bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical utility of 18F FDG-PET/CT in the detection of bone marrow disease in Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Muzahir S , Mian M , Munir I , K Nawaz M , S Faruqui Z , A Mufti K , Bashir H , Uddin N , Siddiqui N , U R Maaz A , T Mahmood M
Published: February 2012

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential role of fludeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/CT in the detection of bone/bone marrow disease in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed (18F)-FDG-PET/CT scans of 122 newly diagnosed, biopsy-proven cases of HL performed between November 2009 and June 2010. All the patients were staged before treatment by both PET/CT and bone marrow biopsy (BMB). Patients were subdivided into three groups based on the findings of FDG-PET/CT. Group A consisted of patients showing diffuse FDG uptake, Group B consisted of patients showing unifocal FDG uptake and Group C patients showed multifocal FDG-avid foci on PET/CT scans. Bone marrow results were also reviewed and considered positive if lymphomatous involvement was detected on bone marrow trephine biopsy. BMB results were correlated with FDG-PET/CT findings.

Results: There were 122 patients in total—81 (66.4%) were male and 41 (33.6%) were female. The age range was from 6 years to 78 years (mean 35.70 years). PET/CT was reported as negative for bone/bone marrow involvement in 85 (69.7%) patients, while the remaining 37 showed abnormal FDG uptake. The sensitivity of FDG-PET/CT was calculated to be 100%, the specificity was 76.57%, the negative predictive value was 76.57%, the positive predictive value was 29.72% and the diagnostic accuracy was 78.62%.

Conclusion:  18F-FDG-PET/CT and BMB are complementary in the evaluation of bone marrow disease.
Comparison of the clinical performance of three digital mammography systems in a breast cancer screening programme
Authors: Keavey E , Phelan N , O'Connell A M , Flanagan F , O'Doherty A , Larke A , Connors A M
Published: February 2012

This study compares the clinical performance of three digital mammography system types in a breast cancer screening programme. 28 digital mammography systems from three different vendors were included in the study. The retrospective analysis included 238 182 screening examinations of females aged between 50 and 64 years over a 3-year period. All images were double read and assigned a result according to a 5-point rating scale to indicate the probability of cancer. Females with a positive result were recalled for further assessment imaging and biopsy if necessary. Clinical performance in terms of cancer detection rate was analysed and the results presented. No statistically significant difference was found between the three different mammography systems in a population-based screening programme, in terms of the overall cancer detection rate or in the detection of invasive cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ. This was shown in both prevalent and subsequent screening examination categories. The results demonstrate comparable cancer detection performance for the three imaging system types operational in the screening programme.
Detection of residual brain arteriovenous malformations after radiosurgery: diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced four-dimensional MR angiography at 3.0 T
Authors: Lim H K , Choi C G , Kim S M , Kim J L , Lee D H , Kim S J , Suh D C
Published: February 2012

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of four-dimensional MR angiography (4D-MRA) at 3.0 T for detecting residual arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) after Gamma Knife® (Elekta Instrument AB, Stockholm, Sweden) radiosurgery (GKRS).

Methods: We assessed 36 angiographically confirmed AVMs in 36 patients who had been treated with GKRS. 4D-MRA was performed after GKRS and the time intervals were 39.4±26.0 months [mean±standard deviation (SD)]. 4D-MRA was obtained at 3.0 T after contrast injection, with a measured voxel size of 1×1×1 mm and a temporal resolution of 1.1 s (13 patients) or a voxel size of 1×1×2 mm and a temporal resolution of 0.98 s (23 patients). X-ray angiography was performed as the standard reference within 53±47 days (mean±SD) after MRA. To determine a residual AVM, the 4D-MRA results were independently reviewed by two readers blinded to the X-ray angiography results. We evaluated diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of 4D-MRA for detection of a residual AVM.

Results: A residual AVM was identified in 13 patients (13/36, 36%) on X-ray angiography. According to Readers 1 and 2, 4D-MRA had a sensitivity of 79.6% and 64.3%, a specificity of 90.9% and 100%, a PPV of 84.6% and 100% and an NPV of 90% and 81.5%, respectively, and a diagnostic accuracy of 86.1% for Readers 1 and 2, for detecting residual AVMs after GKRS.

Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of 4D-MRA at 3.0 T seems high, but there is still the possibility of further improving the spatiotemporal resolution of this technique.
CT in the clinical and prognostic evaluation of acute graft-vs-host disease of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Shimoni A , Rimon U , Hertz M , Yerushalmi R , Amitai M , Portnoy O , Guranda L , Nagler A , Apter S
Published: February 2012

Objective: To determine the role of abdominal CT in assessment of severity and prognosis of patients with acute gastrointestinal (GI) graft-vs-host disease (GVHD).

Methods: During 2000–2004, 41 patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute GI-GVHD were evaluated. CTs were examined for intestinal and extra-intestinal abnormalities, and correlated with clinical staging and outcome.

Results: 20 patients had GVHD clinical Stage I–II and 21 had Stage III–IV. 39 (95%) had abnormal CT appearances. The most consistent finding was bowel wall thickening: small (n=14, 34%) or large (n=5, 12%) bowel, or both (n=20, 49%). Other manifestations included bowel dilatation (n=7, 17%), mucosal enhancement (n=6, 15%) and gastric wall thickening (n=9, 38%). Extra-intestinal findings included mesenteric stranding (n=25, 61%), ascites (n=17, 41%), biliary abnormalities (n=12, 29%) and urinary excretion of orally administered gastrografin (n=12, 44%). Diffuse small-bowel thickening and any involvement of the large bowel were associated with severe clinical presentation. Diffuse small-bowel disease correlated with poor prognosis. 8 of 21 patients responded to therapy, compared with 15 of 20 patients with other patterns (p=0.02), and the cumulative incidence of GVHD-related death was 62% and 24%, respectively (p=0.01). Overall survival was not significantly different between patients with diffuse small-bowel disease and patients with other patterns (p=0.31). Colonic disease correlated with severity of GVHD (p=0.04), but not with response to therapy or prognosis (p=0.45).

Conclusion: GVHD often presented with abdominal CT abnormalities. Diffuse small-bowel disease was associated with poor therapeutic response. CT may play a role in supporting clinical diagnosis of GI GVHD and determining prognosis.
Paraspinal volumetric modulated arc therapy
Authors: Bedford J L , Convery H M , Hansen V N , Saran F H
Published: February 2012

Objectives: The processes involved in the treatment of paraspinal tumours by volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) are described here by means of an illustrative case.

Methods: Az single anticlockwise arc from gantry angle 179° to 181° was constructed using SmartArc (Philips Radiation Oncology Systems, Fitchburg, WI) with control points spaced at 2°. The dose prescription was 60 Gy in 30 fractions to cover the planning target volume (PTV) as uniformly as possible while sparing the 0.3-cm planning risk volume (PRV) around the spinal cord. The plan was verified before treatment using a diode array phantom and radiochromic film. Treatment delivery was on a Synergy linear accelerator with a beam modulator head (Elekta Ltd, Crawley, UK).

Results: Homogeneous dose coverage of the PTV was achieved with a D2% of 62.0 Gy and D98% of 55.6 Gy. Maximum spinal cord dose was 49.9 Gy to 0.1 cm3 and maximum dose to the spinal cord PRV was 55.4 Gy to 0.1 cm3. At pre-treatment verification, the percentage of the high-dose region receiving a dose within 3% and 3 mm of the planned dose was 98.8% with the diode array and 93.4% with film. Delivery time was 2 min 15 s and the course of treatment was successfully completed.

Conclusions: VMAT was successfully planned, verified and delivered for this challenging tumour site. VMAT provides a very suitable method of treating complex paraspinal tumours, offering a high-quality conformal dose distribution with a short delivery time.
Replacing benzyl chloride with benzyl alcohol in heterogeneous catalytic benzylation of aromatic compounds
Authors: Candu Natalia , Wuttke Stefan , Kemnitz Erhard , Coman Simona M. , Pârvulescu Vasile I.
Published: February 2012

Comparative catalytic liquid-phase benzylation of aromatic compouds (e.g., benzene and ethylbenzene) to diphenylmethane (DPM) derivatives with benzyl alcohol (BnOH) was investigated over various catalysts like zeolite (HSZ 600 mordenite, CBV 20A mordenite, H-beta zeolites with Si/Al ratios of 10.8 and 35.8, respectively) and nano-structured inorganic fluorides (MgF2) at 80–120 °C under atmospheric pressure. The reactions were carried out in batch reactors using two methodologies: (i) by introducing both the solution of substrate and BnOH at the beginning of the reaction, and (ii) by drop-wise addition of BnOH (1–2 drops/min for 4 h) to the reaction mixture. The analysis of the reaction products indicated that the conversion and product distribution depend on the experimental method and the nature of the catalyst. The reaction rate was found to correlate to the nucleophilicity of the substrates and their ability to delocalize the positive charge in the Wheland intermediate by inductive and resonance effects.
The effect of pre-existing maternal obesity on the placental proteome: two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry
Authors: Oliva Karen , Barker Gillian , Riley Clyde , Bailey Mark J , Permezel Michael , Rice Gregory E , Lappas Martha
Published: February 2012

Our aim was to study the protein expression profiles of placenta obtained from lean and obese pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance at the time of term Caesarean section. We used two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), utilising narrow-range immobilised pH gradient strips that encompassed the broad pH range of 4–5 and 5–6, followed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry of selected protein spots. Western blot and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses were performed to validate representative findings from the 2D-DIGE analysis. Eight proteins were altered (six down-regulated and two up-regulated on obese placentas). Annexin A5 (ANXA5), ATP synthase subunit beta, mitochondria (ATPB), brain acid soluble protein 1 (BASP1), ferritin light chain (FTL), heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (HNRPC) and vimentin (VIME) were all lower in obese patients. Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) and stress-70 protein, mitochondrial (GRP75) were higher in obese patients. Western blot analysis of ANXA5, ATPB, FTL, VIME, A1AT and GRP75 confirmed the findings from the 2D-DIGE analysis. For brain acid soluble protein 1 and HNRPC, qRT-PCR analysis also confirmed the findings from the 2D-DIGE analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis was also used to determine the localisation of the proteins in human placenta. In conclusion, proteomic analysis of placenta reveals differential expression of several proteins in patients with pre-existing obesity. These proteins are implicated in a variety of cellular functions such as regulation of growth, cytoskeletal structure, oxidative stress, inflammation, coagulation and apoptosis. These disturbances may have significant implications for fetal growth and development.
Chemotherapy and Fingerprint Loss: Beyond Cosmetic
Authors: Al-Ahwal Mahmoud S.
Published: February 2012

Hand–foot syndrome (HFS) is a common adverse reaction to several chemotherapy drugs. Focus has been on the clinically relevant sequelae associated with this condition, with fingerprint loss receiving little attention. We report the case of a 53-year old male patient with terminal metastatic adenocarcinoma of the rectum involving the liver and lungs who developed grade 3 HFS while on capecitabine therapy. This resulted in his inability to process required government papers as a result of the loss of his fingerprints, imposing significant inconvenience and frustration on a person severely challenged by his deteriorating health. We believe clinicians should pay more attention to this possible outcome that can add additional stress in the lives of patients whose quality of life is already severely compromised.
Effect of rigid content on modal response combination
Authors: Dhileep Meera K. , Nair Sopna S.
Published: February 2012

The effects of rigid content of response on modal response combination are studied. The rigid response coefficients are calculated for 40 earthquakes and four damping ratios. The modal response is evaluated for a range of frequencies from damped periodic to rigid. The presence of rigid content in the modal responses having frequency less than rigid frequency is investigated. The related key frequencies and rigid frequency are studied. It is found that the rigid content of the response and the related key frequencies are functions of the damping ratio and found to be different from those proposed in the earlier studies. New simplified formulations are proposed for determining the rigid response coefficient for the combination of modal responses.
Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Use and Periodontal Health in 15‐ to 44‐Year‐Old US Females
Authors: Taichman L. Susan , Sohn Woosung , Kolenic Giselle , Sowers MaryFran
Published: February 2012

Background: It has been suggested that progestins may have an inflammatory component and/or increase in prostaglandin synthesis. Thus, extended progestin use may be associated with higher risk of periodontal diseases. This study investigates the association between depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injectable contraception and the prevalence of periodontal diseases among US premenopausal females.

Methods: Data for this cross‐sectional analysis comes from the 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. This analysis includes 4,460 US females (15 to 44 years of age) with complete DMPA usage and periodontal status data.

Results: Current and past DMPA use was 4.1% and 12.0%, respectively. The prevalence of gingivitis was 53.9% for females who reported having used DMPA compared with 46.1% for DMPA never‐users. Females taking DMPA were more likely to be young, single, and non‐white, have a history of smoking, have lower levels of education and income, and have ≥1 live births and were less likely to visit the dentist. Using logistic regression, DMPA use was associated with an increased risk of gingivitis (odds ratio [OR] =1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09 to 1.67) and periodontitis (DMPA, OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.01 to 2.22) after adjusting for age, race, education, poverty income ratio, dental care use, and smoking status. A significant interaction between smoking status and DMPA use was also found (P = 0.029).

Conclusions: This study suggests that DMPA use may be associated with periodontal diseases. Additional investigation is warranted as a result of the disproportionate usage of DMPA among low‐income populations who are at an increased risk for poor dental health.
Effects of operating parameters on efficiency of lead removal by complexation-microfiltration process
Authors: Trivunac Katarina , Stevanovic Slavica
Published: February 2012

Majority of lead content found in the environment is the result of human
activities. Heavy metals can be hazardous because they tend to bioaccumulate.
Complexation-microfiltration process for the removal of Pb(II) ions was
studied. The aim of microfiltration of the model wastewater containing heavy
metal ions was finding an optimum ratio between the concentrations of the
complexing agent and metal, and determining the most favorable pH value. The
microfiltration experiments were carried out in a stirred dead-end cell.
Diethylaminoethyl cellulose (DEAE 23) was selected as the complexing agent.
Versapor membranes were used to separate formed polymer-metal complex. The
concentration of heavy metal ions after microfiltration in aqueous solution
was determined using the atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Effects on the
amount of complexing agent, concentration of metal ion, pH value and
operating pressure on the flux, J, and rejection coefficient, R, were
investigated. Experimental results indicate that the pH of the solution has
considerable influence on the rejection coefficient. An increase in pH and
the amount of complexing agents enabled us to obtain very high retention
coefficient (99%).
Whey as a raw material for the production of functional beverages
Authors: Bulatovic Maja , Rakin Marica , Mojovic Ljiljana , Nikolic Svetlana , Vukasinovic-Sekulic Maja , Djukic-Vukovic Aleksandra
Published: February 2012

One of the least utilized by-products of food industry, despite the great
potential that is described, is the whey, which is obtained as a by-product
of the technological process production of cheese and casein. The excess
whey, which occurs in this process in very high yields, with failure to
processing is becoming a very big polluter, what is completely at odds with
the potential that such materials possess. On the other hand, the modern
tempo and way of life, and increasingly polluted environmental also, impose
the need to produce food products that would help the human body in the fight
against harmful agents which are exposed to daily. One of the more effective
solution is the production of fermented functional beverages based on whey,
which achieved this intention in the most natural and most comfortable way.
Considering the rather untapped potential of whey as a raw material and
growing food shortages in the world market, the aim of this study was to
analyze the possibilities of production of functional beverages based on
whey, with satisfactory sensory characteristics, in order to demonstrate the
attractiveness of whey as raw material in the food industry. This paper
presents an overview of the wide possibilities for the use of whey with a
special emphasis on its attractiveness and the necessity of its utilizing.
Distinguishing Colonization From Infection With Staphylococcus aureus in Diabetic Foot Ulcers With Miniaturized Oligonucleotide Arrays
Authors: Sotto Albert , Richard Jean-Louis , Messad Nourredine , Molinari Nicolas , Jourdan Nathalie , Schuldiner Sophie , Sultan Ariane , Carrière Christian , Canivet Bertrand , Landraud Luce , Lina Gérard , Lavigne Jean-Philippe ,   the French Study Group on the Diabetic Foot
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

To extend our previous work on evaluating the use of oligonucleotide arrays to discriminate colonization from infection owing to Staphylococcus aureus in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients admitted to 14 French diabetic foot departments for a DFU were screened for entry into the study. At admission, ulcers were classified based on clinical examination according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America system. Only patients with monomicrobial culture for S. aureus were included. In persons with an uninfected ulcer, a second wound bacterial specimen was obtained 1 month later. Using oligonucleotide arrays, S. aureus resistance and virulence genes were determined, and each isolate was affiliated to a clonal complex (CC).

RESULTS

S. aureus was initially isolated from 75 uninfected and 120 infected ulcers; 35 were methicillin resistant. A total of 44 (59%) strains from uninfected DFUs belonged to CC5/CC8 clones vs. 6 (5%) from infected DFUs (P < 0.001). During follow-up, 57 (76%) of uninfected DFUs healed or had a favorable outcome; the strain in 49 (86%) of them belonged to CC5/CC8. Conversely, 18 (24%) had a poor outcome but not a single strain belonged to CC5/CC8 clone. Moreover, lukDE was significantly associated with a favorable outcome of the wound.

CONCLUSIONS

As suggested by our previous study, the use of DNA arrays appears to be a promising technique that might help distinguishing uninfected from infected wounds, predicting ulcer outcome and then contributing to a more adequate use of antibiotics.
Impact of Diabetes Among Revascularized Patients in Japan and the U.S.
Authors: Kohsaka Shun , Goto Masashi , Nagai Toshiyuki , Lee Vei-Vei , Elayda MacArthur , Furukawa Yutaka , Fukushima Masanori , Komeda Masashi , Sakata Ryuzo , Ohsugi Mitsuru , Fukuda Keiichi , Wilson James M. , Kita Toru , Kimura Takeshi
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

Approximately 25% of patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have diabetes, and the diagnosis of diabetes roughly doubles the mortality risk associated with coronary artery disease. However, the impact of diabetes may differ according to ethnicity. Our objective was to examine the impact of diabetes on long-term survival among U.S. and Japanese patients who underwent PCI or CABG.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

For the current analysis, we included 8,871 patients from a Japanese multicenter registry (Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome database in Kyoto; median follow-up 3.5 years; interquartile range [IQR] 2.6–4.3) and 7,229 patients from a U.S. multipractice registry (Texas Heart Institute Research Database; median follow-up 5.2 years; IQR 3.8–6.5).

RESULTS

Diabetes was more prevalent among Japanese than U.S. patients (39.2 vs. 31.0%; P < 0.001). However, after revascularization, long-term all-cause mortality was lower in diabetic Japanese patients than in diabetic U.S. patients (85.4 vs. 82.2%; log-rank test P = 0.009), whereas it was similar in nondiabetic Japanese and U.S. patients (89.1 vs. 89.5%; P = 0.50). The national difference in crude mortality was also significant among insulin-using patients with diabetes (80.8 vs. 74.9%; P = 0.023). When long-term mortality was adjusted for known predictors, U.S. location was associated with greater long-term mortality risk than Japanese location among nondiabetic patients (hazard ratio 1.58 [95% CI 1.32–1.88]; P < 0.001) and, especially, diabetic patients (1.88 [1.54–2.30]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although diabetes was less prevalent in U.S. patients than in Japanese patients, U.S. patients had higher overall long-term mortality risk. This difference was more pronounced in diabetic patients.
Integrating an Automated Diabetes Management System Into the Family Management of Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Toscos Tammy R. , Ponder Stephen W. , Anderson Barbara J. , Davidson Mayer B. , Lee Martin L. , Montemayor-Gonzalez Elaine , Reyes Patricia , Link Eric , McMahon Kevin L.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to evaluate how the use of a pervasive blood glucose monitoring (BGM) technology relates to glycemic control, report of self-care behavior, and emotional response to BGM of children with type 1 diabetes and their parents.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Forty-eight children aged less than 12 years (mean 8.8 years) with type 1 diabetes were randomly assigned to one of two study groups, a control group (conventional care without technology) or an experimental group (conventional care with technology), and followed for 12 months. Families in the experimental group were given the Automated Diabetes Management System (ADMS), which automatically collects blood glucose (BG) values and sends to parent(s) a 21-day BG trending report via e-mail each night. Measures of glycemic control (HbA1c) were collected at baseline and at quarterly diabetes clinic visits; BGM effect and diabetes self-care behavior measures were obtained at the baseline, 6-month, and 12-month visits.

RESULTS

Children in the experimental group had significantly (P = 0.01) lower HbA1c at 12 months (7.44 ± 0.94, −0.35 from baseline) than controls (8.31 ± 1.24, +0.15 from baseline). Improvement in HbA1c was more profound in families using the ADMS more frequently. In addition, in these families, parents showed a significant improvement in BGM effect (P = 0.03) and children became more meticulous in diabetes self-care (P = 0.04). Children in both experimental and control groups experienced no change in their emotional response to BGM.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the ADMS 1–3 times/week may help children with type 1 diabetes improve glycemic control and gain diabetes self-management skills, as well as improve the BGM effect of parents.
Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study
Authors: Lowe Lynn P. , Metzger Boyd E. , Dyer Alan R. , Lowe Julia , McCance David R. , Lappin Terence R.J. , Trimble Elisabeth R. , Coustan Donald R. , Hadden David R. , Hod Moshe , Oats Jeremy J.N. , Persson Bengt ,   for the HAPO Study Cooperative Research Group
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

To compare associations of maternal glucose and A1C with adverse outcomes in the multinational Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study and determine, based on those comparisons, if A1C measurement can provide an alternative to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in pregnant women.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eligible pregnant women underwent a 75-g OGTT at 24–32 weeks’ gestation. A sample for A1C was also collected. Neonatal anthropometrics and cord serum C-peptide were measured. Associations with outcomes were assessed using multiple logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Among 23,316 HAPO Study participants with glucose levels blinded to caregivers, 21,064 had a nonvariant A1C result. The mean ± SD A1C was 4.79 ± 0.40%. Associations were significantly stronger with glucose measures than with A1C for birth weight, sum of skinfolds, and percent body fat >90th percentile and for fasting and 1-h glucose for cord C-peptide (all P < 0.01). For example, in fully adjusted models, odds ratios (ORs) for birth weight >90th percentile for each measure higher by 1 SD were 1.39, 1.45, and 1.38, respectively, for fasting, 1-, and 2-h plasma glucose and 1.15 for A1C. ORs for cord C-peptide >90th percentile were 1.56, 1.45, and 1.35 for glucose, respectively, and 1.32 for A1C. ORs were similar for glucose and A1C for primary cesarean section, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of associations with adverse outcomes, these findings suggest that A1C measurement is not a useful alternative to an OGTT in pregnant women.
Impaired Insulin Sensitivity as Indexed by the HOMA Score Is Associated With Deficits in Verbal Fluency and Temporal Lobe Gray Matter Volume in the Elderly
Authors: Benedict Christian , Brooks Samantha J. , Kullberg Joel , Burgos Jonathan , Kempton Matthew J. , Nordenskjöld Richard , Nylander Ruta , Kilander Lena , Craft Suzanne , Larsson Elna-Marie , Johansson Lars , Ahlström Håkan , Lind Lars , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

Impaired insulin sensitivity is linked to cognitive deficits and reduced brain size. However, it is not yet known whether insulin sensitivity involves regional changes in gray matter volume. Against this background, we examined the association between insulin sensitivity, cognitive performance, and regional gray matter volume in 285 cognitively healthy elderly men and women aged 75 years from the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Insulin sensitivity was calculated from fasting serum insulin and plasma glucose determinations using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method. Cognitive performance was examined by a categorical verbal fluency. Participants also underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan. Multivariate analysis using linear regression was conducted, controlling for potential confounders (sex, education, serum LDL cholesterol, mean arterial blood pressure, and abdominal visceral fat volume).

RESULTS

The HOMA-IR was negatively correlated with verbal fluency performance, brain size, and temporal lobe gray matter volume in regions known to be involved in speech production (Brodmann areas 21 and 22, respectively). No such effects were observed when examining diabetic (n = 55) and cognitively impaired (n = 27) elderly subjects as separate analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

These cross-sectional findings suggest that both pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions improving insulin signaling may promote brain health in late life but must be confirmed in patient studies.
Pneumoesophagography and the appearance of masses in the caudal portion of the esophagus in dogs with spirocercosis
Authors: Kirberger Robert M. , van der Merwe Liesel L. , Dvir Eran
Published: February 2012

Objective—To determine the usefulness of pneumoesophagography, compared with that of survey radiography, for characterization of esophageal pathological changes in dogs with endoscopically confirmed intraluminal Spirocerca lupi nodules in the caudal portion of the esophagus.

Design—Diagnostic test evaluation.

Animals—30 dogs with endoscopically confirmed spirocercosis.

Procedures—Dorsoventral (DV) and right lateral recumbent (RLR) thoracic survey radiographs were obtained for each dog. Endoscopy was subsequently performed, the esophagus was inflated with air, and left lateral recumbent, RLR, DV, and ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs were obtained. The amount of esophageal and gastric distention was recorded. Visibility, location, and surface characteristics of lesions and total length of esophageal involvement were recorded independently for each radiograph and modality and compared with each other.

Results—Survey DV radiographs were more reliable than survey RLR radiographs for detecting caudal esophageal pathological changes. Lateral pneumoesophagograms showed more esophageal air and had more visible nodules than did their orthogonal counterparts. Right lateral recumbent pneumoesophagograms allowed for evaluation of the air-filled stomach, particularly the cardiac portion, for additional pathological changes. Pneumoesophagography allowed the mural position (47% located dorsally) and surface characteristics of Spirocerca nodules to be determined. Six of 9 dogs with confirmed malignant disease had an irregular nodule surface suggestive of neoplastic transformation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Pneumoesophagography was easily performed in dogs with spirocercosis and showed promise as a cost-effective and safe initial diagnostic procedure for further evaluation and characterization of suspected caudal esophageal lesions.
Transitional cell carcinoma involving the ductus deferens in a dog
Authors: Guerin Vincent J. , Hooft Krista W. Visser 't , L'Eplattenier Henry F. , Petite Audrey F.
Published: February 2012

Case Description—A 12-year-old neutered male Springer Spaniel was referred with a 1-year history of recurring urinary tract infections. Repeated treatment with appropriate antimicrobials selected on the basis of bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility results would result in clinical improvement, but recurrence of clinical signs was observed within days after discontinuation of treatment.

Clinical Findings—Ultrasound examination revealed a tubular, fluid-filled structure dorsal to the bladder that extended from the midlevel of the bladder to the cranial pole of the prostate. Mineralized foci within a heterogeneous prostatic parenchyma were also noted. Dilation of the right ductus deferens (DD) was observed during exploratory laparotomy.

Treatment and Outcome—Both DD were surgically removed, and the prostate was biopsied. The histopathological diagnosis was transitional cell carcinoma involving the right DD and the prostate. The dog was treated with meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg [0.05 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h) for 9 months after diagnosis before being euthanized.

Clinical Relevance—Because the normal DD is rarely visualized during abdominal ultrasonography in dogs, identification of a tubular, fluid-filled structure dorsal to the bladder may indicate an abnormal DD. Transitional cell carcinoma of the DD should be included in the differential diagnoses of affected patients examined for clinical signs involving the urinary tract.
Effects of High School Course-Taking on Secondary and Postsecondary Success
Authors: Long Mark C. , Conger Dylan , Iatarola Patrice
Published: February 2012

Using panel data from a census of public school students in the state of Florida, the authors examine the associations between students’ high school course-taking in various subjects and their 10th-grade test scores, high school graduation, entry into postsecondary institutions, and postsecondary performance. The authors use propensity score matching (based on 8th-grade test scores, other student characteristics, and school effects) within groups of students matched on the composition of the students’ course-taking in other subjects to estimate the differences in outcomes for students who take rigorous courses in a variety of subjects. The authors find substantial significant differences in outcomes for those who take rigorous courses, and these estimated effects are often larger for disadvantaged youth and students attending disadvantaged schools.
What We Know About Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Dixon L. Quentin , Zhao Jing , Shin Jee-Young , Wu Shuang , Su Jung-Hsuan , Burgess-Brigham Renata , Gezer Melike Unal , Snow Catherine
Published: February 2012

Educational policies that impact second language (L2) learners—a rapidly-growing group—are often enacted without consulting relevant research. This review synthesized research regarding optimal conditions for L2 acquisition, facilitative L2 learner and teacher characteristics, and speed of L2 acquisition, from four bodies of work—foreign language education, child language research, sociocultural studies, and psycholinguistics—often overlooked by educators. Seventy-one peer-reviewed journal articles studying PK-12 L2 learners met inclusion criteria. Findings included: 1) Optimal conditions for L2 learners immersed in a majority-L2 society include strong home literacy practices, opportunities to use the L2 informally, well-implemented specially-designed L2 educational programs, and sufficient time devoted to L2 literacy instruction, whereas L2 learners with little L2 exposure require explicit instruction to master grammar; 2) L2 learners with strong L2 aptitude, motivation, and first language (L1) skills are more successful; 3) Effective L2 teachers demonstrate sufficient L2 proficiency, strong instructional skills, and proficiency in their students’ L1; 4) L2 learners require 3-7 years to reach L2 proficiency, with younger learners typically taking longer but more likely to achieve close-to-native results. These findings, even those most relevant to education, are not reflected in current US policy. Additional research is needed on the characteristics of successful or unsuccessful L2 learners and L2 teachers. Such research should attend systematically to the differences between L2 learning in maximal versus minimal input settings; whereas the psycholinguistic challenges of L2 learning might be common across settings, the sociocultural and interactional challenges and opportunities differ in ways that can massively impact outcomes.
1,4-Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) 5-aminotetrazolates
Authors: Laus Gerhard , Kahlenberg Volker , Wurst Klaus , Hummel Michael , Schottenberger Herwig
Published: February 2012

The crystal structures of four salts of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) and 5-aminotetrazole are described. Anhydrous 1:1 (Pbca, Rgt = 0.041) and 1:2 (P, Rgt = 0.038) salts form hydrogen-bonded layers of anions and cations. The monohydrate of the 1:1 compound (P21/c, Rgt = 0.038) shows infinite chains of DABCO cations and an undulated layer of anions and water molecules. The octahydrate of the 3:2 compound (P21/c, Rgt = 0.042) features DABCO triples and clusters of four tetrazolate ions in a network of water molecules.
The Effect of Computer Usage in Internet Café on Cigarette Smoking and Alcohol Use among Chinese Adolescents and Youth: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wu Liyun , Delva Jorge
Published: February 2012

We used longitudinal data to investigate the relationship between computer use in internet cafés and smoking/drinking behavior among Chinese adolescents and young adults. Data are from two waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (2004 and 2006). Fixed effects models were used to examine if changes in internet café use were associated with changes in cigarette smoking and drinking of alcohol. Male café users spent on average 17.3 hours in front of the computer/week. This was associated with an increase in the probability of being a current smoker by 13.3% and with smoking 1.7 more cigarettes. Female café users spent on average 11 hours on the computer/week. This was associated with an increase in the probability of drinking wine and/or liquor by 14.74% and was not associated with smoking. Internet cafés are an important venue by which adolescent and young adults in China are exposed to smoking and drinking. Multi-component interventions are needed ranging from policies regulating cigarette and alcohol availability in these venues to anti-tobacco campaigns aimed at the general population but also at individuals who frequent these establishments.
Risks of Using Antifouling Biocides in Aquaculture
Authors: Guardiola Francisco Antonio , Cuesta Alberto , Meseguer José , Esteban Maria Angeles
Published: February 2012

Biocides are chemical substances that can deter or kill the microorganisms responsible for biofouling. The rapid expansion of the aquaculture industry is having a significant impact on the marine ecosystems. As the industry expands, it requires the use of more drugs, disinfectants and antifoulant compounds (biocides) to eliminate the microorganisms in the aquaculture facilities. The use of biocides in the aquatic environment, however, has proved to be harmful as it has toxic effects on the marine environment. Organic booster biocides were recently introduced as alternatives to the organotin compounds found in antifouling products after restrictions were imposed on the use of tributyltin (TBT). The replacement products are generally based on copper metal oxides and organic biocides. The biocides that are most commonly used in antifouling paints include chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid, DCOIT (4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, Sea-nine 211®), Diuron, Irgarol 1051, TCMS pyridine (2,3,3,6-tetrachloro-4-methylsulfonyl pyridine), zinc pyrithione and Zineb. There are two types of risks associated with the use of biocides in aquaculture: (i) predators and humans may ingest the fish and shellfish that have accumulated in these contaminants and (ii) the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This paper provides an overview of the effects of antifouling (AF) biocides on aquatic organisms. It also provides some insights into the effects and risks of these compounds on non-target organisms.
Analysis of Snail-1, E-Cadherin and Claudin-1 Expression in Colorectal Adenomas and Carcinomas
Authors: Bezdekova Michala , Brychtova Svetlana , Sedlakova Eva , Langova Katerina , Brychta Tomas , Belej Kamil
Published: February 2012

We report the expression of Snail-1, E-cadherin and claudin-1 by indirect immunohistochemistry in colonic neoplasia. Snail-1 is a zinc finger transcription factor expressed in cells that already have undergone almost complete epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and have already evaded from the tumor. The main mechanism by which Snail induces EMT is downregulation of E-cadherin, of which expression was shown to be frequently downregulated in many different types of tumors, where it accompanies the invasiveness and metastatic behavior of malignant cells. Moreover, Snail-1 may downregulate the expression of claudin-1, a cell-cell adhesion protein which plays a likely role in progression and dissemination during tumorigenesis. Snail-1 was expressed in both carcinoma and adenoma cells with histologically normal epithelium in the mucosa, adjacent to the tumors, without significant differences, and predominant strong intensity of staining. Statistically significant differences were revealed between normal and tumorous epithelium (p = 0.003) at the subcellular level, where the shift of the protein to the cytoplasm with combined cytoplasmic/nuclear or pure cytoplasmic expression was observed. E-cadherin expression was present in 100% of cases of both adenocarcinomas and adenomas, with prevailing strong membranous immunoreactivity and no differences between protein expression in tumors and normal mucosa. Predominating strong positivity of claudin-1 was detected in tumor cells of adenocarcinomas and adenomas. Marked differences were seen in protein localization, where membranous staining, typical for nontumorous epithelium, changed to combined membranous/cytoplasmic expression in adenocarcinomas (p = 0.0001) and adenomas (0.0002), in which cytoplasmic shift was associated with a higher degree of dysplasia. Furthermore, membranous/cytoplasmic localization was more frequent in the carcinoma group (87%) in comparison with adenomas (51%) (p = 0.0001). We conclude that dystopic subcellular localizations of Snail-1 and claudin-1 may participate in changes of cellular morphology and behavior which might be associated with altered effectory pathways of proteins and thus substantially contribute to the cancer development.
Coenzyme Q Metabolism Is Disturbed in High Fat Diet-Induced Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats
Authors: Bravo Elena , Palleschi Simonetta , Rossi Barbara , Napolitano Mariarosaria , Tiano Luca , D’Amore Emanuela , Botham Kathleen M
Published: February 2012

Oxidative stress is believed to be a major contributory factor in the development of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disorder worldwide. In this study, the effects of high fat diet-induced NAFLD on Coenzyme Q (CoQ) metabolism and plasma oxidative stress markers in rats were investigated. Rats were fed a standard low fat diet (control) or a high fat diet (57% metabolizable energy as fat) for 18 weeks. The concentrations of total (reduced + oxidized) CoQ9 were increased by > 2 fold in the plasma of animals fed the high fat diet, while those of total CoQ10 were unchanged. Reduced CoQ levels were raised, but oxidized CoQ levels were not, thus the proportion in the reduced form was increased by about 75%. A higher percentage of plasma CoQ9 as compared to CoQ10 was in the reduced form in both control and high fat fed rats. Plasma protein thiol (SH) levels were decreased in the high fat-fed rats as compared to the control group, but concentrations of lipid hydroperoxides and low density lipoprotein (LDL) conjugated dienes were unchanged. These results indicate that high fat diet-induced NAFLD in rats is associated with altered CoQ metabolism and increased protein, but not lipid, oxidative stress.
Voltage Gated Ion Channel Function: Gating, Conduction, and the Role of Water and Protons
Authors: Kariev Alisher M. , Green Michael E.
Published: February 2012

Ion channels, which are found in every biological cell, regulate the concentration of electrolytes, and are responsible for multiple biological functions, including in particular the propagation of nerve impulses. The channels with the latter function are gated (opened) by a voltage signal, which allows Na+ into the cell and K+ out. These channels have several positively charged amino acids on a transmembrane domain of their voltage sensor, and it is generally considered, based primarily on two lines of experimental evidence, that these charges move with respect to the membrane to open the channel. At least three forms of motion, with greatly differing extents and mechanisms of motion, have been proposed. There is a “gating current”, a capacitative current preceding the channel opening, that corresponds to several charges (for one class of channel typically 12–13) crossing the membrane field, which may not require protein physically crossing a large fraction of the membrane. The coupling to the opening of the channel would in these models depend on the motion. The conduction itself is usually assumed to require the “gate” of the channel to be pulled apart to allow ions to enter as a section of the protein partially crosses the membrane, and a selectivity filter at the opposite end of the channel determines the ion which is allowed to pass through. We will here primarily consider K+ channels, although Na+ channels are similar. We propose that the mechanism of gating differs from that which is generally accepted, in that the positively charged residues need not move (there may be some motion, but not as gating current). Instead, protons may constitute the gating current, causing the gate to open; opening consists of only increasing the diameter at the gate from approximately 6 Å to approximately 12 Å. We propose in addition that the gate oscillates rather than simply opens, and the ion experiences a barrier to its motion across the channel that is tuned by the water present within the channel. Our own quantum calculations as well as numerous experiments of others are interpreted in terms of this hypothesis. It is also shown that the evidence that supports the motion of the sensor as the gating current can also be consistent with the hypothesis we present.
Lipidomics of Glycosphingolipids
Authors: Farwanah Hany , Kolter Thomas
Published: February 2012

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) contain one or more sugars that are attached to a sphingolipid moiety, usually to a ceramide, but in rare cases also to a sphingoid base. A large structural heterogeneity results from differences in number, identity, linkage, and anomeric configuration of the carbohydrate residues, and also from structural differences within the hydrophobic part. GSLs form complex cell-type specific patterns, which change with the species, the cellular differentiation state, viral transformation, ontogenesis, and oncogenesis. Although GSL structures can be assigned to only a few series with a common carbohydrate core, their structural variety and the complex pattern are challenges for their elucidation and quantification by mass spectrometric techniques. We present a general overview of the application of lipidomics for GSL determination. This includes analytical procedures and instrumentation together with recent correlations of GSL molecular species with human diseases. Difficulties such as the structural complexity and the lack of standard substances for complex GSLs are discussed.
Understanding the Mechanism of the Intramolecular Stetter Reaction. A DFT Study
Authors: Domingo Luis R. , Zaragozá Ramón J. , Saéz Jose A. , Arnó Manuel
Published: February 2012

The mechanism of the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed intramolecular Stetter reaction of salicylaldehyde 1 to yield chromanone 3 has been theoretically studied at the B3LYP/6-31G** level. This NHC-catalyzed reaction takes place through six elementary steps, which involve: (i) formation of the Breslow intermediate IN2; (ii) an intramolecular Michael-Type addition in IN2 to form the new C-C s bond; and (iii) extrusion of the NHC catalyst from the Michael adduct to yield chromanone 3. Analysis of the relative free energies in toluene indicates that while formation of Breslow intermediate IN2 involves the rate-determining step of the catalytic process, the intramolecular Michael-type addition is the stereoselectivity determining step responsible for the configuration of the stereogenic carbon a to the carbonyl of chromanone 3. An ELF analysis at TSs and intermediates involved in the Michael-type addition allows for the characterization of the electronic changes along the C-C bond-formation.