bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Streptozotocin‐induced diabetes modulates action potentials and ion channel currents from the rat atrioventricular node
Authors: Yuill Kathryn H. , Tosh David , Hancox Jules C.
Published: November 2009

The present study was conducted to evaluate whether experimentally induced type 1 diabetes results in alterations to atrioventricular nodal (AVN) electrophysiology at the cellular level. Spontaneous action potentials (APs) and ionic currents were recorded from AVN myocytes isolated from the hearts of control rats and from those with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes. Perforated patch‐clamp recordings were used to assess changes in cellular AP parameters and in ionic currents. Type 1 diabetes significantly increased AP duration, whilst reducing AP firing rate, upstroke velocity and rate of diastolic depolarization. The diabetes‐induced changes in AP parameters were accompanied by a significant leftward shift in the zero current potential under voltage clamp, a reduction in peak L‐type Ca2+ current density and reduced amplitude of delayed rectifier and hyperpolarization‐activated currents. These findings demonstrate that experimentally induced type 1 diabetes can lead to remodelling of AVN cellular electrophysiology.
Synthesis of novel racemic carbocyclic nucleosides derived from 5,6-disubstituted norbornene
Authors: Šála Michal , Hřebabecký Hubert , Dračínský Martin , Masojídková Milena , De Palma Armando M. , Neyts Johan , Holý Antonín
Published: November 2009

Novel class of the carbocyclic nucleosides based on bicyclo[2.2.1]heptene/heptane was prepared by two approaches. Thymine analogues were synthesized starting from methyl (1R*,4S*)-bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene-2-carboxylate1by Michael addition of the thymine salt to the double bond as the key step. The yield and ratio of the isomers of this reaction depended on the used base (DBU, K2CO3). Purine nucleoside analogues were synthesized by the linear synthesis, the purine nucleobase was build-up on the amino group. The amino groups (exo/endoconfiguration) were introduced to the scaffold by the Curtius rearrangement. Norbornene analogues were converted to saturated andcis-hydroxylated nucleoside derivatives. [(1R*,2S*,3S*,4S*)-3-(6-Chloro-9H-purin-9-yl)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-yl]methanol (13a) and [(1R*,2R*,3R*,4S*)-3-(6-chloro-9H-purin-9-yl)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-yl]methanol (13b) showed moderate activity againstCoxsackievirus CVB3.
Partial mid-portion Achilles tendon ruptures: new sonographic findings helpful for diagnosis
Authors: Alfredson Håkan , Masci Lorenzo , Öhberg Lars
Published: November 2009

Background

Partial Achilles tendon ruptures are not always easy to diagnose. A history including a sudden onset of pain and/or relative weakness in plantar flexion force is an indicator. The most loaded side of the Achilles tendon is the dorsal side (skin side).

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasound (US) and colour Doppler (CD) findings in patients with a suspected partial rupture in the Achilles tendon.

Materials and Methods

Seventeen patients (16 men and 1 woman) with a mean age of 36 years (range 23–71 years) were examined clinically and by US+CD because of mid-portion Achilles tendon pain. There was an acute onset in 14 of 17 patients, and all had painful weakness during tendon loading activity.

Results

In all patients, the US examination showed a partial Achilles tendon rupture, presented as a disrupted dorsal (skin side) tendon line and an irregular tendon structure mainly located in the dorsal and mid-tendon. The size of the rupture varied from 1/3 to 2/3 of the tendon thickness. In the dorsal part of the tendon, corresponding to the region with disrupted tendon line and irregular structure, CD examination showed high blood flow—most often of a longitudinal character. Six of the patients were surgically treated, and macroscopical examination verified the US findings showing disruption on the dorsal side and a partial rupture in the dorsal and mid-tendon.

Conclusions

US and Doppler examination can be helpful tools to diagnose partial mid-portion Achilles tendon ruptures. The characteristic findings of a disrupted dorsal tendon line and high blood flow in the structurally abnormal dorsal tendon indicate a partial rupture.
Oversized young athletes: a weighty concern
Authors: McHugh M P
Published: November 2009

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is increasing worldwide, with a corresponding decline in physical fitness and general physical activity level. Overweight and obese adolescents are more than twice as likely to be injured in sports and other physical activities compared with non-overweight and non-obese adolescents. Obese adolescent athletes are more than three times as likely to sustain an ankle sprain compared with normal weight adolescent athletes. At the societal level, promoting physical activity for children and improving dietary habits are key strategies for lowering the prevalence of overweight and obesity. The increased risk of injury associated with being overweight or obese may in part be due to low physical activity level. Promotion of physical activity for children can provide neuromuscular training that may be beneficial in decreasing injury risk associated with general play and sports participation. For lower-extremity injuries, specific neuromuscular training interventions, such as balance training, have great potential in reversing the increased injury risk associated with overweight and obesity. Finally, the injured overweight young athlete may have a more prolonged recovery period than non-overweight young athletes. Early aggressive treatment of swelling with physical modalities, prolonged non-weight bearing, limited period of immobilisation and regular repetitive passive joint motion are indicated for the overweight young athlete with a lower-extremity joint injury.
Clinical impact of MUC1 and MUC4 expression in Barrett-associated oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Piessen G , Wacrenier A , Briez N , Triboulet J-P , Van Seuningen I , Mariette C
Published: November 2009

Aims:

To study the expression of MUC1 and MUC4 mucins in Barrett-associated oesophageal adenocarcinoma and coexisting lesions of the carcinogenic sequence (normal mucosa, metaplasia, dysplasia) if present, and to investigate their prognostic significance.

Methods:

The expression profiles of MUC1 and MUC4 were investigated by immunohistochemistry in tissue samples obtained from consecutive patients with primary surgically resected lower third oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OA) between 1997 and 2002. Histopathological parameters, recurrence and long-term survival were correlated with the number of cells stained.

Results:

All 52 patients exhibited OA, with 25 patients (48.1%) having associated Barrett oesophagus lesions (metaplasia or/and dysplasia). MUC1 and MUC4 were expressed in 52 and 41 of the 52 patients with adenocarcinoma (100% and 78%), respectively. All samples expressed MUC1 strongly. The prevalence of MUC4 staining was significantly decreased in metaplasia compared with normal mucosa (53% versus 92%, p<0.001). No correlation was found between the level of MUC1 or MUC4 expression in OA and histopathological variables, recurrence or survival.

Conclusions:

MUC1 and MUC4 are strongly expressed in OA. The results do not support a role for these two membrane-bound mucins as either a phenotypic or a prognostic marker for the development of Barrett OA. There are several other membrane-bound mucins that have not yet been evaluated in this situation.
New cut-off values for ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor for the assessment of iron deficiency in children in a high infection pressure area
Authors: Phiri K S , Calis J C J , Siyasiya A , Bates I , Brabin B , van Hensbroek M Boele
Published: November 2009

Background:

Due to the potential risk of iron supplementation in iron replete children, it is important to properly identify children who may require iron supplementation. However, assessment of the iron status has proven to be difficult, especially in children living in areas with high infection pressure (including malaria).

Aims and Methods:

Biochemical iron markers were compared to bone marrow iron findings in 381 Malawian children with severe anaemia.

Results:

Soluble transferrin receptor/log ferritin (TfR-F index), using a cut-off of 5.6, best predicted bone marrow iron stores deficiency (sensitivity 74%, specificity 73%, accuracy 73%). In order to improve the diagnostic accuracy of ferritin or sTfR as a stand-alone marker, the normal cut-off value needed to be increased by 810% and 83% respectively. Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), using a cut-off of 32.1 g/dl, had a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 64% for detecting iron stores deficiency.

Conclusion:

TfR-F index incorporated the high sensitivity of sTfR, a proxy for cellular iron need, and the high specificity of ferritin, a proxy for iron stores. In areas with a high infection pressure, the TfR-F index best predicted iron deficiency. However, in settings where diagnostic tests are limited, MCHC may be an acceptable alternative screening test.
Pitfalls in the radiological and pathological correlation of tumour response rates of hepatocellular carcinoma following radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Cho Y K , Kim Y , Rhim H
Published: November 2009

According to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidelines, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In most studies, the initial complete tumour response rates of small HCCs ⩽3 cm following RFA have been reported as more than 90% or 95%, and local tumour progression rates have been reported as approximately 10% or 20%. Notwithstanding these promising clinical outcomes, the complete tumour response rates for HCC following RFA as determined by conventional histopathological diagnostic criteria have been reported to be less than 50% in many recent reports. While considering that most cases of local tumour progression of HCC are known to occur within two years following RFA, it may not be reasonable to assume that clinical and radiological examinations have significantly overestimated the tumour response rates. On the contrary, it is likely that the conventional histopathological examination techniques may have underestimated the tumour response rates. The apparent discrepancy between the histopathological and the radiological tumour response of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinomas can be attributed to several histological features, such as thermal fixation or apoptosis, that were not included in the conventional histopathological diagnostic criteria. However, a robust conclusion cannot be derived because of lack of adequate controlled studies, and further well designed prospective multicentre trials will be helpful to solve this issue.
Liver histopathology in the Yorkshire region: a network model
Authors: Reall G , Jones R L , Wyatt J I
Published: November 2009

Aim:

To investigate the volume and provision of local liver histopathology in the 11 hospitals of the Yorkshire region outside Leeds, as a potential model for a hepatopathology network.

Methods:

Postal questionnaire to all histopathologists in 11 hospital trusts in Yorkshire.

Results:

Liver biopsies represent about 0.5% histopathology requests in Yorkshire, with more medical than tumour biopsies. Pathologists often discuss these biopsies with each other and clinicians; a third had done liver continuing professional development (CPD) in the last 3 years, and 70% would like to do more. Overall, around 5% liver biopsies are reviewed in the hepatology centre, and most responders thought this about right.

Conclusions:

For primary reporting of liver biopsies, local pathologists need good communication with the responsible clinician, access to relevant CPD in liver pathology and a biopsy referral pathway for cases which are clinically or pathologically challenging.
Multifocal “tapete” papillary fibroelastoma
Authors: Law K B , Phillips K R B , Cusimano R J , Butany J
Published: November 2009

Papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are benign cardiac tumours that typically arise on diseased aortic or mitral valves. Usually solitary, PFEs are characterised by numerous frond-like branches attached to the valve surface by a single stalk, elastic tissue present within the central core, and the appearance of a sea anemone when immersed in water. PFEs have a predilection for men with a mean age of 56 years. A very rare case of a 25-year-old man with multiple lesions on the aortic and mitral valves and a large confluent “carpet-like” lesion in the left ventricular cavity is presented. Admitted with a significant left middle cerebral artery stroke and hemiplegia, investigations showed a left ventricular outflow tract lesion, with surgical excision displaying a multifocal “carpet-like” PFE. Histopathological examination showed various lesions presenting with a short stem, several fronds arising from each stem like a “tree trunk”, and elastic tissue within the central core. This case is presented, along with a review of 833 reported cases of PFEs published after the year 2001. It is believed that this is the first reported instance of surgically resected and morphologically confirmed multiple PFEs seen and removed at one operation.
Intravascular Intrauterine Transfusion for Severe Erythroblastosis fetalis Using Different Techniques
Authors: Orsini Luigi F. , Pilu Gianluigi , Calderoni Patrizio , Zucchini Stefano , Tripoli Nicolò , Pittalis Maria C. , Brondelli Lorena , Gabrielli Sandro , Sermasi Giorgio , Bovicelli Luciano
Published: November 2009

Over a 3-year period, 44 ultrasound-guided intravascular transfusions were performed between 18 and 32 weeks on 15 patients with severe erythroblastosis fetalis due to Rh immunization. In 4 fetuses, the first transfusion was performed before 20 weeks, in 6 between 20 and 25 weeks and in the remaining 5 between 25 and 31 weeks. Eight of the 15 fetuses were hydropic at the time of referral. Five transfusions were done in the intrahepatic umbilical vein, 6 were simple transfusions via percutaneous umbilical cord puncture, and 33 were partial exchange. There were 4 intrauterine deaths before 26 weeks, despite successfully performed tranfusions: 3 of these fetuses were severely hydropic, while in the remaining fetus hydrops had been reversed in utero. Following delivery by cesarean section at 32 weeks of gestation, 1 of the neonates developed respiratory distress syndrome and died 17 h after birth. The overall survival rate was 67% (10 of 15 cases): 4 of the 8 hydropic fetuses (50%) and 6 of the 7 nonhydropic fetuses (83%) were alive at birth and survived the perinatal period. Three of the 5 losses occurred among the first 4 cases, while in the last 11 cases the survival rate increased to 82% (9 of 11).
Fetal Treatment for Thyrotoxicosis in Non-Thyrotoxic Pregnant Women
Authors: Bruinse Hein W. , Vermeulen-Meiners Christien , Wit Jan M.
Published: November 2009

Euthyroid or even hypothyroid pregnant women without antithyroid medication but with a history of treatment for thyrotoxicosis, almost always a subtotal strumectomy, may still produce thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. This can induce fetal and neonatal thyrotoxicosis. Without treatment this results in a high fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Fetal treatment by administering antithyroid drugs during pregnancy improves this prognosis remarkably. A case is described, the literature is reviewed and guidelines for diagnosis and treatment are presented.
Plasma Cortisol and Adrenocorticotropin in Appropriate and Small for Gestational Age Fetuses
Authors: Economides D.L. , Nicolaides K.H. , Linton E.A. , Perry L.A. , Chard T.
Published: November 2009

Plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) were measured in fetal blood samples obtained by cordocentesis from 61 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and in 41 small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses at 18–38 weeks gestation. Fetal plasma cortisol (mean 74 nmol/l) did not change but plasma ACTH increased between 18 and 36 weeks gestation and the two were not significantly correlated. Plasma cortisol in cord blood samples after vaginal delivery at term (mean 305 nmol/l) was higher than in samples at elective cesarean section (mean 151 nmol/l), and there was a significant correlation between fetal and maternal levels. The findings suggest that in human fetuses a late gestational rise in plasma cortisol may not be necessary for organ maturation and that the high fetal plasma cortisol in spontaneous labor at term is probably the result rather than the cause of labor. In SGA fetuses, plasma cortisol was higher and ACTH lower than in AGA fetuses, and plasma cortisol was inversely correlated to fetal hypoglycemia, suggesting that in the chronically hypoglycemic SGA fetus the fetal pituitary is under negative inhibition.
Vibration and Acoustic Damping of Flexible Polyurethane Foams Modified with a Hyperbranched Polymer
Authors: Andersson Anna , Lundmark Stefan , Magnusson Anders , Maurer Frans H.J.
Published: November 2009

The dynamic mechanical properties and acoustic damping of polyurethane (PU) foams loaded with a hyperbranched polymer (HBP) have been studied. The results show a significant modulus enhancement parallel to an increased vibration damping in the low frequency range of ~1 Hz with increased amount of HBP. Furthermore, an increased acoustic damping in the frequency interval of 500—1600 Hz is observed with increasing amount of HBP. The origin of these property enhancements are sought in the morphology and the chemical composition of the PU foam. It has been found that no visible differences in cell sizes and strut thicknesses exist among the foams. However, FTIR reveals significant differences in chemical composition between the foams of different HBP content, indicating increased crosslinking.
The Measurement and Determinants of Skill Acquisition in Young Workers’ First Job
Authors: Verhaest Dieter , Omey Eddy
Published: November 2009

The article analyses participation in five types of training (formal on-site, formal off-site, informal co-worker training, learning by watching and learning by doing) and self-assessed skill acquisition in young Flemish workers’ first job. A skill production function is estimated whereby the simultaneity of participation in the different types of training and skill acquisition is taken into account. The results clearly demonstrate the importance of informal training. Formal training participation is found to be only a fraction of total training participation. Moreover, the determinants of total training participation and skill acquisition differ from those of formal training participation. While some training types are complementary, others are clearly substitutes. Finally, most types of training generate additional skills. Nonetheless, learning by doing is found to be complementary to formal education in the production of both specific and general skills, whereas formal training serves as a substitute.
Critical geography II: articulating race and radical politics
Authors: Glassman Jim
Published: November 2009

Recent work by critical geographers on race has emphasized the social construction of race and its articulation with other identities and class processes. This report reviews some of this critical geography literature, focusing especially on discussions of the articulations between race and radical politics in North American contexts.
Green Gift Plan: building small libraries in public places of Mazandaran Province, Iran
Authors: Noorani Hossein , Mokhtari Heidar
Published: November 2009

Considering the low rate of reading of books in Iran and the disregard for reading skills in daily life, innovative plans and programs aimed at bringing books to the public introduce citizens to books as major information carriers and establish the reading habit as a necessity for today’s life. The Green Gift Plan (GGP), focusing on building small libraries in some public areas and work places (i.e. barbers’ shops, dentists’ or doctors’ offices, women’s beauty salons) in Mazandaran Province, Iran, aimed at improving reading among the people by bringing books into society. It also put emphasis on librarians’ social responsibilities. The paper describes the settings, objectives and implementation of this plan and makes proposals for the continuation of the plan and the implementation of other similar plans.
Libraries in Palestine
Authors: Lefebvre-Danset Françoise
Published: November 2009

For several years, decentralized cooperation programs have proliferated with Palestine — cities, councils, universities — to help deploy a network of libraries in an area constantly threatened. Echoing these multiple initiatives involving many French librarians, Françoise Danset provides a provisional assessment of a significant example of international professional solidarity.
Holocene land-cover changes on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Herzschuh Ulrike , Birks H. John B. , Jian Ni  , Yan Zhao  , Hongyan Liu  , Xingqi Liu  , Grosse Guido
Published: November 2009

Information on changes in land-surface features on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) during the Holocene may help our understanding of the forcing of monsoonal circulation. We analyse vegetation changes during the last 9000 years from pollen records of four lakes (Hurleg Lake in the Qaidam Basin; Qinghai Lake on the northeastern TP; Zigetang Lake on the central TP and Koucha Lake on the eastern TP) which represent different regions and vegetation types on the Plateau today. A set of modern pollen assemblages from 111 lake sediment samples originating from different vegetation types is used for the interpretation of the Holocene pollen records. Four types of numerical analyses are used to infer different aspects of pollen-stratigraphical and inferred vegetation changes: biome reconstruction; ordination (to infer palynological compositional turnover); rate-of-assemblage-change analysis, and a pollen-LAI (leaf area index) transfer function. Our results show strong regional differences in inferred vegetation change in terms of timing, strength and the nature of change. The greatest changes in compositional turnover and LAI are found in the Qinghai Lake record, indicating that forests were replaced by steppe vegetation in a step-wise fashion since the mid Holocene. Alpine steppe vegetation on the central and eastern TP was relatively stable throughout the Holocene, only showing a gradual replacement of temperate steppe by high-alpine meadows. The Qaidam Basin was dominated by temperate desert throughout the Holocene. The documented palynological and inferred vegetation changes can be most parsimoniously explained by climate change, although human impacts cannot be excluded as a contributing factor. Comparison of our findings with sensitivity analyses of numerical climate simulations suggests that long-term vegetation change may have had only a weak influence on regional climate change on the Tibetan Plateau.
The evolution of Saharan dust input on Lanzarote (Canary Islands) — influenced by human activity in the Northwest Sahara during the early Holocene?
Authors: von Suchodoletz H. , Oberhänsli H. , Faust D. , Fuchs M. , Blanchet C. , Goldhammer T. , Zöller L.
Published: November 2009

An overall Holocene increase of Saharan dust input to the Canary Islands and to the North Canary Basin is accompanied by a strong coarsening of Saharan dust in loess-like sediments deposited on Lanzarote from ~7—8 ka. No similar coarsening events are indicated in investigations of the sedimentological record for the last 180 ka, a period showing several dramatic climate changes. Therefore a mobilisation of Holocene dust by anthropogenic activity in the northwest Sahara east of the Canary Islands is assumed. Although scarce archaeological data from the coastal area of that region does not point to strong anthropogenic activity during the early Holocene, a high density of unexplored archaeological remains is reported from the coastal hinterlands in the Western Sahara. Thus, the hypothesis of early anthropogenic activity cannot be excluded.
Multiproxy evidence from caves of Native Americans altering the overlying landscape during the late Holocene of east-central North America
Authors: Springer Gregory S. , White D. Matthew , Rowe Harold D. , Hardt Ben , Nivanthi Mihimdukulasooriya L. , Hai Cheng  , Edwards R. Lawrence
Published: November 2009

We compare environmental changes recorded in stalagmites and alluvium from the mountainous Buckeye Creek basin of West Virginia, USA to a nearby, independent archaeological record of Native American presences in the forested watershed. A climatic record constructed from stable isotopic (δ18O calc and δ13Ccalc) and trace metal (Sr/Ca) ratios in stalagmitic calcite is consistent with regional palynology during much of the Holocene. The stalagmite δ13Ccalc and Sr/Ca values track aridity associated with North Atlantic Ocean (NAO) ice-rafting events during solar minima. However, the δ13Ccalc record diverges sharply from the Sr/Ca record at ~2100 (calendar) years BP, which maintains the same relationship with ice rafting in the NAO. A dramatic and sustained enrichment in δ13Ccalc values (>1‰) without a corresponding shift in Sr/Ca values, suggests a systemic change in above-cave vegetation and soil carbon. This hypothesis is corroborated by a record of the stable isotopic composition of bulk organic carbon (δ 13Corg) in alluvial silts. Cultural artefacts record Native American presences in the watershed during the late Holocene and archaeologists place peak Native American presence as having occurred between 750 and 550 years BP, nearly contemporaneous with peaks in δ13Ccalc , δ13Corg, and relative charcoal abundances documented herein. Notably, values of the three environmental proxies decrease after Native Americans abandoned the watershed. The available evidence is consistent with Native Americans having made significant changes to the area’s ecosystem and soils prior to the arrival of Euro-colonial peoples at ~225 years BP. Our findings highlight the active roles native peoples had in shaping the North American “wilderness” described prior to its destruction by early European settlers.
Testing the palaeoclimatic significance of the Northern Irish bog oak record
Authors: Swindles Graeme T. , Plunkett Gill
Published: November 2009

We present an analysis of the Northern Irish bog oak record presented in Turney et al. (2005) for the last 4500 years. The record is compared with a compiled peatland water table record from the same region and palaeohydrological data from northern England and mid-latitude Europe. It is apparent that there is no consistent relationship between the population frequency of Irish bog oaks and the palaeohydrological reconstructions, illustrating that the record is not reflecting wetness changes in peatlands. We suggest that the bog oaks should be scrutinised on a within-site and a site-by-site basis to assess the spatial coherency of the shifts in tree populations and the synchronicity of phases of germination and dying off (GDO). Further work is needed to critically examine the controls on the establishment and demise of bog oaks on Irish peatlands before these data can be used as a palaeoclimate proxy. Only then can they be used to test solar forcing of Holocene climate change.
Subchronic toxicity of cannabis leaves on male albino rats
Authors: Yassa Heba A , Dawood Abd El Wahab A , Shehata Manal M , Abdel-Hady Randa H , Abdel Aal Khaled M
Published: November 2009

Cannabis is the most commonly abused drug in the world. In Egypt, the Anti Narcotic General Administration showed that the narcotics problem costs the Egyptian economy approximately 800 million dollars annually. LD50, lethal dose that kills 50% of the treated animals, of the bango was determined and then selected groups of rats were given tenth of LD50 for 90 days. The histopathological effects were determined. All the studied organs were affected markedly in the form of shrunken cells in brain. The liver cells were affected in the form of rarefaction of the cytoplasm, kidneys were with severe congestion. The testicles were with disruption of the spermatogenic cells from the membrane.
Baseline autoantibody profiles predict normalization of complement and anti-dsDNA autoantibody levels following Rituximab treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Tew GW , Rabbee N. , Wolslegel K. , Hsieh H-J. , Monroe JG , Behrens TW , Brunetta PG , Keir ME
Published: November 2009

B cells are thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Rituximab (RTX), a chimeric anti-CD20 mAb, effectively depletes CD20 + peripheral B cells. Recent results from EXPLORER, a placebo-controlled trial of RTX in addition to aggressive prednisone and immunosuppressive therapy, showed similar levels of clinical benefit in patients with active extra-renal SLE despite effective B cell depletion. We performed further data analyses to determine whether significant changes in disease activity biomarkers occurred in the absence of clinical benefit. We found that RTX-treated patients with baseline autoantibodies (autoAbs) had decreased anti-dsDNA and anti-cardiolipin autoAbs and increased complement levels. Patients with anti-dsDNA autoAb who lacked baseline RNA binding protein (RBP) autoAbs showed increased complement and decreased anti-dsDNA autoAb in response to RTX. Other biomarkers, such as baseline BAFF levels or IFN signature status did not predict enhanced effects of RTX therapy on complement or anti-dsDNA autoAb levels. Finally, platelet levels normalized in RTX-treated patients who entered the study with low baseline counts. Together, these findings demonstrate clear biologic activity of RTX in subsets of SLE patients, despite an overall lack of incremental clinical benefit with RTX in the EXPLORER trial. Lupus (2010) 19, 146—157.
Chemoelectrical Energy Conversion of Adenosine Triphosphate using ATPases
Authors: Vishnu Baba Sundaresan  , Leo Donald J.
Published: November 2009

Biological ion transport processes in proteins have inspired the development of bio-sensors, actuators, photoelectric, and chemoelectric energy conversion devices. These bio-inspired devices use ion transport through a protein energized by biochemical reactions in the protein’s sub-units to perform their engineering function. In an effort to advance the use of biological processes in synthetic systems, a chemoelectrical energy conversion device is demonstrated in this article that uses hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in ATPase enzyme to generate electrical power. The ATPase enzyme in the device is reconstituted in a bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) and supported on a porous substrate. ATP is dissolved in pH7 buffer and added to one of the chambers in this bicameral device. The transmembrane gradient established by proton transport, resulting from hydrolysis of ATP in the enzyme, is converted into electron flow in an external circuit via silver-silver chloride electrodes placed in the buffer solution on both the sides of the membrane. The chemoelectrical energy conversion of ATP is demonstrated in this article using electrical impedance spectroscopy and load characterization experiments on BLMs supported in the pore(s) of a 25% porous polycarbonate membrane and single-pore silicon nitride chip. In electrical impedance spectroscopy, the change in conductance states of the membrane quantified by specific resistance is used to demonstrate protein activity. The mean electrical impedance of the BLM with ATPase supported on a single pore silicon nitride chip drops from 7 kΩ cm2 to 250 Ω cm2 on adding ATP to one side of the membrane. This change in ionic conductance of the BLM with ATPase in the presence of ATP demonstrates protein activity in the membrane. Impedance analysis of the membranes (BLM, BLM with ATPase) supported in multi-pore polycarbonate substrate demonstrates similar trend confirming ion transport and energy conversion in the membrane. In load characterization experiments, a resistive load of known magnitude is connected to the device and voltage across the membrane and current through the circuit are measured. The current−voltage characteristics of the device resembles a constant current power source and the slope of the response represents the internal resistance of the device. The current through the membrane supported on the single pore substrate is below the range of our data acquisition equipment and hence the device with the porous polycarbonate membrane is used in load characterization experiments. This polycarbonate membrane-based device has an open-circuit voltage of 87.5(±7.5) mV with a specific power output of 1.85 μW/cm2 and an internal resistance of 30.5k(±8.5k)Ω. The theoretical maximum specific power available from the membrane supported on the multi-pore polycarbonate membrane and the single pore silicon-nitride substrate are estimated from the current−voltage response to be 7.65 and 18 μW/cm2.
Wavelength Dependent Remote Power Supply for Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Syed Sajid Zaidi  , Lamarque Frédéric , Favergeon Jérôme , Carton Olivier , Prelle Christine , Lejeune Michael , Zeinert Andreas
Published: November 2009

The use of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators in smart structures is increasing significantly especially in the field of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) due to their unique properties. In this work wavelength dependent remote power supply for SMA is presented to avoid electrical cables from the working area of the structure and to demonstrate the selective addressing of a high number of micro-actuators placed in a small space. Low power (∼100 mW) continuous mode laser diodes are used as remote power supply sources. A thermal numerical model is presented to visualize the temperature evolution in a Nitinol sample (3 mm × 1 mm × 100 μm) irradiated by 785 nm laser source. A series of experiments are performed to validate the modelling results, to estimate the response time under different loadings (15 g and 20 g) and to demonstrate the wavelength dependent deformation in SMA samples for selective addressing which is realized by depositing thin layers having specific optical filtering properties directly over the SMA sample and using laser diode sources with different wavelengths (785 nm and 658 nm).
Negotiating Migrant Community Needs through Social Work Research
Authors: Clarke Kris
Published: November 2009

The implications of increased immigration have been at the top of the political agenda in many European countries for the past decade. The boundaries of inclusion in national welfare states are a fraught political issue provoking heated debate on the limits entitlements. Human services workers are thus often thrust into the forefront of national integration efforts by having to act as gatekeepers to social and health interventions to increasingly diverse populations in homogenously constructed welfare states. This article explores integration in the Finnish human services through an analysis of the secondary data obtained from two migrant community research projects produced by migrants themselves, a project facilitated by the author. Utilizing a narrative approach to knowledge development, the migrant researchers outlined their communities’ concerns and experiences in the Finnish welfare state. By focusing on how voice and identity was narrated by the migrant researchers, this article explores the relevance of using community research methods to reveal the complexity of migrant community needs. It argues that locally based, community research has the potential to provide a more inclusionary, community-based methodological approach to migrant issues in European social work.
Ag/Zn Zeolite Containing Antibacterial Coating for Food-Packaging Substrates
Authors: Dogan Hacer , Koral Murat , İnan Tülay Yılmaz
Published: November 2009

Antibacterial packaging is gaining a lot of importance in the food industry. Plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylidene chloride copolymers, etc., and paper, paperboard, and aluminum foils have been used as food-packaging materials. In the past, aluminum foil had found wide application in food packaging since it has a high barrier to light, moisture, oxygen, other gases, and volatile aromas. It is believed that aluminum foil coated with antibacterial material may play a role in extending shelf life of ready-to-eat food products and increase the quality and safety of the food products. In this study, silver- and zinc-supported zeolite 4A was prepared by ion-exchange method. A 6—10 µm thick vinyl acetate lacquer with antibacterial zeolite was cast onto the aluminum foil. This aluminum foil was later exposed to bacterial growth test and was shown to exhibit a very good antibacterial property against Escherichia coli. These antibacterial coatings could be useful for aluminum foil/plastic film laminates.
The Cellular Bioeffects of Low Intensity Ultrasound
Authors: Martin Eleanor
Published: November 2009

A wide range of non-lethal cellular effects of low intensity ultrasound have been demonstrated in the literature. In order to utilise these effects therapeutically, the underlying interaction mechanisms of ultrasound with cells, and the cellular processes involved in these interactions must be understood. This article reviews recent work on cellular bioeffects using both cell culture and in vivo animal models. We also discuss our current understanding of cellular effects and processes involved in thermosensing and mechanosensing.
Ultrasonography of the Canine and Equine Stifle Joint - Correlation with Humans
Authors: Saunders Jimmy H , Vekens Elke Van der
Published: November 2009

The gross anatomy and physiology of the knee are similar in people, dogs and horses. However, evolution, way of life and the use of horses and dogs means that the detailed anatomy, physiology and disease processes have altered with time. In dogs, cranial cruciate ligament injury (30%), degenerative joint disease (17%) and patellar ligament injury (17%) are the most frequently encountered disease processes, while in horses, osteochondrosis and subchondral cysts (52%), medial collateral ligament injury (28%), patellar ligament injury (23%), degenerative joint disease (23%) and medial meniscus lesions (19%) are more frequently reported. In addition the technological possibilities and the cooperation of the patient are different between human and veterinary medicine. In people, ultrasonography of the knee is easy to perform and gives lots of information, but it has inferior diagnostic capabilities compared to MRI. In dogs, the small size of the joint and large variation between breeds are responsible for the limited use of knee ultrasonography. In horses, ultrasonography of the knee is risky and time-consuming but is currently the only practical alternative to radiography. There is a lack of ultrasonographic reference values in the dog and horse compared to people. Veterinary radiologists have to define normal variants and reference values in young and adult animals to improve the objectivity, and thus the quality, of knee ultrasonography.
Tardy posterior interosseous nerve palsy resulting from residual dislocation of the radial head in a Monteggia fracture: a case report
Authors: Cho Chul-Hyun , Lee Kyung-Jae , Min Byung-Woo
Published: November 2009

Introduction

We report an extremely rare case of tardy posterior interosseous nerve palsy that developed 40 years after unreduced anterior dislocation of the radial head in a Monteggia fracture.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old Asian woman was diagnosed with tardy posterior interosseous nerve palsy resulting from residual dislocation of the radial head in a Monteggia fracture. The patient remembered that she had sustained a fracture to the right elbow when she was 6 years old but could not remember the details of either the injury or its treatment. Intra-operatively, the posterior interosseous nerve was compressed at the radial head, wrapped around the medial side of the radial neck, and ran into the distorted supinator muscle, and was stretched. We therefore excised the radial head and performed neurolysis. The function of the right hand was normal at a follow-up examination 8 months after surgery.

Conclusion

We theorize that excessive repeated motion with loss of elasticity of surrounding tissues because of long-term dislocation of the radial head may cause delayed posterior interosseous nerve palsy. It is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis and render proper treatment when a Monteggia fracture occurs, making sure that the radial head does not remain dislocated, to avoid possible posterior interosseous nerve palsy due to excessive pronation and supination even several decades later.
Critical involvement of Rho GTPase activity in the efficient transplantation of neural stem cells into the injured spinal cord
Authors: Numano Fujiki , Inoue Akihiro , Enomoto Mitsuhiro , Shinomiya Kenichi , Okawa Atsushi , Okabe Shigeo
Published: November 2009

Background

Transplantation of neural stem/progenitor cells is a promising approach toward functional restoration of the damaged neural tissue, but the injured spinal cord has been shown to be an adverse environment for the survival, migration, and differentiation of the donor cells. To improve the efficiency of cell replacement therapy, cell autonomous factors in the donor cells should be optimized. In light of recent findings that Rho family GTPases regulate stem cell functions, genetic manipulation of Rho GTPases can potentially control phenotypes of transplanted cells. Therefore we expressed mutant forms of Rho GTPases, Rac, Rho, and Cdc42, in the neural stem/progenitor cells and examined their survival and migration after transplantation.

Results

Manipulation of the individual Rho GTPases showed differential effects on survival, with little variation in their migratory route and predominant differentiation into the oligodendroglial lineage. Combined suppression of both Rac and Rho activity had a prominent effect on promoting survival, consistent with its highly protective effect on drug-induced apoptosis in culture.

Conclusion

Manipulation of Rac and Rho activities fully rescued suppression of cell survival induced by the spinal cord injury. Our results indicate that precise regulation of cell autonomous factors within the donor cells can ameliorate the detrimental environment created by the injury.
Multiple photoreceptor systems control the swim pacemaker activity in box jellyfish
Authors: Garm A. , Mori S.
Published: November 2009

Like all other cnidarian medusae, box jellyfish propel themselves through the water by contracting their bell-shaped body in discrete swim pulses. These pulses are controlled by a swim pacemaker system situated in their sensory structures, the rhopalia. Each medusa has four rhopalia each with a similar set of six eyes of four morphologically different types. We have examined how each of the four eye types influences the swim pacemaker. Multiple photoreceptor systems, three of the four eye types, plus the rhopalial neuropil, affect the swim pacemaker. The lower lens eye inhibits the pacemaker when stimulated and provokes a strong increase in the pacemaker frequency upon light-off. The upper lens eye, the pit eyes and the rhopalial neuropil all have close to the opposite effect. When these responses are compared with all-eye stimulations it is seen that some advanced integration must take place.
The mechanical properties of red deer antler bone when used in fighting
Authors: Currey J. D. , Landete-Castillejos T. , Estevez J. , Ceacero F. , Olguin A. , Garcia A. , Gallego L.
Published: November 2009

We assessed the hydration state of antlers and its effect on antler mechanical properties compared with wet femur. Red deer antlers were removed from the head at various times, from a few days after velvet shedding till late in the season, and weighed weekly until after casting time. Antlers cut just after losing their velvet lost weight rapidly in the first few weeks, then settled down and changed weight very little, the latter changes correlating with air relative humidity. Antlers cut later showed little weight change at any time. The water content of cortical and trabecular parts of the contralateral antler was assessed after cutting. Most of the weight loss was from the cancellous, not the cortical, part of the antler. Wet and dry specimens from the antlers, and wet specimens from deer femora, were tested mechanically. Compared with wet bone, wet antler had a much lower modulus of elasticity and bending strength, but a higher work to fracture. Compared with wet bone, dry antler showed a somewhat lower Young's modulus, but a considerably higher bending strength and a much higher work to fracture. The impact energy absorption of dry antler was much greater than that of wet bone. In red deer, the antler is effectively dry during its use in fights, at least in southern Spain. In addition, dry antler, compared with ordinary bone, shows mechanical properties that suit it admirably for its fighting function.
Moths are not silent, but whisper ultrasonic courtship songs
Authors: Nakano R. , Takanashi T. , Fujii T. , Skals N. , Surlykke A. , Ishikawa Y.
Published: November 2009

Ultrasonic hearing is widespread among moths, but very few moth species have been reported to produce ultrasounds for sexual communication. In those that do, the signals are intense and thus well matched for long distance communication. By contrast, males of the Asian corn borer moth (Crambidae) were recently shown to whisper extremely low-intensity ultrasonic courtship songs close to females. Since low sound levels will prevent eavesdropping by predators, parasites and conspecific rivals, we predicted low intensity ultrasound communication to be widespread among moths. Here we tested 13 species of moths including members of the Noctuidae, Arctiidae, Geometridae and Crambidae. Males of nine species, 70%, produced broadband ultrasound close to females. Peak frequencies ranged from 38 to above 100 kHz. All sounds were of low intensity, 43-76 dB SPL at 1 cm [64±10 dB peSPL (mean ± s.d.), N=9 species]. These quiet and/or hyper-frequency ultrasounds are audible to nearby mates, but inaudible to unintended receivers. Although largely unknown because it is so inconspicuous, acoustic communication using low intensity ultrasound appears to be widespread among hearing moths. Thus, acoustic communication may be the norm rather than the exception.