bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LPIN1 rs13412852 Polymorphism in Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Valenti Luca , Motta Benedetta Maria , Alisi Anna , Sartorelli Rita , Buonaiuto Giulia , Dongiovanni Paola , Rametta Raffaela , Pelusi Serena , Fargion Silvia , Nobili Valerio
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the lipin1 rs13412852 C>T polymorphism is associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis in pediatric Italian patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods:

A total of 142 untreated, consecutive children and 115 adults with biopsy‐proven NAFLD and 337 healthy controls without steatosis were studied. Liver histology was assessed by the NAFLD activity score and the rs13412852 polymorphism by a 5′ nuclease Taqman assay.

Results:

Homozygosity for the rs13412852 T allele was underrepresented in pediatric, but not adult, patients with NAFLD compared with healthy controls (7% vs 14%; odds ratio [OR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35–0.91), and it was associated with lower triglycerides both in pediatric patients and healthy controls (P ≤ 0.01). Affected children carrying the rs13412852 TT genotype had a trend for a lower prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and significantly less severe liver damage, as indicated by NAFLD activity score severity (P = 0.026) and a lower prevalence of liver fibrosis (P = 0.012). The negative association between rs13412852 TT genotype and fibrosis was independent of Patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing‐3 genotype and other clinical risk factors, including age, waist circumference, the presence of hyperglycemia, and alanine transaminase levels (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.11–0.66), and it was confirmed at multivariate analysis in adults (OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.02–0.67).

Conclusions:

Lipin1 rs13412852 single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with the severity of liver damage and fibrosis progression in pediatric patients with histological NAFLD.
The HBx protein of hepatitis B virus regulates the expression, intracellular distribution and functions of ribosomal protein S27a
Authors: Fatima Grace , Mathan Ganeshan , Kumar Vijay
Published: December 2011

The pleiotropic HBx protein of hepatitis B virus is linked functionally to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via effectors and signalling pathways of the host. To identify such effectors in a macrocarcinogenic environment, a PCR-based cDNA subtraction analysis was carried out in the X15-myconcomouse model of HCC. Altogether, 19 categories of genes, mainly involved in protein biosynthesis and the electron-transport chain, were found to be upregulated in the liver of these mice. Ribosomal protein S27a (RPS27a), which is a natural fusion protein of N-terminal ubiquitin and C-terminal extension protein (CEP), topped the list of expressed genes, with >20-fold higher expression compared with its normal level. Sustained and elevated expression of RPS27a in the mouse liver and its moderate expression in cell culture in the presence of HBx suggested an indirect role of RPS27a in hepatocarcinogenesis. Nevertheless, a remarkable change in the intracellular distribution of ubiquitin from cytoplasm to late-endosomal lysosomes, and of CEP from nucleoli to the perinucleolar region/nuclear foci, was observed in the presence of HBx. RPS27a accelerated the progression of the cell cycle and cooperated with HBx in this process. Further, the knockdown of RPS27a expression by RNA interference in an HBx microenvironment led to retarded cell-cycle progression and reduced cell size. Thus, these results suggest strongly that RPS27a could be an effector of HBx-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis.
Efficient de novo assembly of large genomes using compressed data structures
Authors: Simpson Jared T. , Durbin Richard
Published: December 2011

De novo genome sequence assembly is important both to generate new sequence assemblies for previously uncharacterized genomes and to identify the genome sequence of individuals in a reference-unbiased way. We present memory efficient data structures and algorithms for assembly using the FM-index derived from the compressed Burrows-Wheeler transform, and a new assembler based on these called SGA (String Graph Assembler). We describe algorithms to error-correct, assemble, and scaffold large sets of sequence data. SGA uses the overlap-based string graph model of assembly, unlike most de novo assemblers that rely on de Bruijn graphs, and is simply parallelizable. We demonstrate the error correction and assembly performance of SGA on 1.2 billion sequence reads from a human genome, which we are able to assemble using 54 GB of memory. The resulting contigs are highly accurate and contiguous, while covering 95% of the reference genome (excluding contigs <200 bp in length). Because of the low memory requirements and parallelization without requiring inter-process communication, SGA provides the first practical assembler to our knowledge for a mammalian-sized genome on a low-end computing cluster.
Characterization of a PDK1 Homologue from the Moss Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Dittrich Anna C. Nelson , Devarenne Timothy P.
Published: December 2011

The serine/threonine protein kinase 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) is a highly conserved eukaryotic kinase that is a central regulator of many AGC kinase subfamily members. Through its regulation of AGC kinases, PDK1 controls many basic cellular processes, from translation to cell survival. While many of these PDK1-regulated processes are conserved across kingdoms, it is not well understood how PDK1 may have evolved within kingdoms. In order to better understand PDK1 evolution within plants, we have isolated and characterized the PDK1 gene from the moss Physcomitrella patens (PpPDK1), a nonvascular representative of early land plants. PpPDK1 is similar to other plant PDK1s in that it can functionally complement a yeast PDK1 knockout line. However, unlike PDK1 from other plants, the P. patens PDK1 protein does not bind phospholipids due to a lack of the lipid-binding pleckstrin homology domain, which is used for lipid-mediated regulation of PDK1 activity. Sequence analysis of several PDK1 proteins suggests that lipid regulation of PDK1 may not commonly occur in algae and nonvascular land plants. PpPDK1 can phosphorylate AGC kinase substrates from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and P. patens at the predicted PDK1 phosphorylation site, indicating that the PpPDK1 substrate phosphorylation site is conserved with higher plants. We have also identified residues within the PpPDK1 kinase domain that affect kinase activity and show that a mutant with highly reduced kinase activity can still confer cell viability in both yeast and P. patens. These studies lay the foundation for further analysis of the evolution of PDK1 within plants.
A new layered Ca–succinate coordination polymer
Authors: Mazaj Matjaz , Kaucic Venceslav , Golobic Amalija , Zabukovec Logar Natasa
Published: December 2011

A new layered Ca–succinate coordination polymer, poly[μ3-succinato-calcium(II)], [Ca(C4H5O4)]n, was synthesized by reaction of CaCl2·2H2O and succinic acid in an aqueous medium under hydrothermal microwave conditions. The structure contains infinite layers of edge-sharing calcium pentagonal–bipyramidal polyhedra forming six-membered rings connected through succinate ligands. Such an assembly of inorganic building units is unique for calcium metal–organic framework-type structures. Adjacent layers are packed into a final pseudo-three-dimensional structure through weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Tizanidine and tizanidine hydrochloride: on the correct tautomeric form of tizanidine
Authors: Bekö Sándor L. , Thoms Silke D. , Schmidt Martin U. , Bolte Michael
Published: December 2011

A crystallization series of tizanidine hydrochloride, used as a muscle relaxant for spasticity acting centrally as an α2-adrenergic agonist, yielded single crystals of the free base and the hydrochloride salt. The crystal structures of tizanidine [systematic name: 5-chloro-N-(imidazolidin-2-ylidene)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-4-amine], C9H8ClN5S, (I), and tizanidine hydrochloride {systematic name: 2-[(5-chloro-2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-4-yl)amino]imidazolidinium chloride}, C9H9ClN5S+·Cl−, (II), have been determined. Tizanidine crystallizes with two almost identical molecules in the asymmetric unit (r.m.s. deviation = 0.179 Å for all non-H atoms). The molecules are connected by N—H...N hydrogen bonds forming chains running along [2\overline{1}1]. The present structure determination corrects the structure determination of tizanidine by Johnet al.[Acta Cryst.(2011), E67, o838–o839], which shows an incorrect tautomeric form. Tizanidine does not crystallize as the usually drawn 2-amino–imidazoline tautomer, but as the 2-imino–imidazolidine tautomer. This tautomer is present in solution as well, as shown by1H NMR analysis. In tizanidine hydrochloride, cations and anions are connected by N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds to form layers parallel to (100).
Male fecundity and pollen dispersal in hill dipterocarps: significance of mass synchronized flowering and implications for conservation
Authors: Tani Naoki , Tsumura Yoshihiko , Fukasawa Keita , Kado Tomoyuki , Taguchi Yuriko , Lee S. L. , Lee C. T. , Muhammad Norwati , Niiyama Kaoru , Otani Tatsuya , Yagihashi Tsutomu , Ripin Azizi , Kassim Abdul Rahman
Published: December 2011

1. To understand pollinator–plant symbioses and to conserve forest resources effectively, we need an understanding of pollen dispersal patterns and the heterogeneity (spatial and temporal) of male fecundity.

2. We investigated pollen dispersal patterns of the hill dipterocarp species Shorea curtisii using a modified Neighbourhood model. Seeds were collected following a sporadic general flowering (GF) event in 2002 and two mass GF events in 1998 and 2005. Seed paternity was then determined to investigate pollen dispersal patterns and the heterogeneity of male fecundity.

3. Pollen dispersal distances were longer, and the effective number of males lower, in the sporadic GF of 2002, than in the mass GF events of 1998 and 2005.

4. There was high between‐individual variation in male fecundity, and small trees contributed less than large trees to the analysed seed pool. The results indicate that selective logging may adversely affect the reproduction of such species due to the removal of large trees from the reproductive population.

5. Synthesis. The large number of effective male individuals during the mass GF events provides evidence of Allee effects, suggesting that the mass GF events are of evolutionary significance and may contribute to the maintenance of genetic diversity. Future forestry practice needs to take into account variation in male fecundity, pollen dispersal and the mating system to ensure sustainable regeneration.
Application of artificial neural networks for feature recognition in image registration
Authors: ONTMAN A.Y.M. , SHIFLET G.J.
Published: December 2011

Image registration is a process of aligning two or more images taken at different times or using different sensors by transforming the same area into one coordinate system. Imaging conditions, image and area deteriorations from repeated sectioning, are serious impediments to successful image registration. The application of artificial neural networks for feature recognition is introduced to the field of metallurgy to assist in an automated approach to image registration of metallurgical microstructures. Low susceptibility to feature deterioration, often occurring during serial sectioning, is demonstrated and assessed. The process of image registration using an artificial neural network to aid in feature segmentation is performed using computer generated shapes and a metallurgical microstructure.
Knockdown of MYB305 disrupts nectary starch metabolism and floral nectar production
Authors: Liu Guangyu , Thornburg Robert W.
Published: December 2011

MYB transcription factors have important roles during floral organ development. In this study, we generated myb305 RNAi knockdown tobacco plants and studied the role of MYB305 in the growth of the floral nectary. We have previously shown the MYB305 regulates the expression of flavonoid metabolic genes as well as of nectar proteins (nectarins); however, the myb305 plants showed other floral phenotypes that we investigate in these studies. The nectaries of myb305 plants show juvenile character at late stages of development and secrete reduced levels of nectar. Because starch metabolism is intimately involved in nectar secretion and is strongly regulated during normal nectary development, we examined the accumulation of starch in the nectaries of the myb305 plants. The myb305 plants accumulated lower levels of starch in their nectaries than did wild‐type plants. The reduced starch correlated with the reduced expression of the ATP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase (small subunit) gene in nectaries of the myb305 plants during the starch biosynthetic phase. Expression of genes encoding several starch‐degrading enzymes including β‐amylase, isoamylase 3, and α‐amylase was also reduced in the myb305 plants. In addition to regulating nectarin and flavonoid metabolic gene expression, these results suggest that MYB305 may also function in the tobacco nectary maturation program by controlling the expression of starch metabolic genes.
Third‐party mesenchymal stromal cell infusion is associated with a decrease in thrombotic microangiopathy symptoms observed post‐hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ansari Marc , Strunk Dirk , Schallmoser Katharina , Delcò Cristina , Rougemont Anne‐Laure , Moll Solange , Villard Jean , Gumy‐Pause Fabienne , Chalandon Yves , Parvex Paloma , Passweg Jakob , Ozsahin Hulya , Kindler Vincent
Published: December 2011

Ansari M, Strunk D, Schallmoser K, Delcò C, Rougemont A‐L, Moll S, Villard J, Gumy‐Pause F, Chalandon Y, Parvex P, Passweg J, Ozsahin H, Kindler V. Third‐party mesenchymal stromal cell infusion is associated with a decrease in thrombotic microangiopathy symptoms observed post‐hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 131–136. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  TA‐TMA is a pathology that occurs after allogenic HSC transplantation with an incidence of 4–13%, and represents one of the most severe vascular damage related with this therapy. We report here the case of a nine‐yr‐old girl suffering from a severe refractory aplastic anemia who received an unrelated, 9/10 HLA‐matched HSC. Soon after transplantation, the patient developed a graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD), a TA‐TMA, and renal insufficiency. These pathologies remained refractory to the various treatments undertaken and required several hospitalizations in the intensive care unit. On day 106 post‐HSC transfusion, after several episodes of intensive care, the patient was infused with mismatched, third‐party MSCs. Schizocyte levels rapidly decreased after MSC infusion, and two wk later, most biological parameters returned to normal. Erythrocyte and thrombocyte transfusions were discontinued, and the patient remained stable for 10 wk. Thereafter, TA‐TMA symptoms, viral reactivation, pleural and cardiac effusions reappeared and lead to the death of the patient. Our observations suggest that allogenic MSC infusion may decrease the symptoms of TA‐TMA, but further investigation is required to determine how and when MSC should be infused to develop a long‐lasting protective effect.
The comparative biology of diving in two genera of European Dytiscidae (Coleoptera)
Authors: CALOSI P. , BILTON D. T. , SPICER J. I. , VERBERK W. C. E. P. , ATFIELD A. , GARLAND T.
Published: December 2011

Surfacing behaviour is fundamental in the ecology of aquatic air‐breathing organisms; however, it is only in vertebrates that the evolutionary ecology of diving has been well characterized. Here, we explore the diving behaviour of dytiscid beetles, a key group of surface‐exchanging freshwater invertebrates, by comparing the dive responses of 25 taxa (Deronectes and Ilybius spp.) acclimated at two temperatures. The allometric slopes of dive responses in these dytiscids appear similar to those of vertebrate ectotherms, supporting the notion that metabolic mode shapes the evolution of diving performance. In both genera, beetles spend more time submerged than on the surface, and surface time does not vary with the temperature of acclimation. However, presumably in order to meet increased oxygen demand at higher temperatures, Deronectes species increase surfacing frequency, whereas Ilybius species decrease dive time, an example of ‘multiple solutions.’ Finally, widespread northern species appear to possess higher diving performances than their geographically restricted southern relatives, something which may have contributed to their range expansion ability.
Eggs Ultrastructure and Early Development of Franciscodoras marmoratus (Pisces: Doradidae)
Authors: Alberto Weber A. , Sato Y. , Enemir Santos J. , Rizzo E. , Bazzoli N.
Published: December 2011

This study presents, for the first time, information on the eggs and early development of Franciscodoras marmoratus, fish of São Francisco river, Brazil. To analyse the egg ultrastructure and morphological events of embryogenesis, a total of 36 F. marmoratus specimens (18 males and 18 females) were captured and subjected to spawning induction. Gametes were collected by manual extrusion, and fertilization was conducted using the dry method. After fertilization, eggs were kept in incubators with water temperature of 24°C. The embryonic development was monitored using a stereomicroscope until hatching. There was a 67% positive response to hypophysation by the females and the fertilization rate was 73.8 ± 6.2%. The oocytes are discoid, yellow, adhesive and covered by a thick jelly coat. Under the electron scanning microscope, the oocytes presented a surface with pore canals and funnel‐shaped micropyle with a smooth vestibule. Recently extruded oocytes had a mean diameter of 1.27 ± 0.4 mm and after hydration was 1.91 ± 0.05 mm. The jelly coat was 0.34 ± 0.03 mm thickness, and the perivitelline space was 0.19 ± 0.04 mm. Eight phases of the embryonic development were identified, and embryogenesis was completed at 47 h after fertilization, at 24°C water temperature. The recently hatched larvae had 2.76 ± 0.57 mm of total length. These results provide useful information for the successful breeding and reproductive strategies of fishes.
Diversity of Fusarium Species Isolated from Weeds and Plant Debris in Croatia
Authors: Postic Jelena , Cosic Jasenka , Vrandecic Karolina , Jurkovic Drazenka , Saleh Amgad A. , Leslie John F.
Published: December 2011

Weeds are alternative hosts of plant pathogens and when colonized may not exhibit disease symptoms. In 2008 and 2009, samples of weeds and plant debris were collected from 12 locations in eastern Croatia, and 300 Fusarium isolates colonizing them were identified. Strains were grouped and identified based on morphology and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) patterns. Portions of the β‐tubulin and translocation elongation factor 1‐α genes were sequenced from representative strains of each group to confirm the identifications. Fourteen Fusarium species were identified with F. graminearum (20%), F. verticillioides (18%), F. oxysporum (16%), F. subglutinans (13%) and F. proliferatum (11%) all present as more than 10% of the population. Fusarium acuminatum, F. avenaceum, F. concolor, F. crookwellense (F. cerealis), F. equiseti, F. semitectum, F. solani, F. sporotrichioides and F. venenatum, were all present at frequencies < 8%. Our results indicate that economically important Fusarium spp. may be isolated from numerous alternative hosts during the off season and that weeds and plant debris can serve as a reservoir of genetically diverse inoculum.
Preparation, characterization and in vivo evaluation of pH‐sensitive oral insulin‐loaded poly(lactic‐co‐glycolicacid) nanoparticles
Authors: Yang J. , Sun H. , Song C.
Published: December 2011

Aim: Oral administration of insulin is a promising drug delivery system for diabetic patients as it is convenient and reduces pain, two of the major contributors to non‐compliance.

Methods: In this study, insulin was encapsulated in poly(lactic‐co‐glycolicacid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) by using double‐emulsion/solvent evaporation technique and analyses on its release kinetics were carried out using both in vitro and in vivo methods.

Results: First, only by this simple methods, release speed of insulin from NPs can be controlled in different pH solution. The rate of release of insulin was found to be slower in acidic pH; about 90% of insulin was released in 11 days at pH 1.0. In alkaline conditions, the release was faster; about 90% release was observed to occur within 3 days at pH 7.8. The insulin‐loaded poly (lactic‐co‐glycolicacid) nanoparticles (PINPs) were administered orally to diabetes mellitus‐induced rats and the response of blood glucose and insulin levels was estimated. Blood glucose decreased and the concentration of insulin in animal blood increased. In diabetic animals which were administered intermittent insulin, every 8 h, blood glucose levels were maintained equivalently with those of healthy rats.

Conclusion: These experimental results indicated that oral PINPs are able to deliver insulin effectively and decrease animal blood sugar; in conclusion, this may be a promising delivery system for the treatment of diabetes.
Does osteomyelitis in the feet of patients with diabetes really recur after surgical treatment? Natural history of a surgical series
Authors: Aragón‐Sánchez J. , Lázaro‐Martínez J.L. , Hernández‐Herrero C. , Campillo‐Vilorio N. , Quintana‐Marrero Y. , García‐Morales E. , Hernández‐Herrero M.J.
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 813–818 (2012)

Aims/hypothesis  The aim of this study was to determine the rate of recurrence, reulceration and new episodes of osteomyelitis and the duration of postoperative antibiotic treatment in a prospective cohort of patients with diabetes who underwent conservative surgery for osteomyelitis.

Methods  The prospective cohort included patients with diabetes and a definitive diagnosis of osteomyelitis who were admitted to the Diabetic Foot Unit (Surgery Department, La Paloma Hospital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain) and underwent surgical treatment from 1 November 2007 to 30 May 2010.

Results  Eighty‐one patients were operated on for osteomyelitis during the study period. Seven patients were lost to follow‐up at different stages of the study. The median duration of follow‐up was 101.8 weeks (quartile 1 = 56.6, quartile 3 = 126.7). Forty‐eight patients (59.3%) underwent conservative surgery, 32 (39.5%) had minor amputations and there was one (1.2%) major amputation. Twenty patients (24.7%) required reoperation because of persistent infection. Postoperative antibiotic treatment over a median period of 36 days was provided. Wound healing was achieved by secondary intention for a median of 8 weeks. Sixty‐five patients were available for follow‐up after healing. The percentage of recurrence, reulceration, and new episodes of osteomyelitis was 4.6% (3/65), 43% (28/65) and 16.9% (11/65), respectively. Mortality during follow‐up (excluding in‐hospital deaths and patients lost to follow‐up) was 13% (9/69).

Conclusion  A low rate of recurrence of osteomyelitis after surgical treatment for osteomyelitis was achieved. Despite new episodes, our approach to managing this cohort of patients with diabetes and foot osteomyelitis achieved 98.8% limb salvage.
Moving forward: nurses are key to achieving the United Nations Development Program's Millennium Development Goals
Authors: Amieva S. , Ferguson S.
Published: December 2011

AMIEVA S. & FERGUSON S. (2011) Moving forward: nurses are key to achieving the United Nations Development Program's Millennium Development Goals. International Nursing Review59, 55–58

Aim:  This article highlights the role of nurses in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5 (reducing child and maternal mortality) and proposes actions for nurses that stream into the strategic frameworks of the World Health Organization and the United Nations.

Background:  The least amount of progress has been made with MDG 5 and failing to achieve MDG 5 jeopardizes the progress of MDG 4.

Conclusion:  This article makes the following recommendations to nurses: partner with local healthcare leaders, ensure equitable access to health services, collect health data to close research gaps and take on policy making responsibilities.
KILLING ON THE FRONTIER: MEAT EATING AS AN EXTREME CASE FOR CHRISTIAN ETHICS
Authors: MILLER DANIEL K.
Published: December 2011

This article argues that killing animals for food represents an extreme case within Christian moral thinking comparable to Karl Barth's Grenzfall argument against such violent acts as suicide, abortion, killing in self‐defense, capital punishment, and war. This position is in contrast to the view of many environmental philosophers who hold human hunting to be comparable to animal predation. It also disputes the language of substitutionary sacrifice prevalent in some Christian discussions of meat eating.
Lessons from the Use of Vignettes in the Study of Mental Health Service Disparities
Authors: Lapatin Sheri , Gonçalves Marta , Nillni Anna , Chavez Ligia , Quinn Roxana Llerena , Green Alexander , Alegría Margarita
Published: December 2011

Objective

To examine the development, feasibility, and use of a vignette approach as an important tool in health services disparities research.

Data Source

Interviews with vignette developers and qualitative data from a novel mental health services disparities study that used vignettes in two samples: (1) predominantly low‐income parents of children attending mental health specialty care who were Latino or non‐Latino White and (2) Latino and non‐Latino mental health clinicians who treat children in their practice.

Study Design

We conduct a content analysis of qualitative data from patients and providers in the Ethnic Differences Study to explore the feasibility of vignette methodology in health services disparities research, and we identify lessons learned that may guide future vignette development.

Principal Findings

Vignettes provide a valuable approach that is acceptable to participants, elicits important insight on participant experience and services, and sheds light on factors that can help optimize study design for exploring health disparities questions.

Conclusions

Researchers, clinicians, and others should consider a set of factors that help determine when a vignette approach is warranted in research, training, or for other uses, including how best to address identified weaknesses.
Diagnostic Validity of Age and Education Corrections for the Mini‐Mental State Examination in Older African Americans
Authors: Pedraza Otto , Clark Joy Humphreys , O'Bryant Sid E. , Smith Glenn E. , Ivnik Robert J. , Graff‐Radford Neill R. , Willis Floyd B. , Petersen Ronald C. , Lucas John A.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To investigate whether demographic (age and education) adjustments for the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) attenuate mean score discrepancies between African‐American and Caucasian adults and whether demographically adjusted MMSE scores improve the diagnostic classification accuracy of dementia in African‐American adults over unadjusted MMSE scores.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Community‐dwelling adults participating in the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Patient Registry and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.

Participants

Three thousand two hundred fifty‐four adults (2,819 Caucasian, 435 African American) aged 60 and older.

Measurements

MMSE score at study entry.

Results

African‐American adults had significantly lower unadjusted MMSE scores (23.0 ± 7.4) than Caucasian adults (25.3 ± 5.4). This discrepancy persisted despite adjustment of MMSE scores for age and years of education using established regression weights or newly derived weights. Controlling for dementia severity at baseline and adjusting MMSE scores for age and quality of education attenuated this discrepancy. In African‐American adults, an age‐ and education‐adjusted MMSE cut score of 23/24 provided optimal dementia classification accuracy, but this represented only a modest improvement over an unadjusted MMSE cut score of 22/23. The posterior probability of dementia in African‐American adults is presented for various unadjusted MMSE cut scores and prevalence rates of dementia.

Conclusion

Age, dementia severity at study entry, and quality of educational experience are important explanatory factors in understanding the existing discrepancies in MMSE performance between Caucasian and African‐American adults. These findings support the use of unadjusted MMSE scores when screening older African Americans for dementia, with an unadjusted MMSE cut score of 22/23 yielding optimal classification accuracy.
Persistent Pain and Frailty: A Case for Homeostenosis
Authors: Shega Joseph W. , Dale William , Andrew Melissa , Paice Judith , Rockwood Kenneth , Weiner Debra K.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To compare the association between self‐reported moderate to severe pain and frailty.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Wave 2.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Representative sample of persons aged 65 and older in Canada.

Measurements

Pain (exposure) was categorized as no or very mild pain versus moderate or greater pain. Frailty (outcome) was operationalized as the accumulation of 33 possible self‐reported health attitudes, illnesses, and functional abilities, subsequently divided into tertiles (not frail, prefrail, and frail). Multivariable logistic regression assessed for the association between pain and frailty.

Results

Of participants who reported moderate or greater pain (35.5%, 1,765/4,968), 16.2% were not frail, 34.1% were prefrail, and 49.8% were frail. For persons with moderate or greater pain, the odds of being prefrail rather than not frail were higher by a factor of 2.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.13–2.99; P < .001). For persons with moderate or greater pain, the odds of being frail rather than not frail were higher by a factor of 5.52 (95% CI = 4.49–6.64 P < .001).

Conclusion

Moderate or higher pain was independently associated with frailty. Although causality cannot be ascertained in a cross‐sectional analysis, interventions to improve pain management may help prevent or ameliorate frailty.
Going beyond Ascribed Identities: The Importance of Procedural Justice in Airport Security Screening in Israel
Authors: Hasisi Badi , Weisburd David
Published: December 2011

Today, passengers at every major Western airport are subjected to heightened levels of security screening that not only are inconvenient, but also raise important questions about the treatment of members of specific groups that are seen as presenting special security risks. Our study examines the importance of ethnic identity in explaining perceptions of legitimacy in airport screening among a random sample of Jewish and Arab passengers in Israel. The main hypothesis of our study is that ethnicity will play a major role in predicting passengers’ attitudes toward the airport security process. In fact, our survey shows that Israeli Arab passengers are, on average, significantly more negative regarding the legitimacy of security checks than Israeli Jewish passengers are. However, using a multivariate model, we find that ethnicity (Arab versus Jew) disappears as a significant predictor of legitimacy when we included factors of procedural justice and controlled for specific characteristics of the security process. The results of our research indicate that differences in legitimacy perceptions are by and large the result of the processes used in airport screening and not a direct result of ethnic identity. In concluding, we argue that profiling strategies aimed at preventing terrorism, which often include embarrassing public procedures, may actually jeopardize passengers’ trust in airport security. Such security is dependent on the cooperation of citizens, and heightened security procedures focused on particular groups may compromise legitimacy evaluations and thus the cooperation of the public.
Carotid Artery Stenting Without Post‐Dilation
Authors: SPACEK MILOSLAV , ZIMOLOVA PETRA , VESELKA Prof. JOSEF
Published: December 2011

Introduction:

The aim of this study is to report the feasibility, safety, and 1‐year restenosis rate of carotid artery stenting (CAS) without post‐dilation.

Methods:

Between April 2006 and November 2009, 254 consecutive patients (68.7 ± 8.5 years old, 31% symptomatic) underwent 308 CAS procedures with the intention of avoiding post‐dilation (eligibility criteria were stenosis of less than 30% after stent placement with no overt signs of calcification). Comparison and analysis of mid‐term clinical outcomes and restenosis rates of CAS with or without post‐dilation was performed retrospectively.

Results:

Overall, 27 patients (study group) were eligible for treatment without post‐dilation. No significant difference in adverse events was found between the study and control group. In the study group, 2 transient ischemic attacks (7.4%) occurred immediately after the procedure and no other neurological complications were reported during the 30‐day, 6‐month, and 1‐year follow‐ups (3 patients died from causes unrelated to the procedure). Two asymptomatic restenosis cases were diagnosed in the study group within the first 12‐months after the procedure compared to 16 significant restenosis cases diagnosed in the control group (7.4% vs 5.7%, NS). All of them were successfully treated with repeated intervention.

Conclusion:

We suggest that CAS without post‐dilation is feasible and probably safe with a low rate of cerebrovascular events and restenosis in a selected group of patients. We also suggest that CAS with postdeployment stenosis of less than 20% and without overt signs of severe calcification might be performed without post‐dilation. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:190–196)
Comparing the Effects of Weathering and Microbial Degradation on Gasoline Using Principal Components Analysis*
Authors: Turner Dee A. , Goodpaster John V.
Published: December 2011

Abstract: Ignitable liquid residues recovered from a fire scene will often show signs of weathering as a result of exposure to the heat of the fire. In addition, when the substrate is rich in organic matter, both weathering and microbial degradation may be observed. In this study, 20 μL aliquots of fresh gasoline samples were intentionally weathered and also subjected to microbial degradation in potting soil. These samples were then analyzed using a passive adsorption–elution recovery method and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Peak areas from compounds of interest were normalized and autoscaled and then subjected to principal components analysis. This analysis showed that while lower boiling compounds are subject to weathering, a different set of compounds are subject to microbial degradation. Of the compounds studied, heptane, octane, toluene, and ethylbenzene were the most vulnerable to both weathering and microbial degradation. In contrast, 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene and 2‐ethyltoluene were the most resistant to both phenomena.
Minimally Invasive Postmortem Telebiopsy*
Authors: Ebert Lars C. , Ptacek Wolfang , Fürst Martin , Ross Steffen , Thali Michael J. , Hatch Gary
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  For the past 10 years, medical imaging techniques have been increasingly applied to forensic investigations. To obtain histological and toxicological information, tissue and liquid samples are required. In this article, we describe the development of a low‐cost, secure, and reliable approach for a telematic add‐on for remotely planning biopsies on the Virtobot robotic system. Data sets are encrypted and submitted over the Internet. A plugin for the OsiriX medical image viewer allows for remote planning of needle trajectories that are used for needle placement. The application of teleradiological methods to image‐guided biopsy in the forensic setting has the potential to reduce costs and, in conjunction with a mobile computer tomographic scanner, allows for tissue sampling in a mass casualty situation involving nuclear, biological, or chemical agents, in a manner that minimizes the risk to involved staff.
Nucleophosmin expression in renal cell carcinoma and oncocytoma
Authors: SARI AYSEGUL , CALLI AYLIN , ALTINBOGA AYSEGUL AKSOY , PEHLIVAN FATMA SEHER , GORGEL SACIT NURI , BALCI UGUR , ERMETE MURAT , DINCEL CETIN , CAKALAGAOGLU FULYA
Published: December 2011

Sari A, Calli A, Altinboga AA, Pehlivan FS, Gorgel SN, Balci U, Ermete M, Dincel C, Cakalagaoglu F. Nucleophosmin expression in renal cell carcinoma and oncocytoma. APMIS 2012; 120: 187–94.

The objective of this study was to investigate nucleophosmin/B23 (NPM) expression in renal cell carcinomas (RCC) and renal oncocytomas. The expression of NPM was studied by immunohistochemical methods on 59 RCCs, 9 oncocytomas, and 19 tumour‐negative renal tissues. The expression was assessed relative to various clinicopathological variables and histological subtypes, to determine its potential role as a prognostic and diagnostic marker. All tumours showed nuclear staining, and a minority also exhibited cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. Two patterns of nuclear staining were observed: nuclear staining with a prominent nucleolus (nucleolar staining) and nuclear staining without a prominent nucleolus. There were significant differences, in both nuclear staining and cytoplasmic NPM expression, between oncocytomas and chromophobe RCCs (p < 0.001) and clear cell RCCs (p < 0.001). Cytoplasmic NPM expression was markedly lower in RCCs than in oncocytomas. A statistically significant correlation was discovered between nucleolar staining and nuclear grade (p < 0.001, r = 0.5). No relationship was found between cytoplasmic expression of NPM and any of the clinicopathological parameters or survival. NPM might be a useful immunohistochemical marker for differential diagnosis between oncocytoma and chromophobe RCC. In addition, increased nucleolar NPM expression in RCCs appears to be associated with tumour progression.
Effect of 5% fluoride varnish application on caries among school children in rural Brazil: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Arruda Airton O. , Senthamarai Kannan Raghavendra , Inglehart Marita R. , Rezende Cristiane T. , Sohn Woosung
Published: December 2011

Arruda AO, Senthamarai Kannan R, Inglehart MR, Rezende CT, Sohn W. Effect of 5% fluoride varnish application on caries among school children in rural Brazil: a randomized controlled trial. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2011. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objectives: To determine the efficacy of 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish application in reducing caries increments in the permanent dentition of rural Brazilian school children over the course of 12 months.

Methods:  A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted with 379 children aged 7–14 years who attended three schools in Brazil between January 2006 and December 2007. During this period, each school was visited four times at 6‐month interval for recruitment, dental examinations, and fluoride varnish applications. Recruited children were randomly assigned to either a treatment (5% NaF varnish, n = 198) or a control group (placebo, n = 181). Trained interviewers collected data on oral health habits and sociodemographic characteristics from the children. Information on the child’s diet was collected through a 7‐day food frequency diary. Caries examinations were conducted using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). The efficacy of fluoride varnish application on caries prevention was reported as a preventive fraction (PF). Crude caries increments of decayed and filled surfaces (DFS) were compared between fluoride varnish and placebo groups. A generalized linear model (GLM) was constructed to test the differences in DFS increments between the groups after accounting for confounding factors.

Results:  Of the total sample (N = 379), 210 (55.4%) children had completed 12 months of follow‐up including one or two applications of fluoride varnish or placebo. At the baseline examination, the children in the treatment and control groups presented on average 6.2 and 5.6 DFS, respectively (P < 0.001). After 12 months of follow‐up, the children in the varnish group showed significantly lower DFS increments than did children in the control group (10.8 versus 13.3; P < 0.007), with PF of 40% (95% CI: 34.3–45.7%; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:  The results of this study suggest that applications of 5% NaF varnish can be recommended as a public health measure for reducing caries incidence in this high‐caries‐risk population.
Contrasting timing of parturition of chital Axis axis and gaur Bos gaurus in tropical South India – the role of body mass and seasonal forage quality
Authors: Ahrestani Farshid S. , Van Langevelde Frank , Heitkönig Ignas M. A. , Prins Herbert H. T.
Published: December 2011

Seasonal variation in forage availability and quality is understood to affect the annual timing of parturition in large herbivores. In India–where seasonal monsoonal rains define variation in forage availability and quality–chital Axis axis exhibit stronger seasonality in parturition than the larger gaur Bos gaurus. We hypothesized that this difference can be explained by forage requirements determined by body mass. We developed a model to simulate changes in leaf biomass and nitrogen content based on plant available moisture and nutrients, and calibrated our model with field data. Our results show that the minimum forage nitrogen content required by lactating gaur was available throughout the year, but that required by lactating chital was available for less than 40% of the year, i.e. during the early wet season, which coincides with the annual peak period of chital births. The three to four month spread of chital births, which begins in the dry season, implies that the period of highest quality is also important for females to replenish maternal reserves for future reproduction and help maximize the growth rate of neonates. This spread also indicates low synchrony of chital births and suggests that predator swamping was less important in influencing their timing of parturition. As monsoonal rain exhibits annual temporal variation, we analyzed our model under different rainfall patterns while keeping the total annual rainfall constant. We found that the difference between the durations of how long forage quality is available to satisfy the minimum requirements of lactating gaur and lactating chital is similar for all simulated patterns. This insensitivity to variable rainfall patterns lends support to our hypothesis that forage requirements determined by body mass is one plausible explanation for the variation in parturition strategies among large herbivores species.
Detection of Respiratory Viruses Among Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia During the Time of a Declared Influenza A(H1N1) Pandemic
Authors: Memish Ziad A. , Assiri Abdullah M. , Hussain Raheela , Alomar Ibrahim , Stephens Gwen
Published: December 2011

Background

The objectives of this study were to determine whether pilgrim attendance at the Hajj was associated with an increased risk of acquiring influenza, and other respiratory viruses, and to evaluate the compliance of pilgrims with influenza vaccination and other recommended preventive measures.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pilgrims as they arrived at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah for the 2009 Hajj and as they departed from the same airport during the week after the Hajj. Nasopharyngeal and throat swabs were tested for 18 respiratory virus types and subtypes using the xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel FAST assay.

Results

A total of 519 arriving pilgrims and 2,699 departing pilgrims were examined. Their mean age was 49 years and 58% were male. In all, 30% of pilgrims stated that they had received pandemic influenza A(H1N1) vaccine before leaving for the Hajj and 35% of arriving pilgrims reported wearing a face mask. Only 50% of arriving pilgrims were aware of preventive measures such as hand hygiene and wearing a mask. The prevalence of any respiratory-virus infection was 14.5% (12.5% among arriving pilgrims and 14.8% among departing pilgrims). The main viruses detected (both groups combined) were rhinovirus-enterovirus (N = 414, 12.9%), coronaviruses (N = 27, 0.8%), respiratory syncytial virus (N = 8, 0.2%), and influenza A virus (N = 8, 0.2%) including pandemic influenza A(H1N1) (N = 3, 0.1%). The prevalence of pandemic influenza A(H1N1) was 0.2% (N = 1) among arriving pilgrims and 0.1% (N = 2) among departing pilgrims. The prevalence of any respiratory virus infection was lower among those who said they received H1N1 vaccine compared to those who said they did not receive it (11.8% vs 15.6%, respectively, p = 0.009).

Conclusion

We found very low pandemic influenza A(H1N1) prevalence among arriving pilgrims and no evidence that amplification of transmission had occurred among departing pilgrims.
Structural insights of the MLF1/14‐3‐3 interaction
Authors: Molzan Manuela , Weyand Michael , Rose Rolf , Ottmann Christian
Published: December 2011

Myeloid leukaemia factor 1 (MLF1) binds to 14‐3‐3 adapter proteins by a sequence surrounding Ser34 with the functional consequences of this interaction largely unknown. We present here the high‐resolution crystal structure of this binding motif [MLF1(29–42)pSer34] in complex with 14‐3‐3ε and analyse the interaction with isothermal titration calorimetry. Fragment‐based ligand discovery employing crystals of the binary 14‐3‐3ε/MLF1(29–42)pSer34 complex was used to identify a molecule that binds to the interface rim of the two proteins, potentially representing the starting point for the development of a small molecule that stabilizes the MLF1/14‐3‐3 protein–protein interaction. Such a compound might be used as a chemical biology tool to further analyse the 14‐3‐3/MLF1 interaction without the use of genetic methods.

Database
 Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession number(s) 3UAL [14‐3‐3ε/MLF1(29–42)pSer34 complex] and 3UBW [14‐3‐3ε/MLF1(29–42)pSer34/3‐pyrrolidinol complex]

Structured digital abstract

 14‐3‐3 epsilon and MLF1 bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)

 14‐3‐3 epsilon and MLF1 bind by isothermal titration calorimetry (View Interaction: 1, 2)