bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do High Frequency Ultrasound Images Support Clinical Skin Assessment?
Authors: Porter-Armstrong Alison P. , Adams Catherine , Moorhead Anne S. , Donnelly Jeannie , Nixon Jane , Bader Daniel L. , Lyder Courtney , Stinson May D.
Published: February 2013

High frequency ultrasound imaging has been reported as a potential method of identifying the suspected tissue damage in patients “at risk” of pressure ulceration. The aim of this study was to explore whether ultrasound images supported the clinical skin assessment in an inpatient population through identification of subcutaneous tissue damage. Skin on the heels and/or sacral coccygeal area of fifty vascular surgery inpatients was assessed clinically by tissue viability nurses and with ultrasound pre operatively and at least every other day until discharge. Images were compared to routine clinical skin assessment outcomes. Qualitative classification of ultrasound images did not match outcomes yielded through the clinical skin assessment. Images corresponding to 16 participants were classified as subgroup 3 damage at the heels (equivalent to grade 2 pressure ulceration); clinical skin assessment rated no heels as greater than grade 1a (blanching erythema). Conversely, all images captured of the sacral coccygeal area were classified as normal; the clinical skin assessment rated two participants as grade 1b (non-blanching erythema). Ultrasound imaging is a potentially useful adjunct to the clinical skin assessment in providing information about the underlying tissue. However, further longitudinal clinical assessment is required to characterise images against actual and “staged” pressure ulceration.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy prior to Radical Prostatectomy for Patients with High-Risk Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sfoungaristos Stavros , Kourmpetis Vasileios , Fokaefs Eleftherios , Perimenis Petros
Published: February 2013

High-risk prostate cancer represents a pretentious clinical problem since a significant number of its patients will relapse and progress after radical prostatectomy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be valuable since its efficacy in hormone-resistant prostate cancer has been established. In this paper, we report studies of neoadjuvant chemotherapies that have been used in high-risk patients prior to radical prostatectomy. Even though the results regarding the prognostic surrogates are not significant, the effects on clinical and pathological outcomes are promising, while toxicity in most of the studies is in the expected field.
The Closed Graph Theorem and the Space of Henstock-Kurzweil Integrable Functions with the Alexiewicz Norm
Authors: Gutiérrez Méndez Luis Ángel , Escamilla Reyna Juan Alberto , Raggi Cárdenas Maria Guadalupe , Estrada García Juan Francisco
Published: February 2013

We prove that the cardinality of the spaceℋ𝒦([a,b])is equal to the cardinality of real numbers. Based on this fact we show that there exists a norm onℋ𝒦([a,b])under which it is a Banach space. Therefore if we equipℋ𝒦([a,b])with the Alexiewicz topology thenℋ𝒦([a,b])is not K-Suslin, neither infra-(u) nor a webbed space.
Complete Mitogenomes of Euploea mulciber (Nymphalidae: Danainae) and Libythea celtis (Nymphalidae: Libytheinae) and Their Phylogenetic Implications
Authors: Hao Jiasheng , Sun Minǵe , Shi Qinghui , Sun Xiaoyan , Shao Lili , Yang Qun
Published: February 2013

The complete mitochondrial genome sequences of the two butterfly species Euploea mulciber (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae) and Libythea celtis (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Libytheinae) were determined in this study, comprising 15,166 bp and 15,164 bp, respectively. The orientation and the gene order of the two mitogenomes are identical to those of most of the other lepidopteran species. All protein-coding genes of Euploea mulciber and Libythea celtis mitogenomes start with a typical ATN codon with the exception of COI gene which uses CGA as its initial codon. All tRNA genes possess the typical cloverleaf secondary structure except for tRNASer (AGN), which has a simple loop with the absence of the DHU stem. There are short microsatellite-like repeat regions, but no conspicuous macrorepeats scattered throughout the A + T-rich regions. Phylogenetic analysis among the available butterfly species suggests that Libythea celtis (Libytheinae) is closely related to Calinaga davidis (Calinaginae), indicating that the subfamily Libytheinae may not represent a basal lineage of the Nymphalidae as previously suggested, and that Euploea mulciber stands at the base of the nymphalid tree as a sister to all other nymphalids.
Investigations of Self-Healing Property of Chitosan-Reinforced Epoxy Dye Composite Coatings
Authors: Yılmaz Atay Hüsnügül , Eral Doğan Leyla , Çelik Erdal
Published: February 2013

Chitosan has a very wide application range in different parts of life such as in biomedical and antimicrobial areas. In recent years the self-healing property of chitosan becomes more of an issue. In the study chitosan was used to obtain a self-healing composite material. An epoxy dye was converted to a self-healing coating. Different types of samples were prepared by coating the glass substrates with a polymer matrix reinforced with various amounts of chitosan. The samples were characterized by fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). In addition, self-healing test was applied as a primary objective of this research. In this respect, the samples were scratched with a very thin pin, and they were analyzed by SEM periodically. It was observed that chitosan-reinforced dyes showed self-healing property. Mechanism of the self-healing process was also scrutinized.
Age-Dependent Estimates of the Epidemiological Impact of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1-2009) in Japan
Authors: Mizumoto Kenji , Yamamoto Taro , Nishiura Hiroshi
Published: February 2013

The total number of influenza cases with medical attendance has been estimated from sentinel surveillance data in Japan under a random sampling assumption of sentinel medical institutions among the total medical institutions. The 2009 pandemic offered a research opportunity to validate the sentinel-based estimation method using the estimated proportion of infections measured by the population-wide seroepidemiological survey employing hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay. For the entire population, we estimated the age-standardized proportion of infections at 28.5% and 23.5% using cut-off values of HI titer at 1 : 20 and 1 : 40, respectively. Investigating the age profiles, we show that the estimated influenza-like illness (ILI) cases with medical attendance exceeded the estimated infections among those aged from 0 to 19 years, indicating an overestimation of the magnitude by sentinel-based estimation method. The ratio of estimated cases to estimated infections decreased as a function of age. Examining the geographic distributions, no positive correlation was identified between the estimated cases and infections. Our findings indicate a serious technical limitation of the so-called multiplier method in appropriately quantifying the risk of influenza due to limited specificity of ILI and reporting bias. A seroepidemiological study should be planned in advance of a pandemic.
Massive Scrotal Edema: An Unusual Manifestation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome
Authors: Dreifuss Stephanie E. , Manders Ernest K.
Published: February 2013

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may occur in association with obesity-hypoventilation (Pickwickian) syndrome, a disorder of ventilatory control affecting individuals with morbid obesity. Through the pressor effects of chronic hypercapnia and hypoxemia, this syndrome may result in pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure, and massive peripheral edema. We present a case of severe scrotal edema in a 36-year-old male with OSA and obesity-hypoventilation syndrome. A tracheostomy was performed to relieve hypoxemia and led to dramatic improvement of scrotal edema. No scrotal surgery was necessary. Followup at two months showed complete resolution of scrotal edema, improvement in mental status, and normalization of arterial blood gas measurements. This case demonstrates that OSA and obesity-hypoventilation syndrome may present with massive scrotal edema. Furthermore, if OSA is recognized as the cause of right heart failure, and if the apnea is corrected, the resultant improvement in cardiac function may allow reversal of massive peripheral, including scrotal, edema.
Human Thermal Comfort and Heat Stress in an Outdoor Urban Arid Environment: A Case Study
Authors: Abdel-Ghany A. M. , Al-Helal I. M. , Shady M. R.
Published: February 2013

To protect humans from heat stress risks, thermal comfort and heat stress potential were evaluated under arid environment, which had never been made for such climate. The thermal indices THI, WBGT, PET, and UTCI were used to evaluate thermal comfort and heat stress. RayMan software model was used to estimate the PET, and the UTCI calculator was used for UTCI. Dry and wet bulb temperatures (Td,Tw), natural wet bulb temperature (Tnw), and globe temperature (Tg) were measured in a summer day to be used in the calculation. The results showed the following. (i) The thermal sensation and heat stress levels can be evaluated by either the PET or UTCI scales, and both are valid for extremely high temperature in the arid environment. (ii) In the comfort zone, around 75% of individuals would be satisfied with the surrounding environment and feel comfortable during the whole day. (iii) Persons are exposed to strong heat stress and would feel uncomfortable most of the daytime in summer. (iv) Heat fatigue is expected with prolonged exposure to sun light and activity. (v) During the daytime, humans should schedule their activities according to the highest permissible values of the WBGT to avoid thermal shock.
Mechanisms of Metal Resistance and Homeostasis in Haloarchaea
Authors: Srivastava Pallavee , Kowshik Meenal
Published: February 2013

Haloarchaea are the predominant microflora of hypersaline econiches such as solar salterns, soda lakes, and estuaries where the salinity ranges from 35 to 400 ppt. Econiches like estuaries and solar crystallizer ponds may contain high concentrations of metals since they serve as ecological sinks for metal pollution and also as effective traps for river borne metals. The availability of metals in these econiches is determined by the type of metal complexes formed and the solubility of the metal species at such high salinity. Haloarchaea have developed specialized mechanisms for the uptake of metals required for various key physiological processes and are not readily available at high salinity, beside evolving resistance mechanisms for metals with high solubility. The present paper seeks to give an overview of the main molecular mechanisms involved in metal tolerance in haloarchaea and focuses on factors such as salinity and metal speciation that affect the bioavailability of metals to haloarchaea. Global transcriptomic analysis during metal stress in these organisms will help in determining the various factors differentially regulated and essential for metal physiology.
H2O2Treatment of Electrochemically Deposited Cu2O Thin Films for Enhancing Optical Absorption
Authors: Song Ying , Ichimura Masaya
Published: February 2013

Cu2O is considered to be promising as an absorber layer material of solar cells, but its band gap (about 2.1 eV) is larger than the optimum one (about 1.5 eV). CuO has a smaller band gap of about 1.35 eV. Therefore, we attempted to oxidize Cu2O using H2O2to increase oxygen ratio and decrease band gap. Cu2O thin films were deposited on indium-tin-oxide-coated glass from an aqueous solution containing CuSO4, lactic acid, and KOH by the galvanostatic electrochemical deposition at 40°C with current density of −1 mA/cm2. Then, the as-prepared copper oxide thin film was dipped in H2O2(30%) at fixed temperature to oxidize for some time. By the H2O2treatment at room temperature, the oxygen content was increased, and the band gap was decreased.
Melanoma-Targeted Chemothermotherapy andIn SituPeptide Immunotherapy through HSP Production by Using Melanogenesis Substrate, NPrCAP, and Magnetite Nanoparticles
Authors: Jimbow Kowichi , Ishii-Osai Yasue , Ito Shosuke , Tamura Yasuaki , Ito Akira , Yoneta Akihiro , Kamiya Takafumi , Yamashita Toshiharu , Honda Hiroyuki , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Murase Katsutoshi , Nohara Satoshi , Nakayama Eiichi , Hasegawa Takeo , Yamamoto Itsuo , Kobayashi Takeshi
Published: February 2013

Exploitation of biological properties unique to cancer cells may provide a novel approach to overcome difficult challenges to the treatment of advanced melanoma. In order to develop melanoma-targeted chemothermoimmunotherapy, a melanogenesis substrate, N-propionyl-4-S-cysteaminylphenol (NPrCAP), sulfur-amine analogue of tyrosine, was conjugated with magnetite nanoparticles. NPrCAP was exploited from melanogenesis substrates, which are expected to be selectively incorporated into melanoma cells and produce highly reactive free radicals through reacting with tyrosinase, resulting in chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic effects by oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death. Magnetite nanoparticles were conjugated with NPrCAP to introduce thermotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic effects through nonapoptotic cell death and generation of heat shock protein (HSP) upon exposure to alternating magnetic field (AMF). During these therapeutic processes, NPrCAP was also expected to provide melanoma-targeted drug delivery system.
Purification and Properties of White Muscle Lactate Dehydrogenase from the Anoxia-Tolerant Turtle, the Red-Eared Slider,Trachemys scripta elegans
Authors: Dawson Neal J. , Bell Ryan A. V. , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: February 2013

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; E.C. 1.1.1.27) is a crucial enzyme involved in energy metabolism in muscle, facilitating the production of ATP via glycolysis during oxygen deprivation by recycling NAD+. The present study investigated purified LDH from the muscle of 20 h anoxic and normoxicT. s. elegans, and LDH from anoxic muscle showed a significantly lower (47%)Kmfor L-lactate and a higherVmaxvalue than the normoxic form. Several lines of evidence indicated that LDH was converted to a low phosphate form under anoxia: (a) stimulation of endogenously present protein phosphatases decreased theKmof L-lactate of control LDH to anoxic levels, whereas (b) stimulation of kinases increased theKmof L-lactate of anoxic LDH to normoxic levels, and (c) dot blot analysis shows significantly less serine (78%) and threonine (58%) phosphorylation in anoxic muscle LDH as compared to normoxic LDH. The physiological consequence of anoxia-induced LDH dephosphorylation appears to be an increase in LDH activity to promote the reduction of pyruvate in muscle tissue, converting the glycolytic end product to lactate to maintain a prolonged glycolytic flux under energy-stressed anoxic conditions.
Hearing Loss and Kidney Dysfunction: Finding a Unifying Diagnosis
Authors: Iruku Praveena , Karanth Puja , Tiu Hannah , Kankam Charity , Shaheen Khaldoon
Published: February 2013

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a systemic vasculitis that affects small caliber vessels, with renal and lung compromise. Diagnosis can be challenging; timely diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent devastating complication, particularly renal failure. We present a case of a patient with microscopic polyangiitis presented with renal and pulmonary involvements with concomitant sensorineural hearing loss. We provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic keys to microscopic polyangiitis.
Piecewise-Constant-Model-Based Interior Tomography Applied to Dentin Tubules
Authors: He Peng , Wei Biao , Wang Steve , Stock Stuart R. , Yu Hengyong , Wang Ge
Published: February 2013

Dentin is a hierarchically structured biomineralized composite material, and dentin’s tubules are difficult to study in situ. Nano-CT provides the requisite resolution, but the field of view typically contains only a few tubules. Using a plate-like specimen allows reconstruction of a volume containing specific tubules from a number of truncated projections typically collected over an angular range of about 140°, which is practically accessible. Classical computed tomography (CT) theory cannot exactly reconstruct an object only from truncated projections, needless to say a limited angular range. Recently, interior tomography was developed to reconstruct a region-of-interest (ROI) from truncated data in a theoretically exact fashion via the total variation (TV) minimization under the condition that the ROI is piecewise constant. In this paper, we employ a TV minimization interior tomography algorithm to reconstruct interior microstructures in dentin from truncated projections over a limited angular range. Compared to the filtered backprojection (FBP) reconstruction, our reconstruction method reduces noise and suppresses artifacts. Volume rendering confirms the merits of our method in terms of preserving the interior microstructure of the dentin specimen.
Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis: A Review and a Report of a Rare Case
Authors: Aghili Hossein , Goldani Moghadam Mahdjoube
Published: February 2013

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare condition which manifests itself by an enlarged gingival tissue covering teeth to various extents. The condition may occur isolated or as part of a syndrome. This paper presents a case of 9-year-old female patient suffering from HGF with chief complaint of mouth protrusion. Cephalometric findings showed severe mandibular deficiency and vertical maxillary excess. Patient exhibited perioral muscle contraction on mouth closing. After discussing the treatment possibilities with the patient and her parents, the decision was made to wait until growth potential decreases (following the adolescent growth spurt) and to correct the problem with orthognathic surgery.
Melatonin Nanoparticles Adsorbed to Polyethylene Glycol Microspheres as Activators of Human Colostrum Macrophages
Authors: Hara Cristiane de Castro Pernet , Honorio-França Adenilda Cristina , Fagundes Danny Laura Gomes , Guimarães Paulo Celso Leventi , França Eduardo Luzía
Published: February 2013

The effectiveness of hormones associated with polymeric matrices has amplified the possibility of obtaining new drugs to activate the immune system. Melatonin has been reported as an important immunomodulatory agent that can improve many cell activation processes. It is possible that the association of melatonin with polymers could influence its effects on cellular function. Thus, this study verified the adsorption of the hormone melatonin to polyethylene glycol (PEG) microspheres and analyzed its ability to modulate the functional activity of human colostrum phagocytes. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analyses revealed that melatonin was able to adsorb to the PEG microspheres. This system increased the release of superoxide and intracellular calcium. There was an increase of phagocytic and microbicidal activity by colostrum phagocytes when in the presence of melatonin adsorbed to PEG microspheres. The modified delivery of melatonin adsorbed to PEG microspheres may be an additional mechanism for its microbicidal activity and represents an important potential treatment for gastrointestinal infections of newborns.
Quantitative Ultrasound Evaluation of Tumor Cell Death Response in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Sadeghi-Naini Ali , Papanicolau Naum , Falou Omar , Zubovits Judit , Dent Rebecca , Verma Sunil , Trudeau Maureen , Boileau Jean Francois , Spayne Jacqueline , Iradji Sara , Sofroni Ervis , Lee Justin , Lemon-Wong Sharon , Yaffe Martin , Kolios Michael C. , Czarnota Gregory J.
Published: February 2013

Purpose: Quantitative ultrasound techniques have been recently shown to be capable of detecting cell death through studies conducted on in vitro and in vivo models. This study investigates for the first time the potential of early detection of tumor cell death in response to clinical cancer therapy administration in patients using quantitative ultrasound spectroscopic methods.

Experimental Design: Patients (n = 24) with locally advanced breast cancer received neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatments. Ultrasound data were collected before treatment onset and at 4 times during treatment (weeks 1, 4, and 8, and preoperatively). Quantitative ultrasound parameters were evaluated for clinically responsive and nonresponding patients.

Results: Results indicated that quantitative ultrasound parameters showed significant changes for patients who responded to treatment, and no similar alteration was observed in treatment-refractory patients. Such differences between clinically and pathologically determined responding and nonresponding patients were statistically significant (P < 0.05) after 4 weeks of chemotherapy. Responding patients showed changes in parameters related to cell death with, on average, an increase in mid-band fit and 0-MHz intercept of 9.1 ± 1.2 dBr and 8.9 ± 1.9 dBr, respectively, whereas spectral slope was invariant. Linear discriminant analysis revealed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 83.3% for distinguishing nonresponding patients by the fourth week into a course of chemotherapy lasting several months.

Conclusion: This study reports for the first time that quantitative ultrasound spectroscopic methods can be applied clinically to evaluate cancer treatment responses noninvasively. The results form a basis for monitoring chemotherapy effects and facilitating the personalization of cancer treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 19(8); 2163–74. ©2013 AACR.
The Anti-CD19 Antibody–Drug Conjugate SAR3419 Prevents Hematolymphoid Relapse Postinduction Therapy in Preclinical Models of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Carol Hernan , Szymanska Barbara , Evans Kathryn , Boehm Ingrid , Houghton Peter J. , Smith Malcolm A. , Lock Richard B.
Published: February 2013

Purpose: Relapsed or refractory pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains a major cause of death from cancer in children. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of SAR3419, an antibody–drug conjugate of the maytansinoid DM4 and a humanized anti-CD19 antibody, against B-cell precursor (BCP)-ALL and infant mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) xenografts.

Experimental Design: ALL xenografts were established as systemic disease in immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice from direct patient explants. SAR3419 was administered as a single agent and in combination with an induction-type regimen of vincristine/dexamethasone/l-asparaginase (VXL). Leukemia progression and response to treatment were assessed in real-time, and responses were evaluated using strict criteria modeled after the clinical setting.

Results: SAR3419 significantly delayed the progression of 4 of 4 CD19+ BCP-ALL and 3 of 3 MLL-ALL xenografts, induced objective responses in all but one xenograft but was ineffective against T-lineage ALL xenografts. Relative surface CD19 expression across the xenograft panel significantly correlated with leukemia progression delay and objective response measure scores. SAR3419 also exerted significant efficacy against chemoresistant BCP-ALL xenografts over a large (10-fold) dose range and significantly enhanced VXL-induced leukemia progression delay in two highly chemoresistant xenografts by up to 82 days. When administered as protracted therapy following remission induction with VXL, SAR3419 prevented disease recurrence into hematolymphoid and other major organs with the notable exception of central nervous system involvement.

Conclusion: These results suggest that incorporation of SAR3419 into remission induction protocols may improve the outcome for high-risk pediatric and adult CD19+ ALL. Clin Cancer Res; 19(7); 1795–805. ©2013 AACR.
Crizotinib Induces PUMA-Dependent Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Zheng Xingnan , He Kan , Zhang Lin , Yu Jian
Published: February 2013

Oncogenic alterations in MET or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) have been identified in a variety of human cancers. Crizotinib (PF02341066) is a dual MET and ALK inhibitor and approved for the treatment of a subset of non–small cell lung carcinoma and in clinical development for other malignancies. Crizotinib can induce apoptosis in cancer cells, whereas the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we found that crizotinib induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells through the BH3-only protein PUMA. In cells with wild-type p53, crizotinib induces rapid induction of PUMA and Bim accompanied by p53 stabilization and DNA damage response. The induction of PUMA and Bim is mediated largely by p53, and deficiency in PUMA or p53, but not Bim, blocks crizotinib-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, MET knockdown led to selective induction of PUMA, but not Bim or p53. Crizotinib also induced PUMA-dependent apoptosis in p53-deficient colon cancer cells and synergized with gefitinib or sorafenib to induce marked apoptosis via PUMA in colon cancer cells. Furthermore, PUMA deficiency suppressed apoptosis and therapeutic responses to crizotinib in xenograft models. These results establish a critical role of PUMA in mediating apoptotic responses of colon cancer cells to crizotinib and suggest that mechanisms of oncogenic addiction to MET/ALK-mediated survival may be cell type-specific. These findings have important implications for future clinical development of crizotinib. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(5); 777–86. ©2013 AACR.
Fetal Cervical Teratoma: What Is the Role of Fetal MRI in Predicting Pulmonary Hypoplasia?
Authors: Wolfe Katherine , Lewis David , Witte David , Kline-Fath Beth , Lim Foong-Yen , Jaekle Ronald , Habli Mounira , Hostiuck Judith , Baregamian Naira , Keswani Sundeep , Crombleholme Timothy
Published: February 2013

Objective: To determine whether total fetal lung volumes estimated by MRI could predict lethal pulmonary hypoplasia in a cohort of fetuses with cervical teratomas. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of fetal cervical teratomas from January 1, 2005, through April 1, 2012. The primary outcome was the ability of total lung volumes measured by MRI to predict neonatal mortality specifically due to pulmonary hypoplasia. Measured lung volumes were compared to previously reported normal values. The percent of observed-to-expected lung volume and the percent predicted lung volume were calculated. The positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each variable. Results: Fetal MRI-derived total lung volumes 1 standard deviation below the median for gestational age had a positive predictive value of 100% in predicting lethal pulmonary hypoplasia. Conversely, total lung volumes above this level were uniformly associated with pulmonary survival (100% negative predictive value). Additionally, percent predicted lung volume ≤75.7 and observed-to-expected lung volume ≤68.3 were associated with lethal pulmonary hypoplasia. Conclusion: In this small cohort, MRI-estimated lung volumes were helpful in predicting the presence of pulmonary hypoplasia complicating fetal cervical teratoma.
Prophylactic Administration of Cefazolin Prior to Skin Incision versus Antibiotics at Cord Clamping in Preventing Postcesarean Infectious Morbidity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Sun Juxiang , Ding Mingxia , Liu Jinhua , Li Yurong , Sun Xinghui , Liu Tianfeng , Chen Ying , Liu Jing
Published: February 2013

Background/Aim: To summarize the published evidence of prophylactic cefazolin for cesarean delivery given before the procedure versus at cord clamping. Methods: We systematically searched the databases of PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL in the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials that compared prophylactic antibiotics with cefazolin for cesarean delivery given before the procedure versus at cord clamping. Results: Six randomized controlled trials with high quality were included in this meta-analysis. Preoperative administration significantly reduced the risk of postpartum endometritis (RR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36-0.90, p = 0.02). Preoperative administration of cefazolin was not associated with a significant reduction in the risk of wound infection (RR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.43-1.12) and urinary tract infection (RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.53-2.63). Furthermore, preoperative administration of cefazolin did not significantly affect proven neonatal sepsis (RR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.47-1.42), suspected neonatal sepsis that requires a workup (RR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.72-1.22), or neonatal intensive care unit admissions (RR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.62-1.28). Conclusion: Pooled results demonstrated that antibiotic prophylaxis with cefazolin for cesarean delivery that is given before skin incision can significantly decrease the incidence of postpartum endometritis.
Atypical Presentation of Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica: Is Chronic Inflammation a Perpetrator?
Authors: Thakur Asmitananda , Yang Tian , Chen Tianjun , Rana Netra , Zhu Bo , Wei Xiaohong , Yang Lan , Zhang Guanjun , Zhang Ming , Chen Mingwei
Published: February 2013

Objective: To report an atypical presentation of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO). Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 59-year-old man was investigated for productive cough of 1 month. An antimycobacterial combination regime was initiated with a misdiagnosis of endobronchial tuberculosis. At follow-up, the patient reported worsening of his symptoms. CT revealed an increased intensity of the cartilage ring surrounding the trachea, and bronchoscopy showed tracheal stenosis with white, hard nodules on the airway submucosa. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of TO. Conclusion: This case showed that TO should be considered in patients with cough not explained by noninvasive testing and not responsive to empiric medications.
Predicting Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Children and Adolescents: Look, Measure and Ask
Authors: Santoro Nicola , Amato Alessandra , Grandone Anna , Brienza Carmine , Savarese Piera , Tartaglione Nunzia , Marzuillo Pierluigi , Perrone Laura , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele
Published: February 2013

Objective: To verify in obese children whether or not the presence of i) high waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), ii) family history for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and iii) acanthosis nigricans (AN), singularly or together, might predict the occurrence of metabolic syndrome or prediabetes. Methods. 1,080 Italian obese children (567 females) were enrolled. Blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and lipids were measured, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. The WHtR was calculated, family history for T2D was assessed, and the presence of AN was noticed. The odds ratios for showing metabolic syndrome and/or prediabetes according to the presence of these features were calculated. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 29.2%. AN (OR1.81; p = 0.002) and WHtR higher than 0.60 (OR 2.24; p < 0.0001) were the clinical signs linked to higher risk for showing metabolic syndrome, and the odds raised significantly when these elements occurred simultaneously (OR 3.34; p < 0.0001). T2D family history (OR 2.36; p = 0.01) and WHtR higher than 0.60 (OR 2.32; p = 0.009) were the two features associated with increased odds of showing prediabetes. Conclusions: Three simple actions, i.e., looking at the patient, asking about T2D family history, and measuring WHtR, may represent a powerful tool in the hands of pediatricians to identify obese children with high cardiovascular and metabolic risk.
Sulforaphane prevents human platelet aggregation through inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway
Authors: Chuang Wen-Ying , Kung Po-Hsiung , Kuo Chih-Yun , Wu Chin-Chung
Published: February 2013

Sulforaphane, a dietary isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to exert beneficial effects in animal models of cardiovascular diseases. However, its effect on platelet aggregation, which is a critical factor in arterial thrombosis, is still unclear. In the present study, we show that sulforaphane inhibited human platelet aggregation caused by different receptor agonists, including collagen, U46619 (a thromboxane A2 mimic), protease-activated receptor 1 agonist peptide (PAR1-AP), and an ADP P2Y12 receptor agonist. Moreover, sulforaphane significantly reduced thrombus formation on a collagen-coated surface under whole blood flow conditions. In exploring the underlying mechanism, we found that sulforaphane specifically prevented phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling, without markedly affecting other signlaling pathways involved in platelet aggregation, such as protein kinase C activation, calcium mobilisation, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Although sulforaphane did not directly inhibit the catalytic activity of PI3K, it caused ubiquitination of the regulatory p85 subunit of PI3K, and prevented PI3K translocation to membranes. In addition, sulforaphane caused ubiquitination and degradation of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1), which is required for Akt activation. Therefore, sulforaphane is able to inhibit the PI3K/Akt pathway at two distinct sites. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that sulforaphane prevented platelet aggregation and reduced thrombus formation in flow conditions; our data also support that the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway by sulforaphane contributes it antiplatelet effects.
New species of Australian Pseudopallene (Pycnogonida: Callipallenidae) based on live colouration, morphology and DNA
Authors: ARANGO CLAUDIA P. , BRENNEIS GEORG
Published: February 2013

Callipallenid sea spiders are commonly found in southern Australian waters. The genera Pseudopallene and Stylopallene are frequent epibionts of arborescent bryozoan colonies of Orthoscuticella spp. and Amathia spp. Based on external morphology, colouration patterns, and sequence divergence of nuclear and mitochondrial markers, we differentiate species of Pseudopallene and Stylopallene from southeast Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria. In this paper we describe five species new to science: P. tasmania, P. gracilis, P. constricta, P. flava and P. harrisi, and propose the ‘variabilis’- complex, which is yet to be resolved based on additional material. Also, two species previously known from Southern Australia are reported as new records for Tasmania. The use of molecular data in resolving species identities of Australian Pycnogonida appears crucial, particularly in the understanding of the amazing, yet undiscovered diversity of brightly colourful callipallenid species. The genus Pseudopallene previously known from 20 species distributed in both southern and northern hemispheres now includes 14 Australian endemic species and at least one species complex yet to be resolved.
A review of the rudderfish genus Tubbia (Stromateoidei: Centrolophidae) with the description of a new species from the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: LAST PETER R. , DALEY ROSS K. , DUHAMEL GUY
Published: February 2013

A combination of morphological and molecular techniques was used to confirm the existence of a second species of the monotypic centrolophid genus Tubbia. Adults of the seamount rudderfish, T. stewarti sp. nov., which reaches about 56 cm SL, is mesopelagic at depths of 525–1438 m in the temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere. It has a confirmed dis-tribution off Australia and New Zealand where it occurs sympatrically with the wider ranging T. tasmanica Whitley. Like most other members of the group, juveniles live in the epipelagic zone where they have been taken at 30–50 m depth. The new species has a more robust head, more slender body, more flattened interorbit, longer jaws, denser head pores, rela-tively larger eyes and nostrils, narrower caudal peduncle and more vertebral centra than T. tasmanica, and also differs sub-tly in some morphometric ratios. A rediagnosis of T. tasmanica is also provided.
The Capacity of Primary Care Pediatricians to Care for Children With Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Agrawal Rishi , Shah Parag , Zebracki Kathy , Sanabria Kathy , Kohrman Claire , Kohrman Arthur F.
Published: February 2013

Objective. To measure the willingness and ability of primary care pediatricians (PCPs) to accept children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) into their practices. Methods. Surveys were mailed to 1441 members of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics practicing primary care. Results. In all, 376 physicians were eligible for analyses. When asked if they would accept additional CYSHCN, 6% selected “yes,” 34% selected “yes, with supports,” and 60% selected “no.” PCPs closer to residency or with intermediate numbers of CYSHCN in their practices were more willing to add additional CYSHCN. PCPs preparedness to care for various conditions ranged from 96% for asthma to 53% for spina bifida. Familiarity with programs ranged from 89% for Early Intervention to 4% to 22% for the state’s waiver programs. Conclusions. Most PCPs did not want additional CYSHCN in their practices. Variation exists in PCP preparation to care for varying conditions and in familiarity with supportive programs.
Brazilian test approach to minimise conditioning period and maximise ingress of harmful materials for durability of fibre-reinforced concrete
Authors: Kim B , Roque R , Kim N-H , Lee J-Y
Published: February 2013

This article compares the test results of the conventional beam approach to those of the Brazilian test related to the durability of fibre-reinforced concrete. The flexural test was found to have some limitations for durability evaluation. On the other hand, the Brazilian test was found to have unique advantages for ingress of saltwater solutions in a short period of time and obtained relatively uniform stress distributions at the failure surface. The evaluation of the rate of stiffness reduction showed that polyvinyl alcohol fibres in saltwater solutions have the weakest resistance to crack propagation and polypropylene fibres have the greatest. The observed fracture surfaces after testing were found to have a uniformly damaged surface and first cracks were exactly initiated at the centre of the crack tip.
Recycling of fiber-reinforced composites and direct structural composite recycling concept
Authors: Asmatulu Eylem , Twomey Janet , Overcash Michael
Published: February 2013

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are engineered materials commonly used for many structural applications because of the high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. Although the service life of these materials in various applications is usually between 15 and 20 years, these often keep the physical properties beyond this time. Recycling composites using chemical, mechanical, and thermal processing is reviewed in this article. In this review of carbon, aramide, and glass fiber composites, we provide, as of 2011, a complete view of each composite recycling technology, highlight the possible energy requirements, explain the product outputs of recycling, and discuss the quality (fiber strength) of recyclates and how each recyclate fiber could be used in the market for sustainable composite manufacturing. This article also includes the new concept of ‘direct structural composite recycling’ and the use of these products in the same or different applications as low-cost composite materials after small modifications.
Study of the knife stab and puncture-resistant performance for shear thickening fluid enhanced fabric
Authors: Gong Xinglong , Xu Yulei , Zhu Wei , Xuan Shouhu , Jiang Weifeng , Jiang Wanquan
Published: February 2013

This work developed a shear thickening fluid enhanced fabrics and the influence of the shear thickening fluid types on the knife stab and puncture resistance performance were investigated. The rheological properties of the shear thickening fluids were tunable by varying both the dispersing particles (silica, polymethylmethacrylate and polystyrene-ethylacrylate) and the mediums (ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 200 and polyethylene glycol 600). The mechanical properties of the shear thickening fluid reinforced fabrics were evaluated by the knife and spike drop tower testing, respectively. The hardness of the particles was the dominant factor for the knife stab resistance, while the inter-yarn friction played as the critical role for improving the puncture resistance. In comparison to neat fabric, the knife stab and puncture resistance of the shear thickening fluid-fabrics exhibited significant enhancement, which can be proven by the results of yarn pull-out testing and optical microscope images investigation. The enhancing effect was systematically discussed and the improving mechanism was analyzed. Because the influencing factors for the knife stab resistance and puncture resistance were different, the enhancing effect of the dispersing particles and the mediums for the shear thickening fluid-fabrics should be also different.
Identifying children’s friendships across diverse contexts
Authors: Fletcher Anne C. , Blair Bethany L. , Troutman David R. , Madison Karis J.
Published: February 2013

We examined the extent to which identifications of children’s friends across multiple contexts by both children and their mothers might differ from identifications made by both individuals working in concert as well as the sources of such differences. Interviews were conducted with 347 fifth-grade children and their mothers. A subset of 20 dyads also participated in qualitative interviews. Children and mothers created lists of children’s friends working separately and together. Individual completion and joint completion lists were compared to identify discrepancies. Qualitative participants reflected on sources of discrepancies. Discrepancies were predicted by ethnicity, child social problems, cross-gender and cross-ethnicity friendship status, and friendship context. Explanations for discrepancies suggested that discrepancies reflected both genuine differences in perspective and reporting error.
Initial psychometric evaluation of the Arm Activity Measure (ArmA): a measure of activity in the hemiparetic arm
Authors: Ashford Stephen , Turner-Stokes Lynne , Siegert Richard , Slade Mike
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arm Activity Measure (ArmA), a patient-reported measure of active and passive function in the paretic upper limb.

Design:

Psychometric evaluation study.

Setting:

Two specialist rehabilitation and spasticity management services.

Method:

Patients ( n = 92) with upper limb paresis were recruited from two specialist neurorehabilitation centres. Mean age 44.5 (SD 16.7). Diagnostic distribution: stroke 48 (52%); other brain injury 28 (31%); or other neurological condition 16 (17%). Evaluation of convergent and divergent validity; unidimensionality, scaling, reliability (internal consistency and test–retest); responsiveness to change and feasibility of the ArmA were undertaken.

Results:

Expected convergent and divergent relationships were seen with the Leeds Adult Spasticity Impact Scale and the Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) (rho 0.5–0.63). Principal components analysis confirmed that active and passive function formed two separate constructs in each sub-scale. Mokken analysis corroborated the findings of the principal components analysis and demonstrated scaling using the monotone homogeneity model (Item H>0.5 for all items). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.85 and 0.96, respectively, for the passive and active function subscales. Item level test–retest agreement ranged from 92-97.5% (quadratic-weighted Kappa 0.71-0.94). In the subgroup treated for spasticity with botulinum toxin ( n = 58), the ArmA passive function scale identified a significant difference between responder and non-responder groups (Mann Whitney U = 0.85, p < 0.01). Respondents reported the ArmA to be relevant (77%), easy to use (90%) and timely to complete (83% under 10 minutes).

Conclusion:

The ArmA is a valid and reliable tool feasible for use in the evaluation of upper limb function in the context of treatment for spasticity.
AM404 attenuates reinstatement of nicotine seeking induced by nicotine-associated cues and nicotine priming but does not affect nicotine- and food-taking
Authors: Gamaleddin Islam , Guranda Mihail , Scherma Maria , Fratta Walter , Makriyannis Alexandros , Vadivel Subramanian K , Goldberg Steven R , Le Foll Bernard
Published: February 2013

Multiple studies suggest a pivotal role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of the reinforcing effects of various substances of abuse. Different approaches have been used to modulate endocannabinoid neurotransmission including the use of endogenous cannabinoid anandamide reuptake inhibitors. Previously, the effects of one of them, N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonamide (AM404), have been explored in rodents trained to self-administer ethanol and heroin, producing some promising results. Moreover, AM404 attenuated the development and reinstatement of nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). In this study, we used the nicotine intravenous self-administration procedure to assess the effects of intraperitoneal administration of 0, 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg AM404 on nicotine-taking and food-taking behaviors under fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement, as well as on reinstatement of nicotine-seeking induced by nicotine priming and by presentation of nicotine-associated cues. The ability of AM404 to produce place preference was also evaluated. AM404 did not produce CPP and did not modify nicotine-taking and food-taking behaviors. In contrast, AM404 dose-dependently attenuated reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior induced by both nicotine-associated cues and nicotine priming. Our results indicate that AM404 could be a potential promising therapeutic option for the prevention of relapse to nicotine-seeking in abstinent smokers.
Boundary work between research communities: Culture and power in a French nanosciences and nanotechnology hub
Authors: Jouvenet Morgan
Published: February 2013

Today, nanoscience and nanotechnology (NS/T) is one of the most visible domains of scientific activity. Its promises rest especially on a convergence dynamics that brings various research communities closer together. This convergence is interdisciplinary, but it also renews links between applied and basic science. Nanoscale-related folk myths and economic expectations are well documented, as are interventions of policymakers. Lab-level relations have on the other hand been less studied. Based on a qualitative study conducted in one of France’s main NS/T centres, this article shows how researchers experience boundaries in the workplace. Indeed, as local physicists are prompted to plan heterogeneous projects, they stress the importance of cultural and professional distinctions between local research communities. If Shinn’s ‘regimes of knowledge production’ offer useful conceptual tools to make sense of interactions and distinctions in this science and technology hub, the cultural dimension of exchanges and resistances has nevertheless to be emphasized in this framework. For the interviewed scientists, professional boundary work has furthermore a clear political meaning, while their collective rhetoric is also a way to claim credit in the local competition for institutional favours.