bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) as a Biomarker of Alcohol Consumption in HIV‐Positive Patients in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Hahn Judith A. , Dobkin Loren M. , Mayanja Bernard , Emenyonu Nneka I. , Kigozi Isaac M. , Shiboski Stephen , Bangsberg David R. , Gnann Heike , Weinmann Wolfgang , Wurst Friedrich M.
Published: December 2011

Background:  Alcohol is heavily consumed in sub‐Saharan Africa and affects HIV transmission and treatment and is difficult to measure. Our goal was to examine the test characteristics of a direct metabolite of alcohol consumption, phosphatidylethanol (PEth).

Methods:  Persons infected with HIV were recruited from a large HIV clinic in southwestern Uganda. We conducted surveys and breath alcohol concentration (BRAC) testing at 21 daily home or drinking establishment visits, and blood was collected on day 21 (n = 77). PEth in whole blood was compared with prior 7‐, 14‐, and 21‐day alcohol consumption.

Results:  (i) The receiver operator characteristic area under the curve (ROC‐AUC) was highest for PEth versus any consumption over the prior 21 days (0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86 to 0.97). The sensitivity for any detectable PEth was 88.0% (95% CI: 76.0 to 95.6) and the specificity was 88.5% (95% CI: 69.8 to 97.6). (ii) The ROC‐AUC of PEth versus any 21‐day alcohol consumption did not vary with age, body mass index, CD4 cell count, hepatitis B virus infection, and antiretroviral therapy status, but was higher for men compared with women (p = 0.03). (iii) PEth measurements were correlated with several measures of alcohol consumption, including number of drinking days in the prior 21 days (Spearman r = 0.74, p < 0.001) and BRAC (r = 0.75, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:  The data add support to the body of evidence for PEth as a useful marker of alcohol consumption with high ROC‐AUC, sensitivity, and specificity. Future studies should further address the period and level of alcohol consumption for which PEth is detectable.
Effects of the Triple Monoamine Uptake Inhibitor DOV 102,677 on Alcohol‐Motivated Responding and Antidepressant Activity in Alcohol‐Preferring (P) Rats
Authors: Yang Andrew R. S. T. , Yi Heon S. , Warnock Kaitlin T. , Mamczarz Jacek , June Harry L. , Mallick Nikhil , Krieter Philip A. , Tonelli Leonardo , Skolnick Phil , Basile Anthony S. , June Harry L.
Published: December 2011

Background:  Concurrent inhibitors of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin uptake have been proposed as novel antidepressants. Given the high comorbidity between alcoholism and depression, we evaluated the activity of DOV 102,677 (DOV) on alcohol‐maintained responding and performance in the forced swim test (FST), a model of antidepressant (AD) activity, using alcohol‐preferring (P) rats.

Methods:  Following training to lever press for either alcohol (10% v/v) or sucrose (3, 2%, w/v) on a fixed‐ratio 4 (FR4) schedule, DOV (1.56 to 50 mg/kg; PO) was given 25 minutes or 24 hours prior to evaluation. The effects of DOV (12.5 to 50 mg/kg; PO) in the FST were evaluated 25 minutes posttreatment.

Results:  DOV (6.25 to 50 mg/kg) dose‐dependently reduced alcohol‐maintained responding by 59 to 88% at 25 minutes posttreatment, without significantly altering sucrose responding. The reduction in alcohol responding (44% at 50 mg/kg) was sustained for up to 120 hours after a single dose. Administration of a single dose of DOV (25, 50 mg/kg) 24 hours before testing suppressed alcohol responding for 48 hours by 59 to 62%. DOV (12.5 to 50 mg/kg) also dose‐dependently reduced immobility of P rats in the FST.

Conclusions:  DOV produces both prolonged and selective reductions of alcohol‐motivated behaviors in P rats. The elimination kinetics of DOV suggests that its long duration of action may be due to an active metabolite. DOV also produced robust AD‐like effects in P rats. We propose that DOV may be useful in treating comorbid alcoholism and depression in humans.
Role of Novelty and Ethanol History in Locomotor Stimulation Induced by Binge‐Like Ethanol Intake
Authors: Linsenbardt David N. , Boehm Stephen L.
Published: December 2011

Background:  The acute locomotor effects of voluntary ethanol (EtOH) intake in mice (stimulation/sedation) might be important behavioral indicators of an animals’ propensity to engage in EtOH consumption and/or EtOH seeking behaviors. Using a binge‐like EtOH intake model dubbed “Drinking‐in‐the‐Dark (DID),” we recently observed home cage locomotor stimulation in C57BL/6J mice during an acute EtOH intake session, but acute home cage locomotor sedation following repeated EtOH exposures. To determine the role of novelty and/or EtOH history on these previously described locomotor effects, and to determine the relationship between these variables on locomotor activity immediately following DID intake, we conducted 2 separate experiments.

Methods:  In experiment 1, mice were given access to either EtOH or water, and locomotor activity was monitored immediately afterwards. In experiment 2, mice were given 13 days access to EtOH or water solution while home cage locomotor activity was monitored. On the 14th day, half of the water consuming animals received EtOH access for the first time. On the 15th day, all animals received EtOH access, and locomotion was assessed afterwards in locomotor activity testing chambers.

Results:  In experiment 1, locomotor activity following DID was positively associated with EtOH intake and blood EtOH concentrations (BECs). In experiment 2, the group that received EtOH for the first time on the 14th day did not display locomotor stimulation. Locomotor activity following DID EtOH intake was positively associated with BECs in all groups regardless of EtOH history.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that (i) DID‐induced locomotor stimulation in the home cage may involve relative familiarity with the DID procedures, and (ii) locomotor stimulation immediately following DID is directly related to the relative concentration of EtOH in blood; an effect that is not altered by prior EtOH history. These data add new evidence of the pharmacological actions of binge‐like EtOH intake, and provide a basis by which we may explore the motivation and consequences of such binge consumption.
Chain Binomial Models and Binomial Autoregressive Processes
Authors: Weiß Christian H. , Pollett Philip K.
Published: December 2011

Summary We establish a connection between a class of chain‐binomial models of use in ecology and epidemiology and binomial autoregressive (AR) processes. New results are obtained for the latter, including expressions for the lag‐ conditional distribution and related quantities. We focus on two types of chain‐binomial model, extinction–colonization and colonization–extinction models, and present two approaches to parameter estimation. The asymptotic distributions of the resulting estimators are studied, as well as their finite‐sample performance, and we give an application to real data. A connection is made with standard AR models, which also has implications for parameter estimation.
Nanostructured Spark Plasma Sintered Ce‐TZP Ceramics
Authors: Cruz Sylvia A. , Poyato Rosalía , Cumbrera Francisco L. , Odriozola Jose A.
Published: December 2011

In this work, spark plasma sintering (SPS) of 10 mol% CeO2‐doped ZrO2 nanocrystalline powders, obtained by a two‐step synthesis procedure, allows the preparation of fully densified nanostructured ceramics. The CeO2–ZrO2 powders with particle size below 100 nm are obtained after CeO2 deposition on hydrothermally synthesized ZrO2 particles by the impregnation method.

Tetragonal CeO2–ZrO2 ceramics are obtained when sintering at 1200°C without holding time. A graded material containing tetragonal, monoclinic, and pyrochlore phases are obtained when sintering at 1200°C and for 5 min holding time. This is explained in terms of the gradual reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+ species by carbon in the graphite environment during SPS. With the successful combination of the stabilizer coating technique and SPS, we achieve not only the stabilization of the tetragonal phase in the ceramics, but also good control of the grain size, by producing nanostructured ceramics with 40–70 nm grain sizes.
Ceramic Microbeads as Adsorbents for Purification Technologies with High Specific Surface Area, Adjustable Pore Size, and Morphology Obtained by Ionotropic Gelation
Authors: Klein Tanja Yvonne , Treccani Laura , Rezwan Kurosch
Published: December 2011

In this study, we present an ionotropic gelation route for obtaining porous alumina/silica microbeads (MBs) with tailorable morphology, specific surface area (SBET), and pore size, which can directly be sintered into porous, monolithic adsorbents (MAds). After sintering, SBETs from 20 m2/g up to 70 m2/g with open porosities up to 90% could be achieved depending on the silica nanoparticle addition. Due to the significantly increased SBET, a more than 100‐fold faster uptake of model dye molecules was obtained. Pore sizes ranged between 13 and 184 nm with adjustable mono‐ and bimodal size distributions. Depending on silica content and sintering temperature, the MBs were also found to be chemically stable in technologically relevant solvents such as water, acetone, acetonitrile, hydrochloric acid, and methanol for at least 1 week except for sodium hydroxide. By adjusting the processing parameters, spherical, fibrous or irregular microbead morphologies could be obtained. The same route was also successfully applied for obtaining calcium phosphate, titania, and zirconia microbeads. The presented straight‐forward ionotropic gelation route is basically applicable to any other ceramic material and therefore extremely versatile. The obtained MBs and MAds can be further adapted to any type of environmental or biotechnological purification process by additional functionalization steps.
Photocatalytic Activity of (B, N)‐Codoped Titanate Nanotubes
Authors: Dong Pengyu , Wang Yuhua , Liu Bin , Guo Linna , Huang Yongji , Yin Shu
Published: December 2011

The multi‐walled (B, N)‐codoped titanate nanotubes (TNTs) have been prepared via a simple hydrothermal route. Such (B, N)‐codoped TNTs showed a decrease in band gap energy as compared with the undoped TNTs. The effect of the doping amounts of B and N on the photocatalytic activity of TNTs was studied. Among the as‐prepared samples, (1% B, 1% N)‐codoped TNTs exhibited the best photocatalytic activity for methyl orange decomposition under Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of (1% B, 1% N)‐codoped TNTs is twice as high as that of the undoped TNTs.
In Situ Formation of Hydroxyapatite – Αlpha Tricalcium Phosphate Biphasic Ceramics with Higher Strength and Bioactivity
Authors: Sureshbabu S. , Komath Manoj , Varma H. K.
Published: December 2011

Synthetic bone grafts based on hydroxyapatite–alpha tricalcium phosphate (HA/α‐TCP) biphasic system are preferred for their higher resorbability and bioactivity. In this work, a viable method is suggested to produce HA/α‐TCP systems with enhanced bioactivity and mechanical strength, through the in situ conversion of calcium‐deficient apatite precursor. A homogeneous precipitation technique was used to produce the precursor powder. It was heat‐treated to study the phase conversion using XRD and FTIR. The precursor got converted HA/β‐TCP system above 762°C, which further transformed to HA/α‐TCP system after 1165°C. The sintering temperature was optimized at 1175°C. It is the net Ca/P ratio of the precursor which decides the ratio of the phases in the final ceramic. The precursor with Ca/P = 1.585 gave a biphasic ceramic containing 47% α‐TCP. The flexural strength of this sample was more than 2.5 times higher compared to the biphasic ceramic made by sintering HA/α‐TCP powder mix. The internal microstructure of the ceramic revealed the formation of α‐TCP in sheet‐like morphology. Preferential dissolution of the α‐TCP from the sample surface in aqueous and acidic environment was confirmed quantitatively. Biomimetic growth technique in simulated body fluid has been used to assess the bioactivity in vitro.
Identification of telocytes in the upper lamina propria of the human urinary tract
Authors: Gevaert Thomas , De Vos Rita , Van Der Aa Frank , Joniau Steven , van den Oord Joost , Roskams Tania , De Ridder Dirk
Published: December 2011

The upper lamina propria (ULP) area of interstitial cells (IC) has been studied extensively in bladder, but is rather unexplored in the rest of the urinary tract. This cell layer is intriguing because of the localization directly underneath the urothelium, the intercellular contacts and the close relationship with nerve endings and capillaries. In this study, we examine the ULP layer of IC in human renal pelvis, ureter and urethra, and we make a comparison with ULP IC in bladder. Tissue was obtained from normal areas in nephrectomy, cystectomy and prostatectomy specimens, and processed for morphology, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. A morphological and immunohistochemical phenotype for the ULP IC was assessed and region‐dependent differences were looked for. The ULP IC in renal pelvis, ureter and urethra had a similar ultrastructural phenotype, which differed somehow from that of bladder IC, that is, thinner and longer cytoplasmic processes, no peripheral actin filaments and presence of dense core granules and microtubules. Together with their immunohistochemical profile, these features are most compatible with the phenotype of telocytes, a recently discovered group of stromal cells. Based on their global ultrastructural and immunohistochemical phenotype, ULP IC in human bladder should also be classified as telocytes. The most striking immunohistochemical finding was the variable expression of oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR). The functional relevance of ULP telocytes in the urinary tract remains to be elucidated, and ER and PR might therefore be promising pharmacological research targets.
Conventional SLA and chemically modified SLA implants in patients with poorly controlled type 2 Diabetes mellitus – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Khandelwal Namita , Oates Thomas W. , Vargas Adriana , Alexander Peggy P. , Schoolfield John D. , Alex McMahan C.
Published: December 2011

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for a chemically modified Sand blasted, Large grit, Acid etched (SLA) surface, compared with a conventional SLA surface, to enhance implant healing and integration in poorly controlled diabetic patients, a group previously demonstrated to have compromises and delays in implant stabilization during the metabolically active healing period following implant placement.

Materials and methods

The study enrolled 24 patients with type 2 diabetes, baseline HbA1c levels between 7.5–11.4%, and a minimum of two posterior mandibular tooth sites at least 4 months following extraction and appropriate for implant placement. Each patient, at a randomly selected site, received an implant with the conventional SLA surface; at the second site, the patient received an implant with the chemically modified SLA (modSLA) surface. Thus, 48 study implants were placed. Implant stability was assessed using Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA). Readings were taken from the buccal and proximal directions for each implant. Implant stability (ISQ) was assessed at the time of surgical placement (baseline) and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 weeks following implant placement.

Results

No significant differences in implant stability were observed between conventional SLA implants and modSLA implants, and the time courses of implant stabilization following implant placement were similar for the two implant types. Baseline ISQ and minimum ISQ was slightly higher in subjects with higher HbA1c levels, but were similar during 12–16 weeks following implant placement. Forty‐seven (98%) of the 48 implants were determined to be successfully osseointegrated and continued to restoration.

Conclusion

Implant stabilization was similar for the conventional SLA and chemically modified SLA implants in type 2 diabetic patients with relatively poor glycemic control. Furthermore, this study demonstrated clinically successful implant placement even in poorly controlled diabetic patients.
Effectiveness of different interdental brushes on cleaning the interproximal surfaces of teeth and implants: a randomized controlled, double‐blind cross‐over study
Authors: Chongcharoen Nardnadda , Lulic Martina , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To compare the interproximal cleansing efficacy of the novel, waist‐shaped Circum® brush (Topcaredent®, Switzerland; CB) with that of a straight soft interdental brush (IB) (TePe®, Sweden; SB) on posterior surfaces.

Material & methods

Eight patients after completion of initial periodontal therapy abolished oral hygiene for 3 days. Baseline plaque scores (PlI, Silness & Löe ) were assessed on eight surfaces of all premolars and molars. Subsequently, an instructed nurse applied at random one of the two IB, three times per interdental space . Following this, registration of the PlI was repeated by the same blinded examiner. After a 2‐week recovery, patients abolished oral hygiene practices for another 3 days. Again, pre‐and post‐brushing PlI were recorded by the same examiner. The second IB was now applied.

Results

Patient mean PlI and site PlI were evaluated before and after application of the SB or CB respectively. Paired t‐tests were performed to yield statistically significant differences. The reduction of biofilm from before to after the use of the IB on a subject basis was highly significant (P < 0.0001). The mean PlI after the use of the CB was significantly lower than after the use of the SB (P < 0.0001). Comparing the PlI of the line angles (MB, ML, DB, DL), significantly more biofilm had been removed by applying CB compared with SB (P < 0.0001). Moreover, comparing the PlI of the buccal (MB, DB) or the lingual line angles (DL, ML) yielded a significantly higher reduction of biofilm in favour of the CB (P < 0.0001). The reduction of the PlI in the mid‐interproximal portion, both mesially and distally did not differ significantly between CB and ST. No biofilm reduction was seen on the buccal sites with either IB.

Conclusion

The application of the waist‐shaped Circum® IB resulted in significantly lower PlI scores than the use of a straight IB. This was predominantly due to the higher cleansing effect of the waist‐shaped CB on the buccal and lingual line angles.
Melatonin improves metabolic syndrome induced by high fructose intake in rats
Authors: Kitagawa Akira , Ohta Yoshiji , Ohashi Koji
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  In this study, we examined whether melatonin improves metabolic syndrome induced by high fructose intake in male Wistar rats. Feeding of a diet containing 60% fructose (HFD) for 4 or 6 wk caused increased serum insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, uric acid, leptin, and lipid peroxide concentrations as well as hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations, and relative intra‐abdominal fat and liver weights. The 4‐ or 6‐wk HFD feeding reduced serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin concentrations. The 6‐wk HFD feeding increased serum tumor necrosis factor‐α concentration and hepatic lipid peroxide concentration and lowered hepatic reduced glutathione concentration. Daily intraperitoneal administration of melatonin (1 or 10 mg/kg body weight), starting at 4‐wk HFD feeding, attenuated these changes at 6‐wk HFD feeding more effectively at its higher dose than at its lower dose. In an oral glucose tolerance test, rats with 4‐ or 6‐wk HFD feeding showed higher serum insulin response curve and normal serum glucose response curve when compared with the corresponding animals that received the control diet. The 4‐ or 6‐wk HFD feeding caused insulin resistance, judging from the scores of HOMR‐IR and QUICKI, which are indices of insulin resistance. The daily administered melatonin (1 or 10 mg/kg body weight) ameliorated the higher serum insulin response curve in the oral glucose tolerance test and insulin resistance at 6‐wk HFD feeding more effectively at its higher dose than at its lower dose. These results indicate that melatonin improves metabolic syndrome induced by high fructose intake in rats.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—ACQUIRED PECTUS EXCAVATUM SECONDARY TO LARYNGEAL PARALYSIS IN A DOG
Authors: Kurosawa Tsumugi Anne , Ruth Jeffrey D. , Steurer Jeffrey , Austin Brenda , Heng Hock Gan
Published: December 2011

A 13‐year‐old neutered female Labrador retriever had inspiratory dyspnea secondary to bilateral laryngeal paralysis. Radiographically, there was pectus excavatum with a mediastinal shift to the right. Arytenoid lateralization was performed, relieving the upper respiratory obstruction, and the sternal deformity also resolved. Chronic upper respiratory obstruction should be considered in dogs with pectus excavatum. Furthermore, correction of upper respiratory obstruction has the potential to result in resolution of pectus excavatum.
Emergency surgical cricothyroidotomy: 24 successful cases leading to a simple ‘scalpel–finger–tube’ method
Authors: Paix Bruce R , Griggs William M
Published: December 2011

Surgical airway access justifiably remains the final option for managing the ‘can't intubate can't ventilate’ situation, but available techniques are often complicated and might require special equipment. This paper reports on the real world experience of two experienced Australian medical specialists with backgrounds in Anaesthesia and Aeromedical Retrieval who performed 24 surgical airways, mainly under adverse prehospital conditions, over a combined 40 years of practice. All attempts were successful, the majority through a simple open ‘scalpel–finger–tube’ method, which is described here.
CROSSING THE ATLANTIC FROM FOOTBALL TO SOCCER: PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS ON THE MIGRATIONS OF ENGLISH PLAYERS AND THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Authors: Elliott Richard , Harris John
Published: December 2011

In January, 2007 it was announced that England international David Beckham, one of the most famous footballers in the world, would join the Los Angeles Galaxy in the U.S. This announcement brought global media attention for Major League Soccer (MLS) and suggestions that Beckham's signing would be the launch pad for the further development of the professional game in the country. Some four years after Beckham's arrival, this article assesses the positioning of MLS and looks at the current standing of the league in relation to labor migration patterns and internationalization by focusing specifically on the place of English players in this league. It attempts to provide an overview of the positioning of the league within an international context and also explores the interrelationship between two nations where football means quite different things. The work contributes to research on athletic migration and the internationalization of sports labor in the U.S. by teasing out some of the key issues shaping the contemporary soccer product.
Breast Cancer and Sexuality: Multi-modal Treatment Options (CME)
Authors: Krychman Michael L. , Katz Anne
Published: December 2011

Krychman ML and Katz A. Breast cancer and sexuality: Multi-modal treatment options. J Sex Med **;**:**–**

The sexual consequences of breast cancer and its treatments are well known and previously reviewed. Alterations in body image, with or without breast reconstruction, changes in sexual self-esteem and self-efficacy, vulvovaginal atrophy as a result of chemotherapy and/or adjuvant hormone therapy, and loss of libido secondary to dyspareunia and body image issues are common in survivors of breast cancer. Medications that are prescribed for long-term use including those in the class of aromatase inhibitors can have far-reaching implications on quality of life by contributing to vulvar and vaginal atrophic changes. While this is an important issue, there are few widely accepted treatments that have been evaluated for efficacy and safety for these sexual challenges in the breast cancer population. However, progress is being made in finding new and innovative solutions for many of the sexual problems faced by breast cancer survivors and their partners. Many institutions are now compelled to address survivorship concerns and addressing sexuality and intimacy are paramount issues in survivorship care. In this article, we present the evidence for the multimodal approach to the management of sexuality concerns in the breast cancer survivor. Pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and psychosocial interventions will be reviewed.
Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel Arginine Analogs as Potential Inhibitors of Acetylcholine‐Induced Relaxation in Rat Thoracic Aortic Rings
Authors: Jain Manish , Barthwal Manoj Kumar , Haq Wahajul , Katti Seturam B. , Dikshit Madhu
Published: December 2011

It is widely appreciated that the vascular endothelium is capable of modulating vascular smooth muscle tone suiting it well for its role as an important regulator of a number of diverse biological processes. Endothelial dysfunction is an early manifestation of atherothrombosis and a consequence of the established disease. Although several arginine derivatives alkylated at one of the guanidino nitrogen were found to inhibit vasorelaxation induced by acetylcholine, activity of the corresponding arginine esters is not reported. The present work was therefore designed to synthesize and evaluate series of novel arginine derivatives to obtain further insight into structure–activity relationship in this series of compounds. Present study involves assessment of activity of these novel compounds on the vascular tone of rat thoracic aorta in comparison with l‐arginine analog, that is, l‐nitro‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME). Results from the present study showed that full reversal of phenylephrine‐mediated contraction was achieved by cumulative applications of acetylcholine (3 nm–300 μm), which were abolished when the aortic rings were pretreated with l‐NAME (300 μm). Results from the present study demonstrated that these novel arginine derivatives cause significant yet reversible reduction in acetylcholine‐mediated relaxation, similar to that of l‐NAME.
Salinomycin – A New Cancer Drug Candidate
Authors: Huczynski Adam
Published: December 2011

Very recently, it has been shown that it is possible to selectively kill breast cancer stem cells using the ionophore antibiotic, salinomycin. Its ability to kill cancer stem cells and apoptosis‐resistant cancer cells may define salinomycin as a novel anticancer drug.
An evidence based review of the assessment and management of penetrating neck trauma
Authors: Burgess C.A. , Dale O.T. , Almeyda R. , Corbridge R.J.
Published: December 2011

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 44–52

Background:  Although relatively uncommon, penetrating neck trauma has the potential for serious morbidity and an estimated mortality of up to 6%. The assessment and management of patients who have sustained a penetrating neck injury has historically been an issue surrounded by significant controversy.

Objectivesof review:  To assess recent evidence relating to the assessment and management of penetrating neck trauma, highlighting areas of controversy with an overall aim of formulating clinical guidelines according to a care pathway format.

Type of review:  Structured, non‐systematic review of recent medical literature.

Search strategy:  An electronic literature search was performed in May 2011. The Medline database was searched using the Medical Subject Headings terms ‘neck injuries’ and ‘wounds, penetrating’ in conjunction with the terms ‘assessment’ or ‘management’. Embase was searched with the terms ‘penetrating trauma’ and ‘neck injury’, also in conjunction with the terms ‘assessment’ and ‘management’. Results were limited to articles published in English from 1990 to the present day.

Evaluation method:  Abstracts were reviewed by the first three authors to select full‐text articles for further critical appraisal. The references and citation links of these articles were hand‐searched to identify further articles of relevance.

Results:  147 relevant articles were identified by the electronic literature search, comprising case series, case reports and reviews. 33 were initially selected for further evaluation.

Conclusions:  Although controversy continues to surround the management of penetrating neck trauma, the role of selective non‐operative management and the utility of CT angiography to investigate potential vascular injuries appears to be increasingly accepted.
A Photophysical Study of the α‐Carboline (1‐Azacarbazole) Aggregation Process
Authors: García‐Fernández Emilio , Carmona Carmen , Muñoz María A. , Hidalgo José , Balón Manuel
Published: December 2011

This paper reports a comprehensive photophysical study of the aggregation process of 1‐azacarbazole, or α‐carboline (9H‐pyrido[2,3‐b]indole), AC, in low polar aprotic solvents by using absorption, steady state and time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. To ascertain the characteristics of the aggregation process we have studied the changes produced by the increase of the AC concentration and the decrease of the temperature on the absorption and fluorescence spectra of the AC monomer. Previously, to aid the interpretation of these results, the hydrogen bonding interactions of the AC monomer with pyridine, PY, and indole, IND, have been also analyzed. The results obtained from these studies reveal that, under our experimental conditions, AC does not form doubly hydrogen bonded cyclic dimers, (AC)2, but singly hydrogen bonded open dimers, AC–AC, and open higher aggregates, (–AC–)n. The formation of these species shifts to the red the absorption spectrum of the AC monomer and quenches its fluorescence.
Microscopic examination of bone marrow aspirate in healthy adults – comparison of two techniques of slide preparation
Authors: LEWANDOWSKI K. , KOWALIK M. M. , PAWLACZYK R. , ROGOWSKI J. , HELLMANN A.
Published: December 2011

Introduction:  According to the International Council for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH) guidelines for the standardization of bone marrow specimens and reports, smears from bone marrow aspirates for microscopic examination should be prepared using two techniques simultaneously: the wedge‐spread and the crush technique. However, the outcomes of these techniques have never been compared.

Methods:  We investigated the bone marrow of 105 adult, haematologically healthy subjects, using bone marrow smears prepared via both techniques simultaneously.

Results:  Comparison of the two techniques revealed significant differences in terms of the composition of bone marrow cells. Only the percentages of lymphocytes, mature eosinophils and basophils did not differ significantly. The reference ranges for each technique were established.

Conclusions:  The crush technique seems to be more valuable than the wedge‐spread technique because of the lack of a blood dilution effect and better assessment of megakaryopoiesis. We recommend the crush technique for the evaluation of the percentage composition of bone marrow cells. In a very small number of patients with irregular cell localization in the bone marrow particles, the wedge‐spread technique may be more beneficial for the assessment of total cellularity. The recommendation to routinely prepare slides using both of these techniques is fully justified.
Analysis of altered proteins related to blast crisis in chronic myeloid leukemia by proteomic study
Authors: ZHANG J. , JIN Z. , DU Q. , LI R. , YAO F. , HUANG B. , XU N. , XU L. , LUO X. , LIU X.
Published: December 2011

Introduction:  Chromic myeloid leukemia (CML) blast crisis (BC) and imatinib (IM) resistance is a significant barrier to the effective treatment of the disease.

Methods:  Expression profiles of differential proteins were identified, and new biomarkers or pathways related to BC in CML were screened through proteomic analysis. Total proteins from primary bone marrow cells of CML patients in chronic phase (CP) and BC were separated via two‐dimensional (2D) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and then analyzed by imagemaster 5.0 software to detect differential protein spots which were already identified by mass spectrometry. Based on the variation of the whole expression profile, some key proteins were picked out for Western blot to confirm the accuracy of proteomics data. Moreover, related signal pathways involving those proteins were investigated.

Results:  The result indicated that thirteen protein points between CML‐CP and CML‐BC were successfully determined. Results from Western blot of RhoA, hnRNPK, ANXA1, PSMB4, and LTA4H were similar to those from 2D polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Most of those proteins were involved in the proteosome pathway and the small G‐protein pathway.

Conclusion:  A group of proteins associated with BC can be obtained and the result of this study might provide clues for further research.
The Metabolically Healthy But Obese Phenotype in African Americans
Authors: Cherqaoui Rabia , Kassim Thaslim A. , Kwagyan John , Freeman Clyde , Nunlee‐Bland Gail , Ketete Muluemebet , Xu Shichen , Randall Otelio S.
Published: December 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich).

Obesity has become one of the leading public health concerns in the United States and worldwide. While obesity is associated with the metabolic syndrome, some obese individuals do not possess the constellation of the metabolic abnormalities and are referred to as metabolically healthy but obese (MHO) persons. Limited data exist on the prevalence and characteristics of the MHO in African Americans. The authors studied 126 obese African Americans and defined the MHO phenotype as an individual with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥40 mg/dL, absence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and absence of arterial hypertension. The correlates of the MHO phenotype with anthropometrical and metabolic indices were examined, as well as the effect of age on these correlates. Results showed that 36 (28.5%) of the individuals were identified with the MHO phenotype. Waist circumference (WC) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) were significantly lower (P<.05) in MHO than in non‐MHO patients. While there were significant lower levels of low‐density lipoprotein and triglycerides in MHO among patients younger than 40 years, the significance was lost among patients 40 years or older. This study indicates that increased WC and WHR may be early premetabolic syndrome markers in obese individuals and should warrant aggressive risk factor reduction therapy to prevent future development of related cardiovascular conditions.
Enabling Innovative Translational Research in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Zarjou Abolfazl , Sanders Paul W. , Mehta Ravindra L. , Agarwal Anupam
Published: December 2011

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common, heterogeneous, and detrimental clinical condition that has significant attributable morbidity and mortality. Despite major advances in understanding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and outcomes of AKI, preventive measures remain inadequate and therapeutic approaches (except for renal replacement therapy) have largely proven futile so far. Critical to the process of designing rational therapies is translational research, which involves the transition between the basic research discoveries and everyday clinical applications to prevent, diagnose, and treat human diseases. Progress in innovative approaches has been hampered due in part to the reliance on functional markers (serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) that are neither sensitive nor specific to diagnose AKI. This limitation has created a great deal of interest and intense investigation to identify a “troponin‐like marker” that would facilitate recognition of AKI and allow for timely implementation of the precise therapeutic agent. The other major obstacle in this field is the diverse and complex nature of AKI that involves multiple independent and overlapping pathways, making it difficult to cure AKI with a single approach. In this review, we will summarize the advances, ongoing studies, and future perspectives in the field of translational research of AKI. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 93–101
Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis in Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wen Jessica
Published: December 2011

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a developmental disorder that mainly affects the kidneys and the biliary tract. Affected patients often have massively enlarged cystic kidneys as well as congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) characterized by dilated bile ducts and associated peribiliary fibrosis. This review will examine what is known about ARPKD‐associated liver disease and will highlight areas of ongoing research into its pathogenesis and potential treatment. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 460–465
The Loss of Homeostasis in Hemostasis: New Approaches in Treating and Understanding Acute Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Critically Ill Patients*
Authors: Hook Karen M. , Abrams Charles S.
Published: December 2011

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) profoundly increases the morbidity and mortality of patients who have sepsis. Both laboratory and clinical research advanced the understanding of the biology and pathophysiology of DIC. This, in turn, gave rise to improved therapies and patient outcomes. Beginning with a stimulus causing disruption of vascular integrity, cytokines and chemokines cause activation of systemic coagulation and inflammation. Seemingly paradoxically, the interplay between coagulation and inflammation also inhibits endogenous anticoagulants, fibrinolytics, and antiinflammatory pathways. The earliest documented and best‐studied microbial cause of DIC is the lipopolysaccharide endotoxin of Gram‐negative bacteria. Extensive microvascular thrombi emerge in the systemic vasculature due to dysregulation of coagulation. The result of this unrestrained, widespread small vessel thromboses multiorgan system failure. Consumption of platelets and coagulation factors during this process can lead to an elevated risk of hemorrhage. The management of these patients with simultaneous hemorrhage and thrombosis is complex and challenging. Definitive treatment of DIC, and attenuation of end‐organ damage, requires control of the inciting cause. Currently, activated protein C is the only approved therapy in the United States for sepsis complicated by DIC. Further research is needed in this area to improve clinical outcomes for patients with sepsis. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 85–92
Geographic Literacy and Defoe's Complete Englishmen: Mere Bookcases v. Walking Maps
Authors: EDWARDS JESS
Published: December 2011

Whether learning how to work the streets as a pickpocket or picking up the art of navigation, Daniel Defoe's characters find, in John Richetti's words, that ‘the exact apprehension of the world is a technique for survival’: a measure of their capacity for ‘pushing back against a potentially destructive world’. This article pursues this issue of apprehension beyond Defoe's novels and into his non‐fictional explorations of model lives, where geographic literacy or competence often figures as an index of the capacity to act effectively and responsibly in the world.
Conserving imperiled species: a comparison of the IUCN Red List and U.S. Endangered Species Act
Authors: Harris J. Berton C. , Reid J. Leighton , Scheffers Brett R. , Wanger Thomas C. , Sodhi Navjot S. , Fordham Damien A. , Brook Barry W.
Published: December 2011

The United States conserves imperiled species with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). No studies have evaluated the ESA's coverage of species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, which is an accepted standard for imperiled species classification. We assessed the ESA's coverage of IUCN‐listed birds, mammals, amphibians, gastropods, crustaceans, and insects, and studied the listing histories of three bird species and Pacific salmonids in more detail. We found that 40.3% of IUCN‐listed U.S. birds are not listed by the ESA, and most other groups are underrecognized by >80%. Species with higher IUCN threat levels are more frequently recognized by the ESA. Our avian case studies highlight differences in the objectives, constraints, and listing protocols of the two institutions, and the salmonids example shows an alternative situation where agencies were effective in evaluating and listing multiple (related) species. Vague definitions ofendangeredandthreatened, an inadequate ESA budget, and the existence of thewarranted but precludedcategory likely contribute to the classification gap we observed.
Periprosthetic Fractures around the Shoulder
Authors: Boyle Simon , Watts Adam , Trail Ian
Published: December 2011

Shoulder arthroplasty is being performed with increasing volumes worldwide. This inevitability means that complications will be encountered with greater frequency. Periprosthetic fractures around the shoulder are an uncommon but daunting complication related to this type of surgery. This article represents a detailed review of the epidemiology, risk factors, classification and management of these complex injuries.
Single-dose pharmacokinetics and safety of iptakalim hydrochloride in Chinese healthy volunteers
Authors: Cai Yun , Chai Dong , Pei Fei , Fang Yi , Wang Rui , Liang Bei-bei , Cui Wen-yu , Bao Cun-gang , Wang Hai
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics and food effect of iptakalim in healthy adult Han Chinese volunteers.

Methods

Study 1 was a randomized open-label, Latin square designed, single-dose, three-period, self-control crossover study. Six men and six women received 5, 10 and 20 mg of iptakalim orally. Study 2 was a randomized, open-label, single-dose, two-period, self-control crossover study. Ten men were included and each subject received 5 mg iptakalim orally, fasting and nonfasting.

Key findings

No adverse effects were reported and no clinically meaningful changes in vital signs were found. Cmax, AUC0–t and AUC0–∞ were proportional over the dose levels of 5, 10 and 20 mg. Tmax, t½ and CL/F were similarly independent of dose level. In the 5 mg and 20 mg group, the Cmax, AUC0–t and AUC0–∞ in women were significantly higher than in men, although they showed no difference after correction by mg/kg doses in the 5 mg group. At the 5-mg dose level, no significant difference in pharmacokinetics was found in nonfasting and fasting subjects.

Conclusions

Single-dose pharmacokinetics of iptakalim showed dose proportionality over the dose levels of 5–20 mg. The pharmacokinetics showed gender differences in the 5 and 20 mg groups. Food had almost no impact on the pharmacokinetics at the 5 mg level.
Effect of low-protein diet on anthracycline pharmacokinetics and cardiotoxicity
Authors: El-Demerdash Ebtehal , Ali Azza A , El-Taher Dalia E M , Hamada Farid M A
Published: December 2011

Objectives

Anthracyclines are broad spectrum anticancer drugs with dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Protein malnutrition commonly occurs in cancer patients and is considered a risk factor for development of cardiotoxicity. This study was designed to assess the modulatory effect of protein malnutrition on the pharmacokinetics and drug disposition properties of a single dose of doxorubicin and epirubicin and how these possible changes will affect the degree of cardiotoxicity of these drugs.

Methods

A single interperitoneal dose of 15 mg/kg of either doxorubicin or epirubicin was injected into rats fed with either normal protein diet or low-protein diet. The plasma concentration–time profiles of doxorubicin and epirubicin and their concentrations in different tissues were determined. Serum creatine kinase level was determined at different time intervals and histopathological examination of heart tissue was carried out.

Key findings

Protein malnutrition significantly altered the pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin and epirubicin, with a significant decrease in their elimination, and prolonged the exposure of the heart to these drugs. Histopathological examination and serum creatine kinase measurements supported the role of protein malnutrition in enhancement of anthracycline cardiotoxicity.

Conclusions

If similar alteration in anthracyclines' pharmacokinetics occurs in malnourished cancer patients, protein malnutrition will be a risk factor for development of anthracycline cardiotoxicity and dose adjustment will be required in nutritionally deprived patients.
Integrating Systems Engineering Into the USAF Academy Capstone Gas Turbine Engine Course
Authors: Rolling August J. , Byerley Aaron R. , Wisniewski Charles F.
Published: December 2011

This paper is intended to serve as a template for incorporating technical management majors into a traditional engineering design course. In 2002, the Secretary of the Air Force encouraged the United States Air Force (USAF) Academy to initiate a new interdisciplinary academic major related to systems engineering. This direction was given in an effort to help meet the Air Force’s growing need for “systems” minded officers to manage the development and acquisition of its ever more complex weapons systems. The curriculum for the new systems engineering management (SEM) major is related to the “engineering of large, complex systems and the integration of the many subsystems that comprise the larger system” and differs in the level of technical content from the traditional engineering major. The program allows emphasis in specific cadet—selected engineering tracks with additional course work in human systems, operations research, and program management. Specifically, this paper documents how individual SEM majors have been integrated into aeronautical engineering design teams within a senior level capstone course to complete the preliminary design of a gas turbine engine. As the Aeronautical Engineering (AE) cadets performed the detailed engine design, the SEM cadets were responsible for tracking performance, cost, schedule, and technical risk. Internal and external student assessments indicate that this integration has been successful at exposing both the AE majors and the SEM majors to the benefits of “systems thinking” by giving all the opportunity to employ SE tools in the context of a realistic aircraft engine design project.
Prediction of Time-Correlated Leakage Rates of Bolted Flanged Connections by Considering the Maximum Gasket Contact Stress
Authors: Sun Z. G. , Gu B. Q.
Published: December 2011

The leakage rates of bolted flanged connections change with service time due to the gasket contact stress relaxation and degradation of gasket material. The nonuniform distribution of gasket contact stress has significant influence on the leakage behavior of the connections. In order to predict the time-correlated leakage rates accurately, both appropriate approaches to dealing with the gasket residual contact stress and a corresponding time-correlated leakage model of sealing elements are needed. In this paper, an analytical model has been developed to determine the maximum contact stress at gasket outer diameter in consideration of creeps of flanges, bolts and gasket coupled to the axial deformation compatibility equation. The analysis was verified against the finite element numerical simulation considering the nonlinear behavior of gasket and material creep. The analytical results of the maximum contact stress of gasket and its change over time compared well with those obtained by finite element method. A time-correlated leakage model of nonmetallic gasket sealing connections based on the porous medium theory was established, in which the effects of the gasket material degradation and contact stress relaxation on the sealing performance were taken into consideration. Furthermore, a leakage rate prediction method was proposed. Some long-term sealing performance tests were performed on two types of gaskets to obtain the coefficients in the leakage model. The leakage rate prediction method proposed in this paper was also validated against the experimental data presented by other researchers, and the errors between the predicted values and the experimental results were within 18%.