bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A generative model of microtubule distributions, and indirect estimation of its parameters from fluorescence microscopy images
Authors: Shariff Aabid , Murphy Robert F. , Rohde Gustavo K.
Published: January 2010

The microtubule network plays critical roles in many cellular processes, and quantitative models of how its organization varies across cell types and conditions are required for understanding those roles and as input to cell simulations. High‐throughput image acquisition technologies are potentially valuable for this purpose, but do not provide sufficient resolution for current analysis methods that rely on tracing of individual microtubules. We describe a parametric conditional model of microtubule distribution that can generate a microtubule network in intact cells using a persistent random walk approach. The model parameters are physically meaningful as they directly describe the spatial distribution of microtubules and include the number of microtubules as well as the mean of the length distribution. We also present an indirect method for estimating the parameters of the model from three‐dimensional fluorescence microscope images of cells that relies on comparing acquired images with simulated images generated from the model. Our results show that our method can reasonably recover parameters for a given query image, and we present the distributions of parameters estimated by our method for a collection of HeLa cell images. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Lineage‐specific transcription factors in unexpected places
Authors: Munn David H.
Published: January 2010

Foxp3 is a transcription factor closely associated with the Treg lineage in humans and mice. In the immune system, Foxp3 appears highly specific for Treg, and is not known to be expressed by other immune cell types. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, an article reports that human DC transfected with ectopic Foxp3 unexpectedly acquire an immunosuppressive phenotype. Foxp3‐transfected DC suppressed proliferation of naive T cells, and biased the differentiation of CD4+ cells into Treg‐like cells that themselves expressed Foxp3. The molecular mechanism of these effects required functional activity of the immunoregulatory enzyme IDO. Thus, a transcription factor not native to DC nevertheless conferred elements of a regulatory phenotype following ectopic expression.
Comparison of two derivatisation methods for conjugated linoleic acid isomer analysis by Ag+‐HPLC/DAD in beef fat
Authors: Dance Lyndsey J. E. , Doran Olena , Hallett Kathy , Dannenberger Dirk , Nuernberg Gerd , Nuernberg Karin
Published: January 2010

Two different procedures for the methylation of conjugated linoleic acid isomers (CLA) were compared by silver ion (Ag+)‐HPLC. The base‐catalysed method followed by an acid‐catalysed method (NaOCH3/BF3), and base hydrolysis followed by methylation with diazomethane in diethyl ether (diazomethane) were used to prepare fatty acid methyl esters from lipids present in subcutaneous adipose tissue from beef steers. The repeatability θ of the two derivatisation methods was high (>0.9) for the major CLA isomers cis‐9,trans‐11 and trans‐11,cis‐13. A significant difference between the methods was found for the four isomers trans‐11,trans‐13, trans‐10,trans‐12, trans‐9,trans‐11, and trans‐8,trans‐10 and for the sum of total trans/trans isomers for both absolute (mg/100 g) and relative (%), which were higher with the NaOCH3/BF3 method. For the main isomer cis‐9,trans‐11 and the sum of total CLA isomers, a higher concentration was identified with the diazomethane method (781.2 mg/100 g vs. 749.3 mg/100 g and 991.59 vs. 962.99, respectively).
Frying performance of the hull oil unsaponifiable matter of Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica
Authors: Farhoosh Reza , Kafrani Mohammad Hossein Tavassoli
Published: January 2010

The anti‐rancidity effect of the hull oil unsaponifiable matter (USM, 100 ppm) of Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica (Bene) on sunflower oil (SFO) during frying at 180 °C was investigated and compared to that of tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ, 100 ppm). The unsaponifiable constituents of the Bene hull oil (BHO) were separated into hydrocarbons (3.7%), carotenes (3.6%), tocopherols and tocotrienols (24.7%), linear and triterpenic alcohols (0.9%), methylsterols (5.7%), sterols (3.2%), triterpenic dialcohols (4.7%), and triterpenic dialcohol methylesters (4.5%), by means of silica gel TLC. The results obtained from the measurements of total polar compounds, conjugated diene value, carbonyl value, and acid value during 32 h of frying showed that the frying stability of SFO improves more in the presence of the USM of BHO than in the presence of TBHQ. Moreover, compared to TBHQ, the USM had a better protective effect on the indigenous tocopherols of SFO during frying.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct Arylation of 4‐Chromanones: Selective Synthesis of Racemic Isoflavanones and 3,3‐Diaryl‐4‐chromanones
Authors: Bellina Fabio , Masini Tiziana , Rossi Renzo
Published: January 2010

For the first time, the synthesis of racemic isoflavanones has been achieved in satisfactory to good yields and with high selectivity by Pd‐catalyzed direct C‐3 arylation of 3‐unsubstituted 4‐chromanones with aryl bromides with the aid of a Pd2(dba)3/tBu3PHBF4 catalyst system in the presence of KHCO3 as the base in a dioxane/water mixture (4:1). This catalyst system has also been employed in an unprecedented synthesis of 3,3‐diaryl‐4‐chromanones through direct arylation of 4‐chromanones in water.
Morphodynamics of the exit of a cutoff meander: experimental findings from field and laboratory studies
Authors: Coz J. Le , Michalková M. , Hauet A. , C̆omaj M. , Dramais G. , Holubová K. , Piégay H. , Paquier A.
Published: January 2010

The morphological evolution of the entrances and exits of abandoned river channels governs their hydrological connectivity. The study focusses on flow and sediment dynamics in the exit of a cutoff meander where the downstream entrance is still connected to the main channel, but the upstream entrance is closed. Two similar field and laboratory cases were investigated using innovative velocimetry techniques (acoustic Doppler profiling, image analysis). Laboratory experiments were conducted with a mobile‐bed physical model of the Morava River (Slovakia). Field measurements were performed in the exit of the Port‐Galland cutoff meander, Ain River (France). Both cases yielded consistent and complementary results from which a generic scheme for flow patterns and morphological evolution was derived. A simple analogy with flows in rectangular side cavities was used to explain the recirculating flow patterns which developed in the exit. A decelerating inflow deposits bedload in the downstream part of the cavity, while the upstream part is eroded by an accelerating outflow, leading to the retreat of the upstream bank. In the field, strong secondary currents were observed, especially in the inflow, which may enhance the scouring of the downstream corner of the cavity. Also, fine sediment deposits constituted a silt layer in a transitional zone, located between the mouth of the abandoned channel and the oxbow‐lake within the cutoff meander. Attempts at morphological prediction should consider not only the flow and sediment conditions in the cavity, but also the dynamics of the main channel. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Impact of ambient bright light on agitation in dementia
Authors: Barrick Ann Louise , Sloane Philip D. , Williams Christianna S. , Mitchell C. Madeline , Connell Bettye Rose , Wood Wendy , Hickman Susan E. , Preisser John S. , Zimmerman Sheryl
Published: January 2010

Objective

To evaluate the effect of ambient bright light therapy (BLT) on agitation among institutionalized persons with dementia.

Methods

High intensity, low glare ambient lighting was installed in activity and dining areas of a state psychiatric hospital unit in North Carolina and a dementia‐specific residential care facility in Oregon. The study employed a cluster‐unit crossover design involving four ambient lighting conditions: AM bright light, PM bright light, All Day bright light, and Standard light. Sixty‐six older persons with dementia participated. Outcome measures included direct observation by research personnel and completion by staff caregivers of the 14‐item, short form of the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI).

Results

Analyses of observational data revealed that for participants with mild/moderate dementia, agitation was higher under AM light (p = 0.003), PM light (p < 0.001), and All Day light (p = 0.001) than Standard light. There was also a trend toward severely demented participants being more agitated during AM light than Standard light (p = 0.053). Analysis of CMAI data identified differing responses by site: the North Carolina site significantly increased agitation under AM light (p = 0.002) and PM light (p = 0.013) compared with All Day light while in Oregon, agitation was higher for All Day light compared to AM light (p = 0.030). In no comparison was agitation significantly lower under any therapeutic condition, in comparison to Standard lighting.

Conclusions

Ambient bright light is not effective in reducing agitation in dementia and may exacerbate this behavioral symptom. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biting the Iron Bullet: Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Adds the Pain of Hepcidin to Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Messner Donald J. , Kowdley Kris V.
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Hepcidin is a peptide hormone that is secreted by the liver and controls body iron homeostasis. Hepcidin overproduction causes anemia of inflammation, whereas its deficiency leads to hemochromatosis. Inflammation and iron are known extracellular stimuli for hepcidin expression. We found that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress also induces hepcidin expression and causes hypoferremia and spleen iron sequestration in mice. CREBH (cyclic AMP response element-binding protein H), an ER stress-activated transcription factor, binds to and transactivates the hepcidin promoter. Hepcidin induction in response to exogenously administered toxins or accumulation of unfolded protein in the ER is defective in CREBH knockout mice, indicating a role for CREBH in ER stress-regulated hepcidin expression. The regulation of hepcidin by ER stress links the intracellular response involved in protein quality control to innate immunity and iron homeostasis.
The assessment of surface water resources for the semi‐arid Yongding River Basin from 1956 to 2000 and the impact of land use change
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Zhongjing , Koike Toshio , Yin Hang , Yang Dawen , He Shan
Published: January 2010

The assessment of surface water resources (SWRs) in the semi‐arid Yongding River Basin is vital as the basin has been in a continuous state of serious water shortage over the last 20 years. In this study, the first version of the geomorphology‐based hydrological model (GBHM) has been applied to the basin over a long period of time (1956–2000) as part of an SWR assessment. This was done by simulating the natural hydrological processes in the basin. The model was first evaluated at 18 stream gauges during the period from 1990 to 1992 to evaluate both the daily streamflows and the annual SWRs using the land use data for 1990. The model was further validated in 2000 with the annual SWRs at seven major stream gauges. Second, the verified model was used in a 45‐year simulation to estimate the annual SWRs for the basin from 1956 to 2000 using the 1990 land use data. An empirical correlation between the annual precipitation and the annual SWRs was developed for the basin. Spatial distribution of the long‐term mean runoff coefficients for all 177 sub‐basins was also achieved. Third, an additional 10‐year (1991–2000) simulation was performed with the 2000 land use data to investigate the impact of land use changes from 1990 to 2000 on the long‐term annual SWRs. The results suggest that the 10‐year land use changes have led to a decrease of 8·3 × 107 m3 (7·9% of total) for the 10‐year mean annual SWRs in the simulation. To our knowledge, this work is the first attempt to assess the long‐term SWRs and the impact of land use change in the semi‐arid Yongding River Basin using a semi‐distributed hillslope hydrological model. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is the forest conversion to pasture affecting the hydrological response of Amazonian catchments? Signals in the Ji‐Paraná Basin
Authors: Rodriguez Daniel Andres , Tomasella Javier , Linhares Claudia
Published: January 2010

It is well known that land use and land‐cover changes (LUCC), particularly deforestation, have the potential to modify the hydrological response. Although those signals are relatively well documented in worldwide microcatchment studies, conflicting results reported in literature indicate that those signals can be sometimes difficult to detect and isolate in basins at larger scales.

In order to detect signals in the hydrological response potentially, related to LUCC, streamflow records from Ji‐Paraná Basin located in SW Amazonia are analysed in conjunction with deforestation maps derived from remote sensors. The basin has a drainage area greater than 30 000 km2 and has been through severe LUCC in the last decades.

Statistical descriptors of daily streamflow series were correlated with landscape indices using non‐parametric methodologies. To take into account scale effects, statistical analyses were repeated in different sub‐basins.

Results showed that the impact of LUCC on the hydrological response is time lagged at larger scales. The flow paths are clearly affected, depending on basin characteristics such as topography. In general, LUCC impacts lead to higher peak streamflows, the reduction of minimal values and the increment of stormflow. In agreement with previous studies, the detection of signals associated with LUCC was clearly detected at the smallest basin, but proved to be difficult at larger scales, suggesting the existence of non‐linear effects, which aggregate across scale compensating small scale effects. Such behaviour indicates a challenge for mathematical models, which are usually developed to represent immediate hydrological response to basin wide LUCC. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scale and model resolution effects on the distributions of advective solute travel times in catchments
Authors: Darracq Amélie , Destouni Georgia , Persson Klas , Prieto Carmen , Jarsjö Jerker
Published: January 2010

Advective solute travel times and their distributions in hydrological catchments are useful descriptors of the dynamics and variation of the physical mass transport among and along the different source‐to‐recipient pathways of solute transport through the catchments. This article investigates the scale dependence and the effects of model and data resolution on the quantification of advective travel times and their distributions in the Swedish catchment areas of Norrström and Forsmark. In the surface water networks of the investigated (sub)catchments, the mean advective travel time increases with (sub)catchment scale, whereas the relative travel time variability around the mean value (coefficient of variation, CV) is scale‐invariant and insensitive to model resolution. In the groundwater and for the whole (sub)catchments, both the mean value and the CV of travel times are scale‐invariant, but sensitive to model resolution and accuracy. Such quantifications and results of advective travel times constitute important steps in the development of improved understanding and modelling of nutrient, pollutant and tracer transport through catchments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor as a novel prognostic marker and its implication as a cotarget in the treatment of human adenocarcinoma of the esophagus
Authors: Kalinina Tatyana , Bockhorn Maximilian , Kaifi Jussuf T. , Thieltges Sabrina , Güngör Cenap , Effenberger Katharina E. , Strelow Andrea , Reichelt Uta , Sauter Guido , Pantel Klaus , Izbicki Jakob R. , Yekebas Emre F.
Published: January 2010

Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) and human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER2) receptor expression has been found to be a key regulator of tumorigenesis. The purpose of our study was to establish the prognostic significance of IGF‐1R in esophageal cancer and to determine the effect of IGF‐1R and HER2 targeting with α‐IR3 and Herceptin™ antibodies on the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells in vitro. IGF‐1R expression and clinicopathological correlations were analyzed with a tissue microarray containing 234 esophageal cancer specimens (133 adenocarcinomas and 101 squamous cell carcinomas). Proliferation changes associated with Herceptin™ and α‐IR3 blockage were evaluated with the unique human esophageal cancer cell lines Pt1590 and LN1590. IGF‐1R and HER2 expression levels, activation and phosphorylation status of downstream signaling proteins involved in the activation pathways were analyzed by Western blotting. IGF‐1R overexpression was detected in 121 (52%) of the 234 esophageal tumors examined. In the subgroup of 87 HER2‐positive tumors, 93.1% showed concordant overexpression for IGF‐1R. IGF‐1R was identified as a variable associated with reduced overall survival for adenocarcinoma (p = 0.05), but not for squamous cell carcinoma. The combination of Herceptin™ and α‐IR3 was more effective in inhibiting in vitro proliferation than treatment with either agent alone (p < 0.01). This was associated with a decrease in HER2 and IGF‐1R protein levels and suppression of Akt‐ and MAP kinase phosphorylation. IGF‐1R expression can be used as a novel prognostic marker for adenocarcinomas of the esophagus. Cotreatment with IGF‐1R and HER2 antibodies might become a valuable and effective treatment option in esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Comparison of natural histories of human papillomavirus detected by clinician‐ and self‐sampling
Authors: Moscicki Anna‐Barbara , Widdice Lea , Ma Yifei , Farhat Sepideh , Miller‐Benningfield Susanna , Jonte Janet , Jay Julie , Godwin de Medina Cheryl , Hanson Evelyn , Clayton Lisa , Shiboski Stephen
Published: January 2010

New strategies for cervical cancer screening include human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing. Using self‐testing methods would increase access to testing in both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this study was to compare time‐to‐clearance of specific HPV types between clinician‐collected‐lavage (CC‐L) and self‐collected (SC) sampling in a single cohort. CC‐L and SC samples were obtained every 4 months at alternate 2‐month windows from 537 women. Eighteen high‐risk (HR) HPV and 4 low‐risk (LR) HPV were examined. Proportional hazards model was used to compare time‐to‐clearance between methods for combined HR and for 13 specific HPV types. Prentice‐Wilcoxon test was used for within‐subject paired comparison. In the independent analysis for combined HR and LR types, no differences were found. For specific types, time‐to‐clearance for all HPV types examined between CC‐L and SC samples was similar except for HPV 66 which showed a trend to clear slower by SC (p = 0.09). When comparing methods in the same woman, time‐to‐clearance was similar for all types except for HPV 16 which showed a trend to clear slower by CC‐L means (p = 0.08). When we examined pattern of clearance among the CC‐L samples, the fastest types to clear were HPV 6, 18, 66, 84 and 39 and the slowest were HPV 62, 68, 59 and 16. These patterns of fast and slow were similar for SC samples. Our findings suggest using SC vaginal swabs would observe similar natural histories of HPV compared to studies using CC‐L specimens making self‐testing feasible for repeated HPV DNA detection.
Silencing of the UCHL1 gene in giant cell tumors of bone
Authors: Fellenberg Jörg , Lehner Burkhard , Witte Daniela
Published: January 2010

Giant cell tumors are heterogeneous tumors consisting of multinucleated giant cells, fibroblast‐like stromal cells and mononuclear histiocytes. The stromal cells have been identified as the neoplastic cell population, which promotes the recruitment of histiocytes and the formation of giant cells. Strong evidence exists that these cells develop from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) but little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in GCT tumorigenesis. The aim of our study was the identification of cancer‐related genes differentially expressed in GCTs compared to MSCs in order to identify possible targets for aberrant promoter methylation, which may contribute to MSC transformation and GCT development. Gene expression of 440 cancer‐related genes was analyzed by DNA microarrays in GCT stromal cells and bone marrow‐derived MSCs (BMSCs) isolated from the same patient (n = 3) to avoid interindividual variations. Differential expression was identified for 14 genes, which could be confirmed by quantitative PCR in further 21 GCT and 10 BMSC samples. The most pronounced difference in gene expression was detected for UCHL1, an important regulator of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway. Methylation‐specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing revealed a strong methylation of the CpG island covering the UCHL1 promoter in GCT stromal cells, whereas methylation was completely absent in BMSCs. UCHL1 expression in stromal cells could be restored by the methylation inhibitor 5‐aza‐dC. These data demonstrate that the UCHL1 gene is inactivated in GCTs but not in MSCs, suggesting a possible role of UCHL1 in MSC transformation and GCT development.
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis using light: correction of motion artefacts and color visualization of multispectral images
Authors: Minet Olaf , Scheibe Patrick , Zabarylo Urszula J.
Published: January 2010

State‐of‐the‐art image‐processing methods offer new possibilities for diagnosing diseases using scattered light. The optical diagnosis of rheumatism is taken as an example to show that the diagnostic sensitivity can be improved using overlapped pseudocolored images of different wavelengths, provided that multispectral images are recorded to compensate for any motion‐related artefacts that occur during examination. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Predictors of serious injury among hospitalized patients evaluated for falls
Authors: Bradley Sara M. , Karani Reena , McGinn Thomas , Wisnivesky Juan
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

Inpatient falls are common and result in significant patient morbidity.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify predictors of serious injury being found on imaging studies of inpatients evaluated after a fall.

DESIGN:

Retrospective study.

SETTING:

An 1171‐bed urban academic medical center.

PATIENTS:

All inpatients who fell on thirteen medical and surgical units from January 1 to December 31, 2006.

MEASUREMENTS:

Patient characteristics, circumstances surrounding falls, fall‐related injuries, and length of stay were collected through review of incident reports and computerized medical records. Primary outcome of fall‐related injury was determined by evidence of injury on imaging studies within two weeks of the fall. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for injury after an inpatient fall.

RESULTS:

A total of 513 patients had 636 falls during the study time period. Fall incidence rate was 1.97 falls per 1,000 patient days. 95 patients (19%) fell multiple times (range, 2‐6 events); 74% of the falls occurred in patients who were previously assessed as being “at risk” by the nursing staff. Multivariate analysis, adjusting for age and sex, found evidence of trauma after a fall (OR = 24.6, P < 0.001) and ambulatory status (OR = 7.3, P < 0.01) to be independent predictors of injury being found on imaging studies.

CONCLUSIONS:

Inpatient falls are common despite high‐risk patients being identified. After adjusting for age and sex, evidence of trauma and ambulatory status were independent predictors of an injury being found on imaging studies after an inpatient fall. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:63–68. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Impact and recognition of cognitive impairment among hospitalized elders
Authors: Boustani Malaz , Baker Mary Shearer , Campbell Noll , Munger Stephanie , Hui Siu L. , Castelluccio Pete , Farber Mark , Guzman Oscar , Ademuyiwa Adetayo , Miller David , Callahan Chris
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

Older adults are predisposed to developing cognitive deficits. This increases their vulnerability for adverse health outcomes when hospitalized.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the prevalence and impact of cognitive impairment (CI) among hospitalized elders based on recognition by lCD‐coding versus screening done on admission.

DESIGN:

Observational cohort study.

SETTING:

Urban public hospital in Indianapolis.

PATIENTS:

997 patients age 65 and older admitted to medical services between July 2006 and March 2008.

MEASUREMENTS:

Impact of CI in terms of length of stay, survival, quality of care and prescribing practices. Cognition was assessed by the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ).

RESULTS:

424 patients (43%) were cognitively impaired. Of those 424 patients with CI, 61% had not been recognized by ICD‐9 coding. Those unrecognized were younger (mean age 76.1 vs. 79.1, P <0.001); had more comorbidity (mean Charlson index of 2.3 vs.1.9, P = 0.03), had less cognitive deficit (mean SPMSQ 6.3 vs. 3.4, P < 0.001). Among elders with CI, 163 (38%) had at least one day of delirium during their hospital course. Patients with delirium stayed longer in the hospital (9.2 days vs. 5.9, P < 0.001); were more likely to be discharged into institutional settings (75% vs. 31%, P < 0.001) and more likely to receive tethers during their care (89% vs. 69%, P < 0.001), and had higher mortality (9% vs. 4%, P = 0.09).

CONCLUSION:

Cognitive impairment, while common in hospitalized elders, is under‐recognized, impacts care, and increases risk for adverse health outcomes. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:69–75. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Management of perioperative hypertensive urgencies with parenteral medications
Authors: Ahuja Kartikya , Charap Mitchell H.
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

Hypertension is the major risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease such as myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. This risk is well known to extend into the perioperative period. Although most perioperative hypertension can be managed with the patient's outpatient regimen, there are situations in which oral medications cannot be administered and parenteral medications become necessary. They include postoperative nil per os status, severe pancreatitis, and mechanical ventilation. This article reviews the management of perioperative hypertensive urgency with parenteral medications.

METHODS:

A PubMed search was conducted by cross‐referencing the terms “perioperative hypertension,” “hypertensive urgency,” “hypertensive emergency,” “parenteral anti‐hypertensive,” and “medication.” The search was limited to English‐language articles published between 1970 and 2008. Subsequent PubMed searches were performed to clarify data from the initial search.

RESULTS:

As patients with hypertensive urgency are not at great risk for target‐organ damage (TOD), continuous infusions that require intensive care unit (ICU) monitoring and intraarterial catheters seem to be unnecessary and a possible misuse of resources.

CONCLUSIONS:

When oral therapy cannot be administered, patients with hypertensive urgency can have their blood pressure (BP) reduced with hydralazine, enalaprilat, metoprolol, or labetalol. Due to the scarcity of comparative trials looking at clinically significant outcomes, the medication should be chosen based on comorbidity, efficacy, toxicity, and cost. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:E11–E16. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Atlantic and Pacific sea surface temperatures and corn yields in the southeastern USA: lagged relationships and forecast model development
Authors: Martinez Christopher J. , Jones James W.
Published: January 2010

Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) can provide valuable predictive information for regional climate and agricultural yields in many parts of the world. This study was conducted to identify relationships between Atlantic and Pacific SSTs and corn yields in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia and to use these relationships to develop forecasts that can be used at lead times prior to spring planting. The relationships between seasonal SSTs and detrended county corn yields were analysed using singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis and confirmed using principal component analysis (PCA). Using a Monte Carlo approach, field‐significant results were found with SSTs in the July–September (JAS−1) and October–December (OND−1) seasons in the previous year and with the January–March (JFM) season of the current. A significant portion of the variability of SSTs with corn yield residuals was connected with anomalous heating and cooling associated with the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Based on the results found by SVD analysis and confirmed by PCA, indices of spatially averaged SSTs in regions of the North Pacific and Atlantic Oceans were derived. Using these indices along with the Niño3.4 index to represent tropical Pacific SSTs, cross‐validated multiple linear regression models were developed to predict corn yield residuals using index values in the JAS−1 and OND−1 seasons. Using the cross‐validated models 91.5 and 98.4% of forecasted county corn yield residuals showed predictive skill (based on tercile hit scores) with seasonal index values in the JAS−1 and OND−1 seasons, respectively. The results of the models indicate that the indices of SSTs show significant predictability with corn yield residuals at lead times up to 4–7 months prior to spring planting and are a significant improvement over the use of an index of ENSO alone. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Molecular structure, vibrational spectroscopic studies and NBO analysis of the 3,5‐dichlorophenylboronic acid molecule by the density functional method
Authors: Ayyappan S. , Sundaraganesan N. , Kurt M. , Sertbakan T. R. , Özduran M.
Published: January 2010

In this study, the Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) and FT‐Raman spectra of 3,5‐dichlorophenylboronicacid (3,5‐dcpba) were recorded in the solid phase. The structural and spectroscopic analysis of the 3,5‐dichlorophenylboronic was made by using density functional harmonic calculations. There are three conformers for this molecule. The computational results diagnose the most stable conformer of 3,5‐dcpba as the ct form. The geometrical parameters and energies have been obtained for all three conformers from DFT (B3LYP) with 6‐311+ + G(d,p) basis set calculations. The vibrations of stable and unstable conformers of 3,5‐dcpba are researched by using quantum chemical calculations. The complete assignments were performed on the basis of the total energy distribution (TED) of the vibrational modes calculated with the scaled quantum mechanics (SQM) method. The stability of the molecule arising from hyperconjugative interactions and charge delocalization has been analyzed using the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The results show that the charge in electron density (ED) in the π* and σ* antibonding orbitals and E2 energies confirms the occurrence of ıntermolecular charge transfer (ICT) within the molecule. Finally, the calculation results were applied to simulated infrared and Raman spectra of the title compound, which show agreement with the observed spectra. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bacterial mixture identification using Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman chemical imaging
Authors: Guicheteau Jason , Christesen Steven , Emge Darren , Tripathi Ashish
Published: January 2010

The ability of normal Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to identify and detect bacteria has shown great success in recent studies. The addition of silver nanoparticles to bacterial samples not only results in an enhanced Raman signal, but it also suppresses the native fluorescence associated with biological material. In this report, Raman chemical imaging (RCI) was used to analyze individual bacteria and complex mixtures of spores and vegetative cells. RCI uses every pixel or a binned pixel group (BPG) of the Raman camera as an independent Raman spectrograph, allowing collection of spatially resolved Raman spectra. The advantage of this technique resides primarily in the analysis of samples in complex backgrounds without the need for physically isolating or purifying the sample. Using a chemical imaging Raman microscope, we compare normal RCI to SERS‐assisted chemical imaging of mixtures of bacteria. In both cases, we are able to differentiate single bacterium in the Raman microscope's field of view, with a 60‐fold reduction in image acquisition time and a factor of 10 increase in the signal‐to‐noise ratio for SERS chemical imaging over normal RCI. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of conformation and hydrogen bonding on the CC and NCN stretching Raman bands of N‐deuterated histidinium
Authors: Hiramatsu Hirotsugu , Miki Noriko , Takeuchi Hideo
Published: January 2010

Histidine is an important and versatile amino acid residue that plays a variety of structural and functional roles in proteins. Although the Raman bands of histidine are generally weak, histidine in the N‐deuterated cationic form with imidazole NπD and NτD bonds (N‐deuterated histidinium) gives two strong Raman bands assignable to the C4C5 stretch (νCC) and the NπC2Nτ symmetric stretch (νNCN) of the imidazole ring. We examined the Raman spectra of N‐deuterated histidinium in 12 crystals with known structures. The observed νCC and νNCN wavenumbers were analyzed to find empirical correlations with the conformation and hydrogen bonding. The effect of conformation on the vibrational wavenumber was expressed as a threefold cosine function of the CαCβC4C5 torsional angle. The effect of hydrogen bonding at Nπ or Nτ was assumed to be proportional to the inverse sixth power of the distance between the hydrogen and acceptor atoms. Multiple linear regression analysis clearly shows that the conformational effect on the vibrational wavenumber is comparable for νCC and νNCN. The hydrogen bond at Nπ weakly lowers the νCC wavenumber and substantially raises the νNCN wavenumber. On the other hand, the hydrogen bond at Nτ strongly raises the νCC wavenumber but does not affect the νNCN wavenumber. These empirical correlations may be useful in Raman spectral analysis of the conformation and hydrogen bonding states of histidine residues in proteins. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of reported direct and indirect killing on mental health symptoms in Iraq war veterans
Authors: Maguen Shira , Lucenko Barbara A. , Reger Mark A. , Gahm Gregory A. , Litz Brett T. , Seal Karen H. , Knight Sara J. , Marmar Charles R.
Published: January 2010

This study examined the mental health impact of reported direct and indirect killing among 2,797 U.S. soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Data were collected as part of a postdeployment screening program at a large Army medical facility. Overall, 40% of soldiers reported killing or being responsible for killing during their deployment. Even after controlling for combat exposure, killing was a significant predictor of posttraumatic disorder (PTSD) symptoms, alcohol abuse, anger, and relationship problems. Military personnel returning from modern deployments are at risk of adverse mental health conditions and related psychosocial functioning related to killing in war. Mental health assessment and treatment should address reactions to killing to optimize readjustment following deployment.
Correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in Marines back from war
Authors: Booth‐Kewley Stephanie , Larson Gerald E. , Highfill‐McRoy Robyn M. , Garland Cedric F. , Gaskin Thomas A.
Published: January 2010

The effect of combat and operational stress on the mental health of military personnel is a major concern. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with possible posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A questionnaire was completed by 1,569 Marines who deployed in support of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan (2002–2007). Using the PTSD Checklist with a cutoff score of 44, 17.1% of the sample screened positive for possible PTSD. Of 9 demographic and psychosocial factors examined in relation to PTSD, 4 were significant in a multivariate analysis: deployment‐related stressors, combat exposure, marital status, and education. Deployment‐related stressors had a stronger association with PTSD than any other variable. This is an important finding because deployment‐related stressors are potentially modifiable.
Traumatic stress in Japanese broadcast journalists
Authors: Hatanaka Miho , Matsui Yutaka , Ando Kiyoshi , Inoue Kako , Fukuoka Yoshiharu , Koshiro Eiko , Itamura Hidenori
Published: January 2010

Job‐related traumatic stress experienced by broadcast journalists in Japan was investigated. A questionnaire inquiring about the most traumatic event they faced when covering the news and the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R) were administered to 270 journalist participants working for Japanese news companies. Of these, 6% met the IES‐R criterion for potential posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moreover, posttraumatic stress reactions at the time of the survey were strongly related to symptoms of stress experienced during the stressful assignment. The early assessment of stress symptoms in journalists that experience traumatic news coverage is important for preventing the development of PTSD symptoms.
Treatment with HELP‐apheresis in patients suffering from sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A prospective, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Bianchin Giovanni , Russi Gianpaolo , Romano Nicola , Fioravanti Paola
Published: January 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

This study's aim was to verify whether, in patients affected by sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) with high plasmatic levels of low‐density–lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and/or fibrinogen, the therapeutic approach with a single selective plasmapheresis (HELP‐apheresis) followed by 10 days of standard treatment (glycerol and dexamethazone) is more effective than 10 days of standard treatment.

Study Design:

Randomized, superiority study (difference ≥30%).

Methods:

One hundred thirty‐two patients were admitted to the trial and randomly allocated to two different arms; 60 were given standard treatment and 72 were treated with HELP‐apheresis plus standard treatment. Patients showed a value of LDL cholesterol >120 mg/dL and/or fibrinogen >320 mg/dL.

Results:

In the HELP‐apheresis plus standard therapy group, we observed a hearing recovery in 75% of the patients 24 hours after treatment and in 76.4% of the patients 10 days after treatment. Only 25% of the patients after 24 hours and 23.6% of the patients after 10 days showed no change. In the standard therapy group, the percentage of patients with hearing recovery was 41.7% after 24 hours and 45% after 10 days, whereas 58.3% after 24 hours and 55% after 10 days had no change.

Conclusions:

The analysis enabled us to consider HELP‐apheresis as the element that makes a difference in hearing recovery. In a specific group of patients, with alterations in cholesterol and/or fibrinogen, the HELP‐apheresis treatment is a further option available in SSHL therapy. Laryngoscope, 2010
Monitoring peripheral blood CD4+ Adenosine triphosphate activity in recurrent hepatitis C and its correlation to fibrosis progression
Authors: Alkhouri Naim , Hanouneh Ibrahim A. , Lopez Rocio , Zein Nizar N.
Published: January 2010

The recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is often associated with rapid fibrosis progression attributed to the state of impaired cellular immunity. At present, there are no means to predict those at risk for progression. Peripheral blood CD4+ adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release (the ImmuKnow assay) correlates with immunoreactivity and has been used to monitor global cellular immune function in transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between cellular immune function measured by the ImmuKnow assay and fibrosis progression in patients with HCV recurrence after OLT. The ImmuKnow assay was prospectively performed in adult HCV patients at 4 and 12 months post-OLT. Protocol liver biopsies were performed (on day 7, in month 4, and yearly) after OLT. The first biopsy that showed fibrosis post-OLT was used to determine the time interval for developing fibrosis. Sixty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. The median follow-up time was 12 (6.5-12.1) months. Fibrosis progression was observed in 61.3% of the patients. ATP levels were lower in patients with fibrosis progression in comparison with patients without progression at 4 months (145 versus 259 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and at 12 months (152 versus 264 ng/mL, P = 0.008). ATP levels at 4 and 12 months post-OLT were found to be significantly associated with a higher hazard of progression. For each 25-unit increase in ATP levels at 4 and 12 months after transplantation, the hazard of fibrosis progression decreased by 22% (P = 0.001) and 12% (P = 0.015), respectively. In conclusion, greater suppression of cellular immunity, as measured by the ImmuKnow assay, is associated with more rapid progression of fibrosis in patients with recurrent HCV post-OLT. Post-OLT monitoring of CD4+ ATP activity may identify a subset of patients at greatest risk for early fibrosis progression.
Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: Implications for treatment and surgical management
Authors: Emamaullee Juliet A. , Edgar Ryan , Toso Christian , Thiesen Aducio , Bain Vincent , Bigam David , Kneteman Norman , Shapiro James A. M.
Published: January 2010

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a low-grade, malignant vascular tumor that most commonly presents within the liver. Patients with hepatic EHE are often candidates for liver transplantation as the disease is usually multifocal at diagnosis. Although these patients achieve excellent early outcomes post-transplant, there are very few data regarding tumor markers that can further direct chemotherapy in hepatic EHE to prevent recurrent disease. The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression of the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors in hepatic EHE. Six patients with hepatic EHE were assessed for liver transplantation at our center. Pathology specimens of primary and recurrent EHE were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and by immunofluorescence for VEGF, fetal liver kinase 1 (Flk-1), and fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (Flt-1) expression. Five patients underwent liver transplantation, and 1 patient underwent liver resection. Biopsy-proven recurrent EHE occurred in 3 patients. VEGF expression was present in 100% of the EHE specimens examined, whereas Flt-1 expression was present in only 1 sample, and Flk-1 was not observed in any of the specimens. In 1 patient with recurrent hepatic EHE post–liver transplantation, a progressive increase in the VEGF fluorescence intensity and distribution was observed. In conclusion, in this series, VEGF expression was observed in all hepatic EHE specimens analyzed. These data suggest that anti-VEGF chemotherapeutic agents will be of use in patients with hepatic EHE, particularly as a means of reducing the tumor volume prior to resection, as a means of treating unresectable or metastatic disease, or as an adjuvant therapy in the setting of liver transplantation.
Inhibition of transforming growth factor-β/Smad signaling improves regeneration of small-for-size rat liver grafts
Authors: Zhong Zhi , Tsukada Shigeki , Rehman Hasibur , Parsons Christopher J. , Theruvath Tom P. , Rippe Richard A. , Brenner David A. , Lemasters John J.
Published: January 2010

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation. This study investigated whether overexpression of Smad7, which blocks TGF-β–induced activation of Smad2/3, could prevent the suppression of regeneration of small-for-size liver grafts. Rats were intravenously given adenoviruses (2 × 1010 pfu/rat) carrying the LacZ gene or the Smad7 gene (Ad-Smad7) 3 days prior to liver harvesting. Half-size livers were implanted into recipients of the same weight or twice the donor weight, and this resulted in half-size or quarter-size liver grafts. Cell proliferation, detected by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, increased to 23% in half-size grafts at 38 hours after implantation but was only 4% in quarter-size grafts. Graft weight did not increase after 38 hours in full-size and quarter-size grafts but increased 28% in half-size grafts. Ad-Smad7 restored BrdU labeling to 32%, and the graft weight increased to 43% in quarter-size grafts. Serum total bilirubin increased approximately 30-fold after the implantation of quarter-size grafts. Ad-Smad7 blunted hyperbilirubinemia by 80%. The basal hepatic TGF-β1 level was 7 ng/g of liver wet weight, and this increased to 30 ng/g at 1.5 hours after the transplantation of full-size grafts but decreased rapidly afterwards. After the transplantation of quarter-size grafts, however, TGF-β1 progressively increased to 159 ng/g in 38 hours. Nuclear phosphorylated Smad2/3 was barely detectable, and p21Cip1 expression was negligible in full-size grafts but increased markedly in quarter-size grafts. Ad-Smad7 blocked Smad2/3 activation and expression of p21Cip1. Together, these data show that TGF-β is responsible, at least in part, for the defective liver regeneration in small-for-size grafts by activating the Smad signaling pathway.
Addition of carvedilol to University Wisconsin solution improves rat steatotic and nonsteatotic liver preservation
Authors: Mosbah Ismail Ben , Roselló-Catafau Joan , Alfany-Fernandez Izabel , Rimola Antoni , Parellada Pera Puig , Mitjavila Maria Teresa , Lojek Antonin , Abdennebi Hassen Ben , Boillot Olivier , Rodés Juan , Peralta Carmen
Published: January 2010

Here we examine the effect of adding carvedilol (CVD) to University of Wisconsin (UW) solution on the preservation of steatotic and nonsteatotic livers during cold ischemia and after normothermic reperfusion. We used an isolated perfused rat liver model. The following protocols were evaluated. Protocol 1 concerned the effect of CVD after cold ischemia. Steatotic and nonsteatotic livers were preserved for 24 hours in UW solution alone or with CVD. Livers without cold ischemia were used as controls. Transaminases were evaluated in the flushing effluent. Protocol 2 involved the effect of CVD after reperfusion. Both liver types were preserved for 24 hours in UW solution alone or with CVD and then perfused ex vivo for 2 hours at 37°C. Livers flushed and perfused without ischemia were used as controls. Hepatic injury and functionality [transaminases, bile production, and hepatic clearance of sulfobromophthalein (BSP)] were evaluated after reperfusion. In addition, factors potentially involved in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, including oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and superoxide anion levels), mitochondrial damage (glutamate dehydrogenase activity), microcirculatory disorders (flow rate and vascular resistance), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion, were evaluated after reperfusion. After cold ischemia, steatotic livers preserved in UW solution showed higher transaminase levels than nonsteatotic livers. After reperfusion, steatotic livers preserved in UW solution showed higher transaminase levels and lower bile production and BSP clearance than nonsteatotic livers. Alterations in the perfusion flow rate and vascular resistance, mitochondrial damage, and reduced ATP content were more evident in steatotic livers preserved in UW solution. The addition of CVD to UW solution reduced hepatic injury, obstructed its mechanisms, and improved hepatic functionality in both liver types. We conclude that CVD is a useful additive for UW solution that improves the preservation of steatotic and nonsteatotic livers subjected to prolonged cold ischemia.