bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a new fluorescence quantitative PCR test for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection in children
Authors: Ou Zhiying , Xiong Liya , Li Ding-You , Geng Lanlan , Li Lixia , Chen Peiyu , Yang Min , Zeng Yongmei , Zhou Zhenwen , Xia Huimin , Gong Sitang
Published: January 2013

Background

Numerous diagnostic tests are available to detect Helicobactor pylori (H. pylori). There has been no single test available to detect H. pylori infection reliably. We evaluated the accuracy of a new fluorescence quantitative PCR (fqPCR) for H. pylori detection in children.

Methods

Gastric biopsy specimens from 138 children with gastritis were sent for routine histology exam, rapid urease test (RUT) and fqPCR. 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT) was carried out prior to endoscopic procedure. Gastric fluids and dental plaques were also collected for fqPCR analysis.

Results

38 children (27.5%) were considered positive for H. pylori infection by gold standard (concordant positive results on 2 or more tests). The remaining 100 children (72.5%) were considered negative for H. pylori. Gastric mucosa fqPCR not only detected all 38 H. pylori positive patients but also detected 8 (8%) of the 100 gold standard-negative children or 11 (10.7%) of the 103 routine histology-negative samples. Therefore, gastric mucosa fqPCR identified 46 children (33.3%) with H. pylori infection, significantly higher than gold standard or routine histology (P<0.01). Both gastric fluid and dental plaque fqPCR only detected 32 (23.2%) and 30 (21.7%) children with H. pylori infection respectively and was significantly less sensitive than mucosa fqPCR (P<0.05) but was as sensitive as non-invasive UBT.

Conclusions

Gastric mucosa fqPCR was more sensitive than routine histology, RUT, 13C-UBT alone or in combination to detect H. pylori infection in children with chronic gastritis. Either gastric fluid or dental plaque PCR is as reliable as 13C-UBT for H. pylori detection.
Abdominal wall hemorrhage after intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: An Se-A , Kim Jinkwon , Kim Sang Heum , Kim Won Chan Chan
Published: January 2013

Background

Thrombolysis is strongly recommended for patients with significant neurologic deficits secondary to acute ischemic stroke. Extracranial bleeding is a rare but major complication of thrombolysis.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old woman presented with acute ischemic stroke caused by occlusion of the basilar artery. Clinical recovery was observed after successful recanalization by intravenous thrombolysis and intraarterial thrombectomy. However, the patient complained of sudden abdominal pain following the intervention and a newly developed abdominal wall mass was found. CT scan and selective angiography confirmed active bleeding from the left epigastric artery into the abdominal muscle layer and the bleeding was successfully managed by selective embolization of the bleeding artery.

Conclusions

We report a rare case of abdominal wall hemorrhage after thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke. The findings indicate that abdominal wall hemorrhage should be considered as a differential diagnosis in the presence of abdominal discomfort after thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke.
A rabbit model of right-sided Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis created with echocardiographic guidance
Authors: Wang Mei-lian , Zhang Ying , Fan Miao , Guo Ya-jun , Ren Wei-dong , Luo En-jie
Published: January 2013

Background

The most widely used experimental models of infective endocarditis (IE) are the rabbit and rat models, in which cardiac valve lesions are induced by a polyethylene catheter introduced into the left ventricle through the aortic valve. Our study was designed to create a rabbit model of IE right-sided with echocardiographic guidance.

Methods

Thirty rabbits underwent both catheterization and inoculation (group A). These were divided into three subgroups of ten based on the time of catheter removal (immediately, after 24 h, and after death or moribundity for groups, A1, A2, and A3, respectively). Ten inoculated-only and ten catheterized-only rabbits served as controls. A catheter system consisted of a polyethylene catheter and a guide wire inside it. This system was passed through the rabbits’ tricuspid valves under echocardiographic guidance to damage them. The ratio of left ventricle to right ventricle (LV/RV) was measured in a four-chamber view before catheterization and at the time of death or moribundity. The peak velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (VTR) was measured in a four-chamber view at the time of catheterization and at the time of death or moribundity. Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) inoculation was performed 24 h after right heart catheterization to produce IE.

Results

IE was confirmed in 28 of 30 rabbits by macroscopic and histologic examination of tricuspid valves, blood cultures, and bacterial count in cardiac vegetations. Cardiac vegetations were confirmed in 25 of 28 IE rabbits by echocardiography. Enlargement of right ventricle dimension with a significantly decreased LV/RV ratio was confirmed in all IE rabbits at the time of death or moribundity than at the initial state (1.11 ± 0.35 vs. 1.95 ± 0.39, P < 0.01; 1.21 ± 0.34 vs. 1.98 ± 0.35, P < 0.01; 1.04 ± 0.31 vs. 2.00 ± 0.41, P < 0.01 for groups A1, A2, and A3, respectively). VTR was significantly higher in all the IE rabbits at the time of death or moribundity than at the time of catheterization (1.89 ± 0.46 vs 0.76 ± 0.45, P < 0.01; 2.04 ± 0.73 vs 0.68 ± 0.66, P < 0.01; 2.24 ± 0.51 vs 0.87 ± 0.55, P < 0.01 for group A1, A2 and A3, respectively).

Conclusion

The models described herein closely reproduced the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of right heart catheter-induced endocarditis in humans. Echocardiographic guidance is helpful in the process of right heart catheterization. Some echocardiographic parameters, such as VTR and the LV/RV ratio could be used to assess the success or failure of the IE models.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS) in patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Cebolla Ausias , Luciano Juan V , DeMarzo Marcelo Piva , Navarro-Gil Mayte , Campayo Javier Garcia
Published: January 2013

Background

Mindful-based interventions improve functioning and quality of life in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. The aim of the study is to perform a psychometric analysis of the Spanish version of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) in a sample of patients diagnosed with FM.

Methods

The following measures were administered to 251 Spanish patients with FM: the Spanish version of MAAS, the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire, the Pain Catastrophising Scale, the Injustice Experience Questionnaire, the Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and the Euroqol. Factorial structure was analysed using Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA). Cronbach's α coefficient was calculated to examine internal consistency, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess the test-retest reliability of the measures. Pearson’s correlation tests were run to evaluate univariate relationships between scores on the MAAS and criterion variables.

Results

The MAAS scores in our sample were low (M = 56.7; SD = 17.5). CFA confirmed a two-factor structure, with the following fit indices [sbX2 = 172.34 (p < 0.001), CFI = 0.95, GFI = 0.90, SRMR = 0.05, RMSEA = 0.06. MAAS was found to have high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.90) and adequate test-retest reliability at a 1–2 week interval (ICC = 0.90). It showed significant and expected correlations with the criterion measures with the exception of the Euroqol (Pearson = 0.15).

Conclusion

Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the MAAS in patients with FM are adequate. The dimensionality of the MAAS found in this sample and directions for future research are discussed.
Vascularity of primary and metastatic renal cell carcinoma specimens
Authors: Aziz Saadia A , Sznol Joshua , Adeniran Adebowale , Colberg John W , Camp Robert L , Kluger Harriet M
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Anti-angiogenic therapies are among the most commonly used drugs in renal cell carcinoma. Tumor vascularity, defined by microvessel area, may be associated with response to these drugs. Clinical studies suggest that metastatic sites are more responsive than primary tumors. Our purpose was to characterize microvessel area (MVA) in matched primary and metastatic samples and in samples of different histologies.

Methods

We employed a method of automated, quantitative analysis of in situ tumor components to identify the area of CD-34 staining endothelial cells within renal cell carcinoma tumors. MVA was assessed in corresponding primary and metastatic samples from 34 patients, as well as in 334 primary nephrectomy specimens with variable histologies.

Results

MVA measurements from different parts of the same tumor correlated well (R = 0.75), indicating that MVA was fairly uniform within a tumor. While MVA was slightly higher in primary tumors than corresponding metastatic sites, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.1). MVA in paired primary and metastatic samples correlated moderately well (R = 0.36). MVA was higher in clear cell than papillary histology and oncocytomas (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.018, respectively).

Conclusions

Lack of significant differences MVA in matched primary and metastatic samples suggests that both types of tumors should respond to anti-angiogenic drugs. This should be confirmed on additional cohorts. Given the small cohort, future predictive biomarker studies entailing MVA measurements should include specimens from both sites. Clear cell carcinomas are more vascular than other histologic subtypes, which may explain the higher response rates to anti-angiogenic therapies in clear cell tumors.
A do-it-yourself protocol for simple transcription activator-like effector assembly
Authors: Uhde-Stone Claudia , Gor Nilang , Chin Tiffany , Huang Joseph , Lu Biao
Published: January 2013

Background

TALEs (transcription activator-like effectors) are powerful molecules that have broad applications in genetic and epigenetic manipulations. The simple design of TALEs, coupled with high binding predictability and specificity, is bringing genome engineering power to the standard molecular laboratory. Currently, however, custom TALE assembly is either costly or limited to few research centers, due to complicated assembly protocols, long set-up time and specific training requirements.

Results

We streamlined a Golden Gate-based method for custom TALE assembly. First, by providing ready-made, quality-controlled monomers, we eliminated the procedures for error-prone and time-consuming set-up. Second, we optimized the protocol toward a fast, two-day assembly of custom TALEs, based on four thermocycling reactions. Third, we increased the versatility for diverse downstream applications by providing series of vector sets to generate both TALENs (TALE nucleases) and TALE-TFs (TALE-transcription factors) under the control of different promoters. Finally, we validated our system by assembling a number of TALENs and TALE-TFs with DNA sequencing confirmation. We further demonstrated that an assembled TALE-TF was able to transactivate a luciferase reporter gene and a TALEN pair was able to cut its target.

Conclusions

We established and validated a do-it-yourself system that enables individual researchers to assemble TALENs and TALE-TFs within 2 days. The simplified TALE assembly combined with multiple choices of vectors will facilitate the broad use of TALE technology.
Raman study on zinc-blende single InAs nanowire grown on Si (111) substrate
Authors: Li Tianfeng , Gao Lizhen , Lei Wen , Guo Lijun , Yang Tao , Chen Yonghai , Wang Zhanguo
Published: January 2013

We report polarized Raman scattering studies on single InAs nanowires (NWs). The NWs were grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on Si (111) substrates without external catalyst and showed a zinc-blende crystal structure. The single NWs were studied for different polarization excitation of the incident laser beam relative to the NW axis. The transverse optical (TO) mode exhibits maximum intensity when both the incident and analyzed light polarizations are parallel to the NW axis. The TO mode of InAs NWs is found to act like a nearly perfect dipole antenna, which can be attributed to the one-dimensional NW geometry and Raman selection rules.
Mechanisms of action of naturally occurring antibodies against β-amyloid on microglia
Authors: Gold Maike , Mengel David , Röskam Stephan , Dodel Richard , Bach Jan-Philipp
Published: January 2013

Background

Naturally occurring autoantibodies against amyloid-β (nAbs-Aβ) have been shown to exert beneficial effects on transgenic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) animals in vivo and on primary neurons in vitro. Not much is known about their effect on microglial cells. Our aim was to investigate the effect of nAbs-Aβ on amyloid-β (Aβ)-treated microglial cells in vitro with respect to cell viability, stress pathways, cytokine production and phagocytotic abilities and whether these effects can be conveyed to neurons.

Methods

Primary microglial cells isolated from Swiss Webster mouse mesencephalons on embryonic day 13.5 were pretreated with nAbs-Aβ and then treated with Aβ oligomers. After 3 hours, phagocytosis as well as western blot analysis were evaluated to measure the amount of phagocytized Aβ. Cell viability was analyzed using an MTT assay 24 hours after treatment. Pro-inflammatory cytokines in the supernatants were analyzed with ELISAs and then we treated primary neuronal cells with these conditioned microglia supernatants. Twenty-four hours later we did a MTT assay of the treated neurons. We further investigated the effect of a single nAbs-Aβ administration on Tg2576 mice in vivo.

Results

Upon co-administration of Aβ and nAbs-Aβ no change in microglia viability was observed. However, there was an increase in phosphorylated p38 protein level, an increase in the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 and an increase in Aβ uptake by microglial cells. Treatment of primary neurons with conditioned microglia medium led to a 10% improvement in cell viability when nAbs-Aβ were co-administered compared to Aβ-treated cells alone. We were unable to detect changes in cytokine production in brain lysates of Tg2576 mice.

Conclusions

We provide evidence on the mechanism of action of nAbs-Aβ on microglia in vitro. Interestingly, our in vivo data indicate that nAbs-Aβ administration should be considered as a therapeutic strategy in AD, since there is no inflammatory reaction.
Preferences for mode of delivery in nulliparous Argentinean women: a qualitative study
Authors: Liu Nancy H , Mazzoni Agustina , Zamberlin Nina , Colomar Mercedes , Chang Olivia H , Arnaud Lila , Althabe Fernando , Belizán José M
Published: January 2013

Background

Over the last three decades, cesarean section (CS) rates have been rising around the world despite no associated improvement in maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. The role of women’s preferences for mode of delivery in contributing to the high CS rate remains controversial; however these preferences are difficult to assess, as they are influenced by culture, knowledge of risk and benefits, and personal and social factors. In this qualitative study, our objective was to understand women’s preferences and motivational factors for mode of delivery. This information will inform the development and design of an assessment aimed at understanding the role of the women’s preferences for mode of delivery.

Methods

We conducted 4 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 12 in-depth interviews with pregnant women in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 4 large non-public and public hospitals. Our sample included 29 nulliparous pregnant women aged 18–35 years old, with single pregnancies over 32 weeks of gestational age, without pregnancies resulting from assisted fertility, without known pre-existing medical illness or diseases diagnosed during pregnancy, without an indication of elective cesarean section, and who are not health professionals. FGDs and interviews followed a pre-designed guide based on the health belief model and social cognitive theory of health decisions and behaviors.

Results

Most of the women preferred vaginal delivery (VD) due to cultural, personal, and social factors. VD was viewed as normal, healthy, and a natural rite of passage from womanhood to motherhood. Pain associated with vaginal delivery was viewed positively. In contrast, women viewed CS as a medical decision and often deferred decisions to medical staff in the presence of medical indication.

Conclusions

These findings converge with quantitative and qualitative studies showing that women prefer towards VD for various cultural, personal and social reasons. Actual CS rates appear to diverge from women’s preferences and reasons are discussed.
Right ventricular function impaired in children and adolescents with severe idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Li Shujuan , Yang Junlin , Li Yunquan , Zhu Ling , Lin Yuese , Li Xuandi , Huang Zifang , Wang Huishen
Published: January 2013

Background

Although it is speculated that scoliosis may induce cardiac dysfunction, there is no report about evaluation of cardiac function, especially right cardiac function in patients with scoliosis. Therefore, we evaluated right ventricular function in idiopathic scoliotic patients with mild to severe curves and compared them with healthy children and adolescents matched in age, then explored relationship between scoliosis and right ventricular function.

Methods

Thirty-seven patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis with a mean age of 16y/o (range, 8-25y/o) and an average spine curve of 77.5°Cobb (range, 30-157°) were studied by echocardiography. TAD was obtained using M-mode echocardiography. Similar examination was performed in a control group of 17 healthy individuals in matched-age. According to the different curve degree, all patients were divided into 3 groups (mild, moderate and severe). Comparison was done among the groups and the relationship between TAD and spine curve of Cobb was analyzed.

Results

Patients with severe scoliosis showed depressed TAD. There was good correlation between TAD and spine curve of Cobb.

Conclusions

Patients with severe scoliosis showed a significant lower right ventricular systolic function.
Malignant atrophic papulosis (Köhlmeier-Degos disease) - A review
Authors: Theodoridis Athanasios , Makrantonaki Evgenia , Zouboulis Christos C
Published: January 2013

Definition of the disease

Malignant atrophic papulosis (MAP), described independently by Köhlmeier and Degos et al., is a rare, chronic, thrombo-obliterative vasculopathy characterized by papular skin lesions with central porcelain-white atrophy and surrounding teleangiectatic rim.

Epidemiology

Less than 200 cases have been described in the literature. The first manifestation of MAP usually occurs between the 20th and 50th year of life.

Clinical description

The cutaneous clinical picture is almost pathognomonic. The histology is not consistent but in most cases it shows a wedge-shaped connective tissue necrosis in the deep corium due to a thrombotic occlusion of the small arteries. In the systemic variant, manifestations mostly occur at the intestine and central nervous system.

Etiology

The etiopathogenesis of the disease remains unknown, a genetic predisposition may occur. Vasculitis, coagulopathy or primary dysfunction of the endothelial cells have been implicated.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis is only based on the characteristic skin lesions.

Differrential diagnosis

It depends on the clinical presentation of MAP, but systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases need to be considered.

Management

No effective treatment exists for the systemic manifestations, while compounds that facilitate blood perfusion have achieved a partial regression of the skin lesions in single cases.

Prognosis

An apparently idiopathic, monosymptomatic, cutaneous, benign variant and a progressive, visceral one with approx. 50% lethality within 2–3 years have been reported. Systemic manifestations can develop years after the occurrence of skin lesions leading to bowel perforation and peritonitis, thrombosis of the cerebral arteries or massive intracerebral hemorrhage, meningitis, encephalitis, radiculopathy, myelitis.
Compounds that correct F508del-CFTR trafficking can also correct other protein trafficking diseases: an in vitro study using cell lines
Authors: Sampson Heidi M , Lam Hung , Chen Pei-Chun , Zhang Donglei , Mottillo Cristina , Mirza Myriam , Qasim Karim , Shrier Alvin , Shyng Show-Ling , Hanrahan John W , Thomas David Y
Published: January 2013

Background

Many genetic diseases are due to defects in protein trafficking where the mutant protein is recognized by the quality control systems, retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and degraded by the proteasome. In many cases, the mutant protein retains function if it can be trafficked to its proper cellular location. We have identified structurally diverse correctors that restore the trafficking and function of the most common mutation causing cystic fibrosis, F508del-CFTR. Most of these correctors do not act directly as ligands of CFTR, but indirectly on other pathways to promote folding and correction. We hypothesize that these proteostasis regulators may also correct other protein trafficking diseases.

Methods

To test our hypothesis, we used stable cell lines or transient transfection to express 2 well-studied trafficking disease mutations in each of 3 different proteins: the arginine-vasopressin receptor 2 (AVPR2, also known as V2R), the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (KCNH2, also known as hERG), and finally the sulfonylurea receptor 1 (ABCC8, also known as SUR1). We treated cells expressing these mutant proteins with 9 structurally diverse F508del-CFTR correctors that function through different cellular mechanisms and assessed whether correction occurred via immunoblotting and functional assays. Results were deemed significantly different from controls by a one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05).

Results

Here we show that F508del-CFTR correctors RDR1, KM60 and KM57 also correct some mutant alleles of other protein trafficking diseases. We also show that one corrector, the cardiac glycoside ouabain, was found to alter the glycosylation of all mutant alleles tested.

Conclusions

Correctors of F508del-CFTR trafficking might have broader applications to other protein trafficking diseases.
Effect of hypobaric storage on quality, antioxidant enzyme and antioxidant capability of the Chinese bayberry fruits
Authors: Chen Hangjun , Yang Hailong , Gao Haiyan , Long Jie , Tao Fei , Fang Xiangjun , Jiang Yueming
Published: January 2013

Background

The Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. and Zucc.) is a subtropical fruit native to China, with unique flavor, sweet and sour taste, and high nutrition and health values. The fruit is highly perishable and susceptible to mechanical injury, physiological deterioration and fungal decay once harvested. This study was to investigate the effect of hypobaric storage on the quality of Chinese bayberry fruit and then develop storage technology to prolong the supply of the fruit.

Results

The fruit stored under hypobaric conditions exhibited lower decay, higher titratable acidity and total phenolics compared with those stored under normal atmospheric conditions. Hypobaric storage significantly reduced malonaldehyde accumulation, respiratory rate and maintained high catalase and peroxidase activities of Chinese bayberry fruit. Ferric reducing antioxidant power was also higher in the fruit stored under hypobaric condition than those under normal atmospheric conditions.

Conclusion

Hypobaric storage improved the metabolism, antioxidant system and postharvest quality of Chinese bayberry fruit and provided an effective alternative method to prolong the storage life of this fruit.
Development and validation of ultra-performance liquid chromatographic method with tandem mass spectrometry for determination of lenalidomide in rabbit and human plasma
Authors: Iqbal Muzaffar , Wani Tanveer A , Khalil Nasr Y , Darwish Ibrahim A
Published: January 2013

Background

Lenalidomide (LND) is a potent novel thalidomide analog which demonstrated remarkable clinical activity in treatment of multiple myeloma disease via a multiple-pathways mechanism. Validated sensitive method with high throughput is required for the determination of lenalidomide for pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetic studies. Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) is a preeminent analytical tool for rapid biomedical analysis.

Results

A simple, highly sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of LND in rabbit and human plasma. After a simple protein precipitation using methanol, LND and carbamazepine (IS) were separated on Acquity UPLC BEH™ C18column (50 × 2.1 mm, i.d. 1.7 μm, Waters, USA) using a mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile:water:formic acid (65:35:0.1%, v/v/v) pumped at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. LND and IS were eluted at 0.71 and 1.92 min, respectively. The mass spectrometric determination was carried out using an electrospray interface operated in the positive mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The precursor to product ion transitions ofm/z260.1 > 149.0 andm/z237.0 > 179.0 were used to quantify LND and IS, respectively. The method was linear in the concentration range of 0.23–1000 ng/mL with a limit of quantitation of 0.23 ng/mL. All the validation parameters were in the ranges acceptable by the guidelines of analytical method validation.

Conclusion

The proposed UPLC-MS/MS method is simple, rapid and highly sensitive, and hence it could be reliable for pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic study in both animals and humans.
Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia diagnosed by double-balloon enteroscopy and treated by medium-chain triglycerides: a case report
Authors: Lai Yu , Yu Tao , Qiao Xiao-yu , Zhao Li-na , Chen Qi-kui
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a disorder characterized by exudative enteropathy resulting from morphologic abnormalities of the intestinal lymphatics. Intestinal lymphangiectasia can be primary or secondary, so the diagnosis of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia must first exclude the possibility of secondary intestinal lymphangiectasia. A double-balloon enteroscopy and biopsy, as well as the pathology can be used to confirm the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia. A polymeric diet containing medium-chain triglycerides and total parenteral nutrition may be a useful therapy.

Case presentation

A 17-year-old girl of Mongoloid ethnicity was admitted to our hospital with a history of diarrhea and edema. She was diagnosed with protein-losing enteropathy caused by intestinal lymphangiectasia. This was confirmed by a double-balloon enteroscopy and multi-dot biopsy. After treatment with total parenteral nutrition in hospital, which was followed by a low-fat and medium-chain triglyceride diet at home, she was totally relieved of her symptoms.

Conclusion

Intestinal lymphangiectasia can be diagnosed with a double-balloon enteroscopy and multi-dot biopsy, as well as the pathology of small intestinal tissue showing edema of the submucosa and lymphangiectasia. Because intestinal lymphangiectasia can be primary or secondary, the diagnosis of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia must first exclude the possibility of secondary intestinal lymphangiectasia. A positive clinical response to the special diet therapy, namely a low-fat and medium-chain triglyceride diet, can further confirm the diagnosis of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia.
Enhanced ranking of PknB Inhibitors using data fusion methods
Authors: Seal Abhik , Yogeeswari Perumal , Sriram Dharmaranjan , Consortium OSDD , Wild David J
Published: January 2013

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis encodes 11 putative serine-threonine proteins Kinases (STPK) which regulates transcription, cell development and interaction with the host cells. From the 11 STPKs three kinases namely PknA, PknB and PknG have been related to the mycobacterial growth. From previous studies it has been observed that PknB is essential for mycobacterial growth and expressed during log phase of the growth and phosphorylates substrates involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis. In recent years many high affinity inhibitors are reported for PknB. Previously implementation of data fusion has shown effective enrichment of active compounds in both structure and ligand based approaches .In this study we have used three types of data fusion ranking algorithms on the PknB dataset namely, sum rank, sum score and reciprocal rank. We have identified reciprocal rank algorithm is capable enough to select compounds earlier in a virtual screening process. We have also screened the Asinex database with reciprocal rank algorithm to identify possible inhibitors for PknB.

Results

In our work we have used both structure-based and ligand-based approaches for virtual screening, and have combined their results using a variety of data fusion methods. We found that data fusion increases the chance of actives being ranked highly. Specifically, we found that the ranking of Pharmacophore search, ROCS and Glide XP fused with a reciprocal ranking algorithm not only outperforms structure and ligand based approaches but also capable of ranking actives better than the other two data fusion methods using the BEDROC, robust initial enhancement (RIE) and AUC metrics. These fused results were used to identify 45 candidate compounds for further experimental validation.

Conclusion

We show that very different structure and ligand based methods for predicting drug-target interactions can be combined effectively using data fusion, outperforming any single method in ranking of actives. Such fused results show promise for a coherent selection of candidates for biological screening.
Extending ICPC-2 PLUS terminology to develop a classification system specific for the study of chiropractic encounters
Authors: Charity Melanie J , French Simon D , Forsdike Kirsty , Britt Helena , Polus Barbara , Gunn Jane
Published: January 2013

Background

Typically a large amount of information is collected during healthcare research and this information needs to be organised in a way that will make it manageable and to facilitate clear reporting. The Chiropractic Observation and Analysis STudy (COAST) was a cross sectional observational study that described the clinical practices of chiropractors in Victoria, Australia. To code chiropractic encounters COAST used the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-2) with the PLUS general practice clinical terminology to code chiropractic encounters. This paper describes the process by which a chiropractic-profession specific terminology was developed for use in research by expanding the current ICPC-2 PLUS system.

Methods

The coder referred to the ICPC-2 PLUS system when coding chiropractor recorded encounter details (reasons for encounter, diagnoses/problems and processes of care). The coder used rules and conventions supplied by the Family Medicine Research Unit at the University of Sydney, the developers of the PLUS system. New chiropractic specific terms and codes were created when a relevant term was not available in ICPC-2 PLUS.

Results

Information was collected from 52 chiropractors who documented 4,464 chiropractor-patient encounters. During the study, 6,225 reasons for encounter and 6,491 diagnoses/problems were documented, coded and analysed; 169 new chiropractic specific terms were added to the ICPC-2 PLUS terminology list. Most new terms were allocated to diagnoses/problems, with reasons for encounter generally well covered in the original ICPC 2 PLUS terminology: 3,074 of the 6,491 (47%) diagnoses/problems and 274 of the 6,225 (4%) reasons for encounter recorded during encounters were coded to a new term. Twenty nine new terms (17%) represented chiropractic processes of care.

Conclusion

While existing ICPC-2 PLUS terminology could not fully represent chiropractic practice, adding terms specific to chiropractic enabled coding of a large number of chiropractic encounters at the desired level. Further, the new system attempted to record the diversity among chiropractic encounters while enabling generalisation for reporting where required. COAST is ongoing, and as such, any further encounters received from chiropractors will enable addition and refinement of ICPC-2 PLUS (Chiro). More research is needed into the diagnosis/problem descriptions used by chiropractors.
Biogeography of the ecosystems of the healthy human body
Authors: Zhou Yanjiao , Gao Hongyu , Mihindukulasuriya Kathie A , La Rosa Patricio S , Wylie Kristine M , Vishnivetskaya Tatiana , Podar Mircea , Warner Barb , Tarr Phillip I , Nelson David E , Fortenberry J Dennis , Holland Martin J , Burr Sarah E , Shannon William D , Sodergren Erica , Weinstock George M
Published: January 2013

Background

Characterizing the biogeography of the microbiome of healthy humans is essential for understanding microbial associated diseases. Previous studies mainly focused on a single body habitat from a limited set of subjects. Here, we analyzed one of the largest microbiome datasets to date and generated a biogeographical map that annotates the biodiversity, spatial relationships, and temporal stability of 22 habitats from 279 healthy humans.

Results

We identified 929 genera from more than 24 million 16S rRNA gene sequences of 22 habitats, and we provide a baseline of inter-subject variation for healthy adults. The oral habitat has the most stable microbiota with the highest alpha diversity, while the skin and vaginal microbiota are less stable and show lower alpha diversity. The level of biodiversity in one habitat is independent of the biodiversity of other habitats in the same individual. The abundances of a given genus at a body site in which it dominates do not correlate with the abundances at body sites where it is not dominant. Additionally, we observed the human microbiota exhibit both cosmopolitan and endemic features. Finally, comparing datasets of different projects revealed a project-based clustering pattern, emphasizing the significance of standardization of metagenomic studies.

Conclusions

The data presented here extend the definition of the human microbiome by providing a more complete and accurate picture of human microbiome biogeography, addressing questions best answered by a large dataset of subjects and body sites that are deeply sampled by sequencing.
Impact of sintering temperature on the phase composition and antibacterial properties of silver-doped hydroxyapatite
Authors: Dubnika Arita , Loca Dagnija , Reinis Aigars , Kodols Maris , Berzina-Cimdina Liga
Published: January 2013

In the present study, the impact of sintering temperature on the phase composition and antibacterial properties of silver-doped hydroxyapatite (HAp/Ag) samples was investigated. HAp/Ag containing 0.2 and 1.2 % silver was prepared using a modified wet chemical precipitation method. The surface morphology and inner structure of the sintered samples were discussed. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies showed that, after the sintering process, HAp/Ag contained a silver oxide phase, which was not observed in raw materials. Phase composition changes at different sintering temperatures were studied, and it was found that silver oxide undergoes phase changes during the sintering process. In vitro antibacterial properties approved the excellent antimicrobial activity of HAp/Ag against the bacterial strains Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The HAp/Ag sample with 1.2 % silver content, sintered at 1150 °C, showed the highest antibacterial activity.
Photodegradable cross-linked polymer derived from a vinylic rotaxane cross-linker possessing aromatic disulfide axle
Authors: Koyama Yasuhito , Yoshii Takahiro , Kohsaka Yasuhiro , Takata Toshikazu
Published: January 2013

A new concept for photodegradable cross-linked polymers utilizing characteristics of rotaxane cross-links and aromatic disulfides is proposed. The cross-linked polymer is obtained by the radical polymerization of a vinyl monomer in the presence of a [3]rotaxane-type cross-linker having two radically polymerizable groups. The [3]rotaxane-type cross-linker was prepared in 93 % yield by the typical rotaxane-forming reaction using a dumbbell-shaped aromatic disulfide possessing a bis(ammonium salt) moiety and a crown ether wheel tethered by a hydroxymethyl group (96 %) and the subsequent vinyl group-endowment (80 %). The radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of the cross-linker (0.1 mol %) at 60 °C afforded solvent-insoluble polymer in 90 % yield. When the polymer was swollen to a gel in dimethylformamide (DMF) and a small part of the gel was UV-irradiated, the gel was promptly solubilized, probably via the photochemical scission of the S–S linkage of the interlocked aromatic disulfide, causing the efficient decomposition of the rotaxane cross-links. The recovered poly(methyl methacrylate) bearing a small amount of crown ether moiety has a molecular weight of M
n 170 kg/mol (M
w/M
n 2.1) that indicated the occurrence of the site-selective photodegradation.
Transsphenoidal endoscopic skull base surgery: state of the art and future perspective
Authors: Cutler Aaron R. , Barkhoudarian Garni , Griffiths Chester F. , Kelly Daniel F.
Published: January 2013

Given refinements in endoscopic image quality, instrumentation, surgical navigation, skull base closure techniques and anatomical understanding, the endonasal endoscopic approach is now a well-accepted and widely utilized technique for removal of many if not most midline ventral skull base tumors. Pituitary adenomas and Rathke’s cleft cysts (RCCs) constitute the majority of lesions removed via this route; however, craniopharyngiomas, clival chordomas, midline meningiomas and other benign and malignant skull base tumors are now increasingly removed by this approach. Herein we describe the evolution of the endonasal endoscopic technique, its current use for sellar and midline skull base tumors and potential for future innovation.
Determining the level of ability of football teams by dynamic ratings based on the relative discrepancies in scores between adversaries
Authors: Constantinou Anthony Costa , Fenton Norman Elliott
Published: January 2013

A rating system provides relative measures of superiority between adversaries. We propose a novel and simple approach, which we call pi-rating, for dynamically rating Association Football teams solely on the basis of the relative discrepancies in scores through relevant match instances. The pi-rating system is applicable to any other sport where the score is considered as a good indicator for prediction purposes, as well as determining the relative performances between adversaries. In an attempt to examine how well the ratings capture a team’s performance, we have a) assessed them against two recently proposed football ELO rating variants and b) used them as the basis of a football betting strategy against published market odds. The results show that the pi-ratings outperform considerably the widely accepted ELO ratings and, perhaps more importantly, demonstrate profitability over a period of five English Premier League seasons (2007/2008–2011/2012), even allowing for the bookmakers’ built-in profit margin. This is the first academic study to demonstrate profitability against market odds using such a relatively simple technique, and the resulting pi-ratings can be incorporated as parameters into other more sophisticated models in an attempt to further enhance forecasting capability.
Peripubertal ovarian cyst torsion as an early complication of undiagnosed polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Ságodi László , Schmidt Ildikó , Vámosi Ildikó , Barkai László
Published: January 2013

The aim of the authors is to present two cases which raise the possibility of an association between polycystic ovarian syndrome/hyperandrogenism and ovarian cyst torsion in peripubertal girls. Androgen excess may cause more frequently ovarian cyst formation in premenarcheal or young adolescents with undiagnosed polycystic ovarian syndrome than in adults. The authors recommend that polycystic ovarian syndrome as wel as late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia should be considered in peripubertal adolescents with ovarian cyst torsion. In case polycystic ovarian syndrome is confirmed, adequate management according to age and pubertal development of the patients should be commenced. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 113–117.
A probable etiological role for Merkel cell polyomavirus in the development of Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Horváth Katalin Barbara , Pankovics Péter , Battyáni Zita , Kálmán Endre , Reuter Gábor
Published: January 2013

Approximately 20% of the tumours in humans are associated with contagious viral agents. Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and highly aggressive tumour which may originate from the epidermal stratum basale, although the origin is still controversial. This tumour is most commonly found in elderly and immunocompromised patients in sun exposed areas, especially in the head and neck regions. Merkel cell carcinoma often causes a diagnostic challenge with a dramatically increasing incidence. In 2008, a DNA tumour virus, a polyomavirus (Merkel cell polyomavirus) was detected in Merkel cell carcinomas, and this finding helped to understand the etiological background of the disease. The infectious – probably viral – etiology resulted in a paradigm shift in pathogenesis and, hopefully, in therapy as well. This review summarizes the current knowledge related to Merkel cell carcinoma and the first oncogenic human polyomavirus, the Merkel cell polyomavirus, to promote the clinical adaptation of the information. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 102–112.
Behcet’s disease: a hardly diagnosed orphan disorder
Authors: Kiss Emese , Dohán Judit , Németh János , Poór Gyula
Published: January 2013

Behcet’s disease is a multisystem autoimmune disease with variable clinial manifestations. The diagnosis may pose a difficult challenge for the clinician, who has to be familiar with the wide spectrum and combination of the symptoms of Behcet’s disease. It is considered a rare disease in Hungary, and there are only few reports on Behcet’s disease in the Hungarian literature. However, the past history of Hungary, the worldwide growing incidence of the disease, and the authors’ experience raise the possibility that the occurrence of the disease is higher than previously thought. In this review the authors present and discuss literature data on the pathogenesis and pathomechanism, as well as their own experience concerning the symptomatology of Behcet’s disease in order to promote diagnosis and offer adequate therapy for the patients. The authors presume that the importance of the disease is underestimated in Hungary due to a considerable number of unrecognized cases and they propose to establish a national registry for Behcets disease. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 93–101.
Near Conventional Forging of an Advanced TiAl Alloy
Authors: Huber Daniel , Clemens Helmut , Stockinger Martin
Published: January 2013

Balanced mechanical properties are needed for TiAl low pressure turbine blades envisaged for use in new generation aircraft engines. However, thermomechanical processing of γ-TiAl based alloys is a challenging task due to a small “processing window”. Isothermal forging, as state of the art process for this class of material, results in high productions costs and lower productivity. Due to these facts Bohler Schmiedetechnik GmbH & Co KG has developed a higher efficient “near conventional” thermomechanical processing technology. Lower die temperature and processing at standard atmosphere as well as the use of standard hydraulic presses with higher ram speed result in a highly economical process. Subsequent heat treatment strategies can be used to tailor microstructure and, therefore, mechanical properties according to customer needs. The paper summarizes our effort to establish a near conventional forging route for the fabrication of TiAl components for aerospace industry.
Oxidation Behavior of Intermetallic Titanium Aluminide Alloys
Authors: Schütze Michael , Friedle Simone
Published: January 2013

Above 750-800°C oxidation becomes a serious life time issue for the new group of intermetallic light-weight high temperature alloys based on titanium aluminides (TiAl). Fast growing titanium oxide competes with protective alumina as a surface scale in the oxidation reaction by which the formation of a slow-growing protective oxide scale is prevented. The key to the development of alloys with sufficient oxidation resistance is the understanding of the thermodynamic and kinetic situation during the oxidation process. The latter is influenced by the type of alloying elements, the Al- and Ti-activities in the alloy, the oxidation temperature and the environment (e.g. dry or humid air, etc.). This paper provides a comprehensive summary of the oxidation mechanisms and the parameters influencing oxide scale formation. Besides the role of metallic alloying elements, the halogen effect will also be discussed. The paper finishes with recent results concerning the prevention of oxidation-induced room temperature embrittlement of TiAl alloys.
Thermodynamic Calculations of Phase Equilibria and Phase Fractions of a β-Solidifying TiAl Alloy using the CALPHAD Approach
Authors: Werner Robert , Schloffer Martin , Schwaighofer Emanuel , Clemens Helmut , Mayer Svea
Published: January 2013

The CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagrams) method is widely recognized as a powerful tool in both scientific and industrial development of new materials and processes. For the implementation of consistent databases, where each phase is described separately, models are used which are based on physical principles and parameters assessed from experimental data. Such a database makes it possible to perform realistic calculations of thermodynamic properties of multi-component systems. However, a commercial available TiAl database can be applied for thermodynamic calculations to both conventional Ti-base alloys and complex intermetallic TiAl alloys to describe experimentally evaluated phase fractions as a function of temperature. In the present study calculations were done for a β-solidifying TiAl alloy with a nominal composition of Ti-43.5Al-4Nb-1Mo-0.1B (in at. %), termed TNMTM alloy. At room temperature this alloy consists of ordered γ-TiAl, α2-Ti3Al and β0-TiAl phases. At a certain temperature α2 and β0 disorder to α and β, respectively. Using the commercial database the thermodynamic calculations reflect only qualitative trends of phase fractions as a function of temperature. For more exact quantitative calculations the commercial available thermodynamic database had to be improved for TiAl alloys with high Nb (and Mo) contents, as recently reported for Nb-rich γ-TiAl alloys. Therefore, the database was modified by experimentally evaluated phase fractions obtained from quantitative microstructure analysis of light-optical and scanning electron micrographs as well as conventional X-ray diffraction after long-term heat treatments and by means of in-situ highenergy X-ray diffraction experiments. Based on the CALPHAD-conform thermodynamic assessment, the optimized database can now be used to correctly predict the phase equilibria of this multi-component alloying system, which is of interest for applications in automotive and aircraft engine industry.