bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention and treatment of DNA vaccine encoding cockroach allergen Bla g 1 in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Zhou B. , Ensell M. , Zhou Y. , Nair U. , Glickstein J. , Kermany M. H. , Cai Q. , Cai C. , Liu W. , Deng Y.‐P. , Kakigi A. , Barbieri M. , Mora M. , Kanangat S. , Yoo T. J.
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Zhou B, Ensell M, Zhou Y, Nair U, Glickstein J, Kermany MH, Cai Q, Cai C, Liu W, Deng Y‐P, Kakigi A, Barbieri M, Mora M, Kanangat S, Yoo TJ. Prevention and treatment of DNA vaccine encoding cockroach allergen Bla g 1 in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. Allergy 2012; 67: 166–174.

Background:  One‐fourth of the US population is sensitized to the German cockroach. Primary German cockroach allergen Bla g 1 is detected in 63% of homes and 52% of childcare facilities in the United States. No effective treatment or vaccination strategies are yet available.

Objectives:  We evaluated the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of a plasmid DNA‐mediated vaccination using the Bla g 1 gene in a mouse model of allergic inflammatory airway disease.

Methods:  A plasmid DNA vector coding for the Bla g 1 allergen controlled by cytomegalovirus promoter was constructed. To estimate the protective efficacy, BALB/c mice were given three injections of plasmid DNA–Bla g 1 prior to sensitization with two priming doses of recombinant Bla g 1 (rBla g 1) antigens, followed by nebulized rBla g 1 challenge. In the therapeutic approach, sensitization was followed by administering Bla g 1 DNA vaccine.

Results:  Bla g 1 vaccination significantly reduced allergen‐induced airway inflammation, even after mice were presensitized and a Th2‐dominant response was established. The Bla g 1 vaccination significantly reduced total inflammatory cell infiltrate, eosinophilia, secretion of Th2 cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐5 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, allergen‐induced inflammatory infiltrates in the lungs, and Bla g 1‐specific IgE in serum upon challenge with rBla g 1. Importantly, Bla g 1 DNA vaccination was able to induce IL‐10‐secreting regulatory T cells that could suppress the allergen‐specific Th2 cells.

Conclusion:  DNA vaccination showed protective and therapeutic efficacy against a clinically relevant allergen Bla g 1.
Self‐reported non‐adherence to immune‐suppressant therapy in liver transplant recipients: demographic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal factors
Authors: Lamba Sangeeta , Nagurka Roxanne , Desai Kunj K. , Chun Shaun J. , Holland Bart , Koneru Baburao
Published: September 2011

Lamba S, Nagurka R, Desai KK, Chun SJ, Holland B, Koneru B. Self‐reported non‐adherence to immune‐suppressant therapy in liver transplant recipients: demographic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal factors.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01489.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Adherence to immune suppressants and follow‐up care regimen is important in achieving optimal long‐term outcomes after organ transplantation. To identify patients most at risk for non‐adherence, this cross‐sectional, descriptive study explores the prevalence and correlates of non‐adherence to immune‐suppressant therapy among liver recipients. Anonymous questionnaires mailed consisted of the domains: (i) adherence barriers to immune suppressants, (ii) immune suppressants knowledge, (iii) demographics, (iv) social support, (v) medical co‐morbidities, and (vi) healthcare locus of control and other beliefs. Overall response was 49% (281/572). Data analyzed for those transplanted within 10 yr of study reveal 50% (119/237) recipients or 9.2/100 person years reporting non‐adherence. Non‐adherence was reported highest in the 2–5 yr post‐transplant phase (69/123, 56%). The highest immune‐suppressant non‐adherence rates were in recipients who are: divorced (26/34, 76%, p = 0.0093), have a history of substance or alcohol use (42/69, 61%, p = 0.0354), have mental health needs (50/84, 60%, p = 0.0336), those who missed clinic appointments (25/30, 83%, p < 0.0001), and did not maintain medication logs (71/122, 58%, p = 0.0168). Respondents who were non‐adherent with physician appointments were more than four and a half times as likely (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.5–14.7, p = 0.008) to be non‐adherent with immune suppressants. In conclusion, half of our respondents report non‐adherence to immune suppressants. Factors identified may assist clinicians to gauge patients’ non‐adherence risk and target resources.
Hepatitis E virus: an underdiagnosed cause of chronic hepatitis in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Halleux D. , Kanaan N. , Kabamba B. , Thomas I. , Hassoun Z.
Published: September 2011

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can evolve to chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised patients leading to rapidly progressive cirrhosis. Proper diagnosis is therefore important, as reducing immunosuppressive therapy can allow clearance of the virus. We report a case of chronic HEV infection in a renal transplant recipient that went undiagnosed for many years, discuss the therapeutic options, and review the current available literature.
Presumed cytomegalovirus‐associated retrobulbar optic neuritis in a patient after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Zheng X. , Huang Y. , Wang Z. , Yan H. , Pan S. , Wang H.
Published: September 2011

A case of cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐associated bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis (ON) following haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo‐HSCT) is reported. Abrupt onset of bilateral decreased vision occurred in a 33‐year‐old man 7 months after haplo‐HSCT. His cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated pleocytosis with an absence of leukemic cells. CMV DNA was detected in his blood and CSF sample. Neither encephalopathy nor retinopathy was found in this patient. He was diagnosed with bilateral retrobulbar ON. Although he was given enough antiviral treatment against CMV and immunosuppression with high‐dose methylprednisolone, the patient's vision showed no improvement, and he has almost total bilateral blindness. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of CMV‐associated bilateral retrobulbar ON in allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Mapping of tms8 gene for temperature‐sensitive genic male sterility (TGMS) in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Hussain Appibhai J. , Ali Jauhar , Siddiq Ebrahimali A. , Gupta Vidya S. , Reddy Umesh K. , Ranjekar Prabhakar K.
Published: September 2011

With 3 figures

Genetic analysis of F2 and backcross populations of an induced temperature‐sensitive genic male sterility (TGMS) mutant source F 61 with normal pollen parents revealed that TGMS trait was controlled by a single recessive gene. Molecular tagging of TGMS trait was attempted using polymorphic randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers through bulked segregant analysis. The RAPD primers UBC 345830, UBC 313927, microsatellites RM224 and RM21 produced putative markers, which differentiate parents and bulks from sterile parent and sterile bulks. The RAPD analysis of individual F2 plants with the primer UBC345830 showed perfect marker–phenotype cosegregation. The 830‐bp RAPD fragment, which segregated with TGMS locus at a distance of 1.33 cM, was eluted and cloned, and sequence information was used for designing sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) primer, which cosegregated with TGMS locus at a distance of 0.8 cM. TGMS locus was mapped onto chromosome 11 using RM21 and RM224, flanking it at a distance of 4.3 and 3.0 cM, respectively. The DNA markers tightly linked to TGMS gene (tms8) in F 61 can be cost effectively used for marker‐assisted selection of TGMS trait.
A Polyorchid Dog
Authors: Tamminen TM , Leinonen MR , Käck H , Andersson M
Published: September 2011

Contents

The case of a polyorchid Irish Setter is presented here. Castration and intra‐abdominal testis removal were performed one year of age when one scrotal and one cryptorchid testis near the right inguinal canal were removed. Later it became apparent that there was still testosterone production. A third testis, abdominal cryptorchid, was found on the right side cranially and right to the bladder. The third testis had a strong cranial suspensory ligament and the tail of the epididymis was elongated. The ductus deferens did not enter the prostate but followed the gubernaculum to the inguinal canal near the stump of the previous operation on the caudal right testis. This suggests that two right cryptorchid testes had common ductus deferens.
X‐ray fluorescence elemental mapping and microscopy to follow hepatic disposition of a Gd‐based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent
Authors: Delfino Riccarda , Altissimo Matteo , Menk Ralf Hendrik , Alberti Roberto , Klatka Tomasz , Frizzi Tommaso , Longoni Antonio , Salomè Murielle , Tromba Giuliana , Arfelli Fulvia , Clai Milan , Vaccari Lisa , Lorusso Vito , Tiribelli Claudio , Pascolo Lorella
Published: September 2011

1. Spatially resolved X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation is a technique that allows imaging and quantification of chemical elements in biological specimens with high sensitivity. In the present study, we applied XRF techniques at a macro and micro level to carry out drug distribution studies on ex vivo models to confirm the hepatobiliary disposition of the Gd‐based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent B22956/1.

2. Gd presence was selectively quantified allowing the determination of the time dependent disappearance of the drug from blood and its hepatic accumulation in mice after administration. Elemental mapping highlighted the drug distribution differences between healthy and diseased livers. XRF microanalyses showed that in CCl4‐induced hepatitis, B22956/1 has greatly reduced hepatic accumulation, shown as a 20‐fold reduction of Gd presence. Furthermore, a significant increase of Fe presence was found in steatotic compared with healthy livers, in line with the disease features.

3. The present results show that XRF might be useful in preclinical pharmacological studies with drugs containing exogenous elements. Furthermore, quantitative and high‐sensitivity elemental mapping allows simultaneous detection of chemical variation, showing pathological conditions. This approach was useful in suggesting reduced B22956/1 accumulation in steatotic livers, thus opening possible new diagnostic perspectives for this drug.
Application of colour Doppler in encircling constriction of the superficial femoral vein in primary deep venous insufficiency of the lower limbs
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Ling , Yi Jun , Yao Qing , Chen Jiang‐Hao , Yuan Shi‐Fang , Zhang Ju‐Liang , Yun Jun , Han Zeng‐Hui , Ren Jun , Ling Rui
Published: September 2011

1. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical value of colour Doppler application in encircling constriction of the superficial femoral vein in deep vein insufficiency.

2. A total of 87 patients with primary deep venous insufficiency (PDVI) using ascending venography were randomly divided into group A (44 patients) and group B (43 patients). All patients underwent encircling constriction of the superficial femoral vein, high ligation and ablation of the great saphenous vein and perforator vein. The duration of venous reflux at operation was monitored with colour Doppler in group A (but not group B) to evaluate the immediate effects. Clinical grading and scoring of the clinical, etiological, anatomical, pathophysiological (CEAP) classification system were used to evaluate the follow‐up curative effect.

3. In four cases from group A, completely destroyed valves were identified at the time of operation and autografting of the vein segment with a valve was carried out. The intraoperative examination of colour Doppler in group A showed a much shorter duration of vein reflux after the encircling constriction procedure than the presurgery condition. According to the results of CEAP grading, the success rate of group A (95.0%, 38/40) was significantly higher than that of group B (76.7%, 33/43). Postoperative clinical scores were markedly lower than preoperative scores in both groups A and B.

4. In conclusion, our data suggest that application of colour Doppler in encircling constriction of superficial femoral vein might enhance surgical pertinence and improve surgical effect for PDVI.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa sensor RetS switches Type III and Type VI secretion via c‐di‐GMP signalling
Authors: Moscoso Joana A. , Mikkelsen Helga , Heeb Stephan , Williams Paul , Filloux Alain
Published: September 2011

Acute bacterial infections are associated with motility and cytotoxicity via the type III secretion system (T3SS), while chronic infections are linked to biofilm formation and reduced virulence. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the transition between motility and sessility involves regulatory networks including the RetS/GacS sensors, as well as the second messenger c‐di‐GMP. The RetS/GacS signalling cascade converges on small RNAs, RsmY and RsmZ, which control a range of functions via RsmA. A retS mutation induces biofilm formation, and high levels of c‐di‐GMP produce a similar response. In this study, we connect RetS and c‐di‐GMP pathways by showing that the retS mutant displays high levels of c‐di‐GMP. Furthermore, a retS mutation leads to repression of the T3SS, but also upregulates the type VI secretion system (T6SS), which is associated with chronic infections. Strikingly, production of the T3SS and T6SS can be switched by artificially modulating c‐di‐GMP levels. We show that the diguanylate cyclase WspR is specifically involved in the T3SS/T6SS switch and that RsmY and RsmZ are required for the c‐di‐GMP‐dependent response. These results provide a firm link between the RetS/GacS and the c‐di‐GMP pathways, which coordinate bacterial lifestyles, as well as secretion systems that determine the infection strategy of P. aeruginosa.
Proportion of patients at HbA1c target <7% with eight classes of antidiabetic drugs in type 2 diabetes: systematic review of 218 randomized controlled trials with 78 945 patients
Authors: Esposito K. , Chiodini P. , Bellastella G. , Maiorino M. I. , Giugliano D.
Published: September 2011

Aim: We assessed the efficacy of eight classes of diabetes medications used in current clinical practice [metformin, sulphonylureas, α‐glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, glinides, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogues and insulin analogues] to reach the HbA1c target <7% in type 2 diabetes.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception through April 2011 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving antidiabetic drugs. RCTs had to report the effect of any diabetes medication on the HbA1c levels, to include at least 30 subjects in every arm of the study, and to report the effect of therapy after a minimum of 12 weeks. Data were summarized across studies using random‐effects meta‐regression.

Results: A total of 218 RCTs (339 arms and 77 950 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The proportion of patients who achieved the HbA1c goal ranged from 25.9% (95% CI 18.5–34.9) with α‐glucosidase inhibitors to 63.2% (54.1–71.5) with the long‐acting GLP‐1 analogue. There was a progressive decrease of the proportion of patients at target for each 0.5% increase in baseline HbA1c, ranging from 57.8% for HbA1c ≤7.5% to 20.8% for HbA1c ≥10% (p for trend <0.0001), with some difference between insulin and non‐insulin drugs: for insulin, the proportion of patients at goal reached a plateau for basal HbA1c value >9.0% with no further decrease, whereas for non‐insulin drugs the relationship was continuous without any evidence of plateau.

Conclusions: There is a considerable variability with regard to attainment of HbA1c goal of <7% among the different classes of diabetes medications; baseline HbA1c is an important determinant of observed efficacy.
Does theory of mind performance differ in children with early‐onset and regressive autism?
Authors: Matthews Nicole L. , Goldberg Wendy A. , Lukowski Angela F. , Osann Kathryn , Abdullah Maryam M. , Ly Agnes R. , Thorsen Kara , Anne Spence M.
Published: September 2011

A deficit in theory of mind (ToM), or the ability to infer the mental states of others, has been implicated as one of the major characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); however, little attention has been devoted to possible differences in ToM ability within ASD. The current study examined ToM performance in children with early‐onset autism and regressive autism in comparison to typically developing children. Results indicated that children in the regressive autism group performed significantly better than the early‐onset autism group on the non‐verbal appearance–reality task. Additionally, Fisher’s exact tests indicated a pattern of lowest scores in the early‐onset group and highest scores in the typically developing group, whereas the regressive autism group tended to score in between the early‐onset and typically developing groups. The apparent heterogeneity in ToM performance within ASD could account for the lack of universality in ToM ability found in previous studies.
Action production influences 12‐month‐old infants’ attention to others’ actions
Authors: Cannon Erin N. , Woodward Amanda L. , Gredebäck Gustaf , von Hofsten Claes , Turek Colleen
Published: September 2011

Recent work implicates a link between action control systems and action understanding. In this study, we investigated the role of the motor system in the development of visual anticipation of others’ actions. Twelve‐month‐olds engaged in behavioral and observation tasks. Containment activity, infants’ spontaneous engagement in producing containment actions; and gaze latency, how quickly they shifted gaze to the goal object of another’s containment actions, were measured. Findings revealed a positive relationship: infants who received the behavior task first evidenced a strong correlation between their own actions and their subsequent gaze latency of another’s actions. Learning over the course of trials was not evident. These findings demonstrate a direct influence of the motor system on online visual attention to others’ actions early in development.
Selected eating behaviours and excess body weight: a systematic review
Authors: Mesas A. E. , Muñoz‐Pareja M. , López‐García E. , Rodríguez‐Artalejo F.
Published: September 2011

The relationship between obesity and the intake of macronutrients and specific foods is uncertain. Thus, there is growing interest in some eating behaviours because they may reflect the joint effect of several foods and nutrients and, thus, increase the likelihood of finding a link to obesity. This study examined the association between selected eating behaviours and excess weight in the general population throughout a systematic review of publications written in English, Spanish or Portuguese identified in a PubMed search up to 31 December 2010. We included 153 articles, 73 of which have been published since 2008. Only 30 studies had a prospective design; of these, 15 adjusted for sociodemographic variables, physical activity and energy or food intake. Moreover, definitions of eating behaviours varied substantially across studies. We found only small or inconsistent evidence of a relationship between excess weight and skipping breakfast, daily eating frequency, snacking, irregular meals, eating away from home, consumption of fast food, takeaway food intake, consumption of large food portions, eating until full and eating quickly. In conclusion, this review highlights the difficulty in measuring human behaviour, and suggests that a more systematic approach is needed for capturing the effects of eating behaviours on body weight.
Government regulation to promote healthy food environments – a view from inside state governments
Authors: Shill J. , Mavoa H. , Allender S. , Lawrence M. , Sacks G. , Peeters A. , Crammond B. , Swinburn B.
Published: September 2011

Food policy interventions are an important component of obesity‐prevention strategies and can potentially drive positive changes in obesogenic environments. This study sought to identify regulatory interventions targeting the food environment, and barriers/facilitators to their implementation at the Australian state government level. In‐depth interviews were conducted with senior representatives from state/territory governments, statutory authorities and non‐government organizations (n = 45) to examine participants' (i) suggestions for regulatory interventions for healthier food environments and (ii) support for pre‐selected regulatory interventions derived from a literature review. Data were analysed using thematic and constant comparative analyses. Interventions commonly suggested by participants were regulating unhealthy food marketing; limiting the density of fast food outlets; pricing reforms to decrease fruit/vegetable prices and increase unhealthy food prices; and improved food labelling. The most commonly supported pre‐selected interventions were related to food marketing and service. Primary production and retail sector interventions were least supported. The dominant themes were the need for whole‐of‐government and collaborative approaches; the influence of the food industry; conflicting policies/agenda; regulatory challenges; the need for evidence of effectiveness; and economic disincentives. While interventions such as public sector healthy food service policies were supported by participants, marketing restrictions and fiscal interventions face substantial barriers including a push for deregulation and private sector opposition.
Life quality of Chinese patients with chronic urticaria as assessed by the dermatology life quality index
Authors: Liu J.‐B. , Yao M.‐Z. , Si A.‐L. , Xiong L.‐K. , Zhou H.
Published: September 2011

Background  No report focused on the life quality of Chinese patients with chronic urticaria (CU). It was also due to lack of data to assess the usage of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in Chinese patients.

Objectives  We explored the quality of life (QoL) of Chinese patients with CU and assessed the factor structure and reliability of the Chinese version of the DLQI.

Methods  The DLQI scores were recorded to evaluate the life quality of out‐patients with CU. The reliability and the factor structure of the DLQI were assessed using reliability analysis and factor analysis.

Results  A total of 131 patients completed the DLQI. The mean score was 9.93 that was significantly associated with the patient’s age (P = 0.01). Chronic urticaria had the greatest effect on the ‘Syndrome and Feeling’ (50.64%), followed by ‘Work/School’ (41.98%). A reliability analysis showed that the value of the Cronbach’sα reached 0.85 if item 1 in the DLQI was excluded. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis indicated that there were two latent common factors underlying the items in the questionnaire.

Conclusions  Chronic urticaria has a moderate impact on the life quality. More attention should be paid to the interference from item 1 in assessing the QoL by the DLQI, although it remains a concise tool with high reliability.
Associations between eNOS polymorphisms and susceptibility to Behcet’s disease: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Y.H. , Song G.G.
Published: September 2011

Objective  To determine whether endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) polymorphisms confer susceptibility to Behcet’s disease (BD).

Methods  A meta‐analysis was conducted on the associations between the G894T and 4b/a polymorphisms of eNOS and BD using: (i) the allele contrast, (ii) the recessive model, (iii) the dominant model and (iv) the additive model.

Results  A total of eight studies, which included 841 cases and 866 controls, were included in the meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis of the G894T polymorphism revealed no association with BD in all study subjects or in Turkish and Asian populations. However, one Tunisian study of the T allele showed a significant association with BD (OR = 0.707, 95% CI = 0.510–0.980, P = 0.038), but the OR of the T allele among Tunisians was lower, whereas it was higher in Europeans (OR = 2.129, 95% CI = 1.407–3.220, P = 0.0003). Meta‐analysis showed no association between BD and the 4b/a polymorphism in all study subjects. Stratification by ethnicity indicated no significant association between the a allele of the 4b/a polymorphism and BD in Turkish and Asian populations.

Conclusions  This meta‐analysis shows that the eNOS G894T and the 4b/a polymorphisms are not associated with BD in the Turkish and Asian populations. These data suggest that the G894T and the 4b/a polymorphisms may not confer susceptibility to BD in the Turkish and Asian populations.
Cross‐talk between human mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) and rat hippocampal slices in LPS‐stimulated cocultures: the MSCs are activated to secrete prostaglandin E2
Authors: Foraker Jessica E. , Oh Joo Youn , Ylostalo Joni H. , Lee Ryang Hwa , Watanabe Jun , Prockop Darwin J.
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 1052–1063.

Mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) improve functional outcome in a number of disease models through suppression of inflammation. However, their effects on neuroinflammation are unknown. In this study, we show that MSCs suppress endotoxin‐induced glial activation in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs). Lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated OHSCs activated MSCs to increase the expression of cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 and produce prostaglandin E2. MSC‐derived prostaglandin E2, then suppressed pro‐inflammatory cytokine production by the OHSCs. Together, the results suggest the potential anti‐inflammatory mechanism of MSCs in models of disease and support earlier observations that MSCs may offer a therapy for neuroinflammation produced by trauma or disease.
Technetium‐99m‐labelled HL91 and technetium‐99m‐labelled MIBI SPECT imaging for the detection of ischaemic viable myocardium: a preliminary study
Authors: Liu Min , Ma Zhanhong , Guo Xiaojuan , Zhu Jianguo , Su Jun
Published: September 2011

Purpose:  The assessment of myocardial viability has become an important aspect of the diagnostic and prognostic work‐up of patients with coronary artery disease. Technetium‐99m labelled sestamibi (99mTc‐MIBI) myocardial perfusion imaging may underestimate the viability of ischaemic myocardium. Technetium‐99m labelled 4,9‐diaza‐3,3,10,10‐tetramethyldodecan‐2,11‐dione dioxime (99mTc‐HL91) is a hypoxia‐avid agent which can identify acutely ischaemic viable myocardium in a canine model using a standard gamma camera. The aim of this study was to evaluate uptake character of ischaemic viable myocardium and diagnostic performance of single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging by 99mTc‐HL91 and 99mTc‐MIBI in detecting ischaemic viable myocardium in coronary heart disease.

Methods:  A total of 41 patients with coronary artery disease were recruited from March 2008 to May 2009. For detecting ischaemic viable myocardium, SPECT imaging by 99mTc‐HL91 and 99mTc‐MIBI were performed in all patients before coronary revascularization. Six patients with single ischaemic myocardial segment received a 2‐day SEPCT/CT imaging protocol and the uptake of 99mTc‐HL91 in ischaemic myocardium was quantitatively analysed. The remaining 35 patients received a 1‐day 99mTc‐HL91 and 99mTc‐MIBI SPECT imaging protocol. Resting 99mTc‐MIBI myocardial perfusion imaging in 3–18 months after revascularization was used as the standard methodology to evaluate the myocardial viability.

Results:  In 41 patients, 66 ischaemic myocardial segments were proven to be viable and 12 to be necrotic by resting 99mTc‐MIBI myocardial perfusion imaging after coronary revascularization. Furthermore, 60 viable segments with negative uptake of 99mTc‐MIBI showed positive uptake of 99mTc‐HL91. The remaining six viable segments and 12 necrotic segments showed both negative uptake of 99mTc‐HL91 and 99mTc‐MIBI. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, Younden Index, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for evaluating ischaemic viable myocardium were 90·9%, 100%, 92·3%, 90·9%, 100% and 66·7%, respectively. Ischaemic viable myocardium had the negative 99mTc‐MIBI uptake and positive 99mTc‐HL91 uptake, which demonstrated a mismatched uptake character. Quantitative analysis indicated the uptake of 99mTc‐HL91 in viable myocardium was increasing in the first 1–3 h and remained stable at the 3–4 h after injection.

Conclusion:  Functional SPECT imaging with 99mTc‐HL91 and 99mTc‐MIBI can be used to detect the seriously ischaemic but viable myocardium with a mismatched uptake character. The uptake of 99mTc‐HL91 in the viable myocardium reached a stable level at 3–4 h after injection.
Family Structure and Child Health Outcomes in the United States*
Authors: Bass Loretta E. , Warehime M. Nicole
Published: September 2011

We use categorical and logistic regression models to investigate the extent that family structure affects children’s health outcomes at age five (i.e., child’s type of health insurance coverage, the use of a routine medical doctor, and report of being in excellent health) using a sample of 4,898 children from the Fragile Families and Child Well‐Being Study. We find that children with married biological parents are most likely to have private health insurance compared with each of three other relationship statuses. With each additional child in the home, a child is less likely to have private insurance compared with no insurance and Medicaid insurance. Children with cohabiting biological parents are less likely to have a routine doctor compared with children of married biological parents, yet having additional children in the household is not associated with having a routine doctor. Children with biological parents who are not romantically involved and those with additional children in the household are less likely to be in excellent health, all else being equal.
Comparison of Preload‐Sensitive Pressure and Flow Controller Strategies for a Dual Device Biventricular Support System
Authors: Gaddum Nicholas Richard , Timms Daniel Lee , Stevens Michael , Mason David , Lovell Nigel , Fraser John F.
Published: September 2011

The use of rotary left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) has extended to destination and recovery therapy for end‐stage heart failure. Incidence of right ventricular failure while on LVAD support requires a second device be implanted to support the failing right ventricle. Without a commercially available implantable rotary right ventricular assist device, rotary LVADs are cannulated into the right heart and operation modified to provide suitable support for the pulmonary system. While this approach can alleviate the demand for transplant through long‐term biventricular support, it uncovers a new challenge with respect to controller strategies for these dual device support systems. This study compares the preload sensitivity of rotary, dual device biventricular assistance controllers in light of their ability to adjust the flow rate according to physiological demand. A Frank–Starling‐like flow controller which requires both inlet pressure and flow sensors is compared to pressure controllers which maintain atrial or inlet cannula pressures through the use of a single pressure sensor. It was found that cannula selection and the location of a pressure controller's single pressure sensor can be tailored to adjust the preload sensitivity. When located within the atria, this sensitivity is effectively infinite. Moving the sensor to the base of a 450‐mm cannula, however, decreased the sensitivity to 0.22 (L/min)/mm Hg. This indicates the potential for simple and reliable VAD controllers with increased preload sensitivity without the need for complex controllers requiring an array of hemodynamic sensors.
Image Recognition With a Limited Number of Pixels for Visual Prostheses Design
Authors: Li Sheng , Hu Jie , Chai Xinyu , Peng Yinghong
Published: September 2011

With the rapid development and crossover among the information science, microelectronics, material science, and biomedical disciplines, the visual prosthesis makes visual reparation possible. Because the number of stimulation electrodes is strictly limited by various complicated factors, it is necessary to determine the minimum visual requirements to achieve useful artificial vision for image recognition. This research has studied how many pixels individual images need to have to be correctly and economically recognized by blind subjects. In order to extract the figure of the image with a limited number of pixels, we have proposed a wavelet‐based image processing methods, and six resolutions (8 × 8, 16 × 16, 24 × 24, 32 × 32, 48 × 48, and 64 × 64) are investigated. Psychophysical experiments have been designed to verify our proposed image processing method and to investigate the recognition accuracy with a limited number of pixels. The results show that the recognition accuracy increases with the number of pixels. The recognition accuracy varied with tested images, when a resolution of 24 × 24 was used: six of the eight image objects were recognized with an accuracy of >50%, and the remaining two of the eight image objects were recognized with an accuracy of <50%. Moreover, when the resolution is more than 32 × 32, the increase of the recognition accuracy is no longer obvious. We also have investigated the impact of different perspectives of the same object to the recognition accuracy. The experiment shows that providing multiview image sequences, subjects can receive more visual information to obtain higher recognition accuracy.
Effects of Acetate‐Free Citrate‐Containing Dialysate on Metabolic Acidosis, Anemia, and Malnutrition in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kuragano Takahiro , Kida Aritoshi , Furuta Minoru , Yahiro Mana , Kitamura Rie , Otaki Yoshinaga , Nonoguchi Hiroshi , Matsumoto Akihide , Nakanishi Takeshi
Published: September 2011

Previously, dialysate contained small amounts of acetate as an alkaline buffer. Recently, acetate‐free dialysate (A[−]D) has been available. We evaluated the clinical effect of A(−)D over acetate‐containing dialysate (A(+)D) on acid–base balance, anemia, and nutritional status in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Twenty‐nine patients on MHD were treated with A(+)D for 4 months (first A(+)D), switched to A(−)D for 4 months, and returned to A(+)D for the next 4‐month period (second A(+)D). Metabolic acidosis: Serum bicarbonate (HCO3‐) levels did not change in patients with normal HCO3‐ levels (≥20 mEq/L) throughout the study. Meanwhile, in patients with initially low HCO3‐ levels, it was significantly increased during the A(−)D period only. Anemia: In patients with target hemoglobin (Hb) ≥10 g/dL, Hb levels were maintained during the study period, even if the dose of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) decreased. In patients with low Hb levels, it was significantly increased in the A(−)D period without increasing ESA or iron doses. Nutritional Condition: In patients with normal albumin levels (≥3.8 g/dL), albumin did not change throughout the study period. However, in patients with lower albumin levels, it was significantly increased during the A(−)D period. These improvements in metabolic acidosis, anemia, and nutrition in the A(−)D period completely dissipated during the second A(+)D period. Hemodialysis (HD) with A(−)D may improve a patient's clinical status with intractable metabolic acidosis, hyporesponsiveness to ESA, and malnutrition that were not normalized in HD with A(+)D.
The Pterygopalatine Ganglion and its Role in Various Pain Syndromes: From Anatomy to Clinical Practice
Authors: Piagkou Maria , Demesticha Theano , Troupis Theodore , Vlasis Konstantinos , Skandalakis Panayiotis , Makri Aggeliki , Mazarakis Antonios , Lappas Dimitrios , Piagkos Giannoulis , Johnson Elizabeth O
Published: September 2011

Abstract  The postsynaptic fibers of the pterygopalatine or sphenopalatine ganglion (PPG or SPG) supply the lacrimal and nasal glands. The PPG appears to play an important role in various pain syndromes including headaches, trigeminal and sphenopalatine neuralgia, atypical facial pain, muscle pain, vasomotor rhinitis, eye disorders, and herpes infection. Clinical trials have shown that these pain disorders can be managed effectively with sphenopalatine ganglion blockade (SPGB). In addition, regional anesthesia of the distribution area of the SPG sensory fibers for nasal and dental surgery can be provided by SPGB via a transnasal, transoral, or lateral infratemporal approach. To arouse the interest of the modern‐day clinicians in the use of the SPGB, the advantages, disadvantages, and modifications of the available methods for blockade are discussed.▪
Valuing Mortality Risk Reductions from Environmental, Transport, and Health Policies: A Global Meta‐Analysis of Stated Preference Studies
Authors: Lindhjem Henrik , Navrud Ståle , Braathen Nils Axel , Biausque Vincent
Published: September 2011

We conduct, to our knowledge, the first global meta‐analysis (MA) of stated preference (SP) surveys of mortality risk valuation. The surveys ask adults their willingness to pay (WTP) for small reductions in mortality risks, deriving estimates of the sample mean value of statistical life (VSL) for environmental, health, and transport policies. We explain the variation in VSL estimates by differences in the characteristics of the SP methodologies applied, the population affected, and the characteristics of the mortality risks valued, including the magnitude of the risk change. The mean (median) VSL in our full data set of VSL sample means was found to be around $7.4 million (2.4 million) (2005 U.S. dollars). The most important variables explaining the variation in VSL are gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and the magnitude of the risk change valued. According to theory, however, VSL should be independent of the risk change. We discuss and test a range of quality screening criteria in order to investigate the effect of limiting the MA to high‐quality studies. When limiting the MA to studies that find statistically significant differences in WTP using external or internal scope tests (without requiring strict proportionality), we find that mean VSL from studies that pass both tests tend to be less sensitive to the magnitude of the risk change. Mean VSL also tends to decrease when stricter screening criteria are applied. For many of our screened models, we find a VSL income elasticity of 0.7–0.9, which is reduced to 0.3–0.4 for some subsets of the data that satisfy scope tests or use the same high‐quality survey.
Religious Communities, Immigration, and Social Cohesion in Rural Areas: Evidence from England*
Authors: Andrews Rhys
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Religious communities are important sources of bridging and bonding social capital that have varying implications for perceptions of social cohesion in rural areas. In particular, as well as cultivating cohesiveness more broadly, the bridging social capital associated within mainline religious communities may represent an especially important source of support for the social integration of new immigrant groups. Although the bonding social capital associated with evangelical communities is arguably less conducive to wider social cohesion, it may prompt outreach work by those communities, which can enhance immigrant integration. This article examines these assumptions by exploring the relationship between mainline and evangelical religious communities, immigration, and residents' perceptions of social cohesion in rural areas in England. I model the separate and combined effects of religious communities and economic in‐migration on social cohesion using multivariate statistical techniques. The analysis suggests that mainline Protestant communities enhance social cohesion in rural England, while evangelical communities do not. The social integration of immigrants appears to be more likely where mainline Protestant and Catholic communities are strong, but is unaffected by the strength of evangelical ones.
A gene expression profile for non‐smoking and non‐drinking patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Farshadpour F , Roepman P , Hordijk GJ , Koole R , Slootweg PJ
Published: September 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 178–183

Objective:  A small subset of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are non‐smoking and non‐drinking and have distinct clinical characteristics. We aimed to identify a possible different genetic profile for these patients when compared with their smoking and drinking counterparts.

Materials and Methods:  The gene expression data previously detected from primary tumors located in the oral cavity and oropharynx, using DNA microarray was analyzed for their differential expression between non‐smoking and non‐drinking patients (n = 15) and smoking and drinking patients (n = 89). Student’s T‐test (P < 0.05) and 10‐fold cross‐validation procedure (100 times repeated) were performed to determine differentially expressed genes.

Results:  Non‐smoking and non‐drinking patients were older, mostly female and had oral cavity‐localized tumors, whereas smoking and drinking patients were younger male patients with 81% oral cavity and 19% oropharynx tumors. A set of 49 differentially expressed genes were detected. Among others, seven genes related to interferon‐γ were upregulated and two genes linked to NFKB pathway were downregulated.

Conclusions:  Differentially expressed genes in non‐smoking and non‐drinking patients possibly indicate the presence of a different cellular response to carcinogenic events in these patients. Further studies are warranted to validate this gene set and explore possible therapeutic implications to improve prognosis for these patients.
Cleidocranial dysplasia: oral features and genetic analysis of 11 patients
Authors: Bufalino A , Paranaíba LMR , Gouvêa AF , Gueiros LA , Martelli‐Júnior H , Junior JJ , Lopes MA , Graner E , de Almeida OP , Vargas PA , Coletta RD
Published: September 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 184–190

Background:  Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a dominantly inherited autosomal disease characterized by typical bone defects including short stature, persistently open or delayed closure of the cranial sutures, and hypoplastic or aplastic clavicles. Oral features are frequent and include supernumerary teeth, delayed eruption or impaction of the permanent teeth, and malocclusion. Heterozygous mutations in RUNX2 gene, which encodes a transcription factor essential for osteoblast differentiation, were identified as the etiological cause of CCD.

Objective and Methods:  Herein, we performed physical and radiographic examination and screening for RUNX2 mutations in 11 patients from five families with CCD.

Results:  All patients demonstrated the classical phenotypes related to CCD. Families whose affected members had several dental alterations such as multiple impacted and supernumerary teeth demonstrated heterozygous missense mutations (R190Q and R225Q) that impair the runt domain of RUNX2. On the other hand, CCD patients from families with low frequency of dental abnormalities showed no mutation in RUNX2 or mutation outside of the runt domain (Q292fs→X299).

Conclusion:  The current findings suggest a correlation between dental alterations and mutations in the runt domain of RUNX2 in CCD patients. Further clinical and genetic studies are needed to clarify the relationship between phenotypes and genotypes in CCD and to identify other factors that might influence the clinical features of this uncommon disease.
On safety, pharmacokinetics and dosage of bevacizumab in ROP treatment – a review
Authors: Hård Anna‐Lena , Hellström Ann
Published: September 2011

Off‐label intravitreal use of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody bevacizumab for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) increases despite lack of studies on safety, pharmacokinetics and dosage in developing individuals. Systemic absorption has been considered negligible. A literature search was performed with emphasis on potential adverse systemic effects in developing individuals.

Conclusion:  Intravitreal bevacizumab enters the general circulation, suppresses plasma VEGF levels and remains in the blood for more than 8 weeks in primates. Possible adverse effects on VEGF‐dependent development must be considered.
Fatigue resistance of acrylic resin denture base material reinforced with E‐glass fibres
Authors: Gurbuz Ozlem , Dikbas Idil , Unalan Fatma
Published: September 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00548.x
 
Fatigue resistance of acrylic resin denture base material reinforced with E‐glass fibres

Objective:  The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of different forms and concentrations (2.5, 3, 4, 5% by volume) of glass fibres (chopped strand mat, continuous and woven) on fatigue resistance of acrylic denture base resin.

Material and Methods:  The fatigue resistance was measured by applying repeated three‐point bending deflection to the specimens, the cycle frequency of 1.05 g and magnitude of deflection of 2.0 mm. The number of loading cycles needed to cause a fracture in the test specimen was considered the fatigue resistance of the specimen.

Results:  The results of this study revealed that the addition of three different glass fibre forms at all concentrations to acrylic resin did not produce a statistically significant increase in the fatigue resistance (p ≥ 0.05). This study also revealed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between glass fibres forms used concerning the effects on the fatigue resistance.

Conclusion:  This study showed that the woven glass fibres had a definite superiority over the chopped fibres and the continuous fibres in regard to the fatigue resistance of the acrylic denture base resin.
Future deceleration due to cosmic backreaction in presence of the event horizon
Authors: Bose Nilok , Majumdar A. S.
Published: September 2011

The present acceleration of the Universe leads to the formation of a cosmological future event horizon. We explore the effects of the event horizon on cosmological backreaction due to inhomogeneities in the universe. Beginning from the onset of the present accelerating era, we show that backreaction in presence of the event horizon causes acceleration to slow down in the subsequent evolution. Transition to another decelerating era could ensue eventually at a future epoch, ensuring avoidance of a big rip.
The use of auditory stimulants during swim encounters with Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori hectori) in Akaroa Harbour, New Zealand
Authors: Martinez Emmanuelle , Orams Mark B. , Pawley Matt D. M. , Stockin Karen A.
Published: September 2011

Abstract

The coastal distribution of Hector's dolphins and their attraction to vessels make them easily accessible to commercial tour operations. For over 25 yr, tour operators have been undertaking view and swim‐with‐dolphin trips in Akaroa Harbour, New Zealand. Since 2003, auditory stimulants, in particular stones, have been provided during such swim encounters. The potential effects associated with such stimulants have not, until now, been examined. Here, we investigate the effects of stones and other human‐induced noise on Hector's dolphin behavior. The use of stones significantly affected how dolphins interacted with swimmers. Specifically, swimmers who used stones had a greater probability of close approaches by dolphins than those who sang or simply floated on the surface of the water. The number of close and sustained approaches was also significantly higher for swimmers using stones. Dolphins were more interactive with active swimmers, approaching closer and engaging for longer than with nonactive swimmers. Dolphins socializing had a tendency to be engaged longer with swimmers. The use of stones as an auditory stimulant to sustain or enhance interactions with dolphins by artificial means may not be in the best interest of an endangered species, which already faces a range of challenges due to human activity.