bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antinociceptive Effects of the Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors Milnacipran and Duloxetine on Vincristine-Induced Neuropathic Pain Model in Mice
Authors: Katsuyama Soh , Aso Hiromu , Otowa Akira , Yagi Tomomi , Kishikawa Yukinaga , Komatsu Takaaki , Sakurada Tsukasa , Nakamura Hitoshi
Published: February 2014

Vincristine is an anticancer drug used to treat a variety of cancer types, but it frequently causes peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathic pain is often associated with the appearance of abnormal sensory signs, such as allodynia. Milnacipran and duloxetine, serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, have shown efficacy against several chronic pain syndromes. In this study, we investigated the attenuation of vincristine-induced mechanical allodynia in mice by milnacipran and duloxetine. To induce peripheral neuropathy, vincristine was administered once per day (0.1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) for 7 days. Mechanical allodynia was evaluated by measuring the withdrawal response to stimulation with a von Frey filament. In vincristine-treated mice, mechanical allodynia was observed on days 3–28 of vincristine administration. A single administration of milnacipran (40 mg/kg, i.p.) or duloxetine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) had no effect on vincristine-induced mechanical allodynia. However, repeated administration of milnacipran (20 or 40 mg/kg, once per day, i.p.) or duloxetine (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg, once per day, i.p.) for 7 days significantly reduced vincristine-induced mechanical allodynia. These results suggest that chronic vincristine administration induces mechanical allodynia, and that repeated milnacipran and duloxetine administration may be an effective approach for the treatment of neuropathic pain caused by vincristine treatment for cancer.
Urinary Methylmalonic Acid as an Indicator of Early Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Its Role in Polyneuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sun Ai-li , Ni Yi-hong , Li Xiao-bo , Zhuang Xiang-hua , Liu Yuan-tao , Liu Xin-hua , Chen Shi-hong
Published: February 2014

The rising incidence of diabetes and its negative impact on quality of life highlights the urgent need to develop biomarkers of early nerve damage. Measurement of total vitamin B12 has some limitations. We want to determine the levels of urinary methylmalonic acid and its relationships with serum vitamin B12 and polyneuropathy. The 176 Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided into 3 groups according to the levels of vitamin B12. A gas chromatography mass spectrometric technique was used to determine blood methylmalonic acid and urinary methylmalonic acid. The diagnosis of distal diabetic polyneuropathy was based on the determination of bilateral limb sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity and amplitude with electromyogram. Multiple regression analysis revealed that urinary methylmalonic acid/creatinine, blood methylmalonic acid, and so forth were variables that influenced diabetic polyneuropathy significantly. Nerve sensory conduction velocity and nerve amplitude in the group of urinary methylmalonic acid/creatinine >3.5 mmol/mol decreased significantly. Superficial peroneal nerve sensory and motor conduction velocity and ulnar nerve compound motor active potential amplitude were inversely correlated with urinary methylmalonic acid/creatinine. Urinary methylmalonic acid correlates with serum vitamin B12 levels in person with diabetes and is a sensitive marker of early polyneuropathy.
Study on a New Steering Mechanism for Point-the-Bit Rotary Steerable System
Authors: Li Yuanzhi , Niu Wentie , Li Hongtao , Luo Zhenjun , Wang Lina
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a novel steering mechanism embedded in a point-the-bit rotary steerable system (RSS) for oilfield exploitation. The new steering mechanism adopts a set of universal joints to alleviate the high alternative strain on drilling mandrel and employs a specially designed planetary gear small tooth number difference (PGSTD) to achieve directional steering. Its principle and characteristics are explained and examined through a series of analyses. First, the eccentric displacement vector of the offset point on the drilling mandrel is formulated and kinematic solutions are established. Next, structural design for the new steering mechanism is addressed. Then, procedures and program architectures for simulating offset state of the drilling mandrel and motion trajectory of the whole steering mechanism are presented. After that, steering motion simulations of the new steering mechanism for both 2D and 3D well trajectories are then performed by combining LabVIEW and SolidWorks. Finally, experiments on the steering motion control of the new steering mechanism prototype are carried out. The simulations and experiments reveal that the steering performance of the new steering mechanism is satisfied. The research can provide good guidance for further research and engineering application of the point-the-bit RSS.
Hardware Neural Networks Modeling for Computing Different Performance Parameters of Rectangular, Circular, and Triangular Microstrip Antennas
Authors: Khan Taimoor , De Asok
Published: February 2014

In the last one decade, neural networks-based modeling has been used for computing different performance parameters of microstrip antennas because of learning and generalization features. Most of the created neural models are based on software simulation. As the neural networks show massive parallelism inherently, a parallel hardware needs to be created for creating faster computing machine by taking the advantages of the parallelism of the neural networks. This paper demonstrates a generalized neural networks model created on field programmable gate array- (FPGA-) based reconfigurable hardware platform for computing different performance parameters of microstrip antennas. Thus, the proposed approach provides a platform for developing low-cost neural network-based FPGA simulators for microwave applications. Also, the results obtained by this approach are in very good agreement with the measured results available in the literature.
Prolonged Hypocalcemic Effect by Pulmonary Delivery of Calcitonin Loaded Poly(Methyl Vinyl Ether Maleic Acid) Bioadhesive Nanoparticles
Authors: Varshosaz J. , Minaiyan M. , Forghanian M.
Published: February 2014

The purpose of the present study was to design a pulmonary controlled release system of salmon calcitonin (sCT). Therefore, poly(methyl vinyl ether maleic acid) [P(MVEMA)] nanoparticles were prepared by ionic cross-linking method using Fe2+and Zn2+ions. Physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were studiedin vitro. The stability of sCT in the optimized nanoparticles was studied by electrophoretic gel method. Plasma calcium levels until 48 h were determined in rats as pulmonary-free sCT solution or nanoparticles (25 μg·kg−1),ivsolution of sCT (5 μg·kg−1), and pulmonary blank nanoparticles. The drug remained stable during fabrication and tests on nanoparticles. The optimized nanoparticles showed proper physicochemical properties. Normalized reduction of plasma calcium levels was at least 2.76 times higher in pulmonary sCT nanoparticles compared to free solution. The duration of hypocalcemic effect of pulmonary sCT nanoparticles was 24 h, while it was just 1 h for theivsolution. There was not any significant difference between normalized blood calcium levels reduction in pulmonary drug solution andivinjection. Pharmacological activity of nanoparticles after pulmonary delivery was 65% of theivroute. Pulmonary delivery of P(MVEMA) nanoparticles of sCT enhanced and prolonged the hypocalcemic effect of the drug significantly.
Comparison of Gene and Protein Expressions in Rats Residing in Standard Cages with Those Having Access to an Exercise Wheel
Authors: Alessio Helaine M. , Ansinelli Hayden , Threadgill Caitlyn , Hagerman Ann E.
Published: February 2014

Lifelong physical inactivity is associated with morbidity in adulthood, possibly influenced by changes in gene and protein expressions occurring earlier in life. mRNA (Affymetrix gene array) and proteomic (2D-DIGE MALDI-TOF/MS) analyses were determined in cardiac tissue of young (3 months) and old (16 months) Sprague-Dawley rats housed with no access to physical activity (SED) versus an exercise wheel (EX). Unfavorable phenotypes for body weight, dyslipidemia, and tumorogenesis appeared more often in adult SED versus EX. No differentially expressed genes (DEGs) occurredbetweengroups at 3 or 16 months.Withingroups, SED and EX shared 215 age-associated DEGs. In SED, ten unique DEGs occurred with age; three had cell adhesion functions (fn1, lgals3, ncam2). In EX, five unique DEGs occurred with age; two involved hypothalamic, pituitary, and gonadal hormone axis (nrob2, xpnpep2). Protein expression involved in binding, sugar metabolic processes, and vascular regulation declined with age in SED (KNT1, ALBU, GPX1, PYGB, LDHB, G3P, PYGM, PGM1, ENOB). Protein expression increased with age in EX for ATP metabolic processes (MYH6, MYH7, ATP5J, ATPA) and vascular function (KNT1, ALBU, GPX1). Differences in select gene and protein expressions within sedentary and active animals occurred with age and contributed to distinct health-related phenotypes in adulthood.
Factors Associated with a Poor Treatment Outcome among Children Treated for Malaria in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Sangowawa Adesola O. , Amodu Olukemi K. , Olaniyan Subulade A. , Amodu Folakemi A. , Olumese Peter E. , Omotade Olayemi O.
Published: February 2014

We present data on factors associated with poor treatment outcome (death or recovery with a neurological complication) among children treated for malaria in Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of 2468 children (1532 with uncomplicated and 936 with severe malaria) were recruited from three government facilities. History was obtained from caregivers and malarial parasite test was carried out on each child. About 76.0% of caregivers had instituted home treatment. Following treatment, 2207 (89.5%) children recovered without complications, 9.1% recovered with neurological complications, and 1.4% died. The possibility of poor treatment outcome increased with decreasing child’s age (P<0.0001). A statistically significant proportion of children with pallor, jaundice, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, respiratory distress, and severe anaemia had poor treatment outcome. Following logistic regression, child’s age < 12 months compared to older age groups (O.R = 5.99, 95% C.I = 1.15–31.15, and P=0.033) and loss of consciousness (O.R = 4.55, 95% CI = 1.72–12.08, and P=0.002) was significantly associated with poor treatment outcome. We recommend interventions to improve caregivers’ awareness on the importance of seeking medical care early. This will enhance early diagnosis and treatment and reduce the likelihood of complications that lead to poor treatment outcomes.
Determination of 16 Selected Trace Elements in Children Plasma from China Economical Developed Rural Areas Using High Resolution Magnetic Sector Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liu Xiaobing , Piao Jianhua , Huang Zhenwu , Zhang Shuang-Qing , Li Weidong , Tian Yuan , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: February 2014

A rapid, accurate, and high performance method of high resolution sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) combined with a small-size sample (0.1 mL) preparation was established. The method was validated and applied for the determination of 16 selected plasma trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, B, Al, Se, Sr, V, Cr, Mn, Co, As, Mo, Cd, and Pb). The linear working ranges were over three intervals, 0-1 μg/L, 0–10 μg/L and 0–100 μg/L. Correlation coefficients (R2) ranged from 0.9957 to 0.9999 and the limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.02 μg/L (Rb) to 1.89 μg/L (Se). The trueness (or recovery) spanned from 89.82% (Al) to 119.15% (Se) and precision expressed by the relative standard deviation (RSD %) for intra-day ranging from 1.1% (Zn) to 9.0% (Se), while ranged from 3.7% (Fe) to 12.7% (Al) for interday. A total of 440 plasma samples were collected from Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey Project 2002 (CNNHS 2002), which represented the status of plasma trace elements for the children aged 3–12 years from China economical developed rural areas. The concentrations of 16 trace elements were summarized and compared by age groups and gender, which can be used as one of the basic components for the formulation of the baseline reference values of trace elements for the children in 2002.
Responding to a Forest Catastrophe: The Emergence of New Governance Arrangements in Southern California
Authors: Petersen Brian , Wellstead Adam M.
Published: February 2014

The San Bernardino National Forest in southern California experienced an unprecedented bark beetle outbreak in the early 2000s. The outbreak, coupled with a looming threat of catastrophic wildfire, droughts, changing forest management priorities, and a legacy of poor forest management practices coalesced to create a challenge that existing institutions and management agencies could not address. In response, an interagency collaborative effort, the Mountain Area Taskforce (MAST), was initiated. Based on key informant interviews, this paper details how this new governance organization emerged and how it effectively addressed a landscape scale forest challenge. Forest governance analyses often focus attention on macroscales, overlooking the microlevel arrangements that set MAST apart from other responses to bark beetle outbreaks. Interagency collaboration has taken on greater importance in efforts to address forest management at landscape scales and this case study provides important insights into the challenges and opportunities of these new governance arrangements.
A Gauss-Kuzmin Theorem for Continued Fractions Associated with Nonpositive Integer Powers of an Integerm≥2
Authors: Lascu Dan
Published: February 2014

We consider a family{τm:m≥2}of interval maps which are generalizations of the Gauss transformation. For the continued fraction expansion arising fromτm, we solve a Gauss-Kuzmin-type problem.
New Exact Explicit Nonlinear Wave Solutions for the Broer-Kaup Equation
Authors: Wen Zhenshu
Published: February 2014

We study the nonlinear wave solutions for the Broer-Kaup equation. Many exact explicit expressions of the nonlinear wave solutions for the equation are obtained by exploiting the bifurcation method and qualitative theory of dynamical systems. These solutions contain solitary wave solutions, singular solutions, periodic singular solutions, and kink-shaped solutions, most of which are new. Some previous results are extended.
Determinants of Human Papillomavirus Coinfections among Montreal University Students: The Influence of Behavioral and Biologic Factors
Authors: Smith Michaela A. , Tellier Pierre-Paul , Roger Michel , Coutlée Francois , Franco Eduardo L. , Richardson Harriet
Published: February 2014

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) coinfections are common among HPV-infected individuals, but the significance and etiology of these infections remain unclear. Though current evidence suggests that women with coinfections have increased HPV exposure (i.e., more sexual partners), it is also hypothesized that these women may represent a subgroup with increased biologic susceptibility. This study sought to examine determinants of coinfections in a cohort of young women, examining both behavioral and biologic factors related to HPV acquisition over time.

Methods: Female university students (n = 537) in Montreal, Canada, were followed for 2 years at 6-month intervals. At each visit, cervical specimens were collected for cytology and HPV testing, and women completed a questionnaire about lifestyle and behavior. HLA alleles were typed from purified DNA collected from cervical specimens. Two definitions of coinfections were used: cumulative coinfection over follow-up and concurrent coinfection at each visit. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine predictors of both cumulative and concurrent coinfections using baseline and time-dependent covariates.

Results: The most consistent determinant of coinfection occurrence was number of sexual partners, though several genes of the immune response (HLA-DQB1*06:02, HLA-G*01:01:03, and HLA-G*01:01:05) were also identified as significant predictors of cumulative coinfections.

Conclusions: HPV coinfections mainly occur due to increased sexual activity, but biologic susceptibility may also be involved in a subset of women. Immunologic factors may put women at greater risk of coinfections over the long term, but short-term risk is almost exclusively driven by modifiable sexual behaviors.

Impact: Additional research should continue to further identify immunologic biomarkers of HPV susceptibility. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(5); 812–22. ©2014 AACR.
The Role of Gene Body Cytosine Modifications in MGMT Expression and Sensitivity to Temozolomide
Authors: Moen Erika L. , Stark Amy L. , Zhang Wei , Dolan M. Eileen , Godley Lucy A.
Published: February 2014

The DNA repair protein O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is known to play a role in sensitivity to temozolomide. Promoter hypermethylation of MGMT is commonly used to predict low expression levels of MGMT in gliomas, despite observed discordance between promoter methylation and protein levels. Here, we investigated the functional role of gene body cytosine modification in regulating levels of MGMT gene expression and sensitivity to temozolomide. In 91 human glioblastoma samples, we observed significant variation in MGMT expression levels in patients with an unmethylated promoter, with higher levels of gene body cytosine modification correlating with higher gene expression levels. Furthermore, inducing hypomethylation across the MGMT gene body with decitabine corresponded with decreased levels of MGMT gene expression in lymphoblastoid and glioblastoma cell lines, indicating an important functional role for gene body cytosine modifications in maintaining gene expression. We reasoned that the decrease in MGMT expression induced by decitabine may render resistant glioblastoma cell lines more sensitive to temozolomide. Consistent with this reasoning, we found that the MGMT-expressing glioblastoma cell lines exhibiting an unmethylated MGMT promoter that were pretreated with decitabine became significantly more sensitive to temozolomide. Overall, our results suggest a functional role for gene body cytosine modification in regulating gene expression of MGMT and indicate that pretreating patients whose tumors have an unmethylated MGMT promoter with decitabine before temozolomide treatment may increase their response to therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(5); 1334–44. ©2014 AACR.
Changes in Alpha1-Adrenoceptor and NGF/proNGF Pathway: A Possible Mechanism in Diabetic Urethral Dysfunction
Authors: Chen Shouzhen , Zhu Yaofeng , Feng Xiaodi , Zhang Zhaocun , Li Shun , Shi Benkang
Published: February 2014

Objective: To investigate the changes in the α1-adrenoceptor and nerve growth factor (NGF)/NGF precursor (proNGF) pathway in the urethra after diabetes induction. Materials and Methods: Urethral relaxation function was determined by simultaneous recordings of intravesical pressure under isovolumetric conditions and urethral perfusion pressure (UPP) in diabetic rats. The expression of α1-adrenoceptor, NGF, proNGF, low-affinity p75 receptor for neurotrophins (p75NTR) and sortilin in the urethras was measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting. Results: In diabetic rats, the lowest urethral pressure (UPP nadir) during urethral relaxation was significantly higher. Intravenous administration of tamsulosin, an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist, significantly decreased the UPP nadir and baseline UPP in diabetic rats. RT-qPCR and Western blotting studies showed a statistically significant increase of α1a- and α1b-adrenoceptor in the urethras from the diabetic group (p < 0.05). The expression of NGF was significantly decreased in the urethras from the diabetic group while the expression of proNGF was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The p75NTR level in the urethras of diabetic rats was decreased compared with controls (p < 0.05) and there was no significant difference regarding sortilin between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study validated the diabetic urethral dysfunction and furthermore indicated that the increase in the expression of α1-adrenoceptor and changes in the NGF/proNGF pathway may be involved in diabetic urethral dysfunction.
Involuntary Detrusor Contraction Is a Frequent Finding in Patients with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Rodrigues Paulo , Hering Flávio , Campagnari João Carlos
Published: February 2014

Objective: To check whether subtle voiding dysfunction is related to recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI). Methods: 254 consecutive patients with at least four episodes of urinary tract infection (UTI) were studied. At least three repeat urodynamic evaluations with an additional ice water test to maximize the detection of involuntary detrusor contraction (IDC) were used. Stress urinary incontinence cases were used as controls. Nonparametric univariate and multivariate analyses were used for statistics. Results: IDC was detected in 83.6% of patients in the rUTI group and in 31.7% in the control group. IDC was <15 cm H2O in 54.7% whereas high-amplitude (>50 cm H2O) IDC was observed in 6.8% in the rUTI group. Female urinary tract obstruction was diagnosed in 16.8% of patients in the rUTI group and in 7.9% in the control group. Residual volume, PdetQmax and Qmax were not predictive of UTI recurrence. Symptoms were similar in both groups. Conclusions: Patients with rUTI present with covert bladder dysfunctions represented by detrusor overactivity.
Adrenal Enzyme Impairment in Neonates and Adolescents Treated with Ritonavir and Protease Inhibitors for HIV Exposure or Infection
Authors: Kariyawasam D. , Simon A. , Laborde K. , Parat S. , Souchon P.-F. , Frange P. , Blanche S. , Polak M.
Published: February 2014

Background: Human deficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors (PIs) are widely used drugs whose effects are pharmacologically enhanced by ritonavir, a potent cytochrome P450 inhibitor. We reported previously that prophylactic postnatal ritonavir-PI therapy in HIV-exposed neonates was associated with increases in plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). Aims: To further investigate adrenal function in neonates and adolescents given ritonavir-PI. Methods: Adrenal function was assessed prospectively in 3 HIV-exposed neonates given short-term prophylactic treatment and 3 HIV-infected adolescents given long-term treatment. Plasma cortisol, 17-OHP, 17-OH-pregnenolone, DHEA-S, and androstenedione were measured before and after ACTH administration. Results: None of the patients had clinical signs of adrenal dysfunction. The only neonate exposed to ritonavir-PI in utero had up to 3-fold increases in plasma 17-OHP. Increases in 17-OH-pregnenolone of up to 3.1-fold were noted in 4 of the 6 patients, and all 6 patients had elevations in DHEA-S (up to 20.4-fold increase) and/or DHEA (up to 4.7-fold) and/or androstenedione (up to 5.2-fold). All these parameters improved after treatment completion. Conclusion: Neonates and adolescents given ritonavir-PI exhibit a similar adrenal dysfunction profile consistent with an impact on multiple adrenal enzymes. These abnormalities require evaluation, given the potentially long exposure times.
Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Is a Useful Marker to Distinguish Vitamin D-Deficient Rickets from Hypophosphatemic Rickets
Authors: Kubota Takuo , Kitaoka Taichi , Miura Kohji , Fujiwara Makoto , Ohata Yasuhisa , Miyoshi Yoko , Yamamoto Keiko , Takeyari Shinji , Yamamoto Takehisa , Namba Noriyuki , Ozono Keiichi
Published: February 2014

Background/Aims: Vitamin D-deficient rickets (DR) has recently re-emerged among developed countries. Vitamin D deficiency can influence biochemical results of patients with fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)-related hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets (HR), making differential diagnosis difficult. In the present study we evaluated the utility of serum FGF23 levels in the diagnosis of DR and during its treatment. Methods: The study group comprised 24 children with DR and 8 children with HR. Serum FGF23 levels and bone metabolism-related measurements were assessed. Results: Serum FGF23 levels in patients with DR were less than 19 pg/ml, while those in patients with HR were more than 57 pg/ml. There were significant differences in serum levels of calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, as well as tubular maximum phosphate reabsorption per glomerular filtration rate between patients with DR and HR, but these values were not fully mutually exclusive. In addition, serum FGF23 and phosphate levels were increased following treatment. Conclusion: Serum FGF23 level is the most critical biochemical marker for distinguishing DR from HR and might be a good indicator of biochemical response to the intervention. Serum FGF23 levels show utility for the diagnosis of DR and in the assessment of its response to treatment.
CD117 (c-kit) Expression on CD34+ Cells Participates in the Cytogenetic Response to Imatinib in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in the First Chronic Phase
Authors: Dybko Jaroslaw , Haus Olga , Jaźwiec Bożena , Urbaniak Joanna , Woźniak Mieczysław , Kaczmar-Dybko Agnieszka , Urbaniak-Kujda Donata , Kapelko-Slowik Katarzyna , Kuliczkowski Kazimierz
Published: February 2014

Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) biology seemed to be perfectly explored especially at the beginning of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors era. Later years with imatinib and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors showed a variety of resistance mechanisms and it became obvious that the bcr-abl chimeric gene is not the only enemy to fight. Some studies assumed the decreased rate of programmed cell death (apoptotic) to be the primary mechanism by which BCR-ABL affects expansion of the leukemic clone in CML. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of c-kit inhibition in treatment response. Methods: Cytogenetic analysis, real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, flow-cytometric analysis and imatinib serum level quantification were applied. Results: The percentage of CD34+ cells expressing c-kit (CD117) isolated from bone marrow samples of 54 CML patients treated with standard-dose imatinib was significantly lower among imatinib responders. The fraction of apoptotic CD34+CD117+ cells in this patient group was significantly higher than in nonresponders. Conclusion: To achieve optimal treatment response in CML patients, the elimination of CD34+CD117+ may be necessary through an apoptotic pathway.
The Importance of Amyloid β Protein in Cerebrospinal Fluid when You Recognize Convexal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Tamura Ryota , Tomita Hideyuki , Mizutani Katsuhiro , Miwa Tomoru
Published: February 2014

Background: Convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) is sometimes experienced in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), but ones that are repeated within a brief time period are not common. Also, it is often difficult to diagnose CAA when you experience a case of cSAH. Methods: We examined the clinical course of 2 cases that showed cSAH repeatedly. We examined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of amyloid β protein (Aβ) 40 and 42 and tau protein as additional evidence for a diagnosis of CAA. Results: Case 1 presented with transient motor paresis of the left hand and case 2 with transient sensory disturbance of the left hand. CT scans showed cSAH on the right central sulcus in both patients. Case 1 showed development of intracerebral hemorrhage on the frontal lobe near the right central sulcus. Case 2 showed relapse of cSAH with recurrence of the same symptoms. These cases could not be diagnosed by image analysis, but were considered CAA by Aβ40, Aβ42 and tau protein in CSF. Conclusion: Aβ in CSF can be presented here as support for the diagnosis of CAA that is difficult to diagnose by Boston criteria.
Management of Hypotension in Preterm Infants (The HIP Trial): A Randomised Controlled Trial of Hypotension Management in Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns
Authors: Dempsey E.M. , Barrington K.J. , Marlow N. , O'Donnell C.P. , Miletin J. , Naulaers G. , Cheung P.-Y. , Corcoran D. , Pons G. , Stranak Z. , Van Laere D. ,   on behalf of the HIP Consortium
Published: February 2014

Background: Extremely preterm babies (delivered at <28 completed weeks of gestation) are frequently diagnosed with hypotension and treated with inotropic and pressor drugs in the immediate postnatal period. Dopamine is the most commonly used first-line drug. Babies who are treated for hypotension more frequently sustain brain injury, have long-term disability or die compared to those who are not. Despite the widespread use of drugs to treat hypotension in such infants, evidence for efficacy is lacking, and the effect of these agents on long-term outcomes is unknown. Hypothesis: In extremely preterm babies, restricting the use of dopamine when mean blood pressure (BP) values fall below a nominal threshold and using clinical criteria to determine escalation of support (‘restricted' approach) will result in improved neonatal and longer-term developmental outcomes. Research Plan: In an international multi-centre randomised trial, 830 infants born at <28 weeks of gestation, and within 72 h of birth, will be allocated to 1 of 2 alternative treatment options (dopamine vs. restricted approach) to determine the better strategy for the management of BP, using a conventional threshold to commence treatment. The first co-primary outcome of survival without brain injury will be determined at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age and the second co-primary outcome (survival without neurodevelopmental disability) will be assessed at 2 years of age, corrected for prematurity. Discussion: It is essential that appropriately designed trials be performed to define the most appropriate management strategies for managing low BP in extremely preterm babies.
Pigmentary Lines of the Newborn: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Fosse Nicole , Itin Peter
Published: February 2014

Various diseases of pigmentation in the newborn are known, such as congenital or acquired linear hyperpigmentation. Pigmentary lines of the newborn are counted among the transient benign cutaneous lesions in the newborn and appear to be rather rare. This paper reports on a newborn with pigmentary lines in the creases of the abdomen. The 5-month-old boy is the first case observed so far in the University Hospital of Basel in Switzerland. He was born at term and healthy, without any congenital abnormalities. The horizontally arranged linear hyperpigmentation appeared shortly after birth and faded spontaneously after 5 months. Pigmentary lines of the newborn are rare and the non-hormonal cause may be flexion in utero or other mechanically induced stimulation. So far, only eight similar cases have been reported, which are listed in a table.
Association between Nutrient Intake and Anemia in Brazilian Adolescents
Authors: Bagni Ursula Viana , Yokoo Edna Massae , da Veiga Gloria Valeria
Published: February 2014

Aims: The association between the intake of iron, vitamins A and C and calcium and the prevalence of anemia and hemoglobin (Hb) levels was investigated in adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed with 529 Brazilian students. Anemia was defined in terms of Hb concentration. Nutrient intake was assessed by a 3-day food record. The association between the prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake and anemia was estimated by the χ2 test, and that between nutrient intake and Hb by linear regression. Results: The prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake did not differ between nonanemic and anemic subjects. Anemic adolescents had a lower mean intake of iron than nonanemic adolescents. Among boys aged 11-13 years, the anemic subjects had lower vitamin C intake than those who were nonanemic (41.1 vs. 62.6 mg, p < 0.01), and among those aged 14-19 years, there was a tendency for a positive association between Hb and heme iron intake (β = 0.64, p = 0.06) and a negative association with calcium intake (β = -0.003, p = 0.02). In females, daily nutrient intake did not differ between anemic and nonanemic individuals. Conclusions: Heme iron and vitamin C are possible protective factors against anemia in boys. However, the lack of association between inadequate iron intake and anemia, especially in girls, suggests that other factors beyond diet could explain anemia in this age range.
Brain Activation Associated with Pride and Shame
Authors: Roth Lilian , Kaffenberger Tina , Herwig Uwe , Brühl Annette B.
Published: February 2014

Background: Self-referential emotions such as shame/guilt and pride provide evaluative information about persons themselves. In addition to emotional aspects, social and self-referential processes play a role in self-referential emotions. Prior studies have rather focused on comparing self-referential and other-referential processes of one valence, triggered mostly by external stimuli. In the current study, we aimed at investigating the valence-specific neural correlates of shame/guilt and pride, evoked by the remembrance of a corresponding autobiographical event during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Method: A total of 25 healthy volunteers were studied. The task comprised a negative (shame/guilt), a positive (pride) and a neutral condition (expecting the distractor). Each condition was initiated by a simple cue, followed by the remembrance and finished by a distracting picture. Results: Pride and shame/guilt conditions both activated typical emotion-processing circuits including the amygdala, insula and ventral striatum, as well as self-referential brain regions such as the bilateral dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. Comparing the two emotional conditions, emotion-processing circuits were more activated by pride than by shame, possibly due to either hedonic experiences or stronger involvement of the participants in positive self-referential emotions due to a self-positivity bias. However, the ventral striatum was similarly activated by pride and shame/guilt. In the whole-brain analysis, both self-referential emotion conditions activated medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate regions, corresponding to the self-referential aspect and the autobiographical evocation of the respective emotions. Conclusion: Autobiographically evoked self-referential emotions activated basic emotional as well as self-referential circuits. Except for the ventral striatum, emotional circuits were more active with pride than with shame.
Are Genes Connected with Homocysteine Metabolism Associated with Bipolar Disorder?
Authors: Permoda-Osip Agnieszka , Dmitrzak-Weglarz Monika , Hauser Joanna , Rybakowski Janusz K.
Published: February 2014

Background: Increased levels of homocysteine have been observed in various psychiatric disorders, among them in schizophrenia, depression and bipolar mood disorder. Of the genes connected with homocysteine metabolism, some studies have found an association between polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and bipolar disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between 5 polymorphisms of 4 genes coding enzymes of homocysteine metabolism and bipolar disorder. Method: A total of 120 patients with bipolar disorder (24 male, 96 female) and 167 subjects from the general population (81 male, 86 female) were included in the study. Genotyping was performed for the C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene, for the T833C polymorphism (rs5742905) of the cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) gene, for the A2756G polymorphism (rs1805087) of the homocysteine methyltransferase gene, and for the A66G polymorphism (rs1801394) of the methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) gene. Results: An association with bipolar disorder was found for the T833C polymorphism (rs5742905) of the CBS gene. However, in the patient sample, the genotypes of this polymorphism were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No relationship to bipolar disorder was obtained for the remaining polymorphisms studied. Conclusions: These results are the first suggesting a possible association between T833C polymorphism (rs5742905) of the CBS gene and bipolar disorder. We were unable to confirm an association between bipolar disorder and C677T polymorphism (rs1801133) of the MTHFR gene, as suggested in some previous studies.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy und multiple familiäre Belastungen: Ein Fallbericht
Authors: Schimek Martina , Walter Thomas , Bussing Regina , Briegel Wolfgang
Published: February 2014

Hintergrund: Früh beginnende Störungen des Sozialverhaltens, für die es zahlreiche mögliche Ursachen (unter anderem familiäre Belastungen) gibt, weisen häufig eine schlechte Prognose auf. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) stellt eine im englischsprachigen Raum hinsichtlich ihrer Evidenz sehr gut belegte Behandlung für 2- bis 7-jährige Kinder mit Störungen des Sozialverhaltens dar. Für Deutschland fehlen bisher entsprechende Nachweise. Falldarstellung: In dieser Kasuistik werden Diagnostik und Behandlung eines 3-jährigen Jungen mit Störung des Sozialverhaltens (oppositionell-aufsässiger Typ) beschrieben, bei dem familiär zahlreiche psychosoziale Risikofaktoren vorlagen. Nach einer ausführlichen Eingangsdiagnostik nahmen Mutter und Kind gemeinsam an PCIT teil. In dieser ersten Fallbeschreibung zu PCIT im deutschsprachigen Raum wird ausführlich der Therapieverlauf dargestellt; insbesondere wird dabei auch auf Besonderheiten und Herausforderungen einer Familie mit Mehrfachbelastungen eingegangen. Nach insgesamt 19 Therapiesitzungen erfüllte der Junge die Diagnosekriterien für eine Störung des Sozialverhaltens nicht mehr; seine Mutter zeigte ein deutlich verbessertes Erziehungsverhalten. Auch bei der Nachuntersuchung 14 Monate später zeigte sich der Behandlungserfolg stabil; darüber hinaus war es zu einigen Entwicklungsfortschritten (unter anderem im Bereich Sprache) gekommen. Schlussfolgerungen: Insgesamt liefert der geschilderte Fall erste Hinweise dafür, dass PCIT auch in Deutschland eine Erfolg versprechende Therapieoption bei Störungen des Sozialverhaltens im Vorschulalter darstellt, auch bei Patienten aus Familien mit mulitplen Belastungen.
Spontaneous Resolution of Vitreomacular Traction in Two Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Almeida David R.P. , Chin Eric K. , Russell Stephen R.
Published: February 2014

The nature of the vitreoretinal interface in conditions like diabetic macular edema (DME) remains incompletely understood. Furthermore, it is not clear what the role of pharmacological enzymatic vitreolysis will play in cases of vitreomacular traction (VMT) associated with macular disease like DME. We describe the spontaneous resolution of VMT in 2 patients with DME. As both surgical and pharmacologic interventions have been suggested to treat DME in the setting of VMT, we feel that a clarification of the nomenclature and reporting of these cases of natural history may be useful in more fully understanding the complex decision-making involved when determining whether to treat this subset of patients.
Tacalcitol in the Treatment of Acquired Perforating Collagenosis
Authors: Escribano-Stablé J.C. , Doménech C. , Matarredona J. , Pascual J.C. , Jaen A. , Vicente J.
Published: February 2014

Acquired perforating collagenosis (APC) is a rare perforating dermatosis characterized by transepidermal collagen elimination. We describe a 65-year-old patient, with long-standing type 2 diabetes mellitus and a 2-year history of itchy hyperkeratotic nodules situated on the back, who was subsequently diagnosed with APC. Treatment included topical corticosteroids and antihistamines, without improvement of the lesions. However, therapy with topical tacalcitol administered for 2 months produced a significant response leading to complete remission of APC.
Keratitis with Kocuria palustris and Rothia mucilaginosa in Vitamin A Deficiency
Authors: Mattern R.M. , Ding Jiaxi
Published: February 2014

Purpose: To present a case of unusual corneal infection early in the course of peripheral ulcerative keratitis in a patient with severe vitamin A deficiency. Method: Single observational case report in urban USA. Case Presentation: An alcoholic patient with pancreatitis, chronic diarrhea, and vitamin A deficiency presented with a marginal corneal ulcer from which two bacteria of the family Micrococcaceae were cultured and identified by genome sequence analysis, namely Kocuria palustris and Rothia mucilaginosa. Soon after, severe bilateral peripheral ulcerative keratitis developed, later accompanied by eyelid cellulitis of one lid. These conditions improved with antibiotics, treatment of the underlying gastrointestinal conditions, and treatment of the vitamin deficiency. Conclusion: Susceptibility to keratitis with unusual bacteria of the Micrococcaceae family can occur in the setting of alcoholism-related gastrointestinal disease with severe vitamin A deficiency. To our knowledge, K. palustris is a species not previously identified in any human disease, and the Kocuria genus has not previously been reported as a participant in eye infection. Documented cases of R. mucilaginosa in ocular disease are rare. These unusual infections heralded the onset of severe marginal corneal melts.
Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier 3–Modified Proteome Regulated by Brain Ischemia in Novel Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier Transgenic Mice
Authors: Yang Wei , Sheng Huaxin , Thompson J. Will , Zhao Shengli , Wang Liangli , Miao Pei , Liu Xiaozhi , Moseley M. Arthur , Paschen Wulf
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose—

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) conjugation is a post-translational modification associated with many human diseases. Characterization of the SUMO-modified proteome is pivotal to define the mechanistic link between SUMO conjugation and such diseases. This is particularly evident for SUMO2/3 conjugation, which is massively activated after brain ischemia/stroke, and is believed to be a protective response. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of the SUMO3-modified proteome regulated by brain ischemia using a novel SUMO transgenic mouse.

Methods—

To enable SUMO proteomics analysis in vivo, we generated transgenic mice conditionally expressing tagged SUMO1-3 paralogues. Transgenic mice were subjected to 10 minutes forebrain ischemia and 1 hour of reperfusion. SUMO3-conjugated proteins were enriched by anti-FLAG affinity purification and analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results—

Characterization of SUMO transgenic mice demonstrated that all 3 tagged SUMO paralogues were functionally active, and expression of exogenous SUMOs did not modify the endogenous SUMOylation machinery. Proteomics analysis identified 112 putative SUMO3 substrates of which 91 candidates were more abundant in the ischemia group than the sham group. Data analysis revealed processes/pathways with putative neuroprotective functions, including glucocorticoid receptor signaling, RNA processing, and SUMOylation-dependent ubiquitin conjugation.

Conclusions—

The identified proteins/pathways modulated by SUMOylation could be the key to understand the mechanisms linking SUMOylation to neuroprotection, and thus provide new promising targets for therapeutic interventions. The new transgenic mouse will be an invaluable platform for analyzing the SUMO-modified proteome in models of human disorders and thereby help to mechanistically link SUMOylation to the pathological processes.
Communication and State Construction: The Postal Service in German States, 1815–1866
Authors: Segal Zef
Published: February 2014

A comparison between five nineteenth-century German states demonstrates the importance of postal systems for nation-building and nationalism. Prior to the formal unification of Germany under Emperor Wilhelm of Prussia in 1871, the various German states evinced scant political, administrative, social, or geographical cohesion until their postal systems created a communications infrastructure that gradually eroded traditional barriers.
Represented Authenticity: Native Voices in Seventeenth-Century Conversion Narratives
Authors: Henkel Jacqueline M.
Published: February 2014

In the seventeenth century, John Eliot's Native American converts performed conversion narratives before Puritan elders. Translated, transcribed, and edited for publication in missionary tracts, these confessions demonstrate how converts mapped their own perspectives onto the apparently restrictive form of this Puritan genre, developing distinctive tropes and themes.
Before the First Whalemen: The Emergence and Loss of Indigenous Maritime Autonomy in New England, 1672–1740
Authors: Chaves Kelly K.
Published: February 2014

Before contact, the ocean centered prominently in the lives of Native Americans. After Europeans controlled New England's littoral, Natives connected to the sea in Nantucket's commercial codfishery. Native codfishermen exercised autonomy; with the rise of the whaling, that power was lost and Native whalefishermen became indebted to their whale merchants.
Editors’ Introduction: Christianity and Latin American Art
Authors: Bernier Ronald R. , Hostetter Smith Rachel
Published: February 2014

‭This brief introduction discusses the need for scholars to turn their attention to the intersections between art and Christianity in Latin America, and traces the origins of this special double-issue of Religion and the Arts to a one-day scholarly symposium entitled “Christianity and Latin American Art: Apprehension, Appropriation, Assimilation.” This symposium was sponsored by the Association of Scholars of Christianity in the History of Art (ASCHA), and held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, California, in February 2012.‬
Introduction to Part I: Time and its Transformations from the Old World to the New
Authors: Stanfield-Mazzi Maya
Published: February 2014

‭The four articles in Part I, Time and its Transformations from the Old World to the New, suggest that as Christianity was transmitted to the New World, this transmission necessitated new ways of conceiving of time and history. The articles thus point to new ways of thinking about the legacy of Christianity in Latin America. They also lead to a re-envisioning of the wider history of the Christian faith, a vision similarly expressed by artist Robert Graham on the doors of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.‬
Mexican Instauration: Devotion and Transformation in New Spain
Authors: Cruz González Cristina
Published: February 2014

‭This article interrogates the devotional histories and archival evidence related to Our Lady of Angels in Tecaxic and Tlatelolco. Both Marian paintings survived lengthy periods of neglect and dilapidated shrines. Throughout the late colonial period, the Franciscan Order and church elites exploited the notions of “incorruptibility” and “ruined spaces” in their desire to regulate piety and rogue religiosity. (In)corruptibility delineated the divine and sanctioned official intervention. Yet official support never proved enough—both histories draw our attention to the politics of patronage and the complex task of renovation and instauration; they ultimately demonstrate the instability of sanctuary structures and the precarious nature of icon devotion.‬