bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations of global histone H4K20 methylation during prostate carcinogenesis
Authors: Behbahani Turang E , Kahl Philip , von der Gathen Johannes , Heukamp Lukas C , Baumann Claudia , Gütgemann Ines , Walter Bernhard , Hofstädter Ferdinand , Bastian Patrick J , von Ruecker Alexander , Müller Stefan C , Rogenhofer Sebastian , Ellinger Jörg
Published: March 2012

Background

Global histone modifications have been implicated in the progression of various tumour entities. Our study was designed to assess global methylation levels of histone 4 lysine 20 (H4K20me1-3) at different stages of prostate cancer (PCA) carcinogenesis.

Methods

Global H4K20 methylation levels were evaluated using a tissue microarray in patients with clinically localized PCA (n = 113), non-malignant prostate disease (n = 27), metastatic hormone-naive PCA (mPCA, n = 30) and castration-resistant PCA (CRPC, n = 34). Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess global levels of H4K20 methylation levels.

Results

Similar proportions of the normal, PCA, and mPCA prostate tissues showed strong H4K20me3 staining. CRPC tissue analysis showed the weakest immunostaining levels of H4K20me1 and H4K20me2, compared to other prostate tissues. H4K20me2 methylation levels indicated significant differences in examined tissues except for normal prostate versus PCA tissue. H4K20me1 differentiates CRPC from other prostate tissues. H4K20me1 was significantly correlated with lymph node metastases, and H4K20me2 showed a significant correlation with the Gleason score. However, H4K20 methylation levels failed to predict PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

Conclusions

H4K20 methylation levels constitute valuable markers for the dynamic process of prostate cancer carcinogenesis.
A hybrid decision support model to discover informative knowledge in diagnosing acute appendicitis
Authors: Son Chang Sik , Jang Byoung Kuk , Seo Suk Tae , Kim Min Soo , Kim Yoon Nyun
Published: March 2012

Background

The aim of this study is to develop a simple and reliable hybrid decision support model by combining statistical analysis and decision tree algorithms to ensure high accuracy of early diagnosis in patients with suspected acute appendicitis and to identify useful decision rules.

Methods

We enrolled 326 patients who attended an emergency medical center complaining mainly of acute abdominal pain. Statistical analysis approaches were used as a feature selection process in the design of decision support models, including the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, the Mann-Whitney U-test (p < 0.01), and Wald forward logistic regression (entry and removal criteria of 0.01 and 0.05, or 0.05 and 0.10, respectively). The final decision support models were constructed using the C5.0 decision tree algorithm of Clementine 12.0 after pre-processing.

Results

Of 55 variables, two subsets were found to be indispensable for early diagnostic knowledge discovery in acute appendicitis. The two subsets were as follows: (1) lymphocytes, urine glucose, total bilirubin, total amylase, chloride, red blood cell, neutrophils, eosinophils, white blood cell, complaints, basophils, glucose, monocytes, activated partial thromboplastin time, urine ketone, and direct bilirubin in the univariate analysis-based model; and (2) neutrophils, complaints, total bilirubin, urine glucose, and lipase in the multivariate analysis-based model. The experimental results showed that the model with univariate analysis (80.2%, 82.4%, 78.3%, 76.8%, 83.5%, and 80.3%) outperformed models using multivariate analysis (71.6%, 69.3%, 73.7%, 69.7%, 73.3%, and 71.5% with entry and removal criteria of 0.01 and 0.05; 73.5%, 66.0%, 80.0%, 74.3%, 72.9%, and 73.0% with entry and removal criteria of 0.05 and 0.10) in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under ROC curve, during a 10-fold cross validation. A statistically significant difference was detected in the pairwise comparison of ROC curves (p < 0.01, 95% CI, 3.13-14.5; p < 0.05, 95% CI, 1.54-13.1). The larger induced decision model was more effective for identifying acute appendicitis in patients with acute abdominal pain, whereas the smaller induced decision tree was less accurate with the test data.

Conclusions

The decision model developed in this study can be applied as an aid in the initial decision making of clinicians to increase vigilance in cases of suspected acute appendicitis.
Identification and characterization of a novel thermostable pyrethroid-hydrolyzing enzyme isolated through metagenomic approach
Authors: Fan Xinjiong , Liu Xiaolong , Huang Rui , Liu Yuhuan
Published: March 2012

Background

Pyrethroid pesticides are broad-spectrum pest control agents in agricultural production. Both agricultural and residential usage is continuing to grow, leading to the development of insecticide resistance in the pest and toxic effects on a number of nontarget organisms. Thus, it is necessary to hunt suitable enzymes including hydrolases for degrading pesticide residues, which is an efficient "green" solution to biodegrade polluting chemicals. Although many pyrethroid esterases have consistently been purified and characterized from various resources including metagenomes and organisms, the thermostable pyrethroid esterases have not been reported up to the present.

Results

In this study, we identified a novel pyrethroid-hydrolyzing enzyme Sys410 belonging to familyV esterases/lipases with activity-based functional screening from Turban Basin metagenomic library. Sys410 contained 280 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass (Mr) of 30.8 kDa and was overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) in soluble form. The optimum pH and temperature of the recombinant Sys410 were 6.5 and 55°C, respectively. The enzyme was stable in the pH range of 4.5-8.5 and at temperatures below 50°C. The activity of Sys410 decreased a little when stored at 4°C for 10 weeks, and the residual activity reached 94.1%. Even after incubation at 25°C for 10 weeks, it kept 68.3% of its activity. The recombinant Sys410 could hydrolyze a wide range of ρ-nitrophenyl esters, but its best substrate is ρ-nitrophenyl acetate with the highest activity (772.9 U/mg). The enzyme efficiently degraded cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, sumicidin, and deltamethrin under assay conditions of 37°C for 15 min, with exceeding 95% hydrolysis rate.

Conclusion

This is the first report to construct metagenomic libraries from Turban Basin to obtain the thermostable pyrethroid-hydrolyzing enzyme. The recombinant Sys410 with broad substrate specificities and high activity was the most thermostable one of the pyrethroid-hydrolyzing esterases studied before, which made it an ideal candidate for the detoxification of pyrethroids.
Using Rasch rating scale model to reassess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scales in school children
Authors: Jafari Peyman , Bagheri Zahra , Ayatollahi Seyyed Mohamad Taghi , Soltani Zahra
Published: March 2012

Background

Item response theory (IRT) is extensively used to develop adaptive instruments of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, each IRT model has its own function to estimate item and category parameters, and hence different results may be found using the same response categories with different IRT models. The present study used the Rasch rating scale model (RSM) to examine and reassess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scales.

Methods

The PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scales was completed by 938 Iranian school children and their parents. Convergent, discriminant and construct validity of the instrument were assessed by classical test theory (CTT). The RSM was applied to investigate person and item reliability, item statistics and ordering of response categories.

Results

The CTT method showed that the scaling success rate for convergent and discriminant validity were 100% in all domains with the exception of physical health in the child self-report. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis supported a four-factor model similar to its original version. The RSM showed that 22 out of 23 items had acceptable infit and outfit statistics (<1.4, >0.6), person reliabilities were low, item reliabilities were high, and item difficulty ranged from -1.01 to 0.71 and -0.68 to 0.43 for child self-report and parent proxy-report, respectively. Also the RSM showed that successive response categories for all items were not located in the expected order.

Conclusions

This study revealed that, in all domains, the five response categories did not perform adequately. It is not known whether this problem is a function of the meaning of the response choices in the Persian language or an artifact of a mostly healthy population that did not use the full range of the response categories. The response categories should be evaluated in further validation studies, especially in large samples of chronically ill patients.
Insufficient maintenance DNA methylation is associated with abnormal embryonic development
Authors: Yin Li-Jun , Zhang Yu , Lv Ping-Ping , He Wei-Hua , Wu Yan-Ting , Liu Ai-Xia , Ding Guo-Lian , Dong Min-Yue , Qu Fan , Xu Chen-Ming , Zhu Xiao-Ming , Huang He-Feng
Published: March 2012

Background

Early pregnancy loss (EPL) is a frustrating clinical problem, whose mechanisms are not completely understood. DNA methylation, which includes maintenance methylation and de novo methylation directed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), is important for embryo development. Abnormal function of these DNMTs may have serious consequences for embryonic development.

Methods

To evaluate the possible involvement of DNA methylation in human EPL, the expression of DNMT proteins and global methylation of DNA were assessed in villous or decidua from EPL patients. The association of maintenance methylation with embryo implantation and development was also examined.

Results

We found that DNMT1 and DNMT3A were both expressed in normal human villous and decidua. DNMT1 expression and DNA global methylation levels were significantly down-regulated in villous of EPL. DNMT3A expression was not significantly changed in the EPL group compared to controls in either villous or decidua. We also found that disturbance of maintenance methylation with a DNMT1 inhibitor may result in a decreased global DNA methylation level and impaired embryonic development in the mouse model, and inhibit in vitro embryo attachment to endometrial cells.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that defects in DNA maintenance methylation in the embryo, not in the mother, are associated with abnormal embryonic implantation and development. The findings of the current study provide new insights into the etiology of EPL.
Metabolomic profiles of myocardial ischemia under treatment with salvianolic acid B
Authors: Lu Yonghai , Zheng Yue , Liu Xinru , Liang Xu , Ngai Saiming , Li Tiejun , Zhang Weidong
Published: March 2012

Background

Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) has been used as a principal herb in treating cardiovascular diseases in Chinese medicine. Salvianolic acid B (SA-B), a water-soluble active component of Danshen, was found to have anti-myocardial ischemia (anti-MI) effect. This study aims to investigate mechanisms of SA-B on MI.

Methods

Five conventional Western medicines (isosorbide dinitrate, verapamil, propranolol, captopril and trimethazine) with different mechanisms for treating cardiovascular diseases were selected as positive references to compare with SA-B in changing of the metabolomic profiles in MI rats under treatment. Potential mechanisms of SA-B were further investigated in H9C2 cell line.

Results

The metabolomic profiles between SA-B- and propranolol-treated MI rats were similar, since there was a big overlap between the two groups in the PLS-DA score plot. Finally, it was demonstrated that SA-B exhibited a protective effect on MI mainly by decreasing the concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and Ca2+ and inhibiting protein kinase A (PKA).

Conclusion

SA-B and propanolol exhibited similar metabolomic profiles, indicating that the two drugs might have a similar mechanism.
A case-control study of Burkitt lymphoma in East Africa: are local health facilities an appropriate source of representative controls?
Authors: Baik Sonya , Mbaziira Mike , Williams Makeda , Ogwang Martin D , Kinyera Tobias , Emmanuel Benjamin , Ziegler John L , Reynolds Steven J , Mbulaiteye Sam M
Published: March 2012

Background

We investigated the feasibility and appropriateness of enrolling controls for Burkitt lymphoma (BL) from local health facilities in two regions in Uganda.

Methods

BL case data were compiled from two local hospitals with capacity to diagnose and treat BL in North-west and North-central regions of Uganda during 1997 to 2009. Local health facility data were compiled from children attending four representative local health facilities in the two regions over a two week period in May/June 2010. Age and sex patterns of BL cases and children at local facilities were compared and contrasted using frequency tables.

Results

There were 999 BL cases diagnosed in the study area (92% of all BL cases treated at the hospitals): 64% were from North-central and 36% from North-west region. The mean age of BL cases was 7.0 years (standard deviation [SD] 3.0). Boys were younger than girls (6.6 years versus 7.2 years, P = 0.004) and cases from North-central region were younger than cases from North-west region (6.8 years versus 7.3 years, P = 0.014). There were 1012 children recorded at the four local health facilities: 91% at facilities in North-central region and 9% from facilities in North-west region. Daily attendance varied between 1 to 75 children per day. The mean age of children at health facilities was 2.2 years (SD 2.8); it did not differ by sex. Children at North-central region facilities were younger than children at North-west region facilities (1.8 years versus 6.6 years, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

While many children attend local health facilities, confirming feasibility of obtaining controls, their mean age is much lower than BL cases. Health facilities may be suitable for obtaining young, but not older, controls.
Monophasic synovial sarcoma presenting as a primary ileal mass: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Alsharief Alaa N , Fageeh Musa , Alabdulkarim Yousof
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Synovial sarcoma is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor mainly arising in the peri-articular tissue in young adults. There are few cases reported in other areas.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 29-year-old Saudi woman of Arabian ethnicity with synovial sarcoma arising primarily from the ileum who presented with abdominal pain, a palpable mass and incomplete intestinal obstruction. A literature review was performed to gather information on this rare gastrointestinal tract sarcoma.

Conclusions

Although it is a rare tumor of the pre-articular tissues, synovial sarcoma can present, in exceedingly rare cases, in unusual anatomical sites such as the gastrointestinal tract. We believe the reporting of all rare or unexpected presentations of sarcoma will eventually improve our understanding of this relatively unusual malignancy.
Regulation of inflammatory arthritis by the upstream kinase mitogen activated protein kinase kinase 7 in the c-Jun N-Terminal kinase pathway
Authors: Lee Sang-il , Boyle David L , Berdeja Andres , Firestein Gary S
Published: March 2012

Introduction

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a key regulator of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and cytokine production in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and JNK deficiency markedly protects mice in animal models of arthritis. Cytokine-induced JNK activation is strictly dependent on the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7) in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Therefore, we evaluated whether targeting MKK7 using anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASO) would decrease JNK activation and severity in K/BxN serum transfer arthritis.

Methods

Three 2'-O-methoxyethyl chimeric ASOs for MKK7 and control ASO were injected intravenously in normal C57BL/6 mice. PBS, control ASO or MKK7 ASO was injected from Day -8 to Day 10 in the passive K/BxN model. Ankle histology was evaluated using a semi-quantitative scoring system. Expression of MKK7 and JNK pathways was evaluated by quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis.

Results

MKK7 ASO decreased MKK7 mRNA and protein levels in ankles by about 40% in normal mice within three days. There was no effect of control ASO on MKK7 expression and MKK7 ASO did not affect MKK3, MKK4 or MKK6. Mice injected with MKK7 ASO had significantly less severe arthritis compared with control ASO (P < 0.01). Histologic evidence of synovial inflammation, bone erosion and cartilage damage was reduced in MKK7 ASO-treated mice (P < 0.01). MKK7 deficiency decreased phospho-JNK and phospho-c-Jun in ankle extracts (P < 0.05), but not phospho-MKK4. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), MMP3 and MMP13 gene expression in ankle joints were decreased by MKK7 ASO (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

MKK7 plays a critical regulatory role in the JNK pathway in a murine model of arthritis. Targeting MKK7 rather than JNK could provide site and event specificity when treating synovitis.
Sorafenib in Combination With Capecitabine: An Oral Regimen for Patients With HER2-Negative Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Baselga José , Segalla José Getúlio Martins , Roché Henri , del Giglio Auro , Pinczowski Hélio , Ciruelos Eva M. , Filho Sebastião Cabral , Gómez Patricia , Van Eyll Brigitte , Bermejo Begoña , Llombart Antonio , Garicochea Bernardo , Durán Miguel Ángel Climent , Hoff Paulo Marcelo Gehm , Espié Marc , de Moraes Andre Augusto Junior Gemeinder , Ribeiro Ronaldo Albuquerque , Mathias Clarissa , Gil Gil Miguel , Ojeda Belén , Morales Josefa , Kwon Ro Sunhee , Li Shell , Costa Frederico
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor with antiangiogenic/antiproliferative activity. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIB trial assessed sorafenib with capecitabine for locally advanced or metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) –negative breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to first- or second-line capecitabine 1,000 mg/m2 orally twice a day for days 1 to 14 of every 21-day cycle with sorafenib 400 mg orally twice a day or placebo. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

In total, 229 patients were enrolled. The addition of sorafenib to capecitabine resulted in a significant improvement in PFS versus placebo (median, 6.4 v 4.1 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.81; P = .001) with sorafenib favored across subgroups, including first-line (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.82) and second-line (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.41 to 1.04) treatment. There was no significant improvement for overall survival (median, 22.2 v 20.9 months; HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.23; P = .42) and overall response (38% v 31%; P = .25). Toxicities (sorafenib v placebo) of any grade included rash (22% v 8%), diarrhea (58% v 30%), mucosal inflammation (33% v 21%), neutropenia (13% v 4%), hypertension (18% v 12%), and hand-foot skin reaction/hand- foot syndrome (HFSR/HFS; 90% v 66%); grade 3 to 4 toxicities were comparable between treatment arms except HFSR/HFS (44% v 14%). Reasons for discontinuation in the sorafenib and placebo arms included disease progression (63% v 82%, respectively), adverse events (20% v 9%, respectively), and death (0% v 1%, respectively).

Conclusion

Addition of sorafenib to capecitabine improved PFS in patients with HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. The dose of sorafenib used in this trial resulted in unacceptable toxicity for many patients. A phase III confirmatory trial has been initiated with a reduced sorafenib dose.
Screening for Distress and Unmet Needs in Patients With Cancer: Review and Recommendations
Authors: Carlson Linda E. , Waller Amy , Mitchell Alex J.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This review summarizes the need for and process of screening for distress and assessing unmet needs of patients with cancer as well as the possible benefits of implementing screening.

Methods

Three areas of the relevant literature were reviewed and summarized using structured literature searches: psychometric properties of commonly used distress screening tools, psychometric properties of relevant unmet needs assessment tools, and implementation of distress screening programs that assessed patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

Results

Distress and unmet needs are common problems in cancer settings, and programs that routinely screen for and treat distress are feasible, particularly when staff are supported and links with specialist psychosocial services exist. Many distress screening and unmet need tools have been subject to preliminary validation, but few have been compared head to head in independent centers and in different stages of cancer. Research investigating the overall effectiveness of screening for distress in terms of improved recognition and treatment of distress and associated problems is not yet conclusive, but screening seems to improve communication between patients and clinicians and may enhance psychosocial referrals. Direct effects on quality of life are uncertain, but screening may help improve discussion of quality-of-life issues.

Conclusion

Involving all stakeholders and frontline clinicians when planning screening for distress programs is recommended. Training frontline staff to deliver screening programs is crucial, and continuing to rigorously evaluate outcomes, including PROs, process of care, referrals, and economic costs and benefits is essential.
Evidence-Based Treatment of Anxiety in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Traeger Lara , Greer Joseph A. , Fernandez-Robles Carlos , Temel Jennifer S. , Pirl William F.
Published: March 2012

Anxiety is a dynamic response to perceived threat that is common among patients with cancer and fluctuates at critical points in the disease trajectory. A substantial minority of patients may experience clinically significant anxiety resulting from a range of potential etiologic factors. This review summarizes evidence-based recommendations for treatment of anxiety in oncology settings. Recommendations are based on the nature and time course of anxiety and the results of meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and individual trials in cancer populations. The evidence-based literature supports the use of psychosocial and psychopharmacologic treatments to prevent or alleviate anxiety symptoms. Conclusions are tempered by study heterogeneity and methodologic limitations and a lack of trials that included patients with clinically significant anxiety. In oncology settings, accessibility and acceptability of evidence-based treatments vary, and patients may seek a variety of resources to manage cancer concerns. Treatment planning should incorporate contributing factors to anxiety and patient preferences for psychiatric care.
In vitro reconstitution of yeast splicing with U4 snRNA reveals multiple roles for the 3′ stem–loop
Authors: Hayduk Amy J. , Stark Martha R. , Rader Stephen D.
Published: March 2012

U4 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) plays a fundamental role in the process of premessenger RNA splicing, yet many questions remain regarding the location, interactions, and roles of its functional domains. To address some of these questions, we developed the first in vitro reconstitution system for yeast U4 small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs). We used this system to examine the functional domains of U4 by measuring reconstitution of splicing, U4/U6 base-pairing, and triple-snRNP formation. In contrast to previous work in human extracts and Xenopus oocytes, we found that the 3′ stem–loop of U4 is necessary for efficient base-pairing with U6. In particular, the loop is sensitive to changes in both length and sequence. Intriguingly, a number of mutations that we tested resulted in more stable interactions with U6 than wild-type U4. Nevertheless, each of these mutants was impaired in its ability to support splicing, indicating that these regions of U4 have functions subsequent to base pair formation with U6. Our data suggest that one such function is likely to be in tri-snRNP formation, when U5 joins the U4/U6 di-snRNP. We have identified two regions, the upper stem of the 3′ stem–loop and the central domain, that promote tri-snRNP formation. In addition, the loop of the 3′ stem–loop promotes di-snRNP formation, while the central domain and the 3′-terminal domain appear to antagonize di-snRNP formation.
Is Reliability Sufficient? The Law Commission and Expert Evidence in International and Interdisciplinary Perspective (Part 1)
Authors: Edmond Gary
Published: March 2012

This article offers a critical appraisal of the Law Commission's Report, Expert Evidence in Criminal Proceedings in England and Wales (2011), and related proposals for reform. Drawing upon interdisciplinary research and empirical studies from other common law jurisdictions it suggests that the introduction of a reliability-based admissibility standard for expert opinion evidence, even in conjunction with provision for recourse to court-appointed experts, is unlikely to generate the kinds of changes required to improve the quality of incriminating forensic science and medicine evidence or align criminal justice practice with espoused goals and principles.
Due Process and the Admission of Expert Evidence on Recovered Memory in Historic Child Sexual Abuse Cases: Lessons from America
Authors: Ring Sinéad
Published: March 2012

This article reviews the decisions of the US state courts on the admissibility of expert testimony on recovered memory in historic child sexual abuse prosecutions. Unlike their English and Irish counterparts, most US courts scrutinise the reliability of expert evidence on recovered memory. In examining the US decisions the article explores the challenges posed to the criminal process by the contested scientific status of recovered memory theory. It sets out due process arguments why expert evidence on the topic should not be admitted in a criminal trial.
Hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene in organic electronics
Authors: Seyler Helga , Purushothaman Balaji , Jones David J. , Holmes Andrew B. , Wong Wallace W. H.
Published: March 2012

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are in a class of functional organic compounds with increasing importance in organic electronics. Their tunable photophysical properties and typically strong intermolecular associations make them ideal materials in applications where control of charge mobility is essential. Hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC) is a disc-shaped PAH that self-associates into columnar stacks through strong π–π interactions. By decorating the periphery of the HBC molecule with various substituents, a range of properties and functions can be obtained including solution processability, liquid crystallinity, and semiconductivity. In this review article, the synthesis, properties, and functions of HBC derivatives are presented with focus on work published in the last five years.
Formation of C–C bonds via ruthenium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation
Authors: Moran Joseph , Krische Michael J.
Published: March 2012

Ruthenium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of diverse π-unsaturated reactants in the presence of aldehydes provides products of carbonyl addition. Dehydrogenation of primary alcohols in the presence of the same π-unsaturated reactants provides identical products of carbonyl addition. In this way, carbonyl addition is achieved from the alcohol or aldehyde oxidation level in the absence of stoichiometric organometallic reagents or metallic reductants. In this account, the discovery of ruthenium-catalyzed C–C bond-forming transfer hydrogenations and the recent development of diastereo- and enantioselective variants are discussed.
Synthesis of benzobisoxazole-based D-π-A-π-D organic chromophores with variable optical and electronic properties
Authors: Klimavicz James S. , Mike Jared F. , Bhuwalka Achala , Tomlinson Aimeé L. , Jeffries-EL Malika
Published: March 2012

A series of symmetrical D-π-A-π-D molecules comprised of benzo[1,2-d;4,5-d']bisoxazole (BBO) and various arylenevinylenes was synthesized via a Knoevenagel condensation of 2,6-dimethyl BBO and the corresponding aryl aldehydes. The resulting compounds had energy levels that were easily modulated and broad absorptions in the visible spectrum. They also demonstrated high fluorescence quantum yields in solution. The solvatochromism of several derivatives was examined in a number of solvents, and it was found that the emission of the triphenylamine derivative varied by almost 100 nm, depending on the polarity of the solvent. Collectively, these results indicate that the optical and electronic properties of benzobisoxazoles are readily tuned through the choice of aryl co-monomer.
The Effects of Brand Name Structure on Brand Extension Evaluations and Parent Brand Dilution
Authors: Sood Sanjay , Keller Kevin Lane
Published: March 2012

Three laboratory experiments explore how alternative brand name structures (i.e., family branded or subbranded) and varying degrees of category similarity (i.e., similar or dissimilar) influence extension evaluations and parent brand dilution. The results indicate that subbranded extensions (e.g., Quencher by Tropicana cola) evoke a slower, more thoughtful subtyping processing strategy than family branded extensions (e.g., Tropicana cola), which evoke a faster, category-based processing strategy. As a result, category similarity affects extension evaluations when the extension is family branded but not when it is subbranded. In addition, dilution effects are only evident when consumers have a negative experience with a similar family branded extension. Subbranding thus offers two key benefits to marketers: It both enhances extension evaluations and protects the parent brand from any unwanted negative feedback.
Zwischen ‚antemurale‘ und ‚wspólny dom‘: Polen und Europa im Denken Józef Tischners
Authors: Lang Ulrike
Published: March 2012

This article reflects on Józef Tischner’s changing concepts of Europe from the mid 1980s until the late 1990s in the context of Polish discourses on Europe in the second half of the 20th century. It is argued that the Polish adoption of democracy in 1989 had a tremendous impact on the image of Europe as shaped by Tischner. In the 1980s – in the face of social and economic agony – the ‘priest of Solidarność’ draws upon the Romantic and messianistic imagery of Poland as the ‘bulwark of Christianity’. He therefore claims Polish moral and spiritual superiority not only over the Soviet Union but over Central and Western Europe as well. Hence, Tischner does not engage in myths of Central European unity frequently being discussed at the time. Right after the ‘annus mirabilis’ of 1989 Tischner swiftly turns to the new hegemonial paradigm of liberalism and pragmatism. Though maintaining an image of Europe as a community of shared Christian values, Tischner steps up in favour of capitalism and democratic pluralism, hereby following the example set by the ‘West’. Consequently, he became one of the most vehement critics of Polish neo-martyrdom of the 1990s. By applying the metaphor of a ‘common home’ to a unifying Europe, Tischner not only supports Poland’s joining of the EU, but also develops a prospect for a shared European future. Józef Tischner’s ideas of Europe can therefore be traced along the outlines of Polish discourses on Europe evolving from ‘myth’ to ‘metaphor’ as described by Walter Koschmal (2006).
Verbalkomplexe im Bulgarischen
Authors: Pitsch Hagen
Published: March 2012

The paper develops an analysis of verbal complexes in Bulgarian. It is argued that both šte and da are modal markers which become part of the verbal complex in a zone between morphology (lexicon) and syntax. The same is claimed for object clitics. The CP projection is proposed to be the place of existential quantification of the verbal event variable already on the representational level of Semantic Form (SF), going hand in hand with existential presupposition (če‑sentences). Da‑expressions, on the other hand, are construed as mere ModPs from which it follows that there is no existential quantification on SF. The latter is argued to take place only on the extra-grammatical level of Conceptual Structure. The paper also gives a lexical account for the different selectional properties of matrix verbs with respect to da‑expressions and/or če‑sentences.
Late Delirious Behavior With 2009 H1N1 Influenza: Mild Autoimmune-Mediated Encephalitis?
Authors: Takanashi Jun-ichi , Takahashi Yukitoshi , Imamura Atsushi , Kodama Kazuhiko , Watanabe Akimitsu , Tominaga Koji , Muramatsu Kazuhiro , Barkovich A. James
Published: March 2012

Delirious behavior associated with influenza usually has an onset within a few days after fever and lasts <24 hours. As we encountered several patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza who presented with late-onset and long-standing delirious behavior, we retrospectively evaluated the clinical, radiologic, and laboratory features to elucidate the possible pathophysiology. This information was collected on 5 previously healthy patients (2 boys and 3 girls, aged 10–15 years) with 2009 H1N1 influenza who presented with late onset (>3 days after fever) and long-standing (>48 hours) delirious behavior. Each exhibited mild to moderate drowsiness between the episodes of delirious behavior. Electroencephalography was normal except for 1 patient with high voltage and slow activity bilaterally in the occipital regions. Brain MRI was normal. The outcome was excellent with no neurologic sequel in 4 of the 5 patients. In all 5 patients, autoantibodies against N-methyl-D-aspartate type glutamate receptor were elevated or positive in cerebrospinal fluid or serum; the autoantibody levels normalized in the 3 patients who had follow-up studies. This study indicates that 2009 H1N1 influenza has a tendency to cause late-onset and long-standing delirious behavior, at least in Japanese children. Mild autoimmune-mediated encephalitis should be considered as an underlying cause.
Methicillin-Resistant and Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia and Meningitis in Preterm Infants
Authors: Shane Andi L. , Hansen Nellie I. , Stoll Barbara J. , Bell Edward F. , Sánchez Pablo J. , Shankaran Seetha , Laptook Abbot R. , Das Abhik , Walsh Michele C. , Hale Ellen C. , Newman Nancy S. , Schrag Stephanie J. , Higgins Rosemary D. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND:

Data are limited on the impact of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on morbidity and mortality among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with S aureus (SA) bacteremia and/or meningitis (B/M).

METHODS:

Neonatal data for VLBW infants (birth weight 401–1500 g) born January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2008, who received care at centers of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network were collected prospectively. Early-onset (≤72 hours after birth) and late-onset (>72 hours) infections were defined by blood or cerebrospinal fluid cultures and antibiotic treatment of ≥5 days (or death <5 days with intent to treat). Outcomes were compared for infants with MRSA versus methicillin-susceptible S aureus (MSSA) B/M.

RESULTS:

Of 8444 infants who survived >3 days, 316 (3.7%) had SA B/M. Eighty-eight had MRSA (1% of all infants, 28% of infants with SA); 228 had MSSA (2.7% of all infants, 72% of infants with SA). No infant had both MRSA and MSSA B/M. Ninety-nine percent of MRSA infections were late-onset. The percent of infants with MRSA varied by center (P < .001) with 9 of 20 centers reporting no cases. Need for mechanical ventilation, diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and other morbidities did not differ between infants with MRSA and MSSA. Mortality was high with both MRSA (23 of 88, 26%) and MSSA (55 of 228, 24%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Few VLBW infants had SA B/M. The 1% with MRSA had morbidity and mortality rates similar to infants with MSSA. Practices should provide equal focus on prevention and management of both MRSA and MSSA infections among VLBW infants.
Stair-Related Injuries to Young Children Treated in US Emergency Departments, 1999–2008
Authors: Zielinski Ashley E. , Rochette Lynne M. , Smith Gary A.
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics and secular trends of stair-related injuries among children aged <5 years treated in US emergency departments.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was conducted of data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission from 1999 through 2008 by using sample weights to estimate national numbers and rates of stair-related injuries.

RESULTS:

An estimated 931 886 children aged <5 years were treated for stair-related injuries from 1999 through 2008, averaging 93 189 injuries per year and 46.5 injuries per 10 000 population annually. The number of injuries per year decreased significantly by 11.6% from 1999 to 2008. The rate of stair-related injuries also decreased significantly from 53.0 to 42.4 per 10 000 population from 1999 to 2008. Soft tissue injuries accounted for 34.6% of cases. Approximately three-fourths (76.3%) of children had injuries to the head and neck region, and 2.7% of patients were hospitalized. Children who were being carried at the time of injury accounted for 24.5% of injuries among children <1 year and were more than 3 times more likely to be hospitalized than children injured by other mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS:

Stair-related injuries are on the decline but still represent an important source of injury to young children. Increased prevention efforts are needed, including parental education and improved stairway design, to decrease stair-related injuries among young children.
Parental Psychological Well-Being and Behavioral Outcome of Very Low Birth Weight Infants at 3 Years
Authors: Huhtala Mira , Korja Riikka , Lehtonen Liisa , Haataja Leena , Lapinleimu Helena , Rautava Päivi ,   on behalf of the PIPARI Study Group
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose was to explore whether poor parental psychological well-being is associated with behavioral problems of very low birth weight (VLBW, ≤1500 g) infants at 3 years of age.

METHODS:

In this prospective cohort study, 189 VLBW preterm infants born between January 2001 and December 2006 at the Turku University Hospital, Finland, were followed. Validated questionnaires (Beck Depression Inventory, Parenting Stress Index, and Sense of Coherence Scale) were mailed to the parents when their children were 2 years corrected age. A total of 140 parents evaluated the behavior of the child at 3 years by filling out the Child Behavior Checklist.

RESULTS:

There were significant associations between most of the measures of parental symptoms of depression, parenting stress, and sense of coherence and the behavioral outcome of the VLBW infants. The concomitant symptoms of both parents were associated with more problematic child behavior.

CONCLUSIONS:

Parents report more behavioral and emotional problems in VLBW children at age 3 if they themselves have had symptoms of depression, parenting stress, or weak sense of coherence 1 year earlier. The new finding of this study was to show the significance of the father’s psychological well-being on the behavioral development of a preterm child.
Polymyositis-dermatomyositis recognized during the follow-up of a patient with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Samer Francis , Csóka Mária , Dankó Katalin
Published: March 2012

Polymyositis-dermatomyositis is a rare systemic autoimmune disease which belongs to the class of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. The disease exhibits high inter-individual variability, but chronic myositis is a common feature. As different manifestations often appear in atypical forms, establishing the precise diagnosis can be rather complicated. The prognosis and the patient’s life expectations highly depend on whether the clinician considers this possibility in the diagnostic process or not. The authors present the case of a 50-year-old woman who was referred to hospital with suspected myopathy by her general practitioner. The history of the patient, the overall clinical picture and some marked laboratory abnormalities raised the possibility of polymyositis-dermatomyositis, which was unequivocally confirmed by immunological tests. Drug therapy was started immediately with the administration of high dose corticosteroid (1–2 mg/kg/day methylprednisolone), which was found to be an effective strategy leading to fast and remarkable improvement in the patient’s condition. From the first hospital day, the patient also received insulin therapy in order to prevent any potential corticosteroid-induced imbalance in her carbohydrate metabolism. The long-term patient management was provided by an interdisciplinary team the members of which (both clinicians and other health care professionals) worked according to a co-ordinated, complex care plan, and managed not only the “physiological functions” but the different psychological and social problems as well, which are usually associated with the disease. The follow-up period of this polyphase disease process lasted for 4.5 years, during which only two relapses occurred, and muscle strength typically varied between 3 and 4 on a five grade scale with the exception of the relapse periods. Good outcome was attributed to the strict follow-up and individualized therapy/care. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 467–474.
Successful completed pregnancies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Tarr Tünde , Kiss Emese , Szegedi Gyula , Zeher Margit
Published: March 2012

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disorder which affects women with child bearing potential. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the successful pregnancies in patients with lupus in the past 10 years. Women were followed up at the 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, University of Debrecen. Results: During this investigated period, 26 patients became pregnant. Seven patients had a positive history for lupus before the pregnancy. A total of 29 children were born. The mean gestational age was 35 weeks. The average birth weight was 2415 grams. Toxemic pregnancy was the most common complication found in 9 patients. Lupus nephritis activity occurred in 2 patients, and 1 of them had it for the first time during the course of her disease. Conclusions: In the past years, the number of pregnancies in patients with lupus has been increasing. Due to proper patient care and education, the outcome is more favourable. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 454–460.
Validation of the Hungarian version of Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale – Cognitive Subscale
Authors: Pákáski Magdolna , Drótos Gergely , Janka Zoltán , Kálmán János
Published: March 2012

The cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale is the most widely used test in the diagnostic and research work of Alzheimer’s disease. Aims: The aim of this study was to validate and investigate reliability of the Hungarian version of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and healthy control subjects. Methods: syxty-six patients with mild and moderate Alzheimer’s disease and 47 non-demented control subjects were recruited for the study. The cognitive status was established by the Hungarian version of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale and Mini Mental State Examination. Discriminative validity, the relation between age and education and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale, and the sensitivity and specificity of the test were determined. Results: Both the Mini Mental State Examination and the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale had significant potential in differentiating between patients with mild and moderate stages of Alzheimer’s disease and control subjects. A very strong negative correlation was established between the scores of the Mini Mental State Examination and the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale in the Alzheimer’s disease group. The Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale showed slightly negative relationship between education and cognitive performance, whereas a positive correlation between age and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale scores was detected only in the control group. According to the analysis of the ROC curve, the values of sensitivity and specificity of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale were high. Conclusions: The Hungarian version of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale was found to be highly reliable and valid and, therefore, the application of this scale can be recommended for the establishment of the clinical stage and follow-up of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. However, the current Hungarian version of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale is not sufficient; the list of words and linguistic elements should be selected according to the Hungarian standard in the future. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 461–466.
Quantitative Computer-Based Assessment of Lip Symmetry following Cleft Lip Repair
Authors: Mckearney Richard M. , Williams John V. , Mercer Nigel S.
Published: March 2012

Objective

To demonstrate an objective method of measuring lip symmetry after cleft lip repair by comparing patients with unilateral cleft lip (UCL) to non–cleft lip controls using the SymNose computer program.

Design

Retrospective cohort study comparing several parameters of lip symmetry between UCL cases and controls. Participants were represented by digital photographs that were traced using SymNose.

Setting

This study was performed at the South West Cleft Unit, Bristol, U.K.

Participants

Forty-four participants aged 10 years (±1 year) were recruited into and completed the study. A consecutive case series of 22 patients with UCL ± palate had previously undergone primary repair. Twenty-two age-matched controls were recruited from a local primary school.

Main Outcome Measures

Lip symmetry, expressed as the percentage mismatch of an overlaying of the left upper lip area and upper vermillion border area over the right, horizontal lip tilt, and lateral deviation of the lips.

Results

A significant increase in labial asymmetry was seen in the UCL group in the following parameters: upper lip mismatch and upper vermillion border mismatch. No significant differences were observed in horizontal lip tilt or lateral lip deviation.

Conclusion

This study supports the use of SymNose for the objective quantitative assessment of lip symmetry as an outcome measure of surgery following cleft lip repair. It allows comparison of surgical techniques and can be used to perform audits. It is a time-efficient process, relatively inexpensive, and straightforward to use.
Precision control of an invasive ant on an ecologically sensitive tropical island: a principle with wide applicability
Authors: Gaigher R. , Samways M. J. , Jolliffe K. G. , Jolliffe S.
Published: March 2012

Effective management of invasive ants is an important priority for many conservation programs but can be difficult to achieve, especially within ecologically sensitive habitats. This study assesses the efficacy and nontarget risk of a precision ant baiting method aiming to reduce a population of the invasive big‐headed ant Pheidole megacephala on a tropical island of great conservation value. Area‐wide application of a formicidal bait, delivered in bait stations, resulted in the rapid decline of 8 ha of P. megacephala. Effective suppression remained throughout the succeeding 11‐month monitoring period. We detected no negative effects of baiting on nontarget arthropods. Indeed, species richness of nontarget ants and abundance of other soil‐surface arthropods increased significantly after P. megacephala suppression. This bait station method minimized bait exposure to nontarget organisms and was cost effective and adaptable to target species density. However, it was only effective over short distances and required thorough bait placement. This method would therefore be most appropriate for localized P. megacephala infestations where the prevention of nontarget impacts is essential. The methodology used here would be applicable to other sensitive tropical environments.