bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Paget Bicentenary: An Australian perspective
Authors: Toodayan Nadeem
Published: June 2014

The year 2014 marks the bicentenary of the birth of Sir James Paget (1814–1899), the celebrated English surgeon and pathologist. Although best known for his work on bone and breast disease, Paget also played an important role in the institution of Australia’s first medical school. In this article, that involvement and Paget’s other antipodean influences are summarised. The naming of Paget’s disease of the bone is also discussed.
What remains of the theory of demand management in a globalising world?
Authors: Bhaduri Amit
Published: June 2014

This article explains a curious redirection of economic policies that uses the policy framework of Kalecki and Keynes only to undermine it. It does not negate their theory of demand management, but reformulates it to serve the powerful interests of finance in the era of financial globalisation. As a result, accountability to finance rather than to the citizens becomes more important for democratic governments, and credit rating dominates democratic performance.
Understanding Australian ethnic minority artists’ careers
Authors: Le Huong , Jogulu Uma , Rentschler Ruth
Published: June 2014

This article examines the degree to which Australian ethnic minority artists possess or do not possess the career capitals necessary to develop their artistic journey. We listened to stories of career experiences that show how artists learn to negotiate their way by developing their career paths. The study found that ethnic minority artists possess more cultural capital than economic and social capitals, thus limiting their career to attain hierarchy and power in creative institutions. Ethnic minority artists can use strategies to manage career, boosting economic, social capitals and to a lesser extent cultural capital. This article adds to the current literature on the utility of Bourdieu’s forms of capital, contextualising voices of artists to account for their experiences in managing the process of advancement which both facilitates and limits their career-related opportunities.
The Affective Effect on Political Judgment
Authors: Wu H. Denis , Coleman Renita
Published: June 2014

This study examines the impact of affect on candidate evaluation and voting intention by conducting an experiment using three treatments: positive, negative, and neutral nonverbal expressions of a fictional congressional office-seeker. Three issues were addressed in the TV interviews. Results show that candidate image exerts a stronger influence on viewers’ voting intention than the candidate’s stance on issues, controlling for viewers’ prior attitudes toward those issues. In addition, negative affect is more powerful than positive, reinforcing the belief that making a good impression will not help a candidate as much as a bad impression will hurt.
Analysis of the Influencing Factors Associated With Being Designated Alternate Level of Care
Authors: Barnable Alexia , Welsh Darlene , Lundrigan Elaine , Davis Cynthia
Published: June 2014

A health care organization within the Western region of Newfoundland and Labrador has been experiencing high levels of alternate level of care (ALC) cases and days within their acute care units. The majority of these individuals are older adults. The overall goal of this mixed-methods study was to identify factors for becoming designated ALC and to present recommendations for early intervention. This research found that older female adults with co-morbid conditions who access emergency medical services often are admitted to a hospital. The authors also found that once these patients are admitted to an acute care unit, they tend to experience functional decline that may also result in being designated ALC. This study outlines recommendations that may prevent patients from being designated ALC.
Identifying individuals with multiple sclerosis in an electronic medical record
Authors: Krysko Kristen M , Ivers Noah M , Young Jacqueline , O’Connor Paul , Tu Karen
Published: June 2014

Background:

The increasing use of electronic medical records (EMRs) presents an opportunity to efficiently evaluate and improve quality of care for individuals with MS.

Objectives:

We aimed to establish an algorithm to identify individuals with MS within EMRs.

Methods:

We used a sample of 73,003 adult patients from 83 primary care physicians in Ontario using the Electronic Medical Record Administrative data Linked Database (EMRALD). A reference standard of 247 individuals with MS was identified through chart abstraction. The accuracy of identifying individuals with MS in an EMR was assessed using information in the cumulative patient profile (CPP), prescriptions and physician billing codes.

Results:

An algorithm identifying MS in the CPP performed well with 91.5% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 98.7% PPV and 100% NPV. The addition of prescriptions for MS-specific medications and physician billing code 340 used four times within any 12-month timeframe slightly improved the sensitivity to 92.3% with a PPV of 97.9%.

Conclusions:

Data within an EMR can be used to accurately identify patients with MS. This study has positive implications for clinicians, researchers and policy makers as it provides the potential to identify cohorts of MS patients in the primary care setting to examine quality of care.
The impact of social support on postpartum depression: The mediator role of self-efficacy
Authors: Zhang Yanjun , Jin Shenghua
Published: June 2014

This study aimed to investigate the impact of perceived social support on the depression of postpartum women, and mainly focuses on confirming the mediator role of self-efficacy. A total of 427 new mothers from two general hospitals in Beijing accomplished the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, General Self-efficacy Scale, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The results revealed that both social support and self-efficacy significantly correlate with postpartum depression. Structural equation modeling indicated that self-efficacy partially mediates the relationship between social support and postpartum depression.
Judgments of social awkwardness from brief exposure to children with and without high-functioning autism
Authors: Grossman Ruth B
Published: June 2014

We form first impressions of many traits based on very short interactions. This study examines whether typical adults judge children with high-functioning autism to be more socially awkward than their typically developing peers based on very brief exposure to still images, audio-visual, video-only, or audio-only information. We used video and audio recordings of children with and without high-functioning autism captured during a story-retelling task. Typically developing adults were presented with 1 s and 3 s clips of these children, as well as still images, and asked to judge whether the person in the clip was socially awkward. Our findings show that participants who are naïve to diagnostic differences between the children in the clips judged children with high-functioning autism to be socially awkward at a significantly higher rate than their typically developing peers. These results remain consistent for exposures as short as 1 s to visual and/or auditory information, as well as for still images. These data suggest that typical adults use subtle nonverbal and non-linguistic cues produced by children with high-functioning autism to form rapid judgments of social awkwardness with the potential for significant repercussions in social interactions.
Limitations in social anticipation are independent of imaginative and Theory of Mind abilities in children with autism but not in typically developing children
Authors: Angus Douglas Jozef , de Rosnay Marc , Lunenburg Patty , Meerum Terwogt Mark , Begeer Sander
Published: June 2014

Anticipating future interactions is characteristic of our everyday social experiences, yet has received limited empirical attention. Little is known about how children with autism spectrum disorder, known for their limitations in social interactive skills, engage in social anticipation. We asked children with autism spectrum disorder and their typically developing counterparts to consider an interaction with another person in the near future. Our results suggest that children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children performed similarly when anticipating the age, gender, and possible questions of another person, but children with autism spectrum disorder struggled more to anticipate what they would say in response to an anticipated interaction. Furthermore, such responses were robustly associated with imaginative capacities in typically developing children but not children with autism spectrum disorder. Our findings suggest that the cognitive mechanisms of social anticipation may differ between these groups.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in youth with an autism spectrum disorder: A follow-up study
Authors: Selles Robert R , Arnold Elysse B , Phares Vicky , Lewin Adam B , Murphy Tanya K , Storch Eric A
Published: June 2014

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in youth with an autism spectrum disorder appears efficacious; however, maintenance of treatment gains has not yet been studied. Using a sample of 32 youth who had benefited at least minimally from a past trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in autism spectrum disorder, this study assessed anxiety symptoms in youth 10–26 months following treatment completion. Compared to baseline, follow-up scores were associated with large effects for treatment. Relative to post-treatment, a small effect for return in symptoms was present and significantly fewer individuals were rated as responders at follow-up. Future studies should investigate factors associated with poor treatment maintenance and modifications or additions to treatment that may help maintain treatment gains.
Two-phase optimal path planning of autonomous ground vehicles using pseudo-spectral method
Authors: Mashadi Behrooz , Majidi Majid
Published: June 2014

In this paper, an optimal path-planning method is proposed for autonomous ground vehicles in case of overtaking a moving obstacle by the application of a two-phase optimal-control problem. When the autonomous vehicle detects a moving vehicle in a proper speed and distance ahead, it decides to overtake the obstacle by executing a double-lane change manoeuvre. The path for the overtaking manoeuvre is generated by a two-phase optimal path-planning problem. The cost function of the first phase is defined in such a way that the vehicle approaches the obstacle as close as possible. In the second phase, the cost function is defined as sum of the vehicle lateral deviation from the reference path and the rate of steering angle. At the same time, the lateral acceleration of the vehicle must not exceed a specified limit. The radio pseudo-spectral method, which is a method for direct trajectory optimization using global collocation at Legendre–Gauss–Radau points, is applied for solving the two-phase nonlinear optimal-control problem. A full nonlinear vehicle model in CarSim software is used for path-tracking simulation by importing path data from a MATLAB code. The simulation results show that the generated path for the autonomous vehicle satisfies all vehicle-dynamics constraints and hence is applicable for a real autonomous vehicle.
An improved ensemble empirical mode decomposition method and its application to pressure pulsation analysis of hydroelectric generator unit
Authors: Xue Xiaoming , Zhou Jianzhong , Zhang Yongchuan , Zhang Weibo , Zhu Wenlong
Published: June 2014

The noise-assisted method of ensemble empirical mode decomposition represents a significant improvement over the original empirical mode decomposition for eliminating the mode mixing problem. However, the ensemble empirical mode decomposition method will generate some additional problems, including the contamination of the residue noise in the signal reconstruction and the high computational cost. In this work, an improved ensemble empirical mode decomposition method, combining the complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition and a time-saving ensemble empirical mode decomposition method by over-sampling the investigated signal, is proposed to solve these problems. By using the proposed method, the residue of the added white noise in the signal reconstruction can be eliminated completely by adding white noises in pairs with positive and negative signs to the targeted signal, and the computational cost can be saved drastically by processing the original signal with the cubic spline interpolation technique. Two simulation signals have been used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in this article. The analysis results indicate that this method has good performance in eliminating the residue noise and reducing the costing time, which also provides more accurate decomposition results than the original ensemble empirical mode decomposition. Finally, the application to the feature extraction of pressure pulsation signal of hydroelectric generator unit shows that the proposed method has strong practicability.
Conceptualizing radicalization in a market for loyalties
Authors: Powers Shawn Mathew
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this analysis is to locate radicalization – the process of developing extremist ideologies and beliefs – in the broader context of strategic actors (e.g. states) competing for legitimacy in transnational public spheres. Radicalization is distinct from both terrorism and violent extremism, though it is often a precursor to the use of terrorist tactics and can be critical for creating broad support for extremist movements and behaviors. The primary concern here is not terrorism per se, but rather how strategic actors compete to radicalize communities against the established organs and apparatuses of a given society. Borrowing from Price’s (1994) model of the market for loyalties, the author proposes that radicalization is best understood as within the context of the nation-state system, shaped by the existence of unsanctioned, typically foreign information flows. Governments are increasingly intervening into this space, both to shore up loyalty among their domestic citizenry and to engage foreign citizens in ways that weaken their allegiances to their own governments. Emerging media technologies provide new structures for ideological transfer, enabling states and non-state actors to compete for influence in a more balanced, transnational, ideational playing field. The stakes are significant, of course, with citizens clamoring for more transparent, fair and efficacious governance and increasingly threatening the legitimacy of states around the world.
Cystolithotripsy using the Holmium laser: Evolving uses for the laser lithotrite
Authors: Mains Edward AA , Carrera Ashley , Ramsay Alison , Halsall Andrew , Nalagatla Sarath K
Published: June 2014

Objective:

The optimal management of bladder stones remains unclear, with a range of approaches described. We aim to describe our results using Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy for the management of bladder stones.

Patients and methods:

Data were collected prospectively on 20 (19 male, one female) patients undergoing laser lithotripsy for bladder calculi at a single centre from February 2013 to February 2014. The mean patient age was 69.75 years (range 51–87). Patient demographics, stone size, operative details and post-operative events and hospital stay were recorded. A 365 or 550 micron Holmium:YAG laser fibre, with a power setting of 1.0J and a frequency of 10Hz was used in all cases.

Results:

The mean stone size was 2.2cm (1–4cm). The mean operative time was 32.85 min (15–70 min). Operative time correlated positively with stone size ( r=0.74). Three patients underwent laser stone fragmentation followed by transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) during the same anaesthetic. Visibility remained clear in all these patients during lithotripsy, allowing complete fragmentation and stone clearance. Intra-operative bleeding was noted during the TURP procedure as expected. There were two episodes of self-limiting post-operative pyrexia but no reported cases of post-operative sepsis. Apart from the three patients undergoing TURP, there were no cases of post-operative bleeding and no cases required blood transfusion. Stone clearance was complete after a single procedure in 100% of cases. The mean hospital stay was 2.5 days (1–7 days), with a mean post-operative stay of 1.8 days.

Conclusion:

Laser lithotripsy offers a safe and effective management option for bladder stones, including those which are large and hard. It offers the key benefit of lithotripsy under direct vision, with no recorded mucosal injury in our series and thus no intra-operative or post-operative haematuria (outside of the TURP group).
Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma in an Essentially Asymptomatic Young Woman
Authors: Hill Donald S. , Hill Jeffrey
Published: June 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary malignancy of the liver, with a poor 5-year survival rate of only 15% to 20%. This article presents a case of a large hepatocellular carcinoma in an essentially asymptomatic young woman in good health. She had no history of any of the traditional risk factors of hepatitis, alcoholism, hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, or diabetes. Sonographic diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography–guided biopsy.
Social networking of human neutrophils within the immune system
Authors: Scapini Patrizia , Cassatella Marco A.
Published: June 2014

It is now widely recognized that neutrophils are highly versatile and sophisticated cells that display de novo synthetic capacity and may greatly extend their lifespan. In addition, concepts such as “neutrophil heterogeneity” and “neutrophil plasticity” have started to emerge, implying that, under pathological conditions, neutrophils may differentiate into discrete subsets defined by distinct phenotypic and functional profiles. A number of studies have shown that neutrophils act as effectors in both innate and adaptive immunoregulatory networks. In fact, once recruited into inflamed tissues, neutrophils engage into complex bidirectional interactions with macrophages, natural killer, dendritic and mesenchymal stem cells, B and T lymphocytes, or platelets. As a result of this cross-talk, mediated either by contact-dependent mechanisms or cell-derived soluble factors, neutrophils and target cells reciprocally modulate their survival and activation status. Altogether, these novel aspects of neutrophil biology have shed new light not only on the potential complex roles that neutrophils play during inflammation and immune responses, but also in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory disorders including infection, autoimmunity, and cancer.
Functional deficiency of NBN, the Nijmegen breakage syndrome protein, in a p.R215W mutant breast cancer cell line
Authors: Schröder-Heurich Bianca , Bogdanova Natalia , Wieland Britta , Xie Xiaoxi , Noskowicz Monika , Park-Simon Tjoung-Won , Hillemanns Peter , Christiansen Hans , Dörk Thilo
Published: June 2014

Background

Mutations in NBN, the gene for Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome (NBS), are thought to predispose women to developing breast cancer, but a breast cancer cell line containing mutations in NBN has not yet been described. The p.R215W missense mutation occurs at sub-polymorphic frequencies in several populations. We aimed to investigate its functional impact in breast cancer cells from a carrier of this NBN mutation.

Methods

Breast cancer cell lines were screened by immunoblotting for NBN protein levels, and the NBN coding region was sequenced for mutation analysis. Radiosensitivity assays and functional studies were performed through immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting, and flow cytometry was employed to assess cell cycle progression. Impedance measurements were used to study the consequences of PARP1 inhibition. Statistical comparisons between cell lines were performed using t-tests.

Results

HCC1395 breast cancer cells exhibited reduced NBN protein levels. Direct sequencing identified the NBN p.R215W mutation in the hemizygous state, in addition to a truncation in BRCA1. Mutations in both genes were already present in the heterozygous state in the patient’s germline. HCC1395 cells were highly radiosensitive, susceptible to apoptosis and were deficient in the formation of NBN foci. There was also evidence for some impairment in the formation of γH2AX, MDC1, and 53BP1 foci after irradiation; these foci appeared smaller and irregular compared with repair foci in wild-type cells, although ATM signalling was largely unaffected. In line with their deficiency in NBN and BRCA1, HCC1395 cells were particularly sensitive to PARP1 inhibition.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the p.R215W mutation in the HCC1395 breast cancer cell line impairs NBN function, making this cell line a potentially useful cellular model for studying defective NBN protein within a mutant BRCA1 background.
Public funding and private investment for R&D: a survey in China’s pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Qiu Lan , Chen Zi-Ya , Lu Deng-Yu , Hu Hao , Wang Yi-Tao
Published: June 2014

Background

In recent years, China has experienced tremendous growth in its pharmaceutical industry. Both the Chinese government and private investors are motivated to invest into pharmaceutical research and development (R&D). However, studies regarding the different behaviors of public and private investment in pharmaceutical R&D are scarce. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the current situation of public funding and private investment into Chinese pharmaceutical R&D.

Methods

The primary data used in the research were obtained from the China High-tech Industry Statistics Yearbook (2002–2012) and China Statistical Yearbook of Science and Technology (2002–2012). We analyzed public funding and private investment in five aspects: total investment in the industry, funding sources of the whole industry, differences between provinces, difference in subsectors, and private equity/venture capital investment.

Results

The vast majority of R&D investment was from private sources. There is a significantly positive correlation between public funding and private investment in different provinces of China. However, public funding was likely to be invested into less developed provinces with abundant natural herbal resources. Compared with the chemical medicine subsector, traditional Chinese medicine and biopharmaceutical subsectors obtained more public funding. Further, the effect of the government was focused on private equity and venture capital investment although private fund is the mainstream of this type of investment.

Conclusions

Public funding and private investment play different but complementary roles in pharmaceutical R&D in China. While being less than private investment, public funding shows its significance in R&D investment. With rapid growth of the industry, the pharmaceutical R&D investment in China is expected to increase steadily from both public and private sources.
Nanofibrous scaffolds in biomedical applications
Authors: Gupta Kailash Chandra , Haider Adnan , Choi Yu-ri , Kang Inn-kyu
Published: June 2014

Nanofibrous scaffolds are artificial extracellular matrices which provide natural environment for tissue formation. In comparison to other forms of scaffolds, the nanofibrous scaffolds promote cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation more efficiently due to having high surface to volume ratio. Although scaffolds for tissue engineering have been fabricated by various techniques but electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds have shown great potential in the fields of tissue engineering and regeneration. This review highlights the applications and importance of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds in various fields of biomedical applications ranging from drug delivery to wound healing. Attempts have also been made to highlights the advantages and disadvantages of nanofirbous scaffolds fabricated for biomedical applications using technique of electrospinning. The role of various factors controlling drug distribution in electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds is also discussed to increase the therapeutic efficiency of nanofibrous scaffolds in wound healing and drug delivery applications.
The biological effects of higher and lower positive end-expiratory pressure in pulmonary and extrapulmonary acute lung injury with intra-abdominal hypertension
Authors: Santos Cíntia Lourenco , Moraes Lillian , Santos Raquel Souza , dos Santos Samary Cynthia , Silva Johnatas Dutra , Morales Marcelo Marcos , Capelozzi Vera Lucia , de Abreu Marcelo Gama , Schanaider Alberto , Silva Pedro Leme , Garcia CristianeSousaNascimento Baez , Pelosi Paolo , Rocco PatriciaRieken Macedo
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Mechanical ventilation with high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) has been used in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH), but the role of PEEP in minimizing lung injury remains controversial. We hypothesized that in the presence of acute lung injury (ALI) with IAH: 1) higher PEEP levels improve pulmonary morphofunction and minimize lung injury; and 2) the biological effects of higher PEEP are more effective in extrapulmonary (exp) than pulmonary (p) ALI.

Methods

In 48 adult male Wistar rats, ALIp and ALIexp were induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide intratracheally and intraperitoneally, respectively. After 24 hours, animals were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated (tidal volume of 6 mL/kg). IAH (15 mmHg) was induced and rats randomly assigned to PEEP of 5 (PEEP5), 7 (PEEP7) or 10 (PEEP10) cmH2O for 1 hour.

Results

In both ALIp and ALIexp, higher PEEP levels improved oxygenation. PEEP10 increased alveolar hyperinflation and epithelial cell damage compared to PEEP5, independent of ALI etiology. In ALIp, PEEP7 and PEEP10 increased lung elastance compared to PEEP5 (4.3 ± 0.7 and 4.3 ± 0.9 versus 3.1 ± 0.3 cmH2O/mL, respectively, P <0.01), without changes in alveolar collapse, interleukin-6, caspase-3, type III procollagen, receptor for advanced glycation end-products, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expressions. Moreover, PEEP10 increased diaphragmatic injury compared to PEEP5. In ALIexp, PEEP7 decreased lung elastance and alveolar collapse compared to PEEP5 (2.3 ± 0.5 versus 3.6 ± 0.7 cmH2O/mL, P <0.02, and 27.2 (24.7 to 36.8) versus 44.2 (39.7 to 56.9)%, P <0.05, respectively), while PEEP7 and PEEP10 increased interleukin-6 and type III procollagen expressions, as well as type II epithelial cell damage compared to PEEP5.

Conclusions

In the current models of ALI with IAH, in contrast to our primary hypothesis, higher PEEP is more effective in ALIp than ALIexp as demonstrated by the activation of biological markers. Therefore, higher PEEP should be used cautiously in the presence of IAH and ALI, mainly in ALIexp.
Continuous glucose control in the ICU: report of a 2013 round table meeting
Authors: Wernerman Jan , Desaive Thomas , Finfer Simon , Foubert Luc , Furnary Anthony , Holzinger Ulrike , Hovorka Roman , Joseph Jeffrey , Kosiborod Mikhail , Krinsley James , Mesotten Dieter , Nasraway Stanley , Rooyackers Olav , Schultz Marcus J , Van Herpe Tom , Vigersky Robert A , Preiser Jean-Charles
Published: June 2014

Achieving adequate glucose control in critically ill patients is a complex but important part of optimal patient management. Until relatively recently, intermittent measurements of blood glucose have been the only means of monitoring blood glucose levels. With growing interest in the possible beneficial effects of continuous over intermittent monitoring and the development of several continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, a round table conference was convened to discuss and, where possible, reach consensus on the various aspects related to glucose monitoring and management using these systems. In this report, we discuss the advantages and limitations of the different types of devices available, the potential advantages of continuous over intermittent testing, the relative importance of trend and point accuracy, the standards necessary for reporting results in clinical trials and for recognition by official bodies, and the changes that may be needed in current glucose management protocols as a result of a move towards increased use of CGM. We close with a list of the research priorities in this field, which will be necessary if CGM is to become a routine part of daily practice in the management of critically ill patients.
Biodegradation of high concentrations of halomethanes by a fermentative enrichment culture
Authors: Shan Huifeng , Wang Han , Yu Rong , Jacob Priya , Freedman David L
Published: June 2014

A fermentative enrichment culture (designated DHM-1) that grows on corn syrup was evaluated for its ability to cometabolically biodegrade high concentrations of chloroform (CF), carbon tetrachloride (CT), and trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11). When provided with corn syrup and vitamin B12 (0.03 mol B12 per mol CF), DHM-1 grew and biodegraded up to 2,000 mg/L of CF in 180 days, with only minor transient accumulation of dichloromethane and chloromethane. CT (15 mg/L) and CFC-11 (25 mg/L) were also biodegraded without significant accumulation of halomethane daughter products. The rate of CF biodegradation followed a Michaelis-Menten-like pattern with respect to the B12 concentration; one-half the maximum rate (66 mg CF/L/d) occurred at 0.005 mol B12 per mol CF. DHM-1 was able to biodegrade 500 mg/L of CF at an inoculum level as low as 10−8 mg protein/L. The highest rate of CF biodegradation occurred at pH 7.7; activity decreased substantially below pH 6.0. DHM-1 biodegraded mixtures of CT, CFC-11, and CF, although CFC-11 inhibited CF biodegradation. Evidence for compete defluorination of CFC-11 was obtained based on a fluoride mass balance. Overall, the results suggest that DHM-1 may be effective for bioaugmentation in source zones contaminated with thousands of milligrams per liter of CF and tens of milligrams per liter of CT and CFC-11.
Activation of the Dopamine Receptor Type-2 (DRD2) Promoter by 9-Cis Retinoic Acid in a Cellular Model of Cushing's Disease Mediates the Inhibition of Cell Proliferation and ACTH Secretion Without a Complete Corticotroph-to-Melanotroph Transdifferentiation
Authors: Occhi Gianluca , Regazzo Daniela , Albiger Nora Maria , Ceccato Filippo , Ferasin Sergio , Scanarini Massimo , Denaro Luca , Cosma Chiara , Plebani Mario , Cassarino Maria Francesca , Mantovani Giovanna , Stalla Günter K. , Pecori Giraldi Francesca , Paez-Pareda Marcelo , Scaroni Carla
Published: June 2014

Cushing's disease (CD) is a rare condition in which hypercortisolemia is secondary to excessive ACTH release from a pituitary corticotroph adenoma. CD is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and a safe therapy that effectively targets the pituitary tumor is still lacking. Retinoic acid (RA) and dopamine agonists (DAs) have recently been considered as monotherapy in CD patients, and satisfactory results have been reported, albeit in a limited number of patients. Given the permissive role of RA on the dopamine receptor type-2 (DRD2), the aim of the present study was to see whether a combination of 9-cis RA and the DA bromocriptine (Br) might represent a possible treatment for CD. Here we show that 9-cis RA induces a functional DRD2 in the pituitary corticotroph cell line AtT20, and increases cell sensitivity to Br via a mechanism only partially related to corticotroph-to-melanotroph transdifferentiation. In addition, 9-cis RA and Br act synergistically to modulate cell viability, with favorable implications for clinical use. In nearly 45% of corticotropinoma-derived primary cultures, the combined administration of 9-cis RA and Br lowered the steady-state level of the ACTH precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC) more efficiently than either of the drugs alone. In conclusion, the effects of a combination of 9-cis RA and Br on ACTH synthesis/secretion and cell viability in AtT20, and on POMC transcriptional activity in human corticotropinomas might represent a suitable starting point for assessing the potential of this treatment regimen for ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas. This study thus has potentially important implications for novel therapeutic approaches to CD.
The Prostate Cancer TMPRSS2:ERG Fusion Synergizes With the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) to Induce CYP24A1 Expression-Limiting VDR Signaling
Authors: Kim Jung-Sun , Roberts Justin M. , Bingman William E. , Shao Longjiang , Wang Jianghua , Ittmann Michael M. , Weigel Nancy L.
Published: June 2014

A number of preclinical studies have shown that the activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) reduces prostate cancer (PCa) cell and tumor growth. The majority of human PCas express a transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2):erythroblast transformation-specific (ETS) fusion gene, but most preclinical studies have been performed in PCa models lacking TMPRSS2:ETS in part due to the limited availability of model systems expressing endogenous TMPRSS2:ETS. The level of the active metabolite of vitamin D, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D), is controlled in part by VDR-dependent induction of cytochrome P450, family 24, subfamily 1, polypeptide1 (CYP24A1), which metabolizes 1,25D to an inactive form. Because ETS factors can cooperate with VDR to induce rat CYP24A1, we tested whether TMPRSS2:ETS would cause aberrant induction of human CYP24A1 limiting the activity of VDR. In TMPRSS2:ETS positive VCaP cells, depletion of TMPRSS2:ETS substantially reduced 1,25D-mediated CYP24A1 induction. Artificial expression of the type VI+72 TMPRSS2:ETS isoform in LNCaP cells synergized with 1,25D to greatly increase CYP24A1 expression. Thus, one of the early effects of TMPRSS2:ETS in prostate cells is likely a reduction in intracellular 1,25D, which may lead to increased proliferation. Next, we tested the net effect of VDR action in TMPRSS2:ETS containing PCa tumors in vivo. Unlike previous animal studies performed on PCa tumors lacking TMPRSS2:ETS, EB1089 (seocalcitol) (a less calcemic analog of 1,25D) did not inhibit the growth of TMPRSS2:ETS containing VCaP tumors in vivo, suggesting that the presence of TMPRSS2:ETS may limit the growth inhibitory actions of VDR. Our findings suggest that patients with TMPRSS2:ETS negative tumors may be more responsive to VDR-mediated growth inhibition and that TMPRSS2:ETS status should be considered in future clinical trials.
Characterization of Neural Estrogen Signaling and Neurotrophic Changes in the Accelerated Ovarian Failure Mouse Model of Menopause
Authors: Van Kempen Tracey A. , Gorecka Jolanta , Gonzalez Andreina D. , Soeda Fumio , Milner Teresa A. , Waters Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2014

Accelerated ovarian failure (AOF) can be induced in young mice with low doses of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD), modeling the hormone changes observed across menopause. We assessed markers of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, anxiety-like behavior, and spatial learning longitudinally at 4 time points across the AOF model: premenopause, early perimenopause, late perimenopause, and postmenopause (POST). As others have shown, VCD administration decreased ovarian follicle counts and increased acyclicity as the model progressed to POST but with no impact on organ or body weights. The morphology of Iba1 immunoreactive microglia did not differ between vehicle- and VCD-administered mice. Hippocampal postsynaptic density 95 levels were minimally altered across the AOF model but decreased at POST in CA3b 24 hours after exogenous estradiol benzoate (EB). In contrast, hippocampal phosphorylated AKT levels transiently decreased in premenopause but increased at POST after 24 hours of EB in select subregions. Electron microscopy revealed fewer estrogen receptor α containing dendritic spines and terminals in CA1 stratum radiatum at POST. mRNA levels of most brain-derived neurotrophic factor exons (except V and VI) were lower in POST compared with ovariectomized mice. Exon V was sensitive to 24 hours of EB administration in POST-VCD. Anxiety-like behavior was unaffected at any menopause phase. Spatial learning was unaffected in all groups, but POST-VCD mice performed below chance. Our results suggest that the AOF model is suitable for longitudinal studies of neurobiological changes across the menopause transition in mice. Our findings also point to complex interactions between estrogen receptors and pathways involved in synaptic plasticity.
The microRNA bantam regulates a developmental transition in epithelial cells that restricts sensory dendrite growth
Authors: Jiang Nan , Soba Peter , Parker Edward , Kim Charles C. , Parrish Jay Z.
Published: June 2014

As animals grow, many early born structures grow by cell expansion rather than cell addition; thus growth of distinct structures must be coordinated to maintain proportionality. This phenomenon is particularly widespread in the nervous system, with dendrite arbors of many neurons expanding in concert with their substrate to sustain connectivity and maintain receptive field coverage as animals grow. After rapidly growing to establish body wall coverage, dendrites of Drosophila class IV dendrite arborization (C4da) neurons grow synchronously with their substrate, the body wall epithelium, providing a system to study how proportionality is maintained during animal growth. Here, we show that the microRNA bantam (ban) ensures coordinated growth of C4da dendrites and the epithelium through regulation of epithelial endoreplication, a modified cell cycle that entails genome amplification without cell division. In Drosophila larvae, epithelial endoreplication leads to progressive changes in dendrite-extracellular matrix (ECM) and dendrite-epithelium contacts, coupling dendrite/substrate expansion and restricting dendrite growth beyond established boundaries. Moreover, changes in epithelial expression of cell adhesion molecules, including the beta-integrin myospheroid (mys), accompany this developmental transition. Finally, endoreplication and the accompanying changes in epithelial mys expression are required to constrain late-stage dendrite growth and structural plasticity. Hence, modulating epithelium-ECM attachment probably influences substrate permissivity for dendrite growth and contributes to the dendrite-substrate coupling that ensures proportional expansion of the two cell types.
A conserved transcriptional network regulates lamina development in the Drosophila visual system
Authors: Piñeiro Cristina , Lopes Carla S. , Casares Fernando
Published: June 2014

The visual system of insects is a multilayered structure composed externally by the compound eye and internally by the three ganglia of the optic lobe: lamina, medulla and the lobula complex. The differentiation of lamina neurons depends heavily on Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, which is delivered by the incoming photoreceptor axons, and occurs in a wave-like fashion. Despite the primary role of lamina neurons in visual perception, it is still unclear how these neurons are specified from neuroepithelial (NE) progenitors. Here we show that a homothorax (hth)-eyes absent (eya)-sine oculis (so)-dachshund (dac) gene regulatory cassette is involved in this specification. Lamina neurons differentiate from NE progenitors that express hth, eya and so. One of the first events in the differentiation of lamina neurons is the upregulation of dac expression in response to Hh signaling. We show that this dac upregulation, which marks the transition from NE progenitors into lamina precursors, also requires Eya/So, the expression of which is locked in by mutual feedback. dac expression is crucial for lamina differentiation because it ensures repression of hth, a negative regulator of single-minded, and thus dac allows further lamina neuron differentiation. Therefore, the specification of lamina neurons is controlled by coupling the cell-autonomous hth-eya-so-dac regulatory cassette to Hh signaling.
The role of plain radiography in the management of suspected orbital blow-out fractures.
Authors: Bhattacharya J , Moseley I F , Fells P
Published: June 2014

We reviewed the indications for radiography and its impact on management in 100 consecutive patients referred to the Radiology Department from the Accident and Emergency Department of a large eye hospital in order to assess the utility of orbital plain radiographs in patients suspected of having blow-out fractures. We assessed whether administration of antibiotics or referral for surgical or orthoptic treatment was influenced by clinical features, radiographic findings or both. Ophthalmologists interpreting the radiographs appeared to be guided by the presence or absence of physical signs. No patient in whom they overlooked a fracture which was not evident clinically was subsequently referred for surgery. All patients who did have surgery for complications of a blow-out fracture underwent pre-operative computed tomography. Neither referral for orthoptic treatment nor administration of systemic antibiotics was consistently influenced by the presence or absence of a fracture. Given these findings, and the observation that the decision to operate was guided exclusively by clinical rather than radiological criteria, we recommend that only patients with well-defined indications for surgery (enophthalmos of more than 2 mm at any time within the first 6 weeks following the injury, and/or diplopia in the primary and/or downgaze reading positions not showing evidence of resolving within 2 weeks of the injury) should undergo radiography.
Spontaneous dissections of the internal carotid artery: appearances on colour Doppler ultrasound.
Authors: Sidhu P S , Jonker N D , Khaw K T , Patel N , Blomley M J , Chaudhuri K R , Frackowiak R S , Cosgrove D O
Published: June 2014

Spontaneous dissection of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is an unusual finding. We present an analysis of five patients (aged 40-60 years) with ICA dissections, describing the various flow patterns detected on colour Doppler ultrasound. Particular attention was paid to the presence of a dual lumen, the direction of flow in the false lumen and the velocity/spectral broadening of the Doppler trace obtained from the true and false lumens. Four different patterns were observed. Narrowing of the true lumen by the false lumen thrombus was seen in two cases with a low velocity Doppler waveform; three cases had a patent false lumen ("double lumen" pattern); the direction of flow in the patent false lumen varied from being (i) forward, (ii) reversed and (iii) bidirectional. The flow dynamics in carotid dissections are complex and are primarily dependent upon the presence of thrombus within the false lumen, the entry and exit flaps if the false lumen is patent, the motion of the flap wall and the extent of the dissection. They illustrate the diverse nature of the disease and Doppler ultrasound plays an important role in the imaging of ICA dissections.
Two parallel linear densities on lateral radiographs of the lumbosacral spine: neither iliopectineal lines nor basis ossis sacri.
Authors: Wong-Chung J , Jamsheer N , Nabar U , Aradi A J
Published: June 2014

Two parallel radiodense lines are constantly seen on lateral radiographs of the lumbosacral spine. Whether they originate from the pelvis or sacrum is unclear. Using metallic wire markers, we performed a radiographic investigation on bony skeletons to define their origins and anatomical locations. Our study demonstrates that each arises from the sharp, well-defined bony ridge which forms the anterosuperior boundary of the auricular surface for articulation with the sacrum on either side. Each ridge lies along the medial border of the iliac fossa and represents an increase in compact bone in response to weight transmission. These lines have useful applications for they provide fixed radiographic landmarks on the bony pelvis for certain angular measurements in orthopaedics.
Assessment of image intensifier and distortion for DSA localization studies.
Authors: Coste E , Gibon D , Rousseau J
Published: June 2014

The authors present methods of correcting pincushion and S distortions of an image intensifier, and of measuring the geometrical parameters of the imaging device used for localization from digital subtraction angiography brain studies. Pincushion and S distortions of the image intensifier are corrected by a calibration grid. A test pattern is used to study effectiveness of the corrections. Intrinsic geometrical parameters (source-to-image distance, centre of X-ray projection) of the apparatus are measured by the use of a calibration phantom. Short-range and long-range time drift of the distortion, as well as influence of the parameters of image acquisition on the accuracy of the localization results, are considered. The results obtained successfully demonstrate the accuracy of the correction, provided that the apparatus is warm.
Positive MIBG scanning at the time of relapse in neuroblastoma which was MIBG negative at diagnosis.
Authors: Schwarz K B , Driver I , Lewis I J , Taylor R E
Published: June 2014

Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) labelled with iodine-123 (123I) or 131I has become a well established tool with high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis and staging of neuroblastoma in children. However, some neuroblastomas do not take up MIBG at the time of diagnosis. The reasons for this are unclear but may be related to uptake mechanisms. Follow-up MIBG scans have not been reported in these patients. We present a case where an initial 123I-MIBG-scan was negative at diagnosis but became positive when the patient relapsed. This unusual occurrence may have implications for patients with a negative MIBG-scan at presentation. These patients should be re-evaluated by MIBG-scan at the time of relapse as a positive scan then offers the possibility of additional treatment with MIBG therapy.
Pulmonary involvement in adult Gaucher's disease: high resolution CT appearance.
Authors: Aydin K , Karabulut N , Demirkazik F , Arat A
Published: June 2014

High resolution CT findings of pulmonary involvement are described in a patient with adult type Gaucher's disease. Although the reticular pattern on the chest radiograph was typical, appearance of pulmonary involvement on high resolution CT has not been demonstrated in the literature. High resolution CT demonstrated interlobular septal and intralobular interstitial thickening, irregular interfaces at the pleural surfaces and ground-glass appearance, corresponding to both the alveolar and the interstitial components of the pulmonary involvement.
Bilateral intraabdominal ganglioneuroblastoma in an adult.
Authors: Mehta N , Tripathi R P , Popli M B , Nijhawan V S
Published: June 2014

Ganglioneuroblastoma is an unusual tumour in an adult. We present a case of bilateral intraabdominal ganglioneuroblastoma in an adult patient. The two tumours had different morphological features and origins. The appearances on ultrasound, CT and MRI are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of bilateral ganglioneuroblastoma reported in an adult patient with ultrasound, CT and MRI findings.
Antegrade catheterization of the brachial artery for embolizing a sarcoma of the forearm.
Authors: Daly C A , McCall J M
Published: June 2014

A case is described in which embolization of an alveolar soft part sarcoma, involving a forearm, was successfully achieved via cannulation of the brachial artery. The procedure was performed safely and more easily from this direct approach.