bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arteficial monoblock lenses implantation following rupture of posterior capsule during phacoemulsification surgery
Authors: Avramovic Sinisa , Vukosavljevic Miroslav , Janicijevic-Petrovic Mirjana , Petrovic Nenad , Resan Mirko
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Phacoemulsification is a modern surgical technique for
cataract operations. Through minimal corneal wound (2.2-2.7 mm) lens nucleus
is emulsificated and arteficial lens is implanted in capsular bag.
Complications during operations are possible, and can vary from minor to very
serious one, with consecutive visual loss. One of possible complications is
rupture of posterior lens capsule, which could happen in any stage of
operation. The aim of this study was to evaluate results of monoblock
arteficial lens implantation in sulcus on the remains of anterior capsule and
capsulorhexis after posterior capsule rupture during phacoemulsification.
Methods. This prospective, non-comparative study included 19 patients with
rupture of posterior capsule as a result of cataract operation with
phacoemulsification method. Average monitoring time was 14 months (1-18). We
analysed best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus findings,
and implanted lens position with wawelight allegro oculizer (Scheimpflug
camera). Results. Preoperative visual acuity was from L+P+ to 0.5. On first
postoperative day visual acuity 0.02-0.08 was noted in 8 patients, from
0.1-0.4 also in 8 patients and 0.5 and more in 3 patients. After 12 months
from the operation 15 patients had visual acuity better than 0.5. Among early
complications corneal edema was noted in 6 cases, anterior chamber reaction
with or without fibrin reaction in 8 cases and rise of intraocular pressure
in 3 cases. All complications were reversibile. Conclusion. Posterior capsule
rupture/break is a serious complication of phacoemulsification, hardly to
prevent. Regarding size of posterior rupture, foldable monoblock arteficial
lens can be implanted into the sulcus on the remains of anterior capsule in
most of the cases, keeping the advantages of small corneal incision: smaller
astigmatism, better postoperative visual acuity, faster wound healing and
earlier visual rehabilitation.
Viral infections and oxidative stress
Authors: Brkic Snezana , Maric Daniela , Tomic Slavica , Dimitrijevic Radmila
Published: December 2010

nema
Preoperative identification of bleeding site caused by angiodysplasia of the small bowel by means of selective arteriography and application of methylene blue
Authors: Stanojeviċ Goran , Bosnjakovic Petar , Stojanoviċ Miroslav , Jovanoviċ Milan , Brankovic Branko , Radojkovic Milan , Katic Vuka
Published: December 2010

Background. Small bowel hemorrhages are rare and account for 2-10% of all
gastrointestinal bleedings. In case that surgery is necessary, identification
of the bleeding site is the most important problem. Case report. We presented
here the case of a 65-year old man, admitted for urgent care of massive lower
gastrointestinal bleeding. After reanimation and normalization of vital
parameters, selective arteriography was done. A contrast extravasation site
was identified at the level of jejunal branches of a. mesenterica superior
and labeled by means of methylene blue application. Immediately after we
performed conservative resection of the labeled jejunal loop in 10 cm length
and terminoterminal anastomosis. The preparation was sent for histopathologic
examination - small bowel angiodysplasia was identified. The patient was
monitored in three month intervals in the next two years and new bleeding
events were not observed. Conclusion. Bleeding caused by small bowel
angiodysplasia is a significant diagnostic problem in cases in whom urgent
surgery is required. Combined preoperative selective arteriography and
methylene blue application make possible precise identification of the
bleeding site as well as conservative small bowel surgery, avoiding thus the
risk and danger of malabsorption syndrome.
Histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of ruptured atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysm wall
Authors: Tanaskovic Irena , Mladenovic-Mihailovic Aleksandra , Usaj-Knezevic Slavica , Stankovic Vesna , Aleksic Aleksandar , Kastratovic Tatjana , Aleksic Aleksandra , Lazic Zorica , Mladenovic-Bogdanovic Zorica , Zivanovic Aleksandar , Djuric Janko , Jovicic Ugljesa , Sorak Marija
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. The main complication of the atherosclerotic abdominal aortic
aneurism (AAA) is her rupture that begins with lesion in intima and rupture.
The purpose of this work was to determine immunocytochemical and
morphofunctional characteristics of the cells in aortic wall in ruptured
atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysm. Method. During the course of this
study, 20 samples of atherosclerotic AAA were analyzed, all of them obtained
during authopsy. The samples were fixed in 4% formalin and embedded in
paraffin. Sections of 5 ?m thickness were stained histochemically (of
Heidenhain azan stain and Periodic acid Schiff - PAS stain) and
immunocytochemically using a DAKO LSAB+/HRP technique to identify ?-smooth
muscle actin (?-SMA), vimentin, myosin heavy chains (MHC), desmin, S-100
protein, CD45 and CD68 (DAKO specification). Results. The results of our
study showed that ruptured atherosclerotic AAA is characterized by a complete
absence of endothelial cells, the disruption of basal membrane and internal
elastic lamina, as well as a presence of the remains of hypocellular
complicated atherosclerotic lesion in intima. On the plaque margins, as well
as in the media, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are present, which express a
?-SMA and vimentin (but without MHC or desmin expression), as well as
leukocyte infiltration, and a large number of foam cells. Some of the foam
cells show a CD68-immunoreactivity, while the others show vimentin- and S-100
protein-immunoreactivity. Media is thinned out with a disorganized elastic
lamellas, while adventitia is characterized by inflammatory inflitrate
(infection). Conclusion. Rupture of aneurysm occurs from the primary intimal
disruption, which spreads into thinned out media and adventitia. Rupture is
caused by unstable atherom, hypocellularity, loss of contractile
characteristics of smooth muscle cells in intima and media,
neovascularization of the media, as well as by the activity of the
macrophages in the lesion.
Immunocytochemical characteristics of submucosal uterine myomas
Authors: Mladenovic-Mihailovic Aleksandra , Mladenovic-Bogdanovic Zorica , Mitrovic Predrag , Tanaskovic Irena , Usaj-Knezevic Slavica , Stanojevic Marija
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Myomas of the uterus, the most common benign tumors, have
been studied for decades from the aspects of different basic and clinical
disciplines. Despite this fact, their pathogenesis is still poorly
understood. The aim of this study was to determine immunocytochemical
characteristics of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue components of
submucosal myomas of the uterus. Method. During the course of this study, 25
samples of submucosal myomas of the uterus were analyzed, all of them
obtained during the surgery, after abdominal histerctomy by Aldridge. The
samples were fixed in 4% formalin and embedded in paraffin. Sections of 5 ?m
thickness were stained immunocytochemically using the DAKO LSAB+/HRP
technique to identify ?- smooth muscle actin (?-SMA), vimentin, desmin, CD34,
CD45, CD68 and PCNA (DAKO specification). Results. Our results suggest that
submucosal myomas of the uterus are build-up of smooth muscle cells which are
immunoreactive to ?-SMA and desmin, but also to a certain number of smooth
muscle cells which are immunoreactive to ?-SMA and vimentin. Some of
vimentin-immunoreactive cells also show an immunoreactivity of PCNA. In the
build-up of connective stroma CD34-immunoreactive fibroblasts and neovascular
formations are also present. By examining the distribution of CD45 antigen,
at all the analyzed samples we observed a weak reaction. Conclusion.
Submucosal myomas of the uterus are made-up of smooth muscle cells of the
highly differentiated contractile phenotype (?-SMA- and
desminimmunoreactivity), as well as smooth muscle cell of the synthetic
phenotype which proliferate (?-SMA-, vimentin- and PCNA-immunoreactivity). In
submucosal myoma of the uterus there is a significant presence of connective
tissue as a result of synthetic activity of fibroblasts, which clearly differ
in their immunocytochemical characteristics from smooth muscle cells of the
synthetic phenotype.
Carotenoids and lung cancer: biochemical aspects
Authors: Salerno Costantino , Crifò Carlo , Siems Werner
Published: December 2010

Carotenoids are part of the human diet and a regular low-dose intake of these compounds from natural sources is normally preferred. Carotenoid supplementation in various diseases, including cancer, was described to be useful, but evidence has been obtained that high-dose supplementation of β-carotene may be unsafe, especially to smokers and asbestos-exposed workers, because of a stastically detected increased cancer risk. The negative effect might be mediated by carotenoid breakdown products having a high reactivity towards biomolecules. It has been suggested that these compounds originate from nonenzymatic cleavage of carotenoids by oxidants liberated in large amounts by neutrophils that accumulate in various inflammatory diseases and, in particular, in pulmonary disorders characterized by profound abnormalities in inflammatory pathways, such as those triggered by tobacco smoking. Carotenoid breakdown products, in turn, may affect neutrophil response in different ways that depend on the concentration that is reached by these products in the medium. In vitro studies show that nanomolar and micromolar concentrations of carotenoid derivatives stimulate superoxide production by neutrophils activated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), while a slight inhibition is noticed with cells activated by the chemotactic tripeptide N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (f-MLP). At higher concentrations, carotenoid breakdown products inhibit superoxide production in the presence of both PMA and f-MLP.
Analysis of the co-evolutions of correlations as a tool for QSAR-modeling of carcinogenicity: an unexpected good prediction based on a model that seems untrustworthy
Authors: Toropova Alla , Toropov Andrey , Diaza Rodolfo , Benfenati Emilio , Gini Guesippina
Published: December 2010

To validate QSAR models an external test set is increasingly used. However the definition of the compounds for the test set is still debated. We studied, co-evolutions of correlations between optimal descriptors and carcinogenicity (pTD50) for the subtraining, calibration, and test set. Weak correlations for the sub-training set are sometimes accompanied by quite good correlations for the external test set. This can be explained in terms of the probability theory and can help define a suitable test set. The simplified molecular input line entry system (SMILES) was used to represent the molecular structure. Correlation weights for calculating the optimal descriptors are related to fragments of the SMILES. The statistical quality of the model is: n=170, r2=0.6638, q2=0.6554, s=0.828, F=331 (sub-training set); n=170, r2=0.6609, r2pred=0.6520, s=0.825, F=331 (calibration set); and n=61, r2=0.7796, r2pred=0.7658, Rm2=0.7448, s=0.563, F=221 (test set). The calculations were done with CORAL software (http://www.insilico.eu/coral/).
N-hexylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and Lewis acids — catalytic systems for Diels-Alder reaction
Authors: Bittner Bożena , Janus Ewa , Milchert Eugeniusz
Published: December 2010

A comparative study of the Diels-Alder reactions between cyclopentadiene (1) and dienophiles (2 a–c) in N-hexylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide in a temperature range of 20–45°C is reported. The reaction rate constants and activation energies were calculated. Moreover, the catalytic systems based on N-hexylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and Lewis acids were tested as a reaction media to perform the Diels-Alder reaction. Yb, Y, Mg, Zn triflates and chlorides (0.005 to 0.1 mmol) were used as catalysts. The recycling of catalytic system consisted of YCl3 and ionic liquid was performed.
Regulation of thrombospondin-1 expression through AU-rich elements in the 3′UTR of the mRNA
Authors: Mcgray Asa , Gingerich Timothy , Petrik James , Lamarre Jonathan
Published: December 2010

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a matricellular protein that participates in numerous normal and pathological tissue processes and is rapidly modulated by different stimuli. The presence of 8 highly-conserved AU rich elements (AREs) within the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) of the TSP-1 mRNA suggests that post-transcriptional regulation is likely to represent one mechanism by which TSP-1 gene expression is regulated. We investigated the roles of these AREs, and proteins which bind to them, in the control of TSP-1 mRNA stability. The endogenous TSP-1 mRNA half-life is approximately 2.0 hours in HEK293 cells. Luciferase reporter mRNAs containing the TSP-1 3′UTR show a similar rate of decay, suggesting that the 3′UTR influences the decay rate. Site-directed mutagenesis of individual and adjacent AREs prolonged reporter mRNA halflife to between 2.2 and 4.4 hours. Mutation of all AREs increased mRNA half life to 8.8 hours, suggesting that all AREs have some effect, but that specific AREs may have key roles in stability regulation. A labeled RNA oligonucleotide derived from the most influential ARE was utilized to purify TSP-1 AREbinding proteins. The AU-binding protein AUF1 was shown to associate with this motif. These studies reveal that AREs in the 3′UTR control TSP-1 mRNA stability and that the RNA binding protein AUF1 participates in this control. These studies suggest that ARE-dependent control of TSP-1 mRNA stability may represent an important component in the control of TSP-1 gene expression.
The catalytic performance of Ru–NHC alkylidene complexes: PCy3 versus pyridine as the dissociating ligand
Authors: Krehl Stefan , Geißler Diana , Hauke Sylvia , Kunz Oliver , Staude Lucia , Schmidt Bernd
Published: December 2010

The catalytic performance of NHC-ligated Ru-indenylidene or benzylidene complexes bearing a tricyclohexylphosphine or a pyridine ligand in ring closing metathesis (RCM), cross metathesis, and ring closing enyne metathesis (RCEYM) reactions is compared. While the PCy3 complexes perform significantly better in RCM and RCEYM reactions than the pyridine complex, all catalysts show similar activity in cross metathesis reactions.
Association of Genetic Variation in Il28B with Hepatitis C Treatment-Induced Viral Clearance in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Liao Xiang-Wei , Ling Yun , Li Xin-Hua , Han Yue , Zhang Shen-Ying , Gu Lei-Lei , Yu De-Ming , Yao Bi-Lian , Zhang Dong-Hua , Jin Gen-Di , Lu Zhi-Meng , Gong Qi-Ming , Zhang Xin-Xin
Published: December 2010

Background

Genome-wide association studies have recently shown that the rs12979860 polymorphism in IL28B is associated with the response to chronic hepatitis C treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether rs12979860 could be used as a predictive marker for end-of-treatment response (ETR) or sustained virological response (SVR) in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

The rs12979860 genotype was detected in 259 individuals infected with HCV by DNA sequencing. Among them, 120 patients were administered complete pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin combination therapy and 92 patients were followed for 24 weeks after the cessation of treatment and were divided into different groups according to outcomes of treatment.

Results

The rs12979860 genotype CC was the primary genotype (87.64%, 227/259) and genotype TT was found in only one individual within this cohort. The patients with the rs12979860 genotype CC had higher rates of ETR ( P=0.0044) and SVR ( P=0.0046) than the patients with N-CC (CT or TT). In multivariate analyses, the rs12979860 genotype CC was associated with a substantial difference in rates of achieving ETR (odds ratio [OR] 8.983, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.173–37.145; P=0.0024) and SVR (OR 24.298, 95% CI 2.27–259.90; P=0.0083).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated for the first time that the rs12979860 variation in IL28B could be a predictor of ETR and SVR in Chinese Han patients infected with HCV. The high frequency of the rs12979860 genotype CC might explain why the SVR rate is higher than that of the average global population.
Temporomandibular Joint Involvement in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: CANNIZZARO ELVIRA , SCHROEDER SILKE , MÜLLER LUKAS M. , KELLENBERGER CHRISTIAN J. , SAURENMANN ROTRAUD K.
Published: December 2010

Objective.

To determine the rate of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement and find factors associated with TMJ arthritis in a single-center cohort of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods.

Retrospective analysis of all patients with JIA visiting the rheumatology clinic between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2006. Followup information was included until August 2008. A diagnosis of TMJ arthritis was based on clinical rheumatological and/or radiological findings.

Results.

After a mean followup time for JIA of 4.6 years (range 0.08–14.17), 86/223 patients (38.6%) had developed TMJ arthritis. The rate of TMJ involvement differed significantly among JIA subtypes (p = 0.0016), with 61% in extended oligoarticular, 52% in polyarticular rheumatoid factor (RF)-negative, 50% in psoriatic, 36% in systemic, 33% in polyarticular RF-positive, 33% in persistent oligoarticular, 30% in unclassified JIA, and 11% in enthesitis-related arthritis. The rate of TMJ involvement in our cohort was statistically significantly lower for patients who were HLA-B27-positive (p = 0.0002). In a multivariate analysis, the association of the following factors was confirmed: JIA subtype (p = 0.0001), a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at diagnosis (p = 0.0038), involvement of joints of the upper extremity (p = 0.011), the absence of HLA-B27 (p = 0.023), and younger age at onset of JIA (p = 0.050).

Conclusion.

In our cohort of children with JIA, the overall rate of TMJ involvement was 38.6%. Patients with certain JIA subtypes, a higher ESR at disease onset, involvement of upper extremity joints, and younger age at diagnosis were more likely to develop TMJ arthritis. The presence of HLA-B27 seemed to be protective.
Disability in Systemic Sclerosis — A Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: SCHNITZER MIREILLE , HUDSON MARIE , BARON MURRAY , STEELE RUSSELL
Published: December 2010

Objective.

To assess disability in systemic sclerosis (SSc) longitudinally and to identify disease-specific determinants, after accounting for informative patient dropout.

Methods.

We performed a multicenter, longitudinal study of 745 patients with SSc followed in the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group registry. Disability was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Longitudinal changes in disability were modeled using statistical approaches accounting for various levels of patient dropout.

Results.

In all the models, disability in SSc worsened over time. The magnitude of the worsening was small when patient dropout was assumed to be completely at random (increase in the HAQ of 0.022, 95% CI 0.002–0.042, per year). After accounting for different levels of informative patient dropout, the increase in the HAQ ranged from 0.039 (95% CI 0.018–0.061) per year to 0.071 (95% CI 0.048–0.094) per year. Thus, using the most conservative of these estimates, this was equivalent to an increase in the HAQ of 0.12 over 3 years. The disease correlates found to be most closely associated with disability were diffuse disease and breathing problems.

Conclusion.

Our study provides strong evidence that SSc causes increased disability over time, with breathing problems and disease type being the strongest predictors of disability. Statistical modeling accounting for informative patient dropout is necessary to properly assess the outcomes of patients followed longitudinally.
The myth of a bygone cash economy: consumer lending in Germany from the nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century
Authors: Logemann Jan , Spiekermann Uwe
Published: December 2010

Résumé Cet article se propose d’interroger le mythe, né dans l’après-guerre, d’un âge passé de paiement comptant dans le commerce de détail allemand et montre que l’expansion du crédit à la consommation après la Seconde Guerre mondiale pourrait avoir été construite sur des traditions « indigènes » vigoureuses et substantielles d’achat à crédit. L’accent mis sur le paiement comptant n’a pas été seulement un phénomène relativement récent promu par les nouvelles formes de commerce de détail depuis la dernière moitié du XIX e siècle, mais il a toujours rivalisé avec une économie informelle du crédit et de nouvelles formes de crédit à la consommation. Cette étude retrace le développement d’une large panoplie de plans de versements, de modèles de financement des ventes et de banques de crédit à la consommation depuis les années 1850.
Théoriser le crédit de face-à-face : un système d'information dans une économie de l'obligation
Authors: Laferté Gilles
Published: December 2010

Résumé La littérature sur le crédit s’est largement développée ces récentes années. Cette revue de littérature s’intéresse ici particulièrement au crédit de face-à-face, proposant une grille d’analyse soucieuse à la fois de la structure sociale et des interactions. On interroge alors la logique de l’interconnaissance au cœur du crédit de face-à-face, souvent comprise comme une extension économique des appartenances sociales communes. Évitant le terme de confiance, nous comprenons l’interconnaissance à la fois comme un système d’informations sur la solvabilité des personnes et comme une relation de contrôle pour les remboursements. La transaction dans la durée s’inscrit dans des systèmes de valeurs partagées renégociées pour organiser et garantir les échanges. Cette relation de pouvoir sur les personnes mêlant diverses scènes sociales nous permet d’articuler et de distinguer les relations de dette des relations de crédit. Dans ce cadre, nous évitons le terme d’économie morale, préférant la conceptualisation d’économie de l’obligation empruntée à Craig Muldrew.
Speculations on working class debt: credit and paternalism in France, Germany and the UK
Authors: O’Connell Sean
Published: December 2010

Résumé Cet article se propose de faire une histoire spéculative et comparée du crédit à la consommation des classes ouvrières et des politiques qui l’accompagnent en matière de taux plafonds. Il offre une perspective historique sur un débat né de l’affirmation du gouvernement britannique selon laquelle les taux plafonds en France et en Allemagne favorisaient l’essor d’importants marchés pour les prêteurs illégaux. Les firmes pratiquant la collecte de crédit à domicile pourraient, en raison de l’absence de taux plafonds au Royaume-Uni, faire des prêts aux consommateurs qui, sans cela, se tourneraient vers des usuriers illégaux. Le crédit aux classes ouvrières est examiné dans chaque pays. L’article montre que la France et l’Allemagne ont finalement adopté une approche plus paternaliste, alors que le Royaume-Uni a fait le choix du libre marché. Il propose un agenda pour de futures recherches historiques qui pourraient contribuer aux débats sur la politique sociale européenne et sur l’accès à un crédit juste.
The invention of modern consumers and consumer credit in 1950-1960's Italy: people, goods, and culture
Authors: Scarpellini Emanuela
Published: December 2010

Résumé Le crédit à la consommation a pris rapidement son essor en Italie depuis une période récente mais il reste moins développé que dans les grands pays européens. On avance traditionnellement des facteurs légaux et économiques : prudence des autorités politiques, dans la mesure où la consommation peut menacer l’investissement et règlements conservateurs des autorités bancaires. Cet article est centré par contraste sur les questions culturelles, montrant que le crédit à la consommation ne pouvait s’épanouir qu’à l’intérieur d’un nouveau paradigme culturel de la consommation, enraciné dans les transformations des années 1950-1960, et explosant dans les décennies suivantes. Cette étude apporte de plus des données récentes qui mettent l’accent sur la situation actuelle en Italie.
La formule “développement durable” : un opérateur de neutralisation de la conflictualité
Authors: Krieg-Planque Alice
Published: December 2010

Cet article met en relief certains aspects de la formule “développement durable”, en particulier sous l'angle du dialogisme et de la conflictualité discursive. Dans un premier temps, la notion de “formule” ayant été rappelée, on présente la façon dont peut être envisagée une approche formulaire des discours renvoyant au développement durable. Ensuite, l'accent est mis sur le fonctionnement de la formule “développement durable” comme opérateur de neutralisation de la conflictualité. On montre que la concession est interdiscursivement constitutive de cette formule, et qu'elle manifeste une contradiction que “développement durable” semble résoudre. Enfin, on s'intéresse à la manière dont s'expriment des résistances au consensus ainsi créé et des tentatives de repolitisation du débat (par exemple à travers le contre-discours proposé par la “décroissance”, ou encore dans la qualification de “développement durable” comme étant un oxymoron). On termine en identifiant certaines des anticipations de ces critiques, et en décrivant le mouvement de recréation d'une cohérence des valeurs que le discours sur le “développement durable” prétend assurer.
« Oh là là, ça c'est vraiment de l'anglais ! »
Authors: Forlot Gilles
Published: December 2010

Cet article, construit à partir d’un travail de terrain effectué dans divers milieux francophones de la métropole anglo-canadienne de Toronto, notamment ceux de l’émigration française, s’intéresse aux multiples discours métalinguistiques évaluatifs dont les pratiques langagières sont l’objet lorsque des locuteurs sont en situation de migration. Ces discours permettent souvent de cerner les positionnements identitaires des migrants et de voir en quoi la perception d’une langue qui s’enrichit ou au contraire s’étiole est liée à la perception d’une identité « nationale » d’origine engagée dans un processus de diversification, d’acculturation et d’hybridation.
Early life: gut microbiota and immune development in infancy
Authors: Martin R. , Nauta A. , Ben Amor K. , Knippels L. , Knol J. , Garssen J.
Published: December 2010

The immune system of infants is actively downregulated during pregnancy and therefore the first months of life
represent a period of heightened susceptibility to infection. After birth, there is an age-dependent maturation of
the immune system. Exposure to environmental microbial components is suggested to play an important role in the
maturation process. The gastrointestinal tract is the major site of interaction between the host immune system and
microorganisms, both commensal as well as potentially pathogenic. It is well established that the mammalian immune
system is designed to help protect the host from invading microorganisms and other danger signals. However, recent
research is emerging in the field of host-microbe interactions showing that commensal microorganisms (microbiota)
are most likely one of the drivers of immune development and, in turn the immune system shapes the composition
of the microbiota. Specific early microbial exposure of the gut is thought to dramatically reduce the incidence of
inflammatory, autoimmune and atopic diseases further fuelling the scientific view that microbial colonisation plays
an important role in regulating and fine-tuning the immune system throughout life. Therefore, the use of pre-, pro- and
synbiotics may result in a beneficial microbiota composition that might have a pivotal role on the prevention
of several important diseases that develop in early life such as necrotizing enterocolitis and atopic eczema.
Intestinal microbiota and overweight
Authors: Lyra A. , Lahtinen S. , Tiihonen K. , Ouwehand A.
Published: December 2010

The microbes in our gut can influence our weight by providing us with energy through the degradation of nondigestable
carbohydrates and by affecting the cellular energy status of liver and muscle cells and the accumulation of lipids in
adipose tissue. Thus, it is not surprising that in several studies the gastrointestinal microbiota of overweight and obese
subjects has been found to differ from that of lean subjects. The initial findings linked obesity with proportionally
decreased levels of the phylum Bacteroidetes and increased levels of the phylum Firmicutes. Later, several studies
have assessed the association between overweight or obesity and the gastrointestinal microbiota, applying an array
of molecular methods targeting the microbiota as a whole or specific bacterial groups or species within. However,
at present it is difficult to draw conclusions on which of the observed microbiota alterations are relevant; essentially
all of the bacterial groups that have been studied in more than one trial have given contradictory results in regard
to their association with weight. Some of these discrepancies can result from methodological issues and some from
the nature of the gastrointestinal microbiota, which is an extremely complex and dynamic microbial ecosystem with
high subject specificity. In addition, selecting subjects purely based on weight may result in a largely heterogeneous
group with several potentially confounding factors. While it may be premature to conclude which specific groups
of bacteria are prominent in the intestinal tract of overweight and obese subjects, it appears clear that microbes
contribute to weight gain and related health issues, such as the metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes. Therefore,
it is important to continue to search for common microbial markers and predictors of obesity, and to study how
these may be modulated with probiotics and prebiotics to promote health.
Probiotics in the management of children with allergy and other disorders of intestinal inflammation
Authors: Vanderhoof J. , Mitmesser S.
Published: December 2010

Soon after birth, the human gastrointestinal tract quickly becomes colonised by a variety of bacterial species.
Throughout life the gastrointestinal tract continues to serve as host to a complex society of nonpathological
bacteria. Microorganisms, such as probiotics, have the potential to modulate mucosal immune response and reduce
gastrointestinal inflammation caused by a variety of infectious and allergic events. The most widely studied genera
of probiotics are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Lactobacillus rhamnosis strain ATC53103 (LGG) can replenish
gut flora during infectious diarrhoeal episodes. This beneficial effect is carried over to traveller's diarrhoea and
children experiencing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Furthermore, LGG can reduce the risk of respiratory tract
infections in children attending daycares and hospitals. With allergic disease on the rise, probiotics have the
potential to positively impact atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. LGG has been shown to decrease the
severity and delay the onset of atopic dermatitis. Additionally, LGG is beneficial in the treatment of allergic colitis
and necrotising entercolitis. Some strains of probiotics appear to be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of
allergic disease, however, caution must be used when generalising the effectiveness of a specific strain of organism
to other organisms and other disease states.
Special Needs to Prescribe Exercise Intensity for Scientific Studies
Authors: Hofmann Peter , Tschakert Gerhard
Published: December 2010

There is clear evidence regarding the health benefits of physical activity. These benefits follow a dose-response relationship with a particular respect to exercise intensity. Guidelines for exercise testing and prescription have been established to provide optimal standards for exercise training. A wide range of intensities is used to prescribe exercise, but this approach is limited. Usually percentages of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2) or heart rate (HR) are applied to set exercise training intensity but this approach yields substantially variable metabolic and cardiocirculatory responses. Heterogeneous acute responses and training effects are explained by the nonuniform heart rate performance curve during incremental exercise which significantly alters the calculations of %HRmaxand %HRR target HR data. Similar limitations hold true for using %VO2maxand %VO2R. The solution of these shortcomings is to strictly apply objective submaximal markers such as thresholds or turn points and to tailor exercise training within defined regions.
Fish Consumption Moderates Depressive Symptomatology in Elderly Men and Women from the IKARIA Study
Authors: Chrysohoou Christina , Tsitsinakis George , Siassos Gerassimos , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Galiatsatos Nikos , Metaxa Vasiliki , Lazaros George , Miliou Antigoni , Giakoumi Evaggelia , Mylonakis Charalambos , Zaromytidou Marina , Economou Evaggelos , Triantafyllou Georgia , Pitsavos Christos , Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: December 2010

Background. The aim was to examine the association of depressive symptoms with fish eating habits, in elderly individuals.Methods. From June to October of 2009, we studied 330 men and 343 women, aged 65 to 100 years, permanent inhabitants of Ikaria Island. Among several characteristics, depression was assessed with the Geriatric Depression scale (GDS range 0–15), while dietary habits through a valid semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire.Results. Women had significantly higher values of the GDS compared to men ( versus , ). Participants in the upper tertile of depression scale ate less frequent fish and consumed higher quantities of alcohol, compared to those in the lowest tertile (all ). Regarding fish consumption, 50% of the individuals reported consuming 1-2 times weekly, 32% 3 to 5 times weekly, 11% 2-3 times monthly, while the rest reported rare (4.5%) and everyday (1.2%) consumption. Logistic regression showed that increased fish consumption (>3 times/week versus never/rare) was inversely associated with the odds of having GDS greater the median value (i.e., 4) (, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.61), after controlling for several cofounders.Conclusion. Frequent fish consumption in elderly seems to moderate depression mood.
Mullerian Adenosarcoma of the Uterus with Sarcomatous Overgrowth
Authors: Singh Reecha , Shameema S. , Vijaya Koothan , Kumar Pradeep
Published: December 2010

Background and objectives

Mullerian adenosarcoma is an uncommon variant of mixed mesodermal tumour of the uterus. This is a case report of a 65 year old post-menopausal lady who presented with complaints of passing tissue fragments per vaginum for 2 days followed by spotting. On examination, a polypoid mass protruding through the cervix was seen which was biopsied. Following a preliminary histologic diagnosis of poorly differentiated sarcoma on the biopsy; the patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy.

Method

The surgical specimen was formalin fixed and paraffin embedded. Haematoxylin and eosin stained sections were studied.

Result and conclusion

Histopathological examination of the polypoid mass revealed a tumour comprising of an admixture of benign endometrial glandular component with overgrowth of sarcomatous stromal component and heterologous elements. This may pose a problem in diagnosis due to its rarity, and hence its distinctive morphological features merit attention as described here. In view of the rarity of this tumor, it is mandatory to do extensive histologic sampling to identify areas of sarcomatous overgrowth before arriving at a diagnosis of mullerian adenosarcoma as the clinical course and management vary.
The Sirenomelia Sequence: A Case History
Authors: Fadhlaoui Anis , Khrouf Mohamed , Gaigi Soumaya , Zhioua Fethi , Chaker Anis
Published: December 2010

We report a case of sirenomelia sequence observed in an incident of preterm labor during the 29th gestational week. According to some authors, this syndrome should be classified separately from caudal regression syndrome and is likely to be the result of an abnormality taking place during the fourth gestational week, causing developmental abnormalities in the lower extremities, pelvis, genitalia, urinary tract and digestive organs. Despite recent progress in pathology, the etiopathogenesis of sirenomelia is still debated.
Central Adrenal Insufficiency and Diabetes Insipidus Misdiagnosed as Severe Depression
Authors: Hiroi Naoki , Yoshihara Aya , Sue Mariko , Yoshino Gen , Higa Mariko
Published: December 2010

A 68 year-old Japanese man, who had been suffering from immobilization and disuse syndrome, was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of polyuria with polyposia, hyponatremia and low blood pressure. His plasma osmolality was greater than that of his urine. His endocrinological examination revealed low levels of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, and a normal response of ACTH to the corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) challenge. Plasma ACTH did not increase with insulin loading. A low plasma vasopressin (AVP) level and no response of AVP to a 5% saline administration were observed. We diagnosed central adrenal insufficiency with central diabetes insipidus. Six months after starting administration of hydrocortisone and 1-deamino-8D-arginine vasopressin, his psychological symptoms had improved, and 1.5 years after starting treatment, he was able to walk. In conclusion, it is not particularly rare for adrenal insufficiency to be misdiagnosed as depression. However, a correct early diagnosis is necessary, because, if adrenal insufficiency is not definitively diagnosed, the patient's quality of life diminishes markedly.
Number of Biopsies in Diagnosing Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Wehrschuetz M. , Wehrschuetz E. , Portugaller H.R.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

To determine the number of specimens to be obtained from pulmonary lesions to get the highest possible accuracy in histological work-up.

Materials and methods

A retrospective evaluation (January 1999 to April 2004) covered 260 patients with thoracic lesions who underwent computer tomography (CT)-guided core-cut biopsy in coaxial technique. All biopsies were performed utilizing a 19 gauge introducer needle and a 20 gauge core-cut biopsy needle. In all, 669 usable biopsies were taken (from 1-5 biopsies in each setting). The specimens were marked sequentially and each biopsy was worked up histologicaly. The biopsy results were correlated to histology after surgery, clinical follow-up or autopsy. The number of biopsies was determined that is necessary to achieve the highest possible accuracy in diagnosing pulmonary lesions.

Results

In 591 of 669 biopsies (88.3%), there were correct positive results. The overall accuracy was 87.4%. In 193 of 260 (74.2%) patients, a suspected malignancy was confirmed. In 50 of 260 (19.2%) patients, a benign lesion was correctly diagnosed. Seventeen (6.5%) patients were lost to follow-up. The first, second and third biopsies had cumulative accuracies of 63.6%, 89.2% and 91.5%, respectively ( P < 0.02). More biopsies did not show any higher impact on accuracy.

Conclusion

For the highest possible accuracy in diagnosing pulmonary lesions by CT-guided core-cut biopsy, at least three usable specimens are recommended to be taken.
Anti-Annexin V Antibodies: Association with Vascular Involvement and Disease Outcome in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Habeeb Reem A. , Mansour Howaida E. , Abdeldayem Aya M. , Abo-Shady Rania A. , Hassan Iman A. , Saafan Nazek K. , Aly Dalia G.
Published: December 2010

Background

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by skin thickening, fibrosis and vascular obliteration. The onset and course are heterogeneous. Prominent features include autoimmunity, inflammation and vascular damage.

Aim of Study

To measure the level of serum Anti-Annexin V antibodies in SSc patients and to study its significance in relation to vascular damage in these patients.

Patients and Methods

Twenty patients with SSc (12 with diffuse SSc and 8 with the limited form) and 10 healthy age and sex matched volunteers as controls were all subjected to routine laboratory testing and immunological profiling including antinuclear, anti-Scl-70, anticentomere, anticardiolipin antibodies and anti-annexin V antibodies titres. Vascular damage was assessed by clinical examination and assessment of the disease activity score, nailfold capillaroscopy and colour flow Doppler of the renal arteries; Doppler echocardiography was used for assessing pulmonary hypertension.

Results

Anti-annexin V antibodies were detected in 75% of patients. Comparisons between anti-annexin V in diffuse and limited subgroups showed no significance; however a statistically significant positive correlation was found between Anti-annexin V titre and the degree of vascular damage in SSc patients. Anti-annexin V increased significantly in patients with severe vascular damage in comparison with those less affected (15.3 ± 6.6 vs. 11.25 ± 3.6, P < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between Anti-annexin V titre and both the ACL titre (r = 0.79, P < 0.001) and the resistive index of the main renal artery (r = 0.42, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Anti-annexin V antibodies were significantly present in sera of patients with SSc. Patients with more severe forms of vascular damage had higher titres of these antibodies. Anti-annexin V antibodies are a sensitive predictor of vascular damage in SSc and could serve as a useful parameter in discriminating patients with a higher risk of vascular affection from those without.
Patellar Skin Surface Temperature by Thermography Reflects Knee Osteoarthritis Severity
Authors: Denoble Anna E. , Hall Norine , Pieper Carl F. , Kraus Virginia B.
Published: December 2010

Background

Digital infrared thermal imaging is a means of measuring the heat radiated from the skin surface. Our goal was to develop and assess the reproducibility of serial infrared measurements of the knee and to assess the association of knee temperature by region of interest with radiographic severity of knee Osteoarthritis (rOA).

Methods

A total of 30 women (15 Cases with symptomatic knee OA and 15 age-matched Controls without knee pain or knee OA) participated in this study. Infrared imaging was performed with a Meditherm Med2000™ Pro infrared camera. The reproducibility of infrared imaging of the knee was evaluated through determination of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for temperature measurements from two images performed 6 months apart in Controls whose knee status was not expected to change. The average cutaneous temperature for each of five knee regions of interest was extracted using WinTes software. Knee x-rays were scored for severity of rOA based on the global Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale.

Results

The knee infrared thermal imaging procedure used here demonstrated long-term reproducibility with high ICCs (0.50–0.72 for the various regions of interest) in Controls. Cutaneous temperature of the patella (knee cap) yielded a significant correlation with severity of knee rOA (R = 0.594, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The skin temperature of the patellar region correlated with x-ray severity of knee OA. This method of infrared knee imaging is reliable and as an objective measure of a sign of inflammation, temperature, indicates an interrelationship of inflammation and structural knee rOA damage.
QTc Interval and QT Dispersion in Patients with Thalassemia Major: Electrocardiographic (EKG) and Echocardiographic Evaluation
Authors: Garadah Taysir S. , Kassab Salah , Mahdi Najat , Abu-Taleb Ahmed , Jamsheer Anwer
Published: December 2010

Background

Doppler echocardiographic studies in patients with β-Thalassemia Major (β-TM) had shown different patterns of left ventricle (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunctions.

Aim

This cross-sectional study was designed to study the LV systolic and diastolic function in patients with β-TM using Pulsed Doppler (PD) Echocardiogram and assess the QTc interval and QT dispersion (QTd) on 12 leads ECG.

Method

All patients were evaluated clinically as well as by echocardiography and 12 leads ECG. The study included patients with β-TM (n = 38, age 15.7 ± 8.9 years), compared with an age-matched healthy control group (n = 38, age 15.9 ± 8.9 years).

Results

In 38 patients with β-TM Compared with healthy control group, The QTc interval and the QTd dispersion on ECG were increased with no significant difference mode echo showed that β-TM patients have thicker LV septal wall index (0.659 ± 0.23 vs. 0.446 ± 0.219 cm/M2, P < 0.001), posterior wall index (0.659 ± 0.235 vs. 0.437 ± 0.214 cm/M2, P < 0.01), and larger LVEDD index is (3.99 ± 0.48 vs. 2.170 ± 0.57 cm/M2. P < 0.05). Pulsed Doppler showed high LV trans-mitral E wave velocity index (70.818 ± 10.139 vs. 57.532 ± 10.139, P < 0.05) and E/A ratio (1.54 vs.1.23, P < 0.01). The duration of deceleration time index (DT) and isovolumic relaxation time index (IVRT) were significantly shorter in patients with β-TM (150.234 ± 20.0.23 vs. 167.123 ± 167.123 ± 19.143 msec/M2, P < 0.01) and (60.647 ± 6.77 vs. 75.474 ± 5.83 msec/M2, P < 0.001), respectively. The tricuspid valve velocity in patients with β-TM was significantly higher than controls (2.993 ± 0.569 vs. 1.93 ± 0.471 m/sec, respectively, P < 0.01), with calculated pulmonary artery pressure of 2.4 times the control (36.0 vs. 14.8 mmHg). However, the LVEF% or fractional shortening were not significantly different.

Conclusion

In this study, β-thalassemia major patients compared with controls have differences of QT dispersion and corrected QT interval that is of no statistical significance. A significantly thicker LV wall and LV diastolic filling indices are suggestive of restrictive diastolic pattern. These data indicate that LV diastolic abnormalities compromised initially in patients with β-thalassemia major.
Article Commentary: Predictive Value of Absent Septal q Wave in Patients with Significant Stenosis of Proximal Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery
Authors: Parsa Saeed Alipour , Shahnazi Anahita , Malek Azadeh , Azargashb Eznollah , Mohammadi Manijeh , Beyranvand Mohammad-Reza
Published: December 2010

Aims

There is conflicting data about the predictive value of absent septal q wave in patients with significant stenosis of proximal Left Anterior Descending coronary artery. To clarify the exact role of this simple electrocardiographic sign we conducted this prospective descriptive study.

Methods

Patients who were referred for coronary angiography in Milad Hospital between December 2008 and September 2009 were chosen randomly. Standard ECG was performed and reviewed for presence or absence of septal q wave, and then the coronary angiography was done and reported by another cardiologist.

Results

Of 148 patients with absent septal q wave in ECG, 85 patients (57%) had significant stenosis of proximal LAD in coronary angiography. Statistical analysis showed that significant stenosis of proximal LAD could be predicted by absence of septal q wave in ECG with sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 47%. However, Kappa statistic (Kappa = 0.36) showed low agreement between them.

Conclusion

Absence of normal septal q wave in ECG could be a low value predictor of coronary artery disease mainly significant proximal LAD stenosis.