bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 mediates endoplasmic reticulum stress‐induced activation of the MAP kinase JNK
Authors: Yang Qingfeng , Kim You‐Sun , Lin Yong , Lewis Joseph , Neckers Len , Liu Zheng‐Gang
Published: May 2006

Tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)1 is the main receptor responsible for TNF‐induced diverse cellular events. In this study, we report that TNFR1 has a crucial role in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐induced Jun amino‐terminal kinase (JNK) activation. Although ER stress leads to JNK activation in wild‐type mouse embryo fibroblasts, we failed to detect any JNK activation in TNFR1−/− cells. ER stress‐induced JNK activation is restored in TNFR1−/− cells when TNFR1 expression is reconstituted. We also found that TNFR1 functions downstream of IRE1 and that IRE1 is present in the same complex with TNFR1 under ER stress condition. Therefore, our study shows a novel role of TNFR1 in mediating ER stress‐induced JNK activation.
Self-consistent full-wave and Fokker-Planck calculations for ion cyclotron heating in non-Maxwellian plasmas
Authors: Jaeger E. F. , Berry L. A. , Ahern S. D. , Barrett R. F. , Batchelor D. B. , Carter M. D. , D'Azevedo E. F. , Moore R. D. , Harvey R. W. , Myra J. R. , D’Ippolito D. A. , Dumont R. J. , Phillips C. K. , Okuda H. , Smithe D. N. , Bonoli P. T. , Wright J. C. , Choi M.
Published: May 2006

Magnetically confined plasmas can contain significant concentrations of nonthermal plasma particles arising from fusion reactions, neutral beam injection, and wave-driven diffusion in velocity space. Initial studies in one-dimensional and experimental results show that nonthermal energetic ions can significantly affect wave propagation and heating in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies. In addition, these ions can absorb power at high harmonics of the cyclotron frequency where conventional two-dimensional global-wave models are not valid. In this work, the all-orders global-wave solver AORSA [E. F. Jaeger et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 195001 (2003)] is generalized to treat non-Maxwellian velocity distributions. Quasilinear diffusion coefficients are derived directly from the wave fields and used to calculate energetic ion velocity distributions with the CQL3D Fokker-Planck code [R. W. Harvey and M. G. McCoy, Proceedings of the IAEA Technical Committee Meeting on Simulation and Modeling of Thermonuclear Plasmas, Montreal, Canada, 1992 (USDOC NTIS Document No. DE93002962)]. For comparison, the quasilinear coefficients can be calculated numerically by integrating the Lorentz force equations along particle orbits. Self-consistency between the wave electric field and resonant ion distribution function is achieved by iterating between the global-wave and Fokker-Planck solutions.
Coarse-graining limits in open and wall-bounded dissipative particle dynamics systems
Authors: Pivkin Igor V. , Karniadakis George E.
Published: May 2006

Coarse graining of dense liquid-state systems can potentially lead to fast simulation times, thus providing an effective bridge between atomistic and continuum descriptions. Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) is a stochastic Lagrangian method that provides a simple formal procedure for coarse graining. Here we analyze some of the fundamental modeling ideas of DPD and identify three factors that limit its application at high coarse-graining levels: interparticle force magnitude, compressibility, and geometric confinement. These artifacts lead to erroneous transport properties of highly coarse-grained DPD systems and thus incorrect dynamics in simulating complex fluids, e.g., colloids and polymers.
Neutron reflectivity measurements of the translational motion of tris(naphthylbenzene) at the glass transition temperature
Authors: Swallen Stephen F. , Mapes Marie K. , Kim Yong Seol , McMahon Robert J. , Ediger M. D. , Satija Sushil
Published: May 2006

The translational dynamics of the low molecular weight glass-former tris(naphthylbenzene) have been studied on the length scale of a few nanometers at the glass transition temperature Tg. Neutron reflectivity was used to measure isotopic interdiffusion of multilayer samples created by physical vapor deposition. Deposition with the substrate held at Tg−6K allows observation of dynamics characterizing the equilibrium supercooled liquid. The diffusion coefficient measured at q=0.03Å−1 was determined to be 1×10−17cm2∕s at 342K (Tg). The self-part of the intermediate scattering function Is(q,t) decays exponentially. Samples deposited well below Tg show a substantial thermal history effect during subsequent translational motion at Tg.
Lateral force calibration in atomic force microscopy: A new lateral force calibration method and general guidelines for optimization
Authors: Cannara Rachel J. , Eglin Michael , Carpick Robert W.
Published: May 2006

Proper force calibration is a critical step in atomic and lateral force microscopies (AFM/LFM). The recently published torsional Sader method [C. P. Green et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 75, 1988 (2004)] facilitates the calculation of torsional spring constants of rectangular AFM cantilevers by eliminating the need to obtain information or make assumptions regarding the cantilever’s material properties and thickness, both of which are difficult to measure. Complete force calibration of the lateral signal in LFM requires measurement of the lateral signal deflection sensitivity as well. In this article, we introduce a complete lateral force calibration procedure that employs the torsional Sader method and does not require making contact between the tip and any sample. In this method, a colloidal sphere is attached to a “test” cantilever of the same width, but different length and material as the “target” cantilever of interest. The lateral signal sensitivity is calibrated by loading the colloidal sphere laterally against a vertical sidewall. The signal sensitivity for the target cantilever is then corrected for the tip length, total signal strength, and in-plane bending of the cantilevers. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach in comparison with the other established lateral force calibration techniques, and make a direct comparison with the “wedge” calibration method. The methods agree to within 5%. The propagation of errors is explicitly considered for both methods and the sources of disagreement discussed. Finally, we show that the lateral signal sensitivity is substantially reduced when the laser spot is not centered on the detector.
Harvest of near infrared light in PbSe nanocrystal-polymer hybrid photovoltaic cells
Authors: Cui Dehu , Xu Jian , Zhu Ting , Paradee Gary , Ashok S. , Gerhold Michael
Published: May 2006

We report a hybrid photovoltaic cell where PbSe nanocrystals were used to sensitize the conjugated polymer into the infrared. The device exhibited an incident monochromatic photon to current conversion efficiency of 1.3% at λ=805nm. Under 1 sun AM 1.5 illumination, the infrared response (780nm<λ<1600nm) of the embedded nanocrystals contributes to 33% of the overall photocurrent of the photovoltaic cell. The observed intensity dependences of the photocurrents have revealed the pseudomonomolecular recombination kinetics in the nanocrystal quantum dot polymer composite, indicating that the efficiency of the hybrid photovoltaic cells can be enhanced by reducing the potential barriers due to the ligand molecules at the surfaces of nanocrystals.
Effect of film roughness in MgO-based magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Shen Weifeng , Mazumdar Dipanjan , Zou Xiaojing , Liu Xiaoyong , Schrag B. D. , Xiao Gang
Published: May 2006

We have systematically investigated the dependence of tunnel magnetoresistance in MgO-based magnetic tunnel junctions as a function of Ar pressure during sputtering. The MgO surface roughness, and therefore device magnetoresistance, depends strongly on Ar gas pressure. Magnetoresistance of up to 236% was achieved at room temperature after thermal annealing at 425°C and with optimal sputtering conditions. The long mean free path of target atoms at low background pressures increases their kinetic energy at the substrate surface, resulting in smooth surface morphology and correspondingly improved device performance.
Probing the ultrafast electron transfer at the CuPc∕Au(111) interface
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Li , Qi Dong Chen , Chen Shi , Gao Xing Yu , Wee Andrew Thye Shen
Published: May 2006

Core-hole clock spectroscopy and near-edge x-ray-absorption fine structure measurements have been used to investigate the ultrafast electron transfer dynamics at the Copper(II) phthalocyanine (CuPc)∕Au(111) interface. It was found that the strong electronic coupling between the first layer of CuPc molecules and Au(111) substrate favors ultrafast electron transfer from the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the CuPc molecules to the conduction band of Au(111) in the time scale of ∼6fs. In contrast, the intermolecular electron transfer within multilayers of CuPc molecules via the weak van der Waals interaction was much slower.
Spinodal decomposition induced in a highly immiscible Ag–Mo system by ion irradiation
Authors: Tai K. P. , Dai X. D. , Liu B. X.
Published: May 2006

A uniform Ag43Mo57 amorphous phase was obtained by ion beam mixing and upon irradiation, transformed into a slightly Mo-rich and Ag-rich glass phases, respectively, through spinodal decomposition with a modulation wavelength of about 100nm. High-resolution electron micrograph examination reveals that although Ag-rich phase is typically disordered, there appear a number of topological ordered clusters in Mo-rich phase. Assisted by ab initio calculation, a Ag–Mo potential is derived and employed to calculate chemical short-range ordering parameters, which exhibit a strong dependence on composition, suggesting a phase separation characteristics of the Ag–Mo system, compatible to the observed spinodal decomposition.
Electroluminescent and transport mechanisms of n-ZnO∕p-Si heterojunctions
Authors: Ye J. D. , Gu S. L. , Zhu S. M. , Liu W. , Liu S. M. , Zhang R. , Shi Y. , Zheng Y. D.
Published: May 2006

The distinct visible electroluminescence (EL) at room temperature has been realized based on n-ZnO∕p-Si heterojunction. The EL peak energy coincided well with the deep-level photoluminescence of ZnO, suggesting that the EL emission was originated from the radiative recombination via deep-level defects in n-ZnO layers. The transport mechanisms of the diodes have been discussed with the characteristics of current-voltage (I-V) and light-output–voltage (L-V), in terms of the energy band diagram of ZnO∕Si heterojunction. The tunneling mechanism via deep-level states was the main conduction process at low forward bias, while space-charge-limited current conduction dominated the carrier transport at higher bias. Light-output–current (L-I) characteristic of the diode followed a power law such as L∼Im, which showed a superlinear behavior at low injection current and became almost linear due to the saturation of nonradiative recombination centers at high current level.
Visual Search for Size-Defined Target Objects is Modulated by the Ebbinghaus Apparent-Size Illusion: Facilitatory and Inhibitory Effects of the Context Objects
Authors: Müller Hermann J , Busch Astrid
Published: May 2006

Five experiments were carried out to investigate under which conditions the apparent size of objects is computed and exploited optimally in visual search for size-defined targets. Observers searched for a target test circle that was retinally larger than the distractor test circles, with both types of circles surrounded by context circles modulating the apparent size of the test circles (Ebbinghaus illusion). RTs were the faster the better test circles could be differentiated from the context circles, ie with smaller numbers of context circles, larger distances, and higher lightness (or colour) contrast between test and context circles. Apparent-size modulation had a strong influence on search RTs, resulting in faster RTs with smaller, and slower RTs with larger, context circles. A model assuming overall facilitatory effects of the apparent-size modulation and interference effects arising from decreasing test-context circle discriminability can explain the present results.
On the dynamics of molecular conformation
Authors: Mezić Igor
Published: May 2006

Understanding the mechanism of fast transitions between conformed states of large biomolecules is central to reconciling the dichotomy between the relatively high speed of metabolic processes and slow (random-walk based) estimates on the speed of biomolecular processes. Here we use the dynamical systems approach to suggest that the reduced time of transition between different conformations is due to features of the dynamics of molecules that are a consequence of their structural features. Long-range and local effects both play a role. Long-range molecular forces account for the robustness of final states and nonlinear processes that channel localized, bounded disturbances into collective, modal motions. Local interconnections provide fast transition dynamics. These properties are shared by a class of networked systems with strong local interconnections and long-range nonlinear forces that thus exhibit flexibility and robustness at the same time.
An antibody produced in tobacco expressing a hybrid β-1,4-galactosyltransferase is essentially devoid of plant carbohydrate epitopes
Authors: Bakker Hans , Rouwendal Gerard J. A. , Karnoup Anton S. , Florack Dion E. A. , Stoopen Geert M. , Helsper Johannes P. F. G. , van Ree Ronald , van Die Irma , Bosch Dirk
Published: May 2006

N-glycosylation of a mAb may have a major impact on its therapeutic merits. Here, we demonstrate that expression of a hybrid enzyme (called xylGalT), consisting of the N-terminal domain of
Arabidopsis thaliana
xylosyltransferase and the catalytic domain of human β-1,4-galactosyltransferase I (GalT), in tobacco causes a sharp reduction of N-glycans with potentially immunogenic core-bound xylose (Xyl) and fucose (Fuc) residues as shown by Western blot and MALDI-TOF MS analysis. A radioallergosorbent test inhibition assay with proteins purified from leaves of WT and these transgenic tobacco plants using sera from allergic patients suggests a significant reduction of potential immunogenicity of xylGalT proteins. A mAb purified from leaves of plants expressing xylGalT displayed an N-glycan profile that featured high levels of galactose, undetectable xylose, and a trace of fucose. Hence, a transgenic plant expressing the hybrid GalT might yield more effective and safer monoclonals for therapeutic purposes than WT plants and even transgenic plants expressing the unchanged GalT.
Crystal structure of the SOCS2–elongin C–elongin B complex defines a prototypical SOCS box ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Bullock Alex N. , Debreczeni Judit É. , Edwards Aled M. , Sundström Michael , Knapp Stefan
Published: May 2006

Growth hormone (GH) signaling is tightly controlled by ubiquitination of GH receptors, phosphorylation levels, and accessibility of binding sites for downstream signaling partners. Members of the suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family function as key regulators at all levels of this pathway, and mouse knockout studies implicate SOCS2 as the primary suppressor. To elucidate the structural basis for SOCS2 function, we determined the 1.9-Å crystal structure of the ternary complex of SOCS2 with elongin C and elongin B. The structure defines a prototypical SOCS box ubiquitin ligase with a Src homology 2 (SH2) domain as a substrate recognition motif. Overall, the SOCS box and SH2 domain show a conserved spatial domain arrangement with the BC box and substrate recognition domain of the von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor protein, suggesting a common mechanism of ubiquitination in these cullin-dependent E3 ligases. The SOCS box binds elongin BC in a similar fashion to the VHL BC box and shows extended structural conservation with the F box of the Skp2 ubiquitin ligase. A previously unrecognized feature of the SOCS box is revealed with the burial of the C terminus, which packs together with the N-terminal extended SH2 subdomain to create a stable interface between the SOCS box and SH2 domain. This domain organization is conserved in SOCS1–3 and CIS1, which share a strictly conserved length of their C termini, but not in SOCS4, 5, and 7, which have extended C termini defining two distinct classes of inter- and intramolecular SOCS box interactions.
Evidence for a clade composed of molluscs with serially repeated structures: Monoplacophorans are related to chitons
Authors: Giribet Gonzalo , Okusu Akiko , Lindgren Annie R. , Huff Stephanie W. , Schrödl Michael , Nishiguchi Michele K.
Published: May 2006

Monoplacophorans are among the rarest members of the phylum Mollusca. Previously only known from fossils since the Cambrian, the first living monoplacophoran was discovered during the famous second
Galathea
deep-sea expedition. The anatomy of these molluscs shocked the zoological community for presenting serially repeated gills, nephridia, and eight sets of dorsoventral pedal retractor muscles. Seriality of organs in supposedly independent molluscan lineages, i.e., in chitons and the deep-sea living fossil monoplacophorans, was assumed to be a relict of ancestral molluscan segmentation and was commonly accepted to support a direct relationship with annelids. We were able to obtain one specimen of a monoplacophoran Antarctic deep-sea species for molecular study. The first molecular data on monoplacophorans, analyzed together with the largest data set of molluscs ever assembled, clearly illustrate that monoplacophorans and chitons form a clade. This “Serialia” concept may revolutionize molluscan systematics and may have important implications for metazoan evolution as it allows for new interpretations for primitive segmentation in molluscs.
The effect of maturation and sedation on amplitude‐integrated electroencephalogram of the preterm neonate: Results of a prospective study
Authors: Herbertz Simone , Pulzer Ferdinand , Gebauer Corinna , Panhofer Michaela , Robel‐Tillig Evq , Knüpfer Matthices
Published: May 2006

Background and aim: Amplitude‐integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) is becoming more common in NICUs for monitoring infants after perinatal asphyxia. We used aEEGs for preterm infants, and analysed the influence of sedation and maturation on their aEEG, focusing on continuous activity. Methods: Weekly or biweekly aEEGs were performed in preterm infants and evaluated by visual analysis. Results: We analysed 92 aEEGs of 56 preterm infants (gestational age (GA) 24 + 6 to 34 + 0 wk, median 30 + 0 wk). In their first week of life, children with higher GA had a higher percentage of continuous activity: with a GA ≤ 28 + 0 wk it was 8.1%, 33.5% with a GA from 28 + 1 to 30 + 0 wk (p= 0.02), 85.9% with a GA from 30 + 1 to 32 + 0 wk (p= 0.005), and 89.1% with a GA from 32 + 1 to 34 + 0 wk. Continuous activity increased with growing postnatal age. With a GA ≤ 28 + 0 wk, it rose from 8.1% (first week) to 55.3% (second week) and reached 96.8% (week 6/7) (p= 0.017). With GA from 28 + 1 to 30 + 0 wk, continuous activity was 33.5% (first week) and 86.6% (second week) (p= 0.03).

Conclusion: The aEEG of preterm infants appears to be a good tool for monitoring cerebral activity. Continuous activity seems to indicate maturation in the neonatal brain. Further investigations of aEEGs in preterm infants should be performed.
IgM-enriched human intravenous immunoglobulin suppresses T lymphocyte functionsin vitroand delays the activation of T lymphocytes in hu-SCID mice
Authors: Vassilev T , Mihaylova N , Voynova E , Nikolova M , Kazatchkine M , Kaveri S
Published: May 2006

Previous studies of an experimental human immunoglobulin preparation for intravenous use, containing normal pooled IgM (IVIgM), have shown its beneficial therapeutic effect in experimental autoimmune diseases. The mechanisms of its immunomodulatory activity remain however, poorly understood. In the experiments reported here, IVIgM inhibited the proliferation of various autonomously growing human lymphoid cell lines in vitro, as well as of MLR- and of PHA-stimulated human T-lymphocytes. These effects of IVIgM were observed at non-apoptotic concentrations and were stronger on a molar basis than those of normal pooled IgG for intravenous use (IVIg). Both preparations, when administered to SCID mice, repopulated with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, delayed the expression of the early activation marker CD69 on both human CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes, activated by the mouse antigenic environment. The data obtained show that normal pooled human IgM exerts a powerful antiproliferative effect on T-cells that is qualitatively similar but quantitatively superior to that of therapeutic IVIg. Our results suggest that infusions with IVIgM might have a significant beneficial immunomodulating activity in patients with selected autoimmune diseases.
Prevalence, classification and perception of allergic and nonallergic rhinitis in Belgium
Authors: Bachert C. , Van Cauwenberge P. , Olbrecht J. , Van Schoor J.
Published: May 2006

Background:  Allergic rhinitis (AR) and noninfectious, nonallergic rhinitis (NINA) are common disorders, which may prompt patients to seek medical help.

Methods:  We performed a survey in a representative sample of the Belgian population (n = 4959) with an overall prevalence of self‐declared recent rhinitis symptoms of 39.3%. Detailed information on patients having experienced nasal symptoms over the past year was then obtained from a random sample of respondents (n = 743).

Results:  The adjusted prevalence was 29.8% for AR and 9.6% for NINA, respectively. According to the ARIA classification, there was significantly more ‘persistent’ symptomatology in the AR group (40.8%) than in NINA (23.5%) (P < 0.001), and more ‘moderate/severe’ symptom intensity in AR (75.4%) than in NINA (53.1%) (P < 0.001). Allergic rhinitis patients suffered from a greater number of symptoms than NINA patients (P < 0.001). Asthma, skin and food allergy as co‐morbidities were all found to be significantly more prevalent in the AR vs the NINA group (P < 0.05 for all). The percentage of consulting patients (total: 66.8%), who subjectively perceived their rhinitis as moderate/severe, was 94.0%, whereas 75.6% of these patients were classified accordingly based on ARIA criteria.

Conclusions:  We found a high prevalence of self‐declared rhinitis symptoms in the Belgian population, AR being about three times more prevalent than NINA. In addition, AR patients suffered from a greater number of symptoms and displayed a more ‘persistent’ and ‘moderate–severe’ ARIA profile than NINA. About 75% of patients seeking medical help suffer from ‘moderate to severe’ forms of rhinitis.
Rhinitis and asthma in athletes: an ARIA document in collaboration with GA2LEN
Authors: Bonini S. , Bonini M. , Bousquet J. , Brusasco V. , Canonica G. W. , Carlsen K‐H. , Corbetta L. , Cummiskey J. , Delgado L. , Del Giacco S. R. , Haahtela T. , Jaeger S. , Moretti C. , Palange P. , Passalacqua G. , Passali D. , Pedersen B. K. , Popov T. , Rasi G. , Ventura M. T. , Vignola A. M.
Published: May 2006

This consensus document is aimed at reviewing evidence that the rhinits‐asthma links have peculiar features in athletes. Beside a review of epidemological data on the high prevalence of rhinitis and asthma in athletes, the effects on intense physical exercise on the immune system and repiratory functions are discussed, with special reference to the role of allergens and pollutants. In extending the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) recommendations to athletes, the issue is addressed of adapting diagnosis and management to criteria set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and regulations adopted by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA).
Accuracy of Hospital Report Cards Based on Administrative Data
Authors: Glance Laurent G. , Dick Andrew W. , Osler Turner M. , Mukamel Dana B.
Published: May 2006

Context. Many of the publicly available health quality report cards are based on administrative data. ICD‐9‐CM codes in administrative data are not date stamped to distinguish between medical conditions present at the time of hospital admission and complications, which occur after hospital admission. Treating complications as preexisting conditions gives poor‐performing hospitals “credit” for their complications and may cause some hospitals that are delivering low‐quality care to be misclassified as average‐ or high‐performing hospitals.

Objective. To determine whether hospital quality assessment based on administrative data is impacted by the inclusion of condition present at admission (CPAA) modifiers in administrative data as a date stamp indicator.

Design, Setting, and Patients. Retrospective cohort study based on 648,866 inpatient admissions between 1998 and 2000 for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, coronary angioplasty (PTCA), carotid endarterectomy (CEA), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, total hip replacement (THR), acute MI (AMI), and stroke using the California State Inpatient Database which includes CPAA modifiers. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to create separate condition‐specific risk adjustment models. For each study population, one model was constructed using only secondary diagnoses present at admission based on the CPAA modifier: “date stamp” model. The second model was constructed using all secondary diagnoses, ignoring the information present in the CPAA modifier: the “no date stamp model.” Hospital quality was assessed separately using the “date stamp” and the “no date stamp” risk‐adjustment models.

Results. Forty percent of the CABG hospitals, 33 percent of the PTCA hospitals, 40 percent of the THR hospitals, and 33 percent of the AMI hospitals identified as low‐performance hospitals by the “date stamp” models were not classified as low‐performance hospitals by the “no date stamp” models. Fifty percent of the CABG hospitals, 33 percent of the PTCA hospitals, 50 percent of the CEA hospitals, and 36 percent of the AMI hospitals identified as low‐performance hospitals by the “no date stamp” models were not identified as low‐performance hospitals by the “date stamp” models. The inclusion of the CPAA modifier had a minor impact on hospital quality assessment for AAA repair, stroke, and CEA.

Conclusion. This study supports the hypothesis that the use of routine administrative data without date stamp information to construct hospital quality report cards may result in the mis‐identification of hospital quality outliers. However, the CPAA modifier will need to be further validated before date stamped administrative data can be used as the basis for health quality report cards.
Klebsiella Pneumoniae: A Rare Cause of Device‐Associated Endocarditis
Authors: PAI RAKESH K. , WALL T. SCOTT , MACGREGOR JOHN F. , ABEDIN MOEEN , FREEDMAN ROGER A.
Published: May 2006

Intravascular infections involving implanted pacemakers and defibrillators are being seen with increasing frequency. This report describes a case of intravascular infection of an implanted defibrillator with Klebsiella pneumoniae, an unusual pathogen for pacemaker or defibrillator infection.
Pacemaker Lead Endocarditis Caused by Staphylococcus Hominis
Authors: SUNBUL MUSTAFA , DEMIRAG MUSTAFA KEMAL , YILMAZ OZCAN , YILMAZ HAVA , OZTURK RECEP , LEBLEBICIOGLU HAKAN
Published: May 2006

Infective endocarditis related to pacemaker is a rare but serious condition in permanent venous tracing. A 65‐year‐old man was admitted to the hospital with high fever and chills. A DDD pacemaker had been implanted via the right subclavian vein because of sick sinus syndrome 6 years earlier. Transesophageal echocardiogram identified an oscillating round hyperechoic mass with a stalk near the tricuspid valve. Blood cultures grew Staphylococcus hominis. The patient was treated with antibiotics and operated on after the acute phase of the illness had subsided. We hereby report a case of lead endocarditis caused by S. hominis in a patient with pacemaker, which has been rarely reported in the English literature.
The impact of caregivers’ characteristics, patients’ conditions and regional differences on family burden in schizophrenia: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Roick C. , Heider D. , Toumi M. , Angermeyer M. C.
Published: May 2006

Objective:  Impact of caregiver characteristics, patient variables, and regional differences on family burden.

Method:  Two hundred and eighteen schizophrenia patients and key‐relatives of an urban and a rural area were examined five times over 30 months. Patients’ psychopathology, service utilization; relatives’ burden, coping abilities and contact duration with the patients were recorded. Effects of interpersonal differences and intrapersonal changes over time were analyzed with regression models.

Results:  Interpersonal differences (patients’ positive and negative symptoms, relatives’ coping abilities, and patient contact) and intrapersonal changes (relatives’ coping abilities, patients’ negative symptoms and utilization of community care) predicted family burden.

Conclusion:  Family education programs should help caregivers to improve their coping strategies. Therapy solutions must address negative symptoms just as much as positive symptoms, as these especially impact caregivers. Intensified community‐based care can reduce burden, but provision alone is not sufficient. Psychiatrists and caregivers should motivate patients to take advantage of such offers.
Two years of continued early treatment for recent‐onset schizophrenia: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Grawe R. W. , Falloon I. R. H. , Widen J. H. , Skogvoll E.
Published: May 2006

Objective:  This random‐controlled study evaluated benefits derived from continued integrated biomedical and psychosocial treatment for recent‐onset schizophrenia.

Method:  Fifty cases of schizophrenia of less than 2 years duration were allocated randomly to integrated or standard treatment (ST) for 2 years. ST comprised optimal pharmacotherapy and case management, while IT also included cognitive‐behavioural family treatment, that incorporated skills training, cognitive‐behavioural strategies for residual psychotic and non‐psychotic problems and home‐based crisis management. Psychopathology, functioning, hospitalisation and suicidal behaviours were assessed two monthly and a composite index, reflecting overall clinical outcome was derived.

Results:  IC proved superior to ST in reducing negative symptoms, minor psychotic episodes and in stabilising positive symptoms, but did not reduce hospital admissions or major psychotic recurrences. The composite index showed that significantly more IC patients (53%) had excellent 2‐year outcomes than ST (25%).

Conclusion:  Evidence‐based treatment achieves greater clinical benefits than pharmacotherapy and case management alone for recent‐onset schizophrenia.
Do psychotherapies produce neurobiological effects?
Authors: Kumari Veena
Published: May 2006

Background:

An area of recent interest in psychiatric research is the application of neuroimaging techniques to investigate neural events associated with the development and the treatment of symptoms in a number of psychiatric disorders.

Objective:

To examine whether psychological therapies modulate brain activity and, if so, to examine whether these changes similar to those found with relevant pharmacotherapy in various mental disorders.

Methods:

Relevant data were identified from Pubmed and PsycInfo searches up to July 2005 using combinations of keywords including ‘psychological therapy’, ‘behaviour therapy’, ‘depression’, ‘panic disorder’, ‘phobia’, ‘obsessive compulsive disorder’, ‘schizophrenia’, ‘psychosis’, ‘brain activity’, ‘brain metabolism’, ‘PET’, ‘SPECT’ and ‘fMRI’.

Results:

There was ample evidence to demonstrate that psychological therapies produce changes at the neural level. The data, for example in depression, panic disorder, phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), clearly suggested that a change in patients' symptoms and maladaptive behaviour at the mind level with psychological techniques is accompanied with functional brain changes in relevant brain circuits. In many studies, cognitive therapies and drug therapies achieved therapeutic gains through the same neural pathways although the two forms of treatment may still have different mechanisms of action.

Conclusions:

Empirical research indicates a close association between the ‘mind’ and the ‘brain’ in showing that changes made at the mind level in a psychotherapeutic context produce changes at the brain level. The investigation of changes in neural activity with psychological therapies is a novel area which is likely to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms for therapeutic changes across a range of disorders.
Differential BOLD responses to auditory target stimuli associated with a skin conductance response
Authors: Lagopoulos Jim , Gordon Evian , Ward Philip B.
Published: May 2006

Background:

The orienting reflex (OR) is a fundamental biological mechanism thought to reflect automatic adaptive processing of environmental stimuli necessary for successful interaction with the environment. It has been hypothesized that the OR is generated in response to novelty such as in the case where a mismatch results between an internal neuronal template stored in working memory and incoming stimuli. Recent blood oxygenated level dependant (BOLD) activation studies that have investigated networks involved in the processing of novelty have suggested the recruitment of a distributed limbic-neocortical network. In the present study, event-related functional resonance imaging with simultaneous autonomic electrodermal activity was used to detect single trials of an auditory oddball task associated with the OR.

Results:

The pattern of activations indicated two distinct, but partially overlapping, networks. Predominantly, frontal activations were seen for the target stimuli that did elicit an OR, including the orbitofrontal gyrus and anterior cingulate gyrus, as well as activations in the anterior thalamus and cerebellum. On contrary, parietal activations including the supramarginal gyrus and precuneus were seen for the target stimuli that that did not elicit an OR.
In vitro antiseptic properties of an ammonium compound combined with denture base acrylic resin
Authors: Pesci‐Bardon C. , Fosse T. , Serre D. , Madinier I.
Published: May 2006

Background:  Denture base acrylic resin is easily colonised by oral endogenous bacteria and Candida spp., and eventually by extra‐oral species such as Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonadaceae or members of Enterobacteriaceae. This microbial reservoir can be responsive for denture related stomatitis and aspiration pneumonia, a life‐threatening infection especially in geriatric patients. However, the oral and denture hygiene of dependant elderly individuals is extremely poor.

Objective:  This in vitro study aimed to determine the per cent of a quaternary ammonium compound heat‐polymerised in acrylic resin necessary to obtain denture base displaying antiseptic properties.

Design:  Acrylic resin discs containing 2–50% ammonium polymer (Poly 202063A; 0% control) were soaked in artificial saliva for 4 weeks. Resin discs were incubated for 24 hours with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa [37°C, brain–heart infusion (BHI) broth and phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) buffer] and Candida albicans (30°C, Schaedler broth), in 15 ml (168 discs) and 600 μl (168 discs) of inoculum. Microbial growth was verified at t 0 hours and t 24 hours. Data were recorded as the mean of three colony forming unit (CFU) numerations. The borderline of antimicrobial effect was determined at 0.1% viable cells.

Results:  In 600 μl of PBS inoculum, resin specimens had a bactericidal effect (E. coli and S. aureus: 2%; P. aeruginosa: 10%) and a fungicidal effect (C. albicans: 50%). Long‐term stability and toxicity in vivo studies are now required.

Conclusion:  A 2% quaternary ammonium compound polymerised with a denture acrylic resin displayed antiseptic properties after a 4‐week soaking period in artificial saliva. Such antiseptic denture base could help geriatric patients to improve their oral health.
Mechanisms for the control of respiratory evaporative heat loss in panting animals
Authors: Robertshaw David
Published: May 2006

Panting is a controlled increase in respiratory frequency accompanied by a decrease in tidal volume, the purpose of which is to increase ventilation of the upper respiratory tract, preserve alveolar ventilation, and thereby elevate evaporative heat loss. The increased energy cost of panting is offset by reducing the metabolism of nonrespiratory muscles. The panting mechanism tends to be important in smaller mammalian species and in larger species is supplemented by sweating. At elevated respiratory frequencies and body temperatures alveolar hyperventilation begins to develop but is accompanied by a decline in the control of carbon dioxide partial pressure in arterial blood, probably through central chemoreceptors. Most heat exchange takes place at the nasal epithelial lining, and venous drainage can be directed to a special network of arteries at the base of the brain whereby countercurrent heat transfer can occur, which results in selective brain cooling. Such a phenomenon has also been suggested in nonpanting species, including humans, and although originally thought to be a mechanism for protecting the thermally vulnerable brain is now considered to be one of the thermoregulatory reflexes whereby respiratory evaporation can be closely controlled in the interests of thermal homeostasis.
Low-intensity repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation decreases motor cortical excitability in humans
Authors: Todd Gabrielle , Flavel Stanley C. , Ridding Michael C.
Published: May 2006

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex (rTMS) can be used to modify motor cortical excitability in human subjects. At stimulus intensities near to or above resting motor threshold, low-frequency rTMS (∼1 Hz) decreases motor cortical excitability, whereas high-frequency rTMS (5–20 Hz) can increase excitability. We investigated the effect of 10 min of intermittent rTMS on motor cortical excitability in normal subjects at two frequencies (2 or 6 Hz). Three low intensities of stimulation (70, 80, and 90% of active motor threshold) and sham stimulation were used. The number of stimuli were matched between conditions. Motor cortical excitability was investigated by measurement of the motor-evoked potential (MEP) evoked by single magnetic stimuli in the relaxed first dorsal interosseus muscle. The intensity of the single stimuli was set to evoke baseline MEPs of ∼1 mV in amplitude. Both 2- and 6-Hz stimulation, at 80% of active motor threshold, reduced the magnitude of MEPs for ∼30 min ( P < 0.05). MEPs returned to baseline values after a weak voluntary contraction. Stimulation at 70 and 90% of active motor threshold and sham stimulation did not induce a significant group effect on MEP magnitude. However, the intersubject response to rTMS at 90% of active motor threshold was highly variable, with some subjects showing significant MEP facilitation and others inhibition. These results suggest that, at low stimulus intensities, the intensity of stimulation may be as important as frequency in determining the effect of rTMS on motor cortical excitability.
Penetrating Keratoplasty Combined with Vitreoretinal Surgery for Severe Ocular Injury with Blood-Stained Cornea and No Light Perception
Authors: Yan Hua , Cui Jing , Zhang Jingkai , Chen Song , Xu Yinghai
Published: May 2006

Objective: To evaluate the effects of treatment of severe ocular injury with blood-stained cornea and no light perception by combined penetrating keratoplasty and vitreoretinal surgery, and to analyze the relevant factors. Methods: Records of 7 severely injured eyes of 7 patients with blood-stained cornea and no light perception who underwent penetrating keratoplasty combined with vitrectomy using a temporary keratoprosthesis were evaluated retrospectively. The preoperative visual acuity was no light perception in all injured eyes with a mean intraocular pressure of 3 mm Hg and a range from 2 to 5 mm Hg. The average interval from emergency wound closure to vitrectomy was 18 days with a range from 12 to 21 days. The mean follow-up was 28 months with a range from 26 to 30 months. Results: The postoperative visual acuity was better than light perception in 5 eyes with the best corrected visual acuity from light perception to 0.06. The retina was attached in 5 eyes. The postoperative intraocular pressure ranged from 5 to 15 mm Hg with a mean of 12 mm Hg; it was significantly higher than the preoperative one (p < 0.05). The postoperative complications mainly included temporary intraocular elevation (1 eye), corneal neovascularization (4 eyes), corneal rejection (4 eyes), retinal detachment (2 eyes) and ocular atrophy (2 eyes). Conclusion: Penetrating keratoplasty combined with vitrectomy using a temporary keratoprosthesis is a safe and effective method in treating severe ocular injury with blood-stained cornea and no light perception.
Orbital Actinomycosis Associated with Painful Ophthalmoplegia
Authors: Pagliani Livio , Campi Luca , Cavallini Gian Maria
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To evaluate a case of orbital actinomycosis presenting as Tolosa-Hunt syndrome in a patient with a history of carcinomas of the kidney and breast. Methods: A woman with ingravescent painful ophthalmoplegia was brought to our observation. Brain and orbital and total body CT scans showed the presence of two orbital neoformations and a miliary pattern of dissemination in the lung. The initial diagnosis, which pointed to secondary localisations of the previous kidney and breast tumours, was changed to orbital and pulmonary actinomycosis following microbiological analysis of lung biopsy samples. Results: Prolonged antibiotic therapy with synthetic penicillin completely resolved the case. Conclusions: Actinomycosis is a very rare infection that may also affect the orbit and its association with a pulmonary dissemination is highly unusual. It is important to consider this type of infection among the causes of painful ophthalmoplegia.
Temocapril, an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor, Ameliorates Age-Related Increase in Carotid Arterial Stiffness in Normotensive Subjects
Authors: Hayashi Kunihiko , Miyagawa Koichi , Sato Koichi , Ueda Ryuzo , Dohi Yasuaki
Published: May 2006

Background/Aims: Oxidative stress plays an important role in vascular ageing. The close relationship of the renin-angiotensin system with mechanisms of oxidative stress suggests its possible involvement in the deleterious effects of ageing. The present study was designed to investigate whether inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system improves the age-related increase in arterial stiffness. Methods: Normotensive elderly subjects in a geriatric nursing home (n = 24; male/female = 7/17; 86 ± 9 years, mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to receive either an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, temocapril (n = 12, 1 mg daily) or nothing (n = 12). Carot id arterial stiffness parameter β and circulating levels of malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein were measured before and 6 months after randomization. Results: Temocapril decreased β (from 7.0 ± 1.0 to 4.9 ± 0.9, p < 0.05) and malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein levels (from 73.2 ± 19.9 to 61.3 ± 18.4 U/l, p < 0.05) without changing the blood pressure. The changes in β and malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly correlated (ρ = 0.600, p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that temocapril ameliorates the age-related increase in carotid arterial stiffness in healthy, normotensive elderly subjects.
Photodynamic Therapy Using Verteporfin for Choroidal Neovascularization Associated with Angioid Streaks – Long-Term Effects
Authors: Jurklies Bernhard , Bornfeld Norbert , Schilling Harald
Published: May 2006

Aim: To investigate the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (PDT) in patients with choroidal neovascularization associated with angioid streaks (CNVAS). Methods: A nonrandomized, prospective clinical investigation of 12 patients with CNVAS was performed. PDT was based on the criteria concerning the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Results: The mean follow-up was 41.75 months (range 24–60). The mean number of (re)treatments was 3.3 (range 2–7). Visual acuity improved by at least 1 line in 42%, was stable within ±2 lines in 33%, decreased by at least 1 line in 58% and by >3 lines in 25% of the patients. The mean visual acuity was 0.30 (range 0.2–0.5) prior to and 0.17 (range 0.03–0.6) after the final PDT. The mean visual acuity of the contralateral eye was 0.1. 75% of contralateral eyes and 25% of the treated eyes had a final visual acuity of ≤0.1 (20/200). At the final follow-up, a significant enlargement of the lesion size was noted in 92% of the cases. Conclusion: Using the current (re)treatment criteria, PDT does not appear to limit the growth of CNVAS. Compared to the aggressive natural course and to the limited treatment options, PDT may at least in part help to stabilize macular function over a limited period of time.
Is Endometriosis Associated with Systemic Subclinical Inflammation?
Authors: Agic Admir , Xu Hong , Finas Dominique , Banz Constanze , Diedrich Klaus , Hornung Daniela
Published: May 2006

Endometriosis is a pelvic inflammatory process with altered function of immune-related cells and increased number of activated macrophages in the peritoneal environment that secrete various local products, such as growth factors and cytokines. The elevation of cytokines and other factors in the peritoneal fluid is accompanied by the elevation of similar factors, such as CRP, SAA, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8 and CCR1, in the peripheral blood of patients with endometriosis. CD44+ and CD14+ monocytes are significantly increased, while CD3+ T lymphocytes and CD20+ B lymphocytes show modest, but significant decrease in peripheral blood of women with endometriosis. This indicates that endometriosis could be viewed as a local disease with systemic subclinical manifestations. This review provides an overview of data on the changes of various factors in peripheral blood and their potential use as diagnostic tools in patients with endometriosis.
The Heart of Drug Discovery and Development: Rational Target Selection
Authors: Spector Reynold , Vesell Elliot S.
Published: May 2006

Critical to the discovery and development of drugs and vaccines is the rational selection of biochemical, immunologic or molecular targets. To understand the rationale for target selection, we review strengths and weaknesses of the four main approaches: whole animal disease models; molecular targeting; epidemiology/observation studies, and genomics. After classifying diseases into those with a relatively stable pathophysiology (e.g., hypertension and gout) versus those with an unstable pathophysiology (e.g., AIDS and influenza) to aid in understanding target selection, we provide examples of successful and unsuccessful selection of drug and vaccine targets, focusing on the molecular and epidemiological/observational approaches. We discuss the reasons that molecular targeting has led to successful control of many diseases, whereas the epidemiological/observational approach has had a checkered history. We also assess the potential power of the genomic approach, specifically the curative versus controlling/preventive strategies. With combined genetic and molecular approaches and judicious use of whole animal models and properly performed epidemiology/observation studies to select the appropriate targets, the future for controlling, preventing and even curing many diseases is very bright indeed.