bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of 161 Men with Symptomatic Late Onset Hypogonadism with Long-Acting Parenteral Testosterone Undecanoate: Effects on Body Composition, Lipids, and Psychosexual Complaints
Authors: Permpongkosol Sompol , Tantirangsee Nakorn , Ratana-olarn Krisada
Published: August 2010

Introduction

Elderly men may suffer from late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). The long-term effects of long-acting testosterone undecanoate (TU) in a large number of LOH men have not yet been reported.

Aims

We analyzed the effects of normalization of plasma testosterone (T) in LOH men.

Methods

The records of 161 men with LOH (baseline T < 300 ng/dL) were reviewed and 100 men had used parenteral TU for >12 months. The mean duration of treatment was 90.6 weeks (54 to 150 weeks).

Main Outcome Measures

Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, percentage body fat, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and hematocrit were measured. Further the Aging Male Symptoms’ scale (AMS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5 and 15) were scored.

Results

T therapy was associated with a significant decline in waist circumference (P = 0.028) and percentage body fat (P < 0.001), but no change of BMI. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol declined significantly (P = 0.005 and P = 0.024, respectively), with no significant changes of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The scores of sub-scales of AMS (psychological, somotovegetative and sexual factors) decreased (P = 0.044, P = 0.200 and P = 0.071, respectively). The mean IIEF-5 (P = 0.011) and IIEF-15 scores (P = 0.021) improved significantly. Erectile function domain, orgasmic function domain, sexual desire domain, intercourse satisfaction domain, and overall satisfaction domain improved. Median PSA rose from 0.95 (0.640; 1.558) ng/mL to 1.480 (1.015; 2.275) ng/mL (P < 0.001), with 11 patients >4 ng/mL (4.01–13.21). On biopsy there was no evidence for malignancy. The mean hematocrit level increased significantly from 42.3 ± 3.4% to 47.1 ± 3.8%.

Conclusions

Normalizing serum T in men with LOH resulted in improvement of the metabolic syndrome, mood and sexual functions and appeared acceptably safe.
Recurrent Postcoital Hematuria. A Case of Fibroepithelial Urethral Polyp in an Adult Female
Authors: Battaglia Cesare , Battaglia Bruno , Ramacieri Angela , Paradisi Roberto , Venturoli Stefano
Published: August 2010

Introduction

In males, an isolated gross postcoital hematuria is a very rare clinical phenomenon. No cases of postcoital macroscopic hematuria have been previously reported in females.

Aim

To report a case of female urethral fibroepithelial polyp (FEP) associated with recurrent postcoital hematuria.

Methods

A young (31 years old), eumenorrheic woman complained of three episodes of postcoital macrohematuria. The patient was assessed with a detailed history, with a bimanual pelvic examination and with bidimensional and tridimensional ultrasonographic and color Doppler analyses of the internal genitalia and of the urethrovaginal space.

Main Outcomes Measures

Transvaginal two-dimensional (2-D) ultrasonographic evaluation of internal genitalia, bladder and urethra and three-dimensional (3-D) analysis of the urethra and paraurethral structures.

Results

The 2-D transvaginal evaluation and the 3-D reconstruction showed a polypoid hypervascularized structure arising from the anterior urethral wall. A cystourethroscopy confirmed the presence of a FEP arising from the anterior wall of the urethra and allowed its removal.

Conclusions

A gross postcoital hematuria may be associated with a urethral polyp. The ultrasonographic evaluation of the urethrovaginal space can facilitate the diagnosis.
Bladder Perforation Associated with Hot Tub
Authors: Kopp Ryan P. , Dato Paul E. , Sur Roger L.
Published: August 2010

Introduction

Bladder perforation is a rare and life-threatening event. Timely diagnosis may prevent further injury-related morbidity and mortality.

Aim

To present a case of bladder injury associated with masturbation in a hot tub.

Methods

This report describes a case of bladder perforation in a 54-year-old female who presented to the emergency department 2 days after masturbation with a water jet.

Results

Following percutaneous drainage and intraoperative closure of the bladder, the patient was discharged on postoperative day four and has had no sequelae.

Conclusion

Cross-sectional imaging and cystography can facilitate immediate diagnosis and expeditious treatment of bladder injury associated with masturbation in a hot tub.
Role of radiotherapy in solitary bone plasmacytomas
Authors: CHAO Michael W , GIBBS Peter , NORRIS Pam , PRINCE Miles , KIFFER John , FEIGEN Malcolm , QUONG George , WIRTH Andrew , LIEW Kuen‐Hoe
Published: August 2010

Background:  Solitary bone plasmacytoma (SBP) is a rare tumor for which the standard treatment remains local radiotherapy (RT). While this results in high rates of local control, the majority of patients ultimately develop multiple myeloma (MM). Here we present a 20‐year multi‐institutional review of our experience in an attempt to better understand the natural history of SBP and to identify possible prognostic factors.

Methods:  A total of 44 patients were identified. The inclusion criteria were the presence of a solitary bone lesion with histologic confirmation of plasma cells on biopsy, a normal bone marrow aspiration and trephine (<10% plasma cells), a negative radiographic skeletal survey, and no anemia, hypercalcemia or renal impairment secondary to plasma cell dyscrasia. Patient ages ranged from 25 to 83 years (median of 54 years) and 64% of patients had a monoclonal paraprotein in the serum and/or urine. All patients received local megavoltage RT with doses ranging from 30 to 54 Gy. Potential prognostic factors including age, gender, site of involvement, presence or absence of soft tissue extension, presence or absence of monoclonal paraprotein at diagnosis, persistence or disappearance of monoclonal paraprotein following RT, the time taken for monoclonal paraprotein to disappear following RT, and the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) staging were evaluated to determine their impact on the likelihood of developing MM.

Results:  Median follow up was 6 years (range 0.1–15.2 years). Effective local control was achieved in 42 (95%) patients, but 30 (68%) patients subsequently progressed to MM at a median time to progression of 1.6 years. The median survival from initial diagnosis was 7.5 years. We were unable to define any prognostic factors that were associated with an increased risk of developing MM.

Conclusion:  Our series confirms the excellent local control achievable with RT. However, the majority of patients with SBP will ultimately progress to MM and strategies, such as adjuvant chemotherapy, should be explored in selected patients.
Endodontic therapy on a dentition exhibiting multiple periapical radiolucencies associated with dentinal dysplasia Type 1
Authors: Ravanshad Shohreh , Khayat Akbar
Published: August 2010

Dentinal dysplasia (DD) Type I, is a hereditary disturbance in dentine formation. In this anomaly, teeth in both primary and secondary dentitions are affected, and radiographically show short and blunted roots with obliterated root canals and periapical pathosis. Management of patients with DD has presented dentists with problems. Extraction has been suggested as a treatment alternative for teeth with pulp necrosis and periapical abscess. Follow‐up and routine conservative treatment is another choice of treatment plan in DD. Another approach for the treatment of teeth with DD has included periapical surgery and retrograde filling, which is recommended in the teeth with long roots. The purpose of this report is to present an unusual case of dentinal dysplasia Type I in a 22‐year‐old woman showing upper and lower teeth with obliterated root canals and periapical radiolucencies. In this case, conventional endodontic treatment was performed. Postoperative radiographs and clinical evaluation demonstrated periapical healing and successful results. Based on the results of this case report, conventional endodontic treatment for cases with pulp necrosis and periapical radiolucencies in dentinal dysplasia is highly recommended.
Conservative treatment of patients with periapical lesions associated with extraoral sinus tracts
Authors: Soares Janir Alves , De Carvalho Fabíola Bastos , Pappen Fernanda Geraldes , Araújo Gustavo Sivieri , De Pontes Lima Regina K. , Rodrigues Vivian M. Tellaroli , De Toledo Leonardo Renato
Published: August 2010

This paper describes the clinical courses of three cases with extra‐oral sinus tract formation, from diagnosis and treatment to short‐term follow‐up and evaluation. All teeth involved had periradicular radiolucent areas noted on radiographic examination and extra‐oral sinus tracts appearing on the chin with exudation and unpleasant aesthetic appearance. The adopted treatment protocol included treating the sinus tract surface simultaneously with the root canal therapy. After root canal shaping using 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution, calcium hydroxide‐based pastes associated with different vehicles were inserted into the root canal for 4 months, and were changed monthly. All the sinus tracts healed in 7 to 10 days. The apical lesions were completely repaired in a maximum period of 24 months. The treatment adopted provided a complete healing of the periapical lesions in a short follow‐up period. Surgical repair of the cutaneous sinus tract was therefore unnecessary.
The importance of ‘approaching’ older people: a grounded theory
Authors: Jonasson Lise‐Lotte , Berterö Carina
Published: August 2010

jonasson l‐l. & berterö c. (2012) The importance of ‘approaching’ older people: a grounded theory. International Journal of Older People Nursing7, 29–36  doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2010.00248.x

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to identify and describe the ethical values in caring encounters as experienced by older patients in their daily interaction with nurses in wards for older people.

Background.  Ethical values and morals are important aspects that influence the quality of care.

Methods.  Empirical observational study including follow‐up interviews. Twenty‐two older patients participated voluntarily in this study. Constant comparative analysis, the core foundation of grounded theory was used.

Results.  Five categories: being addressed, receiving respect, desiring to participate, increasing self‐determination and gaining self‐confidence formed the bases for the core category.

Approaching.  Approaching concerns how people become closer to each other in a physical space. It also includes how people become closer to each other in a dialogue, involving verbal or bodily communication.

Conclusions and relevance to clinical practice.  Approaching indicates the ethical values that guide nurses in their caring encounters with older patients. These values are noted by the patient and have an individual value as well as leading to improved quality of their care. The older patient will be confident and satisfied with the caring encounter if the desired components in the nurse's approaching are exhibited.
Physician Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Management: Practices in France vs the United States
Authors: Schuster Richard J. , Steichen Olivier , Ogunmoroti Oluseye , Ellison Sylvia , Terwoord Nancy , Duhot Didier , Beaufils Michel
Published: August 2010

Cardiovascular risk factor management by French vs US primary care physicians was studied. A survey was conducted that found that French physicians spend >20 minutes while US physicians spend five to 10 minutes (P<.001) addressing cardiovascular risk with patients. Fifty‐three percent of French (vs 33% of US) physicians focus more on lifestyle modification and less on medication management (P<.0001). Sixty‐nine percent of French physicians spend 0% to 20% of their time on administration while 65% of US physicians spend 10% to 30% (P=.0028). Fifty‐one percent of French physicians see patients in one to three months for follow‐up, while 51% of US physicians see patients in three to six months (P<.0001). Eighty‐seven percent of French (vs 39% of US) physicians have guidelines available in the examination room either frequently or very frequently. US physicians report disparities in care more frequently than do French physicians (P<.0001). Forty‐nine percent of French (vs 10% of US) physicians believe that they have relative freedom to practice medicine (P<.001). US physicians report greater administrative efforts, frustration, and disparities in their practice. French physicians focus more of their efforts on lifestyle management and see their patients more frequently and for a longer visit time. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:10–18. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of the Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrilata) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) by copro‐DNA diagnosis
Authors: JIANG WEIBIN , WANG XIAOMING , LI MIN , WANG ZHENGHUAN
Published: August 2010

Studies on feeding habits based on faeces dissecting are imperative to understand the natural history of Tibetan foxes and their functions in the transmission of a lethal zoonotic parasite, Echinococcus multilocularis. However, Tibetan foxes and red foxes live sympatrically on the Tibetan plateau, China. Therefore, the faeces of Tibetan foxes must be distinguished from those of red foxes. We established a diagnostic method to distinguish the faeces of the two species by amplifying a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cytb) and digesting with the restriction enzymes BamHI and SspI, to produce specific diagnostic banding patterns. This PCR‐RFLP assay enabled rapid, accurate and easily performed identification and differentiation of the two species.
Detection of species‐specific long VNTRs in mitochondrial control region and their application to identifying sympatric Hong Kong grouper (Epinephelus akaara) and yellow grouper (Epinephelus awoara)
Authors: HAN JIE , LV FENGHUA , CAI HOUCAI
Published: August 2010

Length variation and heteroplasmy were observed in PCR products of the first half of mtDNA control region of both Hong Kong grouper (Epinephelus akaara) and yellow grouper (Epinephelus awoara). DNA sequencing unveiled the phenomena were caused by the presence of species‐specific long variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs). This is the first report on the mtDNA VNTRs and their heteroplasmy in groupers. Moreover, these VNTRs are also the longest such structure found in teleost fish. Thereafter, we designed two species‐specific PCR reverse primers according to the 3′ end sequences of the VNTRs and successfully established assays for the identification of these two sympatric grouper species.
Infiltrating macrophages in extratumoural tissues after brachytherapy of uveal melanoma
Authors: Toivonen Päivi , Kivelä Tero
Published: August 2010

Purpose:  To compare distribution of macrophages in extratumoural ocular tissues in enucleated eyes with irradiated and nonirradiated uveal melanomas to find out how irradiation affects distribution of macrophages so as to gain insight into their potential routes of migration and changes in local inflammatory responses.

Methods:  Thirty‐four matched pairs of primarily enucleated nonirradiated and secondarily enucleated irradiated eyes with choroidal and ciliary body melanoma were stained with mAb PG‐M1, and the extratumoural immunopositive elements were counted under the microscope. Main outcome variables were the number of macrophages in the sclera underlying the tumour, in the choroid adjacent to the tumour, and in the ciliary body. The number of macrophage aggregates in the anterior ipsi‐ and contralateral episclera adjacent to the limbus was also counted.

Results:  Macrophages were more numerous within the sclera under the tumour in irradiated eyes when compared to primarily enucleated eyes (median 1514 versus 619/mm², p = 0.0001), and more aggregates of episcleral macrophages adjacent to the limbus were found after irradiation (ipsilateral side, median 132 versus 0, p = 0.0034; contralateral side, median 79 versus 0, p = 0.014). In primarily enucleated eyes, increasing numbers of tumour‐infiltrating macrophages were associated with presence of higher numbers of macrophages in the ciliary body (p = 0.003) and the adjacent choroid (p = 0.044), whereas in the irradiated eyes, increasing numbers of tumour‐infiltrating macrophages (p = 0.010) and increasing extent of necrosis (p < 0.001) were associated with higher numbers of intrascleral macrophages underlying the tumour.

Conclusions:  Resident macrophages are present in extratumoural tissues in eyes with uveal melanoma. Brachytherapy may alter their route of migration and increase the number of macrophages in the sclera and episclera. Histopathologically detectable episcleral aggregates of macrophages adjacent to the limbus are detected predominantly after irradiation, a population of which is clinically visible as episcleral deposits after irradiation.
Is Alcohol Consumption Associated with Male Urinary Incontinence?
Authors: LEE Andy H. , HIRAYAMA Fumi
Published: August 2010

Objectives: To investigate the association between alcohol consumption and urinary incontinence among Japanese men.

Methods: Seven hundred men aged 40–75 years were recruited from the community in middle and southern Japan. A validated food frequency questionnaire was administered face‐to‐face to obtain information on dietary intake and habitual alcohol consumption. Urinary incontinence status was ascertained using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form.

Results: Among the 683 eligible male participants, 49 men (7.2%) experienced urine leakage for the past 2.6 years (standard deviation [SD] 1.9). Their prevalence of alcohol drinking (beer, sake, shochu, wine, whisky) was lower than others without the condition, even though the daily mean ethanol intakes were similar between the two groups, 31.8 g (SD 45.4) and 31.3 g (SD 41.9), respectively. Relative to non‐drinkers, the adjusted odds of urinary incontinence were 0.43 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.96) for low ethanol intake, and up to 32 g per day and 0.53 (95% CI 0.22 to 1.28) for drinking, at most, one can (350 mL) of beer daily. However, higher levels of alcohol consumption had no significant benefit in reducing the incontinence risk.

Conclusion: The findings suggested an inverse association between urinary incontinence and low alcohol consumption particularly beer in middle‐aged and older Japanese men.
Endogenous insulin secretion even at a very low level contributes to the stability of blood glucose control in fulminant type 1 diabetes
Authors: Shibasaki Saeko , Imagawa Akihisa , Terasaki Jungo , Hanafusa Toshiaki
Published: August 2010

Fulminant type 1 diabetes is characterized by almost complete β‐cell destruction, resulting in scarce insulin secretion. In the present study, we aimed to clarify clinical features related to serum C‐peptide levels measured by a high sensitivity method, chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay, in 12 patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes. Serum C‐peptide was detected (0.007–0.10 nmol/L) in four patients and was not detected in eight patients. A negative correlation was observed between serum C‐peptide levels and daily dosages of insulin (P < 0.01). The patients with detectable C‐peptide showed a significantly lower M‐value than those without (P = 0.01). In conclusion, our present results suggest that even very low levels of endogenous insulin secreting capacity can improve daily dosages of insulin and stabilize blood glucose levels. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.0059.x, 2010)
Mild anemia is frequent and associated with micro‐ and macroangiopathies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ito Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Yuichiro , Ishida Hidenori , Otawa Aya , Shibayama Akane , Antoku Shinichi , Abe Mariko , Mifune Mizuo , Togane Michiko
Published: August 2010

Aims/Introduction:  The present study investigated the frequency of mild anemia, which is not an indication of intensive therapy using drugs, in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the association of mild anemia with diabetic complications.

Materials and Methods:  This is a cross‐sectional study of 1189 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level <13.5 g/dL in men and <12.0 g/dL in women. The patients with anemia were divided into two groups: (i) grade 1 anemia with a hemoglobin level ≥11.0 g/dL; and (ii) grade 2 anemia with a hemoglobin level <11.0 g/dL.

Results:  The prevalence of anemia increased with the progression of the stage of diabetic nephropathy and chronic kidney disease. The frequencies of diabetic micro‐ and macroangiopathies increased with the progression of anemia among 798 patients without anemia, 300 with grade 1 anemia and 91 with grade 2 anemia. Both grade 1 and grade 2 anemia were associated with diabetic micro‐ and macroangiopathies. They remained independently associated with diabetic retinopathy, coronary heart disease and peripheral arterial disease after adjustment by age, sex, body mass index, use of angiotensin II receptor blocker, estimated glomerular filtration rate and stage of diabetic nephropathy.

Conclusions:  Mild anemia is frequent and associated with micro‐ and macroangiopathies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is important to carry out intensive examinations for the detection of diabetic micro‐ and macroangiopathies in addition to evaluating the causes of anemia when mild anemia is found in patients with diabetes mellitus. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.00060.x, 2010)
Near‐field radiofrequency thermoacoustic tomography with impulse excitation
Authors: Razansky Daniel , Kellnberger Stephan , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: August 2010

Purpose:

Imaging performance of radiofrequency and microwave‐based thermoacoustic tomography systems is mainly determined by the ability to deposit a substantial amount of electromagnetic energy within ultrashort time duration. Pulses of nanosecond‐range duration that can carry hundreds of millijoules energy are ideal for obtaining good signal‐to‐noise and spatial resolution in many biological imaging applications. However, existing implementations are based on modulated‐carrier‐frequency amplification solutions, which are generally costly and cannot achieve ultrahigh‐peak‐power requirements essential for optimal thermoacoustic signal generation.

Methods:

Herein the authors suggest and experimentally validate a near‐field radiofrequency tomography (NRT) method for high resolution imaging of biological tissues using ultrashort electromagnetic impulses. The solution includes a low‐cost pulsing system while the imaged objects are placed in the near field of the energy‐emitting aperture for improved coupling using nonradiative fields.

Results:

In the current design, the authors were able to achieve excitation impulse energies of hundreds of millijoules with durations in the order of a few nanoseconds, corresponding to peak power levels of multiple megawatts. The phantom imaging experiments demonstrated image features with characteristic sizes of around, but the impulse durations used herein allow in principle spatial resolutions in the order of a few tens of microns when using an appropriate ultrasonic detection bandwidth.

Conclusions:

The proposed NRT method makes it possible to attain very high spatial resolution without compromising the thermoacoustic signal strength. This makes the imaging performance to be limited by the available bandwidth of the ultrasonic detector rather than by the microwave pulse duration. It is overall expected that the combination of pulsed near‐field coupling with optimal choice of energy dissipation elements will generate a practical modality that can scale its application to small and larger volumes alike, while optimally adjusting the resolution to match the acoustic resolution possible. Such an approach should find several applications in small animal and clinical imaging.
Improved accuracy of cortical bone mineralization measured by polychromatic microcomputed tomography using a novel high mineral density composite calibration phantom
Authors: Deuerling Justin M. , Rudy David J. , Niebur Glen L. , Roeder Ryan K.
Published: August 2010

Purpose:

Microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) is increasingly used as a nondestructive alternative to ashing for measuring bone mineral content. Phantoms are utilized to calibrate the measured x‐ray attenuation to discrete levels of mineral density, typically including levels up to, which encompasses levels of bone mineral density (BMD) observed in trabecular bone. However, levels of BMD observed in cortical bone and levels of tissue mineral density (TMD) in both cortical and trabecular bone typically exceed , requiring extrapolation of the calibration regression, which may result in error. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate (1) the relationship between x‐ray attenuation and an expanded range of hydroxyapatite (HA) density in a less attenuating polymer matrix and (2) the effects of the calibration on the accuracy of subsequent measurements of mineralization in human cortical bone specimens.

Methods:

A novel HA‐polymer composite phantom was prepared comprising a less attenuating polymer phase (polyethylene) and an expanded range of HA density inclusive of characteristic levels of BMD in cortical bone or TMD in cortical and trabecular bone. The BMD and TMD of cortical bone specimens measured using the new HA‐polymer calibration phantom were compared to measurements using a conventional HA‐polymer phantom comprising and the corresponding ash density measurements on the same specimens.

Results:

The HA‐polymer composite phantom exhibited a nonlinear relationship between x‐ray attenuation and HA density, rather than the linear relationship typically employeda priori, and obviated the need for extrapolation, when calibrating the measured x‐ray attenuation to high levels of mineral density. The BMD and TMD of cortical bone specimens measured using the conventional phantom was significantly lower than the measured ash density by 19% (, ANCOVA) and 33% (, Tukey's HSD), on average, respectively. The BMD and TMD of cortical bone specimens measured using the HA‐polymer phantom with an expanded range of HA density was significantly lower than the measured ash density by 8% (, ANCOVA) and 10% (, Tukey's HSD), on average, respectively.

Conclusions:

The new HA‐polymer calibration phantom with a less attenuating polymer and an expanded range of HA density resulted in a more accurate measurement of micro‐CT equivalent BMD and TMD in human cortical bone specimens compared to a conventional phantom, as verified by ash density measurements on the same specimens.
A simple method for estimating the noise level in a signal region of an MR image
Authors: Steckner Michael C.
Published: August 2010

Purpose:

A simple extension to the NEMA MS‐1 “difference of neighboring pixels” SNR method is presented, which can accurately determine the noise level within a signal region over a wide range of noise levels, image nonuniformities, and artifact levels, as demonstrated by simple simulations and experimental phantom images.

Methods:

The new method computes difference of neighboring pixels in the read, phase, and diagonal directions. The variance of these three sets of pixel differences appear to contain the simple sum of the underlying variance of noise and any additional component unique to the read and phase directions, respectively, while the diagonal set of pixel differences contains all three components. By solving a set of three equations with three unknowns, it is possible to extract the components and isolate the desired noise variance term.

Results:

Simulations show that the technique produces good results even when various artifact mechanisms present singly or jointly. Experimental results also demonstrate the technique works well but, depending on the severity of the artifact, cannot be guaranteed to always produce accurate results.

Conclusions:

Simulations and experimental results show the method to be accurate and robust. This method is applicable to multichannel receiver images, but not parallel reconstructed images.
A fast optimization algorithm for multicriteria intensity modulated proton therapy planning
Authors: Chen Wei , Craft David , Madden Thomas M. , Zhang Kewu , Kooy Hanne M. , Herman Gabor T.
Published: August 2010

Purpose:

To describe a fast projection algorithm for optimizing intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans and to describe and demonstrate the use of this algorithm in multicriteria IMPT planning.

Methods:

The authors develop a projection‐based solver for a class of convex optimization problems and apply it to IMPT treatment planning. The speed of the solver permits its use in multicriteria optimization, where several optimizations are performed which span the space of possible treatment plans. The authors describe a plan database generation procedure which is customized to the requirements of the solver. The optimality precision of the solver can be specified by the user.

Results:

The authors apply the algorithm to three clinical cases: A pancreas case, an esophagus case, and a tumor along the rib cage case. Detailed analysis of the pancreas case shows that the algorithm is orders of magnitude faster than industry‐standard general purpose algorithms (MOSEK's interior point optimizer, primal simplex optimizer, and dual simplex optimizer). Additionally, the projection solver has almost no memory overhead.

Conclusions:

The speed and guaranteed accuracy of the algorithm make it suitable for use in multicriteria treatment planning, which requires the computation of several diverse treatment plans. Additionally, given the low memory overhead of the algorithm, the method can be extended to include multiple geometric instances and proton range possibilities, for robust optimization.
Intracellular pH and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Hurtley Stella M.
Published: August 2010

Lipid signaling in yeast is regulated by intracellular pH.
Synthesis and Spectrum of the Neoglycoside ACHN-490
Authors: Aggen James B. , Armstrong Eliana S. , Goldblum Adam A. , Dozzo Paola , Linsell Martin S. , Gliedt Micah J. , Hildebrandt Darin J. , Feeney Lee Ann , Kubo Aya , Matias Rowena D. , Lopez Sara , Gomez Marcela , Wlasichuk Kenneth B. , Diokno Raymond , Miller George H. , Moser Heinz E.
Published: August 2010

ACHN-490 is a neoglycoside, or “next-generation” aminoglycoside (AG), that has been identified as a potentially useful agent to combat drug-resistant bacteria emerging in hospitals and health care facilities around the world. A focused medicinal chemistry campaign produced a collection of over 400 sisomicin analogs from which ACHN-490 was selected. We tested ACHN-490 against two panels of Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens, many of which harbored AG resistance mechanisms. Unlike legacy AGs, ACHN-490 was active against strains expressing known AG-modifying enzymes, including the three most common such enzymes found in
Enterobacteriaceae
. ACHN-490 inhibited the growth of AG-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(MIC
90
, ≤4 μg/ml), with the exception of
Proteus mirabilis
and indole-positive
Proteae
(MIC
90
, 8 μg/ml and 16 μg/ml, respectively). ACHN-490 was more active alone
in vitro
against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates with AG-modifying enzymes than against those with altered permeability/efflux. The MIC
90
of ACHN-490 against AG-resistant staphylococci was 2 μg/ml. Due to its promising
in vitro
and
in vivo
profiles, ACHN-490 has been advanced into clinical development as a new antibacterial agent.
A
mec
A
-Negative Strain of Methicillin-Resistant
S
taphylococcus
aureus
with High-Level β-Lactam Resistance Contains Mutations in Three Genes
Authors: Banerjee Ritu , Gretes Michael , Harlem Christopher , Basuino Li , Chambers Henry F.
Published: August 2010

We previously generated a ceftobiprole-resistant
S
taphylococcus
aureus
strain after high inoculum serial passage of a
mec
A
-negative variant of strain COL (R. Banerjee, M. Gretes, L. Basuino, N. Strynadka, and H. F. Chambers, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 52:2089-2096, 2008). Genome resequencing of this strain, CRB, revealed that it differs from its parent by five single-nucleotide polymorphisms in three genes, specifically, those encoding PBP4, a low-molecular-weight penicillin-binding protein, GdpP, a predicted signaling protein, and AcrB, a cation multidrug efflux transporter. CRB displayed resistance to a variety of β-lactams but was hypersusceptible to cefoxitin.
Comparative Analysis of
Myxococcus
Predation on Soil Bacteria
Authors: Morgan Andrew D. , MacLean R. Craig , Hillesland Kristina L. , Velicer Gregory J.
Published: August 2010

Predator-prey relationships among prokaryotes have received little attention but are likely to be important determinants of the composition, structure, and dynamics of microbial communities. Many species of the soil-dwelling myxobacteria are predators of other microbes, but their predation range is poorly characterized. To better understand the predatory capabilities of myxobacteria in nature, we analyzed the predation performance of numerous
Myxococcus
isolates across 12 diverse species of bacteria. All predator isolates could utilize most potential prey species to effectively fuel colony expansion, although one species hindered predator swarming relative to a control treatment with no growth substrate. Predator strains varied significantly in their relative performance across prey types, but most variation in predatory performance was determined by prey type, with Gram-negative prey species supporting more
Myxococcus
growth than Gram-positive species. There was evidence for specialized predator performance in some predator-prey combinations. Such specialization may reduce resource competition among sympatric strains in natural habitats. The broad prey range of the
Myxococcus
genus coupled with its ubiquity in the soil suggests that myxobacteria are likely to have very important ecological and evolutionary effects on many species of soil prokaryotes.
Broad Conservation of Milk Utilization Genes inBifidobacterium longumsubsp.infantisas Revealed by Comparative Genomic Hybridization
Authors: LoCascio Riccardo G. , Desai Prerak , Sela David A. , Weimer Bart , Mills David A.
Published: August 2010

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third-largest solid component of milk. Their structural complexity renders them nondigestible to the host but liable to hydrolytic enzymes of the infant colonic microbiota. Bifidobacteria and, frequently,Bifidobacterium longumstrains predominate the colonic microbiota of exclusively breast-fed infants. Among the three recognized subspecies ofB. longum,B. longumsubsp.infantisachieves high levels of cell growth on HMOs and is associated with early colonization of the infant gut. TheB. longumsubsp.infantisATCC 15697 genome features five distinct gene clusters with the predicted capacity to bind, cleave, and import milk oligosaccharides. Comparative genomic hybridizations (CGHs) were used to associate genotypic biomarkers among 15B. longumstrains exhibiting various HMO utilization phenotypes and host associations. Multilocus sequence typing provided taxonomic subspecies designations and grouped the strains betweenB. longumsubsp.infantisandB. longumsubsp.longum. CGH analysis determined that HMO utilization gene regions are exclusively conserved across allB. longumsubsp.infantisstrains capable of growth on HMOs and have diverged inB. longumsubsp.longumstrains that cannot grow on HMOs. These regions contain fucosidases, sialidases, glycosyl hydrolases, ABC transporters, and family 1 solute binding proteins and are likely needed for efficient metabolism of HMOs. Urea metabolism genes and their activity were exclusively conserved inB. longumsubsp.infantis. These results imply that theB. longumhas at least two distinct subspecies:B. longumsubsp.infantis, specialized to utilize milk carbon, andB. longumsubsp.longum, specialized for plant-derived carbon metabolism.
Bartonella
Genotypes in Fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) Collected from Rodents in the Negev Desert, Israel
Authors: Morick Danny , Krasnov Boris R. , Khokhlova Irina S. , Shenbrot Georgy I. , Kosoy Michael Y. , Harrus Shimon
Published: August 2010

Fleas collected from rodents in the Negev Desert in southern Israel were molecularly screened for
Bartonella
species. A total of 1,148 fleas, collected from 122 rodents belonging to six species, were pooled in 245 pools based on flea species, sex, and rodent host species. Two
Bartonella
gene fragments, corresponding to RNA polymerase B (
rpoB
) and citrate synthase (
gltA
), were targeted, and 94 and 74 flea pools were found positive by PCR, respectively. The
Bartonella
16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was also targeted, and 66 flea pools were found to be positive by PCR. Sixteen different
Bartonella gltA
genotypes were detected in 94 positive flea pools collected from 5 different rodent species, indicating that fleas collected from each rodent species can harbor several
Bartonella
genotypes. Based on
gltA
analysis, identified
Bartonella
genotypes were highly similar or identical to strains previously detected in rodent species from different parts of the world. A
gltA
fragment 100% similar to
Bartonella henselae
was detected in one flea pool. Another 2 flea pools contained
gltA
fragments that were closely related to
B. henselae
(98% similarity). The high sequence similarities to the zoonotic pathogen
B. henselae
warrant further investigation.
Development of a Genetic System for Combinatorial Biosynthesis of Lipopeptides in
Streptomyces fradiae
and Heterologous Expression of the A54145 Biosynthesis Gene Cluster
Authors: Alexander Dylan C. , Rock Jessica , He Xiaowei , Brian Paul , Miao Vivian , Baltz Richard H.
Published: August 2010

A54145 factors are calcium-dependent lipopeptide antibiotics produced by
Streptomyces fradiae
NRRL 18160. A54145 is structurally related to the clinically important daptomycin, and as such may be a useful scaffold for the development of a novel lipopeptide antibiotic. We developed methods to genetically manipulate
S. fradiae
by deletion mutagenesis and conjugal transfer of plasmids from
Escherichia coli
. Cloning the complete pathway on a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vector and the construction of ectopic
trans
-complementation with plasmids utilizing the φC31 or φBT1 site-specific integration system allowed manipulation of A54145 biosynthesis. The BAC clone pDA2002 was shown to harbor the complete A54145 biosynthesis gene cluster by heterologous expression in
Streptomyces ambofaciens
and
Streptomyces roseosporus
strains in yields of >100 mg/liter.
S. fradiae
mutants defective in LptI methyltransferase function were constructed, and they produced only A54145 factors containing glutamic acid (Glu
12
), at the expense of factors containing 3-methyl-glutamic acid (3mGlu
12
). This provided a practical route to produce high levels of pure Glu
12
-containing lipopeptides. A suite of mutant strains and plasmids was created for combinatorial biosynthesis efforts focused on modifying the A54145 peptide backbone to generate a compound with daptomycin antibacterial activity and activity in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
pulmonary infections.
Link between Phosphate Starvation and Glycogen Metabolism in
Corynebacterium glutamicum
, Revealed by Metabolomics
Authors: Woo Han Min , Noack Stephan , Seibold Gerd M. , Willbold Sabine , Eikmanns Bernhard J. , Bott Michael
Published: August 2010

In this study, we analyzed the influence of phosphate (P
i
) limitation on the metabolism of
Corynebacterium glutamicum
. Metabolite analysis by gas chromatography-time-of-flight (GC-TOF) mass spectrometry of cells cultivated in glucose minimal medium revealed a greatly increased maltose level under P
i
limitation. As maltose formation could be linked to glycogen metabolism, the cellular glycogen content was determined. Unlike in cells grown under P
i
excess, the glycogen level in P
i
-limited cells remained high in the stationary phase. Surprisingly, even acetate-grown cells, which do not form glycogen under P
i
excess, did so under P
i
limitation and also retained it in stationary phase. Expression of
pgm
and
glgC
, encoding the first two enzymes of glycogen synthesis, phosphoglucomutase and ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, was found to be increased 6- and 3-fold under P
i
limitation, respectively. Increased glycogen synthesis together with a decreased glycogen degradation might be responsible for the altered glycogen metabolism. Independent from these experimental results, flux balance analysis suggested that an increased carbon flux to glycogen is a solution for
C. glutamicum
to adapt carbon metabolism to limited P
i
concentrations.
Intentional injuries among Ugandan youth: a trauma registry analysis
Authors: Mutto Milton , Lett Ronald , Lawoko Stephen , Nansamba Catherine , Svanstrom Leif
Published: August 2010

Purpose

To determine intentional injury burden, incident characteristics, and outcomes among Ugandan youth.

Methods

A cross sectional analysis of trauma registry data from accident and emergency units of five regional referral hospitals was conducted. Data had been prospectively collected from all patients accessing injury care at the five sites between July 2004 and June 2005: youth records were analysed.

Results

Intentional injuries among youth victims, especially school-age males, are common in all five regions, constituting 7.3% of their injury burden with a male dominance. Intentional youth victimisation mainly occurred at home, on roads, and in public places; incidents were largely due to blunt force, stabs/cuts, and gunshots in general, although variations in causes were evident depending on age. Intentional injuries among the youth victims often manifested as head, neck, and face injuries: 2% were severe and there were 4%case fatalities at 2 weeks.

Conclusions and recommendations

Intentional injuries among youth victims, especially school-age males, are important contributors of injury burden in all five sites. Homes, roads, and public places are unsafe for Ugandan youth. Although guns were used in all five sites, less lethal mechanisms (blunt force, stabs/cuts, and burns) are the most common with variations between locations. Incidents involving teenage housewives could reflect underlying problem of domestic violence. Community based studies could be highly informative. Youth should be prioritised for prevention of injuries both in and out of school.
THE EFFECTIVE MASS OF STRONG-COUPLED POLARON IN AN ASYMMETRIC QUANTUM DOT INDUCED WITH RASHBA EFFECT
Authors: LI ZHI-XIN , XIAO JING-LIN , WANG HONG-YAN
Published: August 2010

In this paper, on the basis of Huybrechs' strong-coupled polaron model, Tokuda modified linear-combination operator and the unitary transformation methods are used to study the properties of the strong-coupled polaron considering the influence of Rashba effect, which is brought by the spin-orbit (SO) interaction, in the asymmetric quantum dot (QD). The expressions of the effective mass as a function of the transverse and longitudinal confinement strengths, the velocity and the vibration frequency were derived. Numerical calculation on the RbCl QD, as an example, is performed and the results show that the total effective mass of the polaron is composed of three parts. The interaction between the orbit and the spin with different directions has different effects on the effective mass of the polaron.
Puzzled: Solutions and sources
Authors: Winkler Peter
Published: August 2010

It's amazing how little we know about good old plane geometry. Last month (August 2010, p. 128) we posted a trio of brainteasers, including one as yet unsolved, concerning figures on a plane. Here, we offer solutions to two of them.
On interrupt scheduling based on process priority for predictable real-time behavior
Authors: Lee Minsub , Lee Juyoung , Shyshkalov Andrii , Seo Jaevaek , Hong Intaek , Shin Insik
Published: August 2010

Traditionally, kernel services are of a higher priority than user processes. The kernel can preempt the currently executed process in order to perform interrupt handling for the behalf of another process, even though the latter process is of a lower priority than the former. This can be viewed as priority inversion. We propose a new interrupt handling approach that couples interrupt scheduling with the priority of a process associated with the interrupt to handle. We present techniques to derive exact process priorities in handling interrupts for incoming network packets. The proposed approach has been implemented in Linux 2.6, and experiment results show that it reduces interference of lower priority processes to higher-priority process through interrupt handling.
Towards biologically inspired decentralized self-adaptive OS services for distributed Reconfigurable System on Chip (RSoC)
Authors: Samara Sufyan , Orfanus Dalimir , Janacik Peter
Published: August 2010

Distributed RSoCs are the next step towards a new generation of embedded systems. Applications running on heterogeneous distributed RSoCs require an OS which dynamically adapts to their variable demands. In this paper, we present a novel decentralized OS service design, which enables OS adaptiveness, resource sharing, and reconfigurability on distributed RSoCs. The challenges faced by this design are classified and discussed. To cope with them, biologically inspired algorithms, e.g. for service discovery, are adopted, which use only local information provided by an RSoC and its direct neighbors.
Reusable and architecture-neutral virtual communication interface for embedded systems
Authors: Mohsen Amjad , Brandt Jochen
Published: August 2010

In this paper, a functional model of a virtual communication interface (VCI) for embedded systems is presented. It hides the underlying communication technology from the application. The communication bus can then be changed without worrying about its users and without the need to rewrite the application. The VCI is co-designed in hardware/software to improve performance considering architectural issues and the needs of the application. Communication buses widely used in embedded systems are used to test the applicability of this VCI. The experimental results demonstrate that with careful co-design, the VCI is not only reusable but also can remarkably improve the overall performance.
Kalimucho
Authors: Cassagnes Cyril , Roose Philippe , Dalmau Marc
Published: August 2010

This paper presents a software platform (called Kalimucho) for mobile and embedded hardware. The architecture of such application is based on two component models: Osagaia for software containers and Korrontea for connector containers. Kalimucho uses service factory permitting the creation of instances of software components. This factory allows making the most suitable configuration according to services decision managing reconfiguration. The reconfiguration service decisions depend on data sent by control interfaces and the users defined rules (via the platform and control interfaces).
A reconfigurable platform architecture for an automotive multiple-target tracking system
Authors: Harb Naim , Niar Smail , Khan Jehangir , Saghir Mazen A. R.
Published: August 2010

This paper reports on our progress in developing a dynamically reconfigurable processing platform for an automotive multiple-target tracking (MTT) system. In addition to motivating our work, we present an overview of our design, some preliminary results, and report on the status of our work.