curry William T. , Lin Derrick T.
Published: February 2012

Objective

The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) has been reported as a paraneoplastic syndrome in many different types of malignancies. Several case reports of SIADH have been reported in patients with olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), but the exact incidence is unknown. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with olfactory neuroblastoma and to identify all patients who had a history of SIADH prior to the diagnosis of ONB.

Study Design

Case series and chart review

Setting

Tertiary care university‐affiliated medical center.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 21 patients presented to our institution with ONB between 1997 and 2009. All records were reviewed for a history of preoperative hyponatremia or SIADH.

Results

Three patients were identified who had a history of SIADH prior to the diagnosis of ONB. Immunohistochemical staining of the tumor specimens from the 3 patients with SIADH was positive for arginine vasopressin. SIADH resolved in all 3 patients after successful treatment of ONB.

Conclusion

Although uncommon, SIADH can be the presenting symptom of ONB and should be considered during the workup for idiopathic SIADH.
Reducing Intimate and Paying Partner Violence Against Women Who Exchange Sex in Mongolia
Authors: Carlson Catherine E. , Chen Jiehua , Chang Mingway , Batsukh Altantsetseg , Toivgoo Aira , Riedel Marion , Witte Susan S.
Published: February 2012

Women who exchange sex for money or other goods, that is, female sex workers, are at increased risk of experiencing physical and sexual violence from both paying and intimate partners. Exposure to violence can be exacerbated by alcohol use and HIV/STI risk. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of a HIV/STI risk reduction and enhanced HIV/STI risk reduction intervention at decreasing paying and intimate partner violence against Mongolian women who exchange sex and engage in harmful alcohol use. Women are recruited and randomized to either (a) four sessions of a relationship-based HIV/STI risk reduction intervention ( n = 49), (b) the same HIV/STI risk reduction intervention plus two additional motivational interviewing sessions ( n = 58), or (c) a four session control condition focused on wellness promotion ( n = 59). All the respondents complete assessments at baseline (preintervention) as well as at immediate posttest, 3 and 6 months postintervention. A multilevel logistic model finds that women who participated in the HIV/STI risk reduction group (OR = 0.14, p < .00), HIV/STI risk reduction and motivational interview group (OR = 0.46, p = .02), and wellness (OR = 0.20, p < .00) group reduced their exposure to physical and sexual violence in the past 90 days. No significant differences in effects are observed between conditions. This study demonstrates the efficacy of a relationship-based HIV/STI risk reduction intervention, a relationship-based HIV/STI risk reduction intervention combined with motivational interviewing, and a wellness promotion intervention in reducing intimate and paying partner violence against women who exchange sex in Mongolia. The findings have significant implications for the impact of minimal intervention and the potential role of peer networks and social support in reducing women’s experiences of violence in resource poor settings.
Polytraumatization and Trauma Symptoms in Adolescent Boys and Girls
Authors: Nilsson Doris Kristina , Gustafsson Per E. , Svedin Carl Göran
Published: February 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the cumulative effect of interpersonal and noninterpersonal traumatic life events (IPEs and nIPEs, respectively) on the mental health of adolescents and to determine if the adverse impacts of trauma were moderated by adverse family circumstances (AFC). Adolescents (mean age 16.7 years) from the normative population ( n = 462) completed the questionnaire, the Linköping Youth Life Experience Scale (LYLES), together with Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC). The lifetime accumulation of interpersonal, noninterpersonal, and AFC was independently related to trauma-related symptoms in both boys and girls. The number of AFCs moderated the mental health impact of both IPEs and nIPEs in boys but not in girls. Cumulative exposure to both interpersonal and noninterpersonal traumatic events is important for the mental health of adolescents, and, at least for boys, family circumstances seem to be relevant for the impact of trauma. Our results suggest that broader approaches to the study, prevention, and treatment of trauma, including consideration of cumulative exposure, different types of trauma, and additional social risk factors, could be fruitful.
Examining Gender Differences in the Nature and Context of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Cho Hyunkag
Published: February 2012

Many studies have been conducted on gender differences in intimate partner violence (IPV), producing inconsistent results. Some studies report that men were victimized by IPV as much as women were, whereas others find that IPV was predominantly perpetrated by men against women. The nature and context of IPV may be crucial to understanding gender differences in IPV, but national data collections do not regularly report on this information. This study expects to fill this gap by using nationally representative data to examine differences in the nature and context of IPV between male and female perpetrators. This study uses the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES). Descriptive statistics for each gender are first obtained ( n = 2,190). A discriminant analysis is used with gender as a grouping variable, including only perpetrators of IPV ( n = 236). The independent variables are age, race, education, employment, financial security, frequency and severity of IPV, controlling behaviors, and the initiator of physical arguments. The study findings suggest that women and men do not vary much in the prevalence, frequency, and severity of IPV, controlling behaviors, or the initiation of physical arguments. They also suggest that those variables are rather weak in differentiating IPV against men from IPV against women. Since the study revealed some gender differences in IPV and, at the same time, encountered methodological difficulties in convincingly showing them as real gender differences, more research is clearly needed.