bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Migraine Prevalence, Disability, and Sociodemographic Factors: Results From the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Study
Authors: Buse Dawn C. , Manack Aubrey N. , Fanning Kristina M. , Serrano Daniel , Reed Michael L. , Turkel Catherine C. , Lipton Richard B.
Published: June 2012

Objectives.— To estimate the prevalence and distribution of chronic migraine (CM) in the US population and compare the age‐ and sex‐specific profiles of headache‐related disability in persons with CM and episodic migraine.

Background.— Global estimates of CM prevalence using various definitions typically range from 1.4% to 2.2%, but the influence of sociodemographic factors has not been completely characterized.

Methods.— The American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Study mailed surveys to a sample of 120,000 US households selected to represent the US population. Data on headache frequency, symptoms, sociodemographics, and headache‐related disability (using the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale) were obtained. Modified Silberstein–Lipton criteria were used to classify CM (meeting International Classification of Headache Disorders, second edition, criteria for migraine with a headache frequency of ≥15 days over the preceding 3 months).

Results.— Surveys were returned by 162,756 individuals aged ≥12 years; 19,189 individuals (11.79%) met International Classification of Headache Disorders, second edition, criteria for migraine (17.27% of females; 5.72% of males), and 0.91% met criteria for CM (1.29% of females; 0.48% of males). Relative to 12 to 17 year olds, the age‐ and sex‐specific prevalence for CM peaked in the 40s at 1.89% (prevalence ratio 4.57; 95% confidence interval 3.13‐6.67) for females and 0.79% (prevalence ratio 3.35; 95% confidence interval 1.99‐5.63) for males. In univariate and adjusted models, CM prevalence was inversely related to annual household income. Lower income groups had higher rates of CM. Individuals with CM had greater headache‐related disability than those with episodic migraine and were more likely to be in the highest Migraine Disability Assessment Scale grade (37.96% vs 9.50%, respectively). Headache‐related disability was highest among females with CM compared with males. CM represented 7.68% of migraine cases overall, and the proportion generally increased with age.

Conclusions.— In the US population, the prevalence of CM was nearly 1%. In adjusted models, CM prevalence was highest among females, in mid‐life, and in households with the lowest annual income. Severe headache‐related disability was more common among persons with CM and most common among females with CM.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Urinary Ethyl Glucuronide and Ethyl Sulfate in Liver Disease Patients
Authors: Stewart Scott H. , Koch David G. , Burgess Douglas M. , Willner Ira R. , Reuben Adrian
Published: June 2012

Background

It is important to monitor alcohol use in the care of patients with liver disease, but patient self‐report can be unreliable. We therefore evaluated the performance of urine ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) in detecting alcohol use in the days preceding a clinical encounter.

Methods

Subjects (n = 120) were recruited at a university‐based hepatology clinic or during hospitalization. Alcohol consumption was ascertained by validated self‐report measures. Urine EtG (cutoff 100 ng/ml) and EtS (cutoff 25 ng/ml) concentrations were assayed by a contracted laboratory using tandem mass spectrometry. The sensitivity and specificity of each biomarker in the detection of drinking during the 3 and 7 days preceding the clinic visit were determined, as well as the influence of liver disease severity on these results.

Results

Urine EtG (sensitivity 76%, specificity 93%) and urine EtS (sensitivity 82%, specificity 86%) performed well in identifying recent drinking, and liver disease severity does not affect biomarker performance. After elimination of 1 false‐negative self‐report, urine EtG > 100 ng/ml was 100% specific for drinking within the past week, whereas 9% of the subjects without evidence of alcohol drinking for at least 1 week had EtS > 25 ng/ml.

Conclusions

Urine EtG and EtS can objectively supplement the detection of recent alcohol use in patients with liver disease. Additional research may determine optimal methods for integrating these tests into clinical care.
Resting‐State Synchrony in Long‐Term Abstinent Alcoholics
Authors: Camchong Jazmin , Stenger Andy , Fein George
Published: June 2012

Background

Alcohol dependence is a disorder with an impulsive and compulsive “drive” toward alcohol consumption and an inability to inhibit alcohol consumption. Neuroimaging studies suggest that these behavioral components correspond to an increased involvement of regions that mediate appetitive drive and reduced involvement of regions that mediate executive control within top‐down networks. Little is known, however, about whether these characteristics are present after long periods of abstinence.

Methods

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected to examine resting‐state synchrony (RSS) differences between 23 long‐term abstinent alcoholics (LTAA; 8 women, age: M = 48.46, SD = 7.10), and 23 nonsubstance abusing controls (NSAC; 8 women, age: M = 47.99, SD = 6.70). Using seed‐based measures, we examined RSS with the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC). All participants were assessed with the intra/extradimensional set shift task outside of the scanner to explore the relationship between RSS and cognitive flexibility.

Results

Compared to NSAC, LTAA showed (i) decreased synchrony of limbic reward regions (e.g., caudate and thalamus) with both the anterior cingulate cortex seed and the NAcc seed and (ii) increased synchrony of executive control regions (e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) with both the NAcc seed and the sgACC seed. RSS differences were significantly correlated with task performance.

Conclusions

The results are consistent with an interpretation of an ongoing compensatory mechanism in LTAA evident during rest, in which decision‐making networks show reduced synchrony with appetitive drive regions and increased synchrony with inhibitory control regions. In addition, RSS differences were associated with cognitive flexibility. These resting‐state findings indicate an adaptive mechanism present in long‐term abstinence that may facilitate the behavioral control required to maintain abstinence.
Translation and Linguistic Validation of the Self‐Completed Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S‐LANSS) Scale for Use in a Libyan Population
Authors: Elzahaf Raga A. , Tashani Osama A. , Unsworth Biddy A. , Johnson Mark I.
Published: June 2012

Background:  The Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) pain scale is used to identify pain of neuropathic origin and has been validated as a self‐completed tool (S‐LANSS). We translated the S‐LANSS into Arabic and evaluated its reliability and linguistic validity for use by Libyan people.

Methods:  Thirteen of 45 Libyan nationals living in the UK were identified as having chronic pain and completed an English and Arabic S‐LANSS 1 week apart. In addition, 23 of 104 respondents to a telephone interview in Derna City, Libya, were identified as having chronic pain and completed the Arabic S‐LANSS. Seven of these 23 completed the S‐LANSS again 1 week later.

Results:  Cronbach’s alpha was 0.72 (P < 0.001) for the Arabic S‐LANSS and 0.71 (P < 0.001) for the English S‐LANSS. There was good measurement of agreement of individual items in Arabic and English S‐LANSS tools with kappa coefficients ranging from 0.69 to 1.00. Twelve of the 23 (52.2%) individuals with chronic pain scored 12 or more on the Arabic S‐LANSS and were classified as possibly having neuropathic pain. There was good measurement of agreement of individual items in Arabic S‐LANSS tools with kappa coefficients ranging from 0.462 to 1.00. There were strong intraclass correlations in both versions for test‐retest reliability of total score.

Conclusion:  The Arabic S‐LANSS is reliable and linguistically valid to use in Libya. Perspective: Our translation of the S‐LANSS into Arabic was shown to be linguistically valid and reliable for use in a Libyan population.
Conflict‐Induced Displacement, Understanding the Causes of Flight
Authors: Adhikari Prakash
Published: June 2012

This study investigates circumstances that affect individuals’ decisions of whether or not to flee their homes during civilian conflicts. Building on the “choice‐centered” approach to studying forced migration, I test the argument that people make a decision to flee or stay even under highly dangerous circumstances. Using primary data collected through a public opinion survey in Nepal, I test a number of hypotheses regarding the impact of factors such as violence, economic opportunity, physical infrastructure or geographical terrain, and social networks on forced migration, providing an individual‐level test of the choice‐centered approach to studying forced migration. The empirical results are consistent with the major hypotheses developed in aggregate‐level studies and provide better insights into the factors that affect individual‐level behavior. Beyond conflict, there are a number of significant economic, social, physical, and political factors that affect individuals’ choice to flee.
Is Environmental Justice Good for White Folks? Industrial Air Toxics Exposure in Urban America
Authors: Ash Michael , Boyce James K. , Chang Grace , Scharber Helen
Published: June 2012

Objectives

The study examines spatial variation in exposure to toxic air pollution from industrial facilities in urban areas of the United States in relation to the local distribution of the pollution burden.

Methods

We conducted between‐ and within‐city analysis of geographic microdata from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Risk‐Screening Environmental Indicators project and data from the 2000 U.S. Census.

Results

Average exposure in an urban area is positively correlated with the extent of racial and ethnic disparity in the distribution of the exposure burden. Average exposures also tend to be higher for all population subgroups, including whites, in urban areas with higher minority pollution‐exposure discrepancies.

Conclusions

The correlations could arise from causal linkages in either or both directions: the ability to displace pollution onto minorities may lower the effective cost of pollution for industrial firms; and higher average pollution burdens may induce whites to invest more political capital in efforts to influence firms’ siting decisions. The analysis suggests that improvement in environmental justice could benefit not only minorities but also whites.
Minority Group Size, Unemployment, and the Extreme Right Vote: The Crucial Case of Latvia
Authors: Bloom Stephen
Published: June 2012

Objectives

I test the importance of demographic and economic contextual variables for the success of extreme right parties.

Methods

I employ subnational data from the crucial case of Latvia to capture the effects of minority group size and economic change on the extreme right vote. Ethnic Latvians constitute a bare majority of the Latvian population and GDP dropped by 18 percent in 2009.

Results

I find that localities with high or rising unemployment were less likely to support extreme right parties. The dampening effect of unemployment on the extreme right was greater in localities with large minority populations.

Conclusions

These counterintuitive findings raise questions about the logic and generalizability of existing explanations of extreme right voting. The study of the extreme right is hampered not only by ill‐suited measures of group size and economic conditions, but also by overarching theories that predict group‐based outcomes.
The temporary and permanent effects of unemployment on mortality in Europe
Authors: BENDER Keith A. , ECONOMOU Athina , THEODOSSIOU Ioannis
Published: June 2012

Recent research on the relationship between unemployment and mortality is inconsistent. The statistical methodology used in this study decomposes the effect of unemployment on mortality into temporary and permanent effects and estimates the unemployment‐mortality relationship, using aggregate data from 11 European countries for the period 1971–2001. Decomposing the effect of unemployment in this way shows that while the temporary effect of an increase in unemployment is to lower mortality, the permanent effect is to increase it. Importantly, the permanent effect is generally much stronger than the temporary effect. These results hold true for nearly all mortality indicators studied.
Characterization of novel silane coatings on titanium implant surfaces
Authors: Matinlinna Jukka P. , Tsoi James Kit‐Hon , de Vries Joop , Busscher Henk J.
Published: June 2012

Objectives

This in vitro study describes and characterizes a developed novel method to produce coatings on Ti. Hydrophobic coatings on substrates are needed in prosthetic dentistry to promote durable adhesion between luting resin cements and coated Ti surfaces. In implant dentistry the hydrophobic coatings on a Ti implant might be beneficial for osseointegration, preventing bacteria adhesion and for enhancement of resin composite adhesion as well.

Materials and methods

A silica‐coating system, Rocatec™, was used for planar Ti coupons as instructed. After careful rinsing and drying, four experimental silane primers were applied onto silica‐coated Ti specimens. The primers were prepared of 3‐acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane + bis‐1,2‐(triethoxysilyl)ethane (in four concentrations), diluted in acidified ethanol‐water. The contact angles, surface free energies, and critical surface tensions were assessed. The chemical compositions of surfaces were analyzed using X‐photoelectron spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate the surface topographies. Non‐treated Ti specimens and silanized with a commercial silane primer were used as the controls.

Results

There were observable differences in the surface free energy (contact angle) and chemical composition on specimens. The silane primers reacted and fully covered Ti surfaces, which produced more hydrophobic coatings, larger contact angles, and lower surface free energy and critical surface tension than controls. At the concentration of 1.0 vol% 3‐acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and 0.3 vol% bis‐1,2‐(triethoxysilyl)ethane, the silane blend showed the lowest surface free energy. The silanes would not affect the surface roughness (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Novel coatings were successfully developed and optimized. They may produce a hydrophobic surface onto Ti implants without compromising the surface roughness.
Influence of buccal bony crest width on marginal dimensions of peri‐implant hard and soft tissues after implant installation. An experimental study in dogs
Authors: Baffone Gabriele M. , Botticelli Daniele , Pereira Flavia Priscila , Favero Giacomo , Schweikert Michael , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: June 2012

Aim

To evaluate the influence of the width of the buccal bony wall on hard and soft tissue dimensions following implant installation.

Material and methods

Mandibular premolars and first molars of six Labrador dogs were extracted bilaterally. After 3 months of healing, two recipient sites, one on each side of the mandible, were prepared in such a way as to obtain a buccal bony ridge width of about 2 mm in the right (control) and 1 mm in the left sides (test), respectively. Implants were installed with the coronal margin flush with the buccal alveolar bony crest. Abutments were placed and the flaps were sutured to allow a non‐submerged healing. After 3 months, the animals were euthanized and ground sections obtained.

Results

All implants were completely osseointegrated. In respect to the coronal rough margin of the implant, the most coronal bone‐to‐implant contact was apically located 1.04 ± 0.91 and 0.94 ± 0.87 mm at the test and control sites, respectively, whereas the top of the bony crest was located 0.30 ± 0.40 mm at the test and 0.57 ± 0.49 mm at the control sites. No statistically significant differences were found. A larger horizontal bone resorption, however, evaluated 1 mm apically to the rough margin, was found at the control (1.1 ± 0.7 mm) compared to the test (0.3 ± 0.3 mm) sites, the difference being statistically significant.

A thin peri‐implant mucosa (2.4–2.6 mm) was found at implant installation while, after 3 months of healing, a biological width of 3.90–4.40 mm was observed with no statistically significant differences between control and test sites.

Conclusions

A width of the buccal bony wall of 1or 2 mm at implant sites yielded similar results after 3 months of healing in relation of hard tissue and soft tissues dimensions after implant installation.
Influence of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on peri‐implant bone healing in rats with alloxan‐induced diabetes
Authors: Oliveira Peterson Antônio Dutra , Oliveira Alcione Maria Soares Dutra , Pablos Aletheia Buosi , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Silva Gerluza Aparecida Borges , Santos Jean Nunes dos , Cury Patricia Ramos
Published: June 2012

Aim

The influence of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on peri‐implant bone healing in rats with alloxan‐induced type‐1 diabetes was studied.

Materials and methods

Forty‐eight male rats were randomly divided into six groups: (1) healthy rats (HR) that received no HBOT; (2) HR that underwent 10 sessions of HBOT before implant installation; (3) HR that underwent 10 sessions of HBOT after implant installation; (4) rats with induced diabetes (DR) without HBOT; (5) DR that underwent 10 sessions of HBOT before implant installation; (6) DR that underwent 10 sessions of HBOT after implant installation. A screw‐shaped titanium implant was inserted into the femur. The animals were killed 28 days after implantation. The percentage of bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) within the implant threads was evaluated.

Results

Lower BIC was observed in DR (35.35 ± 18.04) compared with the HR (69.07 ± 09.01) (p = 0.001). However, with HBOT, either before or after implantation, BIC was increased in DR. HBOT before implantation was p = 0.03; HBOT after implantation was p = 0.08. This increase reversed the negative effect of diabetes; therefore, the differences between DR and HR were not significant with HBOT (p ≥ 0.21).

Conclusion

HBOT, either before or after implantation, increased the BIC in DR to the level of HR
Restricting dietary magnesium accelerates ectopic connective tissue mineralization in a mouse model of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (Abcc6−/−)
Authors: Jiang Qiujie , Uitto Jouni
Published: June 2012

Ectopic mineralization, linked to a number of diseases, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in humans. Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a heritable multisystem disorder characterized by calcium phosphate deposition in various tissues. The mineral content of diet has been suggested to modify the disease severity in PXE. The aim of this study is to explore the role of diet with reduced magnesium in modifying tissue mineralization in a mouse model of PXE. Abcc6−/− mice were placed on either standard rodent diet (control) or an experimental diet low in magnesium at weaning (4 weeks) and examined for mineralization in the skin and internal organs at the ages of 1.5, 2 or 6 months by computerized morphometric analysis of histopathological sections and by chemical assay of calcium and phosphate. Abcc6−/− mice on experimental diet demonstrated an accelerated, early‐onset mineralization of connective tissues, as compared to control mice. Wild‐type or heterozygous mice on experimental diet did not show evidence of mineralization up to 6 months of age. All mice on experimental diet showed decreased urinary calcium, increased urinary phosphate and elevated parathyroid serum levels. However, no difference in bone density at 6 months of age was noted. Our findings indicate that the mineral content, particularly magnesium, can modify the extent and the onset of mineralization in Abcc6−/− mice and suggest that dietary magnesium levels may contribute to the phenotypic variability of PXE. The control of mineralization by dietary magnesium may have broader implications in general population in the context of vascular mineralization.
Multiphoton laser tomography and fluorescence lifetime imaging of basal cell carcinoma: morphologic features for non‐invasive diagnostics
Authors: Seidenari Stefania , Arginelli Federica , Dunsby Christopher , French Paul , König Karsten , Magnoni Cristina , Manfredini Marco , Talbot Clifford , Ponti Giovanni
Published: June 2012

Multiphoton laser tomography (MPT) combined with fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) is a non‐invasive imaging technique, which gives access to the cellular and extracellular morphology of the skin. The aim of our study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of MPT/FLIM descriptors for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), to improve BCC diagnosis and the identification of tumor margins. In the preliminary study, FLIM images referring to 35 BCCs and 35 healthy skin samples were evaluated for the identification of morphologic descriptors characteristic of BCC. In the main study, the selected parameters were blindly evaluated on a test set comprising 63 BCCs, 63 healthy skin samples and 66 skin lesions. Moreover, FLIM values inside a region of interest were calculated on 98 healthy skin and 98 BCC samples. In the preliminary study, three epidermal descriptors and 7 BCC descriptors were identified. The specificity of the diagnostic criteria versus ‘other lesions’ was extremely high, indicating that the presence of at least one BCC descriptor makes the diagnosis of ‘other lesion’ extremely unlikely. FLIM values referring to BCC cells significantly differed from those of healthy skin. In this study, we identified morphological and numerical descriptors enabling the differentiation of BCC from other skin disorders and its distinction from healthy skin in ex vivo samples. In future, MPT/FLIM may be applied to skin lesions to provide direct clinical guidance before biopsy and histological examination and for the identification of tumor margins allowing a complete surgical removal.
A novel mouse model for Sézary Syndrome using xenotransplantation of Sézary cells into immunodeficient RAG2−/− γc−/− mice
Authors: van der Fits Leslie , Rebel Heggert G. , Out‐Luiting Jacoba J. , Pouw Stephan M. , Smit Fiona , Vermeer Kim G. , van Zijl Lisanne , Tensen Cornelis P. , Weijer Kees , Vermeer Maarten H.
Published: June 2012

Sézary syndrome (SS) is an aggressive cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma with CD4+ tumor cells localized in the skin, lymph nodes and peripheral blood. Characteristic molecular aberrancies in SS have been identified; however, paucity of functional models severely hampered the translation of these observations into pathogenic mechanisms, and subsequent validation of novel therapeutic targets. We therefore developed a mouse model for SS using intrahepatic injection of SS cells in newborn immunodeficient RAG2−/− γc−/− mice that are completely devoid of T‐, B‐ and NK‐cell activity. Injection of the SS cell line SeAx led to long‐term and reproducible systemic repopulation of the mice. Injection of mice with the SS cell line HuT‐78 led to the death of the mice owing to massive growth of internal tumors. Four weeks after injection of primary SS cells, human CD3+ T cells could be tracked back in the liver, peripheral blood, lymph nodes, spleen and skin of the mice, although the engraftment rate varied when using cells from different patients. In conclusion, we demonstrate that injection of SS cell lines or primary cells in newborn RAG2−/− γc−/− mice results in long‐term systemic repopulation of the mice, thereby providing a novel mouse model for Sézary syndrome.
Inflammatory cell trafficking across the blood–brain barrier: chemokine regulation and in vitro models
Authors: Takeshita Yukio , Ransohoff Richard M.
Published: June 2012

Summary:  The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is the brain‐specific capillary barrier that is critical for preventing toxic substances from entering the central nervous system (CNS). In contrast to vessels of peripheral organs, the BBB limits the exchange of inflammatory cells and mediators under physiological and pathological conditions. Clarifying these limitations and the role of chemokines in regulating the BBB would provide new insights into neuroprotective strategies in neuroinflammatory diseases. Because there is a paucity of in vitro BBB models, however, some mechanistic aspects of transmigration across the BBB still remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of BBB cellular components, the multistep process of inflammatory cells crossing the BBB, functions of CNS‐derived chemokines, and in vitro BBB models for transmigration, with a particular focus on new and recent findings.
Pathogenic and physiological autoantibodies in the central nervous system
Authors: Gold Maike , Pul Refik , Bach Jan‐Philipp , Stangel Martin , Dodel Richard
Published: June 2012

Summary:  In this article, we review the current knowledge on pathological and physiological autoantibodies directed toward structures in the central nervous system (CNS) with an emphasis on their regulation and origin. Pathological autoantibodies in the CNS that are associated with autoimmunity often lead to severe neurological deficits via inflammatory processes such as encephalitis. In some instances, however, autoantibodies function as a marker for diagnostic purposes without contributing to the pathological process and/or disease progression. The existence of naturally occurring physiological autoantibodies has been known for a long time, and their role in maintaining homeostasis is well established. Within the brain, naturally occurring autoantibodies targeting aggregated proteins have been detected and might be promising candidates for new therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative disorders. Further evidence has demonstrated the existence of naturally occurring antibodies targeting antigens on neurons and oligodendrocytes that promote axonal outgrowth and remyelination. The numerous actions of physiological autoantibodies as well as their regulation and origin are summarized in this review.
Regulatory T cells in the central nervous system
Authors: Lowther Daniel E. , Hafler David A.
Published: June 2012

Summary:  Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical to the human immune system, providing appropriately scaled immune responses and mediating peripheral tolerance. A central role for forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ Tregs has been shown in the pathogenesis of mechanistically diverse central nervous system (CNS) diseases from autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis to glioblastomas. Understanding how tumors induce Treg function to escape immune surveillance in marked contrast to autoimmune diseases, where there is loss of Treg function, will provide valuable lessons regarding Treg biology and potential therapeutic targets for CNS diseases.
Rethinking inflammation: neural circuits in the regulation of immunity
Authors: Olofsson Peder S. , Rosas‐Ballina Mauricio , Levine Yaakov A. , Tracey Kevin J.
Published: June 2012

Summary:  Neural reflex circuits regulate cytokine release to prevent potentially damaging inflammation and maintain homeostasis. In the inflammatory reflex, sensory input elicited by infection or injury travels through the afferent vagus nerve to integrative regions in the brainstem, and efferent nerves carry outbound signals that terminate in the spleen and other tissues. Neurotransmitters from peripheral autonomic nerves subsequently promote acetylcholine‐release from a subset of CD4+ T cells that relay the neural signal to other immune cells, e.g. through activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on macrophages. Here, we review recent progress in the understanding of the inflammatory reflex and discuss potential therapeutic implications of current findings in this evolving field.
Analysis of giant cell tumour of bone cells for Noonan syndrome/Cherubism‐related mutations
Authors: Moskovszky Linda , Idowu Bernadine , Taylor Richard , Mertens Fredrik , Athanasou Nicholas , Flanagan Adrienne
Published: June 2012

Background:  Giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) is an osteolytic tumour which contains numerous osteoclast‐like giant cells and a proliferation of mononuclear stromal cells (MSC). Giant cell‐rich osteolytic lesions can also develop in the jaw bones in Noonan syndrome, a cherubism‐like developmental abnormality that is transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion, often because of mutation in the PTPN11 or BRAF genes.

Methods:  We screened GCTBs for mutations in PTPN11 and BRAF to determine whether GCTBs develop through alterations of genes involved in Noonan syndrome. MSC were isolated from 10 GCTBs.

Results:  Chromosome banding analysis of these cells revealed telomeric associations (tas) in 7 of the 10 cases. Thus, the cultured cells expressed a cytogenetic abnormality typically found in short‐term cultures from GCTBs. Sequencing of DNA extracted from the seven GCTB‐derived MSC cultures displaying tas did not identify any mutation in PTPN11 or in exons 9–15 of BRAF.

Conclusion:  Our findings indicate that the molecular pathways involved in GCTB development are different from those causing Noonan syndrome. The method for isolating and culturing GCTB stromal cells described in this study generated a population of MSC that contained tas, indicating that it is useful for obtaining stromal cells from GCTB and other giant cell‐rich lesions, such as giant cell reparative granuloma, for genetic and other studies.
Risk Factors for Hamstring Injuries in Male Soccer Players: A Systematic Review of Prospective Studies
Authors: van Beijsterveldt A. M. C. , van de Port I. G. L. , Vereijken A. J. , Backx F. J. G.
Published: June 2012

Hamstring injuries are common injuries in soccer players. In view of the high incidence and the serious consequences, identifying risk factors related to hamstring injuries is essential. The aim of this systematic review was therefore to identify risk factors for hamstring injuries in male adult soccer players. PubMed, Embase/Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched, and prospective studies investigating risk factors for hamstring injuries in adult male soccer players were included. The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed using a standardized set of predefined criteria. Seven of the 11 studies identified, involving a total of 1775 players and 344 hamstring injuries, met the inclusion criteria. All but one of the included studies met at least five of nine methodological criteria, causing them to be qualified as ‘high quality’. The included studies used univariate as well as multivariate analyses to identify risk factors for hamstring injury. The results from the multivariate analyses suggest that previous hamstring injury is most strongly related to hamstring injury. Conflicting evidence is found for age and hamstring length or flexibility as risk factors for the occurrence of hamstring injuries.
Exercise capacity, daily activity, and severity of fatigue in term born young adults after neonatal respiratory failure
Authors: van der Cammen‐van Zijp M. H. M. , Spoel M. , Laas R. , Hop W. C. J. , de Jongste J. C. , Tibboel D. , van den Berg‐Emons R. J. G. , IJsselstijn H.
Published: June 2012

Little is known about long‐term effects of neonatal intensive care on exercise capacity, physical activity, and fatigue in term borns. We determined these outcomes in 57 young adults, treated for neonatal respiratory failure; 27 of them had congenital diaphragmatic hernia with lung hypoplasia (group 1) and 30 had normal lung development (group 2). Patients in group 2 were age‐matched, with similar gestational age and birth weight, and similar neonatal intensive care treatment as patients in group 1. All patients were born before the era of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, nitric oxide administration, and high frequency ventilation. Exercise capacity was measured by cycle ergometry, daily physical activity with an accelerometry‐based activity monitor, and fatigue by the fatigue severity scale. Median (range) VO
2peak in mL/kg/min was 35.4 (19.6–55.0) in group 1 and 37.6 (15.7–52.7) in group 2. There was a between‐group P‐value of 0.65 for exercise capacity. Daily activity and fatigue were also similar in both groups. So, residual lung hypoplasia did not play an important role in this cohort. There were no significant associations between exercise capacity and perinatal characteristics. Future studies need to elucidate whether exercise capacity is impaired in patients with more severe lung hypoplasia who nowadays survive.
Seasonal variation in the occurrence of delirium in patients admitted to medical units of a general hospital in Italy
Authors: Gallerani Massimo , Manfredini Roberto
Published: June 2012

Objective

Delirium syndrome is common in the hospitalised population. However, data on its aetiological factors are scarce. Clinical observations suggest a relationship between delirium occurrence and seasons. The aim of study was to determine whether a seasonal variation exists in the occurrence of delirium events in‐hospital patients.

Methods

The study included all admissions to the medical units of the Hospital of Ferrara, Italy, between January 2002 and December 2010. On the basis of date admission, cases have been analysed for seasonal variation (four 3‐month intervals by seasons) by means of conventional statistics. Moreover, cases categorised into twelve 1‐month intervals were also analysed by means of a validated chronobiologic inferential method (single cosinor) to search for cyclic variability.

Results

During the analysed period, the hospital database contained 74 379 records referring to 42 625 subjects (52.7% females). Delirium diagnoses were 1300 (1.7% of total sample), 668 of whom in females (51.4%) and 632 in males (48.6%). Events of delirium were more frequent in winter and autumn (26.6 and 26.5%, respectively) than in spring (23.5%) and summer (23.4%). Chronobiological analysis yielded a significant peak of delirium events in January, when considering both the total raw number of cases and the percent of admissions.

Conclusions

The study seems to indicate in patients hospitalised in medical units, a higher rate of occurrence of delirium in autumn‐winter, similar to that reported for acute medical diseases. The role of possible underlying favouring or triggering factors deserves further research.
Placebo-controlled cross-over study of the monoaminergic stabiliser (−)-OSU6162 in mental fatigue following stroke or traumatic brain injury
Authors: Johansson Birgitta , Carlsson Arvid , Carlsson Maria L. , Karlsson Magdalena , Nilsson Marie K.L. , Nordquist-Brandt Elisabeth , Rönnbäck Lars
Published: June 2012

Objective: Mental fatigue occurring after a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in difficulties returning to work and pursuing social activities. No effective treatment of this condition is available today. In this study, we have tested a novel pharmacological strategy using the monoaminergic stabiliser (−)-OSU6162.

Methods: (−)-OSU6162 was given orally for 4 weeks in doses increasing from 15 to 45 mg b.i.d. to 12 patients suffering from mental fatigue, following upon stroke (n=6) or TBI (n=6). (−)-OSU6162 was compared with placebo using a double-blind, randomised cross-over design. Patients included were well rehabilitated physically with no gross impairment in cognitive functions other than those related to the mental fatigue.

Results: (−)-OSU6162 caused a remarkable improvement in mental stamina, as evaluated by a self-assessment scale on mental fatigue. Statistical significance was reached on the primary endpoint (Mental Fatigue Scale). There was a trend towards improvement in the secondary endpoints processing speed and attention. Principal component analysis showed an overall positive treatment effect in 7 of 12 patients. Beneficial responses were seen already during the first few days of active drug treatment. Increasing dosage caused no further improvement. Adverse reactions consisted of short-lasting mild nausea and attenuated appetite. These side effects disappeared upon dose reduction.

Conclusion: The monoaminergic stabiliser (−)-OSU6162 offers promise as a candidate for treatment of mental fatigue after a stroke or TBI.
The mouse palate and its cellular responses to midpalatal suture expansion forces
Authors: Katebi N. , Kolpakova‐Hart E. , Lin C. Y. , Olsen B. R.
Published: June 2012

Katebi N., Kolpakova‐Hart E., Lin C. Y., Olsen B. R. The mouse palate and its cellular responses to midpalatal suture expansion forces  Orthod Craniofac Res 2012;15:148–158. John Wiley & Sons A/S

Structured Abstract

Objectives –  To investigate the anatomy of the mouse palate, the midpalatal suture, and the cellular characteristics in the sutures before and immediately after midpalatal suture expansion.

Materials and Methods –  Wild‐type C57BL/6 male mice, aged between 6 weeks and 12 months, were chosen for all the experiments. The complete palate of the non‐operated group and the midpalatal suture‐expanded group at different ages was used for histological, micro‐CT, immunohistochemistry, and sutural cell analyses.

Results –  This study documents precise morphological and histological characteristics of the mouse palatal sutures. In addition to the opening of the midpalatal suture caused by expansion, both transverse and interpalatine sutures were also seen to be affected. Cellular density was decreased in different types of sutures following the application of mechanical force.

Conclusions –  The detailed morphology and histology of the mouse palate and the cellular changes that occur following midpalatal suture expansion, as described here, will be helpful as a basis for further investigations of palatal suture tissue responses to mechanical force.
Type 2C protein phosphatases in plants
Authors: Fuchs Stefan , Grill Erwin , Meskiene Irute , Schweighofer Alois
Published: June 2012

Type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2Cs) form a structurally unique class of Mg2+‐/Mn2+‐dependent enzymes. PP2Cs are evolutionary conserved from prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes and play a prominent role in stress signalling. In this review, we focus on the evolution, function and regulation of the plant PP2Cs. Members of a subclass of plant PP2Cs counteract mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways, whereas members of other subfamilies function as co‐receptors for the phytohormone abscisic acid. Recent structural analyses of abscisic acid receptors have elucidated the mode of ligand‐dependent regulation and substrate targeting.
Identification of ICAD‐derived peptides capable of inhibiting caspase‐activated DNase
Authors: Kutscher Daniel , Pingoud Alfred , Jeltsch Albert , Meiss Gregor
Published: June 2012

The DNA fragmentation factor is a heterodimeric complex that consists of caspase‐activated DNase (CAD) and its inhibitor (ICAD). As only partial structural information on this nuclease/inhibitor complex is available, understanding of how its subunits interact on the molecular level remains largely elusive, particularly how CAD inhibition is achieved by ICAD. In this study, we used the SPOT (peptide array) method to identify protein–protein interaction sites in the DNA fragmentation factor complex, focusing on those possibly involved in CAD inhibition. We observed a particularly strong interaction of ICAD with the dimerization (C2) domain of CAD. Additional interactions with the Zn2+‐binding site close to the catalytic centre and the catalytic centre itself in the C3 domain of CAD were detected, suggesting that prevention of CAD homodimerization and local structural perturbation or blocking of the active site together constitute a dual inhibitory mechanism to effectively inhibit CAD. The results obtained by the SPOT method were validated by performing inhibition assays employing selected soluble ICAD‐derived peptides. In these assays, two ICAD‐derived peptides were identified that are capable of efficiently and specifically inhibiting CAD activity in solution.

Structured digital abstract

 ICAD binds to CAD by peptide array (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

 CAD binds to ICAD by peptide array (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Optimal use of negative pressure wound therapy in treating pressure ulcers
Authors: Gupta Subhas , Ichioka Shigeru
Published: June 2012

Pressure ulcers (PrUs) are a challenging health concern for both the clinician and the patient. The exact incidence and prevalence of PrUs varies widely among specific clinical populations, from 0·4% to 38% in acute care, from 2·2% to 24% in long‐term care and from 0% to 17% in home care. The economic impact of these wounds is impressive with an estimated cost of $11 to $17·2 billion annually in the USA. Guidelines from the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel have provided recommendations for the prevention and treatment of PrUs. Negative pressure wound therapy with reticulated open cell foam (NPWT/ROCF; V.A.C.® Therapy, KCI USA, Inc. San Antonio, TX) has been successfully used for managing PrUs. This review combines expert opinion with scientific evidence to describe the use of NPWT/ROCF in patients with PrUs.
Use of negative pressure wound therapy over clean, closed surgical incisions
Authors: Stannard James P , Gabriel Allen , Lehner Burkhard
Published: June 2012

The literature has reported that surgical site infections account for 17–22% of health care‐associated infections, while surgical wound dehiscence rates range from 0·25% to 3·0% (post laparatomies), 1·6% to 42·3% (post‐caesarean incisions) and 0·5% to 2·5% (sternal incisions). These types of incisional complications can become a significant cost burden to the health care system because of lengthy hospital stays and readmissions, additional nursing care and added surgical procedures. Therefore, the type of therapy used for surgical incisions plays a critical role in the healing process. The success of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT; V.A.C.® Therapy; KCI USA, Inc., San Antonio, TX) for open wounds has been well documented and has led to its use over clean, closed surgical incisions. This review will focus on clinician experience and literature review of incisional NPWT and will include clinical cases describing NPWT's successful use over surgical incisions.
Kinetics and Model Building on Ultrasonic Extraction of Schisandrin From Fruit of Schisandra chinensis
Authors: Zhou Ling , Wang Xuekui , Sha Zuoliang , Xu Hongbin , Xiao Qinggui
Published: June 2012

The kinetics of the extraction schisandrin of Schisandra chinensis was investigated. Based on the assumption of a second‐order mechanism for the extraction, a conventional extraction model and an ultrasonic extraction model were developed to predict the extraction rate constant, the extraction capacity, and the initial extraction rate with various temperatures and ultrasound powers.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The models of conventional extraction and an ultrasonic extraction based on the assumption of a second‐order mechanism can interpret and give guidance to the leaching process of traditional Chinese medicine qualitatively and quantitatively. The three‐dimensional predictive model not only helped to understand the process of ultrasonic extraction, control and optimize parameter of process, but also evaluate the capacity of leaching at all times and temperatures.
Neurodynamics, tonality, and the auditory brainstem response
Authors: Large Edward W. , Almonte Felix V.
Published: June 2012

Tonal relationships are foundational in music, providing the basis upon which musical structures, such as melodies, are constructed and perceived. A recent dynamic theory of musical tonality predicts that networks of auditory neurons resonate nonlinearly to musical stimuli. Nonlinear resonance leads to stability and attraction relationships among neural frequencies, and these neural dynamics give rise to the perception of relationships among tones that we collectively refer to as tonal cognition. Because this model describes the dynamics of neural populations, it makes specific predictions about human auditory neurophysiology. Here, we show how predictions about the auditory brainstem response (ABR) are derived from the model. To illustrate, we derive a prediction about population responses to musical intervals that has been observed in the human brainstem. Our modeled ABR shows qualitative agreement with important features of the human ABR. This provides a source of evidence that fundamental principles of auditory neurodynamics might underlie the perception of tonal relationships, and forces reevaluation of the role of learning and enculturation in tonal cognition.
A Common Reference Material for Cadmium Isotope Studies – NIST SRM 3108
Authors: Abouchami Wafa , Galer Stephen J. G. , Horner Tristan J. , Rehkämper Mark , Wombacher Frank , Xue Zichen , Lambelet Myriam , Gault‐Ringold Melanie , Stirling Claudine H. , Schönbächler Maria , Shiel Alyssa E. , Weis Dominique , Holdship Philip F.
Published: June 2012

Research into natural mass‐dependent stable isotope fractionation of cadmium has rapidly expanded in the past few years. Methodologies are diverse with MC‐ICP‐MS favoured by all but one laboratory, which uses thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS). To quantify the isotope fractionation and correct for instrumental mass bias, double‐spike techniques, sample‐calibrator bracketing or element doping has been used. However, easy comparison between data sets has been hampered by the multitude of in‐house Cd solutions used as zero‐delta reference in different laboratories. The lack of a suitable isotopic reference material for Cd is detrimental for progress in the long term. We have conducted a comprehensive round‐robin assay of NIST SRM 3108 and the Cd isotope offsets to commonly used in‐house reference materials. Here, we advocate NIST SRM 3108 both as an isotope standard and the isotopic reference point for Cd and encourage its use as ‘zero‐delta’ in future studies. The purity of NIST SRM 3108 was evaluated regarding isobaric and polyatomic molecular interferences, and the levels of Zn, Pd and Sn found were not significant. The isotope ratio 114Cd/110Cd for NIST SRM 3108 lies within ∼ 10 ppm Da−1 of best estimates for the Bulk Silicate Earth and is validated for all measurement technologies currently in use.
Nonearnings Corporate Guidance
Authors: Richard Lu Hung‐Yuan , Wu Tucker Jennifer
Published: June 2012

We examine nonearnings related disclosure and find that many firms voluntarily provided guidance on capital expenditure (CAPEX) and provided strategic plan disclosure (SPD) before recent proposals to increase nonearnings information disclosure. Furthermore, we find that firms with high long‐term institutional ownership tend to provide both earnings and CAPEX guidance; that turnaround firms tend to provide SPD in lieu of earnings guidance; and growth firms tend to provide earnings guidance without SPD. Our results suggest that unconstrained firms make optimal disclosure decisions and that corporate guidance behaviors might not have contributed to earnings fixation and myopia in capital markets.