bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and dynamics of nano-sized raft-like domains on the plasma membrane
Authors: Herrera Fernando E. , Pantano Sergio
Published: January 2012

Cell membranes are constitutively composed of thousands of different lipidic species, whose specific organization leads to functional heterogeneities. In particular, sphingolipids, cholesterol and some proteins associate among them to form stable nanoscale domains involved in recognition, signaling, membrane trafficking, etc. Atomic-detail information in the nanometer/second scale is still elusive to experimental techniques. In this context, molecular simulations on membrane systems have provided useful insights contributing to bridge this gap. Here we present the results of a series of simulations of biomembranes representing non-raft and raft-like nano-sized domains in order to analyze the particular structural and dynamical properties of these domains. Our results indicate that the smallest (5 nm) raft domains are able to preserve their distinctive structural and dynamical features, such as an increased thickness, higher ordering, lower lateral diffusion, and specific lipid-ion interactions. The insertion of a transmembrane protein helix into non-raft, extended raft-like, and raft-like nanodomain environments result in markedly different protein orientations, highlighting the interplay between the lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions.
Frequency splitting of the main mode in a microelectromechanical resonator due to coupling with an anchor resonance
Authors: Lipiäinen Lauri , Jaakkola Antti , Kokkonen Kimmo , Kaivola Matti
Published: January 2012

We present an experimental study of the frequency scaling of the main, square-extensional mode in a piezoelectrically actuated plate resonator. The studied set consists of resonators of different plate sizes with identical anchors. The behavior of the square-extensional mode is analyzed using electrical impedance measurements and optical characterization of the mechanical vibration fields. The results reveal a detrimental anchor effect, where for certain plate sizes the square-extensional mode branch is split into two due to a coupled oscillation of the resonator plate and the anchors.
Self-assembly of C60 monolayer on epitaxially grown, nanostructured graphene on Ru(0001) surface
Authors: Li G. , Zhou H. T. , Pan L. D. , Zhang Y. , Mao J. H. , Zou Q. , Guo H. M. , Wang Y. L. , Du S. X. , Gao H.-J.
Published: January 2012

C60 molecules adsorbed on graphene/Ru(0001) substrate were investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at 5 K. On high quality substrates, C60 molecules adopt a commensurate growth mode, leading to formation of a supramolecular structure with perfect periodicity and few defects. On under-annealed substrates with imperfections and domains, the molecules form the same closely packed hexagonal structures in spite of underlying corrugations, disorders or steps, indicating a weak molecule-substrate interaction—a conclusion that is also supported by DFT calculations. This system may be beneficial to the fabrication of carbon based devices and of other types of organic functional overlayers.
Anomalous magnetic properties of 7 nm single-crystal Co3O4 nanowires
Authors: Lv Ping , Zhang Yan , Xu Rui , Nie Jia-Cai , He Lin
Published: January 2012

We present a study of magnetic properties of single-crystal Co3O4 nanowires with diameter about 7 nm. The nanowires expose (111) planes composed of plenty of Co3+ cations and exhibit two order temperatures at 56 K (TN of wire cores) and 73 K (order temperature of wire shells), which are far above TN = 40 K of bulk Co3O4. This novel behavior is attributed to symmetry breaking of surface Co3+ cations and magnetic proximity effect. The nanowire shells show macroscopic residual magnetic moments. Cooling in a magnetic field, a fraction of the residual moments are tightly pinned to the antiferromagnetic lattice, which results in an obvious horizontal and vertical shift of hysteresis loop. Our experiment demonstrates that the exchange bias field HE and the pinned magnetic moments Mpin follow a simple expression HE = aMpin with a a constant.
Effective medium formulation for phonon transport analysis of nanograined polycrystals
Authors: Hao Qing
Published: January 2012

For many research fields, it has been a challenge to accurately predict the lattice thermal conductivity of nanograined polycrystals, where the structure size becomes comparable or smaller than phonon mean free paths (MFPs). Although this can be achieved by advanced techniques such as phonon Monte Carlo simulations, they are generally complicated and can be very time-consuming especially when frequency-dependent phonon MFPs are considered. In this work, we apply the effective medium approach to phonon transport studies of polycrystals, which yields identical results as phonon Monte Carlo simulations in both frequency-dependent and frequency-independent analysis. The formulation can also be modified to consider additional factors, including grain boundaries with an additional interface layer, in-grain substructures, and grain size variation. This work provides a simple but accurate model for thermal studies of general polycrystals.
Structural and transport characterization of ultra thin Ba0.05Sr0.95TiO3 layers grown over Nb electrodes for the development of Josephson junctions
Authors: Sirena M. , Avilés Félix L. , Carvacho Vera G. A. , Navarro Fernández H. L. , Steren L. B. , Bernard R. , Briático J. , Bergeal N. , Lesueur J. , Faini G.
Published: January 2012

A phenomenological approach was used to obtain critical information about the structure and electrical properties of ultra thin Ba0.05Sr0.95TiO3 (BSTO) layers over Nb electrodes. The method allows, in a simple way, to study and to optimize the growth of the barrier in order to improve the performance and application of Josephson junctions. A very good control of the layer thickness with a low roughness was achieved during the deposition process. The BSTO layers present an energy barrier of 0.6 eV and an attenuation length of 0.4 nm, indicating its good insulating properties for the development of Josephson junctions with improved performance.
The onset of oblique vortex shedding behind a heated circular cylinder in laminar wake regime
Authors: Wu Ming-Hsun , Trávníček Zdenăk , Wang An-Bang
Published: January 2012

Oblique vortex shedding (OVS) behind a heated circular cylinder in air was experimentally investigated. Similar to that in the parallel vortex shedding (PVS), the results show that the non-dimensionalized shedding frequency, Strouhal number, decreases under the influence of cylinder heating for oblique shedding mode. Although the onset Reynolds number of OVS increases with the cylinder temperature, the onset effective Reynolds number remains 63.3 ± 1.3 regardless of the cylinder heating. A general Strouhal-Reynolds-number relationship for OVS has been found based on the effective temperature concept in the present study. The ratio of the critical Reynolds numbers for the onsets of OVS and PVS is found to be an invariant with value of 4/3 for both isothermal and non-isothermal cases despite different length/diameter ratios and end conditions.
A Perceptually Based Comparison of Image Similarity Metrics
Authors: Sinha Pawan , Russell Richard
Published: January 2012

The assessment of how well one image matches another forms a critical component both of models of human visual processing and of many image analysis systems. Two of the most commonly used norms for quantifying image similarity are L1 and L2, which are specific instances of the Minkowski metric. However, there is often not a principled reason for selecting one norm over the other. One way to address this problem is by examining whether one metric, better than the other, captures the perceptual notion of image similarity. This can be used to derive inferences regarding similarity criteria the human visual system uses, as well as to evaluate and design metrics for use in image-analysis applications. With this goal, we examined perceptual preferences for images retrieved on the basis of the L1 versus the L2 norm. These images were either small fragments without recognizable content, or larger patterns with recognizable content created by vector quantization. In both conditions the participants showed a small but consistent preference for images matched with the L1 metric. These results suggest that, in the domain of natural images of the kind we have used, the L1 metric may better capture human notions of image similarity.
A comparison of indexing methods to evaluate quality of soils: the role of soil microbiological properties
Authors: Romaniuk Romina , Giuffré Lidia , Costantini Alejandro , Bartoloni Norberto , Nannipieri Paolo
Published: January 2012

The study evaluates and compares two procedures for selecting soil quality indicators (used for the construction of soil quality indices, SQI) by using diverse chemical, physical, and biological properties, and evaluates the role of soil microbiological properties in the construction of SQI. Different soil environments were selected from an extensive agricultural production site in the rolling pampa, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The plots included an undisturbed soil, a grassland soil, and continuous tilled soils with four different surface horizon depths (25, 23, 19, and 14 cm). Various properties were measured, and a minimum dataset was chosen by principal component analysis (PCA) considering all measured soil properties together (procedure A), or the PCA was performed separately according to classification as physical, chemical, or biological soil properties (procedure B). The measured soil properties involved physical, chemical, and biochemical properties determined by standard protocols used in routine laboratory analysis (simple SQI, SSQI) or more laborious protocols to determine microbial community structure and function by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) and catabolic response profile (CRP), respectively (complex SQI, CSQI). The selected properties were linearly normalised and integrated by the weight additive method to calculate SSQI A, SSQI B, CSQI A, and CSQI B indices. Two microbiological SQI (MSQI) were also calculated; MSQI 1 considered only biological properties according to the procedure used for calculating SQI; MSQI 2 was calculated by considering three selected microbiological parameters representing the size (microbial biomass carbon), activity (soil basal respiration), and functional diversity (evenness, determined by CRP) of the microbial communities. All of the constructed indices show the same differences among the study sites. The inclusion of CRP and PLFA data in the indices slightly increased, or did not increase, the index sensitivity. Microbiological indices had the same sensitivity as the indices integrated by physical, chemical, and biological properties. An evaluation of the SQI constructed by both procedures found no difference in sensitivity. However, SQI constructed by procedure B allowed evaluation of the effects of management practices on physical, chemical, and biological soil properties.
Na
V
1.1 channels are critical for intercellular communication in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and for normal circadian rhythms
Authors: Han Sung , Yu Frank H. , Schwartz Michael D. , Linton Jonathan D. , Bosma Martha M. , Hurley James B. , Catterall William A. , de la Iglesia Horacio O.
Published: January 2012

Na
V
1.1 is the primary voltage-gated Na
+
channel in several classes of GABAergic interneurons, and its reduced activity leads to reduced excitability and decreased GABAergic tone. Here, we show that Na
V
1.1 channels are expressed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Mice carrying a heterozygous loss of function mutation in the
Scn1a
gene (
Scn1a
+/−
), which encodes the pore-forming α-subunit of the Na
V
1.1 channel, have longer circadian period than WT mice and lack light-induced phase shifts. In contrast,
Scn1a
+/−
mice have exaggerated light-induced negative-masking behavior and normal electroretinogram, suggesting an intact retina light response.
Scn1a
+/−
mice show normal light induction of
c-Fos
and
mPer1
mRNA in ventral SCN but impaired gene expression responses in dorsal SCN. Electrical stimulation of the optic chiasm elicits reduced calcium transients and impaired ventro-dorsal communication in SCN neurons from
Scn1a
+/−
mice, and this communication is barely detectable in the homozygous gene KO (
Scn1a
−/−
). Enhancement of GABAergic transmission with tiagabine plus clonazepam partially rescues the effects of deletion of Na
V
1.1 on circadian period and phase shifting. Our report demonstrates that a specific voltage-gated Na
+
channel and its associated impairment of SCN interneuronal communication lead to major deficits in the function of the master circadian pacemaker. Heterozygous loss of Na
V
1.1 channels is the underlying cause for severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy; the circadian deficits that we report may contribute to sleep disorders in severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy patients.
Forkhead transcription factor FoxA1 regulates sweat secretion through Bestrophin 2 anion channel and Na-K-Cl cotransporter 1
Authors: Cui Chang-Yi , Childress Victoria , Piao Yulan , Michel Marc , Johnson Adiv A. , Kunisada Makoto , Ko Minoru S. H. , Kaestner Klaus H. , Marmorstein Alan D. , Schlessinger David
Published: January 2012

Body temperature is maintained in a narrow range in mammals, primarily controlled by sweating. In humans, the dynamic thermoregulatory organ, comprised of 2–4 million sweat glands distributed over the body, can secrete up to 4 L of sweat per day, thereby making it possible to withstand high temperatures and endure prolonged physical stress (e.g., long-distance running). The genetic basis for sweat gland function, however, is largely unknown. We find that the forkhead transcription factor, FoxA1, is required to generate mouse sweating capacity. Despite continued sweat gland morphogenesis, ablation of
FoxA1
in mice results in absolute anihidrosis (lack of sweating). This inability to sweat is accompanied by down-regulation of the Na-K-Cl cotransporter 1 (Nkcc1) and the Ca
2+
-activated anion channel Bestrophin 2 (Best2), as well as glycoprotein accumulation in gland lumens and ducts. Furthermore,
Best2
-deficient mice display comparable anhidrosis and glycoprotein accumulation. These findings link earlier observations that both sodium/potassium/chloride exchange and Ca
2+
are required for sweat production. FoxA1 is inferred to regulate two corresponding features of sweat secretion. One feature, via Best2, catalyzes a bicarbonate gradient that could help to drive calcium-associated ionic transport; the other, requiring Nkcc1, facilitates monovalent ion exchange into sweat. These mechanistic components can be pharmaceutical targets to defend against hyperthermia and alleviate defective thermoregulation in the elderly, and may provide a model relevant to more complex secretory processes.
Analysis of sirtuin 1 expression reveals a molecular explanation of IL-2–mediated reversal of T-cell tolerance
Authors: Gao Beixue , Kong Qingfei , Kemp Kyeorda , Zhao Yuan-Si , Fang Deyu
Published: January 2012

The type III histone deacetylase sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) is a suppressor of both innate and adoptive immune responses. We have recently found that Sirt1 expression is highly induced in anergic T cells. However, the transcriptional program to regulate Sirt1 expression in T cells remains uncharacterized. Here we report that the early responsive genes 2 and 3, which can be up-regulated by T-cell receptor-mediated activation of nuclear factor of activated T-cell transcription factors and are involved in peripheral T-cell tolerance, bind to thesirt1promoter to transcriptsirt1mRNA. In addition, the forkhead transcription factor, FoxO3a, interacts with early responsive genes 2/3 on thesirt1promoter to synergistically regulate Sirt1 expression. Interestingly, IL-2, a cytokine that can reverse T-cell anergy, suppressessirt1transcription by sequestering FoxO3a to the cytoplasm through activating the PI3K-AKT pathway. Expression of the constitutively active form of FoxO3a blocks IL-2–mediated reversal of T-cell tolerance by retainingsirt1expression. Our findings here provide a molecular explanation of IL-2–mediated reversion of T-cell anergy.
Counselling in the workplace: How time‐limited counselling can effect change in well‐being
Authors: Collins Jill , Gibson Alison , Parkin Sarah , Parkinson Rosemary , Shave Diana , Dyer Colin
Published: January 2012

Background: Many employers provide counselling support on work and personal issues for their employees, but in times of economic pressure such services can be at risk if their effectiveness is not demonstrated. Aim: To evaluate whether time‐limited counselling in a workplace can effect sustained change in well‐being. Method: The study was carried out by a staff counselling team in a university setting. The Warwick‐Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale (WEMWBS) was completed by clients at the beginning and end of counselling, and at three and six months following. A non‐treatment comparison group completed the survey at the same intervals. Results: The results of our investigation show clearly that the effect of time‐limited counselling (average seven sessions) on distressed clients is positive. The evidence of our treatment group suggests that they acquire an increased sense of well‐being as a result of the experience of counselling with a significant statistical difference between pre‐and post‐counselling treatment group scores on the WEMWBS and consistently higher scores found post counselling. The improvement was maintained at the same level for at least six months following the end of counselling. Conclusions: The provision of time‐limited counselling by employers is an effective support for personal difficulties affecting work.
Abstraction and Explanatory Relevance; or, Why Do the Special Sciences Exist?
Authors: Haug Matthew C.
Published: January 2012

Nonreductive physicalists have long used multiple realizability to argue for the explanatory “autonomy” of the special sciences. Recently, in the face of the local reduction and disjunctive property responses to multiple realizability, some defenders of nonreductive physicalism have suggested that autonomy can be grounded merely in human cognitive limitations. In this article, I argue that this is mistaken. By distinguishing between two kinds of abstraction I show that the greater explanatory relevance of some special-science predicates (to certain explananda) is both nonanthropocentric and not solely based on considerations of multiple realizability.
Preserving the Concept of Race: A Medical Expedient, a Sociological Necessity
Authors: Morris Stephen G.
Published: January 2012

In this essay I argue that there are strong reasons for preserving the concept of race in both medical and sociological contexts. While I argue that there are important reasons to conceive of race as picking out distinctions among populations that are both legitimate and important, the notion of race that I advocate in this essay differs in fundamental ways from traditional folk notions of race. As a result, I believe that the folk understanding of race needs to be either revised or eliminated altogether.
Theory Change and Degrees of Success
Authors: Fahrbach Ludwig
Published: January 2012

Scientific realism is the position that success of a scientific theory licenses an inference to its approximate truth. The argument from pessimistic metainduction maintains that this inference is undermined due to the existence of theories from the history of science that were successful but false. I aim to counter pessimistic metainduction and defend scientific realism. To do this, I adopt a notion of success that admits of degrees and show that our current best theories enjoy far higher degrees of success than any of the successful but refuted theories of the past.
Exposing the Vanities—and a Qualified Defense—of Mechanistic Reasoning in Health Care Decision Making
Authors: Howick Jeremy
Published: January 2012

Philosophers of science have insisted that evidence of underlying mechanisms is required to support claims about the effects of medical interventions. Yet evidence about mechanisms does not feature on dominant evidence-based medicine “hierarchies.” After arguing that only inferences from mechanisms (“mechanistic reasoning”)—not mechanisms themselves—count as evidence, I argue for a middle ground. Mechanistic reasoning is not required to establish causation when we have high-quality controlled studies; moreover, mechanistic reasoning is more problematic than has been assumed. Yet where the problems can be overcome, mechanistic reasoning can and should be used as evidence.
Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1)2009 in Hospital Healthcare Workers in New Zealand
Authors: Raymond Nigel J. , Berry Neville , Blackmore Tim K. , Jefferies Sarah , Norton Katherine , Perrin Kyle , Beasley Richard
Published: January 2012

We evaluated A/H1N1 influenza in healthcare workers (HCWs) and in a flu room during the 2009 pandemic. The flu room aided HCW care and management by facilitating rapid diagnosis and treatment. Absence of fever was common, and symptoms were nonspecific. A higher rate of H1N1 occurred in HCWs deployed in acute services.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2012;33(2):196-199
Prior Vancomycin Use Is a Risk Factor for Reduced Vancomycin Susceptibility in Methicillin-Susceptible but Not Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Mascitti Kara B. , Edelstein Paul H. , Fishman Neil O. , Morales Knashawn H. , Baltus Andrew J. , Lautenbach Ebbing
Published: January 2012

Objective.

Staphylococcus aureus is a cause of community- and healthcare-acquired infections and is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and costs. Vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) among S. aureus have increased, and reduced vancomycin susceptibility (RVS) may be associated with treatment failure. We aimed to identify clinical risk factors for RVS in S. aureus bacteremia.

Design.

Case-control.

Setting.

Academic tertiary care medical center and affiliated urban community hospital.

Patients.

Cases were patients with RVS S. aureus isolates (defined as vancomycin E-test MIC >1.0 μg/mL). Controls were patients with non-RVS S. aureus isolates.

Results.

Of 392 subjects, 134 (34.2%) had RVS. Fifty-eight of 202 patients (28.7%) with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates had RVS, and 76 of 190 patients (40.0%) with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates had RVS (P = .02). In unadjusted analyses, prior vancomycin use was associated with RVS (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–4.32; P = .046). In stratified analyses, there was significant effect modification by methicillin susceptibility on the association between vancomycin use and RVS (P = .04). In multivariate analyses, after hospital of admission and prior levofloxacin use were controlled for, the association between vancomycin use and RVS was significant for patients with MSSA infection (adjusted OR, 4.02; 95% CI, 1.11–14.50) but not MRSA infection (adjusted OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.36–2.13).

Conclusions.

A substantial proportion of patients with S. aureus bacteremia had RVS. The association between prior vancomycin use and RVS was significant for patients with MSSA infection but not MRSA infection, suggesting a complex relationship between the clinical and molecular epidemiology of RVS in S. aureus.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(2):160-166
Evolution and Constraints on Variation: Variant Specification and Range of Assessment
Authors: Pearce Trevor
Published: January 2012

There is still a great deal of debate over what counts as a constraint and about how to assess experimentally the relative importance of constraints and selection in evolutionary history. I will argue that the notion of a constraint on variation, and thus the selection-constraint distinction, depends on two specifications: (1) what counts as a variant—constraints limit or bias the production ofwhat? and (2) range of assessment—over what range of times or conditions is the variation assessed? Specifications 1 and 2 help us to understand empirical work on the relative importance of constraint and selection in evolution.
The tumor suppressor Lgl1 regulates NMII-A cellular distribution and focal adhesion morphology to optimize cell migration
Authors: Dahan Inbal , Yearim Ahuv , Touboul Yarin , Ravid Shoshana
Published: January 2012

The Drosophila tumor suppressor Lethal (2) giant larvae (Lgl) regulates the apical–basal polarity in epithelia and asymmetric cell division. However, little is known about the role of Lgl in cell polarity in migrating cells. In this study we show direct physiological interactions between the mammalian homologue of Lgl (Lgl1) and the nonmuscle myosin II isoform A (NMII-A). We demonstrate that Lgl1 and NMII-A form a complex in vivo and provide data that Lgl1 inhibits NMII-A filament assembly in vitro. Furthermore, depletion of Lgl1 results in the unexpected presence of NMII-A in the cell leading edge, a region that is not usually occupied by this protein, suggesting that Lgl1 regulates the cellular localization of NMII-A. Finally, we show that depletion of Lgl1 affects the size and number of focal adhesions, as well as cell polarity, membrane dynamics, and the rate of migrating cells. Collectively these findings indicate that Lgl1 regulates the polarity of migrating cells by controlling the assembly state of NMII-A, its cellular localization, and focal adhesion assembly.
Quantifying the WASDE Announcement Effect
Authors: Adjemian Michael K.
Published: January 2012

This article uses a two‐stage GLS model to quantify the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) announcement effect for cotton, soybeans and hard winter wheat, controlling for important factors associated with commodity price volatility. The information presented by the overlapping nature of futures contracts is exploited to estimate conditional effects by month, inventory conditions, and delivery horizon. Results in this article show that the WASDE announcement effect persists across contract positions, is not limited to months that include NASS crop survey data, is amplified during low carryover periods for soybeans and wheat,and is rapidly incorporated into futures prices.
Oxford Handbook of Practical Drug Therapy
Authors: Richards Duncan , Aronson Jeffrey , Reynolds D. John , Coleman Jamie
Published: January 2012

The Oxford Handbook of Practical Drug Therapy mirrors the leading national guides to prescribing. The safe and effective use of medicine requires a sound knowledge of pharmacology. As readers use this practical resource, they will increase their knowledge.
Clinical practice and diagnostics
Authors: Bloom Stuart , Webster George , Marks Daniel
Published: January 2012

Patient issues 110

Blood tests and special investigations
120

GI physiology/motility testing 130

Imaging 136

Endoscopy 146

Screening and surveillance for GI malignancy
174

Surgery 182

Clinical examination narrows the differential diagnosis and
focuses investigation. GI examination is an extension of the
general examination,1...
B
Authors: Bloom Stuart , Webster George , Marks Daniel
Published: January 2012

Bacterial overgrowth226

Balloon dilatation: see
‘Endoscopic dilatation’ (p.
167)227

Barrett's oesophagus227

Barrett's surveillance: see also
‘Surveillance’ (p.
175)229

Behçet's disease230

Beriberi230

Bezoars231

Bile acid malabsorption231

Biliary atresia232

Biliary bypass procedures: see also ...
D
Authors: Bloom Stuart , Webster George , Marks Daniel
Published: January 2012

Dentate line 280

Dermatitis herpetiformis 280

Dermatomyositis 281

Diabetes and the GI tract 281

Diaphragmatic herniae 282

Dieulafoy lesion 282

Diversion colitis 282

Diverticular disease (diverticulosis, diverticulitis,
and diverticular bleeding) 283

Double-duct sign 285

Down syndrome and GI tract 286

Drug-induced hepatotoxicity 286

Drug-induced oesophagitis ...
G
Authors: Bloom Stuart , Webster George , Marks Daniel
Published: January 2012

Gallbladder cancer314

Gallbladder empyema314

Gallbladder polyps315

Gallstones315

Gardner's syndrome316

Gastric antral vascular ectasia
(GAVE)317

Gastric cancer317

Gastric lymphoma: see Lymphoma in GI
tract318

Gastric polyps319

Gastric ulcers319

Gastrinoma319

Gastritis321

Gastroenteritis: see entries under causative
organisms ...
J
Authors: Bloom Stuart , Webster George , Marks Daniel
Published: January 2012

Jaundice: see Approach to recent-onset
jaundice 380

Jejunal diverticulum 380

Juvenile polyps and polyposis 380

See: Approach to
recent-onset jaundice.

A common location for small bowel diverticula (also seen in the duodenum
and Meckel's
diverticula)—found in 0.5–7% of small bowel
series. Most are asymptomatic, but they can cause pain, bleeding,
diarrhoea, and fever. Malabsorption can arise from stasis and ...
O
Authors: Bloom Stuart , Webster George , Marks Daniel
Published: January 2012

Obesity surgery: see
‘Anti-obesity (bariatric) surgery’
(p.
184), and Approach to
obesity410

Obstetric cholestasis410

Occult blood: see Faecal occult blood
testing411

Oesophageal motility disorders411

Oesophageal rings413

Oesophageal stricture413

Oesophageal tumours414

Oesophagitis419

Ogilvie's syndrome (acute
pseudo-obstruction)...
Oxford Handbook of Rheumatology
Authors: Hakim Alan , Clunie Gavin , Haq Inam
Published: January 2012

A unique guide which emphasizes a clinical, evidence-based approach to rheumatology. The resource provides practical guidelines to the management and diagnosis of patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal disease.
Evaluating musculoskeletal symptoms
Authors: Hakim Alan J. , Clunie Gavin P.R. , Haq Inam
Published: January 2012

Introduction 4

Localization of pain and pain patterns 6

Changes in pain on examination 8

The assessment of pain in young children 10

Stiffness, swelling, and constitutional symptoms 11

Gait, arms, legs, spine—the GALS screen 12

Pain is the most common musculoskeletal symptom. It is defined by its subjective description, which may vary depending on its physical (or biological) cause, the patient's understanding of it, its impact on function, and the emotional and behavioural response it invokes. Pain is also often ‘coloured’ by cultural, linguistic, and religious differences. Therefore, pain is not merely an unpleasant sensation; it is, in effect, an ‘emotional change’. The experience is different for every individual; patients who think of themselves as having a ‘high pain threshold’ may have the hardest time coping....
Regional musculoskeletal conditions: making a working diagnosis
Authors: Hakim Alan J. , Clunie Gavin P.R. , Haq Inam
Published: January 2012

Introduction 20

Neck pain 22

Shoulder pain 30

Pain around the elbow 42

Wrist pain 48

Symptoms in the hand 54

Upper limb peripheral nerve lesions 66

Thoracic back and chest pain 72

Low back pain and disorders in adults 78

Spinal disorders in children and adolescents ...
Patterns of disease presentation: making a working diagnosis
Authors: Hakim Alan J. , Clunie Gavin P.R. , Haq Inam
Published: January 2012

Mono-articular pain in adults 150

Oligo-articular pain in adults 152

Oligo-articular and pauci-articular pain in children and adolescents 160

Widespread pain in adults 168

Widespread pain in children and adolescents 184

When evaluating a patient with joint pain, it helps to know the number of joints involved:...
Metabolic bone diseases and disorders of collagen
Authors: Hakim Alan J. , Clunie Gavin P.R. , Haq Inam
Published: January 2012

Osteoporosis 432

Osteomalacia and rickets 442

Parathyroid disease and related disorders 448

Paget's disease of bone 456

Miscellaneous diseases of bone 460

Molecular abnormalities of collagen and fibrillin 464

• Osteoporosis can be defined as a decrease in bone mass and strength resulting in an increased risk of fracture. Unlike osteomalacia, the ratio of matrix to mineral deposit in bone is normal in osteoporosis....
Infection and rheumatic disease
Authors: Hakim Alan J. , Clunie Gavin P.R. , Haq Inam
Published: January 2012

Introduction 474

Pyogenic non-gonococcal and gonococcal arthritides 476

Mycobacterium tuberculosis 480

Osteomyelitis 482

Lyme disease 484

Rheumatic fever 486

Infectious agents have been linked directly and indirectly (through organism-specific and autoimmune responses) to a number of acute and chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. This chapter will introduce some examples of inflammatory mechanisms (...
Electroacupuncture Improves Survival in Rats with Lethal Endotoxemia via the Autonomic Nervous System
Authors: Song Jian-gang , Li Hong-hai , Cao Yun-fei , Lv Xin , Zhang Ping , Li Ye-sheng , Zheng Yong-jun , Li Qi , Yin Pei-hao , Song Shao-li , Wang Hong-yang , Wang Xiang-rui
Published: January 2012

Background

Recent advances have indicated a complex interplay between the autonomic nervous system and the innate immune system. Targeting neural networks for the treatment of sepsis is being developed as a therapeutic strategy. Because electroacupuncture at select acupoints can modulate activities of the autonomic nervous system, we tested the hypothesis that electroacupuncture at specific acupoints could modulate systemic inflammatory responses and improve survival via its impact on the autonomic nervous system in a rat model of sepsis.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley male rats received electroacupuncture for 45 min before and at 1, 2, or 4 h after a lethal dose of intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide injection (6 mg/kg). Outcomes included survival and systemic cytokine responses. Also, the possible roles of neural circuitry, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system, were evaluated.

Results

Electroacupuncture pretreatment at the Hegu acupoints significantly attenuate systemic inflammatory responses and improve survival rate from 20% to 80% in rats with lethal endotoxemia. Such a site-specific effect requires the activation of muscarinic receptors in the central nervous system, but not increasing central sympathetic tone. In the periphery synergistic, rather than independent, action of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems is also necessary.

Conclusions

Electroacupuncture pretreatment has a dramatic survival-enhancing effect in rats with lethal endotoxemia, which involves the activation of efferent neural circuits of the autonomic nervous system (e.g., cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway). This approach could be developed as a prophylactic treatment for sepsis or perioperative conditions related to excessive inflammation.
Prognostic Implications of Preoperative E/e′ Ratio in Patients with Off-pump Coronary Artery Surgery
Authors: Lee Eun-Ho , Yun Sung-Cheol , Chin Ji-Hyun , Choi Dae-Kee , Son Hyo-Jung , Kim Wook-Chong , Choi Seong-Soo , Song Jun-Gol , Hahm Kyung-Don , Sim Ji-Yeon , Choi In-Cheol
Published: January 2012

Background

The ratio of early transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (E/e') correlates with left ventricular (LV) filling pressure. In particular, an E/e' ratio more than 15 is an excellent predictor of increased LV filling pressure. The authors evaluated the prognostic implications of preoperative estimated LV filling pressure, assessed by E/e' ratio, in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Methods

This observational study investigated 1,048 consecutive adults undergoing elective off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The primary outcome was occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction, malignant ventricular arrhythmia, cardiac dysfunction, or need for new revascularization. Logistic regression and survival analyses were performed.

Results

An E/e' ratio more than 15 was independently associated with 30-day MACE (odds ratio 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-3.9, P = 0.001) and 1-yr MACE (hazard ratio 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.1, P = 0.001), irrespective of underlying LV ejection fraction. MACE free 1-yr survival rate was significantly decreased in patients with E/e' >15, irrespective of underlying LV ejection fraction.

Conclusions

Increased LV filling pressure, assessed by E/e' ratio, is an independent predictor of 30-day and 1-yr MACE in patients who undergo elective off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. These findings indicate that measurements of E/e' may assist in preoperative risk stratification of these patients.
Feasibility of Closed-loop Titration of Propofol and Remifentanil Guided by the Spectral M-Entropy Monitor
Authors: Liu Ngai , Le Guen Morgan , Benabbes-Lambert Fatima , Chazot Thierry , Trillat Bernard , Sessler Daniel I. , Fischler Marc
Published: January 2012

Background

This randomized controlled trial describes automated coadministration of propofol and remifentanil, guided by M-Entropy analysis of the electroencephalogram. The authors tested the hypothesis that a novel dual-loop controller with an M-Entropy monitor increases time spent within predetermined target entropy ranges.

Methods

Patients scheduled for elective surgery were randomly assigned in this single-blind study using a computer-generated list, to either dual-loop control using a proportional-integral-derivative controller or skilled manual control of propofol and remifentanil using target-controlled-infusion systems. In each group, propofol and remifentanil administration was titrated to a state entropy target of 50 and was subsequently targeted to values between 40 and 60. The primary outcome was the global score, which included the percentage of state entropy or response entropy in the range 40-60, the median absolute performance error and wobble. Data are presented as medians [interquartile range].

Results

Thirty patients assigned to the dual-loop group and 31 assigned to the manual group completed the study. The dual-loop controller was able to provide induction and maintenance for all patients. The Global Score of State Entropy was better maintained with dual-loop than manual control (25 [19-53] vs. 44 [25-110], P = 0.043), and state entropy was more frequently maintained in the range of 40-60 (80 [60-85] vs. 60 [35-82]%, P = 0.046). Propofol (4.1 [2.9-4.9] vs. 4.5 [3.4-6.3] mg · kg(-1) · h(-1)) and remifentanil (0.18 [0.13-0.24] vs. 0.19 [0.15-0.26] μg · kg(-1) · min(-1)) consumptions and the incidence of somatic side effects were similar.

Conclusion

Intraoperative automated control of hypnosis and analgesia guided by M-Entropy is clinically feasible and more precise than skilled manual control.
Ketamine-induced Neuroapoptosis in the Fetal and Neonatal Rhesus Macaque Brain
Authors: Brambrink Ansgar M. , Evers Alex S. , Avidan Michael S. , Farber Nuri B. , Smith Derek J. , Martin Lauren D. , Dissen Gregory A. , Creeley Catherine E. , Olney John W.
Published: January 2012

Background

Exposure of rhesus macaque fetuses for 24 h or neonates for 9 h to ketamine anesthesia causes neuroapoptosis in the developing brain. The current study clarifies the minimum exposure required for and the extent and spatial distribution of ketamine-induced neuroapoptosis in rhesus fetuses and neonates.

Method

Ketamine was administered by IV infusion for 5 h to postnatal day 6 rhesus neonates or to pregnant rhesus females at 120 days' gestation (full term = 165 days). Three hours later, fetuses were delivered by cesarean section, and the fetal and neonatal brains were studied for evidence of apoptotic neurodegeneration, as determined by activated caspase-3 staining.

Results

Both the fetal (n = 3) and neonatal (n = 4) ketamine-exposed brains had a significant increase in apoptotic profiles compared with drug-naive controls (fetal n = 4; neonatal n = 5). Loss of neurons attributable to ketamine exposure was 2.2 times greater in fetuses than in neonates. The pattern of neurodegeneration in fetuses was different from that in neonates, and all subjects exposed at either age had a pattern characteristic for that age.

Conclusion

The developing rhesus macaque brain is sensitive to the apoptogenic action of ketamine at both a fetal and neonatal age, and exposure duration of 5 h is sufficient to induce a significant neuroapoptosis response at either age. The pattern of neurodegeneration induced by ketamine in fetuses was different from that in neonates, and loss of neurons attributable to ketamine exposure was 2.2 times greater in the fetal than neonatal brains.
Natural History of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Mexican Schoolchildren
Authors: Duque Ximena , Vilchis Jenny , Mera Robertino , Trejo‐Valdivia Belem , Goodman Karen J. , Mendoza Maria‐Eugenia , Navarro Fabiola , Roque Victoria , Moran Segundo , Torres Javier , Correa Pelayo
Published: January 2012

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to estimate the incidence and spontaneous clearance rate of Helicobacter pylori infection and the effect of some variables on these outcomes in schoolchildren.

Methods:

From May 2005 to December 2010, 718 schoolchildren enrolled in 3 public boarding schools in Mexico City participated in the follow‐up. At the beginning of the study and every 6 months thereafter, breath samples were taken to detect H pylori infection; blood samples and anthropometric measurements were taken to evaluate nutritional status. Data on sociodemographic characteristics were collected.

Results:

The prevalence of H pylori infection was 38%. The incidence rate was 6.36%/year. Schoolchildren with anemia or iron deficiency at the beginning of the study (who received iron supplements) showed a higher infection acquisition rate than those with normal iron nutritional status, hazard ratio (HR) 12.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.01%–39.12%), P < 0.001 and HR 2.05 (95% CI 1.09%–3.87%), P = 0.027, respectively. The spontaneous clearance rate of the infection was 4.74%/year. The spontaneous clearance rate was higher in children who had iron deficiency (who received iron supplements), HR 5.02 (95% CI 1.33%–18.99%), P = 0.017, compared with those with normal nutritional iron status. It was lower in schoolchildren with ≥2 siblings compared with schoolchildren with 1 or no siblings, HR 0.23 (95% CI 0.08%–0.63%), P = 0.004.

Conclusions:

H pylori infection status is dynamic in schoolchildren. Variables related to health status and infection transmission, such as iron status and number of siblings, are important for the incidence and spontaneous clearance of H pylori infection.
Protective Antibody Responses to Influenza A/H1N1/09 Vaccination in Children With Celiac Disease
Authors: Schäppi Michela G. , Meier Sara , Bel Michael , Siegrist Claire‐Anne , Posfay‐Barbe Klara M. ,   H1N1 Study Group
Published: January 2012

Patients with celiac disease have an increased risk for severe influenza infection and they show less of a response to certain vaccine types. During the influenza A/H1N1/09 pandemic, we prospectively investigated pandemic vaccine responses in 14 pediatric patients with celiac disease and age‐/sex‐matched controls. All of the children with celiac disease reached protective antibody titers (≥40) and showed a geometric mean titer comparable with the control group (530 vs 573).
Feasibility and Efficacy of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) in Children
Authors: Di Giorgio Angelo , Agazzi Roberto , Alberti Daniele , Colledan Michele , D'Antiga Lorenzo
Published: January 2012

Objectives:

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a valuable tool in managing complications of severe portal hypertension (PH) in adults. In children, TIPS is regarded as a temporary and technically demanding procedure. We report the first paediatric series of TIPS and review its feasibility and efficacy in children.

Methods:

Children with severe PH that is unresponsive to nonselective β‐blockers and endoscopic treatment were considered candidates for TIPS placement with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered Viatorr stent graft. Indications were cirrhotic PH, noncirrhotic PH, and portal vein thrombosis, in both native and transplanted livers.

Results:

Thirteen children were selected for TIPS between 2005 and 2010. The indications were bleeding in 8 (61.5%) and ascites in 5 (38.5%). TIPS was successfully placed in 11 children, median age 9.8 years (range 2.2–18) and median weight 30 kg (11.5–96). Two patients had a portal cavernoma and 3 had received split liver transplantation. Following TIPS, the portosystemic gradient decreased to 10 mmHg (5–15 mmHg) (P < 0.00001); PH complications resolved in 10 of 11 patients (91%); no patient developed clinical encephalopathy; and 3 patients required a TIPS revision. All of the shunts were patent at last follow‐up (20.4 months, range 0.2–67) in 7 or liver transplantation (6 months, 1.5–33) in 4.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that TIPS is feasible and effective in children with ascites or gastrointestinal bleeding unresponsive to medical and endoscopic treatment. TIPS should become part of the armamentarium that is used to manage PH complications in children, both in native livers and in transplanted grafts, as a bridge to transplantation and for long‐term management.
International Society for Wildlife Endocrinology: the future of endocrine measures for reproductive science, animal welfare and conservation biology
Authors: Ganswindt André , Brown Janine L. , Freeman Elizabeth W. , Kouba Andrew J. , Penfold Linda M. , Santymire Rachel M. , Vick Mandi M. , Wielebnowski Nadja , Willis Erin L. , Milnes Matthew R.
Published: January 2012

Hormone analysis is a precise and widely accepted tool for monitoring reproductive function and responses to stressors. Although hormones are present and can be measured in various biological matrices, non-invasive methods have gained popularity over the past 30 years as a more practical approach for assessing ovarian, testicular and, more recently, adrenocortical activity in intractable wildlife species. Non-invasive hormone monitoring also has been key to understanding biological mechanisms related to observed behaviours of captive and free-ranging animals. Despite the increasing popularity of this research field, wildlife endocrinologists have not had a specific forum for sharing and discussing their latest findings, technical developments and common challenges. To provide such a communication platform, the International Society for Wildlife Endocrinology (ISWE) was established in 2010, followed by an international meeting held on 3–4 November 2011 at the Toronto Zoo, Canada. Over several sessions, keynote speakers and participants discussed recent developments of new and innovative methods for hormone monitoring, as well as the latest advances in basic endocrinology as applied to adrenal function, reproductive physiology, animal health, ecology and evolution. Here, we introduce ISWE to the scientific community and discuss how this new society will serve as a resource for wildlife endocrinologists worldwide.