bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ventromedial‐frontopolar prefrontal cortex atrophy correlates with insight loss in frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hornberger Michael , Yew Belinda , Gilardoni Silvia , Mioshi Eneida , Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Manes Facundo , Hodges John R.
Published: November 2012

Loss in insight is a major feature of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) but has been investigated relatively little. More importantly, the neural basis of insight loss is still poorly understood. The current study investigated insight deficit profiles across a large cohort of neurodegenerative patients (n = 81), including FTD and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. We employed a novel insight questionnaire, which tapped into changes across different domains: social interaction, emotion, diagnosis/treatment, language, and motivation. FTD subtypes varied considerably for insight loss, with the behavioral variant worst and the progressive non‐fluent variant least affected. All other subtypes and AD showed milder but consistent insight loss. Voxel‐based morphometry analysis revealed that overall insight loss correlated with ventromedial and frontopolar prefrontal atrophy, with exception of social interaction and emotion insight loss, which additionally correlated with lateral temporal and amygdala atrophy, respectively. Our results show that patients with neurodegenerative conditions show variable loss of insight, with ventromedial and frontopolar cortex regions appearing to be particularly important for insight. Hum Brain Mapp 35:616–626, 2014. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single ketamine infusion in bipolar depression resistant to antidepressants: are neurotrophins involved?
Authors: Rybakowski Janusz K. , Permoda‐Osip Agnieszka , Skibinska Maria , Adamski Rafal , Bartkowska‐Sniatkowska Alicja
Published: November 2012

Objectives

We investigated serum brain‐derived neurotrophin factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin‐3 (NTF3), neurotrophin‐4 (NTF4) and the glial‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), in relation to ketamine efficacy, in bipolar depressed patients resistant to treatment with antidepressants.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients (4 male, 21 female), aged 27–67 years, with bipolar depression, receiving mood‐stabilizing medications, were studied. Antidepressants were discontinued for at least 7 days before single intravenous ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg body weight). Response to ketamine was defined as ≥50% reduction on 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) after 1 week, and remission as HDRS score ≤7. Serum BDNF, NGF, NTF3, NTF4 and GDNF levels were estimated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

There were 13 ketamine responders and 12 non‐responders. The remission was obtained in eight and 12 patients after seven and 14 days, respectively. At baseline, there were no differences between responders and non‐responders in any of the neurotrophins. Serum BDNF was significantly reduced after 7 days in non‐responders. Serum NGF, NT3, NT4 and GDNF did not significantly change.

Conclusions

The results confirm an antidepressant effect of ketamine infusion as an add‐on to mood‐stabilizing drugs in bipolar depression resistant to antidepressant treatment. They may also suggest a possible involvement of BDNF in this effect. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of atypical antipsychotics on antioxidant enzyme activities in human erythrocytes (in vitro study)
Authors: Miljević Čedo , Nikolić‐Kokić Aleksandra , Nikolić Milan , Niketić Vesna , Spasić Mihajlo B. , Lečić‐Toševski Dušica , Blagojević Duško
Published: November 2012

Objective

This study was set out to examine the impact of atypical antipsychotic drugs: aripiprazole, clozapine, ziprasidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, sertindole and amisulpride on the activity of antioxidant defence enzymes in human erythrocytes in vitro.

Methods

Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT), selenium‐dependent glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were determined after drugs incubation with blood of 15 apparently healthy non‐smoking male volunteers (ages 23–39) for 1 h at 37 °C.

Results

A statistically significant increase in SOD1 activity was found in samples incubated with aripiprazole (p < 0.01) and quetiapine (p < 0.05) compared with incubated control. SOD1 activity profile following native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicates that aripiprazole and quetiapine protect enzyme activity from inhibition with hydrogen peroxide. Our results showed that sertindole decreases activity of CAT comparing with control non‐treated erythrocytes. Moreover, in sertindole treated erythrocytes, negative correlation between SOD1 and glutathione peroxidase activities was found. Increased amount of hydrogen peroxide in such situation may leave erythrocytes and transform their role in circulation from anti‐oxidative to pro‐oxidative.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that mechanism through sertindole could express its in vivo toxic effects and point toward possible (neuro)protective effects of aripiprazole and quetiapine. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New functions of protein kinase Gcn2 in yeast and mammals
Authors: Murguía José R. , Serrano Ramón
Published: November 2012

The classical role of the conserved Gcn2 kinase of yeast and mammals is to activate the translation of the transcription factors Gcn4 in yeast and activating transcription factor 4 in mammals by phosphorylating the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α. Gcn2 is activated by uncharged tRNAs in response to amino acid starvation and this regulatory system is important for tolerance to nutrient deprivation and other stresses and for development, differentiation, and normal function of mammalian organs. In the past few years, the classical Gcn2 pathway has been shown to modulate life span, tumor cell survival, and immune responses. In addition, Gcn2 modulates translation of novel mRNAs such as those of an unknown regulator of leucine transport and of sulfiredoxin SRX1 in yeast (activation of translation) and of inducible nitric oxide synthase, ErBb2, HIF1a, and 5′‐terminal oligopyrimidine tract mRNAs in mammals (inhibition of translation). Finally, Gcn2 directly phosphorylates novel proteins such as methionyl‐tRNA synthetase in mammals, and this triggers a pathway for DNA repair. These findings anticipate many expanding roles of Gcn2 in the future, with relevance for stress responses and human disease. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 64(12): 971–974, 2012
Toxicity of Engineered Nanomaterials: A Physicochemical Perspective
Authors: Podila Ramakrishna , Brown Jared M.
Published: November 2012

The global market for nanomaterial‐based products is forecasted to reach 100 billion dollars per annum for 2011–2015. Extensive manufacturing and the use of engineered nanomaterials have raised concerns regarding their impact on biological response in living organisms and the environment at large. The fundamental properties of nanomaterials exhibit a complex dependence upon several factors such as their morphology, size, defects, and chemical stability. Therefore, it is exceedingly difficult to correlate their biological response with their intricate physicochemical properties. For example, varying toxic response may ensue due to different methods of nanomaterial preparation, dissimilar impurities, and defects. In this review, we surveyed the existing literature on the dependence of cytotoxicity on physicochemical properties. We found that ENM size, shape, defect density, physicochemical stability, and surface modification to be the main causes that elicit altered physiological response or cytotoxicity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:50‐55, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21442
Suppression of PTEN Transcription by UVA
Authors: Zhao Baozhong , Ming Mei , He Yu‐Ying
Published: November 2012

Although ultraviolet A (UVA; 315–400 nm) has different physical and biological targets than ultraviolet B (UVB; 280–315 nm), the contribution of UVA to skin cancer susceptibility and its molecular basis remain largely unknown. Here we show that chronic UVA radiation suppresses phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression at the mRNA level. Subchronic and acute UVA radiation also downregulated PTEN in normal human epidermal keratinocytes, skin culture, and mouse skin. At the molecular level, chronic UVA radiation decreased the transcriptional activity of the PTEN promoter in a methylation‐independent manner, whereas it had no effect on the protein stability or mRNA stability of PTEN. In contrast, we found that UVA‐induced activation of the Ras/ERK/AKT and NF‐кB pathways plays an important role in UV‐induced PTEN downregulation. Inhibiting extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) or protein pinase B (AKT) increases PTEN expression. Our findings may provide unique insights into PTEN downregulation as a critical component of UVA's molecular impact during keratinocyte transformation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:184‐191, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21451
Human adipose CD34+CD90+ stem cells and collagen scaffold constructs grafted in vivo fabricate loose connective and adipose tissues
Authors: Ferraro Giuseppe A. , De Francesco Francesco , Nicoletti Gianfranco , Paino Francesca , Desiderio Vincenzo , Tirino Virginia , D'Andrea Francesco
Published: November 2012

Stem cell based therapies for the repair and regeneration of various tissues are of great interest for a high number of diseases. Adult stem cells, instead, are more available, abundant and harvested with minimally invasive procedures. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multi‐potent progenitors, able to differentiate into bone, cartilage, and adipose tissues. Human adult adipose tissue seems to be the most abundant source of MSCs and, due to its easy accessibility; it is able to give a considerable amount of stem cells. In this study, we selected MSCs co‐expressing CD34 and CD90 from adipose tissue. This stem cell population displayed higher proliferative capacity than CD34−CD90− cells and was able to differentiate in vitro into adipocytes (PPARγ+ and adiponectin+) and endothelial cells (CD31+VEGF+Flk1+). In addition, in methylcellulose without VEGF, it formed a vascular network. The aim of this study was to investigate differentiation potential of human adipose CD34+/CD90+ stem cells loaded onto commercial collagen sponges already used in clinical practice (Gingistat) both in vitro and in vivo. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that human adult adipose and loose connective tissues can be obtained in vivo, highlighting that CD34+/CD90 ASCs are extremely useful for regenerative medicine. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1039–1049, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Free energy simulation of helical transitions
Authors: Ma Ning , Chung Ying‐Hua , van der Vaart Arjan
Published: November 2012

An umbrella sampling method for the calculation of free energies for helical transitions is presented. The method biases structures toward helices of a desired radius and pitch. Although computationally complex, the method has negligible overhead in actual applications. To illustrate the method, calculations of the helical free energy landscape of several peptides are presented for both the CHARMM and the AMBER force fields. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New insights in wound response and repair of epithelium
Authors: Chi Cheryl , Trinkaus‐Randall Vickery
Published: November 2012

Epithelial wounds usually heal relatively quickly, but repair may be impaired by environmental stressors, such as hypoxic or diabetic states, rendering patients vulnerable to a number of corneal pathologies. Though this response appears simple, at first, years of research have uncovered the complicated biochemical pathways coordinating the wound healing response. Here, we investigate signaling cascades and individual proteins involved in the corneal epithelium's self‐repair. We will explore how an epithelial cell migrates across the wound bed and attaches itself to its new post‐injury surroundings, including its neighboring cells and the basement membrane, through focal adhesions and hemidesmosomes. We will also discuss how the cell coordinates this motion physiologically, through calcium signaling and protein phosphorylation, focusing on the communication through purinergic, glutamatergic, and growth factor receptors. Many of these aspects reflect and can be extended to similar epithelial surfaces, and can be used to facilitate wound healing in patients with various underlying pathologies. The collective library of laboratory and clinical research done around the world has demonstrated how important precise regulation of these processes is in order for the injured corneal epithelium to properly heal. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic and molecular characterization of the human Osteosarcoma 3AB‐OS cancer stem cell line: A possible model for studying osteosarcoma origin and stemness
Authors: Di Fiore Riccardo , Fanale Daniele , Drago‐Ferrante Rosa , Chiaradonna Ferdinando , Giuliano Michela , De Blasio Anna , Amodeo Valeria , Corsini Lidia R. , Bazan Viviana , Tesoriere Giovanni , Vento Renza , Russo Antonio
Published: November 2012

Finding new treatments targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) within a tumor seems to be critical to halt cancer and improve patient survival. Osteosarcoma is an aggressive tumor affecting adolescents, for which there is no second‐line chemotherapy. Uncovering new molecular mechanisms underlying the development of osteosarcoma and origin of CSCs is crucial to identify new possible therapeutic strategies. Here, we aimed to characterize genetically and molecularly the human osteosarcoma 3AB‐OS CSC line, previously selected from MG63 cells and which proved to have both in vitro and in vivo features of CSCs. Classic cytogenetic studies demonstrated that 3AB‐OS cells have hypertriploid karyotype with 71–82 chromosomes. By comparing 3AB‐OS CSCs to the parental cells, array CGH, Affymetrix microarray, and TaqMan® Human MicroRNA array analyses identified 49 copy number variations (CNV), 3,512 dysregulated genes and 189 differentially expressed miRNAs. Some of the chromosomal abnormalities and mRNA/miRNA expression profiles appeared to be congruent with those reported in human osteosarcomas. Bioinformatic analyses selected 196 genes and 46 anticorrelated miRNAs involved in carcinogenesis and stemness. For the first time, a predictive network is also described for two miRNA family (let‐7/98 and miR‐29a,b,c) and their anticorrelated mRNAs (MSTN, CCND2, Lin28B, MEST, HMGA2, and GHR), which may represent new biomarkers for osteosarcoma and may pave the way for the identification of new potential therapeutic targets. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1189–1201, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mesenchymal stem cells from patients to assay bone graft substitutes
Authors: Manfrini M. , Di Bona C. , Canella A. , Lucarelli E. , Pellati A. , D'Agostino A. , Barbanti‐Bròdano G. , Tognon M.
Published: November 2012

Bio‐engineered scaffolds used in orthopedic clinical applications induce different tissue responses after implantation. In this study, non‐stoichiometric Mg2+ ions and stoichiometric apatites, which are used in orthopedic surgery as bone substitutes, have been assayed in vitro with human adult mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) to evaluate cytocompatibility and osteoconductivity. hMSCs from the bone marrow aspirates of orthopedic patients were isolated and analyzed by flow cytometry for the surface markers Stro1, CD29, CD44, CD71, CD73, CD90, CD105 (positive) and CD45, CD235 (negative). The hMSC were analyzed for self‐renewal capacity and for differentiation potential. The hMSC, which were grown on different biomaterials, were analyzed for (i) cytotoxicity by AlamarBlue metabolic assay, (ii) osteoconductivity by ELISA for activated focal adhesion kinase, (iii) cytoskeleton organization by fluorescence microscopy, and (iv) cell morphology which was investigated by scan electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicate that isolated cell populations agree with minimal criteria for defining hMSC cultures. Non‐stoichiometric Mg2+ and stoichiometric apatites, in granular form, represent a more favorable environment for mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and growth compared to the non‐stoichiometric Mg2+ apatite, in nano‐structured paste form. This study indicates that different forms of biomaterials modulate osteoconductivity and cellular growth by differential activation focal adhesion kinase. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1229–1237, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pancyclicity and Cayley Graphs on Abelian Groups
Authors: Alspach Brian , Bendit Theo , Maitland Christopher
Published: November 2012

We prove that connected Cayley graphs of valency at least 3 on abelian groups are even edge‐pancyclic and have cycles of every possible odd length bigger than or equal to the odd girth.
Combining cell lines to optimize isolation of human enterovirus from clinical specimens: Report of 25 years of experience
Authors: Prim Núria , Rodríguez Graciela , Margall Núria , Del Cuerpo Margarita , Trallero Gloria , Rabella Núria
Published: November 2012

Cell culture is still the gold standard for the diagnosis of human enteroviruses (HEVs) although molecular techniques are required for detection of some serotypes. Due to the diversity of HEVs, a single cell line is not susceptible to all serotypes, and several lines are required to optimize the isolation of HEVs. In this study, the results of HEV isolation during the last 25 years are reported. A total of 1,192 HEVs were isolated and isolation rates varied depending on the cell line used. MRC5 cells yielded the best results (70.7%), followed by A549 cells (52.6%), RD cells (37.5%), and HEp‐2 cells (29.7%). A total of 521 HEVs were characterized, and HEV‐B was the most frequent species (81%). Polioviruses (PV) and HEV‐A were isolated less frequently (17% and 1%, respectively). None of the cell lines detected all the enteroviruses. MRC5 cells were the most susceptible for isolation of echoviruses (85.7%) and PVs (85.4%), whereas HEp2 was the most susceptible for Coxsackieviruses B (82.6%). Some serotypes were isolated in one cell line only. 40.5% of echoviruses were isolated in MRC5 cells whereas 42.3% and 23.9% of Coxsackieviruses B were isolated in RD cells and HEp2 cells, respectively. Although A549 cells did not achieve the best performance for any enterovirus serotypes, they isolated 52.6% of the total HEVs. In view of these results, MRC5 cells, A549 cells, and RD cells should be combined to optimize isolation of HEVs. J. Med. Virol. 85:116–120, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A meta‐analytic evaluation of diversity training outcomes
Authors: Kalinoski Zachary T. , Steele‐Johnson Debra , Peyton Elizabeth J. , Leas Keith A. , Steinke Julie , Bowling Nathan A.
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to use theory and research on diversity, attitudes, and training to examine potential differential effects on affective‐based, cognitive‐based, and skill‐based outcomes, to examine potential moderators of those effects with a focus on affective‐based outcomes, and finally, to provide quantitative estimates of these posited relationships. Results from 65 studies (N = 8465) revealed sizable effects on affective‐based, cognitive‐based, and skill‐based outcomes as well as interesting boundary conditions for these effects on affective‐based outcomes. This study provides practical value to human resources managers and trainers wishing to implement diversity training within organizations as well as interesting theoretical advances for researchers. Practitioners have quantitative evidence that diversity training changes affective‐based, cognitive‐based, and skill‐based trainee outcomes. This study also supports and addresses future research needs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of different focusing fiber tips for improved oral diode laser surgery
Authors: Stock Karl , Stegmayer Thomas , Graser Rainer , Förster Wolfram , Hibst Raimund
Published: November 2012

Background and Objectives

State of the art for use of the fiber guided diode laser in dental therapy is the application of bare fibers. A novel concept with delivery fiber and exchangeable fiber tips enables the use of tips with special and optimized geometries for various applications. The aim of this study is the comparison of different focusing fiber tips for enhanced cutting efficacy in oral surgery.

Material and Methods

For this purpose various designs of tip geometry were investigated and optimized by ray tracing simulations. Two applicators, one with a sphere, and another one with a taper, were realized and tested on porcine gingiva (diode laser, 940 nm, 5 W/cw; 7 W/modulated). The cutting depth and quality were determined by light microscope. Histological sections of the cuts were prepared by a cryo‐microtome and microscopically analyzed to determine the cut depths and thermal damage zones.

Results

The simulations show that, using a sphere as fiber tip, an intensity increase of up to a factor of 16.2 in air, and 13.2 in water compared to a bare 200 µm fiber can be achieved. Although offering high focusing factor in water, the cutting quality of the sphere was rather poor. This is probably caused by a derogation of the focusing quality due to contamination during cutting and light scattering. Much better results were achieved with conically shaped fiber tips. Compared to bare fibers they exhibit improved handling properties with no hooking, more regular and deeper cuts (5 W/cw: 2,393 ± 468 µm, compared to the cleaved bare fiber 5 W/cw: 711 ± 268 µm). The thermal damage zones of the cuts are comparable for the various tips and fibers.

Conclusions

In conclusion the results of our study show that cutting quality and efficiency of diode laser on soft tissue can be significantly improved using conically shaped fiber tips. Lasers Surg. Med. 44: 815–823, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
N‐Isopropylacrylamide‐Modified Polyethylenimines as Effective Gene Carriers
Authors: Tian Huayu , Li Feifan , Chen Jie , Huang Yubin , Chen Xuesi
Published: November 2012

25 kDa branched polyethylenimines are modified by N‐isopropylacrylamide via Michael addition. An agarose gel retardation assay shows that all derivatives display good binding affinity toward plasmid DNA. The modified PEI‐25K shows lower cytotoxicity in MTT assay and better transfection efficiency than unmodified PEI‐25K in HeLa cells. The endocytosis efficiency of the optimized complexes is determined to be 99.9% by flow cytometry. More interestingly, although the derivatives are not designed to conjugate with targeting ligands or nuclear localization signals, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) demonstrates that the optimized derivative results in increased endocytosis and strongly enhanced nuclear uptake compared with PEI‐25K.

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1H NMR spectra. Part 29§: proton chemical shifts and couplings in esters—the conformational analysis of methyl γ‐butyrolactones
Authors: Abraham Raymond J. , Leonard Paul
Published: November 2012

The 1H NMR spectra of 35 cyclic and acyclic esters are analysed to give the 1H chemical shifts and couplings. The substituent chemical shifts of the ester group were analysed using three‐bond (γ) effects for near protons and the electric field, magnetic anisotropy and steric effect of the ester group for more distant protons. The electric field is calculated from the partial atomic charges on the O⋅C = O atoms, and the asymmetric magnetic anisotropy of the carbonyl group acts at the midpoint of the C = O bond. The values of the anisotropies Δχparl and Δχperp were for the aliphatic esters 10.35 and −18.84 and for the conjugated esters 7.33 and −15.75 (×10−6 Å3/molecule). The oxygen steric coefficients found were 104.4 (aliphatic C = O), 45.5 (aromatic C = O) and 16.0 (C–O) (×10−6 Å6/molecule). After parameterisation, the overall RMS error for the data set of 280 entries was 0.079 ppm.

The strongly coupled 1H NMR spectra of the 2‐methyl, 3‐methyl and 4‐methyl γ‐butyrolactones were analysed and the methyl conformational equilibrium obtained from the observed couplings. The observed versus calculated density functional theory (DFT) ΔG(ax‐eq) was 1.0 (1.01), 0.34 (0.54) and 0.65 (0.71) kcal/mol res. The shielding effect of a methyl cis to a proton in the five‐membered lactone rings is −0.40 ±0.05 ppm and deshielding trans effect 0.12 ±0.05 ppm, which is common to both five and six membered rings. The cis/trans isomerism in the vinyl esters methyl acrylate, crotonate and methacrylate and methyl furoate was examined using the 1H chemical shifts. The calculated shifts of both the cis and trans isomers were in good agreement with the observed shifts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The prevalence of incontinence in people with cognitive impairment or dementia living at home: A systematic review
Authors: Drennan Vari M. , Rait Greta , Cole Laura , Grant Robert , Iliffe Steve
Published: November 2012

Aims

To investigate the prevalence of urinary and fecal incontinence in people with cognitive impairment or dementia, living at home.

Method

We searched electronic databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, BNI, and the Cochrane Library (including DARE, NTIS), from January 1, 1990 to 2012 week 13 (April 4) for studies reporting prevalence data of urinary and fecal incontinence in the population of interest. Quality assessments of studies considered risk of bias in criteria for prevalence studies. Due to the heterogeneity of the included study populations and results, meta‐analysis was not appropriate and a narrative analysis was undertaken.

Results

From 427 references, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies provided prevalence rates as findings incidental to their primary question. Populations and assessment tools were varied. Reported prevalence of urinary incontinence ranged from 1.1% in a general community population to 38% in those receiving home care services. Reported rates of fecal incontinence were from 0.9% in a community population to 27% in a population attending an old age psychiatry outpatient clinic.

Conclusions

The prevalence of incontinence in people with dementia or cognitive impairment living at home has not been clearly established. Population level data is required to inform clinicians and to reliably underpin decision‐making in service planning, resource allocation and interventions for people with dementia and incontinence. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 314–324, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pelvic floor muscle training program increases muscular contractility during first pregnancy and postpartum: Electromyographic study
Authors: Marques Joseane , Botelho Simone , Pereira Larissa Carvalho , Lanza Ana Helena , Amorim Cesar Ferreira , Palma Paulo , Riccetto Cassio
Published: November 2012

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a training program over both pelvic floor muscles contractility and urinary symptoms in primigravid pregnant and postpartum primiparous women.

Patients and Methods

A clinical, prospective and blinded trial was conducted with 33 women divided into three groups: (G1) 13 primigravid pregnant women; (G2) 10 postpartum primiparous women (49.3 ± 5.84 days), after vaginal delivery with right mediolateral episiotomy; (G3) 10 postpartum primiparous women (46.3 ± 3.6 days), after cesarean section delivery. The evaluation was carried out using digital palpation (Modified Oxford Grading Scale), pelvic floor electromyography and, for the investigation of urinary symptoms, validated questionnaires (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—short form—ICIQ‐UI SF and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder—ICIQ‐OAB). The protocol consisted of 10 individual sessions carried out by the physiotherapist through home visits, three times a week, with 60 min duration each. The statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Spearman's correlation coefficient.

Results

The pelvic floor muscle contractility increased after the training program (P = 0.0001) for all groups. Decreases in the scores of both ICIQ‐UI SF (P = 0.009) and ICIQ‐OAB (P = 0.0003) were also observed after training.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor muscle training is an effective means for the increase in its own contractility in both primigravid pregnant and primiparous postpartum women, accompanied with a concomitant decrease in urinary symptoms. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 998–1003, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Delay‐dependent feedforward control of time‐delay systems with parametric uncertainties via dynamic IQCs
Authors: Ucun Levent , Küçükdemiral İbrahim B.
Published: November 2012

This paper studies the design problem of a robust delay‐dependent H ∞  feedforward controller design for a class of linear uncertain time‐delay system having state and control delays when the system is subject to ‐type disturbances. The proposed controller scheme involves two main controllers, which are static state‐feedback and dynamic feedforward controllers. The state‐feedback controller is used for stabilizing the delay and uncertainty‐free system, whereas the feedforward controller performs disturbance attenuation. Dynamic type integral quadratic constraints (IQCs), which consist of frequency‐dependent multipliers, have been introduced to represent the delays and parametric uncertainties in the system where the degree of the multiplier used in IQC representation is in an adjustable nature. This scheme allows the designer to obtain less conservative controllers with increasing precision. Sufficient delay‐dependent criteria in terms of linear matrix inequalities are obtained such that the uncertain linear time‐delay system is guaranteed to be globally, uniformly, asymptotically stable with a minimum disturbance attenuation level. Several numerical examples together with the simulation studies provided at the end illustrate the usefulness of the proposed design. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biosimilars: Die Sicht der Innovatoren
Authors: Sydow Sabine , Grajer Karl‐Heinz
Published: November 2012

Nachahmerpräparate biopharmazeutischer Originalpräparate können diesen lediglich ähnlich sein und heißen folgerichtig “Biosimilars”. Die EU‐Zulassungsstandards für Biosimilars haben sich bewährt und sollten deshalb aufrecht erhalten werden. Darüber hinaus dürften bessere Aufklärung und mehr Transparenz die Akzeptanz von Biosimilars sehr viel mehr befördern als weitere dirigistische Markteingriffe.
Weiß, braun oder eher beige?
Authors: Zündorf Ilse , Dingermann Theo
Published: November 2012

Unsere Fettzellen gehören entweder zum (teilweise unschönen) Energie‐speichernden, weißen oder aber zum angenehmeren, Wärme‐produzierenden braunen Fettgewebe. Zumindest dachte man das bis jetzt. Kürzlich wurde in Mäusen und auch in Menschen eine dritte Sorte Fettzellen entdeckt, Farbe: beige.
Validation of a coding algorithm to identify patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in an administrative database
Authors: Goldberg David S. , Lewis James D. , Halpern Scott D. , Weiner Mark G. , Re Vincent Lo
Published: November 2012

Purpose

International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM)‐based algorithms to identify patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been developed outside of the Veterans Affairs healthcare setting. The development and validation of such algorithms are necessary for the conduct of population‐based studies evaluating the epidemiology and comparative effectiveness and safety of therapies for HCC.

Methods

We queried electronic medical records at two tertiary care hospitals to identify patients with two ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis codes for a chronic liver disease and/or cirrhosis plus two ICD‐9‐CM codes for HCC. We determined the positive predictive value (PPV) of this algorithm by comparing it to diagnoses of HCC confirmed by expert medical record review.

Results

Among 101 patients meeting the algorithm, 88 (PPV: 87.1%; 95% CI: 79.0–93.0%) had confirmed HCC. The algorithm's sensitivity was 91.7% among patients with confirmed HCC, and its specificity was 98.7% among chronic liver disease patients without HCC. Excluding patients who received systemic chemotherapy in the 12 months prior to or 6 months after the initial ICD‐9‐CM code in the algorithm, the PPV increased to 91.6% (87/95; 95% CI: 84.1–96.3%).

Conclusions

The presence of at least two ICD‐9‐CM codes for a chronic liver disease and/or cirrhosis plus two ICD‐9‐CM codes for HCC has a high PPV for identifying HCC cases. This simple, claims‐based algorithm can be used in future epidemiologic studies to examine risk factors for HCC and evaluate outcomes and adverse events of medical therapies prescribed for HCC patients. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Erneuerbare Energie für Europa
Authors: Tröndle Tobias , Platt Ulrich , Aeschbach‐Hertig Werner , Pfeilsticker Klaus
Published: November 2012

Soll Europas Elektrizitätsversorgung von konventioneller auf hundert Prozent erneuerbare Energie umgestellt werden, dann muss diese Energie hauptsächlich aus Sonne und Wind kommen. Damit wächst der schwankende Anteil in der Netzeinspeisung. Ein schrittweiser Umbau des europäischen Netzes und Kraftwerkparks auf hundert Prozent regenerativen Strom bis 2050 hätte deshalb zwei Konsequenzen. Zum einen muss die Überkapazität an vorhandener Kraftwerksleistung im Verhältnis zur im Jahresmittel nachgefragten Leistung im Netz vom heutigen Faktor 1,8 auf 3,4 ansteigen. Zum anderen erfordert das Ausgleichen der Schwankungen “Regelenergie”. Diese muss entweder aus regelbaren konventionellen Kraftwerken oder aus Energiespeichern kommen. Letzte Variante wäre voll regenerativ. Sie würde aber einen Ausbau der Speicherkapazität von heute 2,5 TWh auf 122 TWh oder 3,8 % des Jahresenergiebedarfs bei zwei Ladezyklen pro Jahr erfordern. Durch das Installieren zusätzlicher Erzeugerleistung kann dieser Speicherbedarf deutlich reduziert werden.
Werner Kolhörster: Pionier der Höhenstrahlungsforschung
Authors: Hoffmann Dieter
Published: November 2012

Obwohl in heutigen Darstellungen zur Entdeckungs‐ und Frühgeschichte der kosmischen Strahlung meist nur als Randfigur behandelt, gehört Werner Kolhörster zu den herausragenden Pionieren dieses Fachgebiets. Erst seine Ballon‐Hochfahrten haben die Hess'sche Entdeckung zweifelsfrei und in der Physikalischen Gemeinschaft unanfechtbar gemacht. Darüber hinaus wies er zusammen mit Walter Bothe die korpuskulare Natur der Strahlung nach und kann als Mitentdecker der großen Luftschauer gelten.
Leuchtendes Graphen
Authors: Engel Michael , Krupke Ralph
Published: November 2012

Die steigende Anforderung an Übertragungskapazität optoelektronischer Bauelemente erfordert die Erforschung von neuartigen Nanomaterialien. Unserer Forschungsgruppe am Karlsruher Institut für Technologie in Zusammenarbeit mit Forschungsgruppen bei IBM und der Universität Cambridge ist es gelungen, Graphen an eine optische Mikrokavität zu koppeln. Damit konnten sowohl grundlegende physikalische Effekte studiert als auch wellenlängenselektive Emitter und Detektoren auf Basis von Graphen demonstriert werden.
Sicherheit für die Schifffahrt
Authors: Jacobi Manfred
Published: November 2012

Der Physiknobelpreis des Jahres 1912 ging an den schwedischen Ingenieur und Erfinder Nils Gustaf Dalén (1869–1937) für die “Erfindung selbstwirkender Regulatoren”, die in Verbindung mit Gasakkumulatoren in Leuchttürmen und Leuchtbojen zum Einsatz kamen.
Von der Paul‐Falle zu Schrödingers Katze
Authors: Meschede Dieter
Published: November 2012

Den diesjährigen Physik‐Nobelpreis erhielten zu gleichen Teilen Serge Haroche und David Wineland für ihre bahnbrechenden experimentellen Methoden, die es ermöglichen, individuelle Quantensysteme zu messen und zu manipulieren.
Explosionen in der Champagnerflöte
Authors: Vilgis Thomas
Published: November 2012

“Sterne, Sterne, ich trinke Sterne” rief Dom Perignon verzückt, als ihm das erste Glas Champagner die Nase reizte und er davon probierte. So die Anekdote. Kohlendioxidbläschen und deren Spiel im Glas, auf der Zunge, in der Nase, ist der ganz besondere Reiz des Schaumweins. Was aber bewirkt das Perlen überhaupt?
Assessment of Damage of Glutathione by Glow Discharge Plasma at the Gas–Solution Interface through Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Ke Zhigang , Yu Zengliang , Huang Qing
Published: November 2012

Although non‐thermal discharge plasma is more and more applied in biological field, the molecular mechanisms of plasma acting on biomolecules are still unclear, which are indispensable for understanding the plasma‐induced biological effects. In this work, discharge plasma at the gas–solution interface was employed to irradiate on reduced glutathione (GSH), the most abundant low molecular weight thiol‐containing antioxidant in cells. Through Raman spectroscopy, both the irreversible damage and reversible conversion of GSH to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were monitored in a non‐destructive fashion, so that the reaction kinetic processes through multi‐pathways could be evaluated quickly and quantitatively. Based on the experimental data, the reaction mechanism was discussed.

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Lung function outcome at school age in very low birth weight children
Authors: Cazzato Salvatore , Ridolfi Livia , Bernardi Filippo , Faldella Giacomo , Bertelli Luca
Published: November 2012

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess pulmonary function and its predictors in very low birth weight (birth weight ≤1,500 g) children (VLBWc) with or without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), born at gestational age ≤32 weeks at a single tertiary center during 1996–1999, after the introduction of surfactant therapy.

Methods

Of the 120 surviving VLBW children, 48 (40%) VLBWc (22 with prior‐BPD) at age 8.5 ± 1.0 years and 46 age‐matched controls (8.8 ± 1.4 years) born at term, underwent lung function study.

Results

Adjusted values (z‐score) of forced vital capacity (z‐FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (z‐FEV1), forced expiratory flow 25–75% (z‐FEF25–75), carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity (z‐DLCO), and DLCO/alveolar volume (z‐DLCO/VA) were significantly lower than controls (mean difference, 95% CI: −1.35, −1.81 to −0.90, P < 0.001; −1.31, −1.73 to −0.90, P < 0.001; −0.87, −1.29 to −0.46, P < 0.001; −0.98, −1.72 to −0.23, P < 0.001; −0.70, −1.22 to −0.18, P < 0.05; respectively). Residual volume (z‐RV) and RV/total lung capacity (RV/TLC) ratio (%) were significantly higher in VLBWc than controls (mean difference, 95% CI: 1.06, 0.44 to 1.68, P < 0.001; 9.54%, 5.73 to 13.3%, P < 0.001; respectively). No differences were found in lung function between VLBWc (no‐BPD vs. BPD) with the exception of a significant higher RV/TLC ratio in the BPD‐subgroup (mean difference, 95% CI: 7.0%, 0.4 to 13%, P = 0.03). Lung function abnormalities were found in 30 (63%) VLBWc with evidence of airway obstruction and diffusing capacity impairment. A weak relationship was observed between gestational age with z‐FVC (r = 0.30, P = 0.04), birth weight with z‐FEV1 (r = 0.30, P = 0.04) and RV/TLC ratio (r = −0.49, P = 0.001). The duration of oxygen treatment correlated negatively with the z‐DLCO/Va (r = −0.5, P = 0.02). No differences were found in FeNO levels between VLBWc and controls.

Conclusion

VLBWc at school age showed lung function abnormalities characterized by airway obstruction, hyperinflation, and diffusion impairment. Neonatal lung damage together with preterm birth may play a role in worsening the functional respiratory outcome. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:830–837. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nocturnal mouthpiece ventilation and medical hypnosis to treat severe obstructive sleep apnea in a child with cherubism
Authors: Khirani Sonia , Kadlub Natacha , Delord Vincent , Picard Arnaud , Fauroux Brigitte
Published: November 2012

A 4‐year old boy presented severe obstructive sleep apnoea due to complete nasal obstruction secondary to cherubism. Because of anticipatory anxiety due to numerous surgical interventions, medical hypnosis was proposed to facilitate non‐invasive continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPAP) acceptance. CPAP by means of an oral interface was completely accepted after three hypnosis sessions and resulted in the correction of his obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome. This report highlights the benefit of medical hypnosis in facilitating CPAP acceptance as well as the efficacy of mouthpiece ventilation in a severe form of cherubism with complete nasal obstruction. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:927–929. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of bronchopulmonary dysplasia on caregiver health related quality of life during the first 2 years of life
Authors: McGrath‐Morrow Sharon A. , Ryan Timothy , Riekert Kristin , Lefton‐Greif Maureen A. , Eakin Michelle , Collaco Joseph M.
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Preterm children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) frequently require complex home medical regimens and re‐hospitalization during the first 2 years of life. The burden of caring for these medically complex children may negatively affect caregiver health related quality of life (HRQoL). The objectives of this study were to measure caregiver HRQoL of children with BPD and to identify factors that impact caregiver HRQoL during the first 2 years of life.

Methods

Children (n = 186) were recruited from the Johns Hopkins BPD Outpatient Clinic between January 2008 and July 2011. Caregiver HRQoL was measured using The PedsQLTM Family Impact Module. Respiratory symptoms and morbidities were assessed using questionnaires.

Results

Among caregivers of BPD children, significant improvement in physical, worry, and daily domains improved longitudinally as children aged. An association was found between lower total HRQoL scores and caregivers of BPD children who reported more respiratory symptoms and acute care usage. No difference in total HRQoL scores was found between caregivers of BPD children requiring respiratory/enteral support and caregivers of children who did not. Caregiver income and educational level did not predict total HRQoL score, but Non‐White race and public insurance was associated with a higher total HRQoL score at the first outpatient visit.

Conclusion

An association was found between lower HRQoL scores and caregivers of BPD children with frequent respiratory symptoms and acute care usage. Screening for low HRQoL in caregivers of BPD children with frequent respiratory illnesses should be considered to identify those who may benefit from additional support and intervention. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:579–586. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of glucocorticoids and idebenone on respiratory function in patients with duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Buyse Gunnar M. , Goemans Nathalie , van den Hauwe Marleen , Meier Thomas
Published: November 2012

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) progressive weakness of respiratory muscles leads to a restrictive pulmonary syndrome that contributes to early morbidity and mortality. Currently no curative treatment exists for DMD. In a Phase II randomized placebo‐controlled study (DELPHI) in 21 DMD boys at age 8–16 years, idebenone (450 mg/d) showed trends of efficacy for cardiac and respiratory endpoints. Since the DELPHI study population comprised both glucocorticoid‐naïve subjects and glucocorticoid‐users, we now report a post‐hoc analysis investigating the effects of glucocorticoids and idebenone on markers of respiratory weakness, particularly peak expiratory flow (PEF) percent predicted (PEF%p). Baseline values of PEF%p correlated well with the percent predicted values for maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (MIP%p), forced vital capacity (FVC%p), and forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV1%p). Baseline PEF%p and FVC%p were significantly higher in patients on concomitant glucocorticoids compared to glucocorticoid‐naïve patients. In the latter subgroup, idebenone caused a 8.0 ± 12.1% improvement in PEF%p, whilst patients on placebo declined by −12.3 ± 17.9% (P < 0.05) in the course of the 12 month study. In patients receiving concomitant glucocorticoids, PEF%p remained stable (−0.4 ± 14.6%) in the idebenone group compared to a decline by −6.2 ± 12.4% (P = 0.24) in the placebo group. Idebenone showed a trend for efficacy on FVC%p only in glucocorticoid‐naïve patients. Because of the study limitations, these data are exploratory and preclude any firm conclusions. In conclusion, PEF appears to be a sensitive respiratory function parameter that could be a valid and clinically relevant endpoint in intervention studies in DMD. In DELPHI the effect size of idebenone on PEF%p was significantly larger in steroid‐naive patients, possibly indicating a maximum treatment effect reached by steroids or steroid‐mediated suppression of idebenone's effects. The impact of standard care glucocorticoids on respiratory function will have to be considered in the planning of future interventional trials in DMD. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:912–920. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide and wheezing phenotypes in preschool children
Authors: Oh Mi‐Ae , Shim Jung Yeon , Jung Young‐Ho , Seo Ju‐Hee , Young Kim Hyung , Kwon Ji‐Won , Kim Byoung‐Ju , Kim Hyo Bin , Kim Woo Kyung , Lee So‐Yeon , Jang Gwang Cheon , Song Dae Jin , Kim Ha‐Jung , Shin Yee‐Jin , Park Jung‐Won , Cho Sang‐Heon , Lee Joo‐Shil , Hong Soo‐Jong
Published: November 2012

Background

Asthma is a chronic lower airway inflammatory disease. Nitric oxide is an inflammatory mediator produced endogenously in the airway. Previous studies have demonstrated that the fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is increased in asthma.

Objectives

To investigate if FeNO concentrations were correlated with wheezing phenotypes in preschool children and to compare the FeNO results with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and pulmonary function test (PFT) results.

Methods

We performed skin prick tests, methacholine provocation tests, PFT, impulse oscillometry bronchodilator response (IOS BDR) tests, and FeNO measurements in 372 preschool children between the ages of 4 and 6 years. Wheezing phenotypes were defined according to the age of onset and persistency.

Results

Persistent wheezers had higher FeNO levels than transient wheezers and non‐wheezers. Among persistent wheezers, those with atopy and AHR had significantly higher FeNO levels than those without atopy or AHR. FeNO levels were significantly higher in late‐onset wheezers than early‐onset wheezers and non‐wheezers. Among late‐onset wheezers, those with atopy and AHR had a significantly higher FeNO concentration than those without atopy or AHR as well as those with either atopy or AHR. However, there were no significant differences in AHR, PFT, or IOS BDR between persistent and transient wheezers or between late‐onset wheezers and early‐onset wheezers.

Conclusion

FeNO may be a better marker for asthma phenotypes in preschool children than AHR and PFT results. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:563–570. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strain‐specific induction of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) in mice
Authors: Jackson Christopher M. , Flies Dallas B. , Mosse Claudio A. , Parwani Anil , Hipkiss Edward L. , Drake Charles G.
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Prostatitis, a clinical syndrome characterized by pelvic pain and inflammation, is common in adult males. Although several induced and spontaneous murine models of prostatitis have been explored, the role of genetic background on induction has not been well‐defined.

METHODS

Using a standard methodology for the induction of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP), we investigated both acute and chronic inflammation on several murine genetic backgrounds.

RESULTS

In our colony, nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice evinced spontaneous prostatitis that was not augmented by immunization with rat prostate extract (RPE). In contrast, the standard laboratory strain Balb/c developed chronic inflammation in response to RPE immunization. Development of EAP in other strains was variable.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that Balb/c mice injected with RPE may provide a useful model for chronic prostatic inflammation. Prostate 73: 651–656, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.