bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PTSD symptoms, hazardous drinking, and health functioning among U.S.OEF and OIF veterans presenting to primary care
Authors: McDevitt‐Murphy Meghan E. , Williams Joah L. , Bracken Katherine L. , Fields Jordan A. , Monahan Christopher J. , Murphy James G.
Published: January 2010

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol abuse both are negatively associated with health, and alcohol misuse may mediate the relationship between PTSD and functional health outcomes. The present study tested for such mediation using self‐report measures of PTSD symptoms, hazardous alcohol use, and health functioning in 151 U.S. veterans (136 men and 15 women) of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan recruited from a Veterans Affairs primary care clinic. Based on established cut scores, 39.1% screened positive for PTSD and 26.5% screened positive for hazardous drinking. PTSD symptoms and hazardous drinking were significantly correlated with each other and with health functioning. Hazardous drinking was found to partially mediate the relationship between PTSD and functional mental health, but not physical health.
Positron emission tomography‐computed tomography adds to the management of salivary gland malignancies
Authors: Razfar Ali , Heron Dwight E. , Branstetter Barton F. , Seethala Raja R. , Ferris Robert L.
Published: January 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the efficacy of combined positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT) in identifying salivary gland malignancies and to examine the role of PET‐CT in the management of these patients.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

Fifty‐five patients with diagnosed salivary gland cancer who had undergone PET‐CT scanning were retrospectively reviewed from January 2000 to October 2008. PET‐CT scans using intravenous contrast were correlated with clinicopathological information to determine diagnostic accuracy of disease extent. The impact of PET‐CT findings on therapeutic management was analyzed. All histopathologic grades were included in the study.

Results:

Overall, PET‐CT demonstrated a sensitivity of 74.4%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 61.5%. PET‐CT also identified unrecognized distant metastases in the following sites: six lung, five bone, two distant lymph nodes, and one liver. PET‐CT added to management in 26 patients (47.3%), and it was the deciding diagnostic modality in eight patients (14.5%). Of these 26 patients, 14 patients underwent additional surgery. Three patients with recurrence underwent PET‐CT scan‐directed radiation and/or chemotherapy, whereas nine patients diagnosed with distant disease received palliative treatment.

Conclusions:

PET‐CT is useful for planning the most appropriate treatment by identifying clinically unrecognized disease. PET‐CT shows a high diagnostic accuracy for detecting disease recurrence and distant metastases, thus helping to determine whether patients are candidates for potentially curative or palliative treatment. Laryngoscope, 2010
Multiparameter comparison of injection laryngoplasty, medialization laryngoplasty, and arytenoid adduction in an excised larynx model
Authors: Hoffman Matthew R. , Witt Rachel E. , Chapin William J. , McCulloch Timothy M. , Jiang Jack J.
Published: January 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Evaluate the effect of injection laryngoplasty (IL), medialization laryngoplasty (ML), and ML combined with arytenoid adduction (ML‐AA) on acoustic, aerodynamic, and mucosal wave measurements in an excised larynx setup.

Study Design:

Comparative case study using ex vivo canine larynges.

Methods:

Measurements were recorded for eight excised canine larynges with simulated unilateral vocal fold paralysis before and after vocal fold injection with Cymetra. A second set of eight larynges was used to evaluate medialization laryngoplasty using a Silastic implant without and with arytenoid adduction.

Results:

IL and ML led to comparable decreases in phonation threshold flow (PTF), phonation threshold pressure (PTP), and phonation threshold power (PTW). ML‐AA led to significant decreases in PTF (P = .008), PTP (P = .008), and PTW (P = .008). IL and ML led to approximately equal decreases in percent jitter and percent shimmer. ML‐AA caused the greatest increase in signal‐to‐noise ratio. ML‐AA discernibly decreased frequency (P = 0.059); a clear trend was not observed for IL or ML. IL significantly reduced mucosal wave amplitude (P = 0.002), whereas both ML and ML‐AA increased it. All procedures significantly decreased glottal gap, with the most dramatic effects observed after ML‐AA (P = 0.004).

Conclusions:

ML‐AA led to the greatest improvements in phonatory parameters. IL was comparable to ML aerodynamically and acoustically, but caused detrimental changes to the mucosal wave. Incremental improvements in parameters recorded from the same larynx were observed after ML and ML‐AA. To ensure optimal acoustic outcome, the arytenoid must be correctly rotated. This study provides objective support for the combined ML‐AA procedure in tolerant patients. Laryngoscope, 2010
Assessment of the variability of vocal fold dynamics within and between recordings with high‐speed imaging and by phonovibrogram
Authors: Kunduk Melda , Doellinger Michael , McWhorter Andrew J. , Lohscheller Joerg
Published: January 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The goal of the study was to assess the variability of healthy vocal fold dynamics. Quantitative parameters describing mean regularity and vibration characteristics of vocal fold dynamics along the entire glottal axis were analyzed.

Study Design:

Prospective study with 14 young healthy females with no history of voice problems. High‐speed videoendoscopy was used to capture vocal fold vibratory characteristics while subjects were producing vowel /i/ with comfortable pitch and loudness over three different recording sessions.

Methods:

The analysis of the data was achieved by using the objective image analysis technique, phonovibrography.

Results:

The objective analysis of the high‐speed video data showed no statistically significant changes in endoscopic voice parameters for normal young female voices.

Conclusions:

Analysis suggests that endoscopic parameters obtained from phonovibrograms are consistent from day to day in normal voices. Further studies are needed to objectively rate the presence and degree of these parameters in disordered voices. Laryngoscope, 2010
Induced tolerance to rat liver allografts involves the apoptosis of intragraft T cells and the generation of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T regulatory cells
Authors: Fujiki Masato , Esquivel Carlos O. , Martinez Olivia M. , Strober Samuel , Uemoto Shinji , Krams Sheri M.
Published: January 2010

Posttransplant total lymphoid irradiation is a nonmyeloablative regimen that has been extensively studied in rodent models for the induction of tolerance to bone marrow and solid organ allografts. Previous studies of experimental models and clinical transplantation have used total lymphoid irradiation in combination with anti-lymphocyte–depleting reagents and donor cell infusion to promote graft acceptance. In a rat model of orthotopic liver transplantation, we demonstrated that total lymphoid irradiation alone induced long-term graft survival. Apoptotic T cells were detected in markedly higher numbers in the livers of the total lymphoid irradiation–treated group in comparison with the control group of liver allograft recipients. Intragraft CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells were increased in the total lymphoid irradiation group in the first week post-transplant and remained elevated in the graft and in the spleen. Importantly, the adoptive transfer of splenocytes from recipients that received posttransplant total lymphoid irradiation prolonged the survival of donor heart grafts, but not third-party heart grafts, whereas the depletion of CD4+CD25+ cells from transferred splenocytes abrogated this prolongation. We conclude that posttransplant total lymphoid irradiation significantly increases the apoptosis of T cells in the liver graft and allows the accumulation of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T regulatory cells, which facilitate the generation of donor-specific tolerance.
The dilemma and reality of transplant tourism: An ethical perspective for liver transplant programs
Authors: Schiano Thomas D. , Rhodes Rosamond
Published: January 2010

Transplant programs are likely to encounter increasing numbers of patients who return after receiving an organ transplant abroad. These patients will require ongoing medical care to monitor their immunosuppression and to provide treatment when the need arises. Transplant societies have condemned transplantation with organs purchased abroad and with organs procured from executed prisoners in China. Nevertheless, transplant programs require guidance on how to respond to the needs of returning transplant tourists and to the needs of patients who may choose to become transplant tourists. This discussion presents a case that raised such issues in our program. It goes on to offer reasons for considering a program's responses in terms of the most relevant principles of medical ethics, namely beneficence and nonjudgmental regard.
Scoring short-term mortality after liver transplantation
Authors: Wong Chung-Shun , Lee Wei-Chen , Jenq Chang-Chyi , Tian Ya-Chung , Chang Ming-Yang , Lin Chan-Yu , Fang Ji-Tseng , Yang Chih-Wei , Tsai Ming-Hung , Shih Hsin-Chin , Chen Yung-Chang
Published: January 2010

Liver transplantation can prolong survival and improve the quality of life of patients with end-stage liver disease. This study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 149 patients who had received liver transplants in a tertiary care university hospital from January 2000 to December 2007. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were recorded. Each patient was assessed by 4 scoring systems before transplantation and on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 14. The overall 1-year survival rate was 77.9%. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score had better discriminatory power than the Child-Pugh points, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and RIFLE (risk of renal dysfunction, injury to the kidney, failure of the kidney, loss of kidney function, and end-stage kidney disease) criteria. Moreover, the SOFA score on day 7 post–liver transplant had the best Youden index and highest overall correctness of prediction for 3-month (0.86, 93%) and 1-year mortality (0.62, 81%). Cumulative survival rates at the 1-year follow-up after liver transplantation differed significantly (P < 0.001) between patients who had SOFA scores ≤ 7 on post–liver transplant day 7 and those who had SOFA scores > 7 on post–liver transplant day 7. In conclusion, of the 4 evaluated scoring systems, only the SOFA scores calculated before liver transplantation were statistically significant predictors of 3-month and 1-year posttransplant mortality. SOFA on post–liver transplant day 7 had the best discriminative power for predicting 3-month and 1-year mortality after liver transplantation.
Early diagnosis of primary nonfunction and indication for reoperation after liver transplantation
Authors: Lock Johan Friso , Schwabauer Eugen , Martus Peter , Videv Nikolay , Pratschke Johann , Malinowski Maciej , Neuhaus Peter , Stockmann Martin
Published: January 2010

Initial graft function is a major factor influencing the clinical outcome after liver transplantation (LTX), but a reliable method for assessing and predicting graft dysfunction directly after LTX is not available. Ninety-nine patients undergoing deceased-donor LTX were studied in a prospective pilot study to evaluate the LiMAx test, the indocyanine green test, and conventional biochemical parameters with respect to their sensitivity and prognostic power for the diagnosis of initial graft dysfunction. Patients suffering from initial graft dysfunction (defined as technical complications or primary nonfunction (n = 8)) had significantly decreased LiMAx readouts (43 ± 18 versus 184 ± 98 μg/kg/hour, P < 0.001) immediately after LTX. Univariate analysis also showed significant differences for serum bilirubin, ammonia, glutamate dehydrogenase, and the international normalized ratio (P < 0.05), but multivariate analysis revealed LiMAx as the single independent predictor of initial dysfunction (P = 0.008) with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.960 (95% confidence interval = 0.921-0.998, P < 0.001). In addition, the diagnosis of primary nonfunction (n = 3) was evaluated with LiMAx and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity on the first postoperative day. The calculated AUROC values were 0.992 (0.975-1.0, P = 0.004) for LiMAx and 0.967 (0.929-1.0, P = 0.006) for AST. By a combination of test results obtained directly after LTX and on the first day, LiMAx indicated primary nonfunction with a sensitivity of 1.0 (0.31-1.0) and a positive predictive value of 1.0 (0.31-1.0), whereas AST classification showed a sensitivity of 0.67 (0.13-0.98) and a positive predictive value of 0.29 (0.05-0.70). In conclusion, the assessment of initial graft function using the LiMAx test might be effective for identifying critical complications that could threaten graft survival within 24 hours after LTX.
Clinical course of de novo hepatitis B infection after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Su Wei-Ju , Ho Ming-Chih , Ni Yen-Hsuan , Wu Jia-Feng , Jeng Yung-Ming , Chen Huey-Ling , Wu Yao-Ming , Hu Rey-Heng , Chang Mei-Hwei , Lee Po-Huang
Published: January 2010

The characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vaccinated children who acquire de novo HBV infections after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore HBV mutants in pediatric OLT recipients with de novo HBV infections. In all, 50 recipients underwent OLT between December 1997 and October 2005, and they were regularly checked for HBV serum markers from November 2005 to April 2009. Before OLT, all were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)–negative and under the coverage of the universal infant HBV vaccination program. Those who became HBsAg-positive after OLT were diagnosed with de novo HBV infection. HBV viral loads and full-length genome sequencing were determined when the diagnosis of de novo HBV infection was established. Nine patients (9/50, 18%) acquired de novo HBV infections after OLT. None had graft loss or fulminant hepatitis. Five cleared HBsAg, and 4 of the 5 even recovered with antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) formation. The other 4 were persistently HBsAg-positive. Mutations in the major S gene (681 base pairs) were discovered in 8 (88.9%) of the de novo HBV–infected children. Six of them harbored mutations within the “a” determinant region (codons 124-147), whereas the other 2 had mutations outside this region. These 2 cleared HBsAg and recovered with anti-HBs formation. HBV DNA levels were not different between those who cleared HBsAg and those who did not. In conclusion, surface mutants are frequent among pediatric liver transplant recipients with de novo HBV infections, but their clinical relevance requires further study.
Rapamycin inhibits cholangiocyte regeneration by blocking interleukin-6–induced activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 after liver transplantation
Authors: Chen Li-Ping , Zhang Qi-Hao , Chen Geng , Qian Ye-Yong , Shi Bing-Yi , Dong Jia-Hong
Published: January 2010

Cholangiocyte proliferation is necessary for biliary recovery from cold ischemia and reperfusion injury (CIRI), but there are few studies on its intracellular mechanism. In this process, the role of rapamycin, a new immunosuppressant used in liver transplantation, is still unknown. In order to determine whether rapamycin can depress cholangiocyte regeneration by inhibiting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation, rapamycin (0.05 mg/kg) was administered to rats for 3 days before orthotopic liver transplantation. The results indicated that cholangiocytes responded to extended cold preservation (12 hours) with severe bile duct injures, marked activation of the interleukin-6 (IL-6)/STAT3 signal pathway, and increased expression of cyclin D1 until 7 days after transplantation, and this was followed by compensatory cholangiocyte regeneration. However, rapamycin treatment inhibited STAT3 activation and resulted in decreased cholangiocyte proliferation and delayed biliary recovery after liver transplantation. On the other hand, rapamycin showed no effect on the expression of IL-6. We conclude that the IL-6/STAT3 signal pathway is involved in initiating cholangiocytes to regenerate and repair CIRI. Rapamycin represses cholangiocyte regeneration by inhibiting STAT3 activation, which might have a negative effect on the healing and recovery of bile ducts in grafts with extended cold preservation. Insights gained from this study will be helpful in designing therapy using rapamycin in clinical patients after liver transplantation.
Support Vector Machine (SVM) as Alternative Tool to Assign Acute Aquatic Toxicity Warning Labels to Chemicals
Authors: Michielan Lisa , Pireddu Luca , Floris Matteo , Moro Stefano
Published: January 2010

Quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) analysis has been frequently utilized as a computational tool for the prediction of several eco‐toxicological parameters including the acute aquatic toxicity. In the present study, we describe a novel integrated strategy to describe the acute aquatic toxicity through the combination of both toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic behaviors of chemicals. In particular, a robust classification model (TOXclass) has been derived by combining Support Vector Machine (SVM) analysis with three classes of toxicokinetic–like molecular descriptors: the autocorrelation molecular electrostatic potential (autoMEP) vectors, Sterimol topological descriptors and logP(o/w) property values. TOXclass model is able to assign chemicals to different levels of acute aquatic toxicity, providing an appropriate answer to the new regulatory requirements. Moreover, we have extended the above mentioned toxicokinetic‐like descriptor set with a more toxicodynamic‐like descriptors, as for example HOMO and LUMO energies, to generate a valuable SVM classifier (MOAclass) for the prediction of the mode of action (MOA) of toxic chemicals. As preliminary validation of our approach, the toxicokinetic (TOXclass) and the toxicodynamic (MOAclass) models have been applied in series to inspect both aquatic toxicity hazard and mode of action of 296 chemical substances with unknown or uncertain toxicodynamic information to assess the potential ecological risk and the toxic mechanism.
Predicting Cyclooxygenase Inhibition by Three‐Dimensional Pharmacophoric Profiling. Part I: Model Generation, Validation and Applicability in Ethnopharmacology
Authors: Schuster Daniela , Waltenberger Birgit , Kirchmair Johannes , Distinto Simona , Markt Patrick , Stuppner Hermann , Rollinger Judith M. , Wolber Gerhard
Published: January 2010

3D pharmacophore modeling has evolved as an established and state‐of‐the‐art method for performing in‐silico predictions of biological activity. Using one single model is limited to single binding modes, while the combination of several models bears a broader application scope. We demonstrate the generation of a complete and predictive 3D model set for cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 inhibitors, along with a selection and validation protocol optimized for parallel virtual screening. This model set was applied to explain the cyclooxygenase activity of an ethnopharmacologically known mixture of natural products, the Thai traditional medicine “Prasaplai”. Results show that rationalizing natural product activity by modern in‐silico approaches is promising and can be tremendously useful in the identification of the mechanisms of action for known biological effects of complex herbal remedies.
Measuring disability across cultures — the psychometric properties of the WHODAS II in older people from seven low‐ and middle‐income countries. The 10/66 Dementia Research Group population‐based survey
Authors: Sousa Renata M. , Dewey Michael E. , Acosta Daisy , Jotheeswaran A.T. , Castro‐Costa Erico , Ferri Cleusa P. , Guerra Mariella , Huang Yueqin , Jacob K.S. , Pichardo Juana Guillermina Rodriguez , Ramírez Nayeli Garcia , Rodriguez Juan Llibre , Rodriguez Marina Calvo , Salas Aquiles , Sosa Ana Luisa , Williams Joseph , Prince Martin J.
Published: January 2010

We evaluated the psychometric properties of the 12‐item interviewer‐administered screener version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule – version II (WHODAS II) among older people living in seven low‐ and middle‐income countries. Principal component analysis (PCA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Mokken analyses were carried out to test for unidimensionality, hierarchical structure, and measurement invariance across 10/66 Dementia Research Group sites.

PCA generated a one‐factor solution in most sites. In CFA, the two‐factor solution generated in Dominican Republic fitted better for all sites other than rural China. The two factors were not easily interpretable, and may have been an artefact of differing item difficulties. Strong internal consistency and high factor loadings for the one‐factor solution supported unidimensionality. Furthermore, the WHODAS II was found to be a ‘strong’ Mokken scale. Measurement invariance was supported by the similarity of factor loadings across sites, and by the high between‐site correlations in item difficulties.

The Mokken results strongly support that the WHODAS II 12‐item screener is a unidimensional and hierarchical scale confirming to item response theory (IRT) principles, at least at the monotone homogeneity model level. More work is needed to assess the generalizability of our findings to different populations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FPGA‐based implementation of a real time photovoltaic module simulator
Authors: Mekki H. , Mellit A. , Kalogirou S. A. , Messai A. , Furlan G.
Published: January 2010

An implementation of an intelligent photovoltaic module on reconfigurable Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is described in this paper. An experimental database of meteorological data (irradiation and temperature) and output electrical generation data of a Photovoltaic (PV) module (current and voltage) under variable climate condition is used in this study. Initially, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is developed under Matlab/Similuk, environment for modeling the PV module. The inputs of the ANN–PV module are the global solar irradiation and temperature while the outputs are the current and voltage generated from the PV‐module. Subsequently, the optimal configuration of the ANN model (ANN–PV module) is written and simulated under the Very High Description Language (VHDL) and ModelSim. The synthesized architecture by ModelSim is then implemented on an FPGA device. The designed MLP‐photovoltaic module permits the evaluation of performance of the PV module using only environmental parameters and involves less computational effort. The device can also be used for predicting the output electrical energy from the PV module and for a real time simulation in specific climatic conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative analysis of SILAC data sets using spectral counting
Authors: Parker Sarah J. , Halligan Brian D. , Greene Andrew S.
Published: January 2010

We report a new quantitative proteomics approach that combines the best aspects of stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) labeling and spectral counting. The SILAC peptide count ratio analysis (SPeCtRA, http://proteomics.mcw.edu/visualize) method relies on MS2 spectra rather than ion chromatograms for quantitation and therefore does not require the use of high mass accuracy mass spectrometers. The inclusion of a stable isotope label allows the samples to be combined before sample preparation and analysis, thus avoiding many of the sources of variability that can plague spectral counting. To validate the SPeCtRA method, we have analyzed samples constructed with known ratios of protein abundance. Finally, we used SPeCtRA to compare endothelial cell protein abundances between high (20 mM) and low (11 mM) glucose culture conditions. Our results demonstrate that SPeCtRA is a protein quantification technique that is accurate and sensitive as well as easy to automate and apply to high‐throughput analysis of complex biological samples.
Fibrils separated from polyacrylonitrile fiber by ultrasonic etching in dimethylsulphoxide solution
Authors: Wang Qifen , Wang Chengguo , Bai Yujun , Yu Meijie , Wang Yanxiang , Zhu Bo , Jing Min , Ma Jie , Hu Xiuying , Zhao Yaqi , Zhang Min
Published: January 2010

A novel method for the separation of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibrils from fibers by ultrasonic etching in a 90 wt % aqueous dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) solution at 75 °C ± 2 °C for 6 h with a frequency of 40 kHz is demonstrated. These fibrils with a diameter of about 450 nm were systematically investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). It was found that the fibrils consisted of microfibrils with about 200 nm diameter, including periodic lamellae with thickness of 30–45 nm perpendicular to the fiber axis. The PAN fiber crystallinity and crystal size slightly decreased under the ultrasonic etching. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 617–619, 2010
Structural Transition of the 2‐Nitropropane Organic Compound at Low Temperature
Authors: Gbabode Gabin , Lambert Sébastien , Guillet François , Hebert Philippe
Published: January 2010

Structural investigation of the crystallized 2‐nitropropane compound (C3H7NO2) was performed by X‐ray powder diffraction at low temperature. A first crystalline phase, called phase α, is observed below 172 K. This form exhibits a triclinic symmetry with P‐1 space group (a=1.0313(3) nm, b=0.5873(2) nm, c=1.6146(4) nm, α=90.17(2)°, β=92.17(2)° and γ=90.09(2)°), and Z=8). At Tt=172 K, a structural transition is observed which brings to another phase, called phase β (above Tt). This one contains four molecules per unit cell and shows a Pc21n symmetry (a=1.0141(3) nm, b=0.5855(2) nm, and c=0.8319(4) nm). In addition to the doubling of the c‐axis, structural networks differ by the different conformations of NO2 nitro groups and by the orientation of the propyl group in the unit cell. Both crystal structures can be described using infinite zigzag chains of C3H7NO2 molecules showing a regular alternation along the c‐axis. Two orientations of these ribbons, called A and B, are observed. The crystal structures are then built with different distribution of these ribbons within the crystalline network.
Preliminary observations on the antifatigue effects of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) seed polysaccharides
Authors: Zheng S. Q. , Jiang F. , Gao H. Y. , Zheng J. G.
Published: January 2010

The antifatigue effects of the hot‐water extract of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) seeds were studied in mice. Longan seed polysaccharides were administered at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg and antifatigue activity was evaluated using a swimming test, along with the determination of serum urea nitrogen, hepatic glycogen and blood lactic acid content. The results show that longan seed polysaccharides, in doses ranging from 50 to 100 mg/kg, extended swimming time, increased hepatic glycogen (p < 0.01, n = 10), reduced blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.01, n = 10) and decreased blood lactic acid (p < 0.01, n = 10) in the mice. Therefore longan seed polysaccharides may have potential as an antifatigue agent. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Links between African easterly waves, midlatitude circulation and intraseasonal pulsations of the West African heat low
Authors: Lavaysse C. , Flamant C. , Janicot S. , Knippertz P.
Published: January 2010

During summer 2006, the intensity of the thermal depression over the Sahara, derived from European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecast analyses, exhibited a strong decrease during the first couple of weeks of September. Simultaneously, widespread convective activity over the Sahel was detected. The aims of this study are to identify the reasons for this decrease of the West African Heat Low (WAHL) activity, to discuss the possible relationship with convection and to assess the representativity of such an event at the climatological time‐scale. From spectral analysis of the daily WAHL thickness during summer 2006, two period bands of significant intraseasonal pulsations were identified, and confirmed using the ERA‐40 reanalysis, namely 3–10 d and 10–30 d. In both the 2006 case‐study and the climatological composite study, we find that detrimental conditions in the 3–10 d period band are associated with moist and cool advections in the lower troposphere linked to the southerly sector of African easterly waves (AEWs) which increase convective activity over the Sahel. These humid and cold advections from the south are more pronounced when the AEW interacts with a midlatitude depression. In the 10–30 d period band, the impact of midlatitude circulation is demonstrated. During the collapsing period of the 10–30 d pulsations of the WAHL thickness, an upper‐level trough is seen over northern West Africa. This situation generates a surge of 700 hPa cold air from Libya into the Sahara, an increase of the 925 hPa anticyclonic circulation and a significant increase of convective activity over the Sahel. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Reliability estimation by ALT when no analytical model holds
Authors: Lantiéri, P. , Guérin F. , Hambli R.
Published: January 2010

This paper presents an accelerated life testing method applicable to devices or systems when no analytical relationship with respect to the stress level can be defined. If a numerical approach remains possible, the numerical model can be fitted to the accelerated test results. Thus, long‐term failures can be predicted from short tests. This method is carried out in the case of fatigue, the evolution of the damage leading to the failure having to be modeled by a numerical finite element method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of Stage I twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome: an international survey
Authors: Molina S. , Papanna R. , Moise K. J. , Johnson A.
Published: January 2010

Objective

To determine practice patterns for evaluation and treatment of Stage I twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) among international physicians.

Methods

An e‐mail cross‐sectional survey of members from the IFMSS, NAFTNet and SMFM societies and participants at a Eurofoetus‐sponsored TTTS meeting was undertaken between May 2008 and November 2008. Questionnaires consisted of physician demographics and their recommendations for managing Stage I TTTS. Alternative therapies to expectant management were assessed based on the following special circumstances of the patient: residence more than 200 miles from the center, severe symptoms, or a cervical length of ≤ 15 mm.

Results

Eighty‐one surveys were returned, giving a response rate of 84%. Five surveys were excluded as a result of duplication or missing data. Of the remaining 76 surveys, 48 were from North America, 20 were from Europe and eight were from other continents. Expectant management was the predominant recommendation (78%), followed by amnioreduction (11%), laser ablation (11%) and septostomy (1%). Recommendations for amnioreduction were exclusively from North American centers. Laser centers recommended expectant management more frequently than non‐laser facilities (89% vs. 59%; P < 0.01). When examples of special patient circumstances were presented, North American centers changed their recommendation from expectant management to amnioreduction more often than did European centers. However, a greater proportion of European centers recommended laser surgery for special patient circumstances.

Conclusion

Expectant management remains the predominant management of Stage I TTTS. In some patient circumstances, North American centers are more likely to recommend amnioreduction while European centers are more likely to recommend laser therapy. A randomized controlled trial will be necessary to evaluate the most efficacious management strategy for Stage I TTTS. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective reduction in complicated monochorionic pregnancies: radiofrequency ablation vs. bipolar cord coagulation
Authors: Roman A. , Papanna R. , Johnson A. , Hassan S. S. , Moldenhauer J. , Molina S. , Moise K. J.
Published: January 2010

Objective

To compare radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and bipolar cord coagulation (BPC) methods for selective fetal reduction in the treatment of complicated monochorionic (MC) multifetal gestations.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent selective reduction by RFA and BPC. Computer‐generated random sampling was performed to match patients who had undergone BPC with patients who had undergone RFA, in a 2 : 1 ratio, controlling for gestational age and indication. The primary outcome was fetal survival.

Results

Twenty patients in the RFA group were matched with 40 patients in the BPC group. Fewer additional intra‐operative procedures were performed in the RFA group compared with the BPC group: amnioinfusion, 10% vs. 75%, respectively (P < 0.01); and amnioreduction, 5% vs. 40%, respectively (P = 0.004). The overall survival rates were 87.5% in the RFA group and 88% in the BPC group (P = 0.94). Median gestational age at delivery was 36 (range, 26–41) weeks in the RFA group and 39 (range, 19–40) weeks in the BPC group (P = 0.59). Preterm delivery (at < 28, < 32 or < 37 weeks), weeks gained after the procedure and birth weight at delivery were also similar. Although the preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) rate was higher in the BPC group (22.5%) compared with the RFA group (5%), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.09).

Conclusions

Overall fetal survival rate following selective reduction in complicated MC pregnancies is similar whether reduction is performed by RFA or BPC. Fewer additional intraoperative procedures are required for RFA than for BPC. The possibility that RFA is associated with a lower rate of postoperative PPROM than is BPC will have to be confirmed in larger series. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between abnormal vaginal flora and cervical length as risk factors for preterm birth
Authors: Donders Gilbert G , Van Calsteren Christel , Bellen Gert , Reybrouck Reinhilde , Van den Bosch Thierry , Riphagen Ine , Van Lierde Stephan
Published: January 2010

Aim.

To study the relationship between abnormal vaginal flora (AVF) in the first trimester as a risk factor for shortening cervix length (CL) at second and third trimester, and to assess the combination of these factors in predicting preterm delivery.

Methods.

1026 unselected low risk women seen before 16 weeks of pregnancy underwent sampling of vaginal fluid for wet mount microscopy at a central laboratory blinded to clinical data. Disappearance of lactobacilli and bacterial vaginosis (BV) were scored according to standardized definitions. Specific cultures were performed for M hominis, U urealyticum, aerobic vaginitis (AV) and vaginal colonization with Candida. CL was measured by transvaginal ultrasound at 10–14, 20‐24 and at 30‐34 weeks, and gestational age at delivery was recorded.

Results.

Short cervix (CL below the lower quartile) at 10–14 weeks is related to a lower CL at 20‐24 and 30‐34 weeks of gestation (p=0.01, p=0.005 respectively). Short cervix at 20‐24 weeks, but not at 10–14 weeks, was predictive for preterm birth. In patients with M. hominis and/or with severe AV at 10–14 weeks, the cervix appeared shorter at 20–24 and at 30–34 weeks than in other women. Increased risk for preterm birth in women with a shorter cervix at 10–14 weeks and AVF could not be proved by this study.

Discussion.

Presence of AV or M. hominis is associated with a shorter cervix at 20–24 and 30–34 weeks. Although a short cervix at 10–14 weeks increases the likelihood of having a short cervix later in pregnancy, it was not a prerequisite for AVF to be associated with preterm delivery. Therefore, in the pathogenesis of preterm birth, certain types of AVF may be involved directly in the process of cervical shortening, rather than being exposed to the intrauterine cavity more readily by a short cervix in the early stages of pregnancy. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of keratan sulfate level in mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Tomatsu Shunji , Montaño Adriana M. , Oguma Toshihiro , Dung Vu Chi , Oikawa Hirotaka , de Carvalho Talita Giacomet , Gutiérrez María L. , Yamaguchi Seiji , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Fukushi Masaru , Kida Kazuhiro , Kubota Mitsuru , Barrera Luis , Orii Tadao
Published: January 2010

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (MPS IVA, Morquio A disease), a progressive lysosomal storage disease, causes skeletal chondrodysplasia through excessive storage of keratan sulfate (KS). KS is synthesized mainly in cartilage and released to the circulation. The excess storage of KS disrupts cartilage, consequently releasing more KS into circulation, which is a critical biomarker for MPS IVA. Thus, assessment of KS level provides a potential screening strategy and determines clinical course and efficacy of therapies. We have recently developed a tandem mass spectrometry liquid chromatography [LC/MS/MS] method to assay KS levels in blood. Forty‐nine blood specimens from patients with MPS IVA [severe (n = 33), attenuated (n = 11) and undefined (n = 5)] were analyzed for comparison of blood KS concentration with that of healthy subjects and for correlation with clinical severity. Plasma samples were digested by keratanase II to obtain disaccharides of KS. Digested samples were assayed by LC/MS/MS. We found that blood KS levels (0.4–26 µg/ml) in MPS IVA patients were significantly higher than those in age‐matched controls (0.67–4.6 µg/ml; P < 0.0001). It was found that blood KS level varied with age and clinical severity in the patients. Blood KS levels in MPS IVA peaked between 2 years and 5 years of age (mean 11.4 µg/ml). Blood KS levels in severe MPS IVA (mean 7.3 µg/ml) were higher than in the attenuated form (mean 2.1 µg/ml) (P = 0.012). We also found elevated blood KS levels in other types of MPS. These findings indicate that the new KS assay for blood is suitable for early diagnosis and longitudinal assessment of disease severity in MPS IVA.
Genotype–phenotype correlations: sudden death in an infant with very‐long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Coughlin Curtis R. , Ficicioglu Can
Published: January 2010

Very‐long‐chain acyl‐coenzyme A (CoA) dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of fatty acid oxidation. The phenotype of VLCADD is heterogeneous, and patients are typically classified into three categories based upon onset of symptoms and clinical findings. As a result of early diagnosis and treatment, many patients with VLCADD have remained asymptomatic. A general genotype–phenotype correlation has been elicited. A genotype that is associated with residual enzyme activity is more likely to present with an attenuated phenotype. One prevailing mutation, the c.848T>C (p.V283A), has been associated with residual enzyme activity and has been identified in many asymptomatic individuals diagnosed through either newborn or family screening. We present a patient who died as a result of fatal hypoglycemia at 38 h of life before diagnosis of VLCADD could be established by newborn screening. Despite the early onset of the disease, the patient was found to have a missense mutation within the ACADVL gene with a c.848T>C, c.342+1G>C genotype. Genotype alone remains limited in its predictive ability to determine which affected individuals are at risk for fatal complications.
C1qTNF‐related protein‐6 mediates fatty acid oxidation via the activation of the AMP‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Lee Wan , Kim Mi-Jin , Park Eun-Ju , Choi Young-Jin , Park Seung-Yoon
Published: January 2010

C1qTNF‐related proteins (CTRPs) are involved in diverse processes including metabolism, inflammation host defense, apoptosis, cell differentiation, autoimmunity, hibernation, and organogenesis. However, the physiological role of CTRP6 remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that the globular domain of CTRP6 mediates the phosphorylation and activation of the 5′‐AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) in skeletal muscle cells. In parallel with the activation of AMPK, CTRP6 induces the phosphorylation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid oxidation in myocytes. Thus, CTRP6 plays a role in fatty acid metabolism via the AMPK‐ACC pathway.
Stopped‐flow studies of the reaction of d‐tartronate semialdehyde‐2‐phosphate with human neuronal enolase and yeast enolase 1
Authors: Brewer John M. , McKinnon Jared S. , Phillips Robert S.
Published: January 2010

We determined the kinetics of the reaction of human neuronal enolase and yeast enolase 1 with the slowly‐reacting chromophoric substrate d‐tartronate semialdehyde phosphate (TSP), each in tris (tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane) and another buffer at several Mg2+ concentrations, 50 or 100 μM, 1 mM and 30 mM. All data were biphasic, and could be satisfactorily fit, assuming either two successive first‐order reactions or two independent first‐order reactions. Higher Mg2+ concentrations reduce the relative magnitude of the slower reaction. The results are interpreted in terms of a catalytically significant interaction between the two subunits of these enzymes.
NOX3‐derived reactive oxygen species promote TNF‐α‐induced reductions in hepatocyte glycogen levels via a JNK pathway
Authors: Li Lanfang , He Qinghua , Huang Xiuqing , Man Yong , Zhou Yingsheng , Wang Shu , Wang Jianye , Li Jian
Published: January 2010

TNF‐α‐induced insulin resistance is associated with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aims at defining the link between ROS production and hepatic insulin resistance. Treatment with TNF‐α increased ROS generation through activating NADPH oxidase 3 (NOX3) in HepG2 hepatocytes. Down‐regulation of NOX3 using siRNA prevented TNF‐α‐induced decrease of cellular glycogen. In the cells treated with TNF‐α, there were NOX3‐dependent activation of JNK, inhibition of IRS1 and phosphorylation of AKT/PKB and GSK. In conclusion, the effects of TNF‐α on hepatic insulin resistance appear to be, at least in part, mediated by NOX3‐derived ROS through a JNK pathway.
A Pilot Study of Vitamin D and Balance Characteristics in Middle‐Aged, Healthy Individuals
Authors: Qutubuddin Abu , Cifu David X. , Adler Robert A. , Carne William , Gitchel George
Published: January 2010

Objective

To examine what relationship exists between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OHD) levels and postural competency in the middle‐aged, healthy individual.

Design

A community convenience sample.

Setting

Major medical center employees.

Subjects

Thirty‐five healthy individuals older than 40 years of age who demonstrated appropriate cognition and physical stability. Specific exclusion criteria included any prior history of hip, knee, or ankle fracture or surgery.

Methods

Questionnaire regarding exercise and sun exposure, vitamin D blood level, followed by computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) assessment of balance.

Main Outcome Measurements

CDP scores of individuals with normal and subnormal vitamin D levels.

Results

Thirteen male and 22 female subjects had a mean age of 56.0 years (standard deviation, 7.6; range, 42‐77). Self‐reported, retrospective mean weekly sun exposure was 7.36 hours (standard deviation, 6.4 hours). Twenty‐six subjects (76.5%) described themselves as regular exercisers. Mean 25‐OHD level for the sample was 21.5 ng/mL (standard deviation, 12.1 ng/mL). When subjects were divided into those with low and high 25‐OHD levels, there was no significant difference in composite limits of stability reaction time scores (mean, 0.98 seconds and 0.84 seconds; P = .23), composite maximal velocity scores (4.2°/second and 5.5°/second; P = .08), composite end point excursion (70.3% and 70.1%; P = .95), and directional control composite scores (71.0% and 71.4%; P = .93). The two groups also showed no significant differences in rhythmic weight shifting left and right as well as forward and backward.

Conclusions

Unlike studies involving elderly subjects, this study of younger, healthy subjects did not demonstrate a relationship between vitamin D and balance.
The International Law of Investment Claims
Authors: Douglas Zachary
Published: January 2010

The International Law of Investment Claims considers the distinct principles governing the prosecution of a claim in investment treaty arbitration. The principles are codified as 54 'rules' of general application on the juridical foundations of investment treaty arbitration, the jurisdiction of the tribunal, the admissibility of claims and the laws applicable to different aspects of the investment dispute. The commentary to each proposed rule contains a critical analysis of the investment treaty jurisprudence and makes extensive reference to the decisions of other international courts and tribunals, as well as to the relevant experience of municipal legal orders. Solutions are elaborated in respect of the most intractable problems that have arisen in the cases, including: the effect of an exclusive jurisdiction clause in an investment agreement with the host state; reliance on the MFN clause in relation to jurisdictional provisions; and, the legitimate scope of derivative claims by shareholders.
Pliny's Women
Authors: Carlon Jacqueline M.
Published: January 2010

Pliny's Women provides a comprehensive consideration of the many women who appear in the letters of Pliny the Younger. Combining detailed prosopography with close literary analysis, Jacqueline Carlon examines the identities of the women whom Pliny includes and how they and the men with whom they are associated contribute both to this presentation of exemplary Romans and particularly to his own self-promotion. Virtually all of the named women in Pliny's nine-book corpus are considered. They form six distinct groups: those associated with opposition to the principate; the family of Pliny's mentor, Corellius Rufus; his own family members; women involved in testamentary disputes; ideal wives; and women of unseemly character. Detailed analysis of each letter mentioning women includes the identity of its recipient and everyone named within, its disposition within the collection, Pliny's language and style, and its significance to our perception of the changing social fabric of the early principate.
The Confluence of Public and Private International Law
Authors: Mills Alex
Published: January 2010

A sharp distinction is usually drawn between public international law, concerned with the rights and obligations of states with respect to other states and individuals, and private international law, concerned with issues of jurisdiction, applicable law and the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in international private law disputes before national courts. Through the adoption of an international systemic perspective, Dr Alex Mills challenges this distinction by exploring the ways in which norms of public international law shape and are given effect through private international law. Based on an analysis of the history of private international law, its role in US, EU, Australian and Canadian federal constitutional law, and its relationship with international constitutional law, he rejects its conventional characterisation as purely national law. He argues instead that private international law effects an international ordering of regulatory authority in private law, structured by international principles of justice, pluralism and subsidiarity.