bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of wound-healing formulation against sulphur mustard-induced skin injury in mice
Authors: Lomash V , Jadhav SE , Ahmed F , Vijayaraghavan R , Pant SC
Published: December 2011

Sulphur mustard (SM) is a bifunctional alkylating agent that causes cutaneous blisters in human and animals. Remedies to SM-induced dermatotoxicity are still in experimental stage. Due to inevitable requirement of a wound-healing formulation against SM-induced skin lesions, efficacy of formulations including povidone iodine, Aloe vera gel, betaine or framycetin sulphate was evaluated in present study. SM was applied percutaneously (5 mg/kg) once on back region of Swiss albino mice; and after 24 hours, DRDE/WH-02 (Defence Research and Development Establishment/ Wound Healant- 02, containing polyvinylpyrrolidone [PVP], A. vera gel and betaine), Ovadine, Soframycin or A. vera gel were applied topically, daily for 3 or 7 days in different groups. Skin sections were subjected to histopathology, histomorphologic grading, tissue leukocytosis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay and immunohistochemistry of inflammatory-reparative biomarkers. DRDE/WH-02 treated mice received highest score on the basis of histomorphologic scale and lowest number of TUNEL-positive cells compared to other groups. DRDE/WH-02 showed better wound healing as evidenced by widespread re-epithelialization, homogenous fibroplasias well supported by the expression of transforming growth factor-α, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and fibroblast growth factor. Upregulation of interleukin 6 in DRDE/WH-02-treated mice skin resulted in increased tissue leukocytosis and an early removal of tissue debris that initiated reparative process at faster rate compared to other groups. In conclusion, DRDE/WH-02 provided better healing effect and can be recommended as an effective wound healant against SM-induced skin injury.
Statins lower calcium-induced oxidative stress in isolated mitochondria
Authors: Parihar A , Parihar MS , Zenebe WJ , Ghafourifar P
Published: December 2011

Statins are widely used cholesterol-lowering agents that exert cholesterol-independent effects including antioxidative. The present study delineates the effects of statins, atorvastatin, and simvastatin on oxidative stress and functions of mitochondria that are the primary cellular sources of oxidative stress. In isolated rat liver mitochondria, both the statins prevented calcium-induced cytochrome c release, lipid peroxidation, and opening of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (MPT). Both the statins decreased the activity of mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase (mtNOS), lowered the intramitochondrial ionized calcium, and increased the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Our findings suggest that statins lower intramitochondrial ionized calcium that decreases mtNOS activity, lowers oxidative stress, prevents MPT opening, and prevents the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. These results provide a novel framework for understanding the antioxidative properties of statins and their effects on mitochondrial functions.
Possible prenatal impact of sertraline on human placental glutathione S-transferase-π
Authors: Dalmizrak O , Kulaksiz-Erkmen G , Ozer N
Published: December 2011

Sertraline (SER), a tricyclic antidepressant, is considered to belong to the group of selective amine reuptake inhibitors. Its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier and transplacental transport has been reported previously. It is widely distributed in the brain and is bound to human glutathione S-transferase-π (GST-π). If SER is taken during pregnancy, it gets accumulated in the embryo and fetus, and some studies have suggested it may cause congenital malformations, thus the study of the interaction of GST-π with antidepressants is crucial. In this study, the interaction of human placental GST-π with SER in the presence of the natural ligand, reduced glutathione (GSH) and a xenobiotic ligand, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) was investigated. The Vm values obtained at variable [CDNB] and variable [GSH] were 61.3 ± 2.3 and 46.4 ± 1.7 U/mg protein, respectively. The kcat and kcat/ Km values for GSH and CDNB were 3.63 × 106 s−1, 2.59 × 1010 M−1 s−1 and 4.79 × 106 s−1, 1.29 × 1010 M−1 s−1, respectively. The half maximal inhibitory concentration value for SER was 4.60 mM. At constant [CDNB] and variable [GSH] the inhibition type was linear mixed-type, with Ks, α, and Ki values of 0.14 ± 0.02, 2.90 ± 1.64, and 2.18 ± 0.80 mM, respectively. On the other hand, at fixed [GSH] and at variable [CDNB], the inhibition type was competitive, with Ki value of 0.96 ± 0.10 mM. Thus, these findings weaken the importance of the protective role of GST against toxic electrophiles in vivo in adults, but due to its immature enterohepatic system SER may accumulate in the fetus and cause congenital malformations.
Bayesian analysis on meta-analysis of case-control studies accounting for within-study correlation
Authors: Chen Yong , Chu Haitao , Luo Sheng , Nie Lei , Chen Sining
Published: December 2011

In retrospective studies, odds ratio is often used as the measure of association. Under independent beta prior assumption, the exact posterior distribution of odds ratio given a single 2 × 2 table has been derived in the literature. However, independence between risks within the same study may be an oversimplified assumption because cases and controls in the same study are likely to share some common factors and thus to be correlated. Furthermore, in a meta-analysis of case–control studies, investigators usually have multiple 2 × 2 tables. In this article, we first extend the published results on a single 2 × 2 table to allow within study prior correlation while retaining the advantage of closed-form posterior formula, and then extend the results to multiple 2 × 2 tables and regression setting. The hyperparameters, including within study correlation, are estimated via an empirical Bayes approach. The overall odds ratio and the exact posterior distribution of the study-specific odds ratio are inferred based on the estimated hyperparameters. We conduct simulation studies to verify our exact posterior distribution formulas and investigate the finite sample properties of the inference for the overall odds ratio. The results are illustrated through a twin study for genetic heritability and a meta-analysis for the association between the N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) acetylation status and colorectal cancer.
A two-way enriched clinical trial design: combining advantages of placebo lead-in and randomized withdrawal
Authors: Ivanova Anastasia , Tamura Roy N
Published: December 2011

A new clinical trial design, designated the two-way enriched design (TED), is introduced, which augments the standard randomized placebo-controlled trial with second-stage enrichment designs in placebo non-responders and drug responders. The trial is run in two stages. In the first stage, patients are randomized between drug and placebo. In the second stage, placebo non-responders are re-randomized between drug and placebo and drug responders are re-randomized between drug and placebo. All first-stage data, and second-stage data from first-stage placebo non-responders and first-stage drug responders, are utilized in the efficacy analysis. The authors developed one, two and three degrees of freedom score tests for treatment effect in the TED and give formulae for asymptotic power and for sample size computations. The authors compute the optimal allocation ratio between drug and placebo in the first stage for the TED and compare the operating characteristics of the design to the standard parallel clinical trial, placebo lead-in and randomized withdrawal designs. Two motivating examples from different disease areas are presented to illustrate the possible design considerations.
Toward a Model for Intercultural Communication in Simulations
Authors: Wiggins Bradley E.
Published: December 2011

The growing need for intercultural literacy in an increasingly interconnected and computer-mediated world contrasts with the dearth of investigation in best practices when designing simulations aimed at improving intercultural communication. Synthetic cultures inspired by real-world cultural traits, problem-based learning, and a social constructivist theoretical base represent core components of immersive learning environments designed to improve intercultural literacy. Through an analysis of the literature, a model is proposed primarily to promote discussion and debate about intercultural simulations. The Model for Intercultural Communication in Simulations asserts that along with those components, the Experiential Learning Cycle (ELC), natural decision making, and third place thinking form an approach in understanding how intercultural simulations should be designed. The Model for Intercultural Communication in Simulations challenges the learner to move beyond known paradigms and encourages simulation and e-learning designers to employ socially situated contexts. Accordingly, within the context of the model, a culminating evaluation of an online intercultural training simulation ( ARGONAUTONLINE) follows the introduction of the model.
Difficult Cases of Pain and Nonpain Symptoms in Intractable Spinal Infections
Authors: Olsen Molly L. , Havyer Rachel D. A. , Smith Thomas J. , Swetz Keith M.
Published: December 2011

In the modern age of advanced surgical techniques and pharmacologic management, bacterial spinal infections (SIs) can be managed (either eradicated or suppressed) in many hosts. However, the optimal management of SIs may be limited by patient comorbidities, which do not allow for surgical management, or limited by antimicrobial options due to side effects, toxicities, or emerging drug resistance. In these settings, frank and honest discussion regarding risks and benefits of treatment should be pursued, including that the SI may be a terminal illness. In this case series, we present 3 patients who had bacterial SIs whose treatments were limited by the above-mentioned factors. Furthermore, each case presented challenges regarding optimal medical management of somatic and neuropathic pain associated with the SI.
Music Therapy in Pediatric Palliative Care
Authors: Lindenfelser Kathryn J. , Hense Cherry , McFerran Katrina
Published: December 2011

Research into the value of music therapy in pediatric palliative care (PPC) has identified quality of life as one area of improvement for families caring for a child in the terminal stages of a life-threatening illness. This small-scale investigation collected data in a multisite, international study including Minnesota, USA, and Melbourne, Australia. An exploratory mixed method design used the qualitative data collected through interviews with parents to interpret results from the PedsQL Family Impact Module of overall parental quality of life. Parents described music therapy as resulting in physical improvements of their child by providing comfort and stimulation. They also valued the positive experiences shared by the family in music therapy sessions that were strength oriented and family centered. This highlighted the physical and communication scales within the PedsQL Family Impact Module, where minimal improvements were achieved in contrast to some strong results suggesting diminished quality of life in cognitive and daily activity domains. Despite the significant challenges faced by parents during this difficult time, parents described many positive experiences in music therapy, and the overall score for half of the parents in the study did not diminish. The value of music therapy as a service that addresses the family-centered agenda of PPC is endorsed by this study.
A Longitudinal Study of Overweight, Elevated Blood Pressure, and Acanthosis Nigricans Among Low-Income Middle School Students
Authors: Kopping Dana , Nevarez Holly , Goto Keiko , Morgan Irene , Frigaard Martin , Wolff Cindy
Published: December 2011

This longitudinal study examined the rates of overweight, elevated blood pressure, acanthosis nigricans, and their associated factors in third through fifth grade students over 4 years. Participants consisted of 279 students who participated in health screenings in 2002 and 2006. Hispanic students had significantly higher rates of overweight and acanthosis nigricans compared to White students. There was a sharp increase in elevated blood pressure from 2002 to 2006 among obese children. While 20% of the matched obese students were above the 90th percentile in 2002, 82% of the same students were above the 90th percentile in 2006. After controlling for sex, ethnicity, and grade, preadolescent obesity in 2002 continued to be a significant factor associated with elevated blood pressure and acanthosis nigricans in 2006. These findings demonstrate that prevention and treatment of obesity during preadolescence is critical for the prevention of elevated high blood pressure in early adolescence.
Managing the Student With Severe Food Allergies
Authors: Robinson Joanne M. , Ficca Michelle
Published: December 2011

School nurses play a key role in managing students with food allergies. It is becoming more common to encounter students with severe allergies to multiple foods, putting them at risk for anaphylaxis. It is essential that the school nurse have a clear understanding of food allergies and how to effectively manage students in the school setting. Effective communication between families, health care providers, faculty, staff, and students, is of utmost importance when developing a plan of care to ensure the safety of the student with food allergies. Using an interdisciplinary approach to case management, the school nurse can develop comprehensive individualized health care plans for all students with food allergies.
Presidential Partisanship Reconsidered
Authors: Galvin Daniel J.
Published: December 2011

Extant research has given little consideration to the conditions under which presidential partisan behavior might vary. This has undermined comparative analyses and obscured important partisan behaviors in earlier periods simply because they took unfamiliar forms. This article develops theoretical expectations to aid in the detection of different varieties of presidential partisanship. Illustrative case studies then examine one type—sub-rosa partisanship—observed in the Eisenhower, Nixon, and Ford presidencies. Though not overt partisan displays like those that are common today, their efforts to build southern party organizations made important contributions to American political development and to evolving modes of presidential partisanship.
Collision Tumor of the Stomach
Authors: Govender Dhirendra , Serra Stefano , Chetty Runjan
Published: December 2011

A 54-year-old woman was diagnosed with an asymptomatic gastric tumor during routine radiological investigation for staging of breast carcinoma. Subsequent endoscopic biopsy confirmed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Surgical resection of the stomach showed a tumor with 2 distinct components: a superficial lymphoepithelioma-like adenocarcinoma and a deeper submucosal component consistent with immature teratoma. There was lymph node metastasis. The patient is well without any evidence of disease 18 months post surgery.
A Self-Fitting Hearing Aid
Authors: Convery Elizabeth , Keidser Gitte , Dillon Harvey , Hartley Lisa
Published: December 2011

The need for reliable access to hearing health care services is growing globally, particularly in developing countries and in remotely located, underserved regions in many parts of the developed world. Individuals with hearing loss in these areas are at a significant disadvantage due to the scarcity of local hearing health care professionals and the high cost of hearing aids. Current approaches to making hearing rehabilitation services more readily available to underserved populations include teleaudiology and the provision of amplification devices outside of the traditional provider-client relationship. Both strategies require access to such resources as dedicated equipment and/or specially trained staff. Another possible strategy is a self-fitting hearing aid, a personal amplification device that is equipped with an onboard tone generator to enable user-controlled, automated, in situ audiometry; an onboard prescription to determine the initial hearing aid settings; and a trainable algorithm to enable user-controlled fine-tuning. The device is thus assembled, fitted, and managed by the user without the need for audiological or computer support. This article details the self-fitting concept and its potential application in both developing and developed countries. Potential advantages and disadvantages of such a device are discussed, and considerations for further investigations into the concept are presented. Overall, the concept is considered technologically viable with the main challenges anticipated to be development of clear, simple user instructions and a delivery model that ensures reliable supplies of instant-fit ear tips and batteries.
An Examination of Prescription Stimulant Misuse and Psychological Variables Among Sorority and Fraternity College Populations
Authors: Dussault Crystal L. , Weyandt Lisa L.
Published: December 2011

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine nonmedical stimulant use among fraternity/sorority members and nonmembers and whether psychological variables (e.g., internal restlessness, depression, anxiety, and stress) were related to nonmedical stimulant use. Method: The sample consisted of 1,033 undergraduate students from five universities located in the northeastern, southeastern, northwestern, southwestern, and midwestern regions of the United States. Results: The findings revealed that fraternity and sorority members reported a higher rate of nonmedical stimulant use than nonmembers. In addition, regression analyses revealed that higher ratings of anxiety, stress, internal impulsivity, and internal restlessness significantly predicted nonmedical stimulant use. Conclusion: Current findings support further examination of nonmedical stimulant use among other college student subpopulations (i.e., athletic teams, honor societies, residence halls). In addition, there is a strong need to develop research-based intervention and preventive measures that target college populations identified as being at risk for nonmedical stimulant use.
Investigation of sandwich crack stop elements under fatigue loading
Authors: Rinker Martin , Zahlen Pierre C. , John Marianne , Schäuble Ralf
Published: December 2011

This paper deals with the investigation of crack stop elements for carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP)/foam core sandwich structures manufactured by using liquid composite moulding technology under fatigue loading. The novel crack stoppers consist of CFRP and they connect the face sheets. In this way, they are suited to be used as crack stoppers to decrease the face sheet debonding and as load introduction elements. Two types are investigated, a box section and a double-T beam. Quasi-static and cyclic Single Cantilever Beam (SCB) and Cracked Sandwich Beam (CSB) tests are run to evaluate their crack stop capability under global mode I and global mode II loading. The double-T beam shows the better crack stop effect. In the SCB test the box section increases the specimen durability by less than 2%, whereas the double-T beam increases the load cycles to failure by a factor of 2.7 to 447. In the CSB test, both crack stoppers have a significant impact on the crack propagation behaviour. The box section increases the durability by a factor of 11 to 95, and most of the double-T beam sandwich specimens sustained 3 million load cycles without global failure.
Optimization for sandwich damping composite structure: Used in sprockets of crawler vehicles
Authors: Sun Dagang , Zhang Xin , Song Yong , Yan Bijuan
Published: December 2011

A parametric study of dynamic optimization is carried out for a vibration absorber which consists of sandwich composites with a tube configuration and be used in the sprocket of crawler vehicles. A decoupling method is suggested, in which the geometrical parameter, Y, and viscoelastic material loss factor, β, are given first, then the shear parameter, x, is determined by analyzing the coupling equations of structural parameters. Based on the temperature–frequency effect about the viscoelastic materials, the structure optimization of the vibration absorber is performed by taking the structural dimensions as variables, and the structural loss factors, η, and, Y, as the objective functions. A dynamic test is executed for the optimized vibration absorber, and the testing data show good agreement with the optimized theoretical results. A contrast experiment is conducted in a practical bulldozer, and the results present that the vibration level is decreased significantly by the optimized vibration absorber.
A buckling analysis of perfect and imperfect functionally graded columns
Authors: Taeprasartsit S
Published: December 2011

Due to the asymmetry of the material properties about the middle plane, perfect columns made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) may not remain straight when a compressive axial point load is concentrically applied. This article analytically derives the displacement functions and the buckling load of both perfect and imperfect Euler–Bernoulli functionally graded columns. The method of derivation is based on the translation of the reference plane to the position at which the coupling between the axial and bending deformations is eliminated, i.e. the physical neutral surface position. Then, all the governing equations and their solutions turn out to have the same form as those of homogeneous columns subjected to an eccentric axial load. The effects of geometric imperfection are studied with the main purpose of finding imperfect shapes that make an imperfect column stronger than a perfect one. Further, the governing equations that are used to find those analytical solutions are expanded so that the equations can deal with large deformation and large strain analysis. These new governing equations are solved by finite element (FE) method based on linear exact shape functions. Then, the FE solutions are used to compare and validate the analytical solutions obtained earlier.
Good food, good people: Understanding the cultural repertoire of ethical eating
Authors: Johnston Josee , Szabo Michelle , Rodney Alexandra
Published: December 2011

Ethical consumption is understood by scholars as a key way that individuals can address social and ecological problems. While a hopeful trend, it raises the question of whether ethical consumption is primarily an elite social practice, especially since niche markets for ethical food products (for example, organics, fair trade) are thought to attract wealthy, educated consumers. Scholars do not fully understand the extent to which privileged populations think about food ethics in everyday shopping, or how groups with limited resources conceptualize ethical consumption. To address these knowledge gaps, the first goal of this paper is to better understand how consumers from different class backgrounds understand ethical eating and work these ideas into everyday food practices. We draw from 40 in-depth interviews with 20 families in two Toronto neighborhoods. Our second goal is to investigate which participants have privileged access to ethical eating, and which participants appear relatively marginalized. Drawing conceptually from cultural sociology, we explore how ethical eating constitutes a cultural repertoire shaped by factors such as class and ethno-cultural background, and how symbolic boundaries are drawn through eating practices. We find that privilege does appear to facilitate access to dominant ethical eating repertoires, and that environmental considerations figure strongly in these repertoires. While low income and racialized communities draw less on dominant ethical eating repertoires, their eating practices are by no means amoral; we document creative adaptations of dominant ethical eating repertoires to fit low income circumstances, as well as the use of different cultural frameworks to address moral issues around eating.
Current knowledge of (pro)renin receptor as an accessory protein of vacuolar H+-ATPase
Authors: Ichihara Atsuhiro , Kinouchi Kenichiro
Published: December 2011

The (pro)renin receptor (P)RR is a receptor for renin and prorenin, not only allowing local production of angiotensin I from angiotensinogen, but also inducing intracellular signaling. Intriguingly, (P)RR is also called ATP6AP2 because a (P)RR fragment was demonstrated to be associated with vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), which is of importance for the maintenance of intracellular pH. Recent studies implicate that deletion of (P)RR results in the dysfunction of V-ATPase, suggesting that the (P)RR is essential for its role as a proton pump. Furthermore, the novel function of (P)RR as an adaptor protein between the Wnt receptor complex and the V-ATPase was discovered. Thus, (P)RR is a multi-functional molecule with functions beyond renin and prorenin. This review focuses on the current knowledge and issues of (P)RR and V-ATPase.
Surgent University
Authors: Corrigan Mark , McHugh Seamus , Sheikh Athar , Lehane Elaine , Shields Conor , Redmond Paul , Kerin Michael , Hill Arnold
Published: December 2011

Introduction. The aim of this study was to develop a new teaching strategy for medical students while creating a national online repository system (Surgent University). Then, the potential of this e-learning modality to facilitate learning of clinical surgery was evaluated. Methods. An online repository and Internet-based interface was designed and hosted on the medical education Web site, www.surgent.ie . Participation was by medical students across 3 Irish universities. Student use of the repository was quantitatively assessed over an 8-week period. They were then invited to complete an anonymous survey assessing the effectiveness of the online repository. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 15, with P < .05 considered significant. Results. Over the study period, the online repository received 6105 uploaded facts by 182 final-year medical students from 3 different universities. The repository Web pages were accessed 54 061 times with 4609 individual searches of the repository. Of the 60 participating students invited to provide survey-based feedback, there were 40 respondents, giving a 66.7% response rate. Of those surveyed, 70% (n = 28) rated the online repository as highly beneficial and 75% (n = 30) as highly relevant. Overall, 87.5% (n = 35) felt that it should be continued, and 70% (n = 28) felt that it should be expanded beyond surgery to include other hospital specialties. Those finding the program interface user-friendly were more likely to find it beneficial ( P = .031) and relevant to their ongoing education ( P = .002). Conclusions. A user-friendly interface allows for high levels of usage, whereas a “student-centered” structure ensures that the facts uploaded are beneficial and relevant to medical students’ education.
Fibrin Glue With Gentamicin as an Alternative to Conventional Surgery in Experimental Treatment of Duodenal Fistula in Rats
Authors: Gwozdziewicz Łukasz , Khan Muhammad Adil Abbas , Adamczyk Łukasz , Hać Stanisław , Rzepko Robert
Published: December 2011

Duodenal fistula is a significant ongoing surgical problem. Minimal invasive treatment might be an alternative to conventional open surgery. This study aimed to investigate whether addition of gentamicin to fibrin adhesive can augment current surgical methods. Having established a fistula, the defect was closed using the following: simple suturing, suturing covered with fibrin sealant only, or suturing with fibrin sealant mixed with gentamicin. Bursting pressure and macroscopic and microscopic examination were evaluated on the second and sixth day after surgery. The study demonstrated there was no significant difference in overall outcome between the 3 groups. However, on macroscopic examination, the mixture of antibiotic and fibrin adhesive decreased formation of adhesions and abscesses. Microscopically, there was decreased inflammation, improved granulation, and earlier onset of fibrin filament deposition, possibly leading to enhanced wound healing. The addition of gentamicin to fibrin sealant can be a useful adjunct to standard surgical closure in duodenal fistula management.
Transvaginal NOTES Hybrid Cholecystectomy
Authors: Roberts Kurt E. , Shetty Shohan , Shariff Amir Hafeez , Silasi Dan-Arin , Duffy Andrew J. , Bell Robert L.
Published: December 2011

Background. Initial reports confirm the safety and feasibility of natural orifice transluminal eendoscopic surgery (NOTES) transvaginal hybrid cholecystectomy (TVC). Benefits of TVC include no visible scars, less pain, and shorter recovery. The authors describe a single surgeon’s initial experience with TVC through his first 20 cases. Method. Under direct visualization from a 5-mm umbilical trochar, a 12-mm trocar, or in 2 cases a SILS port was introduced through the posterior vagina into the cul-de-sac. The gallbladder was visualized using an endoscope introduced through the vaginal port. Using extracorporeal stay sutures for retraction, the cystic duct and artery were dissected free, clipped, and divided. The gallbladder was then removed through the vaginal port. Results. Twenty patients underwent a successful TVC. The average age was 34.9 years (21-55 years), average body mass index was 29.9 kg/m2 (18.3-38.1 kg/m2), and the mean operative time was 71.4 minutes (42-116 minutes). Conclusion. TVC is a safe, feasible, and attractive alternative to traditional 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Magnetic-Assisted Single-Port Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Morales-Conde Salvador , Dominguez Guillermo , Gomez Jesus Cañete , Socas María , Barranco Antonio , Moreno Joaquin García , Padillo Francisco Javier
Published: December 2011

Background. Sleeve gastrectomy is a recent, purely restrictive procedure in bariatric surgery that has shown results similar to gastric bypass over the short and middle term. At the same time, single-port access surgery has fostered the development of new techniques and methods seeking better cosmetic results and less postoperative pain, while maintaining the satisfactory results obtained by the standard laparoscopic approach. One of the problems associated to single-access surgery is the lack of traction and the difficulties to retract the liver. The authors’ aim was to try to avoid additional trocars or sutures in order to perform pure single-incision surgery, using 2 magnetic forceps. Methods. The authors present the case of a 51-year-old morbidly obese female (body mass index = 44.82) who underwent a pure single-access laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with no additional trocars or sutures and assisted by 2 neodymium magnetic forceps: one to retract the liver and the other to retract the stomach in order to provide sufficient triangulation for adequate exposure of the surgical field during dissection. Results. The procedure was completed in 120 minutes. No preoperative or postoperative complications were recorded, and the patient was discharged 2 days after surgery. Conclusion. Single-port access sleeve gastrectomy assisted by magnetic forceps is feasible and safe in the hands of experienced laparoscopic surgeons, solving one of the problems associated to this type of surgery, that is, the need for an additional trocar and needles or sutures to retract the liver and stomach in order to perform the operation.
Single-Port Laparoscopic Intragastric Surgery Using SILS Port
Authors: Zhu Jiang Fan , Xin Ying , Ma Ying Zhang , Li Xiao Xian , Hu Hai
Published: December 2011

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficiency of single-port laparoscopic intragastric surgery by using a single-port device. Methods. The single-port device was introduced into the anterior wall of the stomach through 2.5-cm long abdominal and gastric incisions. Gastric mucosa resection and suturing (group 1) and mucosa resection by using staplers (group 2) were performed with 3 pigs in each group. Results. The time for setting up the intragastric ports ranged from 8 to 40 minutes (average 16.2 ± 12.2 minutes). The total surgery times for the 3 pigs in group 1 were 75, 45, and 38 minutes and for the other 3 pigs in group 2 were 80, 85, 70 minutes, respectively. Conclusion. A simple and stable intragastric surgery platform can be set up by using the single-port device placed into the stomach. This seems to be safe and feasible and may be a suitable alternative for humans.
Durability of Biologic Implants for Use in Hernia Repair
Authors: Smart Neil J. , Bloor Stephen
Published: December 2011

In the past 10 years, hernia repair has evolved from primarily using suture closure to using mesh repair. Synthetic mesh implants were the initial gold standard, but the rate of complications such as infection, adhesions, and erosion was higher with synthetics than has been observed with newer biologic implants. As efforts to develop the ideal implant continue, the advantages of biologics for hernia and other soft-tissue repair become increasingly apparent. Animal-sourced biologics have the potential advantage over human dermis of being more amenable to standardization, and porcine dermal collagen architecture closely resembles that of human dermis. Cross-linking the collagen adds strength and durability to the implant that facilitates healing of surgical wounds, just as endogenous collagen, which is cross-linked, has innate durability that enhances natural wound healing. This review defines and assesses durability of the acellular collagen (biologic) implant options available for hernia repair. The factors that affect wound healing—and hernia repair—are summarized. Additionally, the particular features that enhance durability are described, and durability-related clinical outcomes discussed in the literature are cited to aid clinicians in making informed surgical choices.
Flotsam and Jetsam: The Spray of History
Authors: Klahr Lewis
Published: December 2011

Renowned collage filmmaker Lewis Klahr has created a collage of personal statements and images from his films to reflect upon his cut-out animation films. The piece discusses his artistic process and his use of artifacts, documents and detritus to explore ephemeral aspects of history and the passage of time. He comments on his use of animated movement and stillness and the idea of reanimating objects from the past.
The influence of switching from oral risperidone to risperidone long-acting injection on the clinical symptoms and cognitive function in schizophrenia
Authors: Suzuki Hidenobu , Gen Keishi
Published: December 2011

Objective: This study was a comparative investigation of the effects on clinical symptoms and cognitive function of switching schizophrenia patients from oral risperidone to risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) compared with a control group that continued receiving oral risperidone.

Methods: The subjects were 21 patients who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Their clinical symptoms were assessed using the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), and their cognitive function was assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test: Keio Version (KWCST) to assess executive function, and the St Marianna University School of Medicine’s Computerized Memory Test (STM-COMET) to assess memory and concentration.

Results: No significant differences in clinical symptom improvement efficacy were seen between the group that was switched to RLAI and the control group. No significant differences were seen between the two groups in the mean change from baseline in any of the KWCST tests. The mean changes from baseline on the STM-COMET memory scanning test and memory filtering test were significantly greater in the group that switched to RLAI than in the control group. Furthermore, patients with RLAI needed less biperiden, even though they had similar risperidone-equivalent daily dosages as the group with oral risperidone.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that switching from oral risperidone to RLAI may affect motor processing function and attention improvement efficacy by allowing the dosage of anti-Parkinson’s medication to be reduced.
Drug-induced supersensitivity psychosis revisited: characteristics of relapse in treatment-compliant patients
Authors: Fallon Paul , Dursun Serdar , Deakin Bill
Published: December 2011

Background: An association between abnormal involuntary movements and psychotic relapse was previously reported in a group of patients compliant with antipsychotic medication ( Fallon and Dursun 2011 ). This was interpreted as the presence of an antipsychotic medication-induced supersensitivity psychosis.

Method: From the results of that study and the Chouinard diagnostic criteria for supersensitivity psychosis an abbreviated diagnostic checklist was developed to identify the phenomenon. In the present study the checklist was used on a larger sample of medication-compliant individuals experiencing a psychotic relapse.

Results: The checklist demonstrated its utility by identifying a cause of relapse in 70% (29/41) of patients. Furthermore, it identified the presence of supersensitivity psychosis in 39% (16/41) of patients. This study also replicated a number of findings from the previous paper supporting the idea that supersensitivity psychosis is one cause of relapse in psychosis.

Discussion: These results suggested that clinicians should exercise caution in prescribing and may have to augment treatment with other agents or switch to low dopamine-affinity antipsychotics.
Content of Commercially Available, Single-Ingredient Vitamin D Dietary Supplements
Authors: Armas Laura A. G. , Gregory Philip , Horst Ronald L.
Published: December 2011

With the increased Institute of Medicine recommendation for vitamin D, more consumers are taking vitamin D from over-the-counter or prescription sources. The purpose of this study was to determine the content of commercially available, single-ingredient vitamin D supplements. Eleven commercially available dietary supplement calciferol products were purchased, repackaged, and analyzed for vitamin D content in a laboratory that was blinded to brand or manufacturer of the supplement. Vitamin D was extracted and isolated for analysis by a high-performance liquid chromatography method. Measured vitamin D content was compared with the stated label amount of vitamin D. The percentage of actual vitamin D contained in the supplements ranged from 82% and 119% of the stated label amount. Despite anecdotal reports of products with substantial content deviations from the labeled amount, no remarkable departures from labeled content were found in this set of vitamin D preparations.
Fluoride
Authors: Martínez-Mier E. Angeles
Published: December 2011

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element with multiple implications for human health. This review discusses its metabolism and toxicity, along with the current understanding of the mechanism of action of fluoride and its role as a safe and effective agent in the prevention of dental caries. The relationship between excessive fluoride intake during periods of dental enamel formation and the development of dental fluorosis is also reviewed.
A Review and Update of Red Yeast Rice
Authors: Musselman Megan E. , Pettit Rebecca S. , Derenski Karrie L.
Published: December 2011

Dyslipidemia is a growing concern causing significant morbidity and mortality. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of individuals developing heart disease, stroke, and other disease states. Dietary modification is the initial approach for treatment, but many patients require statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl co-enzyme A reductase inhibitors) to reduce cardiovascular risk. Unfortunately, a number of patients cannot tolerate statins, leading to practitioners searching for alternative regimens. One alternative that has been extensively studied is red yeast rice ( Monascus purpureus), a dietary supplement. In patients with dyslipidemia, red yeast rice was efficacious and safe for short-term use (<16 weeks). Red yeast rice has also been studied head to head with statins and was shown to be noninferior in reducing cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk. Because of the positive clinical effects seen in dyslipidemia, researchers have begun to study its use in other disease states.
Critical requirement for Stat5 in a mouse model of polycythemia vera
Authors: Yan Dongqing , Hutchison Robert E. , Mohi Golam
Published: December 2011

The JAK2V617F mutation has been identified in most cases of Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) including polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Expression of JAK2V617F results in constitutive activation of multiple signaling molecules/pathways. However, the key signaling downstream of JAK2V617F required for transformation and induction of MPNs remains elusive. Using a mouse genetic strategy, we show here that Stat5 is absolutely required for the pathogenesis of PV induced by Jak2V617F. Whereas expression of Jak2V617F in mice resulted in all the features of human PV, including an increase in red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells, platelets, and splenomegaly, deletion of Stat5 in the Jak2V617F knockin mice normalized all the blood parameters and the spleen size. Furthermore, deletion of Stat5 completely abrogated erythropoietin (Epo)–independent erythroid colony formation evoked by Jak2V617F, a hallmark feature of PV. Re-expression of Stat5 in Stat5-deficient Jak2V617F knockin mice completely rescued the defects in transformation of hematopoietic progenitors and the PV phenotype. Together, these results indicate a critical function for Stat5 in the pathogenesis of PV. These findings also provide strong support for the development of Stat5 inhibitors as targeted therapies for the treatment of PV and other JAK2V617F-positive MPNs.
KLF9 is a novel transcriptional regulator of bortezomib- and LBH589-induced apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Mannava Sudha , Zhuang DaZhong , Nair Jayakumar R. , Bansal Rajat , Wawrzyniak Joseph A. , Zucker Shoshanna N. , Fink Emily E. , Moparthy Kalyana C. , Hu Qiang , Liu Song , Boise Lawrence H. , Lee Kelvin P. , Nikiforov Mikhail A.
Published: December 2011

Bortezomib, a therapeutic agent for multiple myeloma (MM) and mantle cell lymphoma, suppresses proteosomal degradation leading to substantial changes in cellular transcriptional programs and ultimately resulting in apoptosis. Transcriptional regulators required for bortezomib-induced apoptosis in MM cells are largely unknown. Using gene expression profiling, we identified 36 transcription factors that displayed altered expression in MM cells treated with bortezomib. Analysis of a publically available database identified Kruppel-like family factor 9 (KLF9) as the only transcription factor with significantly higher basal expression in MM cells from patients who responded to bortezomib compared with nonresponders. We demonstrated that KLF9 in cultured MM cells was up-regulated by bortezomib; however, it was not through the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Instead, KLF9 levels correlated with bortezomib-dependent inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDAC) and were increased by the HDAC inhibitor LBH589 (panobinostat). Furthermore, bortezomib induced binding of endogenous KLF9 to the promoter of the proapoptotic gene NOXA. Importantly, KLF9 knockdown impaired NOXA up-regulation and apoptosis caused by bortezomib, LBH589, or a combination of theses drugs, whereas KLF9 overexpression induced apoptosis that was partially NOXA-dependent. Our data identify KLF9 as a novel and potentially clinically relevant transcriptional regulator of drug-induced apoptosis in MM cells.
Differentially expressed profiles in the larval testes of Wolbachia infected and uninfected Drosophila
Authors: Zheng Ya , Wang Jia-Lin , Liu Chen , Wang Cui-Ping , Walker Thomas , Wang Yu-Feng
Published: December 2011

Background

Wolbachia are endosymbiotic bacteria that are frequently found in arthropods and nematodes. These maternally inherited bacteria manipulate host reproduction by several mechanisms including cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). CI is the most common phenotype induced by Wolbachia and results in the developmental arrest of embryos derived from crosses between Wolbachia-infected males and uninfected females. Although the molecular mechanisms of CI are currently unknown, several studies suggest that host sperm is modified by Wolbachia during spermatogenesis.

Results

We compared the gene expression of Drosophila melanogaster larval testes with and without the w Mel strain of Wolbachia to identify candidate genes that could be involved in the interaction between Wolbachia and the insect host. Microarray, quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybridization analyses were carried out on D. melanogaster larval testes to determine the effect of Wolbachia infection on host gene expression. A total of 296 genes were identified by microarray analysis to have at least a 1.5 fold change [q-value < 5%] in expression. When comparing Wolbachia-infected flies to uninfected flies, 167 genes were up-regulated and 129 genes down-regulated. Differential expression of genes related to metabolism, immunity, reproduction and other functions were observed. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) confirmed 12 genes are differentially expressed in the testes of the 3rd instar larvae of Wolbachia-infected and uninfected flies. In situ hybridization demonstrated that Wolbachia infection changes the expression of several genes putatively associated with spermatogenesis including JH induced protein-26 and Mst84Db, or involved in immune (kenny) or metabolism (CG4988-RA).

Conclusions

Wolbachia change the gene expression of 296 genes in the larval testes of D. melanogaster including genes related to metabolism, immunity and reproduction. Interestingly, most of the genes putatively involved in immunity were up-regulated in the presence of Wolbachia. In contrast, most of the genes putatively associated with reproduction (especially spermatogenesis) were down-regulated in the presence of Wolbachia. These results suggest Wolbachia may activate the immune pathway but inhibit spermatogenesis. Our data provide a significant panel of candidate genes that may be involved in the interaction between Wolbachia and their insect hosts. This forms a basis to help elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Wolbachia-induced CI in Drosophila and the influence of Wolbachia on spermatogenesis.