bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear approximation of an ACQ-functional equation in nan-spaces
Authors: Azadi Kenary Hassan , Lee Jung Rye , Park Choonkil
Published: October 2011

In this paper, using the fixed point and direct methods, we prove the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of an additive-cubic-quartic functional equation in NAN-spaces.

Mathematics Subject Classification (2010)

39B52·47H10·26E30·46S10·47S10
Ultrasound microbubble-mediated delivery of the siRNAs targeting MDR1 reduces drug resistance of yolk sac carcinoma L2 cells
Authors: He Yun , Bi Yang , Hua Yi , Liu Dongyao , Wen Sheng , Wang Qiang , Li Mingyong , Zhu Jing , Lin Tao , He Dawei , Li Xuliang , Wang Zhigang , Wei Guanghui
Published: October 2011

Background

MDR1 gene encoding P-glycoprotein is an ATP-dependent drug efflux transporter and related to drug resistance of yolk sac carcinoma. Ultrasound microbubble-mediated delivery has been used as a novel and effective gene delivery method. We hypothesize that small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting MDR1 gene (siMDR1) delivery with microbubble and ultrasound can down-regulate MDR1 expression and improve responsiveness to chemotherapeutic drugs for yolk sac carcinoma in vitro.

Methods

Retroviral knockdown vector pSEB-siMDR1s containing specific siRNA sites targeting rat MDR1 coding region were constructed and sequence verified. The resultant pSEB-siMDR1 plasmids DNA were encapsulated with lipid microbubble and the DNA release were triggered by ultrasound when added to culture cells. GFP positive cells were counted by flow cytometry to determine transfection efficiency. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expression of MDR1. P-glycoprotein function and drug sensitivity were analyzed by Daunorubicin accumulation and MTT assays.

Results

Transfection efficiency of pSEB-siMDR1 DNA was significantly increased by ultrasound microbubble-mediated delivery in rat yolk sac carcinoma L2 (L2-RYC) cells. Ultrasound microbubble-mediated siMDR1s delivery effectively inhibited MDR1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels and decreased P-glycoprotein function. Silencing MDR1 led to decreased cell viability and IC50 of Vincristine and Dactinomycin.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that ultrasound microbubble-mediated delivery of MDR1 siRNA was safe and effective in L2-RYC cells. MDR1 silencing led to decreased P-glycoprotein activity and drug resistance of L2-RYC cells, which may be explored as a novel approach of combined gene and chemotherapy for yolk sac carcinoma.
μ-Oxo-Bridged Subphthalocyanine Dimers: Preparation and Characterization by X-ray Structure Analysis
Authors: Yamasaki Yasuhiro , Mori Tomohiro
Published: October 2011

In connection with our previous research on μ-oxo-bridged metal phthalocyanine dimers, we have synthesized μ-oxo-bridged subphthalocyanine dimers (μ-oxo subpc dimers) with various peripheral substituents and studied their properties. Compared to the corresponding subpc monomer, the Q-band absorption of subpc dimers broadens, the wavelength undergoes a blue shift by approximately 30–35 nm, and the molar absorptivity is enhanced almost 1.5–2.0 times. Additionally, its solubility in various organic solvents is much improved. We carried out an X-ray crystal structure analysis of [{B(subpc)}2O] and provided a direct observation of its asymmetric structure for the first time.
Solid-State NMR Study of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Surface-Modified by Alkylphosphonic Acids
Authors: Souma Hiroyuki , Chiba Ryo , Hayashi Shigenobu
Published: October 2011

We have modified the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles by propylphosphonic acid (PPA) and decylphosphonic acid (DPA), and have characterized the surface layer of titania (=titanium dioxide) nanoparticles by means of high-resolution solid-state NMR of 31P, 1H, and 13C, X-ray powder diffraction, and themogravimetric analysis. The 31P NMR spectra showed four types of bonding states corresponding to the monodentate and bidentate bonding states. The 1H NMR spectra demonstrated decrease in P–OH groups due to the dehydration condensation reaction. Layered titanium alkylphosphonate was formed by prolonged heating of the mixed solution of the reactants. The layered structure was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction, and the interlayer distance suggested bilayer arrangement of the n-alkyl chains in the interlayer space. The 31P NMR spectra showed that a tridentate bonding state was formed in the layered structure. The 13C NMR results suggested all-trans conformation of n-alkyl chains, and the methyl group was confined in a small space. The molecular axis of the n-alkyl chains was tilted from the perpendicular of the layer plane. The surface coverage of the organic modifier in the modified TiO2 nanoparticles was estimated from the mass loss of thermogravimetric analysis. The surface coverages are about 50%, except for the samples containing considerable amounts of the layered structure.
Carbon dots of different composition and surface functionalization: cytotoxicity issues relevant to fluorescence cell imaging
Authors: Wang Yanli , Anilkumar Parambath , Cao Li , Liu Jia-Hui , Luo Pengju G , Tackett Kenneth N , Sahu Sushant , Wang Ping , Wang Xin , Sun Ya-Ping
Published: October 2011

Nanoscale carbon particles have emerged as versatile precursors for a new class of highly fluorescent nanomaterials that resemble semiconductor quantum dots. The surface-passivated fluorescent carbon nanoparticles, dubbed ‘carbon dots’, were already demonstrated for their potential optical bioimaging applications in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we conducted a systematic cytotoxicity evaluation on the carbon dots prepared by various combinations of precursor carbon nanoparticles and molecules for the particle surface functionalization. The results suggested that the cytotoxicity of carbon dots was dependent on the selection of surface passivation molecules. Those dots showing more significant cytotoxicity at higher concentrations were also evaluated for their effects on the fluorescence imaging of live cells. The implications of the results on the eventual use of carbon dots as cell imaging agents are discussed.
A professional challenge: the development of skill-mix in UK primary care dentistry
Authors: Bullock Alison , Firmstone Vickie
Published: October 2011

The future health-care workforce and the changing skill-mix within occupational teams is a current topic of discussion. This paper contributes to the skill-mix debate by focusing on UK primary care dentistry, revealing unintended as well as intended consequences of a modularized, technocratic view of dentistry. In part one, relevant literature about dental therapists and skill-mix in dentistry is organized into a framework used to review factors operating at macro, meso and micro levels. Part two considers the role that education and training may play in realizing skill-mix change. Part three synthesizes conditions required for modifying skill-mix in UK primary dental care and sets out the dimensions of seven factors: funding focus, the profession's response, workforce, the practice, dentist's knowledge, dental therapist's motivations and patient attitude. A review of these factors could be used to inform the policy decisions of managers operating at the macro level, as well as more local staffing decisions. Without consideration of the complex interplay of these factors, skill-mix in dentistry will be slow to develop and could bring unwelcome consequences.
A step-by-step guide to systematically identify all relevant animal studies
Authors: Leenaars Marlies , Hooijmans Carlijn R , van Veggel Nieky , ter Riet Gerben , Leeflang Mariska , Hooft Lotty , van der Wilt Gert Jan , Tillema Alice , Ritskes-Hoitinga Merel
Published: October 2011

Before starting a new animal experiment, thorough analysis of previously performed experiments is essential from a scientific as well as from an ethical point of view. The method that is most suitable to carry out such a thorough analysis of the literature is a systematic review (SR). An essential first step in an SR is to search and find all potentially relevant studies. It is important to include all available evidence in an SR to minimize bias and reduce hampered interpretation of experimental outcomes. Despite the recent development of search filters to find animal studies in PubMed and EMBASE, searching for all available animal studies remains a challenge. Available guidelines from the clinical field cannot be copied directly to the situation within animal research, and although there are plenty of books and courses on searching the literature, there is no compact guide available to search and find relevant animal studies. Therefore, in order to facilitate a structured, thorough and transparent search for animal studies (in both preclinical and fundamental science), an easy-to-use, step-by-step guide was prepared and optimized using feedback from scientists in the field of animal experimentation. The step-by-step guide will assist scientists in performing a comprehensive literature search and, consequently, improve the scientific quality of the resulting review and prevent unnecessary animal use in the future.
DNA identification of formalin-fixed organs is affected by fixation time and type of fixatives: using the AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® PCR Amplification Kit
Authors: Taguchi Mami , Inoue Hiroyuki , Motani-Saitoh Hisako , Yajima Daisuke , Hayakawa Mutsumi , Otsuka Katsura , Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Iwase Hirotaro
Published: October 2011

Personal identification using DNA typing of formalin-fixed tissue is very important in the forensic sciences. However, few studies have been conducted to determine the detection limit of DNA typing of formalin fixation time in samples using the AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® PCR Amplification Kit (Identifiler Kit). We collected samples from five cadavers submitted for forensic autopsies, and fixed them either in a 10% formalin solution, or in a 10% neutral-buffered formalin solution. The amount of template DNA for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and the detection limit of DNA typing for the Identifiler Kit were determined. When tissues were fixed in 10% formalin, 10 ng of DNA template was required for successful genotyping even after three-hour fixation and 100 ng was required after one-week fixation for PCR amplification. However, when tissues were fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin, the required amount of DNA template was 1 ng for a fixation time of three hours to three days and 125 ng for three months. Fixation time in neutral-buffered formalin was longer for successful PCR than that in formalin solution. Dropout was more common with increasing formalin fixation time. These results suggest that neutral-buffered formalin is preferred to formalin for fixation of tissues if they are to be subjected to DNA typing and that tissues fixed with neutral-buffered formalin can be used for DNA typing using the Identifiler Kit unless the fixation time exceeds one month.
Internal jugular vein duplication: a further truncular malformation in a patient with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Radak D , Tanaskovic S , Marinkovic S , Antonic Z , Kolar J
Published: October 2011

Different internal jugular vein (IJV) abnormalities can be found in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS): stenoses, complete occlusion, distortions and intraluminal structures, such as membranes, webs and inverted valves. IJV duplication is a very rare phenomenon. We report a case of right IJV duplication as an incidental finding during IJV morphological and haemodynamic assessment in a patient with MS. A 55-year-old female patient was admitted to our Institute for IJV and vertebral veins morphological and haemodynamic assessment. During the last seven years she had been treated for MS. Colour Doppler ultrasonography in our patient did not reveal IJV or vertebral veins stenoses or abnormal valves, but instead right IJV duplication. This finding was confirmed using multislice computed tomography angiography and by selective phlebography. In conclusion, to our knowledge, a case of IJV duplication in a patient with MS has not been described yet. This further venous malformation can be assessed by the means of Doppler ultrasounds.
Is endovenous laser ablation possible while taking warfarin?
Authors: Delaney C L , Russell D A , Iannos J , Spark J I
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The subgroup of patients with venous ulcers requiring anticoagulation for co-morbid conditions has traditionally created a therapeutic dilemma. Perioperative management of anticoagulation can be costly and increase the risk of surgical complications. This group of patients is often elderly and shows poor compliance with compression hosiery. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in patients remaining on therapeutic anticoagulation.

Materials and methods

Fifteen consecutive patients (CEAP [clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements] classification 5 or 6) were treated with standard GSV EVLA using tumescent anaesthesia and a diode 1470-nm radial laser fibre while maintaining international normalized ratio at therapeutic levels. Clinical and duplex follow-up at six weeks and three, six and 12 months were performed.

Results

The GSV was successfully occluded in 14/15 (93%) of patients. The remaining patient had a second successful treatment three months later. No significant complications requiring intervention were encountered.

Conclusion

EVLA using the diode 1470-nm radial fibre is efficacious with minimal complications in patients therapeutically anticoagulated. This treatment should be added to the armamentarium in this problematic patient group.
Prevalence and factors associated with medication compliance in Indian patients suffering from mental disorders
Authors: Sharma Sangeeta , Kumar Naveen , Chakraborti Saswati , Sinha Sampa , Kumari Sushma , Gajendragad Jahanara Muhyuddin
Published: October 2011

The overall prevalence of non-adherence among patients with mental disorders in our study was 38%. However, 50% of the non-adherents were suffering from schizophrenia. Younger patients with good social support had good adherence whereas those with more severe illnesses and who were sedated were associated with non-adherence.
The ‘hit by a stick’ disease: an epidemiologic study of the causes of trauma in a non-profit hospital in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Ayana Birhanu , Mekonen Birhanu , Lollino Nicola
Published: October 2011

Traumatic injuries are one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide and represent a very important public health problem in countries like Ethiopia, where there are insufficient centres of trauma care and where an interest in prevention has only relatively recently been awakened. The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of trauma at St Luke Catholic Hospital. We conducted a one-year retrospective study on 2969 patients who suffered from trauma. Every traumatized patient was classified by age, sex, cause and site of the trauma. The admission rate and hospital stays were also analysed. The most common causes of injury were: interpersonal conflict (32.2%); falling (15.1%); and road traffic incidents (RTIs; 14%). Men (71.7%) and young adults (37.6%; range 15–29 years) were the most affected, while head and neck were the most affected sites (33%). Half of the 377 admitted patients stay in hospital for more than a week. The ‘hit by a stick’ disease can be reduced with appropriate public health campaigns on trauma prevention. This is a priority in trauma prevention, especially in the rural areas.
Palatal ulceration as the first sign of pulmonary tuberculosis: a case report
Authors: Peck Mogammad Thabit , Stephen Lawrence X G , Marnewick Johan , Majeed Abdul
Published: October 2011

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading casues of morbidity and death in a number of countries worldwide. A healthy 42-year-old patient presented with a chronic palatal ulcer that was not responsive to routine antibiotic treatment. A biopsy and further systemic investigation revealed a diagnosis of TB. An eight-month extended course of oral rifampin and isoniazid was instituted successfully resulting in complete resolution of symptoms. It is important that clinicians be aware that chronic oral ulcerations may be the first sign of systemic disease. A biopsy should therefore be mandatory for any chronic oral ulcer not responsive to conventional treatment.
Is Leasing Greener Than Selling?
Authors: Agrawal Vishal V. , Ferguson Mark , Toktay L. Beril , Thomas Valerie M.
Published: October 2011

Based on the proposition that leasing is environmentally superior to selling, some firms have adopted a leasing strategy and others promote their existing leasing programs as environmentally superior to “green” their image. The argument is that because a leasing firm retains ownership of the off-lease units, it has an incentive to remarket them or invest in designing a more durable product, resulting in a lower volume of new production and disposal. However, leasing might be environmentally inferior because of the direct control the firm has over the off-lease products, which may prompt the firm to remove them from the market to avoid cannibalizing the demand for new products. Motivated by these issues, we adopt a life-cycle environmental impact perspective and analytically investigate if leasing can be both more profitable and have a lower total environmental impact. We find that leasing can be environmentally worse despite remarketing all off-lease products and greener than selling despite the mid-life removal of off-lease products. Our analysis also provides insights for environmental groups and entities that use different approaches to improve the environmental performance of business practices. We show that imposing disposal fees or encouraging remanufacturing, under some conditions, can actually lead to higher environmental impact. We also identify when educating consumers to be more environmentally conscious can improve the relative environmental performance of leasing.

This paper was accepted by J. Miguel Villas-Boas, marketing.
A Case-Based Model of Probability and Pricing Judgments: Biases in Buying and Selling Uncertainty
Authors: Brenner Lyle A. , Griffin Dale W. , Koehler Derek J.
Published: October 2011

We integrate a case-based model of probability judgment with prospect theory to explore asset pricing under uncertainty. Research within the “heuristics and biases” tradition suggests that probability judgments respond primarily to case-specific evidence and disregard aggregate characteristics of the class to which the case belongs, resulting in predictable biases. The dual-system framework presented here distinguishes heuristic assessments of value and evidence strength from deliberative assessments that incorporate prior odds and likelihood ratios following Bayes' rule. Hypotheses are derived regarding the relative sensitivity of judged probabilities, buying prices, and selling prices to case- versus class-based evidence. We test these hypotheses using a simulated stock market in which participants can learn from experience and have incentives for accuracy. Valuation of uncertain assets is found to be largely case based even in this economic setting; however, consistent with the framework's predictions, distinct patterns of miscalibration are found for buying prices, selling prices, and probability judgments.

This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, Teck Ho, and Terrance Odean, special issue editors.
Cutting in Line: Social Norms in Queues
Authors: Allon Gad , Hanany Eran
Published: October 2011

Although the norm in many retail banks is to serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis, some customers try to cut the line, usually by providing an excuse for their urgency. In other queues, however, this behavior is considered unacceptable and is aggressively banned. In all of these cases, customer exhibit strategies that have not yet been explored in the operations literature: they choose whether or not to cut the line and must also decide whether to accept or reject such intrusions by others. This paper derives conditions for the emergence of such behavior in equilibrium among the customers themselves, i.e., when the queue manager is not involved in granting priorities and the customers have to use community enforcement to sustain such equilibria.

This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Good and Bad News About the (S, T) Policy
Authors: Liu Fang , Song Jing-Sheng
Published: October 2011

This paper studies the optimization of the (S, T) inventory policy, where T is the replenishment interval and S is the order-up-to level. First, we demonstrate that the previously established joint convexity of the long-run average cost is false. Hence, the optimization is not straightforward. We then point out that the joint convexity concept depends on whether S and T are continuous or discrete variables, and in some situations it may not even be well defined. Nonetheless, we are able to identify several useful properties of the cost function, such as submodularity and coordinatewise convexity. Based on these properties, we develop efficient algorithms to compute the optimal policy for continuous and discrete demands.
Integrated Airline Crew Pairing and Crew Assignment by Dynamic Constraint Aggregation
Authors: Saddoune Mohammed , Desaulniers Guy , Elhallaoui Issmail , Soumis François
Published: October 2011

Traditionally, the airline crew scheduling problem has been decomposed into a crew pairing problem and a crew assignment problem, both of which are solved sequentially. The first consists of generating a set of least-cost crew pairings (sequences of flights starting and ending at the same crew base) that cover all flights. The second aims at finding monthly schedules (sequences of pairings) for crew members that cover all pairings previously built. Pairing and schedule construction must respect all safety and collective agreement rules. In this paper, we focus on the pilot crew scheduling problem in a bidline context where anonymous schedules must be built for pilots and high fixed costs are considered to minimize the number of scheduled pilots. We propose a model that completely integrates the crew pairing and crew assignment problems, and we develop a combined column generation/dynamic constraint aggregation method for solving them. Computational results on real-life data show that integrating crew pairing and crew assignment can yield significant savings—on average, 3.37% on the total cost and 5.54% on the number of schedules for the 7 tested instances. The integrated approach, however, requires much higher computational times than the sequential approach.
Oxide nanowire arrays for light-emitting diodes and piezoelectric energy harvesters
Authors: Xu Sheng , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: October 2011

As an outstanding member in the oxide nanowire family, ZnO nanowire is widely studied for its optical, semiconductive, and piezoelectric properties. PbZrxTi1–xO3 (PZT), usually in the form of polycrystalline thin films, is known for its high piezoelectric coefficient and is an ideal material as actuator. In this review, we first briefly introduce the rational growth of ZnO and PZT nanowire arrays by seedless wet chemical methods. Utilizing the ordered ZnO nanowires grown on p-type substrates, we next present an array of single ZnO nanowire-based blue/near-UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs), including their fabrication process, electroluminescence (EL) spectra, and external quantum efficiency. Finally, we discuss the piezoelectric ZnO and PZT nanowire-enabled three-dimensionally integrated direct- and alternating-current nanogenerators, and their primary roles in self-powered nanosystems and for powering personal microelectronics.
Occurrence of the seagrass Halophila stipulacea (Hydrocharitaceae) in the southern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Sghaier Yassine Ramzi , Zakhama-Sraieb Rym , Benamer Ibrahem , Charfi-Cheikhrouha Faouzia
Published: October 2011

Halophila stipulacea is a dioecious seagrass that colonised the Mediterranean basin probably following the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. We investigated its occurrence in the southern Mediterranean. This was done by conducting targeted surveys in two countries (Tunisia and Libya) and compiling existing information from former research. Four new meadows of H. stipulacea were found in the study area: Al-wahesh Lagoon and Tobrouk Bay in Libya, and Kerkennah Island-Allama and Cap Monastir in Tunisia. The new record in Cap Monastir (Tunisia) documents a displacement of approximately 150 km north of the previous limit of H. stipulacea in the southern Mediterranean, which probably represents the westernmost extension of H. stipulacea’s distribution 3000 km west along the coast from the site of first colonisation at the mouth of the Suez Canal in Port Said. In the Cap Monastir meadow, the shoot density (±SD) was 9900±3509 m-2and the leaf area index was 3.15±0.5 m2m-2. In Libya, a small meadow of H. stipulacea was documented for the first time in Tobrouk Bay, with an estimated shoot density of 476±83 m-2.
Quantitative performance of antibody array technology in a prenatal screening setting
Authors: Rodenburg Wendy , Reimerink Johan H. , Imholz Sandra , Godeke Gert-Jan , Pennings Jeroen L.A. , Schielen Peter C.J.I. , Koster Maria P.H. , de Vries Annemieke
Published: October 2011

Antibody microarrays (Ab-array) represent a new, innovative proteomics platform for high-throughput protein expression profiling in body fluids. Because they allow for multiplexed measurements in small sample volumes, Ab-arrays are an interesting alternative to conventional indirect sandwich immunoassay (ELISA or DELFIA) tests in clinical or population screening if sets of markers are to be analyzed simultaneously. However, to allow implementation of Ab-arrays in clinical or population screening programs, it is of vital importance to establish that this method is both sensitive and quantitative.

This study developed and optimized a duplex Ab-array for pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and human chorion gonadotropin (fβ-hCG), two serum biomarkers currently analyzed by conventional biochemical techniques in prenatal screening. Serum samples from pregnant women, representing the dynamic range of both markers, were analyzed on Ab-arrays, and validated to the, in prenatal screening routinely applied, AutoDelfia system.

Two different array hybridization conditions were tested, i.e., direct and indirect labeling, of which the indirect method displayed a sensitive and quantitative performance and a low intra- and inter-assay variation.

Taken together, these findings indicate that Ab-array technology is a promising alternative for ELISA or DELFIA in population screening programs, allowing future quantitative analysis of multiple biomarkers simultaneously in small volumes of serum.
Preferentially immunoglobulin (IgG) subclasses production in primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients
Authors: Liu Yudong , Li Jinming
Published: October 2011

Patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) mostly have high levels of polyclonal immunoglobulin (IgG) and selective increase of IgG subclasses. As IgG subclasses profiles represent specific immunological processes and may be indicative of the underlying pathological pattern in pSS, it would be of great clinical importance to investigate the distribution of IgG subclasses in pSS patients.

In archived sera from 155 patients with pSS, 50 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 50 normal controls were analyzed by immunonephelometric assay.

The median levels of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 in pSS patients were 11300 mg/L, 6130 mg/L, 961 mg/L and 142 mg/L, respectively. When compared with the normal controls, significant increases of IgG1 (p<0.001), IgG2 (p<0.001) and IgG3 (p<0.001) was observed in pSS patients, while the IgG4 level was significantly decreased (p=0.002). The ratio of IgG1/IgG2 in pSS patients was 2.3±1.4, which was significantly higher than that in the normal controls (p<0.001). When the pSS patients were divided into different groups, a higher level of IgG3 was observed in pSS with systematic disorders (p=0.008). In addition, the level of IgG1 was statistically higher in the anti-Ro or anti-La positive group than that in the negative group (p<0.001), but the IgG4 concentration was lower than that in the negative group (p=0.046). A significant positive correlation between the concentration of IgG3 and the disease duration (p<0.001) was also identified.

The data supported the pathogenic role of IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses in the process of pSS. Further investigations to elucidate the reasons for the increase of IgG2 and whether IgG2 has any contribution to the pathogenesis of pSS are needed.
Strategies of reducing input sample volume for extracting circulating cell-free nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA in plasma
Authors: Chen Weijie , Cai Fengfeng , Zhang Bei , Zhong Xiao Yan
Published: October 2011

Circulating cell-free (ccf) DNA in blood has been suggested as a potential biomarker in many conditions regarding early diagnosis and prognosis. However, misdiagnosis can result due to the limited DNA resources in Biobank’s plasma samples or insufficient DNA targets from a predominant DNA background in genetic tests. This study explored several strategies for an efficient DNA extraction to increase DNA amount from limited plasma input.

Ccf plasma DNA was extracted with three different methods, a phenol-chloroform-isoamylalcohol (PCI) method, a High Pure PCR Template Preparation Kit method and a method used for single cell PCR in this group. Subsequently, the total DNA was measured by Nanodrop and the genome equivalents (GE) of the

Instead of 400–800 μL (routine input in the laboratory), 50 μLof plasma input enabled the extraction of ccf DNA sufficient for quantitative analysis. Using the PCI method and the kit method, both nDNA and mtDNA could be successfully detected in plasma samples, but nDNA extracted using protocol for single cell PCR was not detectable in 25% of plasma samples. In comparison to the other two methods, the PCI method showed lower DNA purity, but higher concentrations and more GE of nDNA and mtDNA.

The PCI method was more efficient than the other two methods in the extraction of ccf DNA in plasma. Limited plasma is available for ccf DNA analysis.
The effect of cypermethrin on different tissues of freshwater fish Tilapia mossambica (Perters)
Authors: Prashanth Mahanthinamatha Shankaraiah , Hiragond Ningappa Changond , Nikam Kedari Nanasaheb
Published: October 2011

Background: Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems mankind is facing in this century. Arthropods and fish are highly sensitive to synthetic pyrethroids. In this article, we describe the acute toxicity, free amino acid level and protease activity in the tissues of freshwater fish when exposed to cypermethrin.

Methods: Acute toxicity of cypermethrin to the freshwater fish Tilapia mossambica was studied using a static bioassay method. The effect of cypermethrin on free amino acid and protease activity in tissues of gills, liver and muscle of freshwater fish Tilapia mossambica was also studied.

Results: The LC50 in 96 h was found to be 35.6 μg/L. Free amino acid levels and protease activity showed an elevation following exposure to lethal and sub lethal doses of cypermethrin. A significant change was noticed on day 4 increase. However, normal condition was restored only in sub lethal concentration.

Conclusions: The present study clearly shows significant changes in the Tilapia mossambica when exposed to a low quantity of cypermethrin.
Neue serologische Marker zur Differentialdiagnose der Autoimmun-Enzephalitis/New serological markers for the differential diagnosis of autoimmune limbic encephalitis
Authors: Wandinger Klaus-Peter , Klingbeil Christine , Gneiss Claudia , Waters Patrick , Dalmau Josep , Saschenbrecker Sandra , Borowski Kathrin , Deisenhammer Florian , Vincent Angela , Probst Christian , Stöcker Winfried
Published: October 2011

In jüngster Zeit wurden mehrere Autoantikörper neu identifiziert, die eng mit verschiedenen Formen der Autoimmun-Enzephalitis assoziiert sind. Die Antikörper richten sich gegen Strukturen der Zelloberfläche von Neuronen: Glutamat-Rezeptoren (Typen NMDA und AMPA), GABAB-Rezeptoren sowie die Kaliumkanal(VGKC)-assoziierten Proteine LGI1 und CASPR2. Sie sind doppelt so häufig wie die klassischen paraneoplastischen Antikörper (Anti-Hu, -Yo, -Ri, -Ma, -CV2, -Amphiphysin), weniger eng mit einem Tumor assoziiert und die korrespondierenden klinischen Syndrome sprechen deutlich besser auf eine Immuntherapie an. Der monospezifische Nachweis dieser Autoantikörper in Serum oder Liquor der Patienten erfolgt vorwiegend durch indirekte Immunfluoreszenz, unter Verwendung transfizierter HEK293-Zellen, welche die Membran-assoziierten Zielantigene rekombinant exprimieren. Aufgrund symptomatischer Überlappungen der verschiedenen Krankheitsentitäten ist es sinnvoll, alle diese Parameter bei jedem Patienten parallel zu bestimmen (Autoantikörper-Profile). Eine rasche Diagnosestellung (maßgeblich unterstützt durch das serologische Labor), der unmittelbare Beginn immuntherapeutischer Intervention und, im Falle einer paraneoplastischen Ätiologie, die Entfernung des Tumors entscheiden die Prognose. Nach eigenen Untersuchungen findet man bei den neu identifizierten Autoimmun-Enzephalitis-Formen Antikörper gegen Glutamat-Rezeptoren (Typ NMDA) mit 42% am häufigsten. Ein Drittel der positiven Reaktionen wurde in der Laborpraxis durch einen Autoantikörper verursacht, dessen Bestimmung vom Kliniker nicht angefordert war: Das unterstreicht die Notwendigkeit, für diesen Diagnostik-Bereich wegen der gebotenen Eile multiparametrische serologische Testsysteme einzusetzen.
Strain localization in polycarbonates deformed at high strain rates
Authors: Varghese Anoop G. , Batra Romesh C.
Published: October 2011

We studied three-dimensional transient large coupled thermomechanical deformations of a polycarbonate (PC) plate with a through-the-thickness inhomogeneity at its centroid. The PC exhibits strain softening followed by strain hardening and its elastic moduli are taken to be functions of strain rate and temperature. The inhomogeneity is either a void or a region of initial temperature higher than that of the rest of the plate. The nonlinear initial-boundary-value problem is solved numerically by the finite element method. It is found that deformations localize into narrow regions that we call bands. For a plate deformed in tension, the maximum principal stretch within the band is almost twice that of the maximum shear strain and for a plate deformed in shear the two have approximately the same magnitude. For the PC deformed in uniaxial compression, we call the minimum slope of the effective stress vs. the effective strain curve in the strain softening regime as the softening modulus, E

s
, and find values of E

s
and the defect strength needed for the deformations to localize. These values are found to be different for the plate deformed in shear from that deformed in tension and the minimum value of E

s
for the localization of deformation also depends upon the defect type and the defect strength (e.g., the ratio of the major to the minor axes of the elliptic void).
Diet Comparison Between Two Sympatric Owls—Tyto Alba and Asio Otus—in the Negev Desert, Israel
Authors: Leader Zohar , Yom-Tov Yoram , Motro Uzi
Published: October 2011

We studied the diets of the barn owl Tyto alba and the long-eared owl Asio otus in an arid region in the northern and central Negev Desert, Israel. The diet of the two owl species consisted mainly of small mammals, but the long-eared owl consumed a significantly larger proportion of birds in all seasons than did the barn owl. Seasonal differences in the proportion of birds in the diet of the long-eared owl were mainly due to the consumption of migratory birds. Diet composition of each of the two species resembled more the diet of its conspecifics from other locations in that region and other seasons rather than that of the other species from the same location or season. This indicates that these two owl species do not consume prey in proportion to its availability, but prefer certain types of prey over others.
Health self-perception by dementia family caregivers: sociodemographic and clinical factors
Authors: Valente Letice Ericeira , Truzzi Annibal , Souza Wanderson F. , Alves Gilberto Sousa , Alves Carlos Eduardo de Oliveira , Sudo Felipe Kenji , Lanna Maria Elisa O. , Moreira Denise Madeira , Engelhardt Eliasz , Laks Jerson
Published: October 2011

Caring for a demented family member has been associated with burden. Studies concerning health self-perception of family caregivers are still scarce. OBJECTIVE: To investigate caregivers perceived health and to look into relationships with patients and caregivers' sociodemographic and clinical data. METHOD: Dyads of dementia outpatients and family caregivers (n=137) were assessed with Mini Mental State Examination, Functional Activities Questionnaire, Neuropsychiatric Inventory and Clinical Dementia Rating. Caregivers answered Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories, Zarit Burden Interview and Maslach Burnout Inventory. RESULTS: Caregivers poor perceived health was associated with emotional exhaustion, burden, depression and anxiety. Logistic regression analyses revealed caregivers' age, anxiety and physical problem as the main predictors of health self-perception. CONCLUSION: Aged family caregivers with anxiety who also report physical problem characterize a group at risk for poor self-perceived health. Evaluation of health self-perception may be useful for designing interventions to improve anxiety and physical health.
Electronystagmography findings in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) and type 2 (SCA2)
Authors: Zeigelboim Bianca Simone , Teive Hélio A.G. , Sampaio Rosane , Jurkiewicz Ari Leon , Liberalesso Paulo B.N.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE: To describe the alterations observed in electronystagmography (ENG) of patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) types 2 and 3. METHOD: Sixteen patients were studied and the following procedures were carried out: anamnesis, otorhinolaryngological and vestibular evaluations. RESULTS: The clinical findings in the entire group of patients were: gait disturbances (93.75%), dysarthria (43.75%), headache (43.75%), dizziness (37.50%) and dysphagia (37.50%). In the vestibular exam, the rotatory (62.50%) and caloric (75%) tests were among those which presented the largest indexes of abnormalities; the presence of alterations in the exams was 87.50%, with a predominance of central vestibular disorders in 68.75% of the exams. CONCLUSION: Vestibular exams could be an auxiliary tool to investigate SCAs, besides a precise clinical approach and, particularly, molecular genetic tests.
Mortality in children with severe epilepsy: 10 years of follow-up
Authors: Terra Vera C. , Scorza Fulvio A. , Arida Ricardo M. , Fernandes Regina M.F. , Wichert-Ana Lauro , Machado Helio R. , Sakamoto Américo C.
Published: October 2011

Epilepsy is the main neurological condition in children and adolescents. Unfortunately patients with medical refractory epilepsy are more susceptible for clinical complications and death. We report a prospectively evaluated cohort of children followed for approximately 10 years. Fifty-three of 1012 patients died. Forty-two patients died due to epilepsy or its clinical complications and the main causes of death were pneumonia (in 16 cases), sepses (in 9 patients), status epilepticus (in 8 patients). In 11 patients cause of death was sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Mental retardation was significantly more frequent in patients who did not die from SUDEP. SUDEP may be a significant condition associated with mortality in children and adolescents with epilepsy.
Self-esteem, social support perception and seizure controllability perception in adolescents with epilepsy
Authors: Siqueira Nathália F. , Guerreiro Marilisa Mantovani , Souza Elisabete Abib Pedroso de
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE: Compare the self-esteem of adolescents with epilepsy and adolescents without epilepsy and relate it to social support and seizure controllability perception. METHOD: The study sample consisted: case participants (34 subjects) attending the pediatric epilepsy clinic of University Hospital and control participants (30 subjects) from public schools in Campinas-SP. The instruments utilized were: identification card with demographic and epilepsy data, a semi-structured interview on aspects of the disease, and a Self-Esteem Multidimensional Scale. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups but majority of adolescents with epilepsy presented higher self esteem rate, have knowledge about epilepsy, presented high levels of social support and seizure controllability perception. There was no significant relationship between social support and seizure controllability perception with self-esteem. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about epilepsy, social support such good controllability seizure perception seem are important contingencies for a better evaluation of self esteem in adolescents with epilepsy.
Depression in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Gonçalves Eleonora Borges , Cendes Fernando
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the comorbidity of depressive disorders in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). METHOD: We evaluated 25 consecutive patients with refractory TLE (16 women and 9 men), using semi-structured psychiatric interviews, according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), and the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: Seventeen of 25 patients (68%) had depressive disorder: 6 with dysthymia, three with major depressive episodes and 8 with recurrent depressive disorders. Two (8%) were diagnosed with mixed anxiety and depression. Only 5 of 17 patients (29.4%) were previously diagnosed with depressive disorder and received prior antidepressant treatment. Duration of epilepsy was significantly higher in patients with depressive disorder (p=0.016), but there was no relationship between depression and seizure frequency. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that depressive disorders are common and underdiagnosed in patients with TLE refractory to AEDs. Patients with longer duration of epilepsy are at higher risk of having depression.
A topographic study on the evaluation of speech and language in the acute phase of a first stroke
Authors: Oliveira Fabricio Ferreira de , Damasceno Benito Pereira
Published: October 2011

Evaluation of speech and language may help in localization of site and extension of brain lesions, particularly in the absence of other neurological signs or radiologically defined injuries. OBJECTIVE: To verify what language tasks are best correlated to which brain regions, in order to develop a test for neurologists in emergency settings. METHOD: Thirty-seven adult first-stroke patients were submitted to cognitive and language tests, and then paired with thirty-seven healthy controls. Patients underwent CT and/or MRI for topographic correlation with test results (p<0.05). RESULTS: All tests were able to distinguish patients from controls, but only word/sentence repetition, naming, ideomotor praxis and, non-significantly, comprehension and counting 1-20 predicted left hemisphere lesions. Repetition was related to perisylvian structures, comprehension to the posterior portion of the middle cerebral artery territory, and fluency to frontal lesions, while naming was accurate only for lesion side. CONCLUSION: Language and cognitive tasks can help in the localization of acute stroke lesions.
Oropharyngeal examination as a predictor of obstructive sleep apnea: pilot study of gag reflex and palatal reflex
Authors: Valbuza Juliana Spelta , Oliveira Márcio Moysés de , Conti Cristiane Fiquene , Prado Lucila Bizari F. , Carvalho Luciane B.C. , Prado Gilmar Fernandes do
Published: October 2011

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has high prevalence and may cause serious comorbities. The aim of this trial was to show if simple noninvasive methods such as gag reflex and palatal reflex are prospective multivariate assessments of predictor variables for OSA. METHOD: We evaluate gag reflex and palatal reflex, of fifty-five adult patients, and their subsequent overnight polysomnography. RESULTS: Forty-one participants presented obstructive sleep apnea. The most relevant findings in our study were: [1] absence of gag reflex on patients with severe obstructive apnea (p=0.001); [2] absence of palatal reflex on moderate obstructive apnea patients (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Gag reflex and palatal reflex, a simple noninvasive test regularly performed in a systematic neurological examination can disclose the impact of the local neurogenic injury associated to snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Verbal fluency tests reliability in a Brazilian multicentric study, ELSA-Brasil
Authors: Passos Valéria Maria de Azeredo , Giatti Luana , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Figueiredo Roberta Carvalho , Caramelli Paulo , Benseñor Isabela , Jesus Mendes da Fonseca Maria de , Cade Nagela Valadão , Goulart Alessandra Carvalho , Nunes Maria Angélica , Alves Márcia Guimarães de Mello , Trindade Ana Angélica Martins da
Published: October 2011

Verbal Fluency Tests (VFT) are commonly used to assess executive functions and language in clinical and epidemiological studies. These tests were included to access cognitive function and predictors to its decline in ELSA-Brasil (Longitudinal Study of Adults' Health), a cohort that investigates incidence and predictors of chronic diseases among 15,000 civil servants from six public educational institutions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability of VFT scoring by supervisors of. ELSA research centers, who independently judged 120 category (animals) and 120 phonemic (F letter) tests. METHOD: Their scores were compared to a reference standard score obtained by independent judgment of two experts. Intraclass correlation coefficient ratings reliability and Bland-Altman plot examined patterns of ratings disagreement. RESULTS: Scores were very similar among ELSA centers and a high level of agreement was observed between each center and the reference standard. CONCLUSION: The high consistency of VFT scores confirms reliability and validity of the test and assures quality for its use in multicenter studies.
Non-epileptiform EEG abnormalities: an overview
Authors: Andraus Maria Emilia Cosenza , Alves-Leon Soniza Vieira
Published: October 2011

More than 80 years after its introduction by Hans Berger, the electroencephalogram (EEG) remains as an important supplementary examination in the investigation of neurological disorders and gives valuable and accurate information about cerebral function. Abnormal EEG findings may include ictal patterns, interictal epileptiform activity and non-epileptiform abnormalities. The aim of this study is to make an overview on the main non-epileptiform EEG abnormalities, emphasizing the pathologic findings and the importance of their recognition, excluding periodic patterns and EEG physiologic changes. Scientific articles were selected from MEDLINE and PubMed database. The presence of non-epileptiform EEG abnormalities provide evidence of brain dysfunction that are not specific to a particular etiology and may be related to a number of disorders affecting the brain. Although these abnormalities are not specific, they can direct attention to the diagnostic possibilities and guide the best treatment choice.
The pyramidal syndrome and the pyramidal tract: a brief historical note
Authors: Rezende-Cunha Fernando , Oliveira-Souza Ricardo de
Published: October 2011

The discovery of the pyramidal syndrome and tract is briefly reviewed with emphasis on a few key historical aspects. The pursuit of the relationship between the lateralized deficits resulting from contralateral head trauma begins in the fourth century BC with the Hippocratic School and continues until the present day.