bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for High Kaempferol Content in Different Species of Malaysian Medicinal Plants
Authors: Che Awang Che Noorziela , Zainol Abidin Khairunnisa , Ayob Zahidah , Abdul Rahman Nor’ Ain , Abd Samad Azman
Published: March 2013

Kaempferol is a natural flavonol and has been reported to reduce risk of pancreatic cancer and protect against heart disease. Kaempferol also acts as antioxidant that prevents oxidative damage to cell, lipids and DNA. The purpose of this study was to determine kaempferol distribution in the leaves of 20 Malaysian medicinal plants using GC–FID. Results demonstrated that kaempferol was only detected in eight plant species. Of all plants tested, Tibouchina semidecandracontained the highest kaempferol concentration. Further assessment showed that mature leaf extracts of T. Semidecandra had more kaempferol (4689.75±654.83mg kg–1) than young leaf extracts (1945.04±138.81mg kg–1). However, no kaempferol was detected in shoot extracts. These findings suggest that kaempferol content depends on plant species and physiological state of the plant organs. Thus, T. semidecandra could be an alternative source of kaempferol.
Alkali-Fulleride Superconductors: Synthesis, Composition, and Diamagnetic Shielding
Authors: Holczer Károly , Klein Oliviér , Huang Shiou-mei , Kaner Richard B. , Fu Ke-jian , Whetten Robert L. , Diederich François
Published: March 2013

The recent report of a superconductivity onset near the critical temperature
T
c
= 18 K in potassium-doped C
60
raises questions concerning the composition and stability of the superconducting phase. The effects of mixing and heat treatment of K
χ
C
60
samples prepared over a wide range of initial compositions on the superconducting transition was determined from shielding diamagnetism measurements. A single superconducting phase (
T
c
= 19.3 K) occurs for which the composition is K
3
C
60
. The shielding reaches a maximum of greater than 40 percent of the perfect diamagnetism, a high value for a powder sample, in samples prepared from 3:1 mixtures. A Rb
χ
C
60
sample prepared and analyzed in an analogous way exhibited evidence for superconductivity with
T
c
= 30 K and a diamagnetic shielding of 7 percent could be obtained.
The Chemical Nature of Buckminsterfullerene (C
60
) and the Characterization of a Platinum Derivative
Authors: Fagan Paul J. , Calabrese Joseph C. , Malone Brian
Published: March 2013

Little is known about the chemical nature of the recently isolated carbon clusters (C
60
, C
70
, C
84
, and so forth). One potential application of these materials is as highly dispersed supports for metal catalysts, and therefore the question of how metal atoms bind to C
60
is of interest. Reaction of C
60
with organometallic ruthenium and platinum reagents has shown that metals can be attached directly to the carbon framework. The native geometry of C
60
is almost ideally constructed for dihapto-bonding to a transition metal, and an x-ray diffraction analysis of the platinum complex [(C
6
H
5
)
3
P]
2
Pt(η
2
-C
60
)-C
4
H
8
O revealed a structure similar to that known for [(C
6
H
5
)
3
P]
2
Pt(η
2
-ethylene). The reactivity of C
60
is not like that of relatively electron-rich planar aromatic molecules such as benzene. The carbon-carbon double bonds of C
60
react like those of very electron-deficient arenes and alkenes
Aromatic Amino Acids Required for Pili Conductivity and Long-Range Extracellular Electron Transport in Geobacter sulfurreducens
Authors: Vargas Madeline , Malvankar Nikhil S. , Tremblay Pier-Luc , Leang Ching , Smith Jessica A. , Patel Pranav , Synoeyenbos-West Oona , Nevin Kelly P. , Lovley Derek R.
Published: March 2013

It has been proposed that
Geobacter sulfurreducens
requires conductive pili for long-range electron transport to Fe(III) oxides and for high-density current production in microbial fuel cells. In order to investigate this further, we constructed a strain of
G. sulfurreducens
, designated Aro-5, which produced pili with diminished conductivity. This was accomplished by modifying the amino acid sequence of PilA, the structural pilin protein. An alanine was substituted for each of the five aromatic amino acids in the carboxyl terminus of PilA, the region in which
G. sulfurreducens
PilA differs most significantly from the PilAs of microorganisms incapable of long-range extracellular electron transport. Strain Aro-5 produced pili that were properly decorated with the multiheme
c
-type cytochrome OmcS, which is essential for Fe(III) oxide reduction. However, pili preparations of the Aro-5 strain had greatly diminished conductivity and Aro-5 cultures were severely limited in their capacity to reduce Fe(III) compared to the control strain. Current production of the Aro-5 strain, with a graphite anode serving as the electron acceptor, was less than 10% of that of the control strain. The conductivity of the Aro-5 biofilms was 10-fold lower than the control strain’s. These results demonstrate that the pili of
G. sulfurreducens
must be conductive in order for the cells to be effective in extracellular long-range electron transport.

IMPORTANCE
Extracellular electron transfer by
Geobacter
species plays an important role in the biogeochemistry of soils and sediments and has a number of bioenergy applications. For example, microbial reduction of Fe(III) oxide is one of the most geochemically significant processes in anaerobic soils, aquatic sediments, and aquifers, and
Geobacter
organisms are often abundant in such environments.
Geobacter sulfurreducens
produces the highest current densities of any known pure culture, and close relatives are often the most abundant organisms colonizing anodes in microbial fuel cells that harvest electricity from wastewater or aquatic sediments. The finding that a strain of
G. sulfurreducens
that produces pili with low conductivity is limited in these extracellular electron transport functions provides further insight into these environmentally significant processes.
Anaemia management with C.E.R.A. in routine clinical practice: OCEANE (Cohorte Mircerapatientsnon-dialysés), a national, multicenter, longitudinal, observational prospective study, in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis
Authors: Frimat Luc , Mariat Christophe , Landais Paul , Koné Sébastien , Commenges Bénédicte , Choukroun Gabriel
Published: March 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the management of anaemia with a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (C.E.R.A., methoxy polyethylene glycol epoetin-β), in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) not on dialysis, naïve or non-naïve to treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) at inclusion.

Design

National, multicentre, longitudinal, observational prospective study.

Setting

133 nephrologists practicing in France selected patients during their routine follow-up visits. The study was non-interventional.

Participants

They were adult CKD patients not on dialysis or kidney transplant patients, naïve or not to ESA treatment: 524 patients not on dialysis (48% ESA-naïve) and 92 kidney transplant patients (24% ESA-naïve) were included and followed up every 3 months during 1 year.

Outcome measures

The two main endpoints were the percentage of patients who achieved target haemoglobin (Hb) levels as per European Medicines Agency guidelines (10–12 g/dl) around 6 months of treatment and modalities of treatment.

Results

Approximately one in two patients had an Hb level within 10–12 g/dl at baseline, and around 6 and 12 months of treatment. Ninety per cent of ESA-naïve patients achieved at least +1 g/dl increase over baseline Hb levels or had Hb within 10–12 g/dl around 6 and 12 months. The Hb level remained at approximately 11.5 g/dl during the 12 months of follow-up. Around 6 months: almost all patients were receiving a once-monthly subcutaneous dose of C.E.R.A. (patients not on dialysis: 95±54 µg; kidney transplant patients: 121±70 µg); approximately half the patients did not require a change in C.E.R.A. dose. Adverse effects related to C.E.R.A. were observed in less than 5% of patients and led to modification or discontinuation of treatment in 2%.

Conclusions

The efficacy and safety of C.E.R.A. in CKD patients not on dialysis, with or without kidney transplantation, were confirmed in routine clinical practice.
Nocturnal hypoxaemia in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome: a cohort study
Authors: Ramakrishnan Sivasubramanian , Juneja Rajnish , Bardolei Neil , Sharma Ajay , Shukla Garima , Bhatia Manvir , Kalaivani Mani , Kothari Shyam S , Saxena Anita , Bahl Vinay K , Guleria Randeep
Published: March 2013

Objectives

The objective of the study was to find the prevalence of sleep-related disturbances in patients of Eisenmenger syndrome.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Tertiary care referral centre in North India.

Participants

The study included 25 patients with Eisenmenger syndrome (mean age 25.2±9.6 years, 18 men) and 12 patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease with pulmonary stenosis physiology (mean age 20.5±8.5 years, 8 men) as controls.

Interventions

All the patients underwent an overnight comprehensive polysomnogram study and pulmonary function testing.

Main outcome measure

Oxygen desaturation index, which is the number of oxygen drops per hour.

Results

The patients and controls had significant nocturnal hypoxaemia in the absence of apnoea and hypopnoea. The mean oxygen drop index in Eisenmenger syndrome group was 9.0±6.2 and in the control group was 8.0±5.9 (p=0.63). The apnoea–hypopnoea index was 3.37±5.0 in the Eisenmenger syndrome group and was 2.1±3.6 in the control group. Patients with >10 oxygen drops per hour had significantly higher haemoglobin (17.2±1.3% vs 14.4±1.5%, p<0.001) than those with oxygen drops less than 10.

Conclusions

Eisenmenger syndrome patients have significant nocturnal hypoxaemia unrelated to hypopnoea and apnoea. Nocturnal desaturation occurred more frequently in patients with greater haemoglobin values.
Associations between body weight perception and weight control behaviour in South Indian children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Swaminathan Sumathi , Selvam Sumithra , Pauline Maria , Vaz Mario
Published: March 2013

Objective

To examine the patterns of weight loss behaviour and the association between weight loss attempts with actual weight status and children's and parental perceptions of weight status.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Karnataka, South India.

Participants

1874 girls and boys aged 8–14 years from seven schools in Karnataka, South India.

Main outcome measures

The association between weight loss attempts and sociodemographic factors, weight status and the child's or the parent's perception of weight status.

Results

Approximately 73% of overweight and obese, 35% of normal weight and 22% of underweight children attempted to lose weight. Children of lower socioeconomic groups studying in schools in the local vernacular and overweight/obese children were more likely to attempt to lose weight (adjusted OR ie, AOR=1.57, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.25; AOR=4.38, 95% CI 2.64 to 7.28, respectively). Perception of weight status was associated with weight loss attempts. Thus, children who were of normal weight but perceived themselves to be overweight/obese were three times more likely to attempt weight loss compared with those who accurately perceived themselves as being of normal weight, while the odds of attempting weight loss were the highest for those who were overweight and perceived themselves to be so (AOR∼18).

Conclusions

Children are likely to attempt weight loss in India irrespective of their weight status, age and gender. Children who were actually overweight as well as those who were perceived by themselves or by their parents to be overweight or obese were highly likely to try to lose weight. It is necessary to understand body weight perceptions in communities with a dual burden of being overweight and undernourished, if intervention programmes for either are to be successful.
Assessment of a multimarker strategy for prediction of mortality in older heart failure patients: a cohort study
Authors: Bjurman Christian , Jensen Juliana , Petzold Max , Hammarsten Ola , Fu Michael L X
Published: March 2013

Objective

Primarily to develop a multimarker score for prediction of 3-year mortality in older patients with decompensated heart failure (HF).

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Secondary care. Single centre.

Patients and biomarkers

131 patients, aged ≥65 years, with decompensated HF were included. Assessment of biomarkers was performed at discharge.

Primary outcome measure

3-year mortality.

Results

Mean age was 73±11 years; mean left ventricular ejection fraction , 43±14%; 53% were male. The 3-year mortality was 53.4%. The following N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) levels could optimally stratify mortality: <2000 ng/l (n=39), 30.8% mortality; 2000–8000 ng/l (n=58), 51.7% mortality; and >8000 ng/l (n=34), 82.4% mortality. However, in the 2000–8000 ng/l range, NTproBNP levels had low-prognostic capacity, based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC=0.53; 95% CI 0.40 to 0.67). In this group, multivariate analysis identified age, cystatin C (CysC), and troponin T (TnT) levels as independent risk factors. A risk score based on these three risk factors separated a high-risk and low-risk groups within the NTproBNP range of 2000–8000 ng/l. The score exhibited a significantly higher AUC (0.75; 95% CI 0.62 to 0.86) than NTproBNP alone (p=0.03) in this NTproBNP group and had similar prognostic capacity as NTproBNP in patients below or above this NTproBNP range (p=0.57). Net reclassification improvement and integrated discriminatory improvement in the group with NTproBNP levels between 2000 and 8000 ng/l was 54% and 23%, respectively, and in the whole cohort 22% and 11%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that, to assess risk in HF, older patients required significantly higher levels of NTproBNP than younger patients. Furthermore, a risk score that included TnT and CysC at discharge, and age could improve risk stratification for mortality in older patients with HF in particular when NTproBNP was moderately elevated.
The role of organisational and cultural factors in the implementation of system-wide interventions in acute hospitals to improve patient outcomes: protocol for a systematic literature review
Authors: Nosrati Hadis , Clay-Williams Robyn , Cunningham Frances , Hillman Ken , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Little is known about the role of the organisational culture in the success and sustainability of the hospital-wide interventions, and how local culture affects patient outcomes in acute hospitals.

Methods and analysis

A systematic literature review will be conducted to identify organisational factors influencing hospital-wide interventions and patient outcomes. A search of English language articles will be performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsychInfo and Global Health databases using Medical Subject Headings and keywords. Randomised controlled trials, quasi-randomised trials, controlled before and after design studies and interrupted time-series analysis studies will be included. ‘Grey literature’ will be excluded, however peer-reviewed journals that are likely to publish relevant studies (JAMA,BMJ,BMJ Quality and Safety,LancetandNew England Journal of Medicine and Implementation Science) will be hand searched for the last 5 years. Two reviewers will independently undertake a title and abstract review using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies will be excluded only after discussion between at least two reviewers, who will assess and agree on the inclusion, risk of bias and quality rating of the studies. One author will extract summary descriptive data from these studies; the other author will review this documentation for accuracy and completeness.

Results

It is likely that the studies will be heterogeneous in nature, therefore a narrative synthesis of the findings will be conducted.

Conclusions

We will discuss characteristics of the studies and stratify the results according to the type of hospital-wide interventions, organisational factors associated with them and outcomes measured.
Cognitive ability and educational level in relation to concussion: a population study of young men
Authors: Teasdale Thomas William , Frøsig Anna Julie
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To investigate the association of concussion with cognitive ability (CA) and educational level (EL).

Design

Epidemiological—cross-linkage of national computer registers.

Setting

Denmark.

Participants

130 420 young men appearing before the Danish draft board during the period 2006–2010.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

CA test scores, EL and occurrence of concussion during the period 2004–2009, treated either in an A&E unit or upon admission to a hospital ward.

Results

The 3067 men who had suffered a concussion had lower CAs (mean=96.5, SD=15, 95% CI 95.0 to 97.0) than the total cohort and they were lower for 1452 who were admitted to a hospital ward (mean CA=95.8, SD=15, 95% CI 95.1 to 96.6) than for 1615 who were treated only at an A&E unit (mean CA=97.1, SD=15, 95% CI 96.3 to 98.0). Multiple logistic regressions revealed that the effects for EL were stronger than those for CA. Among 127 353 men not sustaining a concussion, 48% attended a ‘gymnasium’ (sixth-form college), among men treated for a concussion at an A&E unit, this falls to 36% and among men hospitalised for a concussion to 30%. Transfer to a gymnasium, if it happens, almost invariably does so before the 18th birthday. Among 701 men suffering a concussion and admitted to a hospital department after this date, only 26% (n=182) were previously transferred to a gymnasium. Among the 804 men treated at an A&E unit after their 18th birthday, 33% (n=265) had done so. These two percentages are significantly below the corresponding non-concussed population (48%).

Conclusions

Taken together, the results suggest that lower CA and, in particular, lower EL are risk factors for sustaining a concussion, the risk increasing with the severity of the injury.
Statin use and clinical outcomes in older men: a prospective population-based study
Authors: Gnjidic Danijela , Le Couteur David G , Blyth Fiona M , Travison Tom , Rogers Kris , Naganathan Vasi , Cumming Robert G , Waite Louise , Seibel Markus J , Handelsman David J , McLachlan Andrew J , Hilmer Sarah N
Published: March 2013

Objective

The aim of this analysis was to investigate the relationship of statins with institutionalisation and death in older men living in the community, accounting for frailty.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Community-dwelling men participating in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project, Sydney, Australia.

Participants

Men aged ≥70 years (n=1665).

Measurements

Data collected during baseline assessments and follow-up (maximum of 6.79 years) were obtained. Information regarding statin use was captured at baseline, between 2005 and 2007. Proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to estimate the risk of institutionalisation and death according to statin use (exposure, duration and dose) and frailty status, with adjustment for sociodemographics, medical diagnosis and other clinically relevant factors. A secondary analysis used propensity score matching to replicate covariate adjustment in regression models.

Results

At baseline, 43% of participants reported taking statins. Over 6.79 years of follow-up, 132 (7.9%) participants were institutionalised and 358 (21.5%) participants had died. In the adjusted models, baseline statin use was not statistically associated with increased risk of institutionalisation (HR=1.60; 95% CI 0.98 to 2.63) or death (HR=0.88; 95% CI 0.66 to 1.18). There was no significant association between duration and dose of statins used with either outcome. Propensity scoring yielded similar findings. Compared with non-frail participants not prescribed statins, the adjusted HR for institutionalisation for non-frail participants prescribed statins was 1.43 (95% CI 0.81 to 2.51); for frail participants not prescribed statins, it was 2.07 (95% CI 1.11 to 3.86) and for frail participants prescribed statins, it was 4.34 (95% CI 2.02 to 9.33).

Conclusions

These data suggest a lack of significant association between statin use and institutionalisation or death in older men. These findings call for real-world trials specifically designed for frail older people to examine the impact of statins on clinical outcomes.
A prospective cohort study of the changing mental health needs of adolescents in custody
Authors: Lennox Charlotte , Bell Vicky , O'Malley Kate , Shaw Jenny , Dolan Mairead
Published: March 2013

Objective

To investigate changes in mental health and other needs, as well as clinical and diagnostic ‘caseness’, in a sample of adolescents over a 6-month period following entry into a Young Offenders Institution in the UK.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

One Young Offenders Institution between November 2006 and August 2009.

Participants

219 male adolescents aged 15–18 years (M=16.56; SD=0.6) were assessed at baseline (median=4; range 0–26 days following reception into custody) on the Salford Needs Assessment Schedule for Adolescents (SNASA) and Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS). Participants were then reassessed at 3-month and 6-month postbaseline to document any change in mental health.

Results

Of the initial baseline sample, 132 were still in the study at 3-month postbaseline and 63 were still available for assessment at 6 months. There were no differences between those who were not available for assessment at the three key stages in terms of demographic and criminological data. Over time there was a general improvement in mental health. While the proportion of participants with a mental health need (SNASA) did not change over time, symptom severity as measured by the SNASA did reduce significantly. When we assessed diagnostic ‘caseness’ using the K-SADS, three young people showed significant mental health deterioration.

Conclusions

In line with previous studies, we found that symptoms in prison generally improved over time. Prison may provide an opportunity for young people previously leading chaotic lifestyles to settle into a stable routine and engage with services; however, it is unclear if these would be maintained either within the prison or on release into the community.
The impact of a medical undergraduate student-selected module in palliative care
Authors: Sweeney Catherine , Lynch Gerardine , Khashan Ali , Maher Bridget , Murphy Marie , O'Brien Tony
Published: March 2013

Background

The need for undergraduate medical education in palliative care is widely recognised. An optional student-selected module ‘Fundamentals of Palliative Medicine’ was introduced in 2011 and offered to third-year medical students. The overall objective of the module was to develop students’ knowledge, attitudes and skills in palliative care.

Aim

To assess impact of the module in terms of qualitative and quantitative measures, and to improve the module design and content for future years.

Methods

Students completed validated tools (Self Efficacy in Palliative Care and Thanatophobia Scale (TS)) premodule and postmodule. A Minute Paper was completed at the penultimate session with students identifying areas they had a good understanding of, and issues they still found unclear.

Results

Twenty-four of 155 eligible students chose the module. Significant differences were seen in premodule and postmodule Self Efficacy in Palliative Care scores (communication p<0.0001, patient management p=0.0002 and teamwork p=0.03). No difference was seen in TS score. Five main themes emerged from the qualitative analysis of the Minute Paper: changes to attitudes and knowledge, psychological effects, teaching methods, careers in palliative care, and further palliative care learning needs. Several students commented that the module should be core curriculum.

Conclusions

The module was a popular choice with students, was well received, and appears to have had a significant educational impact in terms of changing students’ attitudes and perceived knowledge and skills in palliative care.
End-of-life care in a population-based cohort of cancer patients: clinical trial participation versus standard of care
Authors: Thompson Carrie A , Hugo Sarah E , Swetz Keith Mark , Novotny Paul J , Sloan Jeff A , Loprinzi Charles L , Moynihan Timothy J , Shanafelt Tait D
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To evaluate end-of-life care in a cohort of oncology patients in Olmsted County, Minnesota, USA, and compare differences between patients participating in clinical trials and those not in clinical trials.

Methods

A population-based cohort of subjects with active oncological disease who died between 2000 and 2002 was constructed retrospectively using institutional databases. Clinical trial participation and care during the last 2 months of life were analysed.

Results

A total of 395 eligible patients were identified. In the 2 months prior to death, 94 (24%) patients received chemotherapy, 232 (59%) were hospitalised, 249 (63%) were in hospice and 315 (80%) had a do not resuscitate (DNR) code status. Only 8 (2%) patients received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and 26 (7%) patients participated in a clinical trial. Patients in clinical trials were more likely to receive chemotherapy (69.2% vs 20.6%; p<0.001), undergo intubation/mechanical ventilation (15.4% vs 5.4%; p=0.040) and less likely to have DNR code status (50.0% vs 81.8%; p<0.001) when compared with patients not in clinical trials. However, no differences in hospice enrolment, days in hospice, days in the hospital, CPR or location of death were noted.

Conclusions

Although opportunities for improvement exist, high quality end-of-life care was found in this study of patients with active malignancy. A majority (over 60%) of patients enrolled in hospice prior to death, 80% had a DNR status and only 2% received CPR. Although clinical trial participants received more aggressive treatments during the last 2 months of life, they did not appear to have lower quality end-of-life care.
Utility of a single early warning score in patients with sepsis in the emergency department
Authors: Corfield Alasdair R , Lees Fiona , Zealley Ian , Houston Gordon , Dickie Sarah , Ward Kirsty , McGuffie Crawford ,   on behalf of the Scottish Trauma Audit Group Sepsis Steering Group
Published: March 2013

Background

An important element in improving the care of patients with sepsis is early identification and early intervention. Early warning score (EWS) systems allow earlier identification of physiological deterioration. A standardised national EWS (NEWS) has been proposed for use across the National Health Service in the UK.

Aim

To determine whether a single NEWS on emergency department (ED) arrival is a predictor of outcome, either in-hospital death within 30 days or intensive care unit (ICU) admission within 2 days, in patients with sepsis.

Methods

Data were collected over a 3-month period as part of a national audit in 20 EDs in Scotland. All adult patients who were admitted for at least 2 days or who died within 2 days were screened for sepsis criteria. Patients with  systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria were included. An EWS was calculated based on initial physiological observations made in the ED using the NEWS.

Results

Complete data were available for 2003 patients. Each rise in NEWS category was associated with an increased risk of mortality when compared to the lowest category (5–6: OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.14), (7–8: OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.42 to 3.61), (9–20: OR 5.64, 95% CI 3.70 to 8.60). This was also the case for the combined outcome (ICU and/or mortality).

Conclusions

An increased NEWS on arrival at ED is associated with higher odds of adverse outcome among patients with sepsis. The use of NEWS could facilitate patient pathways to ensure triage to a high acuity area of the ED and senior clinician involvement at an early stage.
Immunohistochemistry of deparaffinised sections using antigen retrieval with microwave combined pressure cooking versus immunofluorescence in the assessment of human renal biopsies
Authors: Shi Suozhu , Zhang Ping , Cheng Qingli , Wu Jie , Cui Jing , Zheng Ying , Bai Xue-Yuan , Chen Xiangmei
Published: March 2013

Background

Immunofluorescence of frozen tissue sections (IF-F) is a traditional technique used in renal biopsy. However, IF-F has certain disadvantages, such as a few or even no glomeruli in the section, and limited long-term preservation of the fluorescently labelled samples.

Methods

We compared two-step immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of deparaffinised sections for antigen retrieval with microwave combined high-pressure cooking to IF-F used to detect antigens of IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C1q, κ and λ in patient renal biopsy samples. The number of glomeruli detected, sensitivity and specificity of positive staining, tissue structure, and location staining of the antigens were determined using the two methods in 285 patients diagnosed with different renal diseases.

Results

Concordant observations between IF-F and IHC were 99% for all antigen staining (1969 of 1995 observations) and 100% for IgG, IgA and IgM (all 285 observations). The number of glomeruli in IHC sections was significantly greater compared with IF-F sections (p<0.001). IHC provided clearer images of tissue structure, more precise localisation of positive-staining antigens, and IHC staining allowed simultaneous evaluation of tissue by light microscopy. Correlation between tissue structure and immune deposits are not readily attained by IF-F.

Conclusions

IHC is superior to IF-F for immunopathological diagnosis of renal biopsy tissue and is a reliable replacement for the more traditional IF-F method.
Portraits of John Hunter's patients
Authors: James Douglas Hugh
Published: March 2013

Portraits of patients served many clinical functions in eighteenth-century medic John Hunter's medical practice. As incarnations of medical skills and medical knowledge, they helped Hunter understand his patients’ problems. They could also bridge the physical absence of his patients, and so help him discuss cases at a distance with other members of the medical faculty. Moreover, portraits complemented text in his day-to-day practice; portraits were in no way an ancillary medium for Hunter, but rather a fundamental way of working. Meanwhile, the role of Hunter's assistants as medically trained artists complicates typical historical models of patient–practitioner interactions, and affects how patients were objectified by modes of looking and by art.
Review of the topos approach to quantum theory
Authors: Flori C.
Published: March 2013

Topos theory has been suggested by Döring and Isham as an alternative mathematical structure with which to formulate, in general, physical theories. However, the motivation for using it to express quantum theory, lies in the desire to solve certain interpretational problems inherent in the standard formulation of the theory. In fact, the topos approach to quantum theory overcomes the instrumentalist–Copenhagen interpretation, rendering the theory more realist. The caveat is that one ends up with a multivalued–intuitionistic logic, rather than a Boolean logic.
Generation and identification of Brassica alboglabra – Brassica campestris monosomic alien addition lines
Authors: Li Xiao-Feng , Xuan Shu-Xin , Wang Jun-Ling , Zhang Shu-Ling , Wang Yan-Hua , Zhang Cheng-He , Shen Shu-Xing , Shen Er-Qiao
Published: March 2013

Four monosomic alien addition lines (MAALs) for Brassica alboglabra – Brassica campestris were developed through digenomic triploid (ACC) backcrossing with the recurrent parent B. alboglabra (CC). The objectives of this study were to compare morphological traits, microsatellite markers (simple sequence repeats), chromosomal karyotypes, and meiotic behaviors. Based on the new chromosome nomenclature system established for Brassica, we preliminarily identified these MAALs as CC+A1, CC+A3, CC+A6, and CC+A7. Their alien chromosomes were transmittable through both female and male gametes at rates of 11.46%–26.53% and 4.88%–12.90%, respectively.
NEARLY OPTIMAL NODE-TO-SET PARALLEL ROUTING IN OTIS NETWORKS
Authors: CHEN WEIDONG , XIAO WENJUN , PARHAMI BEHROOZ
Published: March 2013

The node-to-set parallel routing problem for a k-connected network Γ is as follows: given a node s and k other nodes {t1, t2, … , tk} in Γ, find k node-disjoint paths connecting s and ti, for 1 ≤ i ≤ k. From the viewpoint of applications in synthesizing fast and resilient collective communication operations, it is desirable to make the parallel paths as short as possible. Building such paths is a nontrivial problem for a general network. Optical transpose interconnection system (OTIS, also known as swapped) networks, a class of hierarchical structures built of n identical n-node factor networks, are known to be maximally fault-tolerant for any connected factor network, implying that they have maximal connectivity. We propose a general algorithm for the node-to-set parallel routing problem in OTIS/swapped networks that yields paths of length no greater than D + 4 in O(Δ2 + Δf(n)) time, where D and Δ represent the diameter and degree of the OTIS network and O(f(n)) is the time complexity of a shortest-path routing algorithm for the n-node factor network. Our node-to-set routing algorithm is shown to have optimal time complexity for certain OTIS networks of practical interest, including OTIS-Mesh and OTIS-Hypercube.
A DYNAMIC JITTER-CONTROLLED TREE-BASED P2P NETWORK TOPOLOGY FOR MULTIPOINT MULTIMEDIA APPLICATIONS
Authors: LOMBARDO ALFIO , MASTO ANTONIO , REFORGIATO DIEGO , SCHEMBRA GIOVANNI
Published: March 2013

In the last few years peer-to-peer (P2P) systems have gained ground for multipoint video content distribution over IP networks. P2P technologies give new opportunities to define an efficient multimedia streaming application, but at the same time they involve a set of technical challenges and issues due to the best-effort service offered by the underlying Internet, and its dynamic and heterogeneous nature. Stringent requirements in terms of end-to-end delay for real-time applications motivates the choice of a tree-structured topology against other topologies that have been introduced in the last research works, but mainly aimed at non-real-time services like video on demand and live streaming. The target of this paper is to present a platform for multipoint multimedia transmission based on a tree overlay network with jitter control and to show through experiments on real environment that our platform performs better than a traditional tree overlay network system in terms of PSNR, frame loss and playout frozen time.
DECOMPOSITION OF STOCHASTIC FLOWS IN MANIFOLDS WITH COMPLEMENTARY DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: CATUOGNO PEDRO J. , DA SILVA FABIANO B. , RUFFINO PAULO R.
Published: March 2013

Let M be a differentiable manifold endowed locally with two complementary distributions, say horizontal and vertical. We consider the two subgroups of (local) diffeomorphisms of M generated by vector fields in each of of these distributions. Given a stochastic flow φt of diffeomorphisms of M, in a neighbourhood of an initial condition, up to a stopping time we decompose φt = ξt ◦ ψt where the first component is a diffusion in the group of horizontal diffeomorphisms and the second component is a process in the group of vertical diffeomorphisms. Further decomposition will include more than two components; it leads to a maximal cascade decomposition in local coordinates where each component acts only in the corresponding coordinate.
STOCHASTIC POROUS MEDIA EQUATION DRIVEN BY FRACTIONAL BROWNIAN MOTION
Authors: BÁRTEK JAN , GARRIDO-ATIENZA MARÍA J. , MASLOWSKI BOHDAN
Published: March 2013

The present work deals with stochastic porous media equation with multiplicative noise, driven by fractional Brownian motion B(H) with Hurst index H > 1/2. The stochastic integral with integrator B(H) is defined pathwise following the theory developed by Zähle [24], based on the so-called fractional derivatives. It is shown that there is a one-to-one correspondence between solutions to the stochastic equation and solutions to its deterministic counterpart. By means of this correspondence and exploiting properties of the deterministic porous media equation, the existence, uniqueness, regularity and long-time properties of the solution is established. We also prove that the solution forms a random dynamical system in an appropriate function space.
Female mice lacking p47phoxhave altered adipose tissue gene expression and are protected against high fat-induced obesity
Authors: Ronis Martin J. J. , Sharma Neha , Vantrease Jamie , Borengasser Sarah J. , Ferguson Matthew , Mercer Kelly E. , Cleves Mario A. , Gomez-Acevedo Horacio , Badger Thomas M.
Published: March 2013

The current study was designed to determine if the NADPH-oxidase NOX2 plays a role in development of obesity after high fat feeding. Wild-type (WT) mice and mice lacking the essential cytosolic NOX2 system component p47phox(P47KO mice) were fed AIN-93G diets or high-fat diets (HFD) containing 45% fat and 0.5% cholesterol for 13 wk from weaning. Fat mass was increased to a similar degree by HFD in males of both genotypes ( P < 0.05). However, female P47KO-HFD mice had no increase in adiposity or adipocyte size relative to female WT-HFD mice. Resistance to HFD-driven obesity in P47KO females was associated with increased expression of hepatic TFAM and UCP-2 mRNA, markers of mitochondrial number and uncoupling, and increased expression of hepatic mitochondrial respiratory complexes and whole body energy expenditure in response to HFD. Microarray analysis revealed significantly lower expression of mRNA encoding genes linked to energy metabolism, adipocyte differentiation (PPARγ), and fatty acid uptake (CD36, lipoprotein lipase), in fat pads from female P47KO-HFD mice compared with WT-HFD females. Moreover, differentiation of preadipocytes ex vivo was suppressed more by 17β-estradiol in cells from P47KO compared with cells from WT females in conjunction with overexpression of mRNA for Pref-1 ( P < 0.05). HFD mice of both sexes were resistant to the development of hyperglycemia and hepatic steatosis ( P < 0.05) and had reduced serum triglycerides, leptin, and adiponectin relative to WT-HFD mice ( P < 0.05). These data suggest that NOX2 is an important regulator of metabolic homeostasis and diet-induced obesity.
Vehicle Dynamics Approach to Driver Warning
Authors: Ghoneim Youssef A.
Published: March 2013

This paper discusses a concept for enhanced active safety by introducing a driver warning system based on vehicle dynamics that predicts a potential loss of control condition prior to stability control activation. This real-time warning algorithm builds on available technologies such as the Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The driver warning system computes several indices based on yaw rate, side-slip velocity, and vehicle understeer using ESC sensor suite. An arbitrator block arbitrates between the different indices and determines the status index of the driving vehicle. The status index is compared to predetermined stability levels which correspond to high and low stability levels. If the index exceeds the high stability level, a warning signal (haptic, acoustic, or visual) is issued to alert the driver of a potential loss of control and ESC activation. This alert will remain in effect until the index is less than the low stability level at which time the warning signal will be terminated. A vehicle speed advisory algorithm is integrated with the warning algorithm to provide a desired vehicle speed of a vehicle traveling on a curve. Simulation results and vehicle tests were conducted to illustrate the effectiveness of the warning algorithm.
Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy after Transarterial Chemoembolisation Failure in an Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Presentation
Authors: Fiorica Francesco , Greco Carlo , Boccia Sergio , Sartori Sergio , Stefanelli Antonio , Cartei Francesco , Ursino Stefano
Published: March 2013

Introduction. Transarterial chemoembolization is the first-line treatment in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. There is no standard treatment after transarterial chemoembolization failure. We report the case of a patient with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who showed a complete response and a long cancer control with hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy after transarterial chemoembolization failure.Case Presentation. A 70-year-old Caucasian woman was treated with transarterial chemoembolization for advanced hepatocellular, but no cancer control was obtained. A hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy was planned delivering 40 Gy in 5 fractions. A dramatic reduction in alpha-fetoprotein was observed. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography at 1 and 2 months showed large necrotic areas. Computerised tomography scan showed a 90% objective tumour response, then a complete remission at 3 and 6 months after treatment, respectively. Status of patient remained unchanged for 2 years.Conclusions. Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy can improve survival and prognosis of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patient.
Amino Acid Derivatives as New Zinc Binding Groups for the Design of Selective Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
Authors: Giustiniano Mariateresa , Tortorella Paolo , Agamennone Mariangela , Di Pizio Antonella , Rossello Armando , Nuti Elisa , Gomez-Monterrey Isabel , Novellino Ettore , Campiglia Pietro , Vernieri Ermelinda , Sala Marina , Bertamino Alessia , Carotenuto Alfonso
Published: March 2013

A number of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important medicinal targets for conditions ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to cardiomyopathy, periodontal disease, liver cirrhosis, multiple sclerosis, and cancer invasion and metastasis, where they showed to have a dual role, inhibiting or promoting important processes involved in the pathology. MMPs contain a zinc (II) ion in the protein active site. Small-molecule inhibitors of these metalloproteins are designed to bind directly to the active site metal ions. In an effort to devise new approaches to selective inhibitors, in this paper, we describe the synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of amino acid derivatives as new zinc binding groups (ZBGs). The incorporation of selected metal-binding functions in more complex biphenyl sulfonamide moieties allowed the identification of one compound able to interact selectively with different MMP enzymatic isoforms.
Analysis of the Mathematical Model for the Spread of Pine Wilt Disease
Authors: Shi Xiangyun , Song Guohua
Published: March 2013

This paper formulates and analyzes a pine wilt disease model. Mathematical analyses of the model with regard to invariance of nonnegativity, boundedness of the solutions, existence of nonnegative equilibria, permanence, and global stability are presented. It is proved that the global dynamics are determined by the basic reproduction numberℛ0and the other valueℛcwhich is larger thanℛ0. Ifℛ0andℛcare both less than one, the disease-free equilibrium is asymptotically stable and the pine wilt disease always dies out. If one is between the two values, though the pine wilt disease could occur, the outbreak will stop. If the basic reproduction number is greater than one, a unique endemic equilibrium exists and is globally stable in the interior of the feasible region, and the disease persists at the endemic equilibrium state if it initially exists. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the theoretical results, and some disease control measures are especially presented by these theoretical results.
Assessment of Definitions of Sustained Disease Progression in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Healy Brian C. , Engler David , Glanz Bonnie , Musallam Alexander , Chitnis Tanuja
Published: March 2013

Sustained progression on the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) is a common outcome measure of disease progression in clinical studies of MS. Unfortunately, this outcome may not accurately measure long-term and irreversible disease progression. To assess the performance of definitions of sustained progression, patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) or a clinically isolated syndrome with evidence of lesions on a brain MRI were included in our study. Fifteen definitions of sustained progression using both the EDSS and the functional system (FS) scales were investigated. The impact of both relapses and changes in provider on the probability of maintaining progression was also evaluated. Although the provider scoring the EDSS sometimes changed during followup, the provider had access to previous EDSS scores. Between 15.8% and 42.2% of patients experienced sustained progression based on the definitions using EDSS as the outcome, but nearly 50% of these patients failed to maintain sustained progression for the duration of followup. When FS scales were used, progression was most common on the pyramidal and sensory scales. Unfortunately, progression on specific FS scales failed to be more sensitive to irreversible disability. Relapses or changes in provider did not explain the poor performance of the measures. Short-term changes in the EDSS or FS scores may not be an accurate marker of irreversible change in RRMS.
Cognitive Aspects of Hyperactivity and Overactivity in Preadolescents with Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Laverdure Anick , O'Connor Kieron , Lavoie Marc E.
Published: March 2013

Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD) is a common comorbidity in children with Tourette syndrome (TS). However, motor restlessness and high levels of sensorimotor activation or “overactivity” may be a feature of TS rather than a distinct ADHD comorbidity. The link between overactivity and ADHD in TS has yet to be established and in particular between adult and preadolescent manifestations. The current study furthers this understanding of ADHD features in TS by investigating the relationship between cognitive and behavioral aspects of ADHD and TS. The style of planning (STOP) overactivity scale was compared in preadolescent (n=17) and adult (n=17) samples. The STOP overactivity scale measures the characteristic overactive style of planning in everyday life. The aims of the study were twofold as follows: (1) to see if an overactive style was present in adolescents as well as in adults, and (2) to see if this overactive style correlated with hyperactivity, impulsivity, or perfectionism. Results suggest that overactivity may be a better description of the hyperactivity manifestations in TS. Behavioral components of overactivity were present in preadolescents while the cognitive components were more frequent in adults. Overactivity relates at the same time to perfectionism and impulsivity.
Chinese Medicinal Herbs for Childhood Pneumonia: A Systematic Review of Effectiveness and Safety
Authors: Yang Qianchun , Wu Darong , Mao Wei , Liu Xusheng , Bao Kun , Lin Qizhan , Lu Fuhua , Zou Chuan , Li Chuang
Published: March 2013

Objective. To assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicinal herbs for Childhood Pneumonia.Methods. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The searched electronic databases included PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI, and VIP. All studies included were assessed for quality and risk bias. Review Manager 5.1.6 software was used for data analyses, and the GRADEprofiler software was applied to classify the systematic review results.Results. Fourteen studies were identified(n=1.824). Chinese herbs may increase total effective rate (risk ratio (RR) 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11–1.26) and improve cough (total mean difference (MD),−2.18; 95% CI,(−2.66)–(−1.71)), fever (total MD,−1.85; 95% CI,(−2.29)–(−1.40)), rales (total MD,−1.53; 95% CI,(−1.84)–(−1.23)), and chest films (total MD,−3.10; 95% CI,(−4.11)–(−2.08)) in Childhood Pneumonia. Chinese herbs may shorten the length of hospital stay (total MD,−3.00; 95% CI, (−3.52)–(−2.48)), but no significant difference for adverse effects (RR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.09–1.72) was identified.Conclusion. Chinese herbs may increase total effective rate and improve symptoms and signs. However, large, properly randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies are required.