bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Nanotube‐Based Electrochemical Sensors: Principles  and  Applications  in  Biomedical  Systems
Authors: Hu Chengguo , Hu Shengshui
Published: July 2009

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have received considerable attention in the field of electrochemical sensing, due to their unique structural, electronic and chemical properties, for instance, unique tubular nanostructure, large specific surface, excellent conductivity, modifiable sidewall, high conductivity, good biocompatibility, and so on. Here, we tried to give a comprehensive review on some important aspects of the applications of CNT‐based electrochemical sensors in biomedical systems, including the electrochemical nature of CNTs, the methods for dispersing CNTs in solution, the approaches to the immobilization of functional CNT sensing films on electrodes, and the extensive biomedical applications of the CNT‐based electrochemical sensors. In the last section, we mainly focused on the applications of CNT‐based electrochemical sensors in the analysis of various biological substances and drugs, the methods for constructing enzyme‐based electrochemical biosensors and the direct electron transfer of redox proteins on CNTs. Because several crucial factors (e.g., the surface properties of carbon nanotubes, the methods for constructing carbon nanotube electrodes and the manners for electrochemical sensing applications) predominated the analytical performances of carbon nanotube electrodes, a systematical comprehension of the related knowledge was essential to the acquaintance, mastery and development of carbon nanotube‐based electrochemical sensors.
Tribological Analysis of Mg2Si Particulates Reinforced Powder Metallurgy Magnesium Alloy Composites under Oil Lubrication Condition
Authors: Kondoh Katsuyoshi , Umeda Junko , Kawabata Kenshi
Published: July 2009

For the evaluation of wear behavior of Mg composites under oil lubrication conditions, powder metallurgy Mg97Y2Zn1 alloy reinforced with additive Mg2Si particles were fabricated by the repeated plastic working (RPW) and hot extrusion. The RPW process was effective in refining both Mg2Si reinforcements and α‐Mg grains causing the matrix hardening. When increasing the repetition number of RPW process from 200 to 600 cycles, the particle size of Mg2Si additives changed from 8 μm to 1~2 μm, and α‐Mg grain size was 1 μm or less. With regard to the defensive and offensive properties of Mg alloys reinforced with Mg2Si dispersoids, the composite had superior adhesive wear resistance compared with the conventional Mg alloys because of its extremely high microhardness of 95~180 Hv by RPW process. The uniform distribution of refined Mg2Si particles was useful for improving both defensive and offensive properties against AZ31B counter disk specimens. The Mg2Si prominent dispersoids in the matrix were also effective in forming the oil grooves around them, and caused the low and stable friction coefficient. On the other hand, in the case of the composite containing coarse Mg2Si particles, severely deep scratches were given on the counter face of the AZ31B disk, and resulted in an unstable and high friction coefficient.
Double Integral Operators Concerning Starlike of Order β
Authors: Kuroki Kazuo , Owa Shigeyoshi
Published: July 2009

Double integral operators which were considered by S. S. Miller and P. T. Mocanu
(Integral Transform. Spec. Funct. 19(2008), 591–597) are discussed. In order to show the analytic function f(z) is starlike of order β in the open unit disk 𝕌, the theory of differential subordinations for analytic functions is applied. The object of
the present paper is to discuss some interesting conditions for f(z) to be starlike
of order β in 𝕌 concerned with second‐order differential inequalities and double
integral operators.
Fixed Points for Multivalued Mappings and the Metric Completeness
Authors: Dhompongsa S. , Yingtaweesittikul H.
Published: July 2009

We consider the equivalence of the existence of fixed points of single-valued mappings and multivalued mappings for some classes of mappings by proving some equivalence theorems for the completeness of metric spaces.
The Impact of Type 2 Diabetes on the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Different Viral Hepatitis Statuses
Authors: Wang Chong-Shan , Yao Wei-Jen , Chang Ting-Tsung , Wang Shan-Tair , Chou Pesus
Published: July 2009

Background: The risk of type 2 diabetes on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma remains inconclusive in different hepatitis statuses.

Methods: We prospectively followed a community-based cohort with 5,929 persons in southern Taiwan from January 1997 through December 2004, made up of 4,117 seronegative, 982 anti–hepatitis C virus–positive [HCV(+)], 696 hepatitis B surface antigen–positive [HBsAg(+)], and 134 coinfected persons. Before the study, 546 participants had developed diabetes. Hepatocellular carcinoma diagnoses were from the National Cancer Registry.

Results: After 50,899 person-years of follow-up, 111 individuals had developed hepatocellular carcinoma. The highest risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, compared with seronegative individuals without diabetes, was in anti-HCV(+) individuals with diabetes [incidence rate ratio (IRR), 76.0], then coinfected (IRR, 46.0), anti-HCV(+) without diabetes (IRR, 26.1), HBsAg(+) with diabetes (IRR, 21.4), and seronegative with diabetes (IRR, 7.2; P < 0.001). Anti-HCV(+) (n = 132) and seronegative individuals (n = 352) with diabetes had a higher cumulative incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma than those without diabetes (log-rank test, P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that gender, age, body mass index ≥30, HBsAg(+) [hazards ratio (HR), 12.6], anti-HCV(+) (HR, 18.8), coinfection (HR, 25.9), and diabetes [HR, 2.7; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.7-4.3] were independent predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma (P < 0.05). After stratifying hepatitis status in multivariate Cox analysis, diabetes was significant for seronegative (HR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.7-17.1) and anti-HCV(+) individuals (HR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.7-5.4). Body mass index ≥30 was significant for HBsAg(+) individuals (HR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.3-8.1).

Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes is a strong independent predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma in anti-HCV(+) and seronegative individuals but not in HBsAg(+) individuals. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(7):2054–60)
Screening for HIV-Associated Anal Cancer: Correlation of HPV Genotypes, p16, and E6 Transcripts with Anal Pathology
Authors: Salit Irving E. , Tinmouth Jill , Chong Sylvia , Raboud Janet , Diong Christina , Su DeSheng , Sano Marie , Lytwyn Alice , Chapman William , Mahony James
Published: July 2009

Background: HIV-positive men with a history of anal-receptive intercourse are at risk for anal cancer. We determined whether human papilloma virus (HPV) biomarkers were correlated with anal pathology in these men.

Methods: HPV genotype was determined by PCR/line blot assay. Real-time PCR assays were done for viral load, E6 transcripts for HPV genotypes 16, 18, and 31, and p16 transcripts.

Results: The most common oncogenic HPV types were HPV 16 (38%), 18 (19%), 45 (22%), and 52 (19%). HPV types 16, 18, 31, 52, 59, and 68 were associated with high-grade histology. The number of HPV genotypes per anal swab was higher for anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) 2/3 than for normal or AIN 1 histology [median, 5 types (interquartile range) (IQR), 3-7 versus 3.5 (IQR), 2-6; P = 0.0005]. HPV 16 viral load was also associated with AIN 2/3 histology. There was no difference in p16 or E6 transcripts between histologic grades. In the multivariable logistic regression model, HPV genotypes 16 [odds ratio, 2.58; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.31-5.08; P = 0.006] and 31 (odds ratio, 4.74; 95% CI, 2.00-11.22; P = 0.0004), baseline CD4 count < 400 cells/mm3 (odds ratio, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.46-5.99; P = 0.0025), and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-defining illness (odds ratio, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.22-4.82; P = 0.01) were associated with high-grade histology after adjusting for age.

Conclusions: The presence of high-grade anal pathology (AIN 2/3) in HIV-positive men was associated with multiple HPV genotypes, HPV genotypes 16 and 31, and HPV 16 viral load. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(7):1986–92)
Genetic Variants and Prostate Cancer Risk: Candidate Replication and Exploration of Viral Restriction Genes
Authors: Breyer Joan P. , McReynolds Kate M. , Yaspan Brian L. , Bradley Kevin M. , Dupont William D. , Smith Jeffrey R.
Published: July 2009

The genetic variants underlying the strong heritable component of prostate cancer remain largely unknown. Genome-wide association studies of prostate cancer have yielded several variants that have significantly replicated across studies, predominantly in cases unselected for family history of prostate cancer. Additional candidate gene variants have also been proposed, many evaluated within familial prostate cancer study populations. Such variants hold great potential value for risk stratification, particularly for early-onset or aggressive prostate cancer, given the comorbidities associated with current therapies. Here, we investigate a Caucasian study population of 523 independent familial prostate cancer cases and 523 age-matched controls without a personal or family history of prostate cancer. We replicate identified associations at genome-wide association study loci 8q24, 11q13, and 2p15 (P = 2.9 × 10−4 to P = 4.7 × 10−5), showing study population power. We also find evidence to support reported associations at candidate genes RNASEL, EZH2, and NKX3-1 (P = 0.031 to P = 0.0085). We further explore a set of candidate genes related to RNASEL and to its role in retroviral restriction, identifying nominal associations at XPR1 and RBM9. The effects at 8q24 seem more pronounced for those diagnosed at an early age, whereas at 2p15 and RNASEL the effects were more pronounced at a later age. However, these trends did not reach statistical significance. The effects at 2p15 were statistically significantly more pronounced for those diagnosed with aggressive disease. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(7):2137–44)
Relationship between Migraine History and Breast Cancer Risk among Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Li Christopher I. , Mathes Robert W. , Malone Kathleen E. , Daling Janet R. , Bernstein Leslie , Marchbanks Polly A. , Strom Brian L. , Simon Michael S. , Press Michael F. , Deapen Dennis , Burkman Ronald T. , Folger Suzanne G. , McDonald Jill A. , Spirtas Robert
Published: July 2009

Both migraine and breast cancer are hormonally mediated diseases, and it is biologically plausible that women with a history of migraine may have a reduced breast cancer risk. However, this relationship has only been assessed in a single relatively small study that was unable to assess the effect of migraine triggers, which are also well-established breast cancer risk factors (e.g., use of alcohol and exogenous hormones), on the inverse association observed. Utilizing data on 4,568 breast cancer cases and 4,678 controls who participated in a multicenter population-based case-control study in the United States, we evaluated the association between migraine history and breast cancer risk using unconditional logistic regression. Migraine history data were obtained from structured in-person interviews. Women with a history of migraine had a reduced risk of breast cancer [odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.66-0.82]. This risk did not differ by menopausal status, age at migraine diagnosis, use of prescription migraine medications, or when analyses were restricted to women who avoided various migraine triggers (including alcohol, exogenous hormones, and smoking). These data support a previous finding that a history of migraine may be associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. It extends the prior report in observing that this relationship holds for both premenopausal and postmenopausal women and is independent of exposure to common migraine triggers. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(7):2030–4)
Plasma Urocortin 1 in Human Heart Failure
Authors: Wright Sue P. , Doughty Robert N. , Frampton Chris M. , Gamble Greg D. , Yandle Tim G. , Richards A. Mark
Published: July 2009

Background—

The urocortins are emerging as potentially important contributors to neurohumoral regulation of the circulation with recent reports attributing a powerful array of hemodynamic, renal, and neurohumoral effects to the urocortins in cardiac failure. These peptides also seem to have cardioprotective effects in the setting of ischemia-reperfusion. Little is known concerning the plasma concentrations of the urocortins in health and disease. We have investigated plasma urocortin 1 as a potential diagnostic marker of heart failure and documented its relationships to symptoms, measures of cardiac function, and concurrent levels of other circulating neurohormones.

Methods and Results—

In 299 patients with recent onset dyspnea or peripheral edema presenting to primary care, plasma urocortin 1 and other vasoactive hormones were assayed, and echocardiography was performed. Heart failure was present in 74 patients (25%) according to predefined diagnostic criteria. Urocortin 1 levels were increased in patients with heart failure and were related to functional class, clinical signs of heart failure, echocardiographic indicators of left ventricular dimensions and function, plasma creatinine, and concurrent circulating levels of plasma natriuretic peptides, adrenomedullin, and endothelin 1.

Conclusions—

Plasma urocortin 1 is elevated in heart failure (in proportion to the degree of cardiac dysfunction) in concert with the generalized neurohormonal activation seen in this condition. Urocortin levels predict heart failure independent of age, history of previous myocardial infarction, diabetes, hypertension, fractional shortening, and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide levels.
Enriched Analyses with Assimilation of SALLJEX Data
Authors: García Skabar Yanina , Nicolini Matilde
Published: July 2009

This paper aims at generating a set of enriched analyses by assimilating the data collected during the South American Low-Level Jet Experiment (SALLJEX) in southeastern South America during the summer season 2002/03. The analyses are generated with the Brazilian Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (BRAMS) using all available observations and achieving 20-km horizontal resolution and 3-h temporal resolution. This paper describes the methods used to generate and evaluate the analyses. The results indicate that the method is appropriate because data assimilation provides an improved fit between analyses and observations. In addition, enriched analyses show a better representation of mesoscale structure in case studies. This satisfactory evaluation allows one to use the set of analyses to perform case studies at higher resolution than is currently available, with the certainty that these analyses reproduce the atmospheric conditions better than those that do not assimilate data.
The Modulation of ENSO Variability in CCSM3 by Extratropical Rossby Waves
Authors: McGregor Shayne , Sen Gupta Alex , Holbrook Neil J. , Power Scott B.
Published: July 2009

Evidence suggests that the magnitude and frequency of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) changes on interdecadal time scales. This is manifest in a distinct shift in ENSO behavior during the late 1970s. This study investigates mechanisms that may force this interdecadal variability and, in particular, on modulations driven by extratropical Rossby waves. Results from oceanic shallow-water models show that the Rossby wave theory can explain small near-zonal changes in equatorial thermocline depth that can alter the amplitude of simulated ENSO events. However, questions remain over whether the same mechanism operates in more complex coupled general circulation models (CGCMs) and what the magnitude of the resulting change would be. Experiments carried out in a state-of-the-art z-coordinate primitive equation model confirm that the Rossby wave mechanism does indeed operate. The effects of these interactions are further investigated using a partial coupling (PC) technique. This allows for the isolation of the role of wind stress–forced oceanic exchanges between the extratropics and the tropics and the subsequent modulation of ENSO variability. It is found that changes in the background state of the equatorial Pacific thermocline depth, induced by a fixed off-equatorial wind stress anomaly, can significantly affect the probability of ENSO events occurring. This confirms the results obtained from simpler models and further validates theories that rely on oceanic wave dynamics to generate Pacific Ocean interdecadal variability. This indicates that an improved predictive capability for seasonal-to-interannual ENSO variability could be achieved through a better understanding of extratropical-to-tropical Pacific Ocean transfers and western boundary processes. Furthermore, such an understanding would provide a physical basis to enhance multiyear probabilistic predictions of ENSO indices.
On the Loss of Wind-Induced Near-Inertial Energy to Turbulent Mixing in the Upper Ocean
Authors: Zhai Xiaoming , Greatbatch Richard J. , Eden Carsten , Hibiya Toshiyuki
Published: July 2009

Wind-induced near-inertial energy has been believed to be an important source for generating the ocean mixing required to maintain the global meridional overturning circulation. In the present study, the near-inertial energy budget in a realistic model of the North Atlantic Ocean driven by synoptically varying wind forcing is examined. The authors find that nearly 70% of the wind-induced near-inertial energy at the sea surface is lost to turbulent mixing within the top 200 m and, hence, is not available to generate diapycnal mixing at greater depth. Assuming this result can be extended to the global ocean, it is estimated that the wind-induced near-inertial energy available for ocean mixing at depth is, at most, 0.1 TW. This confirms a recent suggestion that the role of wind-induced near-inertial energy in sustaining the global overturning circulation might have been overemphasized.
Axis Ratios of Water Drops Levitated in a Vertical Wind Tunnel
Authors: Jones B. K. , Saylor J. R.
Published: July 2009

The shapes of falling raindrops are often significantly altered by drop oscillations, complicating dual-polarization radar methods that rely on a predictable, monotonic variation of drop axis ratio α with equivolume drop diameter d. This oscillation behavior varies with d so that time-averaged shapes, which are determined by oscillation mode, sometimes deviate from the d-dependent quiescent shape. The literature identifies a predominance of particular oscillation modes at discrete d, as well as the onset of oscillations at d ≈ 1 mm; however, the specific mechanisms of this phenomenon are unknown. In the present work, measurements of drop axis ratio α were obtained from observations of drops levitated in a vertical wind tunnel. Discordance of the present data with the literature suggests a correlation between oscillation mode and fall trajectory, as well as a steady-state mechanism for the excitation of specific modes for d = 1.3–3-mm drops.
Radar Observations of Convective System Variability in Relationship to African Easterly Waves during the 2006 AMMA Special Observing Period
Authors: Nieto Ferreira Rosana , Rickenbach Thomas , Guy Nick , Williams Earle
Published: July 2009

A radar-based analysis of the structure, motion, and rainfall variability of westward-propagating squall-line mesoscale convective systems (SLMCSs) in Niamey, Niger, during the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Activities (AMMA) 2006 special observing period is combined with an analysis of 700-mb (hPa) winds and relative vorticity to study the relationship between SLMCSs and African easterly waves (AEWs). Radar results show that SLMCSs were the most important rainmakers in Niamey and accounted for about 90% of the rainfall despite being present less than 17% of the time. Analysis of the 700-mb synoptic-scale flow revealed that during the 2006 West African monsoon season the African easterly jet vacillated between about 10° and 15°N on time scales of 1–2 weeks. AEWs followed the jet as it vacillated north and south, thereby producing two preferred paths for AEWs propagating past Niamey’s longitude, a northern track along 8°–16°N and a southern track along 2°–6°N. It was found that Niamey SLMCSs occurred westward of the trough of AEWs propagating along either track. The properties of SLMCSs must then be placed in the context of their location relative to these two AEW tracks, rather than in the trough and ridge pattern of a single AEW track. Radar analysis further indicated that although the total amounts of rainfall produced by SLMCSs occurring in both African easterly jet latitude regimes were similar, significant structural differences occurred between the two groups of systems. SLMCSs that formed to the west of AEW troughs propagating along the northern track had a significantly larger mean stratiform rain fraction in an environment of lower convective available potential energy when compared with the SLMCSs that occurred to the west of the troughs of AEWs in the southern track. The authors conclude that AEWs that propagated farther north provided a more favorable environment for stratiform rain production in Niamey SLMCSs than those AEWs located farther south. These results may be helpful to studies of the two-way interaction between AEWs and convection in West Africa.
For How Long Should What Data Be Assimilated for the Mesoscale Forecasting of Convection and Why? Part II: On the Observation Signal from Different Sensors
Authors: Fabry Frédéric
Published: July 2009

The ability of data assimilation to correct for initial conditions depends on the presence of a usable signal in the variables observed as well as on the capability of instruments to detect that signal. In Part I, the nature, properties, and limits in the usability of signals in model variables were investigated. Here, the focus is on studying the skill of measurements to pull out a useful signal for data assimilation systems to use. Using model runs of the evolution of convective storms in the Great Plains over an active 6-day period, simulated measurements from a variety of instruments are evaluated in terms of their ability to detect various initial condition errors and to provide a signal above and beyond measurement errors. The usability of the signal for data assimilation is also investigated. Imaging remote sensing systems targeting cloud and precipitation properties such as radars and thermal IR imagers provided both the strongest signals and the hardest ones to assimilate to recover fields other than clouds and precipitation because of the nonlinear behavior of the sensors combined with the limited predictability of the signal observed. The performance of other sensors was also evaluated, leading to several unexpected results. If used with caution, these findings can help determine assimilation priorities for improving mesoscale forecasting.
Measuring High School Graduation Rates at the State Level
Authors: Warren John Robert , Halpern-Manners Andrew
Published: July 2009

Recent evidence makes clear that states public high school graduation rates are well measured using information from the Common Core of Data (CCD). This article investigates the substantive consequences for the results of empirical analyses of using different CCD-based measures of states’ public high school graduation rates. The authors show that substantive conclusions about the levels, correlates, and predictors of states’ public high school graduation rates are dependent on how those rates are measured using the CCD data. Warren’s (2005) estimated completion rate is the most conceptually and technically sound CCD-based measure, and that measure is improved in this study. The public high school graduation rate for the class of 2004 was about 76 percent, although that rate varied considerably by race/ethnicity and across states.
And Yet They Move: The Impact of Direction of Deviance on Stereotype Change
Authors: Dolderer Mirjam , Mummendey Amélie , Rothermund Klaus
Published: July 2009

In 4 studies the authors compared the effect of exemplars that deviate from the prototype in one or the other direction while controlling for the absolute amount of deviance. Incongruent exemplars typically do not change a stereotype. Yet, it is unclear whether this is also the case with exemplars that are more extreme than the stereotype, named supercongruent hereafter. Within Study 1 the authors showed that supercongruent exemplars can be differentiated from congruent exemplars and that they are perceived as more typical than incongruent exemplars. Study 2 demonstrated that supercongruent exemplars increase the perceived differences between groups, while incongruent exemplars do not lead to a decrease. In Study 3, a supercongruent exemplar was generalized to the stereotype, while an incongruent exemplar did not affect the stereotype. Study 4 replicated this finding and excluded the alternative hypothesis that this effect is due to the greater extremity and thus diagnosticity of supercongruent information.
Clinical Application of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of the Liver in Patients Receiving Long‐Term Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Woodward Jeremy M. , Priest Andrew N. , Hollingsworth Kieren G. , Lomas David J.
Published: July 2009

Background: Intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) may have progressed to an advanced stage by the time it becomes evident via laboratory or physical signs. A safe, noninvasive technique for assessing the liver could significantly aid in monitoring the effects of therapeutic intervention, improve the timing of liver and small intestinal transplantation, and increase our understanding of the causes of IFALD. Methods: Six female patients fed intravenously for >1 year and 6 controls matched for body mass index (BMI) underwent liver magnetic resonance scanning with acquisition of 1H and 31P resonance spectra. Areas under the curve for lipid (the sum of CH, CH2, and CH3), water, and choline peaks were calculated and expressed semi‐quantitatively as ratios of lipid:water and choline:lipid. Phosphomonoester (PME) and phosphodiester (PDE) peak areas were similarly expressed as a ratio. Controls and cases were compared using Mann‐Whitney U test; least squares regression analysis was used to compare the effect of measured variables on the lipid:water peak area ratio. Results: Patients and controls were well matched for BMI. Parenteral feeding was associated with a highly significant increase in lipid:water peak ratio (P < .005). Choline:lipid (P < .05) and choline:water (not significant) ratios were reduced in patients compared with controls. The increase in lipid:water ratios in patients was independent of BMI and choline:water ratios. A ratio of PME:PDE of >0.3 (and >3 SD from the control mean) predicted the 2 patients at most risk of advanced liver disease. Conclusions: This pilot study confirms the potential of magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques in evaluating IFALD and could contribute significantly to our understanding and management of this condition.
Some Estimates on Vibrations in Thermoelasticity of Dipolar Bodies
Authors: Marin M.
Published: July 2009

We consider a right cylinder composed of a physically dipolar thermoelastic material for which one plane end is subjected to an excitation which is harmonic in time. By using a measure of Toupin type associated with the corresponding steady-state vibration and assuming that the exciting frequency is lower than a certain critical frequency, we obtain a spatial decay estimate, similar to that of Saint-Venant type.
Lower Trapezius Muscle Transfer for Reconstruction of Elbow Extension in Brachial Plexus Injuries
Authors: BERTELLI J. A.
Published: July 2009

Elbow extension is a prerequisite for adequate hand position. Muscle transfers are often employed in partial injuries of the brachial plexus, when neurological surgery is unlikely to achieve desired results. The posterior deltoid and latissimus dorsi are the two muscles most commonly used for transfer but there are few alternatives when these two muscles are paralysed. We now report on the successful transfer of the lower trapezius muscle to reconstruct triceps function in three patients with longstanding lesions of the brachial plexus that had not been previously treated surgically.
Basal Joint Osteoarthritis of the Thumb Treated with Weilby Arthroplasty: A Prospective Study on the Early Postoperative Course of 106 Consecutive Cases
Authors: VADSTRUP L. S. , SCHOU L. , BOECKSTYNS M. E. H.
Published: July 2009

One hundred and six consecutive cases of osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint, treated by tendon interposition arthroplasty as described by Weilby, were followed prospectively, with assessment of pain, mobility, pinch and grip strength at 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks. Patient satisfaction was reviewed at 26 and 52 weeks. Preoperative visual analogue scores for pain averaged 65 and decreased postoperatively to an average of 12 at 52 weeks. The main decrease in pain occurred during the first 3 months after operation. Mobility was improved or unaltered in 82%. Average grip and pinch strength reached preoperative values (41 kPa and 20 kPa respectively) between 12 and 26 weeks after surgery and were significantly greater (58 kPa and 34 kPa) at 52 weeks. Recovery after suspension arthroplasty takes 3–6 months, which may be a disadvantage to be considered when advising patients who are considering operative treatment.
The potential role of T-cells and their interaction with antigen-presenting cells in mediating immunosuppression following trauma-hemorrhage
Authors: Walz Christian R. , Zedler Siegfried , Schneider Christian P. , Albertsmeier Markus , Loehe Florian , Bruns Christiane J. , Faist Eugen , Chaudry Irshad H. , Angele Martin K.
Published: July 2009

Objective: Trauma-hemorrhage results in depressed immune responses of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and T-cells. Recent studies suggest a key role of depressed T-cell derived interferon (IFN)-g in this complex immune cell interaction. The aim of this study was to elucidate further the underlying mechanisms responsible for dysfunctional T-cells and their interaction with APCs following trauma-hemorrhage.

Design: Adult C3H/HeN male mice were subjected to trauma-hemorrhage (3-cm midline laparotomy) followed by hemorrhage (blood pressure of 35 ± 5 mmHg for 90 min and resuscitation) or sham operation. At 24 h thereafter, spleens were harvested and T-cells (by Microbeads) and APCs (via adherence) were Isolated. Co-cultures of T-cells and APCs were established for 48 h and stimulated with concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide. T-Cell specific cytokines known to affect APC function (i.e. interleukin(IL)-2, IL-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)) were measured in culture supernatants by Multiplex assay. The expression of MHC class II as well as co-stimulatory surface molecules on T-cells and APCs was determined by flow cytometry.

Results: The release of IL-4 and GM-CSF by T-cells was suppressed following trauma-hemorrhage, irrespective of whether sham or trauma-hemorrhage APCs were present. Antigen-presenting cells from animals subjected to trauma-hemorrhage did not affect T-cell derived cytokine release by sham T-cells. In contrast, T-cells from trauma-hemorrhage animals depressed MHC class II expression of CD11c(+) cells, irrespective of whether APCs underwent sham or trauma-hemorrhage procedure. Surprisingly, co-stimulatory molecules on APCs (CD80, CD86) were not affected by trauma-hemorrhage.

Conclusions: These results suggest that beside IFN-g other T-cell derived cytokines contribute to immunosuppression following trauma-hemorrhage causing diminished MHC II expression on APCs. Thus, T-cells appear to play an important role in this interaction at the time-point examined. Therapeutic approaches should aim at maintenance of T-cell function and their interaction with APCs to prevent extended immunosuppression following trauma-hemorrhage.
Dendritic cells pulsed with RNA encoding allogeneic MHC and antigen induce T cells with superior antitumor activity and higher TCR functional avidity
Authors: Wilde Susanne , Sommermeyer Daniel , Frankenberger Bernhard , Schiemann Matthias , Milosevic Slavoljub , Spranger Stefani , Pohla Heike , Uckert Wolfgang , Busch Dirk H. , Schendel Dolores J.
Published: July 2009

Adoptive transfer of T cells expressing transgenic T-cell receptors (TCRs) with antitumor function is a hopeful new therapy for patients with advanced tumors; however, there is a critical bottleneck in identifying high-affinity TCR specificities needed to treat different malignancies. We have developed a strategy using autologous dendritic cells cotransfected with RNA encoding an allogeneic major histocompatibility complex molecule and a tumor-associated antigen to obtain allo-restricted peptide-specific T cells having superior capacity to recognize tumor cells and higher functional avidity. This approach provides maximum flexibility because any major histocompatibility complex molecule and any tumor-associated antigen can be combined in the dendritic cells used for priming of autologous T cells. TCRs of allo-restricted T cells, when expressed as transgenes in activated peripheral blood lymphocytes, transferred superior function compared with self-restricted TCR. This approach allows high-avidity T cells and TCR specific for tumor-associated self-peptides to be easily obtained for direct adoptive T-cell therapy or for isolation of therapeutic transgenic TCR sequences.
Toll-like receptors mediate induction of hepcidin in mice infected with Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Koening Curry L. , Miller Jennifer C. , Nelson Jenifer M. , Ward Diane M. , Kushner James P. , Bockenstedt Linda K. , Weis Janis J. , Kaplan Jerry , De Domenico Ivana
Published: July 2009

Hepcidin is the major regulator of systemic iron homeostasis in mammals. Hepcidin is produced mainly by the liver and is increased by inflammation, leading to hypoferremia. We measured serum levels of bioactive hepcidin and its effects on serum iron levels in mice infected with Borrelia burgdorferi. Bioactive hepcidin was elevated in the serum of mice resulting in hypoferremia. Infected mice produced hepcidin in both liver and spleen. Both intact and sonicated B burgdorferi induced hepcidin expression in cultured mouse bone marrrow macrophages. Hepcidin production by cultured macrophages represents a primary transcriptional response stimulated by B burgdorferi and not a secondary consequence of cytokine elaboration. Hepcidin expression induced by B burgdorferi was mediated primarily by activation of Toll-like receptor 2.
Iterative refinement of structure-based sequence alignments by Seed Extension
Authors: Kim Changhoon , Tai Chin-Hsien , Lee Byungkook
Published: July 2009

Background

Accurate sequence alignment is required in many bioinformatics applications but, when sequence similarity is low, it is difficult to obtain accurate alignments based on sequence similarity alone. The accuracy improves when the structures are available, but current structure-based sequence alignment procedures still mis-align substantial numbers of residues. In order to correct such errors, we previously explored the possibility of replacing the residue-based dynamic programming algorithm in structure alignment procedures with the Seed Extension algorithm, which does not use a gap penalty. Here, we describe a new procedure called RSE (Refinement with Seed Extension) that iteratively refines a structure-based sequence alignment.

Results

RSE uses SE (Seed Extension) in its core, which is an algorithm that we reported recently for obtaining a sequence alignment from two superimposed structures. The RSE procedure was evaluated by comparing the correctly aligned fractions of residues before and after the refinement of the structure-based sequence alignments produced by popular programs. CE, DaliLite, FAST, LOCK2, MATRAS, MATT, TM-align, SHEBA and VAST were included in this analysis and the NCBI's CDD root node set was used as the reference alignments. RSE improved the average accuracy of sequence alignments for all programs tested when no shift error was allowed. The amount of improvement varied depending on the program. The average improvements were small for DaliLite and MATRAS but about 5% for CE and VAST. More substantial improvements have been seen in many individual cases. The additional computation times required for the refinements were negligible compared to the times taken by the structure alignment programs.

Conclusion

RSE is a computationally inexpensive way of improving the accuracy of a structure-based sequence alignment. It can be used as a standalone procedure following a regular structure-based sequence alignment or to replace the traditional iterative refinement procedures based on residue-level dynamic programming algorithm in many structure alignment programs.
Efficacy of consensus interferon in treatment of HbeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B: a multicentre, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zheng YongLi , Zhao LianSan , Wu TaiXiang , Guo ShuHua , Chen YaGang , Zhou TaoYou
Published: July 2009

Background

Consensus interferon (CIFN) is a newly developed type I interferon.

Aims

This multicentre, controlled trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of CIFN and to compare it with alpha-1b-interferon (IFN-α1b) in the treatment of patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B.

Methods

144 Patients were randomly assigned to receive 9 μg CIFN (CIFN group) or 50 μg INF-α1b (IFN-alpha group) subcutaneously 3 times weekly for 24 weeks, followed by 24 weeks of observation. Efficacy was assessed by normalization of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and the non-detectability of serum hepatitis B virus DNA or HBeAg at the end of treatment and 24 weeks after stopping treatment.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the serological, virological and biochemical parameters between CIFN and IFN-α1b groups at the end of the therapy and follow-up period (p > 0.05). Overall, at the end of treatment, 7.0% (5/71) and 35.2% (25/71) of patients in the CIFN group showed a complete or partial response compared with 7.4% (5/68) and 33.8% (23/68) of the IFN-alpha group (p = 0.10). At 24 weeks after stopping treatment, 6.9% (5/72) and 37.5% (27/72) of patients in the CIFN group showed complete response or partial response compared with 7.1% (5/70) and 34.3% (24/70) of the IFN-alpha group (p = 0.10).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that 9 μg CIFN is effective in the treatment of patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. It can gradually induce ALT normalization and HBV DNA clearance and HBeAg loss or HBeAg/HBeAb seroconversion.
HIV/AIDS, parasites and co-infections: publication patterns in China
Authors: Tian Li-Guang , Steinmann Peter , Chen Jia-Xu , Chen Shao-Hong , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: July 2009

Background

Since its discovery, HIV/AIDS has arguably captured more attention among the Chinese biomedical research community than most other infectious diseases. Traditional parasitic diseases, on the other hand, are perceived as being increasingly neglected. However, it has long been recognized that interactions between HIV and other infective agents, including parasites, influence the health status of people living with HIV/AIDS. This study aimed at systematically reviewing the Chinese scientific literature on HIV/AIDS and parasites between 1986 and 2006 in order to substantiate or refute these claims, and to highlight neglected research areas.

Results

Searching the three largest Chinese scientific literature databases, in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) a total of 24,511 citations dealing with HIV/AIDS and 15,398 parasite-specific publications were identified. Wanfang Data and VIP Information (VIP) contained 15,925 and 13,873 entries dealing with HIV/AIDS respectively, while 12,043 and 7,068 hits were scored when searching for parasitological references. The number of publications dealing with HIV/AIDS in China increased exponentially from 6 in 1986 to 3,372 in 2006 whereas the publication activity in the field of parasitology was more erratic and lately started to decline. Epidemiology was the most-reported field of endeavor, accounting for 26.0% and 24.6% of the HIV/AIDS and parasitological literature, respectively, while publications dealing with health education only represented 2.9% and 0.7% of all publications, respectively. The total number of Chinese articles focusing on HIV/AIDS and parasite co-infection was 650, with large year-on-year differences in publication numbers. The single-most frequently studied system was HIV-Pneumocystis cariniico-infection.

Conclusion

The present study revealed that in China, the fields of parasitic diseases, especially opportunistic parasitic infections linked with HIV/AIDS, is increasingly neglected. This suggests a need to enhance research in the field of opportunistic parasitic infections and parasitology in general.
Adiponectin, retinol-binding protein 4, and leptin in protracted critical illness of pulmonary origin
Authors: Langouche Lies , Vander Perre Sarah , Frystyk Jan , Flyvbjerg Allan , Hansen Troels Krarup , Van den Berghe Greet
Published: July 2009

Introduction

Critically ill patients requiring intensive care uniformly develop insulin resistance. This is most pronounced in patients with sepsis. Recently, several hormones secreted by adipose tissue have been identified to be involved in overall insulin sensitivity in metabolic syndrome-related conditions. However, little is known about these adipokines in critical illness.

Methods

We studied circulating levels of the adipokines adiponectin, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), and leptin during critical illness, and the impact of intensive insulin therapy, a therapy shown to affect insulin sensitivity, in serum samples from prolonged critically ill patients with a respiratory critical illness (n = 318). For comparison, we studied healthy subjects (n = 22) and acutely stressed patients (n = 22).

Results

During acute critical illness, circulating levels of adiponectin, RBP4, and leptin were low. Patients with sepsis had lower levels of leptin and RBP4 than did nonseptic patients. When critical illness was sustained, adipokine levels returned to normal reference values. Insulin therapy enhanced adiponectin, blunted the rise of RBP4, and did not alter leptin levels.

Conclusions

Acute critical illness is associated with immediate, but transiently low serum adipokine levels. Adiponectin and RBP4 are associated with altered insulin resistance in critical illness.
Physiotherapy at a distance: a controlled study of rehabilitation at home after a shoulder joint operation
Authors: Eriksson Lisbeth , Lindström Britta , Gard Gunvor , Lysholm Jack
Published: July 2009

We explored the benefit of video communication in home rehabilitation after shoulder joint replacement and compared it to referral for physiotherapy in the conventional way. A total of 22 patients were included in the study. The intervention group ( n = 10) had training at home under the supervision of a physiotherapist at the hospital using videoconferencing. The control group ( n = 12) had physiotherapy training in a conventional way in their home town. All patients had the same postoperative, three-phase-programme for two months. The outcome measures were a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion (ROM), shoulder function ability (Constant score and SRQ-S) and health-related quality of life (SF-36). Questions about areas of priority for improvement and general satisfaction with the shoulder were also included. The telemedicine group received a greater number of treatments compared to the control group. After the intervention, there were significant improvements in VAS-pain, Constant score and SRQ-S for both groups. The telemedicine group improved significantly more in all three measurements than the control group ( P < 0.001 for all). When changes from baseline to follow-up were compared, the telemedicine group improved significantly more in terms of decrease in pain ( P = 0.004) and vitality ( P = 0.001) than the control group. Despite some limitations, there seem to be clear benefits from physiotherapy at a distance with a telemedicine technique that allows patients to obtain access to physiotherapy at home.
User's perceptions of remote trauma telesonography
Authors: Al-Kadi Azzam , Dyer Dianne , Ball Chad G , McBeth Paul B , Hall Robert , Lan Steve , Gauthier Chuck , Boyd Jeff , Cusden Jane , Turner Christopher , Hamilton Douglas R , Kirkpatrick Andrew W
Published: July 2009

We established a pilot tele-ultrasound system between a rural referring hospital and a tertiary care trauma centre to facilitate telementoring during acute trauma resuscitations. Over a 12-month period, 23 tele-ultrasound examinations were completed. The clinical protocol examined both the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) and the Extended FAST (EFAST) for pneumothoraxes. Twenty of the examinations were conducted during acute trauma resuscitations and three during live patient simulations. FAST examinations were completed in all 23 cases and EFAST examinations in 17 cases. There were 18 clinical users, of whom 14 completed a survey (76% response rate). Overall, 93% of respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied with the telemedicine interaction and agreed or strongly agreed that the technology could potentially benefit injured patients in the far north of Canada. In addition, 93% of the respondents felt that the project had improved collegiality between the two institutions involved. The majority of respondents (71%) agreed or strongly agreed that the project had improved their ultrasound skills. We believe that as further experience is obtained, tele-ultrasound will prove to be an important aid to the care of remotely injured and ill patients.
The effect of telemedicine on outcome and quality of life in pregnant women with diabetes
Authors: Dalfrà Maria Grazia , Nicolucci Antonio , Lapolla Annunziata ,   on behalf of the TISG
Published: July 2009

We evaluated the effect of a telemedicine system on maternal and fetal outcome in women with diabetes. A total of 276 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Women were sequentially assigned to a telemedicine or a control group. There were 88 women with gestational diabetes in the telemedicine group and 115 in the control group; there were 17 women with type 1 diabetes in the telemedicine group and 15 in the control group. Women in telemedicine groups were asked to submit their blood glucose data every week, and had a medical examination at the diabetes clinic once a month. Women in the control groups had a medical examination every two weeks. Subjective outcomes were investigated using the following questionnaires: CES-D for depression, SF-36 for health-related quality of life (QoL), Stress and Distress for the impact of diabetes. Clinical variables and pregnancy outcomes were no different between the two telemedicine groups, whereas women with gestational diabetes in the telemedicine group had a better metabolic control in the 3rd trimester and a lower rate of caesarean sections and macrosomia. As for QoL, women in the telemedicine groups showed lower levels of frustration and concerns about their diabetes, and a better acceptance of their diabetic condition. A questionnaire on the use of the telemedicine system showed a high degree of acceptance (85%). Both telemedicine groups had fewer check-ups at the diabetes clinics. The use of a telemedicine system for glucose monitoring improved pregnancy outcome in women with gestational diabetes and improved QoL in all diabetic pregnancies.
Vom Fundamentalismus zur Säkularität der Politik. Heinz Schillings neues Standardwerk zur europäischen Politik im Konfessionellen ZeitalterFrom Fundamentalism towards the "Secularity of Politics". Heinz Schilling´s new Standard Work about European Politics in the Denominational Age
Authors: Walther Gerrit
Published: July 2009

Besprechung von: Heinz Schilling, Konfessionalisierung und Staatsinteressen. Internationale Beziehungen 15591660