bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid-developed primary malignant myoepithelioma in the cavernous sinus: a case report
Authors: Hong Yuan , Guo Song-Xue , Chen Sheng , Klebe Damon , Zhang Jian-Min , Wu Qun
Published: May 2013

Background

Malignant myoepithelioma is a relatively rare malignant tumor occurring most frequently in the salivary glands. A few isolated cases have been described in other locations, including soft tissue, bone, lung, bronchus, oral cavity, nasopharynx, larynx, and maxillary sinus. Malignant myoepithelioma, however, is uncommonly involved within the cavernous sinus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of malignant myoepithelioma arising from within the cavernous sinus.

Case presentation

Herein, we report a case of a 48-year-old woman who presented a 1-month history of diplopia and blepharoptosis as well as radiological evidence of a rapidly developing cavernous sinus tumor. The patient underwent a trans-sphenoidal biopsy and a histological diagnosis indicated a malignant myoepithelioma. After diagnosis, the tumor grew rapidly and her clinical condition deteriorated progressively. Therefore, a pterional craniotomy with partial tumor removal was performed. The patient’s clinical state was worsened, and she died two months after the initial operation. Because the malignant myoepithelioma could not be traced to an organ of origin, other than the cavernous sinus, this case was diagnosed as a primary intracranial malignant myoepithelioma.

Conclusion

The purpose of presenting this case report is to raise awareness among clinicians to consider malignant myoepithelioma as a differential diagnosis when a cavernous sinus mass is identified. Furthermore, an ideal management strategy for malignant myoepithelioma is not known and the prognosis seems to be unfavorable; therefore, more cases are needed to enhance our knowledge of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this rare intracranial lesion.
Imatinib mesylate inhibits cell growth of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in vitro and in vivothrough suppression of PDGFR-β
Authors: Ohishi Jun , Aoki Mikiko , Nabeshima Kazuki , Suzumiya Junji , Takeuchi Tamotsu , Ogose Akira , Hakozaki Michiyuki , Yamashita Yuichi , Iwasaki Hiroshi
Published: May 2013

Background

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are highly aggressive and associated with poor prognosis. Basic research to develop new treatment regimens is critically needed.

Methods

The effects of imatinib mesylate on MPNSTs were examined in six human MPNST cell lines and in a xenograft mouse model.

Results

The results showed expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β and suppression of its phosphorylation by imatinib mesylate in all six cell lines. Imatinib mesylate effectively suppressed MPNST cell growth in vitro at concentrations similar to those used clinically (1.46 − 4.6 μM) in three of six cell lines. Knockdown of PDGFR-β by transfection with a specific siRNA also caused significant reduction in cell proliferation in the sensitive cell lines, but not in the resistant cell lines. Furthermore, imatinib mesylate also significantly suppressed colony formation within soft agar and tumor growth in xenograft models using two of the three sensitive MPNST cell lines. There was excellent agreement between in vitro and in vivo sensitivity to imatinib mesylate, suggesting possible selection of imatinib-sensitive tumors by in vitro analysis.

Conclusions

The results suggest that imatinib mesylate may be useful in the treatment of MPNST patients and in vitro studies may help select cells that are sensitive to imatinib mesylate in vivo.
Antilock braking system effectiveness in prevention of road traffic crashes in Iran
Authors: Khorasani-Zavareh Davoud , Shoar Saeed , Saadat Soheil
Published: May 2013

Background

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) helps the equipped vehicles to stop under heavy braking, in a shorter distance and with a better control of direction. It was expected that this technology will reduce the rate of fatal road traffic crashes (RTC); however, the outcome is controversial in the real world. The aim of this study is to compare the claimed annual incidence rate and financial losses due to RTCs in ABS vs. non-ABS personal vehicles in Iran.

Methods

A telephone survey among drivers of two similar models of personal vehicles was arranged. The studied vehicles were of the same brand and type; but only one of them was equipped with ABS. The number of RTCs, subsequent financial loss, and drivers’ knowledge and perception about ABS were sought. The sample consisted of drivers of 1232 ABS and 3123 non-ABS vehicles.

Results

The annual incidence rate of RTC involving another vehicle was 145.1 (134.8-155.9) per 1000 vehicle-years and there was not a statistically significant difference between study groups.

The incidence of RTC with another vehicle due to brake failure was 50.3 (42.9-58.5) for 1000 non ABS vehicle-years and 30.0 (21.2-41.2) for 1000 ABS equipped vehicle-years. The difference was statistically significant after adjustment for the driver and vehicle's age and the daily driving time. The attributable risk of RTC for non-ABS vehicles was 20/1000 vehicles and the excess fraction was 39.8%. The mean financial loss due to reported RTCs was $987.9 ± $1547.3 US Dollars and there was not a statistically significant difference between study groups. While 61.1% of ABS vehicle drivers reported situations in which they believed the ABS had prevented a crash, 44.1% of them however, they did not know how to use ABS efficiently.

Conclusions

Law enforcement to maintain safe distance and adhere to speed limit while driving, is needed to raise the effectiveness of ABS. This is as necessary as considering mandatory outfitting of ABS. Safety authorities should first consider the global experience and local evidence, before adopting any specific policy in this regard. The drivers need to learn the right way to use ABS for maximum effectiveness.
Daily temperature fluctuations unpredictably influence developmental rate and morphology at a critical early larval stage in a frog
Authors: Arrighi Juliana M , Lencer Ezra S , Jukar Advait , Park Daesik , Phillips Patrick C , Kaplan Robert H
Published: May 2013

Background

Environmental temperature has profound consequences for early amphibian development and many field and laboratory studies have examined this. Most laboratory studies that have characterized the influence of temperature on development in amphibians have failed to incorporate the realities of diel temperature fluctuations (DTF), which can be considerable for pond-breeding amphibians.

Results

We evaluated the effects of different ecologically relevant ranges of DTF compared with effects of constant temperatures on development of embryos and larvae of the Korean fire-bellied toad (Bombina orientalis). We constructed thermal reaction norms for developmental stage, snout- vent length, and tail length by fitting a Gompertz-Gaussian function to measurements taken from embryos after 66 hours of development in 12 different constant temperature environments between 14°C and 36°C. We used these reaction norms as null models to test the hypothesis that developmental effects of DTF are more than the sum of average constant temperature effects over the distribution of temperatures experienced. We predicted from these models that growth and differentiation would be positively correlated with average temperature at low levels of DTF but not at higher levels of DTF. We tested our prediction in the laboratory by rearingB. orientalisembryos at three average temperatures (20°C, 24°C, and 28°C) and four levels of thermal variation (0°C, 6°C, 13°C, and 20°C). Several of the observed responses to DTF were significantly different from both predictions of the model and from responses in constant temperature treatments at the same average temperatures. At an average temperature of 24°C, only the highest level of DTF affected differentiation and growth rates, but at both cooler and warmer average temperatures, moderate DTF was enough to slow developmental and tail growth rates.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that both the magnitude of DTF range and thermal averages need to be considered simultaneously when parsing the effects of changing thermal environments on complex developmental responses, particularly when they have potential functional and adaptive significance.
Factors that influence midwifery students in Ghana when deciding where to practice: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Ageyi-Baffour Peter , Rominski Sarah , Nakua Emmanuel , Gyakobo Mawuli , Lori Jody R
Published: May 2013

Background

Mal-distribution of the health workforce with a strong bias for urban living is a major constraint to expanding midwifery services in Ghana. According to the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) report, the high risk of dying in pregnancy or childbirth continues in Africa. Maternal death is currently estimated at 350 per 100,000, partially a reflection of the low rates of professional support during birth. Many women in rural areas of Ghana give birth alone or with a non-skilled attendant. Midwives are key healthcare providers in achieving the MDGs, specifically in reducing maternal mortality by three-quarters and reducing by two-thirds the under 5 child mortality rate by 2015.

Methods

This quantitative research study used a computerized structured survey containing a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to quantify the importance of different incentives and policies to encourage service to deprived, rural and remote areas by upper-year midwifery students following graduation. Using a hierarchical Bayes procedure we estimated individual and mean utility parameters for two hundred and ninety eight third year midwifery students from two of the largest midwifery training schools in Ghana.

Results

Midwifery students in our sample identified: 1) study leave after two years of rural service; 2) an advanced work environment with reliable electricity, appropriate technology and a constant drug supply; and 3) superior housing (2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchen, living room, not shared) as the top three motivating factors to accept a rural posting.

Conclusion

Addressing the motivating factors for rural postings among midwifery students who are about to graduate and enter the workforce could significantly contribute to the current mal-distribution of the health workforce.
Rheumatic symptoms in childhood leukaemia and lymphoma-a ten-year retrospective study
Authors: Zombori Luca , Kovacs Gabor , Csoka Monika , Derfalvi Beata
Published: May 2013

Background

The initial symptoms of childhood leukaemia and lymphoma are often similar to those of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). In our study, we analyzed the frequency and characteristics of musculoskeletal complaints as the initial presenting symptoms of newly diagnosed leukaemia and lymphoma patients in the past 10 years in our clinic.

Methods

Using the Hungarian Tumour Register, we performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 166 new leukaemia and 95 new lymphoma pediatric patients treated from 1999 to 2009 at the 2nd. Dept. of Paediatrics of the Semmelweis University in Budapest.

Results

Twenty percent of the leukaemic (33 children) and 2% of the lymphoma patients (2 children) had musculoskeletal symptoms at first presentation. Two-thirds of both groups of patients had other general symptoms like fever and/or fatigue. The hip was the most frequently affected joint (7/33) in the leukaemic patients. Twenty-four percent of all the children had been previously evaluated by an orthopaedist; 12% had visited another rheumatologist prior to diagnosis. Imaging had been done in an unexpectedly low number of patients prior to referral to our unit (radiographs: 16 or 48%, ultrasound: 5 patients or 15%). Radiographs of the affected joints were abnormal in only one case (1/16, 6%). The joint ultrasound was abnormal in only three children of 5 studied (3/5, 60%). Anaemia (26/32, 6%), thrombocytopenia (78%) and LDH elevation (3–4 times the normal count) were frequent in the leukaemic patients. Half of the cases had a normal leukocyte count. The lymphoma group had similar results. Two patients of the leukaemia group received steroid treatment before the final diagnosis. Severe pain out of proportion to physical findings is another clue.

Conclusions

Haematologic malignancies must be excluded before initiation of therapy for childhood arthritis among children presenting with musculoskeletal signs and symptoms, particularly in atypical cases. Malignancies are to be suspected when pain is disproportionately severe compared to the physical examination findings, and when anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and an elevated LDH level are present. Diagnosing leukaemia early is important because the use of steroids and immunosuppressive medications may mask and delay its diagnosis. Additionally, pre-treatment of presumed JIA patients with these drugs who eventually are diagnosed to have a malignancy may lead to the malignancy being steroid-resistant and more difficult to treat.
Energy-efficient cooperative spectrum sensing schemes for cognitive radio networks
Authors: Zhao Nan , Yu Fei Richard , Sun Hongjian , Nallanathan Arumugam
Published: May 2013

Rapidly rising energy costs and increasingly rigid environmental standards have led to an emerging trend of addressing “energy efficiency” aspect of wireless communication technologies. Cognitive radio can play an important role in improving energy efficiency in wireless networks, because from the green perspective, spectrum is a natural resource which should not be wasted but be shared. In this article, we propose two energy-efficient and time-saving one-bit cooperative spectrum sensing schemes, which have two stages in the spectrum sensing process. If the signal-to-noise ratio is high or no primary user exists, only one stage of coarse spectrum sensing is needed, by which the sensing time and energy are saved. Otherwise, the second stage of fine spectrum sensing will be performed to increase the spectrum sensing accuracy. Furthermore, only one-bit decision is sent by each secondary user to minimize the overhead. The second proposed algorithm fully utilizes the local decisions of the coarse detection, and its energy consumption is further reduced with its sensing performance close to the first one. Plenty of simulation is performed, and the results show that the sensing time and energy consumption are both reduced significantly in the proposed schemes.
Strong convergence of an iterative process for a family of strictly pseudocontractive mappings
Authors: Qing Yuan , Cho Sun Young , Shang Meijuan
Published: May 2013

In this article, fixed point problems of a family of strictly pseudocontractive mappings are investigated based on an iterative process. Strong convergence of the iterative process is obtained in a real 2-uniformly Banach space.

MSC:47H09, 47J05, 47J25.
An efficient operator splitting method for local region Chan-Vese model
Authors: Wang Hui , Huang Ting-Zhu , Liu Jun
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we propose an efficient operator splitting method for local region Chan-Vese (C-V) model for image segmentation. Different from the C-V model, we employ the window function and absorb the local characteristics of the image for improving the C-V model, which we called the local C-V model. The local C-V model can deal with the problem of intensity inhomogeneity which widely exists in the real-world images. By employing a Laplacian operator, we present an operator splitting method to update the level set function. Firstly, we solve the proposed model for evolving the level set function, which drives the active contour to move toward the object boundaries. Secondly, we introduce the Laplacian operator to act on the level set function as a diffusion term, which could efficiently ensure the smoothness and stability and eliminate the complex process of re-initialization. Besides, we increase a new constraint term which avoids updating the level set function seriously. Furthermore, we present an extension for vector-valued images. Experiment results show that our method is competitive with application to synthetic and real-world images.
Bone marrow T cells from the femur are similar to iliac crest derived cells in old age and represent a useful tool for studying the aged immune system
Authors: Pritz Theresa , Landgraf-Rauf Katja , Herndler-Brandstetter Dietmar , Rauf Rauend , Lair Julian , Gassner Robert , Weinberger Birgit , Krismer Martin , Grubeck-Loebenstein Beatrix
Published: May 2013

Background

CD4+ and CD8+ T cells reside in the human bone marrow (BM) and show a heightened activation state. However, only small sample sizes are available from sources such as the iliac crest. Larger samples can be obtained from the femur in the course of hip replacement surgery. It was therefore the goal of the present study to compare the phenotype and function of BM T cells from different sources from elderly persons and to investigate how femur derived bone marrow T cells can serve as a tool to gain a better understanding of the role of adaptive immune cells in the BM in old age.

Results

Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) were isolated from either the iliac crest or the femur shaft. As expected the yield of mononuclear cells was higher from femur than from iliac crest samples. There were no phenotypic differences between BMMC from the two sources. Compared to PBMC, both BM sample types contained fewer naïve and more antigen experienced CD4+ as well as CD8+ T cells, which, in contrast to peripheral cells, expressed CD69. Cytokine production was also similar in T cells from both BM types. Larger sample sizes allowed the generation of T cell lines from femur derived bone marrow using non-specific as well as specific stimulation. The phenotype of T cell lines generated by stimulation with OKT-3 and IL-2 for two weeks was very similar to the one of ex vivo BM derived T cells. Such lines can be used for studies on the interaction of different types of BM cells as shown by co-culture experiments with BM derived stromal cells. Using CMVNLV specific T cell lines we additionally demonstrated that BM samples from the femur are suitable for the generation of antigen specific T cell lines, which can be used in studies on the clonal composition of antigen specific BM T cells.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our results demonstrate that BMMC from the femur shaft are a useful tool for studies on the role of T cells in the BM in old age.
Sudden, unexpected death due to glioblastoma: report of three fatal cases and review of the literature
Authors: Riezzo Irene , Zamparese Rosanna , Neri Margherita , De Stefano Francesco , Parente Ruggero , Pomara Cristoforo , Turillazzi Emanuela , Ventura Francesco , Fineschi Vittorio
Published: May 2013

Sudden death from an undiagnosed primary intracranial neoplasm is an exceptionally rare event, with reported frequencies in the range of 0.02% to 2.1% in medico-legal autopsy series and only 12% of all cases of sudden, unexpected death due to primary intracranial tumors are due to glioblastomas. We present three cases of sudden, unexpected death due to glioblastoma, with different brain localization and expression. A complete methodological forensic approach by means of autopsy, histological and immunohistochemical examinations let us to conclude for an acute central dysregulation caused by glioblastoma and relative complication with rapid increase of intracranial pressure as cause of death. Although modern diagnostic imaging techniques have revolutionized the diagnosis of brain tumors, the autopsy and the careful gross examination and section of the fixed brain (with coronal section) is still the final word in determining exact location, topography, mass effects and histology and secondary damage of brain tumor and contributed the elucidation of the cause of death. Immunohistochemistry and proteomic analysis are mandatory in such cases.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1218574899466985
Traditional use of medicinal plants in south-central Zimbabwe: review and perspectives
Authors: Maroyi Alfred
Published: May 2013

Background

Traditional medicine has remained as the most affordable and easily accessible source of treatment in the primary healthcare system of resource poor communities in Zimbabwe. The local people have a long history of traditional plant usage for medicinal purposes. Despite the increasing acceptance of traditional medicine in Zimbabwe, this rich indigenous knowledge is not adequately documented. Documentation of plants used as traditional medicines is needed so that the knowledge can be preserved and the utilized plants conserved and used sustainably. The primary objective of this paper is to summarize information on traditional uses of medicinal plants in south-central Zimbabwe, identifying research gaps and suggesting perspectives for future research.

Methods

This study is based on a review of the literature published in scientific journals, books, reports from national, regional and international organizations, theses, conference papers and other grey materials.

Results

A total of 93 medicinal plant species representing 41 families and 77 genera are used in south-central Zimbabwe. These plant species are used to treat 18 diseases and disorder categories, with the highest number of species used for gastro-intestinal disorders, followed by sexually transmitted infections, cold, cough and sore throat and gynaecological problems. Shrubs and trees (38% each) were the primary sources of medicinal plants, followed by herbs (21%) and climbers (3%). The therapeutic claims made on medicinal plants documented in south-central Zimbabwe are well supported by literature, with 82.8% of the plant species having similar applications in other regions of Zimbabwe as well as other parts of the world and 89.2% having documented biological and pharmacological properties.

Conclusion

This study illustrates the importance of traditional medicines in the treatment and management of human diseases and ailments in south-central Zimbabwe. Traditional medicines still play an important role in meeting basic health care of local communities in Zimbabwe.
Structural and optical characterization of metal tungstates (MWO4; M=Ni, Ba, Bi) synthesized by a sucrose-templated method
Authors: M Zawawi Siti Murni , Yahya Rosiyah , Hassan Aziz , Mahmud H N M Ekramul , Daud Mohammad Noh
Published: May 2013

Background

Metal tungstates have attracted much attention due to their interesting structural and photoluminescence properties. Depending on the size of the bivalent cation present, the metal tungstates will adopt structures with different phases. In this work, three different phases of metal tungstates MWO4 (M= Ba, Ni and Bi) were synthesized via the sucrose templated method.

Results

The powders of BaWO4 (tetragonal), NiWO4 (monoclinic) and Bi2WO6 (orthorhombic) formed after calcination temperatures of 750, 650 and 600°C for 4 h respectively are found to be crystalline and exist in their pure phase. Based on Scherrer estimation, their crystallite size are of nanosized. BET results showed NiWO4 has the highest surface area. BaWO4 exhibited less Raman vibrations than the NiWO4 because of the increased lattice symmetry but Bi2WO6 showed almost the same Raman vibrations as BaWO4. From the UV-vis spectra, the band gap transition of the metal tungstates are of the order of BaWO4 > Bi2WO6 > NiWO4. Broad blue-green emission peaks were detected in photoluminescence spectra and the results showed the great dependence on morphology, crystallinity and size of the metal tungstates.

Conclusion

Three different phases of metal tungstates of BaWO4 (scheelite), NiWO4 (wolframite) and Bi2WO6 (perovskite layer) in their pure phase were successfully prepared by the simple and economical sucrose-templated method. The highest surface area is exhibited by NiWO4 while largest band gap is shown by BaWO4. These materials showed promising optical properties.
Structural and bioactive studies of terpenes and cyclopeptides from the Genus Rubia
Authors: Xu Kuo , Wang Penglong , Yuan Bin , Cheng Yatao , Li Qiang , Lei Haimin
Published: May 2013

Genus Rubia fell into about 70 species distributed widely around the world, a total of 36 species and 2 varieties were reported from China. The extracts and phytochemicals of Rubia plants had drawn considerable attention due to their potent bioactivities. As the two major ingredients from these plants, pentacyclic triterpenes and cyclopeptides were becoming a hot topic over the past twenty years for their remarkable anticancer, antioxidant and other effects. This paper compiled all 65 terpenes and 44 cyclopeptides with their distributions, physiological activities and melting points (or optical rotations) as reported in 85 references; besides, structure-activity relationships of these derivatives were briefly discussed. The information involved in this paper was expected to be meaningful for the further studies of the Genus Rubia.
Serum microRNAs profile from genome-wide serves as a fingerprint for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and angina pectoris
Authors: Li Chunjian , Fang Zhijuan , Jiang Ting , Zhang Qiu , Liu Chao , Zhang Chenyu , Xiang Yang
Published: May 2013

Background

In order to identify miRNAs expression profiling from genome-wide screen for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and angina pectoris (AP), we investigated the altered profile of serum microRNAs in AMI and AP patients at a relative early stage.

Methods

Serum samples were taken from 117 AMI patients, 182 AP patients and 100 age-and gender-matched controls. An initial screening of miRNAs expression was performed by Solexa sequencing. Differential expression was validated using RT-qPCR in individuals samples, the samples were arranged in a two-phase selection and validation.

Results

The Solexa sequencing results demonstrated marked upregulation of serum miRNAs in AMI patients compared with controls. RT-qPCR analysis identified a profile of six serum miRNAs (miR-1, miR-134, miR-186, miR-208, miR-223 and miR-499) as AMI biomarkers. MiR-208 and miR-499 were elevated higher in AP cases than in AMI cases. The ROC curves indicated a panel of six miRNAs has a great potential to offer sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for AMI. More especially, the panel of six miRNAs presents significantly differences between the AMI and AP cases.

Conclusions

The six-miRNAs signature identified from genome-wide serum miRNA expression profiling may serves as a fingerprint for AMI and AP diagnosis.
Little impact of tsunami-stricken nuclear accident on awareness of radiation dose of cardiac computed tomography: A questionnaire study
Authors: Kim Sung Hea , Kim Hyun Joong , Ki Hyun Kyun , Chung Eui Jong , Suh Soon Yong , Han Seong Woo , Ryu Kyu Hyung
Published: May 2013

Background

With the increased use of cardiac computed tomography (CT), radiation dose remains a major issue, although physicians are trying to reduce the substantial risks associated with use of this diagnostic tool. This study was performed to investigate recognition of the level of radiation exposure from cardiac CT and the differences in the level of awareness of radiation before and after the Fukushima nuclear plant accident.

Methods

We asked 30 physicians who were undergoing training in internal medicine to determine the equivalent doses of radiation for common radiological examinations when a normal chest X-ray is accepted as one unit; questions about the absolute radiation dose of cardiac CT data were also asked.

Results

According to the results, 86.6% of respondents believed the exposure to be 1 mSv at most, and 93.3% thought that the exposure was less than that of 100 chest X-rays. This finding indicates that their perceptions were far lower than the actual amounts. Even after the occurrence of such a large nuclear disaster in Fukushima, there were no significant differences in the same subjects’ overall awareness of radiation amounts.

Conclusions

Even after such a major social issue as the Fukushima nuclear accident, the level of awareness of the accurate radiation amount used in 64-channel multidetector CT (MDCT) by clinical physicians who order this test was not satisfactory. Thus, there is a need for the development of effective continuing education programs to improve awareness of radiation from ionizing radiation devices, including cardiac CT, and emphasis on risk-benefit evaluation based on accurate knowledge during medical training.
Prevalence and factors correlating with hyperoxia exposure following cardiac arrest – an observational single centre study
Authors: Nelskylä Annika , Parr Michael J , Skrifvars Markus B
Published: May 2013

Purpose of the study

Arterial hyperoxia during care in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been found to correlate with mortality after cardiac arrest (CA). We examined the prevalence of hyperoxia following CA including pre-ICU values and studied differences between those exposed and those not exposed to define predictors of exposure.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected cohort of cardiac arrest patients treated in an Australian tertiary hospital between August 2008 and July 2010. Arterial blood oxygen values and used fractions of oxygen were recorded during the first 24 hours after the arrest. Hyperoxia was defined as any arterial oxygen value greater than 300 mmHg. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical data and Mann–Whitney U-test to continuous data. Statistical methods were used to identify predictors of hyperoxia exposure.

Results

Of 122 patients treated in the ICU following cardiac arrest 119 had one or several arterial blood gases taken and were included in the study. Of these, 49 (41.2%) were exposed to hyperoxia and 70 (58.8%) were not during the first 24 hours after the CA. Those exposed had longer delays to return of spontaneous circulation (26 minutes vs. 10 minutes) and a longer interval to ICU admission after the arrest (4 hours compared to 1 hour). Location of the arrest was an independent predictor of exposure to hyperoxia (P-value = 0,008) with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients being more likely to have been exposed (65%), than those with an in-hospital (21%) or ICU (30%) cardiac arrest. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients had higher oxygen concentrations to the fraction of inspired oxygen ratios.

Conclusions

Hyperoxia exposure was more common than previously reported and occurred more frequently in association with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, longer times to ROSC and delays to ICU admission.
Synthesis and In vitro cytotoxic activity evaluation of (E)-16-(substituted benzylidene) derivatives of dehydroepiandrosterone
Authors: Vosooghi Mohsen , Yahyavi Hoda , Divsalar Kouros , Shamsa Hashem , Kheirollahi Asma , Safavi Maliheh , Ardestani Sussan Kabudanian , Sadeghi-Neshat Sareh , Mohammadhosseini Negar , Edraki Najmeh , Khoshneviszadeh Mehdi , Shafiee Abbas , Foroumadi Alireza
Published: May 2013

Background and the purpose of the study

Modified androsterone derivatives are class of steroidal compounds with potential anticancer properties. Various steroidal derivatives containing substitution at position 16 have shown diversified pharmacological activities. In the present study, a new series of cytotoxic 16-(substituted benzylidene) derivatives of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were synthesized and evaluated against three different cancer cell lines.

Methods

The cytotoxic 16-(substituted benzylidene) derivatives of DHEA were synthesized via aldol condensation of DHEA with corresponding benzaldehyde derivatives. The cytotoxic activity of synthesized derivatives was evaluated against three different cancer cells including KB, T47D and SK-N-MC cell lines by MTT reduction colorimetric assay.

Results

The results indicated that 16-(substituted benzylidene) derivatives of DHEA could be served as a potent anti-cancer agent. The 3-cholro benzylidene derivatives of DHEA was the most potent synthesized derivative especially against KB and T47D cell lines (IC50 values were 0.6 and 1.7 μM; respectively).

Conclusion

The cytotoxic potential of novel benzylidene derivatives of DHEA is mainly attributed to the position and nature of the substituted group on the benzylidene pendant.
Variation in spatial and temporal incidence of the crustacean pathogen Hematodinium perezi in environmental samples from Atlantic Coastal Bays
Authors: Hanif Ammar W , Dyson Whitney D , Bowers Holly A , Pitula Joseph S , Messick Gretchen A , Jagus Rosemary , Schott Eric J
Published: May 2013

Background

Hematodinium perezi, a parasitic dinoflagellate, infects and kills blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. The parasite proliferates within host hemolymph and tissues, and also produces free-swimming biflagellated dinospores that emerge from infected crabs. Infections in C. sapidus recur annually, and it is not known if biotic or environmental reservoirs contribute to reinfection and outbreaks. To address this data gap, a quantitative PCR assay based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of H. perezi rRNA genes was developed to asses the temporal and spatial incidence of the parasite in Delaware and Maryland coastal bays.

Results

A previously-used PCR assay for H. perezi, based on the small subunit rRNA gene sequence, was found to lack adequate species specificity to discriminate non-Hematodinium sp. dinoflagellate species in environmental samples. A new ITS2-targeted assay was developed and validated to detect H. perezi DNA in sediment and water samples using E. coli carrying the H. perezi rDNA genes. Application of the method to environmental samples identified potential hotspots in sediment in Indian River Inlet, DE and Chincoteague Bay, MD and VA. H. perezi DNA was not detected in co-occurring shrimp or snails, even during an outbreak of the parasite in C. sapidus.

Conclusions

H. perezi is present in water and sediment samples in Maryland and Delaware coastal bays from April through November with a wide spatial and temporal variability in incidence. Sampling sites with high levels of H. perezi DNA in both bays share characteristics of silty, organic sediments and low tidal currents. The environmental detection of H. perezi in spring, ahead of peak prevalence in crabs, points to gaps in our understanding of the parasite’s life history prior to infection in crabs as well as the mode of environmental transmission. To better understand the H. perezi life cycle will require further monitoring of the parasite in habitats as well as hosts. Improved understanding of potential environmental transmission to crabs will facilitate the development of disease forecasting.
Fast modeling of borehole neutron porosity measurements with a new spatial transport-diffusion approximation
Authors: Ijasan Olabode , Torres-Verdín Carlos , Preeg William E.
Published: May 2013

The quantitative integration of nuclear measurements into the in situ petrophysical and geophysical evaluation of rock formations has been elusive because of the lack of efficient algorithms to simulate them. We discovered a new method for rapid numerical simulation of borehole neutron measurements using Monte Carlo (MC)-derived spatial flux sensitivity functions (FSFs) and diffusion flux-difference (DFD) approximations. The method calculates spatial sensitivity flux perturbations using flux-difference approximations of one-group neutron diffusion models. By invoking appropriate boundary conditions, the one-group, time-independent neutron diffusion solution is implemented for nonmultiplying systems in 2D and 3D cylindrical coordinates. The solution is differentiated with respect to the neutron cross section to obtain an expression for flux-difference due to cross-section perturbations. Constant transport-correction coefficients for cross-section parameters are calculated with a flux-fitting method to account for deviations of borehole neutron measurements from the physics of diffusion. Thereafter, spatial FSF responses are rapidly and accurately calculated using a first-order Rytov DFD approximation. Estimated flux-differences are next used to calculate lumped higher order perturbation terms. The DFD technique is tested and benchmarked against MC calculations in the presence of standoff, invasion, and well deviation for wireline and logging-while-drilling tools. Benchmark examples and application in highly deviated wells indicate that neutron porosity logs can be accurately and efficiently simulated with the new DFD method, even in complex geometrical and physical conditions, with errors lower than 1.2 porosity units.
Alternative Splice Variants of the Rainbow Trout Leptin Receptor Encode Multiple Circulating Leptin-Binding Proteins
Authors: Gong Ningping , Einarsdottir Ingibjörg E. , Johansson Marcus , Björnsson Björn Thrandur
Published: May 2013

In mammals, leptin (Lep) binding proteins (LepBPs) derived from Lep receptor (LepR) gene or protein bind most of the circulating Lep, but to date, information on LepBPs in nonmammalian vertebrate classes is lacking. This study details the characterization of multiple LepBPs in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), an early poikilothermic vertebrate, and presents the complete coding sequences for 3 of them. Size-exclusion chromatography and cross-linking assay identified plasma proteins bound to Lep ranging from 70 to 100 kDa. LepBPs were isolated from plasma by affinity chromatography, and their binding specificity was assessed by a competitive binding assay. A RIA for LepBPs indicates that plasma LepBP levels decline after fasting for 3 weeks. Immunoblotting of LepBPs using antibodies against different LepR epitopes shows that the LepBPs are indeed LepR isoforms. The alternatively spliced LepR transcripts (LepRS1–3) that include only the extracellular segment transcribe the 90-kDa LepBP1, the 80-kDa LepBP2, and the 70-kDa LepBP3, respectively. LepRS1 generally has lower expression than the long-form LepR in most tissues. LepRS2 is primarily expressed in adipose tissue, whereas LepRS3 is expressed abundantly in brain and spleen, and moderately in liver and gills. The mRNA levels of hepatic LepRS3 increase after 2 weeks of fasting. This study demonstrates a mechanism in fish for the generation of LepBPs that differs from that seen in mammals and indicates that the physiologic action of Lep in these poikilothermic vertebrates can be modulated, both centrally and peripherally, by the differentiated, tissue-specific expression of multiple LepBPs.
Amylin Acts in the Central Nervous System to Increase Sympathetic Nerve Activity
Authors: Fernandes-Santos Caroline , Zhang Zhongming , Morgan Donald A. , Guo Deng-Fu , Russo Andrew F. , Rahmouni Kamal
Published: May 2013

The pancreatic hormone amylin acts in the central nervous system (CNS) to decrease food intake and body weight. We hypothesized that amylin action in the CNS promotes energy expenditure by increasing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. In mice, ip administration of amylin significantly increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in hypothalamic and brainstem nuclei. In addition, mice treated with intracerebroventricular (icv) amylin (0.1 and 0.2 nmol) exhibited a dose-related decrease in food intake and body weight, measured 4 and 24 hours after treatment. The icv injection of amylin also increased body temperature in mice. Using direct multifiber sympathetic nerve recording, we found that icv amylin elicited a significant and dose-dependent increase in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) subserving thermogenic brown adipose tissue (BAT). Of note, icv injection of amylin also evoked a significant and dose-related increase in lumbar and renal SNA. Importantly, icv pretreatment with the amylin receptor antagonist AC187 (20 nmol) abolished the BAT SNA response induced by icv amylin, indicating that the sympathetic effects of amylin are receptor-mediated. Conversely, icv amylin-induced BAT SNA response was enhanced in mice overexpressing the amylin receptor subunit, RAMP1 (receptor-activity modifying protein 1), in the CNS. Our data demonstrate that CNS action of amylin regulates sympathetic nerve outflow to peripheral tissues involved in energy balance and cardiovascular function.
An (Un)clear Conscience Clause: The Causes and Consequences of Statutory Ambiguity in State Contraceptive Mandates
Authors: VanSickle-Ward Rachel , Hollis-Brusky Amanda
Published: May 2013

Since 1996, twenty-eight states have adopted legislation mandating insurance coverage of prescription contraceptives for women. Most of these policies include language that allows providers to opt out of the requirement because of religious or moral beliefs—conscience clause exemptions. There is striking variation in how these exemptions are defined. This article investigates the sources and consequences of ambiguous versus precise statutory language in conscience clauses. We find that some forms of political and institutional fragmentation (party polarization and gubernatorial appointment power) are correlated with the degree of policy specificity in state contraceptive mandates. This finding reinforces previous law and policy scholarship that has shown that greater fragmentation promotes ambiguous statutory language because broad wording acts as a vehicle for compromise when actors disagree. Interestingly, it is the more precisely worded statutes that have prompted court battles. We explain this with reference to the asymmetry of incentives and mobilizing costs between those disadvantaged by broad (primarily female employees) versus precisely worded statutes (primarily Catholic organizations). Our findings suggest that the impact of statutory ambiguity on court intervention is heavily contextualized by the resources and organization of affected stakeholders.
Philadelphia's Lead Court Is Making a Difference
Authors: Campbell Carla , Gracely Edward J. , Cummings Curtis , Pan Sarah , Palermo Peter , Gould George D.
Published: May 2013

The Philadelphia Lead Court (PLC) was created as an innovative law enforcement strategy to compel property owners to comply with city health codes to remediate their properties of lead hazards, which had led to elevated blood lead levels and lead poisoning in resident children. This study presents a detailed account of and analyzes the opinions of fifteen key informants drawn from the Philadelphia health and law departments and judicial system that staff and run the PLC in response to a fifteen-question structured survey. Main themes reviewed include the effectiveness of the PLC as compared with precourt law enforcement strategies and within the context of a specialized court, the use of fines, the impact of grant funding for remediation work, the major advantages and disadvantages of the PLC, and suggested changes to improve court function, followed by key recommendations. The article concludes that our informants found that the PLC has been very effective and successful. This model could be replicated by other cities with similar health code enforcement challenges.
Testing the Results of Municipal Mixed-Use Zoning Ordinances: A Novel Methodological Approach
Authors: Cannon Carol L. , Thomas Sue , Treffers Ryan D. , Paschall Mallie J. , Heumann Lauren , Mann Gregory W. , Dunkell Dashiell O. , Nauenberg Saskia
Published: May 2013

Municipal mixed-use zoning (MUZ) is one public health strategy to create more walkable neighborhoods by reducing the separation of daily activities. This study uses a novel data-gathering methodology to evaluate municipal zoning ordinances in twenty-two California cities in conjunction with the walkability potential of resulting mixed-use zones, to explore the extent to which variations in uses mandated by MUZ ordinances are correlated with variations in walking opportunities. We find that, after controlling for population, socioeconomic status, and zone size, significant relationships exist between the range and precision of uses mandated by MUZ ordinances and the mixture and breadth of walking destinations in these zones. The study also demonstrates that analysis of municipal zoning codes and a novel data-gathering methodology yield valid data. The analysis of MUZ ordinances is a significant complement to other approaches to measuring walkability and can be used across cities.
Heat storage in Asian elephants during submaximal exercise: behavioral regulation of thermoregulatory constraints on activity in endothermic gigantotherms
Authors: Rowe M. F. , Bakken G. S. , Ratliff J. J. , Langman V. A.
Published: May 2013

Gigantic size presents both opportunities and challenges in thermoregulation. Allometric scaling relationships suggest that gigantic animals have difficulty dissipating metabolic heat. Large body size permits the maintenance of fairly constant core body temperatures in ectothermic animals by means of gigantothermy. Conversely, gigantothermy combined with endothermic metabolic rate and activity likely results in heat production rates that exceed heat loss rates. In tropical environments, it has been suggested that a substantial rate of heat storage might result in a potentially lethal rise in core body temperature in both elephants and endothermic dinosaurs. However, the behavioral choice of nocturnal activity might reduce heat storage. We sought to test the hypothesis that there is a functionally significant relationship between heat storage and locomotion in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), and model the thermoregulatory constraints on activity in elephants and a similarly sized migratory dinosaur, Edmontosaurus. Pre- and post-exercise (N=37 trials) measurements of core body temperature and skin temperature, using thermography were made in two adult female Asian elephants at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, LA, USA. Over ambient air temperatures ranging from 8 to 34.5°C, when elephants exercised in full sun, ~56 to 100% of active metabolic heat production was stored in core body tissues. We estimate that during nocturnal activity, in the absence of solar radiation, between 5 and 64% of metabolic heat production would be stored in core tissues. Potentially lethal rates of heat storage in active elephants and Edmontosaurus could be behaviorally regulated by nocturnal activity.
One-pot Synthesis of Shape-controlled Fe3O4 Nanocrystals with Alkylsulfonylacetic Acid
Authors: Shen Kaihua , Wang Yanshai , Li Yang
Published: May 2013

A simple, generalized method to prepare magnetite Fe3O4 nanocrystals based on the thermal decarboxylation of an admixture of iron(II) and iron(III) cetylsulfonylacetate is reported. This one-pot process exhibits well shape-controlled magnetite Fe3O4 nanocrystals—from nanoparticles to nanorods—by controlling the reaction temperature in the thermo-decarboxylation procedure.