bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression pattern of protein kinase C δ during mouse embryogenesis
Authors: Carracedo Sergio , Braun Ursula , Leitges Michael
Published: January 2013

Background

The members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family consist of serine/threonine kinases classified according to their regulatory domain. Those that belong to the novel PKC subfamily, such as PKCδ, are dependent on diacylglycerol but not Calcium when considering their catalytic activity. Although several studies have shown the importance of PKCδ in different cellular events in health and disease, the overall in vivo distribution of this PKC isoform during development is still lacking. Through Lac Z and antibody staining procedures, we show here the in vivo expression of PKCδ during mouse embryogenesis.

Results

Ganglia were the domains with most prominent expression of PKCδ in most of the stages analysed, although PKCδ could also be detected in heart and somites at earlier stages, and cartilage primordium and skin among other sites in older embryos.

Conclusions

The strong expression of PKCδ in ganglia during murine development shown in this study suggests a significant role of this isoform as well as redundancy with other PKCs within the nervous system, since PKCδ deficient mice develop normally.
Organ-specific alterations in tobacco transcriptome caused by the PVX-derived P25 silencing suppressor transgene
Authors: Jada Balaji , Soitamo Arto J , Lehto Kirsi
Published: January 2013

Background

RNA silencing affects a broad range of regulatory processes in all eukaryotes ranging from chromatin structure maintenance to transcriptional and translational regulation and longevity of the mRNAs. Particularly in plants, it functions as the major defense mechanism against viruses. To counter-act this defense, plant viruses produce suppressors of RNA silencing (Viral suppressors of RNA silencing, VSRSs), which are essential for viruses to invade their specific host plants. Interactions of these VSRSs with the hosts’ silencing pathways, and their direct and indirect interference with different cellular regulatory networks constitute one of the main lines of the molecular virus-host interactions. Here we have used a microarray approach to study the effects of thePotato virus X Potexvirus(PVX)-specific P25 VSRS protein on the transcript profile of tobacco plants, when expressed as a transgene in these plants.

Results

The expression of the PVX-specific P25 silencing suppressor in transgenic tobacco plants caused significant up-regulation of 1350 transcripts, but down-regulation of only five transcripts in the leaves, and up- and down-regulation of 51 and 13 transcripts, respectively, in the flowers of these plants, as compared to the wild type control plants. Most of the changes occurred in the transcripts related to biotic and abiotic stresses, transcription regulation, signaling, metabolic pathways and cell wall modifications, and many of them appeared to be induced through up-regulation of the signaling pathways regulated by ethylene, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid. Correlations of these alterations with the protein profile and related biological functions were analyzed. Surprisingly, they did not cause significant alterations in the protein profile, and caused only very mild alteration in the phenotype of the P25-expressing transgenic plants.

Conclusion

Expression of the PVX-specific P25 VSRS protein causes major alterations in the transcriptome of the leaves of transgenic tobacco plants, but very little of any effects in the young flowers of the same plants. The fairly stable protein profile in the leaves and lack of any major changes in the plant phenotype indicate that the complicated interplay and interactions between different regulatory levels are able to maintain homeostasis in the plants.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Improved glycemic control, pancreas protective and hepatoprotective effect by traditional poly-herbal formulation “Qurs Tabasheer” in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
Authors: Ahmed Danish , Sharma Manju , Mukerjee Alok , Ramteke Pramod W , Kumar Vikas
Published: January 2013

Background

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective effect of a traditional unani formulation “Qurs Tabasheer” in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic wistar rats. Up till now no study was undertaken to appraise the efficacy of “Qurs Tabasheer” in the diabetic rats. Qurs Tabasheer is a unani formulation restraining preparations from five various herbs namely Tukhme Khurfa(Portulaca oleracea seed),Gule Surkh (Rosa damascena flower),Gulnar(Punica granatum flower),Tabasheer(Bambusa arundinasia dried exudate on node),Tukhme Kahu(Lactuca sativa Linn seed).

Methods

Effect of Qurs Tabasheer was assessed in STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p single shot) induced diabetic wistar rats. STZ produced a marked increase in the serum glucose, Total Cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides and trim down the HDL level. We have weighed up the effect of Qurs Tabasheer on hepatic activity through estimating levels of various liver enzymes viz. Hexokinase, Glucose-6-Phosphatase and Fructose-1-6-biphosphatase in STZ diabetic wistar rats.

Results

In STZ-induced diabetic wistar rats level of Hexokinase, and Glucose-6-Phosphatase was decreased to a significant level while the level of fructose-1-6-biphophatase was augmented. Therapy with Qurs Tabasheer for 28 days to STZ-induced diabetic rats significantly reduces the level of serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1-6-biphosphatase, while magnitude of HDL cholesterol and hexokinase was amplified.

Conclusion

Antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic activity of Qurs Tabasheer extract in STZ- induced wistar rats was found to be more effective than standard oral hypoglycemic drug Glimepiride.
Lack of association of the HMGA1 IVS5-13insC variant with type 2 diabetes in an ethnically diverse hypertensive case control cohort
Authors: Karnes Jason H , Langaee Taimour Y , McDonough Caitrin W , Chang Shin-Wen , Ramos Miguel , Catlin Jr James R , Casanova Octavio E , Gong Yan , Pepine Carl J , Johnson Julie A , Cooper-DeHoff Rhonda M
Published: January 2013

Background

Recently, the high-mobility group A1 gene (HMGA1) variant IVS5-13insC has been associated with type 2 diabetes, but reported associations are inconsistent and data are lacking in Hispanic and African American populations. We sought to investigate the HMGA1-diabetes association and to characterize IVS5-13insC allele frequencies and linkage disequilibrium (LD) in 3,070 Caucasian, Hispanic, and African American patients from the INternational VErapamil SR-Trandolapril STudy (INVEST).

Methods

INVEST was a randomized, multicenter trial comparing two antihypertensive treatment strategies in an ethnically diverse cohort of hypertensive, coronary artery disease patients. Controls, who were diabetes-free throughout the study, and type 2 diabetes cases, either prevalent or incident, were genotyped for IVS5-13insC using Taqman®, confirmed with Pyrosequencing and Sanger sequencing. For LD analysis, genotyping for eight additional HMGA1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed using the Illumina® HumanCVD BeadChip. We used logistic regression to test association of the HMGA1 IVS5-13insC and diabetes, adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, and percentage European, African, and Native American ancestry.

Results

We observed IVS5-13insC minor allele frequencies consistent with previous literature in Caucasians and African Americans (0.03 in cases and 0.04 in controls for both race/ethnic groups), and higher frequencies in Hispanics (0.07 in cases and 0.07 in controls). The IVS5-13insC was not associated with type 2 diabetes overall (odds ratio 0.98 [0.76-1.26], p=0.88) or in any race/ethnic group. Pairwise LD (r2) of IVS5-13insC and rs9394200, a SNP previously used as a tag SNP for IVS5-13insC, was low (r2=0.47 in Caucasians, r2=0.25 in Hispanics, and r2=0.06 in African Americans). Furthermore, in silico analysis suggested a lack of functional consequences for the IVS5-13insC variant.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that IVS5-13insC is not a functional variant and not associated with type 2 diabetes in an ethnically diverse, hypertensive, coronary artery disease population. Larger, more adequately powered studies need to be performed to confirm our findings.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00133692)
Haploinsufficiency of two histone modifier genes on 6p22.3, ATXN1 and JARID2, is associated with intellectual disability
Authors: Barøy Tuva , Misceo Doriana , Strømme Petter , Stray-Pedersen Asbjørg , Holmgren Asbjørn , Rødningen Olaug Kristin , Blomhoff Anne , Helle Johan Robert , Stormyr Alice , Tvedt Bjørn , Fannemel Madeleine , Frengen Eirik
Published: January 2013

Background

Nineteen patients with deletions in chromosome 6p22-p24 have been published so far. The syndromic phenotype is varied, and includes intellectual disability, behavioural abnormalities, dysmorphic features and structural organ defects. Heterogeneous deletion breakpoints and sizes (1–17 Mb) and overlapping phenotypes have made the identification of the disease causing genes challenging. We suggest JARID2 and ATXN1, both harbored in 6p22.3, as disease causing genes.

Methods and results

We describe five unrelated patients with de novo deletions (0.1-4.8 Mb in size) in chromosome 6p22.3-p24.1 detected by aCGH in a cohort of approximately 3600 patients ascertained for neurodevelopmental disorders. Two patients (Patients 4 and 5) carried non-overlapping deletions that were encompassed by the deletions of the remaining three patients (Patients 1–3), indicating the existence of two distinct dosage sensitive genes responsible for impaired cognitive function in 6p22.3 deletion-patients. The smallest region of overlap (SRO I) in Patients 1–4 (189 kb) included the genes JARID2 and DTNBP1, while SRO II in Patients 1–3 and 5 (116 kb) contained GMPR and ATXN1. Patients with deletion of SRO I manifested variable degrees of cognitive impairment, gait disturbance and distinct, similar facial dysmorphic features (prominent supraorbital ridges, deep set eyes, dark infraorbital circles and midface hypoplasia) that might be ascribed to the haploinsufficiency of JARID2. Patients with deletion of SRO II showed intellectual disability and behavioural abnormalities, likely to be caused by the deletion of ATXN1. Patients 1–3 presented with lower cognitive function than Patients 4 and 5, possibly due to the concomitant haploinsufficiency of both ATXN1 and JARID2. The chromatin modifier genes ATXN1 and JARID2 are likely candidates contributing to the clinical phenotype in 6p22-p24 deletion-patients. Both genes exert their effect on the Notch signalling pathway, which plays an important role in several developmental processes.

Conclusions

Patients carrying JARID2 deletion manifested with cognitive impairment, gait disturbance and a characteristic facial appearance, whereas patients with deletion of ATXN1 seemed to be characterized by intellectual disability and behavioural abnormalities. Due to the characteristic facial appearance, JARID2 haploinsufficiency might represent a clinically recognizable neurodevelopmental syndrome.
Impedance-based cell monitoring: barrier properties and beyond
Authors: Benson Kathrin , Cramer Sandra , Galla Hans-Joachim
Published: January 2013

In multicellular organisms epithelial and endothelial cells form selective permeable interfaces between tissue compartments of different chemical compositions. Tight junctions which connect adjacent cells, control the passage of molecules across the barrier and, in addition, facilitate active transport processes. The cellular barriers are not static but can be deliberately modulated by exposure to specific external stimuli. In vitro models representing the essential absorption barriers of the body are nowadays available, thus allowing investigation of the parameters that control permeability as well as transport processes across those barriers. Independent of the origin of the barrier forming cells, techniques are needed to quantify their barrier integrity. One simple assay is to measure the permeability for given hydrophilic substrates possessing different molecular weights like sucrose or dextrans. However, this technique is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Moreover, radioactive or fluorescently-labeled substrates are needed to allow easy analytical detection. Finally, if transport processes are investigated, the standard permeant may interfere with the transport process under investigation or might even alter the barrier integrity by itself. Thus, independent, non-invasive techniques are needed to quantify the barrier integrity continuously during the experiment. Such techniques are available and are mainly based on the measurement of the transendothelial or transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of barrier forming cells grown on porous membranes. Simple devices using two sets of electrodes (so-called Voltohmeters) are widely used. In addition, an easy-to-use physical technique called impedance spectroscopy allows the continuous analysis of both the TEER and the electrical capacitance giving additional information about the barrier properties of cells grown on permeable membranes. This technique is useful as a quality control for barrier forming cells. Another impedance-based approach requires cells to be grown directly on solid, micro-structured electrodes. Here, we will discuss the physical background of the different techniques; advantages, disadvantages, and applications will be scrutinized. The aim is to give the reader a comprehensive understanding concerning the range and limits of the application, mainly focusing on endothelial cells.
Improvements of surgical techniques in a rat model of an orthotopic single lung transplant
Authors: Guo Haizhou , Nie Jun , Fan Kai , Zheng Zhikun , Qiao Xinwei , Li Jinsong , Wang Jianjun , Jiang Ke
Published: January 2013

Background

Rats are widely used in modeling orthotopic lung transplantation. Recently the introduction of the cuff technique has greatly facilitated the anastomosing procedure used during the transplant. However, the procedure is still associated with several drawbacks including twisting of blood vessels, tissue injury and the extensive time required for the procedure. This study was performed to optimize the model of rat lung transplantation (LT) with the cuff technique.

Methods

A total of 42 adult Lewis rats received orthotopic LT with our newly modified procedures. The modified procedures were based on the traditional procedure and incorporated improvements involving orotracheal intubation; a cuff without a tail; conservative dissection in the hilum; preservation of the left lung during anastomosis; successive anatomizing of the bronchus, the pulmonary vein, and the pulmonary artery; and one operator.

Results

Transplants were performed in 42 rats with a successful rate of 95.23% (40/42). The mean duration for the complete procedure was 82.93 ± 14.56 minutes. All anastomoses were completed in one attempt without vessel laceration, twisting or angulation. In our study, two animals died within three days and one animal died ten days after the operation. All grafts were well inflated with robust blood perfusion and functioned normally as demonstrated by blood gas analysis.

Conclusions

We have developed a modified orthotopic LT technique that can be easily performed while overcoming major drawbacks. The modified technique has many advantages, such as easy graft implanting, shortened operation time, fewer complications and high reproducibility.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Among Men With Isolated High-Grade Intraepithelial Neoplasia Enrolled Onto a 3-Year Prospective Phase III Clinical Trial of Oral Toremifene
Authors: Taneja Samir S. , Morton Ronald , Barnette Gary , Sieber Paul , Hancock Michael L. , Steiner Mitchell
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Prostate cancer (PCa) prevention remains an appealing strategy for the reduction of overtreatment and secondary adverse effects. We evaluated the efficacy of toremifene citrate 20 mg in PCa prevention among men with isolated high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) on biopsy.

Patients and Methods

One thousand five hundred ninety men with HGPIN, or HGPIN and atypia, and no PCa on prostate biopsy were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive toremifene citrate 20 mg or placebo in a 3-year phase III, double-blind, multicenter trial. Men underwent annual biopsy until cancer detection or study end. Efficacy analysis was performed in 1,467 men who underwent at least one on-study biopsy. Baseline risk factors were evaluated to determine influence on cancer detection.

Results

Cancer was detected in 34.7% and 32.3% of men in the placebo and treatment groups, respectively, with no observed difference (P = .39, log-rank test) in PCa-free survival. The 3-year Kaplan-Meier PCa-free survival estimate was 54.9% (99% CI, 43.3% to 66.5%) in the placebo group and 59.5% (99% CI, 48.1% to 70.9%) in the treatment group. Exploration of baseline risk factors demonstrated no subset in which a risk reduction was observed. In the placebo group, 17.9%, 12.9%, and 13.6% of men at risk at the beginning of years 1, 2, and 3, respectively, were diagnosed with PCa.

Conclusion

Although toremifene 20 mg did not lower the PCa detection rate, men with isolated HGPIN have a high likelihood of eventual PCa diagnosis, demonstrating they are ideal candidates for inclusion in chemoprevention trials and require surveillance by periodic prostate biopsy.
Phase III Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Tremelimumab With Standard-of-Care Chemotherapy in Patients With Advanced Melanoma
Authors: Ribas Antoni , Kefford Richard , Marshall Margaret A. , Punt Cornelis J.A. , Haanen John B. , Marmol Maribel , Garbe Claus , Gogas Helen , Schachter Jacob , Linette Gerald , Lorigan Paul , Kendra Kari L. , Maio Michele , Trefzer Uwe , Smylie Michael , McArthur Grant A. , Dreno Brigitte , Nathan Paul D. , Mackiewicz Jacek , Kirkwood John M. , Gomez-Navarro Jesus , Huang Bo , Pavlov Dmitri , Hauschild Axel
Published: January 2013

Purpose

In phase I/II trials, the cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen-4–blocking monoclonal antibody tremelimumab induced durable responses in a subset of patients with advanced melanoma. This phase III study evaluated overall survival (OS) and other safety and efficacy end points in patients with advanced melanoma treated with tremelimumab or standard-of-care chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods

Patients with treatment-naive, unresectable stage IIIc or IV melanoma were randomly assigned at a ratio of one to one to tremelimumab (15 mg/kg once every 90 days) or physician's choice of standard-of-care chemotherapy (temozolomide or dacarbazine).

Results

In all, 655 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned. The test statistic crossed the prespecified futility boundary at second interim analysis after 340 deaths, but survival follow-up continued. At final analysis with 534 events, median OS by intent to treat was 12.6 months (95% CI, 10.8 to 14.3) for tremelimumab and 10.7 months (95% CI, 9.36 to 11.96) for chemotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.88; P = .127). Objective response rates were similar in the two arms: 10.7% in the tremelimumab arm and 9.8% in the chemotherapy arm. However, response duration (measured from date of random assignment) was significantly longer after tremelimumab (35.8 v 13.7 months; P = .0011). Diarrhea, pruritus, and rash were the most common treatment-related adverse events in the tremelimumab arm; 7.4% had endocrine toxicities. Seven deaths in the tremelimumab arm and one in the chemotherapy arm were considered treatment related by either investigators or sponsor.

Conclusion

This study failed to demonstrate a statistically significant survival advantage of treatment with tremelimumab over standard-of-care chemotherapy in first-line treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma.
Hindquarter amputation
Authors: Grimer R. J. , Chandrasekar C. R. , Carter S. R. , Abudu A. , Tillman R. M. , Jeys L.
Published: January 2013

A total of 157 hindquarter amputations were carried out in our institution during the last 30 years. We have investigated the reasons why this procedure is still required and the outcome. This operation was used as treatment for 13% of all pelvic bone sarcomas. It was curative in 140 and palliative in 17, usually to relieve pain. There were 90 primary procedures (57%) with the remaining 67 following the failure of previous operations to control the disease locally. The indication for amputation in primary disease was for large tumours for which limb-salvage surgery was no longer feasible. The peri-operative mortality was 1.3% (n = 2) and major complications of wound healing or infection arose in 71 (45%) patients. The survival at five years after hindquarter amputation with the intent to cure was 45%, and at ten years 38%. Local recurrence occurred in 23 patients (15%). Phantom pain was a significant problem, and only 20% used their prosthesis regularly. Functional scores were a mean of 57%. With careful patient selection the oncological results and functional outcomes of hindquarter amputation justify its continued use.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:127–31.
Early results of a remotely-operated magnetic growth rod in early-onset scoliosis
Authors: Dannawi Z. , Altaf F. , Harshavardhana N. S. , El Sebaie H. , Noordeen H.
Published: January 2013

Conventional growing rods are the most commonly used distraction-based devices in the treatment of progressive early-onset scoliosis. This technique requires repeated lengthenings with the patient anaesthetised in the operating theatre. We describe the outcomes and complications of using a non-invasive magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) in children with early-onset scoliosis. Lengthening is performed on an outpatient basis using an external remote control with the patient awake.

Between November 2009 and March 2011, 34 children with a mean age of eight years (5 to 12) underwent treatment. The mean length of follow-up was 15 months (12 to 18). In total, 22 children were treated with dual rod constructs and 12 with a single rod. The mean number of distractions per patient was 4.8 (3 to 6). The mean pre-operative Cobb angle was 69° (46° to 108°); this was corrected to a mean 47° (28° to 91°) post-operatively. The mean Cobb angle at final review was 41° (27° to 86°). The mean pre-operative distance from T1 to S1 was 304 mm (243 to 380) and increased to 335 mm (253 to 400) in the immediate post-operative period. At final review the mean distance from T1 to S1 had increased to 348 mm (260 to 420).

Two patients developed a superficial wound infection and a further two patients in the single rod group developed a loss of distraction. In the dual rod group, one patient had pull-out of a hook and one developed prominent metalwork. Two patients had a rod breakage; one patient in the single rod group and one patient in the dual rod group. Our early results show that the MCGR is safe and effective in the treatment of progressive early-onset scoliosis with the avoidance of repeated surgical lengthenings.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:75–80.
Exploration and neurolysis for the treatment of neuropathic pain in patients with a sciatic nerve palsy after total hip replacement
Authors: Kyriacou S. , Pastides P. S. , Singh V. K. , Jeyaseelan L. , Sinisi M. , Fox M.
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this study was to establish whether exploration and neurolysis is an effective method of treating neuropathic pain in patients with a sciatic nerve palsy after total hip replacement (THR). A total of 56 patients who had undergone this surgery at our hospital between September 1999 and September 2010 were retrospectively identified. There were 42 women and 14 men with a mean age at exploration of 61.2 years (28 to 80). The sciatic nerve palsy had been sustained by 46 of the patients during a primary THR, five during a revision THR and five patients during hip resurfacing. The mean pre-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score was 7.59 (2 to 10), the mean post-operative VAS was 3.77 (0 to 10), with a resulting mean improvement of 3.82 (0 to 10). The pre- and post-neurolysis VAS scores were significantly different (p < 0.001). Based on the findings of our study, we recommend this form of surgery over conservative management in patients with neuropathic pain associated with a sciatic nerve palsy after THR.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:20–2.
The venous thromboembolic complications of shoulder and elbow surgery
Authors: Dattani R. , Smith C. D. , Patel V. R.
Published: January 2013

We investigated the incidence of and risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) following surgery of the shoulder and elbow and assessed the role of thromboprophylaxis in upper limb surgery. All papers describing VTE after shoulder and elbow surgery published in the English language literature before 31 March 2012 were reviewed. A total of 14 papers were available for analysis, most of which were retrospective studies and case series. The incidence of VTE was 0.038% from 92 440 shoulder arthroscopic procedures, 0.52% from 42 261 shoulder replacements, and 0.64% from 4833 procedures for fractures of the proximal humerus (open reduction and internal fixation or hemiarthroplasty). The incidence following replacement of the elbow was 0.26% from 2701 procedures. Diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and ischaemic heart disease were identified as the major risk factors.

The evidence that exists on thromboprophylaxis is based on level III and IV studies, and we therefore cannot make any recommendations on prophylaxis based on the current evidence. It seems reasonable to adopt a multimodal approach that involves all patients receiving mechanical prophylaxis, with chemical prophylaxis reserved for those who are at high risk for VTE.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:70–4.
The impact of platelet-rich plasma on the prevention of tunnel widening in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using quadrupled autologous hamstring tendon
Authors: Mirzatolooei F. , Alamdari M. T. , Khalkhali H. R.
Published: January 2013

The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant to tissue repair is gaining favour in orthopaedic surgery. Tunnel widening after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a recognised phenomenon that could compromise revision surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PRP might prevent tunnel widening in ACL reconstruction.

Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction using a hamstring graft were randomly allocated either to have PRP introduced into the tunnels peri-operatively or not. CT scanning of the knees was carried out on the day after surgery and at three months post-operatively and the width of the tunnels was measured. Patients were also evaluated clinically at three months, when laxity was also measured.

Each group comprised 25 patients, and at three months post-operatively all were pain-free with stable knees, a negative Lachman test and a good range of movement. Arthrometric results had improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). Despite slightly less tunnel widening in the PRP group, there was no significant difference between the groups at the femoral opening or the mid-tunnel (p = 0.370 and p = 0.363, respectively) nor at the tibial opening or mid-tunnel (p = 0.333 and p = 0.177, respectively).

We conclude that PRP has no significant effect in preventing tunnel widening after ACL reconstruction.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:65–9.
Surgical Trainee-Led Clinical Anatomy Course for Senior Medicalstudents
Authors: Dixon H , Nieto T , Lo T , Abrahams PH
Published: January 2013

Anatomy is a foundation stone of modern medical education and has been for hundreds of years. In the UK anatomy teaching is undergoing substantial changes. These are highly controversial and much debated, especially regarding the necessity of dissection to learn three-dimensional gross anatomy. The quantity of anatomy taught to undergraduates is also under scrutiny. Lack of national guidance and evaluation has led to a range in the type and quality of anatomical teaching in various medical schools. This shift is due to changes in the modern medical curriculum, which is wider than ever, and a change in the perception of the relevance of basic sciences.
24-hour Trauma Targets: Are they Feasible and Cost-Effective?
Authors: Webb D , Ardolino A , Blunt AH , Walsh SP
Published: January 2013

Acute orthopaedic trauma admissions comprise a spectrum of injuries with many fractures requiring urgent surgery. National and local guidelines in light of the Darzi report have stated that by 31 March 2010 95% of fractures should be operated on within 24 hours of admission or becoming fit for surgery. This target has been proposed previously by both the Royal College of Physicians and the British Orthopaedic Association.
Educational Resources for Trainees in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Baseline Study
Authors: Chiu GA , Newlands C , Woodwards RT , Dhariwal DK
Published: January 2013

Effective surgical training is under pressure on a number of fronts. There are growing demands from the nHs to increase service commitment and targets. The European Working time regulations (EWTR) and the introduction of modernising medical careers have both decreased surgical training time and surgical exposure. Wade and Henderson looked at the views of trainees with regard to the EWTR and reported that the EWTR have had an impact on trainees' training. These factors may compromise the calibre of surgical education.
Dead Men's Shoes: The Employment Prospects for Welsh Surgical Trainees
Authors: Adamson-Fisher DGY , Billings PJ
Published: January 2013

Warnings have been issued regarding the recreation of the 'lost tribe' in the transition between core surgical training and higher surgical training. However, it is more likely that waiting to fill 'dead men's shoes' at the end of surgical training may become the major fear of the new Certificate of Completion of training (cct) holder. The majority of national training number (ntn) holders will receive a cct but market forces may preclude appointment. The projected increase in mismatch of cct holders and vacant posts is not a new phenomenon, nor is the emergence of a subconsultant grade. In the light of what is fast becoming a consultant delivered rather than a consultant led clinical service, are we training too many or too few surgeons for the future?
The Availability of Pre-Referral Imaging for Elective or Thopaedic Referrals at the First Out Patient Appointment
Authors: Rashid A , Arulananthan A F , Magnussen A , Inbuldeniya A , Remedios D , Jennings S
Published: January 2013

Numerous problems have been highlighted in the pathway directing patients with musculoskeletal pathology from primary to secondary care, such as difficulty in identification of the most appropriate service (eg patients referred to orthopaedics when rheumatology is more appropriate), lack of capacity and high demand for orthopaedics, poor availability of diagnostic imaging and long waits for the first outpatient appointment. The net effect is difficulty in reaching the 18-week 'referral to treatment' target. As a result, many primary care trusts (PCTs) have redesigned their musculoskeletal pathways, commissioning a fully integrated service with the intention of increasing the number of patients being managed in the community, thereby reducing demands on secondary care but, where necessary, supporting the achievement of the 18-week target.
National Cinema, Local Language, Trans-regional Adaptation: Dialect Comedy in the Early People's Republic of China
Authors: Bao Ying
Published: January 2013

As the Mao era is generally considered a period of national isolation and totalitarianism, its cinema has seldom been examined from the perspectives of the local and the transnational. A closer look at film comedies produced in the early PRC period, however, shows dynamic interaction
between the local and the (trans-)national in Chinese cultural production during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Many dialect comedies and comedies adapted from regional performing traditions were produced and distributed across the country and even overseas during this period. The cinematic
interest in dialect and regional comedic traditions in this period prompts many critical questions and problematizes the seemingly homogeneous official culture in the early PRC. By focusing on the particular genre of dialect comedy, this essay attempts to retrieve the complex interaction between
the local and the national and encourages further reconsideration of Maoist national cinema.
Connected through Remakes: Intercultural Dialogue between Hollywood and Chinese Cinema Industries
Authors: He Hilary Hongjin
Published: January 2013

Connected is a China-Hong Kong co-produced action-crime thriller released in September 2008. Remade from the 2004 American film Cellular, it is regarded as the first official Chinese remake of a Hollywood film. Specially focusing on the new case of Chinese remaking Hollywood film, this
paper sets out to study the phenomenon of film remakes between Hollywood and the Chinese-language cinemas, and explores what has triggered the trend of remakes of East Asia in Hollywood. By tracing back the respective trajectories of remakes between Hollywood and Chinese cinemas, I will explore
their different initiatives, modes, and outcomes of cross-cultural remaking, and examine the different attitudes of appreciating foreign culture and ways of appropriating the strength of foreign competitors embodied in the cross culture remake phenomenon.
Stories Written in Sunlight and Water: The Cinema of Yoshida Yoshishige: Pt.1 The Studio Years
Authors: Bingham Adam
Published: January 2013

One unfortunate aspect of these examinations of the Japanese new wave has been an almost total lack of engagement with Yoshida Yoshishige. Critical discourse from both Japan and the West has long since treated Yoshida, implicitly or otherwise, as a peripheral figure. Of course, there
are extenuating circumstances for this critical neglect, chief among which would doubtless be the complete lack of ready availability of his work outside Japan. Another factor attendant upon Yoshida's obscurity is the perceived esoteric nature of his cinema. Several of his most prominent works
particularly the independently produced political, revolutionary trilogy of Erosu purasu gyakusatsu (Eros plus Massacre, 1969), Rengoku eroica (Heroic Purgatory, 1970) and Kaigenrei (Coup d'etat, 1973) are markedly difficult and obtuse.
"Promoting Chinese and Asian Cartoon Arts to the World Through the Platform of AYACC"
Authors: Johnson Sander K.
Published: January 2013

One of the individuals involved with AYACC from 2007 is Sander K. Johnson, president of American Television in China and International Television for Asia. Below is his unedited talk presented at AYACC 2008.
Identifying Terrorists using Banking Data
Authors: Levitt Steven D.
Published: January 2013

The fight against terrorism requires identifying potential terrorists before they have the opportunity to act. In this paper, we investigate the extent to which retail banking data – which as far as we know are not currently used by anti-terror intelligence agencies in any systematic manner – are a useful tool in identifying terrorists. Using detailed administrative records of a large British bank, we demonstrate that a number of variables in the data are strongly correlated with terrorism-related activities. Having both an Islamic given name and surname, not surprisingly, are among the strongest of these predictors, but a wide range of other demographic characteristics and behaviors observed in the data are also correlated strongly with terrorist involvement. The real key to our method, however, rests on the identification of one particular pattern of banking behavior (what we call “Variable Z”) which dramatically improves our ability to identify terrorists. Our model is demonstrated to have substantial power to identify terrorists both within sample and out of sample.
On the Exact Discretization of a Continuous Time AR(1) Model driven by either Long Memory or Antipersistent Innovations: A Fractional Algebra Approach
Authors: Simos Theodore
Published: January 2013

Exact discretization formulae are established for a first-order stochastic differential equation driven by a fractional noise of either long memory or antipersistent type. We assume that the underlying process is sampled at non-unit equispaced observational intervals. Using fractional algebra techniques the exact discretization formulae are derived in terms of confluent hypergeometric and incomplete gamma functions which admit infinite order series expansions.
Bestandserhaltung als Risikosteuerung
Authors: Weber Jürgen
Published: January 2013

Es ist Aufgabe der Bestandserhaltung, als riskant und als Gefahr für das
Kulturgut identifizierte Materialien, Techniken und Verhaltensweisen so weit
wie möglich zu vermeiden oder zu verändern. Dabei ist das Aktionsfeld der
Bestandserhaltung heute durch den Umgang mit großen Mengen und Massen
geprägt. Am Beispiel des Aufbaus der Infrastruktur und der
Schadenserhebungen in der Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek nach dem Brand von
2004 werden Aspekte der Risikosteuerung erläutert.
Beneficial effect of Trichopus zeylanicus extract on mercuric chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Palanisamy Nallasamy , Mohan Dass Selvam
Published: January 2013

Background: The present study aimed to determine the effect of Trichopus zeylanicus leaf extract (TZ Et) on mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced liver toxicity in rats.

Methods: Wistar albino male rats were divided into four groups. Group I was administered physiological saline as a vehicle control. Group II was administered HgCl2 (0.4 mg/kg body weight/day) intraperitoneally for 20 days. Groups III and IV were administered TZ Et orally (100 mg/kg body weight/day) for 20 days with or without intraperitoneal administration of HgCl2. Serum hepatic marker enzymes, enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants, liver functional markers, lipid peroxidation, and liver histology were evaluated.

Results: The toxic effect of HgCl2 was indicated by the significantly (p<0.05) increased serum marker enzymes, liver functional markers, and lipid peroxidation. The activities of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants were significantly (p<0.05) decreased. TZ Et significantly (p<0.05) prevented these pathological alterations as observed by histology.

Conclusions: The present study concludes that TZ Et has the ability to alleviate the hepatotoxic effects caused by HgCl2 in rats.
On products of groups which contain abelian subgroups of index at most 2
Authors: Amberg Bernhard , Sysak Yaroslav
Published: January 2013

It is proved that every group of the form
Non-classic thyroid hormone signalling involved in hepatic lipid metabolism
Authors: Cordeiro Aline , Souza Luana Lopes , Einicker-Lamas Marcelo , Pazos-Moura Carmen Cabanelas
Published: January 2013

Thyroid hormones are important modulators of lipid metabolism because the liver is a primary hormonal target. The hypolipidaemic effects of thyroid hormones result from the balance between direct and indirect actions resulting in stimulation of lipid synthesis and lipid oxidation, which favours degradation pathways. Originally, it was believed that thyroid hormone activity was only transduced by alteration of gene transcription mediated by the nuclear receptor thyroid hormone receptors, comprising the classic action of thyroid hormone. However, the discovery of other effects independent of this classic mechanism characterised a new model of thyroid hormone action, the non-classic mechanism that involves other signalling pathways. To date, this mechanism and its relevance have been intensively described. Considering the increasing evidence for non-classic signalling of thyroid hormones and the major influence of these hormones in the regulation of lipid metabolism, we reviewed the role of thyroid hormone in cytosolic signalling cascades, focusing on the regulation of second messengers, and the activity of effector proteins and the implication of these mechanisms on the control of hepatic lipid metabolism.
Oral Sildenafil as a Rescue Therapy in Presumed Acute Pulmonary Hypertensive Crisis
Authors: Maxted Andrew Peter , Hill Abigail , Davies Patrick
Published: January 2013

A 23-week-old baby, born at 26+2 weeks, presented to the hospital with critical respiratory failure, which was impossible to stabilize. She had unstable oxygen saturations between 35% and 95%. A presumptive diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia with associated pulmonary hypertensive crisis was made. In the absence of inhaled nitric oxide, 2 oral doses of 1 mg/kg sildenafil were given, with a dramatic improvement 30 to 45 minutes later. Her oxygenation index fell from 43 to 14. She made a full recovery and was discharged from the hospital 2 weeks later.
Rising Serum Thyroxine Levels and Chorea in Graves’ Disease
Authors: Leblicq Coralie , Duval Michel , Carmant Lionel , Van Vliet Guy , Alos Nathalie
Published: January 2013

A 15-year-old girl presented with chorea as a first sign of Graves’ hyperthyroidism. Chorea abated with antithyroid drug treatment and reappeared when hyperthyroidism recurred but not when thyrotropin receptor antibodies increased after administration of 131I. Therefore, chorea in this patient is associated with hyperthyroxinemia and not with autoantibodies.
Paternal Mental Health and Socioemotional and Behavioral Development in Their Children
Authors: Kvalevaag Anne Lise , Ramchandani Paul G. , Hove Oddbjørn , Assmus Jörg , Eberhard-Gran Malin , Biringer Eva
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the association between symptoms of psychological distress in expectant fathers and socioemotional and behavioral outcomes in their children at age 36 months.

METHODS:

The current study is based on data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study on 31 663 children. Information about fathers’ mental health was obtained by self-report (Hopkins Symptom Checklist) in week 17 or 18 of gestation. Information about mothers’ pre- and postnatal mental health and children’s socioemotional and behavioral development at 36 months of age was obtained from parent-report questionnaires. Linear multiple regression and logistic regression models were performed while controlling for demographics, lifestyle variables, and mothers’ mental health.

RESULTS:

Three percent of the fathers had high levels of psychological distress. Using linear regression models, we found a small positive association between fathers’ psychological distress and children’s behavioral difficulties, B = 0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.15–0.23); emotional difficulties, B = 0.22 (95% CI = 0.18–0.26); and social functioning, B = 0.12 (95% CI = 0.07–0.16). The associations did not change when adjusted for relevant confounders. Children whose fathers had high levels of psychological distress had higher levels of emotional and behavioral problems.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study suggests that some risk of future child emotional, behavioral, and social problems can be identified during pregnancy. The findings are of importance for clinicians and policy makers in their planning of health care in the perinatal period because this represents a significant opportunity for preventive intervention.
Optimizing Therapeutic Hypothermia for Neonatal Encephalopathy
Authors: Olsen Steven L. , DeJonge Mitchell , Kline Alex , Liptsen Ellina , Song Dongli , Anderson Betsi , Mathur Amit
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for neonatal encephalopathy is becoming widely available in clinical practice. The goal of this collaborative was to create and implement an evidence-based standard-of-care approach to neonatal encephalopathy, deliver consistent care, and optimize outcomes.

METHODS:

The quality improvement process identified and used the Model for Improvement as a framework for improvement efforts. This was a Vermont Oxford Network Collaborative focused on optimizing TH in the treatment of neonatal encephalopathy. By using an evidence-based approach, Potentially Better Practices were developed by the topic expert, modified by the collaborative, and implemented at each hospital. These included the following: timely identification of at-risk infants, coordination with referring hospitals to ensure TH was available within 6 hours after birth, staff education for both local and referring hospitals, nonsedated MRI, incorporating amplitude-integrated EEG into a TH protocol, and ensuring standard neurodevelopmental follow-up of infants. Each center used these practices to develop a matrix for implementation.

RESULTS:

Local self-assessments directed the implementation and adaptation of the Potentially Better Practices at each center. Resources, based on common identified barriers, were developed and shared among the group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The implementation of a TH program to improve the consistency of care for patients in NICUs is feasible using standard-quality improvement methodology. The successful introduction of new interventions such as TH to the NICU culture requires a collaborative multidisciplinary team, use of a systematic quality improvement process, and perseverance.
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Resulting From Mutations in MTHFD1
Authors: Keller Michael D. , Ganesh Jaya , Heltzer Meredith , Paessler Michele , Bergqvist A.G. Christina , Baluarte H. Jorge , Watkins David , Rosenblatt David S. , Orange Jordan S.
Published: January 2013

Folate and vitamin B12 metabolism are essential for de novo purine synthesis, and several defects in these pathways have been associated with immunodeficiency. Here we describe the occurrence of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) with megaloblastic anemia, leukopenia, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and neurologic abnormalities in which hydroxocobalamin and folate therapy provided partial immune reconstitution. Whole exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous mutations in the MTHFD1 gene, which encodes a trifunctional protein essential for processing of single-carbon folate derivatives. We now report the immunologic details of this novel genetic cause of SCID and the response to targeted metabolic supplementation therapies. This finding expands the known metabolic causes of SCID and presents an important diagnostic consideration given the positive impact of therapy.
Reference Values of Induced Sputum Cytology in Healthy Children in Guangzhou, Southern China
Authors: Chen De-hui , Zhong Guo-yu , Luo Wei , Chen Qiao-li , Sun Bao-qing , Chen Ru-chong , Lin Yu-neng , Pan Xiao-an , Li Jin-ying , Wu Shang-zhi , Lai Ke-fang , Zeng Guang-qiao
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To establish normal reference values of induced sputum cytology in healthy children in southern China.

METHODS:

During a period from January 2010 to December 2011, a total of 580 healthy children (5–16 years of age) were approached. A total of 266 children (137 boys and 129 girls) participated in the study. Sputum induction was carried out by using 5% hypertonic saline. Cell types in the sputum were examined by using routine methods.

RESULTS:

Sputum induction was completed in 175 of the 266 subjects (65.79%), but 16 sputum samples were disqualified. The overall success rate was 59.77% (159/266). Macrophages and neutrophils were the predominant cell types: macrophages: median, 76.14%; interquartile range (IQR), 32.68%; and 2.5% to 97.5% percentile, 1.00% to 94.50%; neutrophils: median, 20.67%; IQR, 33.0%; and 2.5% to 97.5% percentile, 4.00% to 92.75%; eosinophils: median, 0.39%; IQR, 1.93%; and 2.5% to 97.5% percentile, 0.00% to 6.50%; and lymphocytes: median, 1.22%; IQR, 2.04%; and 2.5% to 97.5% percentile, 0.00% to 5.00%. The cell types did not differ among different age, gender, and passive smoking groups. Adverse events occurred in 4.4% (7/159) of the participants who completed the procedures but required no specific treatment to dissipate. Peak expiratory flow did not differ between those who completed the procedures compared with those who did not, suggesting that the procedure is safe and feasible in children.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current study represents the first attempt to develop normal reference values of induced sputum cytology in Chinese children, and could be used as a control for future studies.