bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peptide inhibition of human cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Melnik Lilia I , Garry Robert F , Morris Cindy A
Published: February 2011

Background

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most prevalent congenital viral infection in the United States and Europe causing significant morbidity and mortality to both mother and child. HCMV is also an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- infected patients with AIDS, and solid organ and allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients. Current treatments for HCMV-associated diseases are insufficient due to the emergence of drug-induced resistance and cytotoxicity, necessitating novel approaches to limit HCMV infection. The aim of this study was to develop therapeutic peptides targeting glycoprotein B (gB), a major glycoprotein of HCMV that is highly conserved across the Herpesviridae family, that specifically inhibit fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane preventing HCMV entry and infection.

Results

Using the Wimley-White Interfacial Hydrophobicity Scale (WWIHS), several regions within gB were identified that display a high potential to interact with lipid bilayers of cell membranes and hydrophobic surfaces within proteins. The ability of synthetic peptides analogous to WWIHS-positive sequences of HCMV gB to inhibit viral infectivity was evaluated. Human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) were infected with the Towne-GFP strain of HCMV (0.5 MOI), preincubated with peptides at a range of concentrations (78 nm to 100 μM), and GFP-positive cells were visualized 48 hours post-infection by fluorescence microscopy and analyzed quantitatively by flow cytometry. Peptides that inhibited HCMV infection demonstrated different inhibitory concentration curves indicating that each peptide possesses distinct biophysical properties. Peptide 174-200 showed 80% inhibition of viral infection at a concentration of 100 μM, and 51% and 62% inhibition at concentrations of 5 μM and 2.5 μM, respectively. Peptide 233-263 inhibited infection by 97% and 92% at concentrations of 100 μM and 50 μM, respectively, and 60% at a concentration of 2.5 μM. While peptides 264-291 and 297-315, individually failed to inhibit viral infection, when combined, they showed 67% inhibition of HCMV infection at a concentration of 0.125 μM each.

Conclusions

Peptides designed to target putative fusogenic domains of gB provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutics that prevent HCMV infection.
Identification of a sub-population of B cells that proliferates after infection with epstein-barr virus
Authors: Megyola Cynthia , Ye Jianjiang , Bhaduri-McIntosh Sumita
Published: February 2011

Background

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-driven B cell proliferation is critical to its subsequent persistence in the host and is a key event in the development of EBV-associated B cell diseases. Thus, inquiry into early cellular events that precede EBV-driven proliferation of B cells is essential for understanding the processes that can lead to EBV-associated B cell diseases.

Methods

Infection with high titers of EBV of mixed, primary B cells in different stages of differentiation occurs during primary EBV infection and in the setting of T cell-immunocompromise that predisposes to development of EBV-lymphoproliferative diseases. Using anex vivosystem that recapitulates these conditions of infection, we correlated expression of selected B cell-surface markers and intracellular cytokines with expression of EBV latency genes and cell proliferation.

Results

We identified CD23, CD58, and IL6, as molecules expressed at early times after EBV-infection. EBV differentially infected B cells into two distinct sub-populations of latently infected CD23+cells: one fraction, marked as CD23hiCD58+IL6-by day 3, subsequently proliferated; another fraction, marked as CD23loCD58+, expressed IL6, a B cell growth factor, but failed to proliferate. High levels of LMP1, a critical viral oncoprotein, were expressed in individual CD23hiCD58+and CD23loCD58+cells, demonstrating that reduced levels of LMP1 did not explain the lack of proliferation of CD23loCD58+cells. Differentiation stage of B cells did not appear to govern this dichotomy in outcome either. Memory or naïve B cells did not exclusively give rise to either CD23hior IL6-expressing cells; rather memory B cells gave rise to both sub-populations of cells.

Conclusions

B cells are differentially susceptible to EBV-mediated proliferation despite expression of viral gene products known to be critical for continuous B cell growth. Cellular events, in addition to viral gene expression, likely play a critical role in determining the outcome of EBV infection. By indentifying cells predicted to undergo EBV-mediated proliferation, our study provides new avenues of investigation into EBV pathogenesis.
Are Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels on the Dorsal Root Ganglion Involved in the Development of Neuropathic Pain?
Authors: Wang Wei , Gu Jianguo , Li Yun-Qing , Tao Yuan-Xiang
Published: February 2011

Neuropathic pain is a common clinical condition. Current treatments are often inadequate, ineffective, or produce potentially severe adverse effects. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain will be helpful in identifying new therapeutic targets and developing effective strategies for the prevention and/or treatment of this disorder. The genesis of neuropathic pain is reliant, at least in part, on abnormal spontaneous activity within sensory neurons. Therefore, voltage-gated sodium channels, which are essential for the generation and conduction of action potentials, are potential targets for treating neuropathic pain. However, preclinical studies have shown unexpected results because most pain-associated voltage-gated channels in the dorsal root ganglion are down-regulated after peripheral nerve injury. The role of dorsal root ganglion voltage-gated channels in neuropathic pain is still unclear. In this report, we describe the expression and distribution of voltage-gated sodium channels in the dorsal root ganglion. We also review evidence regarding changes in their expression under neuropathic pain conditions and their roles in behavioral responses in a variety of neuropathic pain models. We finally discuss their potential involvement in neuropathic pain.
Removal of a below knee plaster cast worn for 28 months: a case report
Authors: Ingoe Helen , Eastwood Sarah , Elson David W , Young Claire F
Published: February 2011

Introduction

An unusual situation in which a below knee cast was removed after 28 months is reported. To the best of our knowledge no similar cases have been reported in the literature.

Case presentation

The cast was removed from the leg of a 45-year-old Caucasian woman. Significant muscle atrophy and dense skin scales were present but the underlying skin surface was relatively healthy with only small pitted 1-2 mm ulcers. No pathogenic organisms were cultured from this environment.

Conclusion

It seems likely that skin can tolerate cast immobilization for prolonged duration.
Blunt trauma as a suspected cause of delayed constrictive pericarditis: a case report
Authors: Anderson Eric M , Jaroszewski Dawn E , Arabia Francisco A
Published: February 2011

Introduction

Constrictive pericarditis is a heterogeneous disease with many causes. Traumatic hemopericardium is an uncommon initiating cause. We report the case of a man developing constrictive pericarditis after blunt chest trauma, in order to highlight an approach to diagnosing the condition and to raise awareness of the possibility of this condition developing after blunt trauma.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old Caucasian man presented initially to our outpatient clinic with a one-year history of progressively worsening dyspnea, and recent onset of edema of the legs. He was later taken to the emergency department and admitted to hospital. He had previously received unsuccessful treatment from his local primary physicians for suspected respiratory disorder and cellulitis of his legs. Echocardiography showed evidence of pericardial constriction, and computed tomography revealed nodular, lobulated thickening of the pericardium and pleura bilaterally. Interventional biopsies were taken, but gave inconclusive results. Thus, as pericarditis and/or advanced malignancy were suspected, diagnostic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed to take biopsies from the abnormal lung and pericardial tissue. Examination of these supported the diagnosis of pericarditis, as acute and chronic inflammation and fibrous thickening were found, with no evidence of malignancy. Our patient underwent cardiac catheterization, which revealed three-vessel coronary artery disease. Emergency total pericardiectomy and coronary bypass were performed. Having excluded other common initiating factors, we considered that a blunt trauma that our patient had previously sustained to his chest was the potential cause of the constrictive pericarditis.

Conclusion

This was an interesting case of blunt chest trauma followed by progressive pericardial and pleural thickening. Subsequent development of chronic constrictive pericarditis occurred, requiring treatment by surgical pericardiectomy, as the clinical course of constrictive pericarditis is usually progressive without surgical intervention. Diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis remains challenging. Although uncommon, blunt trauma should be considered as a possible initiating cause. Delayed presentation of constrictive pericarditis should also be considered as a possible morbidity in a patient who has sustained blunt chest trauma. Our case also highlights the importance of performing echocardiography promptly in patients experiencing ongoing symptoms of congestive heart failure to allow earlier diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis or other cardiac disorders, and avoid unnecessary treatments.
A proteomic study of TAR-RNA binding protein (TRBP)-associated factors
Authors: Chi Ya-Hui , Semmes Oliver John , Jeang Kuan-Teh
Published: February 2011

Background

The human TAR RNA-binding protein, TRBP, was first identified and cloned based on its high affinity binding to the small hairpin trans-activation responsive (TAR) RNA of HIV-1. TRBP has more recently been found to be a constituent of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) serving as a Dicer co-factor in the processing of the ~70 nucleotide pre-microRNAs(miRNAs) to 21-25 nucleotide mature miRNAs.

Findings

Using co-immunoprecipitation and protein-identification by mass spectrometry, we characterized intracellular proteins that complex with TRBP. These interacting proteins include those that have been described to act in protein synthesis, RNA modifications and processing, DNA transcription, and cell proliferation.

Conclusions

Our findings provide a proteome of factors that may cooperate with TRBP in activities such as miRNA processing and in RNA interference by the RISC complex.
Computed tomographic assessment of lung weights in trauma patients with early posttraumatic lung dysfunction
Authors: Reske Andreas W , Reske Alexander P , Heine Till , Spieth Peter M , Rau Anna , Seiwerts Matthias , Busse Harald , Gottschaldt Udo , Schreiter Dierk , Born Silvia , Gama de Abreu Marcelo , Josten Christoph , Wrigge Hermann , Amato Marcelo BP
Published: February 2011

Introduction

Quantitative computed tomography (qCT)-based assessment of total lung weight (Mlung) has the potential to differentiate atelectasis from consolidation and could thus provide valuable information for managing trauma patients fulfilling commonly used criteria for acute lung injury (ALI). We hypothesized that qCT would identify atelectasis as a frequent mimic of early posttraumatic ALI.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, Mlung was calculated by qCT in 78 mechanically ventilated trauma patients fulfilling the ALI criteria at admission. A reference interval for Mlung was derived from 74 trauma patients with morphologically and functionally normal lungs (reference). Results are given as medians with interquartile ranges.

Results

The ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen was 560 (506 to 616) mmHg in reference patients and 169 (95 to 240) mmHg in ALI patients. The median reference Mlung value was 885 (771 to 973) g, and the reference interval for Mlung was 584 to 1164 g, which matched that of previous reports. Despite the significantly greater median Mlung value (1088 (862 to 1,342) g) in the ALI group, 46 (59%) ALI patients had Mlung values within the reference interval and thus most likely had atelectasis. In only 17 patients (22%), Mlung was increased to the range previously reported for ALI patients and compatible with lung consolidation. Statistically significant differences between atelectasis and consolidation patients were found for age, Lung Injury Score, Glasgow Coma Scale score, total lung volume, mass of the nonaerated lung compartment, ventilator-free days and intensive care unit-free days.

Conclusions

Atelectasis is a frequent cause of early posttraumatic lung dysfunction. Differentiation between atelectasis and consolidation from other causes of lung damage by using qCT may help to identify patients who could benefit from management strategies such as damage control surgery and lung-protective mechanical ventilation that focus on the prevention of pulmonary complications.
A comparison of early versus late initiation of renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Karvellas Constantine J , Farhat Maha R , Sajjad Imran , Mogensen Simon S , Leung Alexander A , Wald Ron , Bagshaw Sean M
Published: February 2011

Introduction

Our aim was to investigate the impact of early versus late initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis were used in this study. PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Clinical Trials, and other sources were searched in July 2010. Eligible studies selected were cohort and randomised trials that assessed timing of initiation of RRT in critically ill adults with AKI.

Results

We identified 15 unique studies (2 randomised, 4 prospective cohort, 9 retrospective cohort) out of 1,494 citations. The overall methodological quality was low. Early, compared with late therapy, was associated with a significant improvement in 28-day mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.28 to 0.72). There was significant heterogeneity among the 15 pooled studies (I2 = 78%). In subgroup analyses, stratifying by patient population (surgical, n = 8 vs. mixed, n = 7) or study design (prospective, n = 10 vs. retrospective, n = 5), there was no impact on the overall summary estimate for mortality. Meta-regression controlling for illness severity (Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II)), baseline creatinine and urea did not impact the overall summary estimate for mortality. Of studies reporting secondary outcomes, five studies (out of seven) reported greater renal recovery, seven (out of eight) studies showed decreased duration of RRT and five (out of six) studies showed decreased ICU length of stay in the early, compared with late, RRT group. Early RRT did not; however, significantly affect the odds of dialysis dependence beyond hospitalization (OR 0.62 0.34 to 1.13, I2 = 69.6%).

Conclusions

Earlier institution of RRT in critically ill patients with AKI may have a beneficial impact on survival. However, this conclusion is based on heterogeneous studies of variable quality and only two randomised trials. In the absence of new evidence from suitably-designed randomised trials, a definitive treatment recommendation cannot be made.
Patient-oriented gene set analysis for cancer mutation data
Authors: Boca Simina M , Kinzler Kenneth W , Velculescu Victor E , Vogelstein Bert , Parmigiani Giovanni
Published: February 2011

Recent research has revealed complex heterogeneous genomic landscapes in human cancers. However, mutations tend to occur within a core group of pathways and biological processes that can be grouped into gene sets. To better understand the significance of these pathways, we have developed an approach that initially scores each gene set at the patient rather than the gene level. In mutation analysis, these patient-oriented methods are more transparent, interpretable, and statistically powerful than traditional gene-oriented methods.
Canonical Wnt9b signaling balances progenitor cell expansion and differentiation during kidney development
Authors: Karner Courtney M. , Das Amrita , Ma Zhendong , Self Michelle , Chen Chuo , Lum Lawrence , Oliver Guillermo , Carroll Thomas J.
Published: February 2011

The mammalian kidney is composed of thousands of individual epithelial tubules known as nephrons. Deficits in nephron number are associated with myriad diseases ranging from complete organ failure to congenital hypertension. A balance between differentiation and maintenance of a mesenchymal progenitor cell population determines the final number of nephrons. How this balance is struck is poorly understood. Previous studies have suggested that Wnt9b/β-catenin signaling induced differentiation (mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition) in a subset of the progenitors but needed to be repressed in the remaining progenitors to keep them in the undifferentiated state. Here, we report that Wnt9b/β-catenin signaling is active in the progenitors and is required for their renewal/proliferation. Using a combination of approaches, we have revealed a mechanism through which cells receiving the same Wnt9b/β-catenin signal can respond in distinct ways (proliferate versus differentiate) depending on the cellular environment in which the signal is received. Interpretation of the signal is dependent, at least in part, on the activity of the transcription factor Six2. Six2-positive cells that receive the Wnt9b signal are maintained as progenitors whereas cells with reduced levels of Six2 are induced to differentiate by Wnt9b. Using this simple mechanism, the kidney is able to balance progenitor cell expansion and differentiation insuring proper nephron endowment. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms that regulate progenitor cell differentiation during normal and pathological conditions.
Glia delimit shape changes of sensory neuron receptive endings in C. elegans
Authors: Procko Carl , Lu Yun , Shaham Shai
Published: February 2011

Neuronal receptive endings, such as dendritic spines and sensory protrusions, are structurally remodeled by experience. How receptive endings acquire their remodeled shapes is not well understood. In response to environmental stressors, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans enters a diapause state, termed dauer, which is accompanied by remodeling of sensory neuron receptive endings. Here, we demonstrate that sensory receptive endings of the AWC neurons in dauers remodel in the confines of a compartment defined by the amphid sheath (AMsh) glial cell that envelops these endings. AMsh glia remodel concomitantly with and independently of AWC receptive endings to delimit AWC receptive ending growth. Remodeling of AMsh glia requires the OTD/OTX transcription factor TTX-1, the fusogen AFF-1 and probably the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFR)-related protein VER-1, all acting within the glial cell. ver-1 expression requires direct binding of TTX-1 to ver-1 regulatory sequences, and is induced in dauers and at high temperatures. Our results demonstrate that stimulus-induced changes in glial compartment size provide spatial constraints on neuronal receptive ending growth.
Pristionchus pacificus daf-16is essential for dauer formation but dispensable for mouth form dimorphism
Authors: Ogawa Akira , Bento Gilberto , Bartelmes Gabi , Dieterich Christoph , Sommer Ralf J.
Published: February 2011

The nematode Pristionchus pacificus shows two forms of phenotypic plasticity: dauer formation and dimorphism of mouth form morphologies. It can therefore serve as a model for studying the evolutionary mechanisms that underlie phenotypic plasticity. Formation of dauer larvae is observed in many other species and constitutes one of the most crucial survival strategies in nematodes, whereas the mouth form dimorphism is an evolutionary novelty observed only in P. pacificus and related nematodes. We have previously shown that the same environmental cues and steroid signaling control both dauer formation and mouth form dimorphism. Here, we examine by mutational analysis and whole-genome sequencing the function of P. pacificus (Ppa) daf-16, which encodes a forkhead transcription factor; in C. elegans, daf-16 is the target of insulin signaling and plays important roles in dauer formation. We found that mutations in Ppa-daf-16 cause strong dauer formation-defective phenotypes, suggesting that Ppa-daf-16 represents one of the evolutionarily conserved regulators of dauer formation. Upon strong dauer induction with lophenol, Ppa-daf-16 individuals formed arrested larvae that partially resemble wild-type dauer larvae, indicating that Ppa-daf-16 is also required for dauer morphogenesis. By contrast, regulation of mouth form dimorphism was unaffected by Ppa-daf-16 mutations and mutant animals responded normally to environmental cues. Our results suggest that mechanisms for dauer formation and mouth form regulation overlap partially, but not completely, and one of two key transcriptional regulators of the dauer regulatory network was either independently co-opted for, or subsequently lost by, the mouth form regulatory network.
Regulation of lung endoderm progenitor cell behavior by miR302/367
Authors: Tian Ying , Zhang Yuzhen , Hurd Laura , Hannenhalli Sridhar , Liu Feiyan , Lu Min Min , Morrisey Edward E.
Published: February 2011

The temporal and spatial control of organ-specific endoderm progenitor development is poorly understood. miRNAs affect cell function by regulating programmatic changes in protein expression levels. We show that the miR302/367 cluster is a target of the transcription factor Gata6 in mouse lung endoderm and regulates multiple aspects of early lung endoderm progenitor development. miR302/367 is expressed at early stages of lung development, but its levels decline rapidly as development proceeds. Gain- and loss-of-function studies show that altering miR302/367 expression disrupts the balance of lung endoderm progenitor proliferation and differentiation, as well as apical-basal polarity. Increased miR302/367 expression results in the formation of an undifferentiated multi-layered lung endoderm, whereas loss of miR302/367 activity results in decreased proliferation and enhanced lung endoderm differentiation. miR302/367 coordinates the balance between proliferation and differentiation, in part, through direct regulation of Rbl2 and Cdkn1a, whereas apical-basal polarity is controlled by regulation of Tiam1 and Lis1. Thus, miR302/367 directs lung endoderm development by coordinating multiple aspects of progenitor cell behavior, including proliferation, differentiation and apical-basal polarity.
Periosteal autograft for articular cartilage defects in dogs: MR imaging and ultrasonography of the repair process
Authors: Sung Mi Sook , Jeong Chang Hoon , Lim Yeon Soo , Yoo Won Jong , Chung Soo Kyo , Jung Na Young
Published: February 2011

Background

Autologous periosteal grafting is used as treatment for cartilage defects.

Purpose

To assess the role of MR imaging and ultrasonography in the evaluation of the post-graft repair process with imaging and histologic correlation.

Material and Methods

Periosteal grafts obtained from the tibia of eight dogs were transplanted to the experimental cartilage defects in the femoral condyles (15 knees). The control group was comprised of three dogs (five knees). MR imaging using 4.7T and ultrasonography of the grafted specimens was performed at one, two, four, eight, and 16 weeks after transplantation. The animals were sacrificed at the time of imaging at the previously specified intervals. Histologic analysis with imaging correlation was subsequently performed.

Results

All specimens taken from one to 16 weeks demonstrated periosteal proliferation in the graft. At one week, experimental cartilage defects were no longer present on MR imaging. Area of high signal intensity (SI) in the defect was present which corresponded to hemorrhage, edema, and fibrosis on histology. At two, four, and eight weeks, all but two graft demonstrated heterogeneous high SI on T2-weighted image, consistent with immature cartilage. At 16 weeks, all grafts showed heterogeneous isointense to adjacent cartilage on all sequences, which corresponded to dominant mature cartilage. The repair tissue near the exposed subchondral bone revealed heterogeneous high SI on T2-weighted images. This corresponded to the fibrosis with vascular penetration and edema. In the control group, no cartilage repair was noted within cartilage defects. The serial MR features of the grafted area correlated well with the histologic findings. Serial sonographic findings were not sufficient to provide the regenerated cartilage maturity.

Conclusion

MR imaging is capable of depicting the repair characteristics following periosteal grafting for articular cartilage defects. MR imaging may provide useful information in the assessment of the graft appearance with definite implications regarding the degree and success of incorporation.
Long-term MRI findings of patients with embolized cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Pyysalo Liisa M , Keski-Nisula Leo H , Niskakangas Tero T , Kähärä Veikko J , Öhman Juha E
Published: February 2011

Background

Long-term follow-up studies after endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysm are still rare and inconclusive. Parenchymal infarctions related to aneurysms have mostly been studied in patients with subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH) but infarction rates in patients with endovascularly treated unruptured aneurysms have been little studied.

Purpose

To determine the frequency of permanent parenchymal lesions as detected in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients treated with endovascular coiling and to assess aneurysm-related infarctions after the initial treatment period.

Material and Methods

A total of 64 patients (32 with primarily ruptured aneurysms) with 69 embolized aneurysms were examined neurologically and by MRI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) more than 9 years after the initial endovascular treatment.

Results

A total of 14 out of 32 (44%) SAH patients and 11 (34%) patients with unruptured aneurysms had parenchymal lesions in MRI. Infarctions were detected in 10 (31%) SAH patients and the majority (9/10, 90%) of them were aneurysm-related. All aneurysm-related infarctions were detected at the acute hospitalization stage. A total of six (55%) out of 11 infarctions in patients with unruptured aneurysms were aneurysm-related and two of them appeared after the treatment period. Patients with infarction had poorer clinical outcome than patients with no ischemic lesions in MRI.

Conclusion

Nineteen percent of patients with unruptured and 41% with ruptured aneurysms had aneurysm-related parenchymal lesions in MRI. Most of these were detected during acute treatment period. Aneurysm-related infarctions after treatment period are uncommon.
Bronchial artery embolization in patients with hemoptysis including follow-up
Authors: Daliri Armand , Probst Nikolaus H , Jobst Bertram , Lepper Philipp M , Kickuth Ralph , Szucs-Farkas Zsolt , Triller Juergen , Hoppe Hanno
Published: February 2011

Background

Hemoptysis can be an acute medical emergency, which can be localized angiographically and controlled by therapeutic intervention.

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bronchial artery embolization, and including follow-up in patients with hemoptysis.

Material and Methods

Thirty-five vascular interventions were performed in 28 patients (nine women and 19 men, mean age 42 years, age range 20–82 years) treated for hemoptysis between January 1998 and October 2008. Underlying diseases were cystic fibrosis ( n = 9), lung cancer ( n = 6), chronic inflammatory disease ( n = 4), bronchiectasis ( n = 3), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( n = 2), and other ( n = 4). Bronchial artery embolization was performed using particles. Patients were followed up for a median of 23 months (range 1 month to 8 years).

Results

Bronchial artery embolization was technically successful in all patients (bleeding halted within 24 hours). Recurrent bleeding occurred in four patients with cystic fibrosis (14%) at one, 16, 19 and 48 months, respectively. Within this subset, multirecurrence bleeding occurred in one patient with cystic fibrosis. Cumulative patient survival rate was 74% at eight years. No patient died due to hemoptysis but due to underlying disease.

Conclusion

Bronchial artery embolization was highly effective in patients with hemoptysis. It may help to avoid surgery in patients who are poor candidates for surgery. Should hemoptysis recur in these patients, repeated embolization can be performed.
Sensorineural hearing loss: there is no correlation with isolated dysplasia of the lateral semi-circular canal on temporal bone CT
Authors: Yamashita Koji , Yoshiura Takashi , Hiwatashi Akio , Tuvshinjargal Dashjamts , Kamano Hironori , Inoguchi Takashi , Honda Hiroshi
Published: February 2011

Background

Inner ear malformations may cause sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). However, the correlation between the small lateral semi-circular canal (LSCC) and SNHL is controversial.

Purpose

To determine whether there is a correlation between the two using CT-based measurement.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the high-resolution CT images of the temporal bone obtained from consecutive patients. A total 136 ears of 68 patients (25 men and 43 women; age range 20–85 years, mean 49.8 years) were included in this study. Patients who were clinically suspected to have otosclerosis were also excluded. Two radiologists independently measured the width and cross-sectional area of the bony island of LSCC. We evaluated the correlation between LSCC bone island width or cross-sectional area and hearing level in all cases using Pearson correlation co-efficients. In addition, we compared hearing levels among the patient group with normal-sized LSCC (≧mean-SD), small LSCC (<mean-SD) and very small LSCC (<mean-2SD) as defined by the width and cross-sectional area of the bony island using Student's t-test.

Results

A total 136 ears of 68 patients (25 men and 43 women; age range 20–85 years, mean 49.8 years) were included in this study. No significant correlation was shown between LSCC bony island width or cross-sectional area and hearing level (P > 0.05). No significant difference in hearing levels were found among groups of the normal-sized, small and very small LSCC (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

We conclude that there is no correlation between isolated small LSCC and SNHL.
The continuing need to investigate the nature and content of teleconsultation communication using interaction analysis techniques
Authors: Miller Edward Alan
Published: February 2011

The lack of systematically collected and analysed data about the effect of telemedicine on patient-provider communication is a frequently cited barrier for why video communication has yet to reach its full potential. Existing research provides little information about the subtle and detailed changes in communication that take place over video. Comprehensive investigations of actual medical encounter behaviour are therefore required, including verbal content analysis, which uses interaction analysis systems (IAS) to describe and categorize the communication that has taken place. Ten IAS studies were identified in the literature. Although it is difficult to generalize due to differences in methodology and context, some tentative conclusions can be drawn. First, on-site providers tend to be substantially less active than off-site providers, suggesting that the former typically serve as facilitators and observers, rather than active participants. Second, just as in the conventional face-to-face setting, providers' utterances tend to predominate in telemedicine. Third, conventional patterns of more task-focused than socio-emotional utterances tend to persist in telemedicine. However, some studies found telemedicine to be more patient-centred than conventional medicine, and others found it less so. We do not yet have a full understanding of the subtractive and enhancing effects of telemedicine on provider-patient relations and outcomes.
Video calls for dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation can improve the confidence of lay rescuers – surveys after simulated cardiac arrest
Authors: Bolle Stein R , Johnsen Elin , Gilbert Mads
Published: February 2011

Many mobile phones allow two-way video communication, which permits callers to hear and see each other. If used during medical emergencies, bystanders can receive supervision and guidance from medical staff based on visual information. We investigated whether video calls from mobile phones could improve the confidence of lay rescuers. High school students ( n = 180) were randomly assigned in groups of three to communicate via video calls or via ordinary mobile phone calls. They received realtime guidance from experienced nurse dispatchers at an emergency medical dispatch centre during 10-min scenarios of simulated cardiac arrest. Each student answered a questionnaire to assess understanding, confidence and usefulness of the technology. The mean age was 17.3 years in the video group and 17.9 years in the audio group. There were 27% male participants in the video group and 34% male participants in the audio group. Seventy-three percent of the students in the video group and 71% in the audio group reported previous cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. Rescuers who had not used video phones had a greater tendency to comment on immature video call technology, while some who had used video phones complained about poor sound quality during video calls. The majority of rescuers in both groups believed that video calls were superior to audio calls during medical emergencies, and this proportion was significantly higher in the video group ( P = 0.0002). We found that visual contact and supervision through video calls improved rescuers' confidence in stressful emergencies.
Telephone management of severe wasp stings in rural Nepal: a case report
Authors: Lama Tshering , Karmacharya Biraj , Chandler Colin , Patterson Victor
Published: February 2011

We describe a young woman from a rural village in Nepal who suffered multiple wasp and hornet stings. She collapsed and was managed by a telephone consultation between a village health worker and a hospital specialist. The patient recovered fully. Not only was the telephone consultation efficient in terms of cost savings from avoided hospital treatment, but it was also effective since, with conventional care, there was a strong possibility that the patient would have died on her way to hospital. This case illustrates the potential for telephone-delivered rural care and management in emergency situations.
A telephone survey of patient satisfaction with realtime telemedicine in a rural community in Colombia
Authors: López Catalina , Valenzuela José Ignacio , Calderón Jorge Enrique , Velasco Andrés Fabián , Fajardo Roosevelt
Published: February 2011

We conducted a telephone survey of all patients referred to a realtime telemedicine consultation at the Centre for Telehealth in Bogotá. Over a six-month period, 281 teleconsultations were conducted, and we were able to retrieve telephone numbers for 156 patients. Of these, 121 patients (78%) agreed to answer the questionnaire. Eighty percent of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the teleconsultation and 63% would use telemedicine again. Sixty-five percent thought that telemedicine improved their medical care. More than 50% believed that telemedicine had a positive effect in terms of medical care improvement, time- and cost-savings. Twenty-seven percent felt that teleconsultation was not as good as a traditional face-to-face consultation. Lack of familiarity with ICT did not appear to act as a major barrier to telemedicine, and cognitive factors may be more important in acceptability to patients and their satisfaction. The results of the present study may also be relevant to the poorest countries of the world, where two-thirds of the population live in rural areas.
Effect of acetic acid addition on chemical conversion of woods as treated by semi-flow hot-compressed water
Authors: Phaiboonsilpa Natthanon , Saka Shiro
Published: February 2011

Effect of acetic acid (AcOH) addition on chemical conversion of Japanese beech (Fagus crenata), as a hardwood, and Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), as a softwood, was investigated in the course of treatment in a semi-flow reactor with hot-compressed water (H-CW). One-step treatment of Japanese beech was preliminarily performed to examine the effect of AcOH concentrations on the decomposition behavior at 150–290°C/10 MPa/30 min. Based on the obtained results, two-step semi-flow H-CW treatment with 1 wt% AcOH at 210°C/10 MPa/15 min (1st stage) and 260°C/10 MPa/15 min (2nd stage) was thus selected as the most appropriate treatment and a comparative study of the two woods was accordingly conducted. The differences in decomposition behavior observed between the two woods clearly proved that the addition of AcOH played an important role in enhancing the hydrolysis and decomposition of cell wall components in Japanese cedar due to the lesser amount of acetyl residue in softwood hemicelluloses and its lignin structure.
Relationships between mechanical properties of oak timber (Quercus robur L.)
Authors: Muñoz Guillermo Riesco , Gete Andrés Remacha
Published: February 2011

Ring-porous hardwoods such as oak are in high demand for furniture-making, cooperage, flooring, and construction. However, evaluating the quality of such timber is difficult and time consuming, and simpler tests are required. Models for predicting as many mechanical properties as possible, based on easier-to-determine mechanical tests, may help. In this study, the hardness, modulus of elasticity, bending, compression, and impact bending strength parallel to grain were tested on defect-free laths obtained from a sample of 42 oak trees. The relationships between the variables were investigated. Three models that relate the resistance to axial compression with bending strength and stiffness (R2>0.55; P<0.01) are proposed for defect-free oak timber. Selection of models mainly depended on the bias, which was highly variable among the models tested. The prediction models proposed in the international standard EN 384:2004 for structural dimension timber are not suitable for small clear wood specimens, especially in very elastic woods. The relative independence of hardness and impact bending strength as regards the other mechanical properties is also demonstrated.
Dezentrales autonomes Energiemanagement
Authors: Lehnhoff Sebastian , Krause Olav , Rehtanz Christian
Published: February 2011

Bislang wird das Lastverschiebepotenzial an einzelnen Anschlüssen in den Verteilnetzen lediglich für einen Abgleich von Erzeugung und Verbrauch in Situationen besonders hohen oder besonders niedrigen Angebots erneuerbarer Energien in Betracht gezogen (z. B. Demand Side Management). Eine koordinierte Regelung über die Anschlüsse bezogener bzw. eingespeister Leistungen lässt sich aber auch für eine effizientere Auslastung bestehender Netze und zum Einhalten von Betriebsgrenzen heranziehen, da mit einer solchen Regelung direkt Einfluss auf Leitungsströme oder Spannungsniveaus ausgeübt werden kann.
Distanzschutzalgorithmen zur Detektion des Schaltlichtbogens
Authors: Meyer Jörg , Schegner Peter , Anheuser Michael
Published: February 2011

Distanzschutzalgorithmen konventioneller Distanzschutzgeräte berechnen mit diskret abgetasteten Strom- und Spannungswerten die konstanten Parameter Resistanz und Reaktanz (bzw. Induktivität) einer Messschleife. Ausgehend von derartigen Algorithmen wird ein Verfahren vorgestellt, mit dem auf Basis einer Impedanzmessung der Schaltlichtbogen eines Niederspannungsleistungsschalters erkannt wird. Dieses Verfahren ist Grundlage neuer selektiver Schutzkonzepte in Niederspannungsnetzen.
Production and separation of 97Ru from 7Li activated natural niobium
Authors: Maiti Moumita , Lahiri Susanta
Published: February 2011

The proton rich 97Ru, a potential candidate for nuclear medicine, was produced for the first time through the natNb(7Li,3n)97Ru reaction. A natural Nb foil of 20ߙmg/cm2 thickness was irradiated with 32ߙMeV 7Li beams to attain the yield of ∼1ߙMBq/μAߙh for 97Ru. The no-carrier-added 97Ru was separated from the bulk niobium by liquid–liquid extraction (LLX) and solid–liquid extraction (SLX) techniques. Liquid cation exchanger, di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) dissolved in cyclohexane was used in LLX and solid cation exchanger, DOWEX-50 was used for SLX in HCl. The LLX technique was found to be superior to the SLX technique with respect to radiochemical yield and purity of the radionuclide 97Ru.
Determination of In and Ga in plutonium oxide matrix by ICP-AES after chemical separation
Authors: Adya V. C. , Thulasidas S. K. , Kumar M. , Purohit P. J. , Mohapatra M. , Seshagiri T. K. , Godbole S. V.
Published: February 2011

An analytical method was developed for the determination of indium and gallium in plutonium samples. A solvent extraction technique was employed by using 30% TBP in CCl4 for the quantitative separation of plutonium from the sample solution and subsequent determination by radial inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The quantitative recovery of In and Ga in the separated samples was confirmed from radiometric/tracer studies. Recording of spectral profile at 303.396 nm for In and 403.298 nm for Ga has clearly indicated that the determination of Ga and In at lower concentrations will be affected by the presence of significant amounts of residual Pu in the aqueous phase due to spectral interference. These elements can be determined from ppm to % HNO3 and appropriate (100 mg and 1 g) sample size. The analytical range obtained for Ga and In was 0.1–1000 μg/mL and 0.05–500 μg/mL respectively by ICP-AES. Synthetic samples of plutonium containing indium and gallium in the range of 50–20000 ppm were analyzed.
Oscillations of a Hanging Liquid Drop, Driven by Interfacial Dielectric Force
Authors: Tankovsky Nikolay , Zografov Nikolay
Published: February 2011

Experimental technique is proposed to excite oscillations of a hanging liquid droplet by applying interfacial dielectric force directly upon the droplet surface. The force proved to be applicable for all kinds of liquids and solutions including non-conductive, isolating liquids. The oscillations are detected optically, with the help of a laser beam. The measured resonant frequency modes and resonance half-widths may be used to retrieve information about the surface properties of the droplet (surface tension and surface charge, in particular). The method is applicable to a wide variety of liquids and interfaces. Possible applications are analyzed and discussed.
Prevalência e relação de fatores emocionais e clínicos em pacientes com discopatia degenerativa
Authors: Amaral Vivian , Marchi Luis , Oliveira Leonardo , Pimenta Luiz
Published: February 2011

OBJETIVOS: descrever as condições psicossociais, no momento da indicação cirúrgica, dos pacientes com dor lombar crônica causada por discopatia degenerativa. MÉTODOS: em uma série de 32 casos de discopatia degenerativa eletivos para cirurgia, foi realizada avaliação psicológica pré-operatória. Nesta avaliação, foram colhidos dados demográficos e sociais: sexo, idade, situação ocupacional atual, ocorrência de afastamento por invalidez; e dados clínico-psicológicos: dor, restrição física, utilização de medicamento psiquiátrico controlado; grau de ansiedade; grau de depressão; grau de desesperança; expectativas frente ao objetivo cirúrgico. RESULTADOS: o grupo foi composto de 13 mulheres e 14 homens, com média de idade de 44,3 anos (23 a 65 anos). Os parâmetros de dor e restrição física estão dentro de valores geralmente indicativos de cirurgia, não indicando nenhuma peculiaridade no grupo estudado. Foi evidenciada uma alta e correlacionada prevalência de alterações psicológicas nos pacientes: 50% em quadro depressivo, 54% em quadro de ansiedade e 22% em quadro de desesperança. Além disso, foi possível evidenciar altos índices de afastamento do trabalho por invalidez física e correlação da presença de ansiedade e/ou depressão com casos em que haviam expectativas deturpadas quanto ao resultado cirúrgico. CONCLUSÕES: dor lombar crônica é acompanhada de quadros de dor e de alterações psicológicas, como ansiedade, depressão e desesperança. Esses parâmetros evidenciam a necessidade de avaliação psicológica pré-cirúrgica e acompanhamento posterior, visando à reabilitação do paciente.
Artrodese de coluna: avaliação da satisfação dos cuidadores de pacientes com síndrome de Rett
Authors: Sidoli Cleverson Tadeu , Pudles Edson , Rocha Luís Eduardo Munhoz da , Cunha Luiz Antônio Munhoz da
Published: February 2011

OBJETIVO: avaliar o nível de satisfação dos cuidadores de pacientes com síndrome de Rett. MÉTODOS: foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo por meio dos prontuários de dez pacientes com Síndrome de Rett, nove femininos e um masculino. Foram obtidos os dados radiográficos e foi elaborado um questionário de 31 perguntas, respondidas pelos familiares dos pacientes. RESULTADOS: a redução média no ângulo pré-operatório e a medida no pós-imediato foi de 72,4%. Complicação pós-operatória ocorreu em apenas um caso, e 87,5% dos cuidadores afirmaram que houve melhora expressiva com relação ao efeito da cirurgia sobre os cuidados pessoais, na função e locomoção; o tempo de permanência na cadeira de rodas aumentou. Para 66,7% dos cuidadores, a frequência de internamentos por problemas médicos e a frequência de pneumonia diminuíram com a cirurgia. Também fizeram uma avaliação positiva sobre a estética da deformidade da coluna. A grande maioria dos cuidadores (85,7%) submeteria novamente seus filhos à cirurgia e recomendariam para outra criança com o mesmo problema. CONCLUSÃO: houve redução significativa na média do ângulo de Cobb entre o pré e pós-operatório e melhoria em todos os aspectos do paciente. Os cuidadores manifestaram que submeteriam seus filhos ao procedimento cirúrgico novamente.
Arte e simbolismo xamânico na Amazônia
Authors: Porro Antonio
Published: February 2011

Os chamados ídolos de pedra amazônicos, apesar de conhecidos há mais de cem anos, constituem uma categoria de artefatos indígenas sem contexto arqueológico, histórico ou etnográfico. Este artigo apresenta uma primeira análise formal das peças conhecidas e algumas hipóteses sobre a sua função e finalidade. O estilo, os motivos simbólicos e o detalhe funcional de pares de furos idênticos em todos os exemplares sugerem que eles eram parte do instrumental usado nos rituais xamânicos de inalação do paricá e de outras substâncias alucinógenas.
A vulnerabilidade da mulher idosa em relação à AIDS
Authors: Silva Carla Marins , Lopes Fernanda Maria do Valle Martins , Vargens Octavio Muniz da Costa
Published: February 2011

Trata-se de revisão sistemática da literatura que abrange o período de 1994 a 2009, cujo objetivo foi discutir a vulnerabilidade da mulher idosa em relação às Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis e Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (Aids). Foi realizada a busca nas bases: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), usando-se como descritores vulnerabilidade, mulher e Aids. Foram analisados 18 textos incluindo artigos em periódicos, teses e dissertações. Concluiu-se que mulheres idosas e vulnerabilidade à Aids estão diretamente relacionadas, através de características de gênero que perpassam pela submissão, construídas histórica e socialmente. É fundamental o desenvolvimento de estudos que gerem publicações acessíveis às mulheres, de modo a possibilitar que estas possam ver a si mesmas como sujeitos em risco de contrair Aids pelo simples fato de serem mulheres.