bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complement‐fixing donor‐specific antibodies identified by a novel C1q assay are associated with allograft loss
Authors: Sutherland Scott M. , Chen Ge , Sequeira Flavia A. , Lou Calvin D. , Alexander Steven R. , Tyan Dolly B.
Published: November 2011

Sutherland SM, Chen G, Sequeira FA, Lou CD, Alexander SR, Tyan DB. Complement‐fixing donor‐specific antibodies identified by a novel C1q assay are associated with allograft loss.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 12–17. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Long‐term outcomes following renal transplantation remain disappointing. Recently, interest has focused on the antibody‐mediated component of allograft injury and the deleterious effects of DSA. We applied a novel C1q solid‐phase assay in parallel with the standard IgG SAB assay to identify DSA with the potential to activate complement by binding C1q. Among 193 consecutive renal transplants at our center, 19.2% developed de novo DSA following transplantation. Of the patients with DSA, 43% had antibodies that bound C1q in vitro [C1q(+) DSA]. Patients with C1q(+) DSA were more likely to develop allograft loss than patients with DSA that did not bind C1q (46.7% vs. 15%; p = 0.04); patients with C1q(+) DSA were nearly six times more likely to lose their transplant than those with C1q(−) DSA. Additionally, patients with C1q(+) DSA who underwent allograft biopsy were more likely to demonstrate C4d deposition (50% vs. 8%; p = 0.03) and meet criteria for acute rejection (60% vs. 17%; p = 0.02) when compared with patients with DSA that did not bind C1q. These data suggest that DSA with the ability to activate complement, as determined by this novel C1q assay, are associated with greater risk of acute rejection and allograft loss.
Successful liver transplantation following veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a child with fulminant Wilson disease and severe pulmonary hemorrhage: A case report
Authors: Son Seung Kook , Oh Seak Hee , Kim Kyung Mo , Lee Yeoun Joo , Jhang Won Kyoung , Park Seong Jong , Shin Hong Ju , Park Jeong‐Jun , Kim Tae Hoon , Kim Dae Yeon , Hwang Shin , Park Kwang‐Min , Lee Young‐Joo , Lee Sung‐Gyu
Published: November 2011

Son SK, Oh SH, Kim KM, Lee YJ, Jhang WK, Park SJ, Shin HJ, Park J‐J, Kim TH, Kim DY, Hwang S, Park K‐M, Lee Y‐J, Lee S‐G. Successful liver transplantation following veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a child with fulminant Wilson disease and severe pulmonary hemorrhage: A case report.  Pediatr Transplantation 2011. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Massive pulmonary hemorrhage and other serious cardiopulmonary diseases in patients with fulminant hepatitis result not only in graft failure but also mortality after LT. ECMO is used to treat children with cardiorespiratory failure refractory to conventional intensive care. We describe a five‐yr‐old girl with genetically confirmed fulminant Wilson disease and severe pulmonary hemorrhage who underwent successful primary LT following veno‐arterial ECMO. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful primary LT in a patient using veno‐arterial ECMO. The present case demonstrates that ECMO, as a bridging modality to LT, may be necessary to manage both massive pulmonary hemorrhage and possible graft loss because of hypoxemia.
Abiotic heterogeneity drives parasite local adaptation in coevolving bacteria and phages
Authors: LOPEZ PASCUA L. , GANDON S. , BUCKLING A.
Published: November 2011

Spatial abiotic heterogeneity can result in divergent selection, hence might increase the magnitude of host–parasite local adaptation (the mean difference in fitness of sympatric vs. allopatric host–parasite combinations). We explicitly tested this hypothesis by measuring local adaptation in experimentally coevolved populations of bacteria and viruses evolved in the same or different nutrient media. Consistent with previous work, we found that mean levels of evolved phage infectivity and bacteria resistance varied with nutrient concentration, with maximal levels at nutrient concentrations that supported the greatest densities of bacteria. Despite this variation in evolved mean infectivity and resistance between treatments, we found that parasite local adaptation was greatly increased when measured between populations evolved in different, compared with the same, media. This pattern is likely to have resulted from different media imposing divergent selection on bacterial hosts, and phages in turn adapting to their local hosts. These results demonstrate that the abiotic environment can play a strong and predictable role in driving patterns of local adaptation.
Impact of solvent/detergent treatment of plasma on transfusion‐relevant bacteria
Authors: Chou M.‐L. , Wu Y.‐W. , Su C.‐Y. , Lee L.‐W. , Burnouf T.
Published: November 2011

Background  A solvent/detergent (S/D) treatment in a medical device has been developed for pathogen reduction of plasma for transfusion. Impact of S/D on bacterial growth and on the capacity of complement to kill bacteria has been investigated in this study.

Study design and methods  A pool of apheresis plasma from four donors was spiked with eight transfusion‐relevant bacteria. Plasma was treated with 1% tri(n‐butyl) phosphate and 1% Triton X‐45 at 31°C for 90 min and then extracted by oil at 31°C for 70 min. Decomplemented plasma and Phosphate Buffer Saline were used as controls. Bacterial count was determined in samples taken immediately after spiking, or after S/D and oil treatment. Similar experiments were conducted using three individual recovered plasma donations. Bacteria growth inhibition tests were performed using discs soaked with plasma samples whether containing the S/D agents or not.

Results  The mean reduction factors of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae due to complement during S/D treatment were >8·75, 4·71, and 4·18 log in pooled plasma and >7·42, 2·24 and >6·08 log in individual plasmas, respectively. Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis were inactivated by S/D (>7·04 and 1·60 log in pooled, and >6·06 and 2·39 in individual plasmas, respectively). Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterobacter cloacae did not multiply during S/D treatment of plasma. Growth inhibition tests revealed an inhibition of three Gram‐negative bacteria by complement and all Gram‐positive by S/D.

Conclusion  The S/D treatment of plasma does not alter the bactericidal activity of complement, and inactivates some Gram‐positive bacteria.
Genetic Variation for Maize Epicuticular Wax Response to Drought Stress at Flowering
Authors: Meeks M. , Murray S. C. , Hague S. , Hays D. , Ibrahim A. M. H.
Published: November 2011

Drought stress is thought to promote epicuticular wax accumulation on maize leaves, which reduces plant water loss. We evaluated 62 maize inbred lines and their hybrid testcross progeny for epicuticular wax accumulation on flag leaves at flowering under full and limited irrigation regimes. Extracted wax was measured as a percentage of wax weight to leaf weight (WLW) and leaf area (WLA). Eleven genotypes had above average WLW as both inbred lines and hybrid testcrosses. Thirteen genotypes had above average WLA as either inbred lines or hybrid testcrosses. The drought treatment did not significantly alter WLW or WLA. Heritability of WLW was 0.17 (inbred lines) and 0.58 (hybrid testcrosses). Heritability of WLA was 0.41 (inbred lines) and 0.59 (hybrid testcrosses), suggesting it is a better trait than WLW for epicuticular wax screening. Correlations (r) between inbred lines and their testcross progeny were 0.44 and 0.18, for WLW and WLA, respectively. Heritability of grain weight per ear and plot yield was highest in hybrid testcrosses, with no correlation between inbred and hybrid germplasm. It is not warranted to evaluate epicuticular wax accumulation as the sole drought tolerance mechanism. However, it may be a good secondary trait to observe in relation to grain yield production in hybrids tested under water‐limiting conditions.
Risk factors for community‐acquired pneumonia in pre‐school‐aged children
Authors: Grant Cameron C , Emery Diane , Milne Tania , Coster Gregor , Forrest Christopher B , Wall Clare R , Scragg Robert , Aickin Richard , Crengle Sue , Leversha Alison , Tukuitonga Colin , Robinson Elizabeth M
Published: November 2011

Aim:  To identify risk factors for children developing and being hospitalised with community‐acquired pneumonia.

Methods:  Children <5 years old residing in urban Auckland, New Zealand were enrolled from 2002 to 2004. To assess the risk of developing pneumonia, children hospitalised with pneumonia (n= 289) plus children with pneumonia discharged from the Emergency Department (n= 139) were compared with a random community sample of children without pneumonia (n= 351). To assess risk of hospitalisation, children hospitalised with pneumonia were compared with the children discharged from the Emergency Department. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the risk of pneumonia and hospitalisation with pneumonia.

Results:  After adjustment for season, age and ethnicity there was an increased risk of pneumonia associated with lower weight for height (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.10–1.51), spending less time outside (1.96, 1.11–3.47), previous chest infections (2.31, 1.55–3.43) and mould in the child's bedroom (1.93, 1.24–3.02). There was an increased risk of pneumonia hospitalisation associated with maternal history of pneumonia (4.03, 1.25–16.18), living in a more crowded household (2.87, 1.33–6.41) and one with cigarette smokers (1.99, 1.05–3.81), and mould in the child's bedroom (2.39, 1.25–4.72).

Conclusions:  Lower quality living environments increase the risk of pneumonia and hospitalisation with pneumonia in New Zealand. Poorer nutritional status may also increase the risk of pneumonia. Improving housing quality, decreased cigarette smoke exposure and early childhood nutrition may reduce pneumonia disease burden in New Zealand.
Controversies surrounding the clinical potential of cinnamon for the management of diabetes
Authors: Rafehi H. , Ververis K. , Karagiannis T. C.
Published: November 2011

Obesity levels have increased significantly in the past five decades and are predicted to continue rising, resulting in important health implications. In particular, this has translated to an increase in the occurrence of type II diabetes mellitus (T2D). To alleviate associated problems, certain nutraceuticals have been considered as potential adjuncts or alternatives to conventional prescription drugs. Cinnamon, a commonly consumed spice originating from South East Asia, is currently being investigated as a potential preventative supplement and treatment for insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and T2D. Extensive in vitro evidence has shown that cinnamon may improve insulin resistance by preventing and reversing impairments in insulin signalling in skeletal muscle. In adipose tissue, it has been shown that cinnamon increases the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors including, PPARγ. This is comparable to the action of commonly used thiazolinediones, which are PPAR agonists. Studies have also shown that cinnamon has potent anti‐inflammatory properties. However, numerous human clinical trials with cinnamon have been conducted with varying findings. While some studies have showed no beneficial effect, others have indicated improvements in cholesterol levels, systolic blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and postprandial glucose levels with cinnamon. However, the only measurement consistently improved by cinnamon consumption is fasting glucose levels. While it is still premature to suggest the use of cinnamon supplementation based on the evidence, further investigation into mechanisms of action is warranted. Apart from further characterization of genetic and epigenetic changes in model systems, systematic large‐scale clinical trials are required. In this study, we discuss the mechanisms of action of cinnamon in the context of T2D and we highlight some of the associated controversies.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial on the effect of long‐acting testosterone treatment as assessed by the Aging Male Symptoms scale
Authors: Ho Christopher C.K. , Tong Seng Fah , Low Wah Yun , Ng Chirk Jenn , Khoo Ee Ming , Lee Verna K.M. , Zainuddin Zulkifli Md , Tan Hui Meng
Published: November 2011

Study Type – Therapy (RCT)

Level of Evidence 1b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Testosterone deficiency syndrome can be treated with testosterone replacement in the form of injectable, transdermal, buccal and oral preparations. Long‐acting i.m. testosterone undecanoate 1000 mg, which is given at 10−14 week intervals, has been shown to be adequate for sustaining normal testosterone levels in hypogonadal men.

This study confirms that long‐acting i.m. testosterone undecanoate is effective in improving the health‐related quality of life in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome as assessed by the improvement in the Aging Male Symptoms scale. Testosterone treatment can be indicated in men who have poor health‐related quality of life resulting from testosterone deficiency syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of i.m. injection of testosterone undecanoate 1000 mg over 12 months on the Aging Male Symptom (AMS) scale scores in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 120 men >40 years old with TDS (total testosterone < 12 nmol/L and total AMS scores ≥ 27) were randomized into i.m. injection of either placebo or testosterone undecanoate 1000 mg.

In all, 56 and 58 participants from the active treatment and placebo groups, respectively completed the study.

An i.m. injection of either placebo or testosterone undecanoate 1000 mg was given at weeks 0, 6, 18, 30 and 48.

Self‐administered AMS questionnaires were completed at weeks 0, week 18 and week 48.

RESULTS

Improvement in the total AMS score was significantly greater in the treatment group than in the placebo group (F: 4.576, P= 0.017) over the 48‐week period.

The mean (sd) total AMS score was 38.46 (11.85) at baseline and 33.59 (1.69) at 48 weeks for the placebo group, and 41.73 (12.73) at baseline and 32.61 (9.67) at 48 weeks for the treatment group.

The mean change in the total AMS score was −12.6% in the placebo group and −21.9% in the treatment group.

The mean psychological and somatovegetative domain scores decreased significantly more in the treatment group than in the placebo group (−2.8 vs −1.2, P= 0.03; and −3.2 vs −1.8, P= 0.016).

The difference in change between the randomized groups for the sexual domain scores followed the same trend, though the difference was not significant.

CONCLUSION

Long‐acting testosterone is effective in improving health‐related quality of life as assessed by the AMS scale in men with TDS.
Inequalities in exposure and awareness of flood risk in England and Wales
Authors: Fielding Jane L.
Published: November 2011

This paper explores the environmental inequalities of living in the floodplains of England and Wales and the differences in flood awareness of those ‘at risk’. An area comparison is made between an etic, objective flood risk exposure, and an emic, subjective perception of that risk by social class. In all areas except the Midlands, the working classes were more likely to reside in the floodplains; the greatest exposure inequality is seen in the North East and Anglian regions. Flood awareness in the Anglian regions was much lower than average, but there were no significant class differences. In the Thames region, despite equal flood risk exposure between classes, the most deprived displayed the least awareness of flood risk. In the North East, inequalities in the distribution of flood risk exposure accompanied inequalities in perception, resulting in the least aware and most deprived experiencing the greatest flood risk.
“Fraudulent” Citizens of a Small Town: Occidentalism in Turkey
Authors: Ozan Zeybek Sezai
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  By looking at the electoral politics in a small town in Turkey, this article aims to illustrate how the political scene is polarised with counterpoised representations of East and West, alongside Occidentalist aspirations. The division supplies a set of ready‐made explanations regarding “backwardness, poverty and corruption”. However, although different frameworks are employed in line with the political orientations of respective parties, particular political demands and courses of action are systematically dismissed. The poor and the repressed are hardly listened to. Yet worse, they are “explained” in advance by the antagonistic pair of the East and the West. This article is an ethnographic exploration of how their demands fall in neither side, and how attending them could challenge the existing political realm.
PRODUCT LINE RIVALRY
Authors: Chisholm Darlene C. , Norman George
Published: November 2011

We analyse how product line rivalry by multi‐product oligopolists is affected by market size and product substitutability. We show that the width and degree of overlap in competing product lines is determined by the tension between two effects: the drive to ‘be where the demand is’ and the desire to weaken competition and intra‐firm product cannibalization. Product lines are shown to be wider and more overlapped in large markets and when product substitutability is weak. Our analysis suggests that firms can increase their profits by agreeing not to overlap their product lines.
‘Let’s have it tested first’: choice and circumstances in decision‐making following positive antenatal screening in Hong Kong
Authors: Pilnick Alison , Zayts Olga
Published: November 2011

There now exists a considerable body of sociological work examining antenatal screening for fetal abnormalities. A common theme emerging from this literature is that pregnant women report not feeling able to exercise choice freely, experiencing constraints both from medical professionals and their perceived expectations of the sociocultures in which they live. This study adds to existing literature in three ways. Firstly, in contrast to the existing body of interview‐based research, the study uses video recordings of actual consultations, in order to capture the interactional processes through which choice and constraints are established, negotiated and contested. Secondly, it explores the next stage in the process of antenatal screening, by focusing on women who are offered invasive diagnostic testing as a result of ‘high risk’ screening results, and who have been the subject of little research. Thirdly, the study site in Hong Kong provides a particularly interesting location, given limited research on antenatal screening in that part of the world, and Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan environment that is reflected in the diversity of client population undergoing antenatal screening. Using conversation analysis we examine how aspects of the clients’ diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and circumstances are interactionally managed in this setting, and how this might impact on decision‐making.
GOODWIN CYCLES, DISTRIBUTIONAL CONFLICT AND PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH
Authors: Rezai Armon
Published: November 2011

A combination of an investment‐driven macroeconomy and a conflict‐determined income distribution gives cyclical behavior. Models of wage–price inflation can be nested in the Goodwinian tradition. Endogenous technical change has ambiguous effects on equilibrium: Kaldor–Verdoorn effects increase the wage share's responsiveness to changes in output, while labor‐saving technical change reduces it.
The transcriptome of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices (DAOM 197198) reveals functional tradeoffs in an obligate symbiont
Authors: Tisserant E. , Kohler A. , Dozolme‐Seddas P. , Balestrini R. , Benabdellah K. , Colard A. , Croll D. , Da Silva C. , Gomez S. K. , Koul R. , Ferrol N. , Fiorilli V. , Formey D. , Franken Ph. , Helber N. , Hijri M. , Lanfranco L. , Lindquist E. , Liu Y. , Malbreil M. , Morin E. , Poulain J. , Shapiro H. , van Tuinen D. , Waschke A. , Azcón‐Aguilar C. , Bécard G. , Bonfante P. , Harrison M. J. , Küster H. , Lammers P. , Paszkowski U. , Requena N. , Rensing S. A. , Roux C. , Sanders I. R. , Shachar‐Hill Y. , Tuskan G. , Young J. P. W. , Gianinazzi‐Pearson V. , Martin F.
Published: November 2011

See also the Commentary by Rosendahl
Application of a Large Field‐of‐View sensor during coagulation and syneresis in fresh goat cheese manufacture
Authors: ROVIRA SILVIA , GARCÍA VICTOR , LÓPEZ MARIA BELÉN
Published: November 2011

A light backscatter sensor with a large field of view (LFV) was used for the online monitoring of fresh goat cheese during coagulation and syneresis. A CoAguLite™ sensor was used as a reference at 880 nm to select the appropriate wavelength and configuration details for the LFV sensor for this type of cheese and manufacturing design, which was found to be 990, 1000 and 1010 nm. The light backscatter ratio followed a sigmoid increase during coagulation, which was lower than that observed during cow milk coagulation, and decreased asymptotically after cutting at the same rate as previously found for cow‐milk curd. The fat losses and curd moisture could be predicted (R2: 0.71, SEP: 0.04 and R2: 0.98, SEP: 0.05, respectively) from the time taken to reach the maximum of the slope of the light backscatter ratio during coagulation (tmax) and from the LFV backscatter ratio. The reflectance ratio was strongly influenced by the fat losses and tmax, which explained variations in the moisture content.
Bargaining Over Labour: Do Patients Have Any Power?*
Authors: GANS JOSHUA S. , LEIGH ANDREW
Published: November 2011

We provide a new method of identifying the level of relative bargaining power in bilateral negotiations using exogenous variation in the degree of conflict between parties. Using daily births data, we study negotiations over birth timing. In doing so, we exploit the fact that fewer children are born on the ‘inauspicious’ dates of February 29 and April 1; most likely, we argue, reflecting parental preferences. When these inauspicious dates abut a weekend, this creates a potential conflict between avoiding the inauspicious date (the parents’ likely preference), and avoiding the weekend (the doctor’s likely preference). Using daily births data, we estimate how often this conflict is resolved in favour of the physician. We show how this provides an estimate of how bargaining power is distributed between patients and physicians.
How Partisan is the Press? Multiple Measures of Media Slant*
Authors: GANS JOSHUA S. , LEIGH ANDREW
Published: November 2011

We employ several different approaches to estimate the political position of Australian media outlets, relative to federal parliamentarians. First, we use parliamentary mentions to code over 100 public intellectuals on a left–right scale. We then estimate slant by using the number of mentions that each public intellectual receives in each media outlet. Second, we have independent raters separately code front‐page election stories and headlines. Third, we tabulate the number of electoral endorsements that newspapers give to each side of politics in federal elections. Overall, we find that the Australian media are quite centrist, with very few outlets being statistically distinguishable from the middle of Australian politics. It is possible that this is because of the lack of competition in the Australian media market. To the extent that we can separate content slant from editorial slant, we find some evidence that editors are more partisan than journalists.
Comparison of the efficacies of lamivudine versus entecavir in patients with hepatitis B virus‐related decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Hyun Jong Jin , Seo Yeon Seok , Yoon Eileen , Kim Tae Hyung , Kim Dong Jin , Kang Hyun Seok , Jung Eun Suk , Kim Jeong Han , An Hyonggin , Kim Ji Hoon , Yim Hyung Joon , Yeon Jong Eun , Lee Hong Sik , Byun Kwan Soo , Um Soon Ho , Kim Chang Duck , Ryu Ho Sang
Published: November 2011

Background

Suppression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA is more potent, and occurrence of resistant strain is rare with entecavir than lamivudine, but whether these merits result in a more favourable outcome in HBV‐related decompensated cirrhosis patients is unclear.

Aims

To compare virologic response, changes in liver function, clinical course and predictive factors for early mortality after treatment between patients treated with lamivudine and those with entecavir in HBV‐related decompensated cirrhosis patients.

Methods

HBV‐related decompensated cirrhosis patients [Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) score ≥ 7] treated with either lamivudine or entecavir were enrolled. Serum HBV DNA levels, CTP score and Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score were monitored every 3 months.

Results

Eighty‐six patients were enrolled; mean age was 54 ± 11 years, and 63 (73.3%) patients were men; 41 (47.7%) and 45 (52.3%) patients were assigned to the lamivudine group and entecavir group respectively. Although suppression of serum HBV DNA level was more potent in the entecavir group, CTP or MELD scores during the course of treatment did not differ between the two groups. Similarly, 6‐month survival rates did not differ between the two groups (95.1 vs 93.2%, P = 0.684). Baseline CTP score and MELD score at 3 months of treatment were significantly associated with 6‐month mortality. The 6‐ and 12‐month mortality rates for patients with baseline CTP score ≥11 and MELD score ≥17.5 after 3 months of treatment were 42.9 and 61.9% respectively.

Conclusions

Although HBV DNA suppression was more potent in the entecavir group than the lamivudine group, early mortality rates did not differ between the two groups. The baseline CTP score and MELD score 3 months after initiating antiviral treatment were significant predictors of early mortality.
Overexpression of ADK in human astrocytic tumors and peritumoral tissue is related to tumor‐associated epilepsy
Authors: de Groot Marjolein , Iyer Anand , Zurolo Emanuele , Anink Jasper , Heimans Jan J. , Boison Detlev , Reijneveld Jaap C. , Aronica Eleonora
Published: November 2011

Purpose:  Adenosine kinase (ADK), a largely astrocyte‐based metabolic enzyme, regulates adenosine homeostasis in the brain. Overexpression of ADK decreases extracellular adenosine and consequently leads to seizures. We hypothesized that dysfunction in the metabolism of tumor astrocytes is related to changes in ADK expression and that those changes might be associated with the development of epilepsy in patients with tumors.

Methods:  We compared ADK expression and cellular distribution in surgically removed tumor tissue (n = 45) and peritumoral cortex (n = 20) of patients with glial and glioneuronal tumors to normal control tissue obtained at autopsy (n = 11). In addition, we compared ADK expression in tumor patients with and without epilepsy. To investigate ADK expression, we used immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. ADK activity measurement was performed in surgical specimens of astrocytomas World Health Organization (WHO) grade III (n = 3), peritumoral cortex (n = 3), and nonepileptic cortex (n = 3).

Key Findings:  Immunohistochemistry predominantly showed cytoplasmic labeling in tumors and peritumoral tissue containing infiltrating tumor cells. ADK immunoreactivity was significantly stronger in tumor and peritumoral tissue compared to normal white matter and normal cortex, especially in astrocytoma WHO grade III, as confirmed by Western blot analysis and ADK activity measurements. Importantly, we found a significantly higher expression of ADK in the peritumoral infiltrated tissue of patients with epilepsy than in patients without epilepsy.

Significance:  These results suggest a dysregulation of ADK in astrocytic brain tumors. Moreover, the upregulation of ADK observed in peritumoral infiltrated tissue of glioma patients with epilepsy supports the role of this enzyme in tumor‐associated epilepsy.
Efficacy, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of oxcarbazepine oral loading in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Gu Nami , Jang In‐Jin , Chu Kon , Yu Kyung‐Sang , Cho Joo‐Youn , Yoon Seo Hyun , Kim Hwa Suk , Oh Jeeyoung , Lee Sang Kun
Published: November 2011

The rapid achievement of effective levels of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is required in patients with epilepsy who have a higher risk of seizures, and oral loading of AEDs may be an important consideration in these patients. We performed the present study to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of oral loading of oxcarbazepine in patients with recurrent seizures, or after temporary discontinuation of AEDs for diagnostic or presurgical evaluation of epilepsy. Forty adult patients were studied and oxcarbazepine was administered orally at a single loading dosage of 30 mg/kg. The plasma levels of oxcarbazepine and its active metabolite, 10,11‐dihydro‐10‐hydroxy‐carbazepine (monohydroxy derivative, MHD), were measured, and clinical assessment of adverse events was performed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, and 24 h after oral loading of oxcarbazepine. Approximately two‐thirds of patients reached effective levels of MHD 2 h after receiving the oral loading, and all patients reached effective levels 4 h after oxcarbazepine administration. Most patients maintained therapeutic MHD levels for at least 16 h. Almost half of the patients experienced adverse events, but all were mild to moderate in severity and resolved spontaneously within 24 h. Our study shows that oral loading of oxcarbazepine is an effective and well‐tolerated method for rapidly achieving therapeutic levels of MHD in patients with epilepsy, and is a useful option in selected patients with recurrent seizures, or after temporary discontinuation of AEDs.
Genetic and environmental correlates of topiramate‐induced cognitive impairment
Authors: Cirulli Elizabeth T. , Urban Thomas J. , Marino Susan E. , Linney Kristen N. , Birnbaum Angela K. , Depondt Chantal , Attix Deborah K. , Radtke Rodney A. , Goldstein David B.
Published: November 2011

Topiramate is an antiepileptic drug that has marked treatment‐limiting side effects on specific aspects of cognitive performance in both patients and healthy volunteers. Because these severe side effects occur only in certain individuals, identifying genetic or environmental variables that influence cognitive response would be of great utility in determining whether to administer this drug to a patient. We gave an acute 100 mg oral dose of topiramate to 158 healthy volunteers and measured how the drug changed their performance on a diverse battery of cognitive tests. We found a wide range of responses to topiramate, and we demonstrated that not all tests in the battery were equally affected. There was no correlation between the effect of topiramate and either education level or baseline cognitive performance. Of interest, there was an up to 55‐fold variation in the topiramate plasma levels of the participants. Our genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of cognitive response did not reveal any genome‐wide significant associations; the study was powered to find variants explaining at least 25% of the variation in cognitive response. Combining the results of this GWAS with a retrospective study of cognitive complaints in 290 epilepsy patients who received topiramate as part of their treatment also did not result in a significant association. Our results support the need for additional genetic studies of topiramate that use larger sample sizes.
Pilot Randomized Trial of Donepezil Hydrochloride for Delirium After Hip Fracture
Authors: Marcantonio Edward R. , Palihnich Kerry , Appleton Paul , Davis Roger B.
Published: November 2011

Objectives

To determine whether donepezil hydrochloride can reduce the prevalence and severity of delirium in older adults undergoing hip fracture repair.

Design

Pilot double‐masked randomized placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting

Large academic medical center.

Participants

Sixteen individuals aged 70 and older with hip fracture.

Intervention

Donepezil 5 mg or placebo was randomly allocated and initiated within 24 hours of surgery, preoperatively or postoperatively. Daily treatment was continued for 30 days or until side effects or the clinical situation required termination.

Measurements

All outcomes were ascertained masked to treatment status. Information on drug tolerability and safety was obtained from the participant, nurse, and medical record. Delirium presence and severity were measured during daily hospital interviews and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery after a standardized assessment using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS).

Results

Participants in the donepezil and placebo arms had similar baseline characteristics. Participants in the donepezil arm experienced significantly more side effects. In longitudinal models, there were no significant differences between the donepezil and placebo arms with regard to delirium presence over time (odds ratio = 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.4–2.3) or delirium severity over time (effect size = −0.2 on 30‐point MDAS scale, 95%CI = −1.5–1.2).

Conclusion

Participants randomized to donepezil had no significant improvement in delirium presence or severity but experienced more side effects. Overall, sufficient evidence was not found from this pilot study to warrant a definitive Phase III trial.
Budget Slack, Institutions, and Transparency
Authors: Rose Shanna , Smith Daniel L.
Published: November 2011

Economic theory suggests that it is optimal for governments to use precautionary saving as a countercyclical tool. However, the availability of surplus funds often triggers political pressure for tax cuts and spending increases. Mechanisms for alleviating that pressure include limiting the transparency of slack resources and limiting politicians’ discretion to use slack resources for purposes other than stabilization. This article investigates the extent to which these two mechanisms are substitutes. In particular, the authors examine whether the widespread adoption of budget stabilization funds (BSFs) in the U.S. states over the past several decades has been accompanied by a decline in conservative revenue forecast bias. Using panel data from 47 states over a 22‐year period, they find that the adoption of a BSF reduces revenue underestimation by approximately two‐thirds; however, the size of the effect depends in part on how much a state saves in the BSF and the rules governing BSF deposits and withdrawals. The results suggest that BSFs have the unintended effect of increasing fiscal transparency.
Histomorphometric analysis of sinus augmentation using bovine bone mineral with two different resorbable membranes
Authors: Choi So‐Young , Jang Yoon‐Je , Choi Je‐Yong , Jeong Jae‐Hwan , Kwon Tae‐Geon
Published: November 2011

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two different resorbable collagen membranes on new bone formation after sinus grafts with anorganic bovine bone mineral (BBM).

Materials and methods

For 64 patients presenting with an initial residual bone height ≤4 mm at the posterior maxilla, the sinus floors were grafted with BBM (Bio‐Oss®). The lateral windows were covered by one of the two bio‐resorbable membranes, Bio‐Arm® or Bio‐Gide®. The histomorphometric data were obtained 7–15 months after sinus augmentation at the time of the implant installation.

Results

The core biopsy specimens of Bio‐Arm (n = 37 sites) and Bio‐Gide group (n = 22 sites) were compared. The results showed that the BBM particles were in direct contact with the newly formed bone in all cases. In histomorphometric analysis, the Bio‐Gide group showed significantly higher new bone formation (33.3 ± 12%) compared with the Bio‐Arm group (26.3 ± 8.1%) (P < 0.05). All the implants survived successfully after a mean follow‐up of 35.3 months (range 22–63 months) in the Bio‐Arm group and 55.5 months (range 35–66 months) in the Bio‐Gide group. The amount of new bone in the specimens did not significantly correlate with the residual bone height at the time of surgery or the length of the healing period.

Conclusions

The type of resorbable membrane did not readily affect the long‐term survival of the implants at the grafted sinus. On the other hand, Bio‐Gide group showed more new bone formation than the Bio‐Arm group, which implied that the function of the membrane can influence the remodeling of the grafted sinus. As the amount of residual bone substitute particle had not decreased significantly over time, the results suggest that the BBM was rarely resorbable for at least 15 months after the surgery.
Dynamic analysis for mental sweating of a group of eccrine sweat glands on a human fingertip by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Ohmi Masato , Tanigawa Motomu , Wada Yuki , Haruna Masamitsu
Published: November 2011

Background

An important function of skin physiology is mental sweating, where sweating is accelerated via the sympathetic nerve by mental or physical stress externally applied to a volunteer.

Aim

Activity of the sympathetic nerve (ASN) is evaluated by quantitative measurement of mental sweating.

Material and Methods

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is highly potential for in vivo observation of human sweating dynamics which affects ASN. We demonstrate dynamic OCT analysis of mental sweating of a group of eccrine sweat glands. The sweating dynamics is tracked simultaneously for 19 sweat glands by time‐sequential piled‐up en‐face OCT images with the frame spacing of 3.3 s. The en‐face OCT images of the spiral lumen of the eccrine sweat gland are constructed by data acquisition of the 128 B‐mode OCT images.

Results

It is thus found that the response to mental stress is different for each sweat gland even though the sweat glands are adjacent to each other. Such strong non‐uniformity is observed in mental sweating where the amount of excess sweat is different for each sweat gland although the sweat glands are adjacent to each other.

Discussion

The non‐uniformity should be necessary to adjust as precisely the total amount of excess sweat as possible through the sympathetic nerve in response to strength of the stress.
Fracture susceptibility of endodontically treated teeth
Authors: Zamin Caroline , Silva‐Sousa Yara Terezinha Correa , Souza‐Gabriel Aline Evangelista , Messias Danielle Furtado , Sousa‐Neto Manoel Damião
Published: November 2011

Abstract –  Aim:  To assess the influence of cervical preparation on fracture susceptibility of roots.

Material and methods:  During root canal instrumentation, the cervical portions were prepared with different taper instruments: I: no cervical preparation; II: #30/.08; III: #30/.10; IV: #70/.12. The specimens were sealed with the following filling materials (n = 8), A: unfilled; B: Endofill/gutta‐percha; C: AH Plus/gutta‐percha; D: Epiphany SE/Resilon. For the fracture resistance test, a universal testing machine was used at 1 mm per minute.

Results:  anova demonstrated difference (P < 0.05) between taper instruments with a higher value for group I (205.3 ± 77.5 N) followed by II (185.2 ± 70.8 N), III (164.8 ± 48.9 N), and IV (156.7 ± 41.4 N). There was no difference (P > 0.05) between filling materials A (189.1 ± 66.3 N), B (186.3 ± 61.0 N), C (159.7 ± 69.9 N), and D (176.9 ± 55.2 N).

Conclusions:  Greater cervical wear using a #70/.12 file increased the root fracture susceptibility, and the tested filling materials were not able to restore resistance.
Identification and characterization of novel spliced variants of PRMT2 in breast carcinoma
Authors: Zhong Jing , Cao Ren‐Xian , Zu Xu‐Yu , Hong Tao , Yang Jing , Liu Ling , Xiao Xin‐Hua , Ding Wen‐Jun , Zhao Qiang , Liu Jiang‐Hua , Wen Ge‐Bo
Published: November 2011

Protein N‐arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) participate in a number of cellular processes, including cell growth, nuclear/cytoplasmic protein shuttling, differentiation, RNA splicing and post‐transcriptional regulation. PRMT2 (also known as HRMT1L1) is clearly involved in lung function, the inflammatory response, apoptosis promotion, Wnt signaling and leptin signaling regulation through different mechanisms. In this study, we report the molecular and cell biological characterization of three novel PRMT2 splice variants isolated from breast cancer cells and referred to as PRMT2α, PRMT2β and PRMT2γ. Compared with the wild‐type PRMT2, these variants lack different motifs and therefore generate distinct C‐terminal domains. Confocal microscopy scanning revealed a distinct intracellular localization of PRMT2 variants, suggesting that the alternatively spliced C‐terminus of PRMT2 can directly influence its subcellular localization. Our findings reveal that these variants are capable of binding to estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) both in vitro and in vivo, and the N‐terminal regions of these variants contribute to ERα–PRMT2 interactions. Furthermore, these variants were proved to be able to enhance ERα‐mediated transactivation activity. Luciferase reporter assays showed that PRMT2s could modulate promoter activities of the ERα‐targeted genes of Snail and E‐cadherin. In addition, PRMT2 silencing could enhance 17β‐estradiol‐induced proliferation by regulating E2F1 expression and E2F1‐responsive genes in ERα‐positive breast cancer cells. Real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry showed that overall PRMT2 expression was upregulated in breast cancer tissues and significantly associated with ERα positivity status both in breast cancer cell lines and breast cancer tissues. We speculate that PRMT2 and its splice variants may directly modulate ERα signaling and play a role in the progression of breast cancer.

Structured digital abstract

 PRMT2 and AR colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)

 PRMT2 physically interacts with AR by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

 PRMT2 physically interacts with ER‐alpha by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

 PRMT2 binds to ER‐alpha by pull down (View interaction)

 PRMT2 physically interacts with ER‐alpha by pull down (View interaction)

 ER‐alpha and PRMT2 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)
DEVELOPMENT AND QUALITY EVALUATION OF HIGH‐PROTEIN AND HIGH‐DIETARY‐FIBER PASTA USING LUPIN FLOUR
Authors: JAYASENA VIJAY , NASAR‐ABBAS SYED M.
Published: November 2011

Pasta samples were prepared by substituting semolina with lupin flour at 0–50% levels. Analysis of the physical properties revealed that cooking loss was not affected by lupin flour incorporation. In dried pasta, the color coordinates L*, a* and b* demonstrated a corresponding increase with lupin flour concentration. However, in cooked pasta, L* and b* values did not show any significant change up to 20% lupin flour incorporation.

Lupin flour incorporation resulted in substantial increase in protein and dietary fiber contents. Firmness of freshly extruded pasta decreased at ≥20% lupin flour incorporation. However, firmness of cooked pasta was not affected by lupin flour concentration. Stickiness of cooked pasta decreased at ≥30% lupin flour incorporation.

There were no significant changes in color, appearance, taste, texture and overall acceptability up to 20% lupin flour incorporation. It can be concluded that nutritional value of pasta can be improved by lupin flour incorporation without any significant effect on quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Lupin grain has a unique nutritional composition with high protein and high dietary fiber contents. Lupin flour incorporation would improve the nutritional value of pasta, which is otherwise low in protein and dietary fiber contents. The current study provides the technical information on the effect of lupin flour incorporation on a range of physical properties of pasta at various stages such as freshly extruded pasta, dried pasta and cooked pasta. The information will be useful in handling, packaging and processing of lupin‐incorporated high‐protein and high‐dietary‐fiber pasta at commercial levels, and developing new machinery or adjusting currently used pasta machinery for this novel healthy pasta production.
MICROSCOPY AND TEXTURE OF RAW AND COOKED CASSAVA (MANIHOT ESCULENTA CRANTZ) ROOTS
Authors: MAIEVES HELAYNE APARECIDA , OLIVEIRA DAIANA CARDOSO DE , BERNARDO CLAUDIA , MÜLLER CARMEN MARIA DE OLIVEIRA , AMANTE EDNA REGINA
Published: November 2011

Information regarding the behavior of starchy roots can be an important factor to define the best cultivars in agricultural aspects besides their application either as uncooked or cooked raw material in food industries. The main goal of this work was to show the relationship between the microscopic characteristics and the hardness of raw and of cooked cassava roots in order to suggest their use in different industrial sectors that produce cassava derivatives. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to define the causes of the differences in cooking time and in hardness of the roots studied. SEM, in conjunction with texture evaluation, can discriminate the roots that are ideal for specific industrial applications. Also, information on their agricultural yield and physical and physicochemical properties can help determine the best cultivars for other industrial applications.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The agricultural performance of plants for industrial uses should be preceded by rheological characteristics in order to predict the behavior a certain raw material will have when cooked, gridded or submitted to either chemical or enzymatic processes. This work suggests some relationship regarding the tendency for hardness and for softness of 10 different cassava cultivars in relation to their microscopic characteristics and starch and fiber contents. According to these variables, it is possible to establish the best starchy raw material for specific uses.
CONSUMERS' TEXTURE PERCEPTION OF MILK DESSERTS. II – COMPARISON WITH TRAINED ASSESSORS' DATA
Authors: BRUZZONE FERNANDA , ARES GASTÓN , GIMÉNEZ ANA
Published: November 2011

Considering the importance of texture in consumers' acceptance of many dairy products, particularly milk desserts, it is important to rely on methodologies to understand consumers' texture perception. The aim of the present work was to study the relationship between consumers' texture perception of milk desserts and trained assessors' data.

Six commercial milk desserts were evaluated by a panel of 100 consumers, divided into two groups of 50, which evaluated the texture of the desserts using intensity scales for five texture attributes or a check‐all‐that‐apply question. Concurrently, seven texture attributes of the desserts were evaluated by a trained panel.

Results showed that both consumer profiling methodologies were able to identify differences in the texture characteristics of the desserts, providing very similar sensory maps. High correlation between textural attributes evaluated by consumers and trained assessors was found, indicating that consumers were able to evaluate the attributes in a similar way as trained assessors did.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Intensity scales and check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) question seemed to be good alternatives to the use of trained assessors' panels when evaluating consumers' texture perception. Although both methodologies provided similar information, CATA questions would be preferred over intensity scales for being easier because consumers only have to check the terms from the question that are considered appropriate for each sample, getting rid of the need of asking consumers to score the intensity of sensory attributes using scales.

The application of consumer profiling methodologies has the advantage of being based on consumers' perception of the products. However, it is important to highlight that these methodologies should be considered complementary to trained assessors data and that they might be particularly recommended for those food companies that do not enough time nor resources to train a panel for a specific application.