bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between Short-Term Heat Pretreatment and Fipronil on 2nd Instar Larvae of Diamondback Moth, Plutella Xylostella (Linn)
Authors: Gu Xiaojun , Tian Sufen , Wang Dehui , Fei Gao , Wei Hui
Published: January 2010

Based on the cooperative virulence index ( c.f.) and LC50 of fipronil, the interaction effect between short-term heat pretreatment and fipronil on 2nd instar larvae of diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), was assessed. The results suggested that pretreatment of the tested insects at 30 °C for 2, 4 and 8h could somewhat decrease the toxicity of fipronil at all set concentrations. The LC50 values of fipronil increased after heat pretreatment and c.f. values in all these treatments were below zero. These results indicated that real mortalities were less than theoretical ones and antagonism was found in the treatments of fipronil at 0.39 and 0.78 mg/L after heat pretreatment at 30°C at 2, 4 and 8 h. However, pretreatment at 30°C for 12h could increase the toxicity of fipronil at all set concentrations, the LC50 of fipronil decreased after heat pretreatment and c.f. values in all these treatments were above zero, which indicated real mortalities were higher than theoretical ones. Pretreatment of the tested insects at 35 °C for 2, 4, 8 and 12h was found to increase the toxicity of fipronil at all set concentrations which resulted in the decrease of LC50 values of fipronil and c.f. above zero in all treatments with only one exception. Most interactions were assessed as synergism. The results indicated that cooperative virulence index (c.f.) may be adopted in hormetic effect assessment.
CB1 Antagonism Exerts Specific Molecular Effects on Visceral and Subcutaneous Fat and Reverses Liver Steatosis in Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Jourdan Tony , Djaouti Louiza , Demizieux Laurent , Gresti Joseph , Vergès Bruno , Degrace Pascal
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE

The beneficial effects of the inactivation of endocannabinoid system (ECS) by administration of antagonists of the cannabinoid receptor (CB) 1 on several pathological features associated with obesity is well demonstrated, but the relative contribution of central versus peripheral mechanisms is unclear.

We examined the impact of CB1 antagonism on liver and adipose tissue lipid metabolism in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Mice were fed either with a standard diet or a high-sucrose high-fat (HSHF) diet for 19 weeks and then treated with the CB1-specific antagonist SR141716 (10 mg · kg−1 · day−1) for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Treatment with SR141716 reduced fat mass, insulin levels, and liver triglycerides primarily increased by HSHF feeding. Serum adiponectin levels were restored after being reduced in HSHF mice. Gene expression of scavenger receptor class B type I and hepatic lipase was induced by CB1 blockade and associated with an increase in HDL-cholesteryl ether uptake. Concomitantly, the expression of CB1, which was strongly increased in the liver and adipose tissue of HSHF mice, was totally normalized by the treatment. Interestingly, in visceral but not subcutaneous fat, genes involved in transport, synthesis, oxidation, and release of fatty acids were upregulated by HSHF feeding, while this effect was counteracted by CB1 antagonism.

CONCLUSIONS

A reduction in the CB1-mediated ECS activity in visceral fat is associated with a normalization of adipocyte metabolism, which may be a determining factor in the reversion of liver steatosis induced by treatment with SR141716.
Calbindin-D28K acts as a calcium-dependent chaperone suppressing α-synuclein fibrillation in vitro
Authors: Zhou Wenbo , Long Chunmei , Fink Anthony , Uversky Vladimir
Published: January 2010

α-Synuclein, a natively unfolded protein aggregation which is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and several other neurodegenerative diseases, is known to interact with a great number of unrelated proteins. Some of these proteins, such as β-synuclein and DJ-1, were shown to inhibit α-synuclein aggregation in vitro and in vivo therefore acting as chaperones. Since calbindin-D28K is co-localized with Ca2+ neuronal membrane pumps, and since α-synuclein is also found in the membrane proximity, these two proteins can potentially interact in vivo. Here we show that calbindin-D28K interacts with α-synuclein and inhibits its fibrillation in a calcium-dependent manner, therefore potentially acting as a calcium-dependent chaperone.
Human mesenchymal adipose stromal cells from mature adipocyte fraction
Authors: Unguryte Aušra , Bernotiene Eiva , Venalis Algirdas
Published: January 2010

More effective techniques should be employed for isolation of human mesenchymal stromal cells derived from adipose tissue (ADSC), seeking to make adipose tissue biopsies smaller in volume and thus less invasive. In this study, we compared properties of ADSC isolated by several different methods from the same samples of adipose tissue in order to enhance yields of potential ADSC. The mature adipocyte fraction was investigated using the ceiling culture method, including both ceiling and bottom cell fractions, and the control culture method with standard amount of medium. The results were also compared using the stromal vascular fraction from the same samples. The most efficient was the bottom cell population isolated from the mature adipocyte fraction by ceiling culture method. These cells readily differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages and, similar to stromal vascular fraction cells, displayed high proliferation potential. Cultures of mature adipocyte fractions with standard amount of medium were considerably less effective. Mature adipocyte fractions yields large quantities of adipose-derived stem cells that have properties comparable with stromal vascular fraction cells suitable for tissue regeneration, especially when only small biopsies can be taken.
Transfusions and long-term functional outcomes in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Warner Matthew A. , O'Keeffe Terence , Bhavsar Premal , Shringer Rashmi , Moore Carol , Harper Caryn , Madden Christopher J. , Sarode Ravi , Gentilello Larry M. , Diaz-Arrastia Ramon
Published: January 2010

Object

In this paper, the authors' goal was to examine the relationship between transfusion and long-term functional outcomes in moderately anemic patients (lowest hematocrit [HCT] level 21–30%) with traumatic brain injury (TBI). While evidence suggests that transfusions are associated with poor hospital outcomes, no study has examined transfusions and long-term functional outcomes in this population. The preferred transfusion threshold remains controversial.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective review of patients who were admitted with TBI between September 2005 and November 2007, extracting data such as HCT level, status of red blood cell transfusion, admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, serum glucose, and length of hospital stay. Outcome measures assessed at 6 months were Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended score, Functional Status Examination score, and patient death. A multivariate generalized linear model controlling for confounding variables was used to assess the association between transfusion and outcome.

Results

During the study period, 292 patients were identified, and 139 (47.6%) met the criteria for moderate anemia. Roughly half (54.7%) underwent transfusions. Univariate analyses showed significant correlations between outcome score and patient age, admission GCS score, head Abbreviated Injury Scale score, number of days with an HCT level < 30%, highest glucose level, number of days with a glucose level > 200 mg/dl, length of hospital stay, number of patients receiving a transfusion, and transfusion volume. In multivariate analysis, admission GCS score, receiving a transfusion, and transfusion volume were the only variables associated with outcome (F = 2.458, p = 0.007; F = 11.694, p = 0.001; and F = 1.991, p = 0.020, respectively). There was no association between transfusion and death.

Conclusions

Transfusions may contribute to poor long-term functional outcomes in anemic patients with TBI. Transfusion strategies should be aimed at patients with symptomatic anemia or physiological compromise, and transfusion volume should be minimized.
Unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy caused by an intraneural ganglion cyst
Authors: Nonaka Yoichi , Grossi Peter M. , Filomena Carol A. , Friedman Allan H. , Fukushima Takanori
Published: January 2010

The authors describe a rare case of unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy caused by an intraneural ganglion cyst. Three similar cases have been reported with pathological classification still under consideration. One case was classified as an intraneural ganglion cyst and 2 cases were classified as atlantooccipital joint synovial cysts.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza: Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Ahasan HAM Nazmul
Published: January 2010

DOI:10.3329/jbcps.v27i3.4288 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2009; 27: 129-131
Efficacy of Parenteral Granisetron in the Prevention of Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Ahmed Jashim Uddin , Noor Serajun , Hossain Md Anisul , Hossain Md Margub
Published: January 2010

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most unpleasant complications following anaesthesia and surgery since long time. A non -randomized case control study of prevention of post operative nausea and vomiting with IV- Granisetron was done on 270 adult surgical patients who received general or spinal aneasthesia. All the patients were followed up to 48 hours after operation. A complete response was achieved in prophylaxis group as 92.6% and in control group as 90.4%(p-value=0.6637). In patient with PONV ,gender incidence is equal in prophylaxis group. Female incidence is higher in control group. Majority of patients (90 to 100 %) had PONV within 24 hours after operation. As there is insignificant difference in the achievement between prohylaxis group and control group, anti emetic prophylaxis is recommended only for patient with one or more risk factors for PONV. DOI:10.3329/jbcps.v27i3.4290 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2009; 27: 139-143
Whether Obesity Needs to be Addressed in Pre-Pregnancy Advice?
Authors: Nasreen Shaikh Zinnat Ara
Published: January 2010

Objective: When obesity need to be addressed, during pre pregnancy obesity is common and it adversely affects the maternal and perinatal outcomes. Maternal obesity has major impact on health service, specially on in relation to the level of care required, the cost and resources implications, complications and risk to the mothers and infant. Methods and Materials: It was the prospective study 500 pregnant women ( 250 were obese and 250 were normal), The period of 3 years from January 2004 to December 2008. All the events during antenatal, during delivery and postnatal were recorded, and compare the outcomes. Result: We found pre-eclampsia ( 10 for obese and 2 for normal, p = 0.01), Positive OGTT 100 for obese and 8 for normal P = 5.72, PPH 25 for obese and 5 for non obese P = 0.00021, wound infection 5 for obese and one in non obese group p = 0.0003, others like UTI, we got 60 for obese and 15 for non obese P = 1.7401. Pueperial sepsis 3 in obese and 1 for non obese p=0.3131. Pre eclapsia, PPH and wound infection shows significantly high in obese group. Similarly NICU admission, macrosomia and fetal distress were more in obese pregnant than non obese women. So pregnancy among obese women should classified as high risk pregnancy. From the study we concluded that weight reduction before pregnancy need to be discussed as pre-pregnancy counseling. Key words: obesity; pre-pregnancy; counselling DOI:10.3329/jbcps.v27i3.4291 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2009; 27: 144-147
Climate Change: Impact on Health
Authors: Ahasan HAM Nazmul
Published: January 2010

DOI:10.3329/jom.v11i1.4258J Medicine 2010: 11: 1-2
Anti-hyperglycemic Effect of Stephania Glabra Tubers in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Semwal Deepak Kumar , Rawat Usha , Badoni Ruchi , Semwal Ravindra , Singh Randhir
Published: January 2010

Different doses of ethanolic extract of Stephania glabra tuber were evaluated for antihyperglycemic activity in alloxan induced diabetic mice. The oral administration of 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight showed significant hypoglycemic activity. Glibenclamide (oral hypoglycemic agent, 25 mg/kg, p.o.) has been used as standard. Key words: Stephania glabra, Menispermaceae, hydroxypalmatine, alloxan, glibenclamide, hypoglycemic activity DOI:10.3329/jom.v11i1.4262 J Medicine 2010: 11: 17-19
Evaluation of Serum High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hs-CRP) In Type-2 Diabetic Patient
Authors: Haque AKM Fazlul , Ekram ARM Saifuddin , Islam Quazi Tarikul , Jahan Md Sarwar , Haque Md Zahirul
Published: January 2010

Type-2 diabetes may remain in subclinical form for years before diagnosis. This quiescence of type-2 diabetes is a great concern for health care providers. The earliest change of the type-2 diabetes is the insulin resistance, which is associated with the increased macrovascular risk due to induction of chronic inflammation in the vessels of the body which leads to atherosclerotic change in the vessels. High sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is the measure of C-reactive protein with greater accuracy and the lower limit of its assay is .01 mg/L which is more than 100 times as sensitive as the usual CRP measurement (lower limit 5 mg/L). The median level of hs-CRP from blood samples of apparent healthy subjects is 0.8 mg/L. For this, physician uses the hs-CRP parameter as a marker of chronic inflammation in apparently normal healthy individuals, specially for the assessment of atherosclerosis, which is a chronic inflammatory procedure from the very beginning, in type-2 diabetic, obese and hypertensive patients. This vascular atherosclerosis assessment help them to calculate the cardiovascular as well as cerebrovascular risk of those patients. To help the type-2 diabetic patients from the very begining in respect of the prognostic view of the macrovascular risk, estimations of serum hs-CRP in the early stage of these patient may be a enthusiastic one. This descriptive study was carried out by choosing 70 diabetic patient who had no other comorbidity or any complications of diabetes and 35 healthy subjects who were neither diabetic nor had any diseases. Both the groups were non-smoker and non-alcoholic and non-hypertensive, hs-CRP level was measured in both the groups along with the HbA1c%. The mean hs-CRP in diabetic group was 1.13 mg/L and in normal healthy subjects was 0.39 mg/L. This higher level of mean hs-CRP (1.13 mg/L) in diabetic patients is statisticaly significant (P<0.01) compared with that of the normal healthy subjects mean hs-CRP (0.39 mg/L). This mean level of hs-CRP in normal healthy subjects was below the lower level of cardiovascular risk (1 mg/L). Keywords: High sensitivity CRP, C-reactive protein, diabetes DOI:10.3329/jom.v11i1.4263 J Medicine 2010: 11: 20-23
External Pin Fixation with Early Flap Coverage for Open Tibial Fractures with Soft Tissue Loss
Authors: Shamsuzzaman Md , Islam Md Anowarul , Amanullah Shah Mohammad
Published: January 2010

Meaningful data on the management of open tibial fractures cannot be obtained unless one categorizes the injury according to fracture type, degree of soft tissue loss and the velocity of the injury. Treatment by converting the type III injury to a type II injury with well vascularized soft tissue is presented. Eighteen patient with 20 type III and type III(a) wounds were treated in a prospective fashion employing a combined orthopedic and plastic surgical scheme based on the tenets of early radical debridement, a "second look" operation, muscle or fasciocataneus flap cover within the first 3 weeks for injury. All fractures united in a mean time of 6.0 months. The mean hospitalization was 6.2 weeks. There have been chronic infection, osteomyelitis nonunion, shortening or tissue breakdown. Keyword: Open tibial fractures, external pin fixation DOI:10.3329/jom.v11i1.4265 J Medicine 2010: 11: 28-32
HIV-Related Discrimination Reported by People Living with HIV in Lagos
Authors: Akinbami AA , Wright KO , Adeyemo TA , Dada MO , Dosunmu AO
Published: January 2010

Objective: Numerous factors have unilaterally and synergistically undermined the success of HIV and AIDS. It is in the light of the foregoing that this study was undertaken to evaluate some discriminatory experiences of people living with HIV and AIDS. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study on people with HIV and AIDS attending an outpatient clinic at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital within a period of 12 weeks. Respondents were recruited consecutively and data was collected with a semi-structured questionnaire. Response rate was 97.7%, analysis was done with Epi-info 6 statistical software. Results: Approximately one-fifth (17%) of respondents reported discrimination. Exploration on sources of discrimination showed that people discriminated against mentioned family members as being responsible in 49.1% of cases, 23.6% of respondents reported workplace discrimination and only 3.5% mentioned discrimination experienced by the Government workers. Conclusion: It is evident that success achieved so far in the fight against HIV and AIDS can easily be eroded if issues of discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS are not addressed. Various innovative educational strategies targeting all stakeholders may be required if the battle against the spread of the virus must be won. Keywords: Discrimination, PLWHA, HIV, AIDS DOI:10.3329/jom.v11i1.4267 J Medicine 2010: 11: 39-41
A Young Male with Female Reproductive System
Authors: Amin Md Robed , Das Amit , Hossain Md Murad , Zaman Md Ferdous , Kabir Ahmedul , Islam Hafizul , Khondokar MA Kashem
Published: January 2010

Patients with disorders of sexual differentiation possess discordance among sex chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones, and phenotypic sex. The most common of the phenotypic sex disorder is due to defect in enzyme for synthesis of steroids in adrenal cortex. A spectrum of phenotypes is observed in these cases. Here we present a case with features of female reproductive system in his body with male phenotype. As there was no trace of male sexual organs in all investigations but physical habitus was exclusively male with abundance of hair distribution the case was diagnosed as disorder of sex development (DSD) - female pseodoharmaphroditism. Keywords: Sex Differentiation Disorder, Disorders of Sexual Development, Pseudohermaphroditism DOI:10.3329/jom.v11i1.4276 J Medicine 2010: 11: 63-66
Actinomycosis: A Rare Disease
Authors: Moniruddin ABM , Begum Hamida , Nahar Khairun , Ahmed Tanveer , Simi Maliha Alam , Rahman M Mahbubur , Kamruzzaman M , Amin Mohammad Sadiqul
Published: January 2010

A 35 year old male presented with multiple discharging sinuses in the right gluteal region & multiple nodular soft tissue swellings in the right side of face for one year. FNAC from lesions of both sites showed it as a case of actinomycosis. He was successfully treated by antibiotics & local care of the affected area. No surgical intervention was required. Here we like to present our experience of diagnosing & treating this rare disease. Keywords: Actinomycosis, Actinomyces israeli, cervicofacial actinomycosis DOI:10.3329/jom.v11i1.4279 J Medicine 2010: 11: 74-77
A 32-year-old obese Male with Prolonged Increased Transaminase Level Associated with NASH after HBV Hepatitis
Authors: Kabir Ahmedul , Banik Jayanta , Amin Robed , Chowdhury Faizul Islam
Published: January 2010

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an underdiagnosed liver disease and is the main cause of persistent elevated serum liver enzymes among the general population. Here, we report the case of a 32-year-old obese man who was diagnosed as a case of chronic hepatitis caused by HBV infection. He was treated with Lamivudine for two years. Though his HBV DNA load became negative, he had persistently elevated ALT and AST for two years. Then a liver biopsy was planned for greater diagnostic and prognostic certainty, as the patient was obese, and aspartate transaminase to alanine transaminase ratio was greater than one. The histopathology showed steatosis, ballooning degeneration, microinflammation and fibrosis compatible with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. We present the case as we think that clinicians should be aware of the possibility, that hepatitis B viral hepatitis with prolonged elevated serum liver enzymes might be associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Keywords: Non-alcoholic fatty liver, steatohepatitis DOI:10.3329/jom.v11i1.4283 J Medicine 2010: 11: 90-93
Henoch- Schönlein Purpura Associated with Major Complications
Authors: Islam Mohammad Zahidul
Published: January 2010

Henoch Schönlein Purpura is a mild disease in children and usually self-limiting. Pulmonary hemorrhage is rare in prepubertal children. Our patient had rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, pulmonary hemorrhage, nephrotic syndrome, hypertension, intermittent intussusception, and cerebral vasulitis with seizure. Combination of such severe complications in one patient over a short span of time is very rare. In our experience, we found that combination of iv methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by oral prednisolone plus oral cyclophosphamide to be very effective. Keywords: Henoch Schönlein Purpura, vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, pulmonary hemorrhage, intussusception DOI:10.3329/jom.v11i1.4285 J Medicine 2010: 11: 99-101
Increased Prevalence of Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Artery-specific
Authors: KOBAYASHI HITOMI , GILES JON T. , POLAK JOSEPH F. , BLUMENTHAL ROGER S. , LEFFELL MARY S. , SZKLO MOYSES , PETRI MICHELLE , GELBER ALLAN C. , POST WENDY , BATHON JOAN M.
Published: January 2010

Objective.

Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality are increased in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Prior investigations of the association of RA with measures of carotid atherosclerosis have yielded conflicting results. We compared carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) of both the common carotid (CCA) and proximal internal carotid (bulb-ICA) arteries, and plaque prevalence, between RA and non-RA participants.

Methods.

Subjects with RA were participants in a cohort study of subclinical CV disease in RA. Non-RA controls were selected from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Both groups underwent B-mode ultrasonography of the right and left CCA and bulb-ICA. Linear regression was used to model the association of RA status with CCA and bulb-ICA-IMT, and logistic regression for the association of RA status with plaque.

Results.

We compared 195 RA patients to 198 non-RA controls. CV risk factors were similarly distributed, except for a higher prevalence of hypertension in the RA group. Mean adjusted bulb-ICA-IMT was higher in RA patients than controls (1.16 vs 1.02 mm, respectively; p < 0.001), while mean adjusted CCA-IMT did not differ significantly. After adjusting for CV risk factors, the odds of plaque were significantly increased in RA participants compared to controls (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.26–4.61). The association of gender, age, smoking, and hypertension with bulb-ICA-IMT and plaque did not significantly differ by RA status. Interleukin 6 was strongly associated with bulb-ICA-IMT and plaque in controls but not in RA patients. In the RA group, shared epitope was associated with an increased prevalence of plaque.

Conclusion.

Compared to controls, RA was associated with a higher prevalence and higher severity of atherosclerosis in the bulb-ICA but not the CCA. Our data suggest that future studies in RA that utilize carotid artery measurements should include assessment of the bulb-ICA.
Mortality and Predictors of Mortality in Rheumatoid Arthritis — A Role for Mannose-binding Lectin?
Authors: TROELSEN LONE N. , GARRED PETER , JACOBSEN SØREN
Published: January 2010

Objective.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased overall and cardiovascular mortality. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) may play differentiated roles in the pathogenesis of RA. We had observed that high serum levels of MBL increased the risk of ischemic heart disease in patients with RA. In this followup study we describe the mortality in a cohort of 229 Danish patients with RA. We examine if previously reported factors and MBL influence the risk of overall death and death due to cardiovascular disease.

Methods.

Known predictors of RA mortality were assessed. MBL extended genotypes (YA/YA, YA/XA, XA/XA, YA/YO, XA/YO, YO/YO) were determined; MBL serum concentrations were measured. The vital status and causes of death were assessed in a prospective study.

Results.

The median followup was 10.3 years. The overall risk of death was 4% per year. Comparing mortality in the RA cohort with mortality in an age- and sex-matched cohort based on the general Danish population, we found significantly increased overall mortality [standardized mortality ratio (SMR) 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.9, and cardiovascular mortality (SMR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.6)]. In multivariate analysis, significant predictors of overall death were extraarticular manifestations, positive rheumatoid factor, increased C-reactive protein (CRP), poor nutritional state, and serum MBL. Predictors of cardiovascular death were Health Assessment Questionnaire score, increased CRP, poor nutritional state, and the high-producing MBL genotype YA/YA.

Conclusion.

Both overall and cardiovascular mortality were increased in Danish patients with RA. In our cohort, states of high MBL production and several previously reported factors contributed significantly to this increased risk of overall death and cardiovascular death.
Equivalent Responses to Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Initiated at Any Time During the First 15 Months After Symptom Onset in Patients with Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: WENG HAOLING H. , RANGANATH VEENA K. , KHANNA DINESH , OH MYUNGSHIN , FURST DANIEL E. , PARK GRACE S. , ELASHOFF DAVID A. , SHARP JOHN T. , GOLD RICHARD H. , PETER JAMES B. , PAULUS HAROLD E.
Published: January 2010

Objective.

To evaluate responses by time to initiation of nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) in a DMARD-naive cohort of patients with early seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Subjects were categorized by the time from symptom onset to the first DMARD use (median 5.7 months, range 0.6–15.9). Subjects who started their first DMARD within 5 months of symptom onset were compared to subjects who started after 5 months. Disease Activity Scores (DAS-44) and total Sharp Score (TSS) progression rates were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum and chi-square tests; multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for potential covariates. The slope of the least-squares regression line was calculated to estimate the annualized TSS progression rates.

Results.

Of 233 RA patients, 76% were female and mean age was 50 (SD 13) years. At DMARD start, DAS-44 was similar in all subsets within the 0.6 to 15 months’ duration between symptom onset and DMARD initiation. Erosion scores tended to be higher in those who started DMARD later, but Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) scores were higher in those who started DMARD earlier. During the 2 years after DMARD initiation, improvements in HAQ-DI and DAS-44 were similar in the various duration subsets, with about 25% ever achieving DAS remission (DAS < 1.6). Radiographic progression tended to be numerically but not statistically more rapid in the earlier subsets.

Conclusion.

Following initiation of nonbiologic DMARD therapy at various times within 15 months of symptom onset, improvements of DAS-44, HAQ-DI, remission rate, and radiographic progression rate were similar, although higher baseline erosion scores were present in those with later initiation of DMARD.
European Cultural Identity. Fact or Fiction?
Authors: Golež Kaučič Marjetka
Published: January 2010

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Conflict: A Symptom of Transformation of the Countryside
Authors: Danglová Ol’ga
Published: January 2010

The paper addresses the theme of social change and transformation processes in Slovakia during socialistic and postsocialistic period, in particular an issue of reflecting changes instigated by state on macro-level by rural communities on micro-level. The author investigates antagonisms and conflicts as accompanying features of social change. She analyses social conflicts by identifying their causes, adversaries, and groups promoting different interests in two case studies based on the materials coming from field research conducted in two areas in western Slovakia. The studies bring evidence of heightening social conflicts related to the transformation of ownership relations and caused by colliding efforts to obtain control over land. The author describes various forms of the conflicts in connection to local specifics and different authorities or institutions engaged in them. She assumes that the course and variety of conflicts in Slovakia have been limited by local context, degree of durability of post-social mechanisms blurring ownership relations and users’ rights as well as marginalized remnants of community models connected with traditional agrarian economy.
***
Članek obravnava družbene spremembe in process transformacij na Slovaškem v obdobju socializma in po njem, še posebej zrcaljenje sprememb z državne makroravni na mikroraven podeželskih skupnosti. Predmet raziskave so nasprotja in konflikti, ki spremljajo družbene spremembe. Analizirani so vzroki družbenih konfliktov in skupine, ki uveljavljajo različne interese na primerih dveh študij, tj. na terenskem gradivu z dveh območij zahodne Slovaške. Raziskavi govorita o naraščanju družbenih konfliktov, povezanih s spreminjanjem lastninskih razmerij, ki so jih povzročila nasprotujoča si prizadevanja za nadzor nad zemljo. Avtorica opiše različne oblike sporov, ki so povezani s krajevnimi posebnostmi in vpletenimi avtoritetami ali institucijam, in domneva, da sta tok in raznovrstnost teh sporov na Slovaškem odvisna od lokalnega konteksta, stopnje trajnosti postsocialističnih mehanizmov, ki zamegljujejo lastninska razmerja in pravice uporabnikov zemlje, kakor tudi od marginaliziranih ostankov skupnostnih modelov tradicionalnega kmečkega gospodarjenja.
Abatacept for severe anti–tumor necrosis factor α refractory juvenile idiopathic arthritis–related uveitis
Authors: Zulian Francesco , Balzarin Marta , Falcini Fernanda , Martini Giorgia , Alessio Maria , Cimaz Rolando , Cimino Luca , Zannin Maria Elisabetta
Published: January 2010

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of abatacept in patients with severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)–related uveitis refractory or intolerant to immunosuppressive and anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti‐TNFα) agents.

Methods

Patients with JIA‐related uveitis refractory to immunosuppressive and anti‐TNFα agents were treated with intravenous abatacept (10 mg/kg monthly). Side effects, frequency of uveitis flares, and ocular complications before and after treatment were reported.

Results

Seven patients (6 females and 1 male) with a mean uveitis duration of 11.6 years entered the study. All patients had failed previous immunosuppressive therapy and ≥2 anti‐TNFα treatments. All patients responded to abatacept and 6 maintained a clinical remission after a mean of 9.2 months of treatment. One patient withdrew from the study with oral mycosis and arthritis flare; no other patients had side effects. The mean frequency of uveitis flares during the 6 months before and after treatment decreased from 3.7 to 0.7 episodes. No new ocular complications or worsening of preexisting ones were reported.

Conclusion

Abatacept treatment led to sustained improvement in severe anti‐TNFα–resistant JIA‐related uveitis and was well tolerated in all but 1 patient. These results provide new insights into a possible indication of abatacept for the treatment of uveitis.
Cyclopia (synophthalmia) in Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome: First reported case and consideration of mechanism
Authors: Weaver David D. , Solomon Benjamin D. , Akin‐Samson Kelly , Kelley Richard I. , Muenke Maximilian
Published: January 2010

Here we present a 24‐week fetus with Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS), alobar holoprosencephaly (HPE) and cyclopia (synophthalmia). Following birth, we suspected SLOS in this fetus due to the additional findings of ambiguous genitalia and bilateral 2–3 toe syndactyly. The diagnosis of SLOS was confirmed by finding an elevated amniotic fluid 7‐dehydrocholesterol level (9,890 ng/ml; normal range = 3–9 ng/ml), and molecularly by detecting two different mutations in the DHCR7 gene, the gene causing SLOS. The first mutation was an IVS8‐1G>T change and the second was a deletion of exons 3 and 4; this latter mutation has not been reported previously. The mother carries the deletion, while the father carries the splice‐site mutation. Also of note, the father has an abnormally low total plasma cholesterol level (104–109 mg/dl). This is the most severe case of HPE described in any patient with SLOS. We postulate that the HPE in this case resulted from severe impairment of Sonic Hedgehog signaling secondary to abnormal cholesterol metabolism; however, the unique combination of mutations in the fetus functionally appears to be no different from other homozygous null mutations reported in DHCR7. Therefore, there must be other yet to be identified factors that contributed to the severity of HPE in SLOS. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early pathogenesis of holoprosencephaly
Authors: Shiota Kohei , Yamada Shigehito
Published: January 2010

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is one of the most common malformations encountered in early human embryos. It is assumed that more than 90% of HPE embryos die in utero and are eliminated by spontaneous abortion. Embryonic HPE displays some characteristic craniofacial phenotypes, which are not necessarily comparable to those in postnatal HPE cases. In this article, we summarize our studies on HPE in human embryos and discuss the pathogenesis of HPE malformations. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuropathology of holoprosencephaly
Authors: Marcorelles Pascale , Laquerriere Annie
Published: January 2010

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a brain malformation which results from a primary defect in induction and patterning of the rostral neural tube during early embryogenesis and usually considered as an impaired cleavage of the prosencephalon. The review of neuropathologic findings highlights a complex malformation involving not only the prosencephalon but also the whole brain, the eyes, and the cerebral vascularization. The classical form of HPE is divided in three sub‐types according to DeMyer classification, although the spectrum is far wider, ranging from the most severe, aprosencephaly/atelencephaly, to milder forms such as syntelencephaly and to the less severe ends of the spectrum. Macroscopy and microscopy abnormality patterns are described extensively, allowing a comparison of the anatomic features between each form. Disturbances observed in the main cerebral structures including the basal ganglia, the commissures, the hippocampus, the brainstem, the cerebellum, and spinal cord are reviewed. Macroscopic and microscopic features of the ophthalmic anomalies are described, as well as brain vascular and associated central nervous system malformations. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of weak static magnetic fields on endothelial cells
Authors: Martino Carlos F. , Perea Héctor , Hopfner Ursula , Ferguson Virginia L. , Wintermantel Erich
Published: January 2010

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have been used extensively in bone fracture repairs and wound healing. It is accepted that the induced electric field is the dose metric. The mechanisms of interaction between weak magnetic fields and biological systems present more ambiguity than that of PEMFs since weak electric currents induced by PEMFs are believed to mediate the healing process, which are absent in magnetic fields. The present study examines the response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to weak static magnetic fields. We investigated proliferation, viability, and the expression of functional parameters such as eNOS, NO, and also gene expression of VEGF under the influence of different doses of weak magnetic fields. Applications of weak magnetic fields in tissue engineering are also discussed. Static magnetic fields may open new venues of research in the field of vascular therapies by promoting endothelial cell growth and by enhancing the healing response of the endothelium. Bioelectromagnetics 31:296–301, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exploring cellular adhesion and differentiation in a micro‐/nano‐hybrid polymer scaffold
Authors: Cheng Ke , Kisaalita William S.
Published: January 2010

Polymer scaffolds play an important role in three dimensional (3‐D) cell culture and tissue engineering. To best mimic the archiecture of natural extracellular matrix (ECM), a nano‐fibrous and micro‐porous combined (NFMP) scaffold was fabricated by combining phase separation and particulate leaching techniques. The NFMP scaffold possesses architectural features at two levels, including the micro‐scale pores and nano‐scale fibers. To evaluate the advantages of micro/nano combination, control scaffolds with only micro‐pores or nano‐fibers were fabricated. Cell grown in NFMP and control scaffolds were characterized with respect to morphology, proliferation rate, diffentiation and adhesion. The NFMP scaffold combined the advantages of micro‐ and nano‐scale structures. The NFMP scaffold nano‐fibers promoted neural differentiation and induced “3‐D matrix adhesion”, while the NFMP scaffold micro‐pores facilitated cell infiltration. This study represents a systematic comparison of cellular activities on micro‐only, nano‐only and micro/nano combined scaffolds, and demonstrates the unique advantages of the later. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Advances in clone selection using high‐throughput bioreactors
Authors: Kondragunta Bhargavi , Drew Jessica L. , Brorson Kurt A. , Moreira Antonio R. , Rao Govind
Published: January 2010

Effective clone selection is a crucial step toward developing a robust mammalian cell culture production platform. Currently, clone selection is done by culturing cells in well plates and picking the highest producers. Ideally, clone selection should be done in a stirred tank bioreactor as this would best replicate the eventual production environment. The actual number of clones selected for future evaluation in bioreactors at bench‐scale is limited by the scale‐up and operational costs involved. This study describes the application of miniaturized stirred high‐throughput bioreactors (35 mL working volume; HTBRs) with noninvasive optical sensors for clone screening and selection. We investigated a method for testing several subclones simultaneously in a stirred environment using our high throughput bioreactors (up to 12 clones per HTBR run) and compared it with a traditional well plate selection approach. Importantly, it was found that selecting clones solely based on results from stationary well plate cultures could result in the chance of missing higher producing clones. Our approach suggests that choosing a clone after analyzing its performance in a stirred bioreactor environment is an improved method for clone selection. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Positionally Isomeric Organic Gelators: Structure–Gelation Study, Racemic versus Enantiomeric Gelators, and Solvation Effects
Authors: Čaplar Vesna , Frkanec Leo , Vujičić Nataša Šijaković , Žinić Mladen
Published: January 2010

Low molecular weight gelator molecules consisting of aliphatic acid, amino acid (phenylglycine), and ω‐aminoaliphatic acid units have been designed. By varying the number of methylene units in the aliphatic and ω‐aminoaliphatic acid chains, as defined by descriptors m and n, respectively, a series of positionally isomeric gelators having different positions of the peptidic hydrogen‐bonding unit within the gelator molecule has been obtained. The gelation properties of the positional isomers have been determined in relation to a defined set of twenty solvents of different structure and polarity and analyzed in terms of gelator versatility (Gver) and effectiveness (Geff). The results of gelation tests have shown that simple synthetic optimizations of a “lead gelator molecule” by variation of m and n, end‐group polarity (carboxylic acid versus sodium carboxylate), and stereochemistry (racemate versus optically pure form) allowed the identification of gelators with tremendously improved versatility (Gver) and effectiveness (Geff). Dramatic differences in Geff values of up to 70 times could be observed between pure racemate/enantiomer pairs of some gelators, which were manifested even in the gelation of very similar solvents such as isomeric xylenes. The combined results of spectroscopic (1H NMR, FTIR), electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction studies suggest similar organization of the positionally isomeric gelators at the molecular level, comprising parallel β‐sheet hydrogen‐bonded primary assemblies that form inversed bilayers at a higher organizational level. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies of selected enantiomer/racemate gelator pairs and their o‐ and p‐xylene gels revealed the simultaneous presence of different polymorphs in the racemate gels. The increased gelation effectiveness of the racemate compared to that of the single enantiomer is most likely a consequence of its spontaneous resolution into enantiomeric bilayers and their subsequent organization into polymorphic aggregates of different energy. The latter determine the gel fiber thickness and solvent immobilization capacity of the formed gel network.
Photochemistry of Tricyclo[5.2.2.02,6]undeca‐4,10‐dien‐8‐ones: An Efficient General Route to Substituted Linear Triquinanes from 2‐Methoxyphenols. Total Synthesis of (±)‐Δ9(12)‐Capnellene
Authors: Hsu Day‐Shin , Chou Yu‐Yu , Tung Yen‐Shih , Liao Chun‐Chen
Published: January 2010

An efficient and short entry to polyfunctionalized linear triquinanes from 2‐methoxyphenols is described by utilizing the following chemistry. The Diels–Alder reactions of masked o‐benzoquinones, derived from 2‐methoxyphenols, with cyclopentadiene afford tricyclo[5.2.2.02,6]undeca‐4,10‐dien‐8‐ones. Photochemical oxa‐di‐π‐methane (ODPM) rearrangements and 1,3‐acyl shifts of the Diels–Alder adducts are investigated. The ODPM‐rearranged products are further converted to linear triquinanes by using an O‐stannyl ketyl fragmentation. Application of this efficient strategy to the total synthesis of (±)‐Δ9(12)‐capnellene was accomplished from 2‐methoxy‐4‐methylphenol in nine steps with 20 % overall yield.
Serine‐derivatized gadonanotubes as magnetic nanoprobes for intracellular labeling
Authors: Hassan Amy A. , Chan Bonita Tak‐Yee , Tran Lesa A. , Hartman Keith B. , Ananta Jeyarama S. , Mackeyev Yuri , Hu Lingyun , Pautler Robia G. , Wilson Lon J. , Lee Adrian V.
Published: January 2010

Gadonanotubes (GNTs), which are powerful new T1‐weighted MRI contrast agents, were derivatized with serine amino acid substituents to produce water‐soluble (2 mg ml−1) ser‐gadonanotubes (ser‐GNs) as magnetic nanoprobes for intracellular labeling. The ser‐GNTs were used to efficiently label MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells (1.5 × 109 Gd3+ ions/cell) with no observable cytotoxicity. Cell pellets derived from the ser‐GNT labeled cells give bright T1‐weighted MR images, confirming that the ser‐GNTs are a promising new nanoprobe technology for magnetic cell labeling and possibly for in vivo cellular trafficking. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Childhood maltreatment, depressive symptoms, and body dissatisfaction in patients with binge eating disorder: The mediating role of self‐criticism
Authors: Dunkley David M. , Masheb Robin M. , Grilo Carlos M.
Published: January 2010

Objective:

We examined the mediating role of self‐criticism in the relation between childhood maltreatment and both depressive symptoms and body dissatisfaction in patients with binge eating disorder (BED).

Method:

Participants were 170 BED patients who completed measures of childhood maltreatment, self‐criticism, self‐esteem, depressive symptoms, and body dissatisfaction.

Results:

Specific forms of childhood maltreatment (emotional abuse, sexual abuse) were significantly associated with body dissatisfaction. Path analyses demonstrated that self‐criticism fully mediated the relation between emotional abuse and both depressive symptoms and body dissatisfaction. Specificity for the mediating role of self‐criticism was demonstrated in comparison to other potential mediators (low self‐esteem) and alternative competing mediation models.

Discussion:

These results highlight self‐criticism as a potential mechanism through which certain forms of childhood maltreatment may be associated with depressive symptoms and body dissatisfaction in BED patients. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010
Response surface modeling and optimization of biodiesel production from Cynara cardunculus oil
Authors: Sengo Inês , Gominho Jorge , d'Orey Lourenço , Martins Miguel , d'Almeida‐Duarte Elizabeth , Pereira Helena , Ferreira‐Dias Suzana
Published: January 2010

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) is a perennial spontaneous thistle grown in Mediterranean countries and well adapted to marginal lands, recently considered as a non‐food energy crop. Their seeds contain 24% of oil (dry basis). In this study, modeling and optimization of the production of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from cardoon oil for biodiesel uses was performed at laboratory scale, via response surface methodology, following a central composite rotatable design. FAME were obtained by transesterification of crude cardoon oil with methanol in the presence of a catalyst (sodium methoxide) for 120 min. The temperature ranged from 26 to 94 °C, the amount of sodium methoxide varied between 0.12 and 2.5 wt‐% and the molar ratio methanol/oil from 0.95 : 1 to 11 : 1. The estimated yield of FAME (97%) was obtained after 30 min, at 52 °C, for a molar ratio of 6.4 : 1 and 1.4 wt‐% of catalyst. In laboratory‐scale model validation experiments, 94% of FAME yield was obtained after 30 min of reaction. Transesterification was performed in a 30‐L reactor, under previously optimized conditions: A yield of 88% FAME was obtained after 90 min of reaction time, due to mass transfer limitations. After purification, the biodiesel showed high quality according to DIN EN 14214 standard specifications.
Synthesis and Optical Properties of Cyanine Dyes as Fluorescent DNA Base Substitutions for Live Cell Imaging
Authors: Holzhauser Carolin , Berndl Sina , Menacher Florian , Breunig Miriam , Göpferich Achim , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: January 2010

The chromophore of thiazole orange (TO) and its derivative TO3 were incorporated synthetically as base surrogates into oligonucleotides using automated phosphoramidite chemistry. In comparison to TO, the TO3 chromophore contains an extended carbomethine bridge that shifts the absorption and emission significantly to the red. (S)‐1‐Aminopropane‐2,3‐diol served as an acyclic linker between the phosphodiesters. This linker was attached either to the quinoline or the thiazole nitrogen of the TO and TO3 dyes. The optical properties of TO and TO3 were studied in different DNA base environments and with different opposite bases. Both dyes asfluorescent DNA base substitutions show a brightness that is sufficient for bioanalytic and imaging applications. Additionally the TO3 dyes were combined as interstrand dimers, but in contrast to TO dimers, a red‐shifted fluorescence was not observed. However, TO and TO3 can be combined to an interstrand chromophore pair and a DNA hybridization‐dependent energy transfer process can be obtained between the modifications. As a result, the emission is shifted from the TO‐typical value of 530 nm to 670 nm. This concept can be applied for fluorescence imaging to monitor DNA delivery as well as processing inside living cells by confocal microscopy. In contrast to the non‐covalently binding TO dyes, the TO‐ and TO3‐modified oligonucleotides are cell‐permeable.