bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Longitudinal Cardiac Rotation on Mitral and Tricuspid Atrioventricular Annular Diastolic Motion
Authors: Popović Zoran B. , Puntawangkoon Chirapa , Verhaert David , Greenberg Neil , Klein Allan , Thomas James D. , Grimm Richard A.
Published: May 2010

Background—

It is unknown whether longitudinal rotation (LR), often seen in cardiac resynchronization therapy candidates, may affect mitral annular early diastolic (E′) velocities and tricuspid annular motion. We assessed whether (1) LR affects the amplitude and timing of septal and lateral mitral annular E′ velocities and tricuspid annular systolic and E′ velocities and (2) if systolic strain heterogeneity seen in cardiac resynchronization therapy patients with LR extends into diastole.

Methods and Results—

Ninety-nine cardiac resynchronization therapy candidates with suitable baseline echocardiograms were identified. Early diastolic (E′) and systolic myocardial velocities of the tricuspid annulus and E′ velocities of the septal and lateral part of the mitral annulus were analyzed from tissue Doppler images. Longitudinal rotation and basal systolic and diastolic strain rates were analyzed by speckle-tracking. LR correlated with lateral mitral annular E′ (
r
=0.45,
P
<0.001), tricuspid annular E′ (
r
=−0.3,
P
=0.003), and with a difference between septal and lateral mitral annular E′ velocities (
r
=−0.49,
P
<0.001) but not with septal mitral annular E′ velocity. LR also correlated with tricuspid annular systolic velocity (
r
=0.60,
P
<0.001). After categorizing the patients according to the quartiles of their LR, we showed that with decreasing quartile number, heterogeneity of systolic (
P
=0.003) but not diastolic (
P
>0.1) strain rates increased.

Conclusions—

LR direction and magnitude correlates with the amplitude of, and relative differences between, diastolic velocities of tricuspid, lateral mitral, and septal mitral annulus, which are a cornerstone of diastolic function assessment. LR is associated with systolic but not with diastolic regional heterogeneity.
Cost-Effectiveness of Targeting Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Therapy With Bivalirudin Versus Heparin Monotherapy According to Predicted Risk of Bleeding
Authors: Amin Amit P. , Marso Steven P. , Rao Sunil V. , Messenger John , Chan Paul S. , House John , Kennedy Kevin , Robertus Katherine , Cohen David J. , Mahoney Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2010

Background—

Although bivalirudin compared with unfractionated heparin with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors reduces bleeding and hospitalization costs in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), little is known about the economic impact of bivalirudin versus heparin alone and at what threshold of procedural bleeding risk bivalirudin would be considered cost-effective.

Methods and Results—

A validated model was used to predict risk of major bleeding for 81 628 National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) CathPCI Registry patients from 2004 to 2006 who received unfractionated heparin only. Costs were derived from multiple sources including wholesale acquisition costs (for drugs) and single-center data (for PCI-related complications). Based on ISAR-REACT 3, we assumed that bivalirudin would reduce the risk of major bleeding by 33% compared with unfractionated heparin alone. A Markov model was used to estimate lost life expectancy associated with a major bleed. Major bleeding was predicted to occur in 2.2% of patients. Bivalirudin for all patients was estimated to increase costs by $571 per patient, yielding cost-effectiveness ratios of $287 473 per bleeding event averted and $1 173 360 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Bivalirudin was cost saving for patients with a predicted bleeding risk >20% (0.16% of CathPCI population). At willingness-to-pay thresholds of $50K and $100K per quality-adjusted life-year gained, bivalirudin was cost-effective for patients with a bleeding risk ≥8% (2.5% patients) and ≥5% (7.9% patients), respectively.

Conclusions—

This decision-analytic modeling study demonstrates that for patients undergoing PCI, substitution of bivalirudin for unfractionated heparin monotherapy is projected to increase costs for virtually all patients and would be considered cost-effective for only a minority of patients with a high bleeding risk. From a policy standpoint, studies such as this, aimed at identifying the appropriate risk threshold for initiating treatment, may help in the development of informed guidelines for the use of expensive therapies.
Blood Pressure Trajectories and Associations With Treatment Intensification, Medication Adherence, and Outcomes Among Newly Diagnosed Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Maddox Thomas M. , Ross Colleen , Tavel Heather M. , Lyons Ella E. , Tillquist Maggie , Ho P. Michael , Rumsfeld John S. , Margolis Karen L. , O'Connor Patrick J. , Selby Joe V. , Magid David J.
Published: May 2010

Background—

Blood pressure (BP) control among coronary artery disease patients remains suboptimal in clinical practice, potentially due to gaps in treatment intensification and medication adherence. However, longitudinal studies evaluating these relationships and outcomes are limited.

Methods and Results—

We assessed BP trajectories among health maintenance organization patients with hypertension and incident coronary artery disease. BP trajectories were modeled over the year after coronary artery disease diagnosis, stratified by target BP goal. Treatment intensification (increase in BP therapies in the setting of an elevated BP), medication adherence (percentage of days covered with BP therapies), and outcomes (all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and revascularization) were evaluated in multivariable models: 9569 patients had a <140/90 mm Hg BP target and 12 861 had a <130/80 mm Hg BP target. Within each group, 4 trajectories were identified: good, borderline, improved, and poor control. After adjustment, increasing BP treatment intensity was significantly associated with better BP trajectories in both groups. Medication adherence had inconsistent effects. There were no significant differences in combined outcomes by BP trajectory, but among the diabetes and renal disease cohort, borderline control patients were less likely to have myocardial infarction (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.40–0.93), and good control patients were less likely to have myocardial infarction (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.34–0.84) or a revascularization procedure (odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.93) compared with poor control patients.

Conclusions—

In this health maintenance organization population, treatment intensification but not medication adherence significantly affects BP trajectories in the year after coronary artery disease diagnosis. Better BP trajectories are associated with lower rates of myocardial infarction and revascularization.
Development of a Cloud-Top Height Estimation Method by Geostationary Satellite Split-Window Measurements Trained with CloudSat Data
Authors: Hamada Atsushi , Nishi Noriyuki
Published: May 2010

Lookup tables for estimating the cloud-top height and visible optical thickness of upper-tropospheric clouds by the infrared brightness temperature TB at 10.8 μm (T11) and its difference from TB at 12 μm (ΔT11–12) measured by a geostationary satellite are presented. These lookup tables were constructed by regressing the cloud radar measurements by the CloudSat satellite over the infrared measurements by the Japanese geostationary multifunctional transport satellite MTSAT-1R. Standard deviations of measurements around the estimates were also displayed as an indicator of the ambiguity in the estimates. For the upper-tropospheric clouds with T11 < 240 K, the standard deviations of the height estimations were less than 1 km. The dependences of the estimates of cloud-top height at each point in T11−ΔT11–12 space on latitude, season, satellite zenith angle, day–night, and land–sea differences were examined. It was shown that these dependences were considered uniform in the tropics except for the region with large satellite zenith angle. The presented lookup tables can provide hourly estimates of cloud-top height and optical thickness at a specified location and are fairly useful in comparing them with ground-based observations such as vertical profiles of humidity and/or wind.
Regime of Validity of Soundproof Atmospheric Flow Models
Authors: Klein Rupert , Achatz Ulrich , Bresch Didier , Knio Omar M. , Smolarkiewicz Piotr K.
Published: May 2010

Ogura and Phillips derived the original anelastic model through systematic formal asymptotics using the flow Mach number as the expansion parameter. To arrive at a reduced model that would simultaneously represent internal gravity waves and the effects of advection on the same time scale, they had to adopt a distinguished limit requiring that the dimensionless stability of the background state be on the order of the Mach number squared. For typical flow Mach numbers of , this amounts to total variations of potential temperature across the troposphere of less than one Kelvin (i.e., to unrealistically weak stratification). Various generalizations of the original anelastic model have been proposed to remedy this issue. Later, Durran proposed the pseudoincompressible model following the same goals, but via a somewhat different route of argumentation. The present paper provides a scale analysis showing that the regime of validity of two of these extended models covers stratification strengths on the order of (hsc/θ)dθ/dz < M2/3, which corresponds to realistic variations of potential temperature θ across the pressure scale height hsc of .

Specifically, it is shown that (i) for (hsc/θ)dθ/dz < Mμ with 0 < μ < 2, the atmosphere features three asymptotically distinct time scales, namely, those of advection, internal gravity waves, and sound waves; (ii) within this range of stratifications, the structures and frequencies of the linearized internal wave modes of the compressible, anelastic, and pseudoincompressible models agree up to the order of Mμ; and (iii) if μ < ⅔, the accumulated phase differences of internal waves remain asymptotically small even over the long advective time scale. The argument is completed by observing that the three models agree with respect to the advective nonlinearities and that all other nonlinear terms are of higher order in M.
Improved Representation of Ice Particle Masses Based on Observations in Natural Clouds
Authors: Heymsfield Andrew J. , Schmitt Carl , Bansemer Aaron , Twohy Cynthia H.
Published: May 2010

The mass–dimensional relationship put forth by Brown and Francis has been widely used for developing parameterizations for representing ice cloud microphysical properties. This relationship forms the cornerstone for past and forthcoming retrievals of ice cloud properties from ground-based and spaceborne active and passive sensors but has yet to be rigorously evaluated. This study uses data from six field campaigns to evaluate this mass–dimensional relationship in a variety of ice cloud types and temperatures and to account for the deviations observed with temperature and size, based on properties of the ice particle ensembles. Although the Brown and Francis relationship provides a good match to the observations in a mean sense, it fails to capture dependences on temperature and particle size that are a result of the complex microphysical processes operative within most ice cloud layers. Mass–dimensional relationships that provide a better fit to the observations are developed.
Exploring Atmosphere–Ocean Coupling Using Principal Component and Redundancy Analysis
Authors: Bakalian Faez , Ritchie Harold , Thompson Keith , Merryfield William
Published: May 2010

Principal component analysis (PCA), which is designed to look at internal modes of variability, has often been applied beyond its intended design to study coupled modes of variability in combined datasets, also referred to as combined PCA. There are statistical techniques better suited for this purpose such as singular value decomposition (SVD) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA). In this paper, a different technique is examined that has not often been applied in climate science, that is, redundancy analysis (RA). Similar to multivariate regression, RA seeks to maximize the variance accounted for in one random vector that is linearly regressed against another random vector. RA can be used for forecasting and prediction studies of the climate system. This technique has the added advantage that the time-lagged redundancy index offers a robust method of identifying lead–lag relations among climate variables. In this study, combined PCA and RA of global sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and sea level pressures (SLPs) are carried out for the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data and a simulation of the Canadian Centre for Climate Modeling and Analysis (CCCma) climate model. A simplified state-space model is also constructed to aid in the diagnosis and interpretation of the results. The relative advantages and disadvantages of combined PCA and RA are discussed. Overall, RA tends to provide a clearer and more consistent picture of the underlying physical processes than combined PCA.
Fever Phobia: A Survey of Caregivers of Children Seen in a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Poirier Michael P. , Collins Elisabeth P. , McGuire Erin
Published: May 2010

Background. Fever continues to be the most common complaint of children seen in a Pediatric Emergency Department (PED). Previous studies have assessed the prevalence of fever phobia in various populations. This study aims to document the incidence of fever phobia in a PED. Methods.Through convenience sampling, caregivers of children seen in a PED were surveyed using a research-assistant-administered questionnaire. The survey contained 28 questions pertaining to caregivers’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors regarding fever in children. Results . In all, 230 caregivers were surveyed. The median temperature considered to be a fever was 37.8°C (100.0°F), with a range of 36.1°C (97°F) to 40.6°C (105°F), whereas the median temperature considered to result in harmful consequences was 40.6°C (105°F), with a range of 37.8°C (100°F) to 43.3°C (110°F). The median temperature at which antipyretics would be administered was 37.8°C (100°F), with a range of 36.1°C (97°F) to 39.4°C (103°F). More than one third of caregivers reported that they would administer antipyretics inappropriately. The median temperature at which a child would be taken to the PED was 39.4°C (103°F), with a range of 36.7°C (98°F) to 40.8°C (105.4°F). There was also a relationship between level of education and level of fever concern. Conclusion. Fever phobia and inappropriate treatment for febrile children is present among caregivers of patients seen in a PED. Level of education may be a factor in fever knowledge and practices. Overly zealous, potentially harmful home practices and unnecessary PED visits for the assessment and treatment of fever in children is widespread among caregivers surveyed in the PED.
Attachment Forever: Environmental and Social Dimensions, Temporal Perspective, and Choice of One’s Last Resting Place
Authors: Casal Aimée , Aragonés Juan Ignacio , Moser Gabriel
Published: May 2010

Today, people are highly mobile and identify themselves with various places. Mobility affects the decisions that a person makes about his or her final resting place and how his or her remains will be disposed. A semistructured, face-to-face interview is conducted with residents of Paris and Madrid. Data analyses consist of content analysis and correspondence analysis. The choice of corpse disposal method is related to one’s religious affiliation and the spouse’s decision for his or her own disposal method. The choice of final resting place is related to mobility, degree of attachment to the actual place of residence and to one’s birthplace, and parents’ decision for their final resting place. Younger and more mobile people prefer cremation as a burial procedure. Future research should consider how place identity and place appropriation contribute to one’s choice of a final resting place.
Revising Foucault: The history and critique of modernity
Authors: Koopman Colin
Published: May 2010

I offer a major reassessment of Foucault’s philosophico-historical account of the basic problems of modernity. I revise our understanding of Foucault by countering the influential misinterpretations proffered by his European interlocutors such as Habermas and Derrida. Central to Foucault’s account of modernity was his work on two crucial concept pairs: freedom/power and reason/madness. I argue against the view of Habermas and Derrida that Foucault understood modern power and reason as straightforwardly opposed to modern freedom and madness. I show that Foucault held a much more complex view of these pairs, a view encapsulated in his term ‘reciprocal incompatibility’. By revising our interpretation of Foucault’s work on modernity in this way, we open the way to much more effective deployments of his critical apparatus.
Truth and illusion in the philosophy of right: Hegel and liberalism
Authors: Feola Michael
Published: May 2010

It is often thought that Hegel’s social philosophy is straightforwardly hostile toward liberal ideals. In this article, I contend that many such suspicions can be dispelled through a more nuanced engagement with his rhetorical and argumentative strategies. To tackle such a broad topic in this space, I focus on the shortcomings of a rights-based individualism within the Philosophy of Right — where Hegel describes civil society as a ‘semblance’ [Schein] of a rational polity. Although such passages might suggest the collectivism that has long haunted his legacy, I propose that he is offering something rather more normatively attractive. More specifically, I argue that his grammar of recognition disinters the suppressed social conditions for those rights (and the individuality they protect) that are often misrecognized as foundational by liberal theorists.
Expression of the mRNA coding the cannabinoid receptor 2 in the pallidal complex of Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Lanciego José L , Barroso-Chinea Pedro , Rico Alberto J , Conte-Perales Lorena , Callén Lucía , Roda Elvira , Gómez-Bautista Virginia , López Iciar P , Lluis Carmen , Labandeira-García José L , Franco Rafael
Published: May 2010

The putative presence of the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2-R) in the central nervous system is still a matter of debate. Although first described in peripheral and immune tissues, evidence suggesting the existence of CB2-Rs in glial cells and even neurons has been made available more recently. By taking advantage of newly designed CB2-R mRNA riboprobes, we have demonstrated by in situ hybridization and PCR the existence of CB2-R transcripts in a variety of brain areas of the primate Macaca fascicularis, including the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus, as well as in the external and internal divisions of the globus pallidus, both pallidal segments showing the highest abundance of CB2-R transcripts. In this regard, the presence of the messenger coding CB2-Rs within the pallidal complex highlights their consideration as potential targets for the treatment of movement disorders of basal ganglia origin.
Sexual Subjectivity Revisited
Authors: Schalet Amy
Published: May 2010

In-depth interviews with white middle-class Dutch and American girls demonstrate two important differences in the cultural beliefs and processes that shape their negotiation of heterosexuality. First, Dutch girls are able to integrate their sexual selves into their relationships with their parents, while reconciling sexuality with daughterhood is difficult for the American girls. Second, American girls face adult and peer cultures skeptical about whether teenagers can sustain the feelings and relationships that legitimate sexual activity, while Dutch girls are assumed to be able to fall in love and form steady sexual relationships. This research suggests important differences in institutionalized forms of heterosexuality. It also suggests the significance of girls’ relationships, and the cultural perceptions and processes that shape those relationships, for their sexual subjectivity.
Masculinity, Bargaining, and Breadwinning
Authors: Thébaud Sarah
Published: May 2010

This research uses data from 18 countries to investigate cross-national differences in the effect that men’s income relative to their spouses has on their involvement in housework. The author hypothesizes that gender expectations will be more salient in men’s household bargaining in contexts where the traditionally masculine and breadwinning-related activities of paid work and earning income are highly valued. Results from analyses of International Social Survey Program (ISSP) data support this hypothesis: Men’s behavior is more consistent with a gender deviance neutralization account than an exchange-bargaining account in cultural contexts where paid work and income are highly valued. The analyses point to the role that expectations about masculinity play in men’s involvement in housework and highlight the significance of cultural context for understanding the link between paid and unpaid work.
The protective effect of epicatchin against oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in rats induced by cyclosporine
Authors: Al-Malki Abdulrahman L , Moselhy Said S
Published: May 2010

Cyclosporine A (CyA) is the first-line immunosuppressant used for the management of solid organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can attack all types of macromolecules including DNA and damage it. Epicatechin (EC) is one of the most potent antioxidants present in the human diet. Particularly high levels of this compound are found in tea, apples, and chocolate. The goal of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of EC against CyA toxicity and its antioxidant activity in transplanted patients to avoid its side effects. Results obtained showed that, CyA exert its toxic effect by increasing the free radicals and ROS that causes lipid peroxidation and cell damage, this is detected by elevation of hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, while the activities of antioxidant enzymes include (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) were significantly decreased as compared with control rats. The deleterious toxic effects of CyA are, at least in part, due to increased production of free radicals and ROS. Treatment of rats with epicatchin ameliorates the toxicity of CyA by decreasing the lipid peroxidation and enhanced the antioxidants enzyme activities.
Morbidity associated with MDMA (ecstasy) abuse: A survey of emergency department admissions
Authors: Halpern Pinchas , Moskovich Jenny , Avrahami Beni , Bentur Yedidia , Soffer Dror , Peleg Kobi
Published: May 2010

Methods: We conducted a prospective, representative-sample nationwide study on morbidity related to 3,4, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ‘ecstasy’) as determined from admissions to 5 geographically representative emergency departments (EDs) and from data from the poison information center (PIC). MDMArelated ED admissions were analyzed over a 7-month period and the records of all PIC calls were reviewed. Results: There were 52 (age 15—44 years, 32 males) ecstasy-related ED admissions during the study period. Most (68%) admissions presented to the ED at night, 52% on weekends and 44% consumed the drug at clubs and parties. Forty-six percent of the patients took between 1/2 to 3 tablets and 29 patients (56%) had taken ecstasy before. Twenty-two subjects (42%) reported poly-drug use. Fifteen subjects (29%) required hospitalization, six of them (11%) to the intensive care unit. The most common manifestations were restlessness, agitation, disorientation, shaking, high blood pressure, headache and loss of consciousness. More serious complications were hyperthermia, hyponatremia, rhabdomyolysis, brain edema and coma. Conclusion: The image of ecstasy as a safe party drug is spurious. The results of this study confirm that the drug bears real danger of physical harm and of behavioral, psychological and psychiatric disturbances.
Cardiovascular medication exposures and poisonings in Izmir, Turkey: A 14-year experience
Authors: Kalkan Sule , Hocaoglu Nil , Oransay Kubilay , Unverir Pinar , Tuncok Yesim
Published: May 2010

Cardiovascular medications (CVMs) are frequently prescribed for cardiovascular diseases. The unconscious use of cardiovascular drugs may lead to severe clinical manifestations, even to death, especially when in overdose. The objective of this study is to clarify the profile of CVM exposures admitted to Department of Emergency Medicine in Dokuz Eylul University Hospital (EMDEU) between 1993 and 2006. Case demographics, type of the medication, route and reason for exposure, clinical effects and outcome were recorded. Related to the CVM exposures, 105 poisoning cases were admitted. Mean age of children and adults were 12.8 ± 1.0 and 30.1 ± 1.8, respectively. Females were dominating (77.1%). Poisoning by accident occurred mainly among children in the 0—6 age group (64.3%) and suicide attempt was predominant in the 19—29 age group (47.8%). The most common ingested CVMs admitted to EMDEU were calcium channel blockers (19.7%), beta-blockers (17.3%), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics (11.8%). Most of the patients were asymptomatic (59.1%). Frequently observed symptom was altered consciousness (18.6%). Antihypertensive drugs are responsible for the most of the CVM exposures. Prospectively designed multi-centered studies are needed to reflect the epidemiological properties of cardiovascular drug exposures throughout our country and would be very valuable for the determination of preventive measures.
Protective effect of irbesartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, alone and in combination with aspirin on middle cerebral artery occlusion model of focal cerebral ischemia in rats
Authors: Pratap Ravi , Pillai KK , Khanam Razia , Islam Fakhrul , Shibli Jameel Ahmad  , Akhtar Mohammad
Published: May 2010

The present study was designed to test pretreatment multiple doses of irbesartan (IRB) 50 mg, aspirin (ASP) 100 mg and the combination of both drugs for 7 days on middle cerebral artery—occluded (MCAO) rats. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by MCA occlusion for 2 hours followed by reperfusion for 22 hours. After 24 hours of ischemia, grip strength and locomotor activity tests were performed. Animals were immediately sacrificed, infarct volume was measured followed by the estimation of markers of oxidative stress in the whole brains. Locomotor activity and grip strength were improved in IRB- and ASP-treated rats. Infarct volume was reduced in both IRB and ASP pretreatment as compared with MCAO rats. An elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and a reduction in glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were observed following MCAO. Pretreatment of IRB and ASP showed the reduction in TBARS, elevation in GSH, SOD and catalase levels as compared with MCAO rats. The protective effects of IRB, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist having affinity for AT1receptor subtypes, could be due to inhibition of AT1receptor expression in addition to its neuroprotective and free radical scavenging properties in cerebral ischemia. Further, it may be possible that the combination of IRB and ASP may be useful as an add-on therapy and would yield beneficial effects, if administered immediately following the ischemia in reducing the severity of the neurological deficits. However, our results are preliminary, further studies with posttreatment of IRB and ASP are required to provide more firm view.
The effect of short-term intoxication of rats with pentabromodiphenyl ether (in mixture mimic commercial products)
Authors: Bruchajzer Elżbieta , Frydrych Barbara , Sporny Stanisław , Szymańska Jadwiga A
Published: May 2010

Until quite recently, pentabromodiphenyl ether (PentaBDE) was most commonly used as a flame retardant. Due to the considerably long atmospheric half-life of PentaBDE and its contribution to environmental pollution, it is categorized as a persistent organic pollutant (POP). As the data on the toxicity of PentaBDE is rather scarce, its potential acute toxicity was the subject of this study. PentaBDE was administered intragastrically to female rats, in a single dose (25, 200 or 2000 mg/kg b.w.). PentaBDE administered to rats disturbed redox homeostasis, which was manifested by lower total antioxidant status (TAS) in serum and by higher liver glutathione reduced (GSH) concentration. The toxic effect of PentaBDE intensified lipid peroxidation. On histopathological examination, administration of the highest PentaBDE dose (2000 mg/kg b.w.) was seen to induce symptoms of fatty liver. PentaBDE caused an increase in relative liver mass, cytochromes P-450 (after two highest doses), a dose-dependent increase in the activity of CYP lA (12—26 fold) and CYP 2B (5—6 fold) as well as the levels of CYP lAl (16—50 fold) and CYP 4A (2—3 fold) in liver.
Differential protection of pre-, co- and post-treatment of curcumin against hydrogen peroxide in PC12 cells
Authors: Siddiqui MA , Kashyap MP , Kumar V. , Tripathi VK , Khanna VK , Yadav S. , Pant AB
Published: May 2010

Pharmacological potential of curcumin was assessed in PC12 cells against hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2) exposure. In MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, 24-hour exposure of H2O2 (0.5 mM and above) was found to be cytotoxic. A significant (p < 0.001) increase in percentage cell viability was recorded in PC12 cells pretreated with curcumin (25, 50 and 100 µg/mL) for 24 hours prior to H2O2 (0.5 and 1 mM) exposure for 24 hours. Co-exposure to H2O2 and curcumin was also found effective. However, a therapeutic treatment of curcumin for 24 hours after H2O 2 exposure to the cells was found ineffective. Differential response of PC12-H2O2 model to curcumin in MTT and LDH assays suggests the utility of these endpoints to sort the drug candidates to study their antioxidant potential.
In vitro evaluation of the genotoxicity of ritodrine and verapamil in human lymphocytes
Authors: Milošević-Djordjević O. , Grujičić D. , Joksić G. , Marinković D.
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxic effects of ritodrine and verapamil on human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro using micronucleus (MN) test. Also, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a centromeric probe was performed to determine the origin of the induced MN. Cells were treated with 8.4 × 10 —6 M — 25.2 × 10— 4 M concentrations for ritodrine and 0.56—11 × 10— 5 M concentrations for verapamil, separately and combined. The MN frequencies showed increase after all treatments, but the difference between treated cells and untreated controls were found to be statistically significant only in the concentration range from 8.4 × 10— 5 M — 4.5 × 10—4 M for ritodrine, 1.1 — 3.3 × 10—5 M for verapamil, and in combined treatment with concentrations 8.4 × 10 —5 M + 1.1 × 10—5 M for ritodrine and verapamil. The highest tested concentrations of both medicaments showed cytotoxic effect. Both medicaments decreased the nuclear division index (NDI) in tested concentrations. The results of FISH analysis suggest that verapamil, separately or combined with ritodrine, shows to a larger extent aneugenic than clastogenic effect.
Making Your Music Word Wall Work
Authors: Leonhardt Angela
Published: May 2010

This article looks at what a word wall is and its use in the music classroom. The author outlines steps for creation of a word wall within the music classroom as well as the importance of such a resource. The author encourages the creation and consistent use of the word wall as leading to the development of stronger musicians and also independent, self-directed student learning.
An Overview of Applications of Kafka’s General Mesomechanical Concept to Inelastic Deformation, Cumulative Damage, and Fracture
Authors: Kafka Vratislav , Vokoun David
Published: May 2010

The previously published applications of the first author’s general mesomechanical concept are surveyed to show a logical integration of the newly presented application to fracture into the general image. The newly presented application models fracture of bodies with cracks. This way of presentation emphasizes that the respective model is not any ad hoc chosen formula, but that it is incorporated in a widely applicable general scheme. In the current study, attention is paid to classical technical materials. The original area of the use of our general model was plasticity, where a number of quantitative comparisons with experimental data corroborated the merits of this approach. The next step was application to cumulative damage and fracture without pre-existing initiators of the fracturing process. The last step, newly discussed in this study, is mesomechanical modeling of the progress of cracks, described by local effect of the deviatoric part of the stress tensor and by a nonlocal effect of the isotropic part of the stress tensor.
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in patients with sleep apnoea: prevalence of primary aldosteronism
Authors: Di Murro A. , Petramala L. , Cotesta D. , Zinnamosca L. , Crescenzi E. , Marinelli C. , Saponara M. , Letizia C.
Published: May 2010

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of oxygen desaturation during sleep, representing an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure and resistant hypertension. Several neurohormonal mechanisms have been suggested to account for blood pressure increases, such as sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity, oxidative stress, renin—angiotensin—aldosterone system (RAAS) activation, endothelin system activation, and endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behaviour of RAAS and the presence of primary aldosteronism (PA) in these patients and possible correlations between RAAS and the severity of OSA. From October 2007 to November 2008 we studied 325 consecutive newly diagnosed hypertensive patients; 71 patients (21.8%) presented with clinical signs of sleep disorders, evaluated also through a specific questionnaire (Epworth Sleepiness Scale). In hypertensive patients with sleep disorders, 53 patients were affected by OSA; in this group 18 patients were affected by PA (five with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and 13 with bilateral hyperplasia (IHA)); obesity was also demonstrated (BMI >" xbd="961" xhg="938" ybd="2430" yhg="2403"/> 30 kg/m2). Overall, in patients with OSA PRA levels correlated positively with apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI; r = 0.35; p<0.01), and in all groups the waist circumference and the neck circumference were correlated positively with AHI ( r = 0.3 p<0.02 and r = 0.3 p<0.03, respectively). We revealed a high prevalence of PA in patients with OSA, and we can conclude that patients with hypertension and OSA, especially those who are newly diagnosed, must be evaluated for PA.
Incidence and prognostic value of TET2 alterations in de novo acute myeloid leukemia achieving complete remission
Authors: Nibourel Olivier , Kosmider Olivier , Cheok Meyling , Boissel Nicolas , Renneville Aline , Philippe Nathalie , Dombret Hervé , Dreyfus François , Quesnel Bruno , Geffroy Sandrine , Quentin Samuel , Roche-Lestienne Catherine , Cayuela Jean-Michel , Roumier Christophe , Fenaux Pierre , Vainchenker William , Bernard Olivier A. , Soulier Jean , Fontenay Michaëla , Preudhomme Claude
Published: May 2010

Mutations of the ten eleven translocation 2 gene (TET2) have recently been reported in myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative neoplasms. We analyzed the incidence and prognostic value of TET2 point mutations and other genomic alterations by direct sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphism microarray analysis in 111 de novo acute myeloid leukemia, who had all achieved complete remission (CR). Mutations were observed in 19 (17%) of the 111 patients compared with 10 (27%) of 36 patients who had failed to achieve CR (P = .2). In the 111 patients who had achieved CR, TET2 alterations were only significantly associated with NPM1 mutations but not with other pretreatment characteristics. TET2 gene status was not significantly correlated with disease-free survival and overall survival, both in the entire cohort and in patients with normal karyotype.
Impact of JAK2V617F mutation status, allele burden, and clearance after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for myelofibrosis
Authors: Alchalby Haefaa , Badbaran Anita , Zabelina Tatjana , Kobbe Guido , Hahn Joachim , Wolff Daniel , Bornhäuser Martin , Thiede Christian , Baurmann Herrad , Bethge Wolfgang , Hildebrandt York , Bacher Ulrike , Fehse Boris , Zander Axel R. , Kröger Nicolaus
Published: May 2010

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) after reduced-intensity conditioning has become a reasonable treatment option for patients with advanced myelofibrosis. The role of characteristic molecular genetic abnormalities, such as JAK2V617F on outcome of ASCT, is not yet elucidated. In 139 of 162 myelofibrosis patients with known JAK2V617F mutation status who received ASCT after reduced-intensity conditioning, the impact of JAK2 genotype, JAK2V617F allele burden, and clearance of mutation after ASCT was evaluated. Overall survival was significantly reduced in multivariate analysis in patients harboring JAK2 wild-type (hazard ratio = 2.14, P = .01) compared with JAK2 mutated patients. No significant influence on outcome was noted for the mutated allele burden analyzed either as continuous variable or after dividing into quartiles. Achievement of JAK2V617F negativity after ASCT was significantly associated with a decreased incidence of relapse (hazard ratio = 0.22, P = .04). In a landmark analysis, patients who cleared JAK2 mutation level in peripheral blood 6 months after ASCT had a significant lower risk of relapse (5% vs 35%, P = .03). We conclude that JAK2V617F-mutated status, but not allele frequency, resulted in an improved survival and rapid clearance after allografting reduces the risk of relapse.
Impact of optimal follow-up of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance on early diagnosis and prevention of myeloma-related complications
Authors: Bianchi Giada , Kyle Robert A. , Colby Colin L. , Larson Dirk R. , Kumar Shaji , Katzmann Jerry A. , Dispenzieri Angela , Therneau Terry M. , Cerhan James R. , Melton L. Joseph , Rajkumar S. Vincent
Published: May 2010

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is associated with a long-term risk of progression to multiple myeloma (MM) or related malignancy. To prevent serious myeloma-related complications, lifelong annual follow-up has been recommended, but its value is unknown. We reviewed all patients from southeastern Minnesota seen at Mayo Clinic between 1973 and 2004 with MGUS who subsequently progressed to MM. Of 116 patients, 69% had optimal follow-up of MGUS. Among these, abnormalities on serial follow-up laboratory testing led to the diagnosis of MM in 16%, whereas MM was diagnosed only after serious MM-related complications in 45%. In the remaining, workup of less serious symptoms (25%), incidental finding during workup of unrelated medical conditions (11%), and unknown (3%) were the mechanisms leading to MM diagnosis. High-risk MGUS patients (≥ 1.5 g/dL and/or non-IgG MGUS) were more likely to be optimally followed (81% vs 64%), and be diagnosed with MM secondary to serial follow-up testing (21% vs 7%). This retrospective study suggests that routine annual follow-up of MGUS may not be required in low-risk MGUS. Future studies are needed to replicate and expand our findings and to determine the optimal frequency of monitoring in higher-risk MGUS patients.
Genome-wide expression links the electron transfer pathway of Shewanella oneidensis to chemotaxis
Authors: Tai Shang-Kai , Wu Guanl , Yuan Shinsheng , Li Ker-Chau
Published: May 2010

Background

By coupling the oxidation of organic substrates to a broad range of terminal electron acceptors (such as nitrate, metals and radionuclides), Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 has the ability to produce current in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). omcA, mtrA, omcB (also known as mtrC), mtrB, and gspF are some known genes of S. oneidensis MR-1 that participate in the process of electron transfer. How does the cell coordinate the expression of these genes? To shed light on this problem, we obtain the gene expression datasets of MR-1 that are recently public-accessible in Gene Expression Omnibus. We utilize the novel statistical method, liquid association (LA), to investigate the complex pattern of gene regulation.

Results

Through a web of information obtained by our data analysis, a network of transcriptional regulatory relationship between chemotaxis and electron transfer pathways is revealed, highlighting the important roles of the chemotaxis gene cheA-1, the magnesium transporter gene mgtE-1, and a triheme c-type cytochrome gene SO4572.

Conclusion

We found previously unknown relationship between chemotaxis and electron transfer using LA system. The study has the potential of helping researchers to overcome the intrinsic metabolic limitation of the microorganisms for improving power density output of an MFC.
Drain tube migration into the anastomotic site of an esophagojejunostomy for gastric small cell carcinoma: short report
Authors: Lai Peng-Sheng , Lo Chiao , Lin Long-Wei , Lee Po-Chu
Published: May 2010

Background

Intraluminal migration of a drain through an anastomotic site is a rare complication of gastric surgery.

Case Presentation

We herein report the intraluminal migration of a drain placed after a lower esophagectomy and total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis for gastric small cell carcinoma. Persistent drainage was noted 1 month after surgery, and radiographic studies were consistent with drain tube migration. Endoscopy revealed the drain had migrated into the esophagojejunostomy anastomotic site. The drain was removed from outside of abdominal wound while observing the anastomotic site endoscopically. The patient was treated with suction via a nasogastric tube drain for 5 days, and thereafter had an uneventful recovery.

Conclusions

Though drain tube migration is a rare occurrence, it should be considered in patients with persistent drainage who have undergone gastric surgery.
The sensitivity of real-time PCR amplification targeting invasive Salmonellaserovars in biological specimens
Authors: Nga Tran Vu Thieu , Karkey Abhilasha , Dongol Sabina , Thuy Hang Nguyen , Dunstan Sarah , Holt Kathryn , Tu Le Thi Phuong , Campbell James I , Chau Tran Thuy , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Arjyal Amit , Koirala Samir , Basnyat Buddha , Dolecek Christiane , Farrar Jeremy , Baker Stephen
Published: May 2010

Background

PCR amplification for the detection of pathogens in biological material is generally considered a rapid and informative diagnostic technique. Invasive Salmonella serovars, which cause enteric fever, can be commonly cultured from the blood of infected patients. Yet, the isolation of invasive Salmonella serovars from blood is protracted and potentially insensitive.

Methods

We developed and optimised a novel multiplex three colour real-time PCR assay to detect specific target sequences in the genomes of Salmonella serovars Typhi and Paratyphi A. We performed the assay on DNA extracted from blood and bone marrow samples from culture positive and negative enteric fever patients.

Results

The assay was validated and demonstrated a high level of specificity and reproducibility under experimental conditions. All bone marrow samples tested positive for Salmonella, however, the sensitivity on blood samples was limited. The assay demonstrated an overall specificity of 100% (75/75) and sensitivity of 53.9% (69/128) on all biological samples. We then tested the PCR detection limit by performing bacterial counts after inoculation into blood culture bottles.

Conclusions

Our findings corroborate previous clinical findings, whereby the bacterial load of S. Typhi in peripheral blood is low, often below detection by culture and, consequently, below detection by PCR. Whilst the assay may be utilised for environmental sampling or on differing biological samples, our data suggest that PCR performed directly on blood samples may be an unsuitable methodology and a potentially unachievable target for the routine diagnosis of enteric fever.
Is lymphadenectomy a prognostic marker in endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the human endometrium?
Authors: Bassarak Nina , Blankenstein Thomas , Brüning Ansgar , Dian Darius , Bergauer Florian , Friese Klaus , Mylonas Ioannis
Published: May 2010

Background

During surgery for endometrial cancer, a pelvic lymphadenectomy with or without para-aortic lymphadenectomy is performed at least in patients with risk factors (stage I, grading 2 and/or histological subtypes with higher risk of lymphatic spread), and is hence recommended by the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO). Although lymph node metastases are important prognostic parameters, it has been contentious whether a pelvic lymph node dissection itself has a prognostic impact in the treatment of endometrial cancer, especially in endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Therefore, this study evaluated whether lymphadenectomy has a prognostic impact in patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

Methods

The benefits of lymphadenectomy were examined in 214 patients with a histological diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma. Tumour characteristics were analysed with respect to the surgical and pathological stage.

Results

Of the 214 patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma, 171 (79.9%) were classified as FIGO stage I, 15 (7.0%) FIGO stage II, 21 (9.8%) FIGO stage III and 7 (3.3%) FIGO stage IV. One hundred and thirty four (62.6%) of the patients had a histological grade 1 tumour, while 56 (26.2%) and 24 (11.2%) had a histological grade 2 or grade 3 tumour, respectively. Lymphadenectomy was performed in 151 (70.6%) patients. Only 11 (5.1%) patients showed metastatic disease in the lymph nodes. The performance of a lymphadenectomy resulted in significantly increased cause-specific and overall survival, while progression-free survival was not affected by this operative procedure.

Conclusions

The performance of an operative lymphadenectomy resulted in better survival of patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma. This increase was significant for cause-specific and overall survival, while there was a tendency only towards increased progression-free survival. Therefore, even in endometrioid adenocarcinoma, a pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy should be performed.