bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Uterine Cervix Schwannoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tahmasbi Maryam , Nguyen Johnny , Ghayouri Masoumeh , Shan Yuan , Hakam Ardeshir
Published: December 2012

Schwannoma (neurilemmoma) is a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor that occurs in a wide variety of locations; however, its finding in the uterine cervix is extremely rare. We report a case of an incidental primary benign cervical schwannoma in a 48-year-old woman. In the English literature, a few cases of primary schwannoma of the cervix have been reported, which include seven cases of primary malignant cervical schwannoma and only two that are benign. These cases are reviewed in the following discussion.
Molecular Characterization of Lipopolysaccharide Binding to Humanα-1-Acid Glycoprotein
Authors: Huang Johnny X. , Azad Mohammad A. K. , Yuriev Elizabeth , Baker Mark A. , Nation Roger L. , Li Jian , Cooper Matthew A. , Velkov Tony
Published: December 2012

The ability of AGP to bind circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in plasma is believed to help reduce the proinflammatory effect of bacterial lipid A molecules. Here, for the first time we have characterized human AGP binding characteristics of the LPS from a number of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria:Escherichia coli,Salmonella typhimurium,Klebsiella pneumonia,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andSerratia marcescens. The binding affinity and structure activity relationships (SAR) of the AGP-LPS interactions were characterized by surface plasma resonance (SPR). In order to dissect the contribution of the lipid A, core oligosaccharide andO-antigen polysaccharide components of LPS, the AGP binding affinity of LPS from smooth strains, were compared to lipid A, Kdo2-lipid A,Ra,Rd, andRerough LPS mutants. The SAR analysis enabled by the binding data suggested that, in addition to the important role played by the lipid A and core components of LPS, it is predominately the unique species- and strain-specific carbohydrate structure of theO-antigen polysaccharide that largely determines the binding affinity for AGP. Together, these data are consistent with the role of AGP in the binding and transport of LPS in plasma during acute-phase inflammatory responses to invading Gram-negative bacteria.
AL-Amyloidosis Presenting with Negative Congo Red Staining in the Setting of High Clinical Suspicion: A Case Report
Authors: Bowen Kristina , Shah Nina , Lewin Matthew
Published: December 2012

A histologic diagnosis of amyloidosis requires acquiring tissue containing amyloid fibrils from an affected organ or alternate site. The biopsy site and staining techniques may influence testing accuracy. We present a case in which systemic amyloidosis was suspected; however, biopsies of the bone marrow, an osteosclerotic bone lesion, arterial and venous vessels, and the fat pad were all negative for the diagnostic Congo red stain. An eventual renal biopsy demonstrated AL-amyloidosis, kappa light chain associated with extensive vascular interstitial, and glomerular, involvement. Choice of biopsy site, as well as staining and analysis of the tissue, can influence sensitivity and specificity of amyloid testing. Fat-pad biopsies are less invasive and offer reasonable sensitivity. Bone marrow samples are only diagnostic up to 63% of the time. A renal biopsy offers improved sensitivity and is generally safe in experienced hands, but is a more invasive procedure with increased number of relative contraindications and complications. The choice of the biopsy site should be based on considering the expected yield, accessibility of the site, and the risks associated with the procedure.
An Opportunity for Diagonal Development in Global Surgery: Cleft Lip and Palate Care in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Patel Pratik B. , Hoyler Marguerite , Maine Rebecca , Hughes Christopher D. , Hagander Lars , Meara John G.
Published: December 2012

Global cleft surgery missions have provided much-needed care to millions of poor patients worldwide. Still, surgical capacity in low- and middle-income countries is generally inadequate. Through surgical missions, global cleft care has largely ascribed to a vertical model of healthcare delivery, which is disease specific, and tends to deliver services parallel to, but not necessarily within, the local healthcare system. The vertical model has been used to address infectious diseases as well as humanitarian emergencies. By contrast, a horizontal model for healthcare delivery tends to focus on long-term investments in public health infrastructure and human capital and has less often been implemented by humanitarian groups for a variety of reasons. As surgical care is an integral component of basic healthcare, the plastic surgery community must challenge itself to address the burden of specific disease entities, such as cleft lip and palate, in a way that sustainably expands and enriches global surgical care as a whole. In this paper, we describe a diagonal care delivery model, whereby cleft missions can enrich surgical capacity through integration into sustainable, local care delivery systems. Furthermore, we examine the applications of diagonal development to cleft care specifically and global surgical care more broadly.
Optimal Management during the Microorganism Culture Based on the Continuous Purifying Effort
Authors: Wu Xianbin
Published: December 2012

This paper deals with the problem of selective harvesting in a chemostat model. Here, we have taken the purifying effort as a dynamic variable and tax as a control instrument. The existence of the possible steady states along with their globally stable equilibrium is discussed. The optimal tax policy is also discussed with the help of Pontryagin′s maximum principle. Finally, numerical examples are taken to illustrate some of the key results.
Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Effects of Crude Extract, Fractions and 4-Nerolidylcathecol from Aerial Parts ofPothomorphe umbellataL. (Piperaceae)
Authors: Lopes Andrey P. , Bagatela Bianca S. , Rosa Paulo C. P. , Nanayakkara Dhammika N. P. , Carlos Tavares Carvalho José , Maistro Edson L. , Bastos Jairo K. , Perazzo Fábio F.
Published: December 2012

The crude ethanolic extract from aerial parts ofPothomorphe umbellataL. (Piperaceae) and fractions obtained by partitions sequentially among water-methanol, methylene chloride, and ethyl acetate, as well as the major constituent, 4-nerolidylcatechol, were, respectively, evaluated and evidenced for antioxidant and cytotoxic effects through fluorometric microplate and microculture tetrazolium assays in HL-60 cells. The crude ethanolic extract demonstrated the preeminent antioxidant activity (IC50=1.2 μg/mL) against exogenous cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species, followed by the water-methanolic (IC50=4.5 μg/mL), methylene chloride (IC50=5.9 μg/mL), ethyl acetate (IC50=8.0 μg/mL), 4-nerolidylcatechol (IC50=8.6 μg/mL), and the sterol fractions (IC50>12.5 μg/mL). Vitamin C, the positive control used in this assay, presented IC50value equivalent to 1.7 μg/mL. 4-Nerolidylcatechol (IC50=0.4 μg/mL) and methylene chloride fraction (IC50=2.3 μg/mL) presented considerable cytotoxicity probably because of the presence of ano-quinone, an auto-oxidation by product of the catechol. Polar compounds, present in the ethanol extract, appear to increase the solubility and stability of the major active constituent, acting synergistically with 4-nerolidylcatechol, improving its pharmacokinetic parameters and increasing significantly its antioxidant activity which, in turn, suggests that the aqueous-ethanolic extract, used in folklore medicine, is safe and effective.
miR-1-Mediated Induction of Cardiogenesis in Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Downregulation of Hes-1
Authors: Huang Feng , Tang Liang , Fang Zhen-fei , Hu Xin-qun , Pan Jia-yi , Zhou Sheng-hua
Published: December 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) have the potential to control stem cells fate decisions. The cardiac- and skeletal-muscle-specific miRNA, miR-1, can regulate embryonic stem cells differentiation to cardiac lineage by suppressing gene expression of alternative lineages. Accordingly, we hypothesized that overexpression of miR-1 may also promote cardiac gene expression in mesenchymal stem cells. Since Notch signaling could inhibit muscle differentiation, a process in contrast with the effect of miR-1, miR-1-mediated repression of Notch signaling may contribute to the observed effects of miR-1 in mesenchymal stem cells. Thus, mesenchymal stem cells were infected by lentiviral vectors carrying miR-1, and cells expressing miR-1 were selected. Alterations in Notch signaling and cardiomyocyte markers, Nkx2.5, GATA-4, cTnT, and CX43, were identified by Western blot in the infected cells on days 1, 7, and 14. Our study showed that the downstream target molecule of Notch pathway, Hes-1, was obviously decreased in mesenchymal stem cells modified with miR-1, and overexpression of miR-1 promotes the specific cardiac gene expression in the infected cells. Knockdown of Hes-1 leads to the same effects on cell lineage decisions. Our results indicated that miR-1 promotes the differentiation of MSCs into cardiac lineage in part due to negative regulation of Hes-1.
Instability of a Fifth-Order Nonlinear Vector Delay Differential Equation with Multiple Deviating Arguments
Authors: Tunç Cemil
Published: December 2012

We study a fifth-order nonlinear vector delay differential equation with multiple deviating arguments. Some criteria for guaranteeing the instability of zero solution of the equation are given by using the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional approach. Comparing with the previous literature, our result is new and complements some known results.
The Immune Signature of CD8+CCR7+ T Cells in the Peripheral Circulation Associates with Disease Recurrence in Patients with HNSCC
Authors: Czystowska Malgorzata , Gooding William , Szczepanski Miroslaw J. , Lopez-Abaitero Andres , Ferris Robert L. , Johnson Jonas T. , Whiteside Theresa L.
Published: December 2012

Purpose: Patients with cancer have an increased frequency of circulating apoptosis-sensitive CD8+CCR7neg T cells and few CD8+CCR7+ T cells versus normal controls. The functional and clinical significance of this imbalance was investigated using peripheral blood of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC).

Experimental Design: The frequency of circulating CD8+ T cells co-expressing CCR7, CD45RO, CD28, and Annexin V (ANXV) was evaluated in 67 patients and 57 normal controls by flow cytometry. Spearman rank correlations among immunophenotypic profiles were analyzed. Recursive partitioning classified subjects as patients or normal controls based on CD8+CCR7+ T-cell percentages. Kaplan–Meier plots estimated disease-free survival (DFS).

Results: The CD8+CCR7+ T-cell frequency was low, whereas that of total CD8+CCR7neg and ANXV-binding CD8+CCR7neg T cells was higher in patients with HNSCC than in normal controls (P < 0.001–0.0001). ANXV binding correlated with the absence of CCR7 on CD8+ T cells (P < 0.001). ANXV binding was negatively correlated with the CD8+CD45ROnegCCR7+ (TN) cell frequency (P < 0.01) but positively correlated (P < 0.01) with that of CD8+CD45RO+CCR7+ (TCM) T cells and of the two CCR7neg subsets (TPM and TTD). In recursive partitioning models, the CD8+CCR7+ T-cell frequency of 31% distinguished patients from normal controls with 77% to 88% accuracy after cross-validation. In 25 patients tested before any therapy, the CD8+CCR7+ T-cell frequency of less than 28% predicted disease recurrence within 4 years of definitive therapy (P < 0.0115).

Conclusion: The CD8+CCR7+ T-cell frequency in HNSCC patients' blood tested at diagnosis can discriminate them from normal controls and predicts disease recurrence. Clin Cancer Res; 19(4); 889–99. ©2012 AACR.
Native Soluble Carcinoembryonic Antigen Is Not Involved in the Impaired Activity of CD56dim Natural Killer Cells in Malignant Pleural Effusion
Authors: Qi Jing , Li Daling , Feng Jing , Yang Shuo , Su Yuan , Fang Min , Tan Zheng , Shi Huanzhong , Yan XiYun , Gong Feili , Zheng Fang
Published: December 2012

Background: Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that play a crucial role in tumor immune surveillance. Accumulated data indicated that NK cells in the tumor microenvironment often display a suppressed function. However, the mechanism is not clear. Objective: In this study, the effects and relative mechanisms of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) from patients with lung cancer on NK cells were researched. Methods: MPE and peripheral blood (PB) samples were collected from patients with lung cancer. The cytotoxic activity of CD56dim NK cells in PB and MPE mononuclear cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: It was observed that the percentages of total NK cells and a CD56dim NK subset in MPE reduced accompanying impaired cytotoxic activity compared with that in paired PB. Cell-free MPE treatment reduced both the proportion and cytotoxic activity of CD56dim NK cells in PB from healthy donors. The suppression effects were not based on soluble carcinoembryonic antigen and the inhibitory cytokines interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β1, but were dependent on the factor with a molecular weight >100 kDa. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that native soluble carcinoembryonic antigen does not suppress the activity of NK cells, and an unknown factor with a molecular weight >100 kDa plays a critical role in the impairment of CD56dim NK cells in MPE, which might lead to tumor progression.
Pasteurization of Mother’s Own Milk for Preterm Infants Does Not Reduce the Incidence of Late-Onset Sepsis
Authors: Cossey Veerle , Vanhole Chris , Eerdekens An , Rayyan Maissa , Fieuws Steffen , Schuermans Annette
Published: December 2012

Background: Feeding preterm infants human milk has a beneficial effect on the risk of late-onset sepsis (LOS). Due to lack of microbiological standards, practices such as pasteurization of mother’s own milk differ widely among neonatal intensive care units worldwide. Objectives: To investigate whether pasteurization of mother’s own milk for very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants influences the incidence and severity of infection-related outcomes. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, preterm infants (gestational age <32 weeks and/or birth weight <1,500 g) received either raw or pasteurized mother’s own milk during the first 8 weeks of life. The primary outcome was the incidence of proven LOS. A dose-response relation was verified, i.e. the dependence of the risk of sepsis on the actual and cumulative quantities of mother’s own milk. Results: This study included 303 VLBW infants (mean birth weight: 1,276 g; mean gestational age: 29 weeks) whose baseline and nutritional characteristics were similar. The incidence of laboratory-confirmed sepsis was not statistically different in infants fed raw milk compared to infants who received pasteurized milk: 22/151 (0.15, CI: 0.08–0.20) and 31/152 (0.20, CI: 0.14–0.27), respectively (RR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.43–1.17). A significant dose-response relation was observed between the adjusted quantity of enteral feeding and the risk of LOS, regardless of the type of feeding. Conclusion: For preterm infants, pasteurization of mother’s own milk shows a trend towards an increase in infectious morbidity, although no statistical significance was reached. Practices should focus on collection, storage and labeling procedures to ensure the safety and quality of expressed milk.
Acute Blood Glucose Fluctuation Induces Myocardial Apoptosis through Oxidative Stress and Nuclear Factor-ĸB Activation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhao Sheng , Li Yan , Peng Guanjing , Han Ping
Published: December 2012

Objective: It was the aim of this study to investigate whether acute blood glucose fluctuation induces myocardial apoptosis and to examine the potential mechanisms. Methods: Wistar rats were infused intermittently or continually with 50% glucose solution for 48 h. Serum and myocardium were taken to measure the levels of malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase. The expression of nuclear factor (NF)-ĸB and apoptosis in myocardial cells was determined with immunohistochemisty and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, respectively. Expressions of B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2-associated X protein and B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 in myocardium were tested with Western blot analysis. Results: The levels of malondialdehyde and B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2-associated X protein in the acute blood glucose fluctuation group (AFG) were enhanced, but glutathione peroxidase and B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 were reduced compared with levels in the continually high blood glucose group (p < 0.05). The expression of NF-ĸB in the nuclei of myocardial cells in the AFG was significantly higher than that in the continually high blood glucose group (p < 0.05). Apoptotic myocytes were observed in myocardium of the AFG. Conclusion: Acute blood glucose fluctuation induces myocardial apoptosis, apparently associated with enhanced oxidative stress and activation of NF-ĸB.
Circulating Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Activity in Kidney Transplantation: A Longitudinal Pilot Study
Authors: Soler María José , Riera Marta , Crespo Marta , Mir Marisa , Márquez Eva , Pascual María José , Puig Josep M. , Pascual Julio
Published: December 2012

Background/Aims: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the only known active homologue of ACE, and degrades angiotensin (Ang) II and Ang I to Ang(1–7) and Ang(1–9), respectively. The role of ACE2 in kidney transplant (KT) is unknown. Our objective was to investigate circulating ACE2 activity in KT patients, and the relationship between serum ACE2 activity and age, gender, graft function and cardiovascular risk markers in KT patients. Methods: 113 KT patients with stable graft function were included in this cross-sectional study. Circulating ACE2 activity was assessed using a fluorescent assay. Results: Circulating ACE2 activity was detectable in KT patients and was increased in KT with ischemic heart disease as compared to KT without ischemic heart disease (105.9 ± 8.7 vs. 97.1 ± 7.05 relative fluorescence units (RFU)/µl/h, p < 0.05). ACE2 activity was increased in male KT as compared to females (105.2 ± 9.1 vs. 84.7 ± 6.9 RFU/µl/h, p = 0.05). ACE2 activity correlated positively with serum creatinine (r = 0.27), serum urea (r = 0.29), age (r = 0.24), aspartate transaminase (r = 0.39), alanine transaminase (r = 0.48), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) (r = 0.52), age (r = 0.24), and glycosylated hemoglobin (r = 0.19) (p < 0.05). By multiple regression analysis, age, serum creatinine, and serum γ-GT were independent predictors of serum ACE2 activity (r = 0.66, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Circulating ACE2 activity is measurable in KT patients and directly correlates with age, renal allograft and liver function parameters. These findings suggest that measurement of serum ACE2 may be used as a non-invasive marker to understand the role of the renin-angiotensin system in KT patients.
Familial Atrial Fibrillation Predicts Increased Risk of Mortality
Authors: Christophersen Ingrid Elisabeth , Budtz-Jørgensen Esben , Olesen Morten S. , Haunsø Stig , Christensen Kaare , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup
Published: December 2012

Background—

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia. Several studies have shown association of genetic variants with AF and that familial AF increases the risk of AF. We have previously shown a substantial heritability of AF in a twin study. The objective of this study was to determine whether having a co-twin with AF influences mortality.

Methods and Results—

We identified all Danish twins with AF born during and after 1912 in the Danish Twin Registry, the National Patient Registry, and the Central Office of Civil Registration. For each twin, we randomly identified 4 twins without AF, matched on sex, zygosity, and age. We compared survival among the co-twins of the affected twins (co-cases, n=2164) and the co-twins of the unaffected twins (co-controls, n=8626). The co-cases showed increased death rates compared with the co-controls (hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.30;
P
<0.0001), and this effect was more pronounced in monozygotic twins (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.55;
P
=0.003), compared with dizygotic same sex (hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.29;
P
=0.006) and opposite sex twins (hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.97–1.47;
P
=0.093).

Conclusions—

The mortality rate was 20% higher in twins who had a co-twin with AF than in twins without familial AF. This effect was almost doubled in monozygotic twins compared with dizygotic twins, suggesting the influence of genetic factors.
Cellular Bioenergetics Is an Important Determinant of the Molecular Imaging Signal Derived From Luciferase and the Sodium-Iodide Symporter
Authors: Chang Connie , Chan Angel , Lin Xiaoping , Higuchi Takahiro , Terrovitis John , Afzal Junaid M. , Rittenbach Andrew , Sun Dongdong , Vakrou Styliani , Woldemichael Kirubel , O’Rourke Brian , Wahl Richard , Pomper Martin , Tsui Benjamin , Abraham M. Roselle
Published: December 2012

Rationale:

Molecular imaging is useful for longitudinal assessment of engraftment. However, it is not known which factors, other than cell number, can influence the molecular imaging signal obtained from reporter genes.

Objective:

The effects of cell dissociation/suspension on cellular bioenergetics and the signal obtained by firefly luciferase and human sodium-iodide symporter labeling of cardiosphere-derived cells were investigated.

Methods and Results:

18
Fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, ATP levels,
99m
Tc-pertechnetate uptake, and bioluminescence were measured in vitro in adherent and suspended cardiosphere-derived cells. In vivo dual-isotope single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography imaging or bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was performed 1 hour and 24 hours after cardiosphere-derived cell transplantation. Single-photon emission computed tomography quantification was performed using a phantom for signal calibration. Cell loss between 1 hour and 24 hours after transplantation was quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ex vivo luciferase assay. Cell dissociation followed by suspension for 1 hour resulted in decreased glucose uptake, cellular ATP,
99m
Tc uptake, and BLI signal by 82%, 43%, 42%, and 44%, respectively, compared with adherent cells, in vitro. In vivo
99m
Tc uptake was significantly lower at 1 hour compared with 24 hours after cell transplantation in the noninfarct (
P
<0.001; n=3) and infarct (
P
<0.001; n=4) models, despite significant cell loss during this period. The in vivo BLI signal was significantly higher at 1 hour than at 24 hours (
P
<0.01), with the BLI signal being higher when cardiosphere-derived cells were suspended in glucose-containing medium compared with saline (PBS).

Conclusions:

Adhesion is an important determinant of cellular bioenergetics,
99m
Tc-pertechnetate uptake, and BLI signal. BLI and sodium-iodide symporter imaging may be useful for in vivo optimization of bioenergetics in transplanted cells.
Zur Stellung des Richters im Frühkonstitutionalismus
Authors: Löhnig Martin
Published: December 2012

The position of judges in the early constitutionalist era. – In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, the Southern German states complete their transition to a largely independent judicial system, which is reflected in the constitutions of the early constitutionalist era. Different lines of development can be seen to converge: the strengthening and establishment of a judicial system uninfluenced by politics in contrast to its former role as governing instrument in the second half of the eighteenth century, German Enlightenment thought and last but not least the strong influence exercised by Napoleonic France. The Southern German states could not lag behind all of this, even after 1815.
Opus desperatum adimpletum De voltooiing van de vertaling van het Corpus iuris civilis in het Nederlands
Authors: Stolte Bernard H.
Published: December 2012

Opus desperatum adimpletum, The completion of the translation into Dutch of the Corpus iuris civilis. – The Justinianic Code and the Novellae have been translated into Dutch for the first time, which is at the same time a first for a modern translation in any language since several generations. The three volumes containing the Code present the original text and the translation in parallel columns, with references to the medieval authenticae which have been included at the end of each volume. The three volumes with the Novels are based on the Collection of 168 Novels as the source text to be translated, and thus selected the Byzantine rather than the Western civilian tradition. This paper discusses text and translation of the six volumes in question, as well as the completion of a full translation of the Corpus iuris civilis.
Children’s Healthcare and Astrology in the Nurturing of a Central Tibetan Nation-State, 1916–24
Authors: Van Vleet Stacey
Published: December 2012

Between 1916 and 1924, a Tibetan public healthcare programme that focused on
childcare and natal astrology comprised a central aspect of the mission of the
Lhasa Mentsikhang (Institute of Medicine and Astrology). Assessing previously
unused Tibetan language materials—including the Thirteenth Dalai
Lama’s edict for implementation and an accompanying childcare
manual—the programme is contextualized with regard to regional
developments in British India and China. Like British
‘mothercraft’ education programmes of the same period, the Tibetan
initiative links the health of the population (from infancy) to the health of
the state and its economy. Rather than appealing to the authority of
‘scientific’ colonial medicine, however, this paper discusses how
indigenous medical techniques and theories are put forward as effective means to
prove the nascent Central Tibetan state’s benevolence, legitimacy and
sovereignty via intervention in the domestic sphere. Such attention to medical
reform and to the domestic sphere brings light to an underappreciated effort by
the Thirteenth Dalai Lama to cultivate a sense of Tibetan subjecthood and to
reconfigure the relationship between his government and various segments of
society. Significantly, this childcare initiative was entrusted not just to
mothers, and the category of class is here more germane than the category of
gender central within British programmes. Various social groups within a
specifically delineated Tibetan territory are assigned tasks in the
programme’s implementation, illustrating the desire to incorporate each
into a reorganised Tibetan state bound by a newly articulated Buddhist ideal of
shared social responsibility.
Factors Influencing Use of Hearing Protection by Trumpet Players
Authors: Killion Mead C.
Published: December 2012

Although a great many brass players, and trumpet players in particular, successfully use high-fidelity earplugs, others report problems with their use. This article discusses factors that may discourage a brass player from using hearing protection: These include (a) a lack of acclimatization time; (b) a loss of “fortissimo blare” from the aural distortion generated by the 110- to 120-dB SPL produced at the open ear with fortissimo playing; (c) a shallow earmold seal, leading to a large occlusion effect; (d) a poor seal combined with incorrect acoustic mass in the sound channel; and (e) hearing loss where many harmonic overtones of even moderately loud playing may become inaudible with earplugs to a lifelong trumpet player with high-frequency hearing loss. The limitations imposed by each of these can usually be overcome with modifications of the hearing protection device (HPD) or with acclimatization time, allowing a lifetime of playing without the all-too-common “musicians’ hearing loss” and/or tinnitus. A review of these factors helps to delineate some of the perceptual issues that musicians may have with any change in the spectrum of their instrument—whether it is related to attenuation or amplification.
CYPSI: a structure-based interface for cytochrome P450s and ligands in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhang Gaihua , Zhang Yijing , Su Zhen
Published: December 2012

Background

The cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily enables terrestrial plants to adapt to harsh environments. CYPs are key enzymes involved in a wide range of metabolic pathways. It is particularly useful to be able to analyse the three-dimensional (3D) structure when investigating the interactions between CYPs and their substrates. However, only two plant CYP structures have been resolved. In addition, no currently available databases contain structural information on plant CYPs and ligands. Fortunately, the 3D structure of CYPs is highly conserved and this has made it possible to obtain structural information from template-based modelling (TBM).

Description

The CYP Structure Interface (CYPSI) is a platform for CYP studies. CYPSI integrated the 3D structures for 266 A. thaliana CYPs predicted by three TBM methods: BMCD, which we developed specifically for CYP TBM; and two well-known web-servers, MUSTER and I-TASSER. After careful template selection and optimization, the models built by BMCD were accurate enough for practical application, which we demonstrated using a docking example aimed at searching for the CYPs responsible for ABA 8′-hydroxylation. CYPSI also provides extensive resources for A. thaliana CYP structure and function studies, including 400 PDB entries for solved CYPs, 48 metabolic pathways associated with A. thaliana CYPs, 232 reported CYP ligands and 18 A. thaliana CYPs docked with ligands (61 complexes in total). In addition, CYPSI also includes the ability to search for similar sequences and chemicals.

Conclusions

CYPSI provides comprehensive structure and function information for A. thaliana CYPs, which should facilitate investigations into the interactions between CYPs and their substrates. CYPSI has a user-friendly interface, which is available athttp://bioinfo.cau.edu.cn/CYPSI.
Tuberculosis in the era of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus: assessment and comparison of community knowledge of both infections in rural Uganda
Authors: Wynne Ashley , Jhangri Gian S , Richter Solina , Alibhai Arif , Rubaale Tom , Kipp Walter
Published: December 2012

Background

In Uganda, despite a significant public health burden of tuberculosis (TB) in the context of high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence, little is known about community knowledge of TB. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare knowledge about TB and HIV in the general population of western Uganda and to examine common knowledge gaps and misconceptions.

Methods

We implemented a multi-stage survey design to randomly survey 360 participants from one district in western Uganda. Weighted summary knowledge scores for TB and HIV were calculated and multiple linear regression (with knowledge score as the dependant variable) was used to determine significant predictors. Six focus group discussions were conducted to supplement survey findings.

Results

Mean (SD) HIV knowledge score was 58 (12) and TB knowledge score was 33 (15), both scores out of 100. The TB knowledge score was statistically significantly (p < 0.001) lower. Multivariate regression models included age, sex, marital status, education, residence, and having a friend with HIV/TB as independent variables. TB knowledge was predicted by rural residence (coefficient = −6.27, 95% CI: -11.7 to −0.8), and age ≥45 years (coefficient = 7.45, 95% CI: 0.3-14.6). HIV knowledge was only predicted by higher education (coefficient = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.3-1.6). Focus group participants mentioned various beliefs in the aetiology of TB including sharing cups, alcohol consumption, smoking, air pollution, and HIV. Some respondents believed that TB was not curable.

Conclusion

TB knowledge is low and many misconceptions about TB exist: these should be targeted through health education programs. Both TB and HIV-infection knowledge gaps could be better addressed through an integrated health education program on both infections, whereby TB program managers include HIV information and vice versa.
Health-related quality of life (HRQL) for individuals with self-reported chronic physical and/or mental health conditions: panel survey of an adult sample in the United States
Authors: Bayliss Martha , Rendas-Baum Regina , White Michelle K , Maruish Mark , Bjorner Jakob , Tunis Sandra L
Published: December 2012

Background

In the US, approximately 53% of adults have at least one chronic condition. Comorbid physical and mental health conditions often have an incremental negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL). Primary study objectives were to quantify the impact on HRQL of a) ≥ 1 physical condition , b) ≥ 1 comorbid mental health conditions added to a physical one, c) ≥ 1 mental health condition, and d) ≥ 1 comorbid physical conditions added to at least one related to mental health. Decrements were based on a “Healthy” reference group reporting no chronic conditions.

Methods

Participants were sampled (n = 3877) from the US adult population as part of a 2009 normative survey. Demographics, number/ type of chronic conditions, and HRQL data were self-reported. HRQL was defined through SF-36v2® Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Participant “morbidity” groupings included Healthy; Physical Health Condition only, Mental Health Condition only, and Physical and Mental Health (Comorbid). PCS and MCS scores were also analyzed by physical disease clusters (e.g., cardiovascular, gastrointestinal). Multivariate regression models were used for all analyses.

Results

81% of participants were Caucasian; 9% African American. Males and females were about equally represented; 63% were ≥ 45 years old. The average number of reported chronic conditions was 2.4 (SD = 2.4). Relative to the Healthy group, the Physical Condition group scored 6.4 (males) and 7.5 (females) points lower on PCS. The addition of a comorbid mental health condition resulted in a total reduction of 11 points in PCS and 15 points in MCS. Compared to the Healthy group, ≥ 1 mental health conditions was associated with MCS decrements of 11–12 points. A physical comorbidity led to additional decrements of 3–4 points for MCS, with a total of 15 points. Incremental HRQL burden defined by both MCS and PCS scores was relatively similar across the 5 defined physical disease clusters.

Conclusion

Results provide quantitative information for US adults on specific PCS and MCS score decrements associated with a comorbid condition related to mental health, as well as a comorbid condition related to physical health.
Food allergies in developing and emerging economies: need for comprehensive data on prevalence rates
Authors: Boye Joyce Irene
Published: December 2012

Although much is known today about the prevalence of food allergy in the developed world, there are serious knowledge gaps about the prevalence rates of food allergy in developing countries. Food allergy affects up to 6% of children and 4% of adults. Symptoms include urticaria, gastrointestinal distress, failure to thrive, anaphylaxis and even death. There are over 170 foods known to provoke allergic reactions. Of these, the most common foods responsible for inducing 90% of reported allergic reactions are peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, nuts (e.g., hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, etc.), soybeans, fish, crustaceans and shellfish. Current assumptions are that prevalence rates are lower in developing countries and emerging economies such as China, Brazil and India which raises questions about potential health impacts should the assumptions not be supported by evidence. As the health and social burden of food allergy can be significant, national and international efforts focusing on food security, food safety, food quality and dietary diversity need to pay special attention to the role of food allergy in order to avoid marginalization of sub‐populations in the community. More importantly, as the major food sources used in international food aid programs are frequently priority allergens (e.g., peanut, milk, eggs, soybean, fish, wheat), and due to the similarities between food allergy and some malnutrition symptoms, it will be increasingly important to understand and assess the interplay between food allergy and nutrition in order to protect and identify appropriate sources of foods for sensitized sub‐populations especially in economically disadvantaged countries and communities.
Simulation of borehole-eccentered triaxial induction measurements using a Fourier hp finite-element method
Authors: Nam Myung Jin , Pardo David , Torres-Verdín Carlos
Published: December 2012

We developed a numerical method for accurate simulation of triaxial induction measurements in the presence of borehole-eccentered logging instruments. This 3D simulation method combines a Fourier series expansion in a new system of coordinates with a 2D, goal-oriented, high-order, and self-adaptive hp finite-element refinement strategy. The resulting numerical scheme provides accurate and reliable simulations of triaxial induction measurements while reducing the computational complexity of conventional 3D problems. We employed this method to quantify effects of borehole-eccentered triaxial tools fabricated with conductive and resistive mandrels. Numerical experiments indicate that a conductive mandrel can mitigate borehole-eccentered effects on horizontal magnetic field measurements to a level below 25%, which contrast those observed in the presence of resistive mandrels, in which measurements can differ by more than 100% depending solely upon the borehole-eccentered distance. When the mandrel and borehole were conductive, [Formula: see text] measurements experienced significant (up to 100%) tool-eccentered effects across layers whose electrical conductivity was different from that of the borehole.
Vesicular Nucleotide Transporter-Mediated ATP Release Regulates Insulin Secretion
Authors: Geisler Jessica C. , Corbin Kathryn L. , Li Qin , Feranchak Andrew P. , Nunemaker Craig S. , Li Chien
Published: December 2012

Extracellular ATP plays a critical role in regulating insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells. The ATP released from insulin secretory vesicles has been proposed to be a major source of extracellular ATP. Currently, the mechanism by which ATP accumulates into insulin secretory granules remains elusive. In this study, the authors identified the expression of a vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT) in mouse pancreas, isolated mouse islets, and MIN6 cells, a mouse β cell line. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence revealed that VNUT colocalized extensively with insulin secretory granules. Functional studies showed that suppressing endogenous VNUT expression in β cells by small hairpin RNA knockdown greatly reduced basal- and glucose-induced ATP release. Importantly, knocking down VNUT expression by VNUT small hairpin RNA in MIN6 cells and isolated mouse islets dramatically suppressed basal insulin release and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Moreover, acute pharmacologic blockade of VNUT with Evans blue, a VNUT antagonist, greatly attenuated GSIS in a dose-dependent manner. Exogenous ATP treatment effectively reversed the insulin secretion defect induced by both VNUT knockdown and functional inhibition, indicating that VNUT-mediated ATP release is essential for maintaining normal insulin secretion. In contrast to VNUT knockdown, overexpression of VNUT in β cells resulted in excessive ATP release and enhanced basal insulin secretion and GSIS. Elevated insulin secretion induced by VNUT overexpression was reversed by pharmacologic inhibition of P2X but not P2Y purinergic receptors. This study reveals VNUT is expressed in pancreatic β cells and plays an essential and novel role in regulating insulin secretion through vesicular ATP release and extracellular purinergic signaling.
Estradiol Negative and Positive Feedback in a Prenatal Androgen-Induced Mouse Model of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Moore Aleisha M. , Prescott Melanie , Campbell Rebecca E.
Published: December 2012

Gonadal steroid hormone feedback is impaired in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism and an associated increase in LH pulse frequency. Using a prenatal androgen (PNA)-treated mouse model of PCOS, we aimed to investigate negative and positive feedback effects of estrogens on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis regulation of LH. PNA-treated mice exhibited severely disrupted estrous cycles, hyperandrogenism, significantly reduced fertility, and altered ovarian morphology. To assess the negative feedback effects of estrogens, LH was measured before and after ovariectomy and after estradiol (E2) administration. Compared with controls, PNA-treated mice exhibited a blunted postcastration rise in LH (P < .001) and an absence of LH suppression after E2 administration. To assess E2-positive feedback, control and PNA-treated GnRH-green fluorescent protein transgenic mice were subjected to a standard ovariectomy with E2-replacement regimen, and both plasma and perfusion-fixed brains were collected at the time of the expected GnRH/LH surge. Immunocytochemistry and confocal imaging of cFos and green fluorescent protein were used to assess GnRH neuron activation and spine density. In the surged group, both control and PNA-treated mice had significantly increased LH and cFos activation in GnRH neurons (P < .05) compared with nonsurged animals. Spine density was quantified in cFos-positive and -negative GnRH neurons to examine whether there was an increase in spine density in cFos-expressing GnRH neurons of surged mice as expected. A significant increase in spine density in cFos-expressing GnRH neurons was evident in control animals; however, no significant increase was observed in the PNA-treated mice because spine density was elevated across all GnRH neurons. These data support that PNA treatment results in a PCOS-like phenotype that includes impaired E2-negative feedback. Additionally, although E2-positive feedback capability is retained in PNA mice, elevated GnRH neuron spine density may reflect altered synaptic regulation.
The Influence of After-Sales Service Determinants on Brand Loyalty Within the Premium Automotive Industry: An Empirical Comparison of Three Countries
Authors: Hünecke Paul , Gunkel Marjaana
Published: December 2012

This study examines the influence of after-sales service determinants on brand loyalty in the premium automotive sector. Reflective and formative variables were measured using partial least-squares path modeling. The model was tested by telephone interviews among 1,500 automobile after-sales customers in three countries: France, Italy, and Spain. The results show that after-sales service satisfaction does not have a direct influence on brand loyalty; however, an indirect effect mediated by service loyalty can be observed. Neither service satisfaction nor service loyalty has an influence on brand loyalty in France. Brand image, followed by product satisfaction, has the strongest effect on brand loyalty. Furthermore, gender moderates the causal relationship between service quality and service satisfaction in Spain.
Achieving the Great Lakes Initiative Mercury Limits in Oil Refinery Effluent
Authors: Urgun‐Demirtas Meltem , Gillenwater Patricia , Negri M. Cristina , Lin YuPo , Snyder Seth , Doctor Richard , Pierce Linda , Alvarado Jorge
Published: December 2012

To meet the stringent Great Lakes Initiative (GLI) wastewater discharge mercury (Hg) limit of 1.3 ppt (ng /L), mercury removal technologies need to be identified and investigated. The goals of this study were to (1) identify and assess available wastewater treatment technologies for mercury removal from an oil refinery wastewater; and (2) conduct bench‐scale tests to provide comparable, transparent, and uniform results to assess their performance at low mercury concentrations. The study found that many tested technologies were able to achieve the GLI mercury target concentration at the bench‐scale, albeit with different efficiencies and engineering implications. These results demonstrate that at this scale there is no fundamental physical or chemical barrier to achieving <1.3 ng Hg/L in the tested wastewater. The study also found that some technologies were effective on particulate mercury whereas others were effective on dissolved mercury. One emerging treatment technology was found to be effective on both particulate and dissolved mercury. Three mercury‐removal technologies—ultrafiltration (particulate mercury), adsorption (dissolved mercury), and an emerging reactive filtration technology (particulate and dissolved mercury)—are recommended for further study. This research offers treatment alternatives for different forms of mercury in an oil refinery wastewater, which might be applicable to other types of mercury‐containing wastewater.
Occurrence and Fate of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates and Their Derivatives in Nansi Lake Environments, China
Authors: He Fang , Niu Lingling , Aya Obara , Wang Shilong , Wang Liguo
Published: December 2012

The vertical and horizontal distribution of nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPEOn, n = number of ethoxy units) and their derivatives in the Upper Nansi Lake, North China, were investigated using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) methods. For the water‐phase concentrations of these compounds, data are omitted because of their low concentration levels. The content of NPEOn (n = 1 to 15) bound onto the sediment of this lake changed in the range of 60.7 to 631.5 μg/kg dry for sediment cores with a thickness up to 350 mm. A typical increasing trend of the nonylphenol (NP) content was revealed along the water flow direction of this lake. Carbonated NPEOn (NPEnC) showed an increasing trend from upstream to downstream, with the total concentrations of the NPEOn falling in the range of 2.13 to 23.1 μg/kg dry. Results indicate that this lake received some effluent from wastewater treatment plants, whose treatment ratios are relatively low in this area. The nonoxidative hydrolytic transformation is a significant process occurring within the sediment phase of Nansi Lake.
Adverse events across generations of bone-modifying agents in patients with solid tumor cancers reported in Phase III randomized trials
Authors: Poon Michael , Zhang Liying , Mok Florence , Li Kenneth , Emmenegger Urban , Wong Erin , Zhou Michelle , Lam Henry , Lao Nicholas , Chow Edward
Published: December 2012

Aims: The objective of this study is to compare adverse events experienced among different bone-modifying agents. Methods: A literature search was conducted to identify Phase III bisphosphonate and bone-modifying agent trials reporting adverse effects. Thirty-seven adverse events of interest were identified for six different treatment options. Weighted linear regression modeling was performed on the adverse event proportions with treatment groups, normalized through applying natural log transformations. Results: There were significant differences in adverse events of vomiting (p = 0.045) and osteonecrosis of the jaw (p = 0.017), and combined item events of nausea/vomiting (p = 0.048), hematological and lymphatic system toxicities (p = 0.020), and any respiratory system problem (p = 0.023) between bone-modifying agent and placebo trials. The significant toxicities were observed even after adjusting for the two confounding factors of age and primary cancer site. Conclusion: While adverse effects are consistently experienced more frequently in patients receiving bone-modifying agents when compared with placebos, we find that the majority of individual side effects are not significantly more frequent in patients receiving bone-modifying agents compared with placebo.