bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-Ray Contrast Media Mechanisms in the Release of Mast Cell Contents: Understanding These Leads to a Treatment for Allergies
Authors: Lasser Elliott C.
Published: September 2011

A long history of searching for the etiology of X-ray contrast material (CM) reactions has led to the understanding that the CM do not produce anti-CM antigens. Since CM reactions are anaphylactoid in nature, however, a source for mast cell activation was sought. This resulted in the finding that concentrated CM could suppress mast cell activation by attachment to the Fc portion of IgE and IgG. This is presumed to be a steric hindrance effect. In a study of the effects of CM on BP and a study of the effects of CM in sensitized rats, it was concluded that less concentrated CM activated mast cells and that this mechanism was best explained by bridging of adjacent IgE molecules via attachment to their Fc segments. The mast cell release of heparin activating the contact system, as well as the release of histamine, is believed to be responsible for CM reactions and allergic diatheses.
Square or Sine: Finding a Waveform with High Success Rate of Eliciting SSVEP
Authors: Teng Fei , Chen Yixin , Choong Aik Min , Gustafson Scott , Reichley Christopher , Lawhead Pamela , Waddell Dwight
Published: September 2011

Steady state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) is the brain's natural electrical potential response for visual stimuli at specific frequencies. Using a visual stimulus flashing at some given frequency will entrain the SSVEP at the same frequency, thereby allowing determination of the subject's visual focus. The faster an SSVEP is identified, the higher information transmission rate the system achieves. Thus, an effective stimulus, defined as one with high success rate of eliciting SSVEP and high signal-noise ratio, is desired. Also, researchers observed that harmonic frequencies often appear in the SSVEP at a reduced magnitude. Are the harmonics in the SSVEP elicited by the fundamental stimulating frequency or by the artifacts of the stimuli? In this paper, we compare the SSVEP responses of three periodic stimuli: square wave (with different duty cycles), triangle wave, and sine wave to find an effective stimulus. We also demonstrate the connection between the strength of the harmonics in SSVEP and the type of stimulus.
Advanced Methods for Robot-Environment Interaction towards an Industrial Robot Aware of Its Volume
Authors: Romanelli Fabrizio
Published: September 2011

A fundamental aspect of robot-environment interaction in industrial environments is given by the capability of the control system to model the structured and unstructured environment features. Industrial robots have to perform complex tasks at high speeds and have to satisfy hard cycle times while maintaining the operations extremely precise. The capability of the robot to perceive the presence of environmental objects is something still missing in the real industrial context. Although anthropomorphic robot producers have faced problems related to the interaction between robot and its environment, there is not an exhaustive study on the capabilities of the robot being aware of its volume and on the tools eventually mounted on its flange. In this paper, a solution to model the environment of the robot in order to make it capable of perceiving and avoiding collisions with the objects in its surroundings is shown. Furthermore, the model will be extended to take also into account the volume of the robot tool in order to extend the perception capabilities of the entire system. Testing results will be showed in order to validate the method, proving that the system is able to cope with complex real surroundings.
Syncope Caused by Huge Hiatal Hernia
Authors: Vanerio Gabriel
Published: September 2011

A 84-year-old white female had a brief loss of consciousness while playing bridge. A few minutes before the episode she had eaten pizza and significant amount of carbonated soft drinks. After recovery, her friends noticed that she was alert, but pale and sweating. Upon arrival at the emergency room, sitting blood pressure was 160/60 mmHg with a normal sinus rhythm. A chest X-Ray was performed, which was essential to make the diagnosis. The X-Ray showed a large retrocardiac opacity with air and liquid level compatible with a giant hiatus hernia. After a copious snack the hiatal hernia compressed the left atrium, decreasing the left cardiac output, elucidating the mechanism of the syncopal episode. In patients presenting with swallow syncope (particularly after a copious meal, validating the importance of a careful history), a chest X-Ray should be always be performed.
Better Late than Early: FDG-PET Imaging in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Harrison Michael R. , George Daniel J.
Published: September 2011

Sunitinib treatment benefits patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), but response duration can vary widely and resistance is not predicted by standard measures. [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-2-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) uptake is variable in mRCC, but changes in FDG-PET uptake may be useful in monitoring disease progression. Further work is needed to personalize treatment for patients with mRCC. Clin Cancer Res; 17(18); 5841–3. ©2011 AACR.
A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Open versus Laparoscopy-Assisted D2 Radical Gastrectomy in Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Cai J. , Wei D. , Gao C.F. , Zhang C.S. , Zhang H. , Zhao T.
Published: September 2011

Background: In recent years, many clinical studies have confirmed the value of laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) in gastric cancer surgery, especially in early stages. But the safety and oncologic adequacy of laparoscopy-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer are still in debate. We conducted a prospective randomized trial to compare open versus laparoscopy-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy in advanced gastric cancer. Methods: For this study, 123 patients who had been diagnosed endoscopically with gastric cancer were randomly assigned to either LAG (n = 61) or open gastrectomy (OG) (n = 62) which ran from March 2008 to December 2009. Clinical characteristics, operative findings, postoperative recovery, morbidity, pathological report and survival rate were compared. D2 lymph node dissection was performed in 49 patients in the LAG group and 47 patients in the OG group with advanced gastric cancer. We adopt sub-group analysis in this paper. Results: The clinical characteristics of patients in the LAG and OG groups who were in the advanced stage, included age, sex, BMI and concurrent illness, and their ECOG scores were well matched. Operative findings, postoperative recovery, morbidity, pathological findings including tumor location, depth of invasion, TNM stage, histological grade and surgical extension in the two groups were also similar. Compared to the OG group, the mean operating time was significantly longer for the LAG group (267.88 ± 54.284 min in the LAG group vs. 182.02 ± 41.016 min in the OG group, p = 6.383 × 10–13); the mean number of days when body temperature exceeded 37°C was significantly shorter in the LAG group (p = 6.34 × 10–8). There were no postoperative deaths in both the groups. The postoperative morbidity rate was 12.24% in the LAG group and 19.15% in the OG group with no significant difference (p = 0.357). However, pulmonary infection was observed more frequently in the OG group (p = 0.038). After a mean follow-up of 22.1354 months (from 4 to 36 months), 14 and 15 patients died of gastric cancer in the LAG and OG groups, respectively. Two and one patient died of nongastric cancer in the LAG and OG groups, respectively. The overall survival rates were 67.1% and 53.8% in the LAG and OG groups, respectively. The estimated mean survival time was 29.387 months in the LAG group and 28.978 months in the OG group. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall survival rate for patients in both groups – LAG and OG (log-rank test, p = 0.911, Tarone Ware test, p = 0.994, and Breslow test, p = 0. 961). Conclusion: LAG with D2 lymph node dissection is a safe and feasible procedure with adequate lymphadenectomy, good curability and survival rate for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer.
Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans Mediate the Angiogenic Activity of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 Agonist Gremlin
Authors: Chiodelli Paola , Mitola Stefania , Ravelli Cosetta , Oreste Pasqua , Rusnati Marco , Presta Marco
Published: September 2011

Objective—

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) modulate the interaction of proangiogenic heparin-binding vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) with signaling VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) and neuropilin coreceptors in endothelial cells (ECs). The bone morphogenic protein antagonist gremlin is a proangiogenic ligand of VEGFR2, distinct from canonical VEGFs. Here we investigated the role of HSPGs in VEGFR2 interaction, signaling, and proangiogenic capacity of gremlin in ECs.

Methods and Results—

Surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that gremlin binds heparin and heparan sulfate, but not other glycosaminoglycans, via
N
-, 2-
O
, and 6-
O
-sulfated groups of the polysaccharide. Accordingly, gremlin binds HSPGs of the EC surface and extracellular matrix. Gremlin/HSPG interaction is prevented by free heparin and heparan sulfate digestion or undersulfation following EC treatment with heparinase II or sodium chlorate. However, at variance with canonical heparin-binding VEGFs, gremlin does not interact with neuropilin-1 coreceptor. On the other hand, HSPGs mediate VEGFR2 engagement and autophosphorylation, extracellular signaling-regulated kinase
1/2
and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, and consequent proangiogenic responses of ECs to gremlin. On this basis, we evaluated the gremlin-antagonist activity of a panel of chemically sulfated derivatives of the
Escherichia coli
K5 polysaccharide. The results demonstrate that the highly
N,O
-sulfated derivative K5-N,OS(H) binds gremlin with high potency, thus inhibiting VEGFR2 interaction and angiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion—

HSPGs act as functional gremlin coreceptors in ECs, affecting its productive interaction with VEGFR2 and angiogenic activity. This has allowed the identification of the biotechnological K5-N,OS(H) as a novel angiostatic gremlin antagonist.
Human Atrial Action Potential and Ca
2+
Model
Authors: Grandi Eleonora , Pandit Sandeep V. , Voigt Niels , Workman Antony J. , Dobrev Dobromir , Jalife José , Bers Donald M.
Published: September 2011

Rationale:

Understanding atrial fibrillation (AF) requires integrated understanding of ionic currents and Ca
2+
transport in remodeled human atrium, but appropriate models are limited.

Objective:

To study AF, we developed a new human atrial action potential (AP) model, derived from atrial experimental results and our human ventricular myocyte model.

Methods and Results:

Atria versus ventricles have lower I
K1
, resulting in more depolarized resting membrane potential (≈7 mV). We used higher I
to,fast
density in atrium, removed I
to,slow
, and included an atrial-specific I
Kur
. I
NCX
and I
NaK
densities were reduced in atrial versus ventricular myocytes according to experimental results. SERCA function was altered to reproduce human atrial myocyte Ca
2+
transients. To simulate chronic AF, we reduced I
CaL
, I
to
, I
Kur
and SERCA, and increased I
K1
,I
Ks
and I
NCX
. We also investigated the link between Kv1.5 channelopathy, [Ca
2+
]
i
, and AF. The sinus rhythm model showed a typical human atrial AP morphology. Consistent with experiments, the model showed shorter APs and reduced AP duration shortening at increasing pacing frequencies in AF or when I
CaL
was partially blocked, suggesting a crucial role of Ca
2+
and Na
+
in this effect. This also explained blunted Ca
2+
transient and rate-adaptation of [Ca
2+
]
i
and [Na
+
]
i
in chronic AF. Moreover, increasing [Na
+
]
i
and altered I
NaK
and I
NCX
causes rate-dependent atrial AP shortening. Blocking I
Kur
to mimic Kv1.5 loss-of-function increased [Ca
2+
]
i
and caused early afterdepolarizations under adrenergic stress, as observed experimentally.

Conclusions:

Our study provides a novel tool and insights into ionic bases of atrioventricular AP differences, and shows how Na
+
and Ca
2+
homeostases critically mediate abnormal repolarization in AF.
Effect of Time to Reperfusion on Clinical Outcome of Anterior Circulation Strokes Treated With Thrombectomy
Authors: Nogueira Raul G. , Smith Wade S. , Sung Gene , Duckwiler Gary , Walker Gary , Roberts Robin , Saver Jeffrey L. , Liebeskind David S.
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—

Previous studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between treatment time and outcomes after intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator. However, the temporal profile of ischemia may vary according to the level of occlusion, and it is likely that more proximal occlusions have a more variable temporal course than their distal counterparts. We sought to establish how time influences outcomes in anterior circulation proximal arterial occlusions.

Methods—

All patients from the MERCI/Multi MERCI trials with intracranial internal carotid artery and/or middle cerebral artery (M1-M2 segments) occlusions who were successfully revascularized were included in univariate/multivariate analyses to define the predictors of independent functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) and mortality at 90 days. The effect of time to reperfusion on outcomes was calculated after adjustment for age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and glucose levels.

Results—

A total of 175 patients presenting with internal carotid artery/M1/M2 occlusions were revascularized. There was no definite association between time (to treatment or reperfusion) and outcomes in the unadjusted analysis. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and age were independent predictors of independent outcome and mortality. High glucose demonstrated a strong trend toward worse outcomes. After adjustment for age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and glucose, there was a strong trend toward fewer independent outcomes with later reperfusion times. Notably, 40% of the patients reperfused at ≥6.9 hours achieved independent functional outcomes.

Conclusions—

Time (to treatment or reperfusion) is only one of the many variables that may impact outcome in proximal arterial occlusions strokes. Reperfusion therapies should be started promptly, but our findings also suggest that stroke patients presenting at later time points may still benefit.
Optimizing Time Histograms for Non-Poissonian Spike Trains
Authors: Omi Takahiro , Shinomoto Shigeru
Published: September 2011

The time histogram is a fundamental tool for representing the inhomogeneous density of event occurrences such as neuronal firings. The shape of a histogram critically depends on the size of the bins that partition the time axis. In most neurophysiological studies, however, researchers have arbitrarily selected the bin size when analyzing fluctuations in neuronal activity. A rigorous method for selecting the appropriate bin size was recently derived so that the mean integrated squared error between the time histogram and the unknown underlying rate is minimized (Shimazaki & Shinomoto, 2007 ). This derivation assumes that spikes are independently drawn from a given rate. However, in practice, biological neurons express non-Poissonian features in their firing patterns, such that the spike occurrence depends on the preceding spikes, which inevitably deteriorate the optimization. In this letter, we revise the method for selecting the bin size by considering the possible non-Poissonian features. Improvement in the goodness of fit of the time histogram is assessed and confirmed by numerically simulated non-Poissonian spike trains derived from the given fluctuating rate. For some experimental data, the revised algorithm transforms the shape of the time histogram from the Poissonian optimization method.
Of poisoners, tanners and the British Raj
Authors: Mishra Saurabh
Published: September 2011

This article explores colonial representations of the crime of cattle poisoning and uses it as a starting point to investigate questions related to the formation of Chamar identity. Starting from the 1850s, it looks at the process whereby the caste group was imbued with certain undesirable traits of character. Simultaneously, it also explores the larger trend towards fixing the caste with certain occupational traits, so that it began to be identified completely with leather work by late nineteenth century. The role of new specialisms such as ethnography, toxicology and medical jurisprudence in the formation of new definitions about Chamars is also highlighted. The overall aim of the article is to reveal the complexities involved in the formation of colonial discourse about caste and caste groups.
Civilisation and its malcontents
Authors: Guite Jangkhomang
Published: September 2011

This article examines the colonial representation of Kuki raids in nineteenth century Northeastern India as, at best, ‘lawlessness’ and, at worst, ‘predatory habits of the savage hill tribes’ whose ‘natural love of plunder’ took of it as an ‘amusement’ for procuring human heads or captives for sacrificial purposes. From the hill perspective, it argues that raiding was mainly made to procure human labour forces, and was an expression of hill politics. Essentially, it was a function of newly emerging notions of kingship and authority. Since the early nineteenth century Kuki country witnessed the emergence of some powerful rajahs. The ensuing warfare, death, subjugation and displacement changed the political and demographic landscape of the hills. The new regimes depended mostly on coerced labour power, which now transformed into wealth, not only to construct, enforce and sustain its authority but also to overcome the constraints generated by the non-state practices. The scarcity of labour power in the hills induced them to acquire it from the plains or other hostile tribes through the in-strument of raid.
An urban imaginaire, ca 1350
Authors: Sarkar Nilanjan
Published: September 2011

This article examines information on the capital city in the Fatawa-i Jahandari, written by the ex-Tughluq courtier Ziya’ al-Din Barani in the 1350s in Delhi. It argues that the imagined, ideal capital city described by the author inheres everyday, ground realities that contested the execution of politics and imperial authority, thereby problematising the template of absolute political rule, especially in the capital city. Always judged as conservative, Barani’s advice to achieve the ideal was hardly orthodox: kingly justice was neither severely nor canonically ‘Islamic’ but was at once a combination of tact, compromise and, where unnecessary, acceptance of unIslamic practices. The larger argument is one of methodology, seeking to draw attention to the importance of studying normative texts more carefully for historical information in the hope to writing a more textured history.
Wavelet-Based Time Series Analysis of Circadian Rhythms
Authors: Leise Tanya L. , Harrington Mary E.
Published: September 2011

Analysis of circadian oscillations that exhibit variability in period or amplitude can be accomplished through wavelet transforms. Wavelet-based methods can also be used quite effectively to remove trend and noise from time series and to assess the strength of rhythms in different frequency bands, for example, ultradian versus circadian components in an activity record. In this article, we describe how to apply discrete and continuous wavelet transforms to time series of circadian rhythms, illustrated with novel analyses of 2 case studies involving mouse wheel-running activity and oscillations in PER2::LUC bioluminescence from SCN explants.
A simple procedure for the preparation of laponite and thermoplastic starch nanocomposites: Structural, mechanical, and thermal characterizations
Authors: Aouada Fauze A , Mattoso Luiz HC , Longo Elson
Published: September 2011

The aim of this article is to propose advances for the preparation of hybrid nanocomposites prepared by the combination of intercalation from solution and melt-processing methods. This research investigates the effect of the laponite RDS content on the thermal, structural, and mechanical properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS). X-ray diffraction was performed to investigate the dispersion of the laponite RDS layers into the TPS matrix. The results show good nanodispersion, intercalation, and exfoliation of the clay platelets, indicating that these composites are true nanocomposites. The presence of laponite RDS also improves the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the TPSmatrix due to its reinforcement effect which was optimized by the high degree of exfoliation of the clay. Thus, these results indicate that the exfoliated TPS–laponite nanocomposites have great potential for industrial applications and, more specifically, in the packaging field.
Basic Education for Children with Special Needs in Zambia
Authors: Serpell Robert , Jere-Folotiya Jacqueline
Published: September 2011

Zambia’s national policy on the formal education of children with special educational needs (CSEN) began to evolve following the completion of a nation-wide campaign to reach disabled children (ZNCRDC), which was spurred by the UN declaration of 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP). The campaign generated epidemiological estimates of the prevalence of various types of disability among the population of basic school age (5–15 years), that showed that existing special educational provisions were reaching less than 10 per cent of those ascertained as severely disabled. The first phase of public policy focused on programmatic expansion in the 1980s of the number of units, located within the premises of existing basic schools, and offering specialised educational support to children with one particular broad type of disability (hearing, intellectual/learning, physical/mobility, or visual). This expansion programme was retarded by a number of fac-tors: resource constraints arising from a severe, national economic recession; refocusing of the principle of affirmative action to ensure equity to prioritise action to redress the disadvantages faced by girls (PAGE), and by children orphaned by the AIDS pandemic (OVC); and heightened emphasis on the principle of inclusion, which was often operationalised in the form of mainstreaming. Concurrently with the expansion of specialised units for CSEN, the quality of instruction and certification for specialist teachers was upgraded by the re-staffing and rehabilitation of the national college (LCTH/ZAMISE). Despite the enlarged output of qualified teachers from the College, staffing of CSEN units has remained problematic, largely due to poorly managed deployment of the college’s graduates. A recent shift in policy at the college in response to this problem has involved preparing graduates with skills to address the special educational needs of children with all four broad types of disabilities. Several lines of evidence are reviewed on these trends, including government policy documents and statistical reports, as well as a qualitative analysis of interviews with a sample of key informants. Major challenges currently faced by the government in attaining its policy objectives are itemised and some strategic options for addressing them are presented.
Social and Educational Responses to Mental Retardation in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh
Authors: Miles M.
Published: September 2011

South Asian languages and literature offer many terms for mental retardation (MR), intellectual disability or cognitive impairment, with a range of concepts and meanings through three millennia of history. Responses to mental retardation are illustrated by stories from religious, medical, legal and psychological literature, translated from Sanskrit, Pali, Persian, Bengali and Tamil. These responses concern life stages and events such as pregnancy, birth and infancy, development of speech, social behaviour and play, entry and progress in education, and problems arising in these stages. More documentation is available on rulers’ sons, whose impairment might affect succession to the throne and other issues of legal status. Geographical conditions such as iodine deficiency are also implicated in mental retardation. The cumulative evidence raises many questions about appropriate responses in the present, and how human beings attribute value to others, or generate failure and low self-worth by flawed constructions. The riches of South Asian cultural history, and unexpected gifts from people with mental retardation, play their part in illuminating these issues.
Modelling of Couette flow in microchannels with textured surfaces
Authors: Valdés J R , Izquierdo S , Miana M J , Jiménez M A
Published: September 2011

The effects of surface texturing patterns on the Couette flow in microchannels with sliding surfaces are analysed by means of computational fluid dynamics simulations. Different types of patterns are analysed, as well as different microchannel sizes. This study is focused on synthetic patterns, such as the microgrooves that are manufactured on the surface of a rubber seal to improve its friction performance. Based on the numerical results, an average model for the Couette flow is proposed. This average flow model includes a correction flow factor that has a direct dependence with the relative roughness, computed as the ratio of the mean height of the patterns and the channel hydraulic diameter.
Socioeconomic deprivation and the epidemiology of carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Jenkins P. J. , Watts A. C. , Duckworth A. D. , McEachan J. E.
Published: September 2011

Deprivation has been recognized as a major determinant of health and is associated with several musculoskeletal conditions. This study examines the effect of deprivation on the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome using a regional prospective audit database. Over a 6 year period there were 1564 patients diagnosed with CTS with an annual incidence of 72/100,000 population. There was a significant difference in population incidence of CTS from the most deprived (81/100,000) to the least deprived (62/100,000) (p = 0.003). Functional impairment was higher in the most deprived group compared with the least (DASH 56 vs 48, p = 0.001). The most deprived group exhibited the greatest exposure to occupation vibration (42.7%), and had the greatest risk of bilateral disease (OR = 2.33, p < 0.001). We report an association between socioeconomic deprivation and carpal tunnel syndrome, with the disease being more likely to be bilateral and have a poorer DASH score in the most deprived patients.
Imaging and electrodiagnostic work-up of acute adult brachial plexus injuries
Authors: O'Shea K. , Feinberg J. H. , Wolfe S. W.
Published: September 2011

Imaging and electrodiagnostic studies form an essential part of the evaluation of the patient with traumatic brachial plexopathy, enabling clarification of surgical options, prognostication of outcome and formulation of postoperative management. The primary objective of imaging is to identify pre-ganglionic injury indicative of nerve root avulsion. The presence of one or more nerve root avulsion injuries is a critical factor in surgical decision-making and the prognosis of surgical reconstruction. CT myelography is the current imaging modality of choice for this purpose. Initial electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing is ideally performed no sooner than 4 weeks following injury unless otherwise clinically indicated. Follow-up testing can be helpful at approximately 6 week intervals. The sensory nerve amplitudes are the most important component of nerve conduction testing in distinguishing between pre- and post-ganglionic injuries. Electromyographic studies will also assist in the determination of a pre- from post-ganglionic injury, the level of plexus involvement and identify potential donor nerves that may be suitable for use as transfers.
The Development of a Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Hypothermia Program for Survivors of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Green Robert S. , White Deborah A. , Meade-Corkum Carol
Published: September 2011

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is a management option with demonstrated benefit for survivors of cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, the incorporation of TH has been slow. The objective of the article is to review the development of a multidisciplinary TH program at a quaternary referral center. Important issues that presented as barriers to implementation to TH, and the authors’ solution to these, are also presented. Review of patient outcomes after the introduction of the TH program highlights the importance of this therapeutic modality in this common and devastating event.
Dysregulated microRNAs affect pathways and targets of biologic relevance in nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Ng Siok-Bian , Yan Junli , Huang Gaofeng , Selvarajan Viknesvaran , Tay Jim Liang-Seah , Lin Baohong , Bi Chonglei , Tan Joy , Kwong Yok-Lam , Shimizu Norio , Aozasa Katsuyuki , Chng Wee-Joo
Published: September 2011

We performed a comprehensive genome-wide miRNA expression profiling of extranodal nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (n = 30) and NK cell lines (n = 6) compared with normal NK cells, with the objective of understanding the pathogenetic role of miRNA deregulation in NKTL. Compared with normal NK cells, differentially expressed miRNAs in NKTL are predominantly down-regulated. Re-expression of down-regulated miRNAs, such as miR-101, miR-26a, miR26b, miR-28-5, and miR-363, reduced the growth of the NK cell line and modulated the expression of their predicted target genes, suggesting the potential functional role of the deregulated miRNAs in the oncogenesis of NKTL. Taken together, the predicted targets whose expression is inversely correlated with the expression of deregulated miRNA in NKTL are significantly enriched for genes involved in cell cycle-related, p53, and MAPK signaling pathways. We also performed immunohistochemical validation for selected target proteins and found overexpression of MUM1, BLIMP1, and STMN1 in NKTL, and notably, a corresponding increase in MYC expression. Because MYC is known to cause repression of miRNA expression, it is possible that MYC activation in NKTL may contribute to the suppression of the miRNAs regulating MUM1, BLIMP1, and STMN1.
Global population structure of Aspergillus terreus inferred by ISSR typing reveals geographical subclustering
Authors: Neal Carolyn OS , Richardson Aaron O , Hurst Steven F , Tortorano Anna Maria , Viviani Maria Anna , Stevens David A , Balajee S Arunmozhi
Published: September 2011

Background

Aspergillus terreus causes invasive aspergillosis (IA) in immunocompromised individuals and can be the leading cause of IA in certain medical centers. We examined a large isolate collection (n = 117) for the presence of cryptic A. terreus species and employed a genome scanning method, Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) PCR to determine A. terreus population structure.

Results

Comparative sequence analyses of the calmodulin locus revealed the presence of the recently recognized species A. alabamensis (n = 4) in this collection. Maximum parsimony, Neighbor joining, and Bayesian clustering of the ISSR data from the 113 sequence-confirmed A. terreus isolates demonstrated that one clade was composed exclusively of isolates from Europe and another clade was enriched for isolates from the US.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of a population structure linked to geographical origin in A. terreus.
Predictors of mosquito net use in Ghana
Authors: Baume Carol A , Franca-Koh Ana Cláudia
Published: September 2011

Background

During the past decade the malaria control community has been successful in dramatically increasing the number of households that own mosquito nets. However, as many as half of nets already in households go unused. This study examines the factors associated with use of nets owned in Ghana.

Methods

The data come from an August 2008 survey in Ghana of households with a pregnant woman or a guardian of a child under five, conducted during the rainy season. 1796 households were included in this analysis, which generated a sample of 1,852 mosquito nets. Using each net owned as the unit of analysis, multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the relationship of net used last night with 23 potentially explanatory variables having to do with characteristics of the household, of the respondent, and of the net. Odds Ratios, p-values, and confidence intervals were calculated for each variable to develop an explanatory model.

Results

The final multivariate model consisted of 10 variables statistically associated with whether or not the net was used the prior night: rural location, lower SES, not using coils for mosquito control, fewer nets in the household, newer nets and those in better condition, light blue colour, higher level of education of the guardian of the child under five, knowing that mosquitoes transmit malaria, and paying for the net instead of obtaining it free of charge.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that net use would increase in Ghana if coloured nets were made available in mass distributions as well as in the commercial market; if programmes emphasize that malaria is caused only by night-biting mosquitoes, and that nets protect against mosquitoes better than coils and need to be used even if coils are burning; if donated nets are replaced more frequently so that households have nets that are in good condition; and if there were support for the commercial market so that those who can afford to purchase a net and want to choose their own nets can do so.
Logistic Organ Dysfunction Score (LODS): A reliable postoperative risk management score also in cardiac surgical patients?
Authors: Heldwein Matthias B , Badreldin Akmal MA , Doerr Fabian , Lehmann Thomas , Bayer Ole , Doenst Torsten , Hekmat Khosro
Published: September 2011

Background

The original Logistic Organ Dysfunction Sore (LODS) excluded cardiac surgery patients from its target population, and the suitability of this score in cardiac surgery patients has never been tested. We evaluated the accuracy of the LODS and the usefulness of its daily measurement in cardiac surgery patients. The LODS is not a true logistic scoring system, since it does not use β-coefficients.

Methods

This prospective study included all consecutive adult patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after cardiac surgery between January 2007 and December 2008. The LODS was calculated daily from the first until the seventh postoperative day. Performance was assessed with Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) goodness-of-fit test (calibration) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (discrimination) from ICU admission day until day 7. The outcome measure was ICU mortality.

Results

A total of 2801 patients (29.6% female) with a mean age of 66.4 ± 10.7 years were included. The ICU mortality rate was 5.2% (n = 147). The mean stay on the ICU was 4.3 ± 6.8 days. Calibration of the LODS was good with no significant difference between expected and observed mortality rates on any day (p ≥ 0.05). The initial LODS had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.81. The AUC was best on ICU day 3 with a value of 0.93, and declined to 0.85 on ICU day 7.

Conclusions

Although the LODS has not previously been validated for cardiac surgery patients it showed reasonable accuracy in prediction of ICU mortality in patients after cardiac surgery.
Use of near-infrared spectroscopy during a vascular occlusion test to assess the microcirculatory response during fluid challenge
Authors: Futier Emmanuel , Christophe Sebastien , Robin Emmanuel , Petit Antoine , Pereira Bruno , Desbordes Jacques , Bazin Jean-Etienne , Vallet Benoit
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Adequate volume expansion (VE) in patients with evidence of hypoperfusion should be aimed not only at achieving an increase in stroke volume (SV) and cardiac index (CI) but also at improved tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Our aim in this study was to assess the dynamic changes in muscle tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) during hypovolaemia and in response to VE.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of 42 fluid challenges in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery with evidence of hypovolaemia, defined as pulse pressure variation (PPV) >13% and SV variation (SVV) >12%. CI, SV, SVV (FloTrac/Vigileo) and PPV were measured before and after VE. Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase of SV >15% after a 500-mL colloid infusion over 15 minutes. In all patients, the muscle StO2 and its changes during a standardised vascular occlusion test were analysed using a near-infrared spectroscopy device after anaesthesia induction (which defined the baseline state) and before and after each VE.

Results

No patients were preload-responsive after anaesthesia induction. Twenty-nine of forty-two fluid challenges (69%) were positive for VE, with a statistically significant (P < 0.001) difference in SV changes between positive and negative responses to VE. There was a statistically significant difference in PPV and SVV values before VE in the positive and negative fluid responses [PPV: 16% (15% to 18%) vs. 14% (13% to 15%), P = 0.001; and SVV: 14% (13% to 16%) vs. 16% (15% to 16%), P = 0.03 or positive and negative fluid responses, respectively]. Data are presented as medians and 25th and 75th percentiles Before VE there was no significant difference in StO2 values relative to baseline [86% (78% to 88%) vs. 84% (77% to 91%), P = 0.83], without a significant difference (P = 0.36) between positive and negative fluid challenges. Hypovolaemia was associated with a significant reduction (P = 0.004) in StO2 recovery slope, with a significant difference (P = 0.02) between positive and negative fluid challenges. The VE-induced increase in the StO2 recovery slope was 62 ± 49% (P < 0.001) for positive fluid challenges and 26 ± 34% (P = 0.04) for negative fluid challenges.

Conclusions

Hypovolaemia significantly affects the muscle StO2 recovery slope. Restoring effective intravascular volume with fluid loading significantly improves the StO2 recovery slope, despite apparently ineffective changes in systemic haemodynamics.
Medicare Reimbursement Changes and the Practice of Oncology: Understanding of the Past Is a Key to the Future
Authors: de Souza Jonas A. , de Lima Lopes Gilberto
Published: September 2011

Previous Medicare payment changes have led to changes in the way oncology practices are structured. Understanding the complexities of oncology care is thus key for the success of newer reimbursement methods.
Role of Axillary Staging in Women Diagnosed With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ With Microinvasion
Authors: Pimiento Jose M. , Lee M. Catherine , Esposito Nicole N. , Kiluk John V. , Khakpour Nazanin , Carter W. Bradford , Han Gang , Laronga Christine
Published: September 2011

Despite the low likelihood of nodal extension, a lack of identifiable clinical and pathologic features associated with a positive sentinel lymph node precludes selective use of sentinel lymph node biopsy.
Potential of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to Reduce Cancer Care Disparities
Authors: Villani Gina
Published: September 2011

Although the Patient Protection and Affordable Care act provides some means to reduce disparities in cancer care, it may also have unintended consequences. Oncologists must go beyond its provisions to ensure quality care for all patients.
Teaching Interdisciplinarity
Authors: Burgett Bruce , Hillyard Cinnamon , Krabill Ron , Leadley Sarah , Rosenberg Becky
Published: September 2011

This essay addresses the question of how to best teach interdisciplinarity through a detailed discussion of a common upper-division gateway course for multiple majors housed in an interdisciplinary studies unit. It argues for a shift in the problematic within which discussions of interdisciplinary pedagogy generally take place by emphasizing the practice of interdisciplinarity itself.
Campus Clout, Statewide Strength
Authors: Lyne Bill
Published: September 2011

These papers were given at the 2011 MLA panel on faculty governance. They present the topic's importance in the face of budget crises and institutional pressure.
A Generic Branch-and-Cut Algorithm for Multiobjective Optimization Problems: Application to the Multilabel Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Jozefowiez Nicolas , Laporte Gilbert , Semet Frédéric
Published: September 2011

This paper describes a generic branch-and-cut algorithm applicable to the solution of multiobjective optimization problems for which a lower bound can be defined as a polynomially solvable multiobjective problem. The algorithm closely follows standard branch and cut except for the definition of the lower and upper bounds and some optional speed-up mechanisms. It is applied to a routing problem called the multilabel traveling salesman problem, a variant of the traveling salesman problem in which labels are attributed to the edges. The goal is to find a Hamiltonian cycle that minimizes the tour length and the number of labels in the tour. Implementations of the generic multiobjective branch-and-cut algorithm and speed-up mechanisms are described. Computational experiments are conducted, and the method is compared to the classical ϵ-constraint method.
Direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from methanol and carbon dioxide over organotin-functionalized mesoporous benzene-silica
Authors: Fan Binbin , Li Hongyu , Fan Weibin , Qin Zhangfen , Li Ruifeng
Published: September 2011

Ordered periodic mesoporous benzene-silicas (Ph-PMOs) functionalized with organotin were synthesized by co-condensing (MeO)2ClSi(CH2)3SnCl3, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)-benzene in a Pluronic 123 acid solution. The diffraction lines for (100), (110), and (200) facets observed in their X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and parallel channels in their transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that the samples have highly ordered hexagonal array structure. The presence of bands characteristic for phenyl groups, tetrahedral and octahedral Sn species, and Qn and Tn species in their Fourier transform/infrared (FT/IR), diffuse reflectance UV–vis, and NMR spectra gives convincing evidence for the incorporation of phenyl groups and (MeO)2ClSi(CH2)3SnCl3 into the framework or silica wall. The organotin-functionalized Ph-PMOs exhibit much higher catalytic activity than organotin-functionalized mesoporous silica lacking phenyl groups in the framework, for direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from methanol and CO2, although both have high catalytic stability. This may be attributed to its enhanced surface hydro-phobicity and the presence of a large number of hexa-coordinated Sn species and tiny Sn oxide clusters in the former sample. The DMC yield obtained over the prepared organotin-functionalized Ph-PMOs increases monotonically with increasing CO2 pressure. The material also exhibits high catalytic stability upon reusage.
Matric Suction Measurement of Unsaturated Soils With Null-Type Axis-Translation Technique
Authors: Tripathy Snehasis , Elgabu Hesham , Thomas Hywel R
Published: September 2011

Matric suctions of several compacted soil specimens of a low-plastic soil were measured using null-type axis-translation technique. The study showed that in general, the dynamically compacted specimens reached equilibrium sooner than the statically compacted specimens and exhibited greater matric suctions. For a given compaction type (dynamic or static), the influence of an increase in the dry density due to an increase in the compaction effort had practically negligible influence on the measured matric suctions. Comparison of the null-type test results with the suction-water content soil-water characteristic curves of the soil showed some disagreements particularly for matric suctions greater than 20 to 30 kPa. Continuity in the water phase between the soil water, the water in the ceramic disk, and the water in the compartment below the ceramic disk, was verified soon after the measurements of matric suction were completed by increasing the chamber air pressure and monitoring the corresponding water pressure increase below the ceramic disk. The test results clearly showed a lack of continuity in the water phase during the suction measurements. Use of various interface materials (viz., a wet filter paper, slurries prepared from the tested soil and a kaolinite) significantly improved the water phase continuity; however, reduced the matric suctions of the soil specimens tested.
Bird Proud
Authors: Straight Susan
Published: September 2011

Eating at Los Angeles’s iconic restaurant, The Proud Bird, and considering the city as a nexus of migration and a crucible of belonging.
Interview with Yolanda Cruz
Authors: Chávez-García Miroslava
Published: September 2011

“Interview with Yolanda Cruz” is a conversation with filmmaker Yolanda Cruz, a graduate of UCLA’s film school and 2011 Sundance Screenwriters Lab Fellow. The interview focuses on her filmmaking, indigenous origins as a Chatino (one of sixteen indigenous groups in Oaxaca, Mexico), and views of indigenous peoples in California and across the globe. The interview spends time on Cruz’s latest film, 2501 Migrants, which depicts the unique work of Alejandro Santiago, an indigenous artist from Oaxaca, who uses his artwork to bring attention to the migrants who have left the region and created what has been called “cultural and domestic abandonment.”
Diagnostic of immune-mediated neuropathies
Authors: Diószeghy Péter
Published: September 2011

Separate discussion of immune-mediated neuropathies from other neuropathies is justified by the serious consequences of the natural course of these diseases, like disability and sometimes even life threatening conditions. On the other hand nowadays effective treatments already exist, and with timely and correct diagnosis an appropriately chosen treatment may result in significant improvement of quality of life, occasionally even complete recovery. These are rare diseases, and the increasing number of different variants makes it more difficult to recognize them. Their diagnosis is based on the precise knowledge of clinical signs and symptoms, and it is verified by the help of neurophysiologic and laboratory, first of all CSF examinations. Description of clinical features of the classic acute immune-mediated neuropathy, characterized by ascending paresis and demyelination is followed by a summary of characteristics of newly recognized axonal, regional and functional variants. Chronic immune-mediated demyelinating polyneuropathies are not diagnosed in due number even today. This paper does not only present the classic form but it also introduces the ever increasing special variants, like distal acquired demyelinating sensory neuropathy, Lewis-Sumner syndrome, multifocal motor neuropathy and paraproteinemic neuropathies. Vasculitic neuropathies can be divided into two groups: systemic and non-systemic ones. The first sign of a vasculitic neuropathy is a progressive, painful mononeuropathy; the classic clinical presentation is the mononeuritis multiplex. It is characterized by general signs like fever, loss of weight, fatigue. In systemic vasculitis organ specific symptoms are also present. From the paraneoplastic diseases the subacute sensory neuropathy and the sensory neuronopathy are members of the immune-mediated neuropathies, being most frequently associated with small cell lung cancer. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1560–1568.