bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of 3‐D cross‐talk on qualified viewing spaces in two‐ and multi‐view autostereoscopic displays
Authors: Yuuki Akimasa , Uehara Shin‐ichi , Taira Kazuki , Hamagishi Goro , Izumi Kuniaki , Nomura Toshio , Mashitani Ken , Miyazawa Atsushi , Koike Takafumi , Watanabe Naoko , Hisatake Yuzo , Horikoshi Tsutomu , Miyazaki Shigeki , Ujike Hiroyasu
Published: July 2010

Abstract— To estimate the qualified viewing spaces for two‐ and multi‐view autostereoscopic displays, the relationship between image quality (image comfort, annoying ghost image, depth perception) and various pairings between 3‐D cross‐talk in the left and right views are studied subjectively using a two‐view autostereoscopic display and test charts for the left and right views with ghost images due to artificial 3‐D cross‐talk. The artificial 3‐D cross‐talk was tuned to simulate the view in the intermediate zone of the viewing spaces. It was shown that the stereoscopic images on a two‐view autostereoscopic display cause discomfort when they are observed by the eye in the intermediate zone between the viewing spaces. This is because the ghost image due to large 3‐D cross‐talk in the intermediate zone elicits different depth perception from the depth induced by the original images for the left and right views, so the observer's depth perception is confused. Image comfort is also shown to be better for multi‐views, especially the width of the viewing space, which is narrower than the interpupillary distance, where the parallax of the cross‐talking image is small.
Audit of Orthopaedic Audits in an English Teaching Hospital: Are We Closing the Loop?
Authors: Iqbal H.J , Pidikiti P
Published: July 2010

Background:

Clinical audit is an important tool to improve patient care and outcomes in health service. A significant proportion of time and economic resources are spent on activities related to clinical audit. Completion of audit cycle is essential to confirm the improvements in healthcare delivery. We aimed this study to evaluate audits carried out within trauma and orthopaedic unit of a teaching hospital over the last 4 years, and establish the proportions which were re-audited as per recommendations.

Methods:

Data was collected from records of the clinical audit department. All orthopaedic audit projects from 2005 to 2009 were included in this study. The projects were divided in to local, regional and national audits. Data regarding audit lead clinicians, completion and presentation of projects, recommendations and re-audits was recorded.

Results:

Out of 61 audits commenced during last four years, 19.7% (12) were abandoned, 72.1% (44) were presented and 8.2 % (5) were still ongoing. The audit cycle was completed in only 29% (13) projects.

Conclusion:

Change of junior doctors every 4~6 months is related to fewer re-audits. Active involvement by supervising consultant, reallocation of the project after one trainee has finished, and full support of audit department may increase the ratio of completion of audit cycles, thereby improving the patient care.
Two Stage Hip Revision in Periprosthetic Infection: Results of 41 Cases
Authors: Pignatti Giovanni , Nitta Shingo , Rani Nicola , Dallari Dante , Sabbioni Giacomo , Stagni Cesare , Giunti Armando
Published: July 2010

Background:

two-stage revision is considered the best treatment approach for the eradication of chronic joint infection. We report the outcome of 41 consecutive patients with infected hip prostheses, treated between 2000 and 2005, with two-stage revision using an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer.

Methods:

Patients underwent a treatment protocol which included clinical and radiographic evaluation, laboratory investigations, hip aspiration, 99mTc-MDP and 99mTc-leukocyte-labeled scintigraphy and intraoperative assessment. All patients were diagnosed with a late chronic infection and classified as B-host according to the Cierny-Mader classification system. 9 patients out of 41 (22%) required a second interim treatment period, with exchange of the spacer. The proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus was similar between the one-spacer group and two-spacer group (28%vs33%), whereas the proportion of patients with three or more risk factors was significantly higher in the two-spacer group than in the one-spacer group (28%vs55%, respectively).

Results:

Forty patients had final reimplantation, one patient had a resection arthroplasty. At an average follow-up of 5.3 years no recurrence of infection occurred. The average post-operative Harris hip score improved from 41 to 80.

Conclusions:

In the treatment of two-stage revision arthroplasty the adherence to the protocol proved to be effective for infection eradication and final reimplantation.
Histopomorphic Evaluation of Radiofrequency Mediated Débridement Chondroplasty
Authors: Ganguly Kumkum , McRury Ian D , Goodwin Peter M , Morgan Roy E , Augé II Wayne K
Published: July 2010

The use of radiofrequency devices has become widespread for surgical ablation procedures. When ablation devices have been deployed in treatment settings requiring tissue preservation like débridement chondroplasty, adoption has been limited due to the collateral damage caused by these devices in healthy tissue surrounding the treatment site.Ex vivoradiofrequency mediated débridement chondroplasty was performed on osteochondral specimens demonstrating surface fibrillation obtained from patients undergoing knee total joint replacement. Three radiofrequency systems designed to perform débridement chondroplasty were tested each demonstrating different energy delivery methods: monopolar ablation, bipolar ablation, and non-ablation energy. Treatment outcomes were compared with control specimens as to clinical endpoint and histopomorphic characteristics. Fibrillated cartilage was removed in all specimens; however, the residual tissue remaining at the treatment site displayed significantly different characteristics attributable to radiofrequency energy delivery method. Systems that delivered ablation-based energies caused tissue necrosis and collateral damage at the treatment site including corruption of cartilage Superficial and Transitional Zones; whereas, the non-ablation system created a smooth articular surface with Superficial Zone maintenance and without chondrocyte death or tissue necrosis. The mechanism of radiofrequency energy deposition upon tissues is particularly important in treatment settings requiring tissue preservation. Ablation-based device systems can cause a worsened state of articular cartilage from that of pre-treatment. Non-ablation energy can be successful in modifying/preconditioning tissue during débridement chondroplasty without causing collateral damage. Utilizing a non-ablation radiofrequency system provides the ability to perform successful débridement chondroplasty without causing additional articular cartilage tissue damage and may allow for other cartilage intervention success.
Life Stress and Atherosclerosis: A Pathway through Unhealthy Lifestyle
Authors: Mainous Arch G. , Everett Charles J. , Diaz Vanessa A. , Player Marty S. , Gebregziabher Mulugeta , Smith Daniel W.
Published: July 2010

Objective:

To examine the relationship between a general measure of chronic life stress and atherosclerosis among middle aged adults without clinical cardiovascular disease via pathways through unhealthy lifestyle characteristics.

Methods:

We conducted an analysis of The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). The MESA collected in 2000 includes 5,773 participants, aged 45–84. We computed standard regression techniques to examine the relationship between life stress and atherosclerosis as well as path analysis with hypothesized paths from stress to atherosclerosis through unhealthy lifestyle. Our outcome was sub-clinical atherosclerosis measured as presence of coronary artery calcification (CAC).

Results:

A logistic regression adjusted for potential confounding variables along with the unhealthy lifestyle characteristics of smoking, excessive alcohol use, high caloric intake, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity yielded no significant relationship between chronic life stress (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.80–1.08) and CAC. However, significant indirect pathways between chronic life stress and CAC through smoking ( p = .007), and sedentary lifestyle ( p = .03) and caloric intake (.002) through obesity were found.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that life stress is related to atherosclerosis once paths of unhealthy coping behaviors are considered.
It's Not over When it's Over: Long-Term Symptoms in Cancer Survivors—A Systematic Review
Authors: Harrington Cherise B. , Hansen Jennifer A. , Moskowitz Michal , Todd Briana L. , Feuerstein Michael
Published: July 2010

Background:

The number of cancer survivors is steadily increasing. Following completion of primary cancer treatment and many years thereafter, specific symptoms continue to negatively affect cancer survivors. The purpose of this article is to review the evidence of symptom burden following primary treatment for cancer in survivors of the most common types of cancer (breast, gynecological, prostate, and colorectal).

Methods:

A systematic review of literature published between the years 2000–2008 that reported late-effects and/or long-term psychosocial symptoms associated with cancer survivorship post-completion of primary cancer treatment was conducted. The symptoms include physical limitations, cognitive limitations, depression/anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue, pain, and sexual dysfunctions.

Results:

Symptom burden associated with cancer survivorship was consistent among the four most common types of cancer (breast, gynecological, prostate, and rectal/colon), despite various types of treatment exposure. Generally, across the cancer groups, depressive symptoms, pain, and fatigue were commonly found in cancer survivors.

Conclusions:

Based on longitudinal and cross-sectional evidence, cancer survivors can experience symptoms for more than 10 years following treatment. These symptoms were present in survivors of all four cancer types who underwent a wide variety of treatment. The results indicate that these symptoms should be evaluated and managed to optimize long-term outcomes.
Trade Protection and Industrial Structure
Authors: Albornoz Facundo , Vanin Paolo
Published: July 2010

In a small open economy with heterogeneous firms, in which tariffs determine the mass of active firms, the gains from trade liberalization depend positively on the level of firm vertical heterogeneity (quality heterogeneity) and negatively on transportation costs. The benefits from temporary protection depend on the quality gap: for a given mass of backward firms, the relative gains from protection increase with their quality and decrease with the quality of advanced firms; for given production quality levels, the relative advantage of protection increases with the mass of backward firms.
Una questione discussa: "transitus" di un fedele orientale da una Chiesa orientale sui iuri alla Chiesa latina
Authors: Vasil' Cyril
Published: July 2010

Una questione discussa: "transitus" di un fedele orientale da una Chiesa orientale sui iuri alla Chiesa latina
Paternalism-moral duties of physicians in the ancient medical ethics
Authors: Katolo Artur
Published: July 2010

Paternalism-moral duties of physicians in the ancient medical ethics
The Church and Freedom in the Post-modern World
Authors: Dancák Pavol
Published: July 2010

The Church and Freedom in the Post-modern World

The postmodernism abandons a concept of reality and therefore it avoids the possibility of objective knowledge. The Church opens itself to the whole world without difference and refuses any unilateral alliances because the Church's mission is to spread evangelism to men. Nowadays, very important is defending of man's freedom and protecting freedom from egoism is the actual challenge of these times.
Greek-Catholic Church in Slovakia and its Martyrs
Authors: Petro Marek
Published: July 2010

Greek-Catholic Church in Slovakia and its Martyrs

The submitted article offers a brief history of the Greek-Catholic Church in Slovakia and processes a topic of the sense and meaning of the martyrdom of blessed Greek-Catholic bishops P. P. Gojdiĉ and V. Hopko. It also highlights the contribution of these blessed men for the ecumenism work.
Structures, Biological Activities and Phylogenetic Relationships of Terpenoids from Marine Ciliates of the Genus Euplotes
Authors: Guella Graziano , Skropeta Danielle , Di Giuseppe Graziano , Dini Fernando
Published: July 2010

In the last two decades, large scale axenic cell cultures of the marine species comprising the family Euplotidae have resulted in the isolation of several new classes of terpenoids with unprecedented carbon skeletons including the (i) euplotins, highly strained acetylated sesquiterpene hemiacetals; (ii) raikovenals, built on the bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane ring system; (iii) rarisetenolides and focardins containing an octahydroazulene moiety; and (iv) vannusals, with a unique C30 backbone. Their complex structures have been elucidated through a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, molecular mechanics and quantum chemical calculations. Despite the limited number of biosynthetic experiments having been performed, the large diversity of ciliate terpenoids has facilitated the proposal of biosynthetic pathways whereby they are produced from classical linear precursors. Herein, the similarities and differences emerging from the comparison of the classical chemotaxonomy approach based on secondary metabolites, with species phylogenesis based on genetic descriptors (SSU-rDNA), will be discussed. Results on the interesting ecological and biological properties of ciliate terpenoids are also reported.
Palladium(II) Complexes of NS Donor Ligands Derived from Steroidal Thiosemicarbazones as Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Asiri Abdullah M. , Khan Salman A.
Published: July 2010

We have investigated the antibacterial activity of some new steroidal thiosemicarbazones and their Pd(II) metal complexes were prepared by the reaction of the thiosemicarbazones with [Pd(DMSO)2Cl2]. The steroidal thiosemicarbazones were prepared by the reaction of thiosemicarbazides with a steroidal ketone. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FAB mass spectroscopic methods, elemental analyses and TGA analysis. The antibacterial activity of these compounds were tested in vitro by the disk diffusion assay against two Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacteria. The results showed that steroidal complexes are better inhibitors of both types of the bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) as compared to steroidal thiosemicarbazones. Compound Ia displays remarkable antibacterial activity as compared to amoxicillin.
Effects of Ochratoxin A on Livestock Production
Authors: Battacone Gianni , Nudda Anna , Pulina Giuseppe
Published: July 2010

Ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination often causes large economic losses on livestock production. The intake of feed contaminated by OTA also represents a potential risk for animal health and a food safety issue due to the transfer of the toxin through the food chain to humans. The aim of this paper is to review the available literature on: (1) the frequency and degree of occurrence of OTA in different feedstuffs; (2) the toxicological effects of OTA intake on the performance of the main livestock (i.e., poultry, swine, cattle, goats and sheep); and (3) the transfer of OTA, or its metabolites, from animal feed into animal products such as milk, meat and eggs.
KdPT, a Tripeptide Derivative of α-Melanocyte–Stimulating Hormone, Suppresses IL-1β–Mediated Cytokine Expression and Signaling in Human Sebocytes
Authors: Mastrofrancesco Arianna , Kokot Agatha , Eberle Alex , Gibbons Nicholas C. J. , Schallreuter Karin U. , Strozyk Elwira , Picardo Mauro , Zouboulis Christos C. , Luger Thomas A. , Böhm Markus
Published: July 2010

Acne is the most common inflammatory skin disease in which IL-1 plays a central role. Although α-melanocyte–stimulating hormone has immunomodulatory effects, its usefulness as an anti-inflammatory agent in acne is hampered owing to its lipid- and pigment-inducing effects via activation of melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs). We used the immortalized human sebocyte line SZ95 as an in vitro model to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of KdPT, a tripeptide derivative of the C-terminal end of α-melanocyte–stimulating hormone. KdPT potently suppressed IL-1β–induced IL-6 and IL-8 expression. Mechanistically, KdPT decreased IL-1β–mediated IκBα degradation, reduced nuclear accumulation of p65, and attenuated DNA binding of NF-κB. Moreover, KdPT reduced IL-1β–mediated generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, which contributed to IL-1β–mediated cytokine induction. KdPT also reduced cell surface binding of fluorochrome-labeled IL-1β in SZ95 sebocytes. Analysis of the crystal structure of the complex between IL-1β/IL-1R type I (IL-1RI), followed by computer modeling of KdPT and subsequent modeling of the peptide receptor complex with the crystal structure of IL-1RI via manual docking, further predicted that the tripeptide, through several H-bonds and one hydrophobic bond, interacts with the IL-1RI. Importantly, KdPT did not bind to MC-1Rs, as demonstrated by blocking experiments with a peptide analog of Agouti signaling protein and by binding assays using MC-1R–expressing B16 melanoma cells. Accordingly, KdPT failed to induce melanogenesis. Our data demonstrate a promising anti-inflammatory potential of KdPT and point toward novel future directions in the treatment of acne—as well as of various other IL-1–mediated inflammatory diseases—with this small molecule.
NLRC5 Limits the Activation of Inflammatory Pathways
Authors: Benko Szilvia , Magalhaes Joao G. , Philpott Dana J. , Girardin Stephen E.
Published: July 2010

Nod-like receptors (NLRs) are intracellular sentinel proteins that are implicated in the detection of microbes and danger signals, thereby controlling several key innate immune pathways. The human genome encodes 22 NLR proteins, the function of many of which remains unknown. In this study, we present the identification and characterization of NLRC5, a NLR protein whose expression is found predominantly in cells of the myeloid and lymphoid lineages. NLRC5 expression was strongly induced by IFN-γ and more modestly by LPS and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid. Overexpression of NLRC5 in HEK293T cells resulted in a global dampening of NF-κB–, AP-1–, and type I IFN-dependent signaling, most likely through transcriptional repression. Accordingly, NLRC5 was found to shuttle between the cytosol and the nucleus in a CrmA-dependent manner. Knocking down NLRC5 expression in RAW264.7 murine macrophages resulted in a potent upregulation of the proinflammatory responses to IFN-γ and LPS, including increased secretion of TNF, IL-6, and IL-1β, as well as cell surface expression of CD40. Strikingly, NLRC5 expression was also found to be critical for LPS-induced IL-10 production in RAW264.7 macrophages. Collectively, our results identify NLRC5 as a negative modulator of inflammatory pathways.
Antigen-Containing Liposomes Engrafted with Flagellin-Related Peptides Are Effective Vaccines That Can Induce Potent Antitumor Immunity and Immunotherapeutic Effect
Authors: Faham Abdus , Altin Joseph G.
Published: July 2010

The bacterial protein flagellin can trigger immune responses to infections by interacting with TLR5 on APCs, and Ag-flagellin fusion proteins can act as effective vaccines. We report that flagellin-related peptides containing a His-tag and sequence related to conserved N-motif (aa 85–111) of FliC flagellin, purportedly involved in the interaction of flagellin with TLR5, can be used to target delivery of liposomal Ag to APCs in vitro and in vivo. When engrafted onto liposomes, two flagellin-related peptides, denoted as 9Flg and 42Flg, promoted strong liposome binding to murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and CD11c+ splenocytes, and cell binding correlated with expression of TLR5. Liposomes engrafted with 9Flg or 42Flg induced functional MyD88-dependent maturation of dendritic cells in vivo. The vaccination of mice with 9Flg liposomes containing OVA induced OVA-specific T cell priming, increased the number of Ag-responsive IFN-γ–producing CD8+ T cells, and increased Ag-specific IgG1 and IgG2b in serum. Importantly, the vaccination of C57BL/6 mice with syngeneic B16-OVA–derived plasma membrane vesicles, engrafted with 9Flg or 42Flg, potently inhibited tumor growth/metastasis and induced complete tumor regression in the majority of mice challenged with the syngeneic B16-OVA melanoma, in the lung and s.c. tumor models. Strong antitumor responses were also seen in studies using the s.c. P815 tumor model. Therefore, vaccination with Ag-containing liposomes engrafted with 9Flg or 42Flg is a powerful strategy to exploit the innate and adaptive immune systems for the development of potent vaccines and cancer immunotherapies.
Genetic Control of IL-1β Production and Inflammatory Response by the Mouse Irm1 Locus
Authors: Vorraro Francisca , Galvan Antonella , Cabrera Wafa Hanna Koury , Carneiro Patricia Santos , Ribeiro Orlando Garcia , De Franco Marcelo , Starobinas Nancy , Jensen José Ricardo , Seman Michel , Dragani Tommaso A. , Ibañez Olga Célia Martinez
Published: July 2010

Genome-wide linkage analysis using single nucleotide polymorphism arrays was carried out in pedigrees of mice differing in the extent of acute inflammatory response (AIRmax or AIRmin). The AIR phenotype was determined by quantifying the number of infiltrating cells in the 24-h exudate induced by Biogel P-100 s.c. injection and by ex vivo IL-1β production by leukocytes stimulated with LPS and ATP. We mapped the major inflammatory response modulator 1 locus on chromosome 7, at the 1-logarithm of odds (LOD) confidence interval from 116.75 to 139.75 Mb, linked to the number of infiltrating cells (LOD = 3.61) through the production of IL-1β (LOD = 9.35). Of several interesting candidate genes mapping to the inflammatory response modulator 1 locus, 28 of these were differentially expressed in the bone marrow of AIRmax and AIRmin mice. These findings represent a step toward the identification of the genes underlying this complex phenotype.
LL-37 Directs Macrophage Differentiation toward Macrophages with a Proinflammatory Signature
Authors: van der Does Anne M. , Beekhuizen Henry , Ravensbergen Bep , Vos Tim , Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , van Dissel Jaap T. , Drijfhout Jan W. , Hiemstra Pieter S. , Nibbering Peter H.
Published: July 2010

The human cathelicidin LL-37 has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It also participates at the interface of innate and adaptive immunity by chemoattracting immune effector cells, modulating the production of a variety of inflammatory mediators by different cell types, and regulating the differentiation of monocytes into dendritic cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of LL-37 on the differentiation of human monocytes into anti-inflammatory macrophages (MΦ-2; driven by M-CSF) versus proinflammatory macrophages (MΦ-1; driven by GM-CSF) as well as on fully differentiated MΦ-1 and MΦ-2. Results revealed that monocytes cultured with M-CSF in the presence of LL-37 resulted in macrophages displaying a proinflammatory signature, namely, low expression of CD163 and little IL-10 and profound IL-12p40 production on LPS stimulation. The effects of LL-37 on M-CSF-driven macrophage differentiation were dose- and time-dependent with maximal effects observed at 10 μg/ml when the peptide was present from the start of the cultures. The peptide enhanced the GM-CSF–driven macrophage differentiation. Exposure of fully differentiated MΦ-2 to LL-37 for 6 d resulted in macrophages that produced less IL-10 and more IL-12p40 on LPS stimulation than control MΦ-2. In contrast, LL-37 had no effect on fully differentiated MΦ-1. Peptide mapping using a set of 16 overlapping 22-mer peptides covering the complete LL-37 sequence revealed that the C-terminal portion of LL-37 is responsible for directing macrophage differentiation. Our results furthermore indicate that the effects of LL-37 on macrophage differentiation required internalization of the peptide. Together, we conclude that LL-37 directs macrophage differentiation toward macrophages with a proinflammatory signature.
Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1 Is a Determining Factor in Crm1-Mediated Nuclear Export and Retention of p65 NF-κB upon TLR4 Stimulation
Authors: Zerfaoui Mourad , Errami Youssef , Naura Amarjit S. , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Kim Hogyoung , Ju Jihang , Liu Tao , Hans Chetan P. , Kim Jong G. , Abd Elmageed Zakaria Y. , Koochekpour Shahriar , Catling Andrew , Boulares A. Hamid
Published: July 2010

The role of NF-κB in the expression of inflammatory genes and its participation in the overall inflammatory process of chronic diseases and acute tissue injury are well established. We and others have demonstrated a critical involvement of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 during inflammation, in part, through its relationship with NF-κB. However, the mechanism by which PARP-1 affects NF-κB activation has been elusive. In this study, we show that PARP-1 inhibition by gene knockout, knockdown, or pharmacologic blockade prevented p65 NF-κB nuclear translocation in smooth muscle cells upon TLR4 stimulation, NF-κB DNA-binding activity, and subsequent inducible NO synthase and ICAM-1 expression. Such defects were reversed by reconstitution of PARP-1 expression. PARP-1 was dispensable for LPS-induced IκBα phosphorylation and subsequent degradation but was required for p65 NF-κB phosphorylation. A perinuclear p65 NF-κB localization in LPS-treated PARP-1−/− cells was associated with an export rather an import defect. Indeed, whereas PARP-1 deficiency did not alter expression of importin α3 and importin α4 and their cytosolic localization, the cytosolic levels of exportin (Crm)-1 were increased. Crm1 inhibition promoted p65 NF-κB nuclear accumulation as well as reversed LPS-induced p65 NF-κB phosphorylation and inducible NO synthase and ICAM-1 expression. Interestingly, p65 NF-κB poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation decreased its interaction with Crm1 in vitro. Pharmacologic inhibition of PARP-1 increased p65 NF-κB–Crm1 interaction in LPS-treated smooth muscle cells. These results suggest that p65 NF-κB poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation may be a critical determinant for the interaction with Crm1 and its nuclear retention upon TLR4 stimulation. These results provide novel insights into the mechanism by which PARP-1 promotes NF-κB nuclear retention, which ultimately can influence NF-κB–dependent gene regulation.
The Mannose Receptor Mediates the Uptake of Diverse Native Allergens by Dendritic Cells and Determines Allergen-Induced T Cell Polarization through Modulation of IDO Activity
Authors: Royer Pierre-Joseph , Emara Mohamed , Yang Chaoxing , Al-Ghouleh Abeer , Tighe Paddy , Jones Nick , Sewell Herb F. , Shakib Farouk , Martinez-Pomares Luisa , Ghaemmaghami Amir M.
Published: July 2010

The mannose receptor (MR) is a C-type lectin expressed by dendritic cells (DCs). We have investigated the ability of MR to recognize glycosylated allergens. Using a gene silencing strategy, we have specifically inhibited the expression of MR on human monocyte-derived DCs. We show that MR mediates internalization of diverse allergens from mite (Der p 1 and Der p 2), dog (Can f 1), cockroach (Bla g 2), and peanut (Ara h 1) through their carbohydrate moieties. All of these allergens bind to the C-type lectin-like carbohydrate recognition domains 4–7 of MR. We have also assessed the contribution of MR to T cell polarization after allergen exposure. We show that silencing MR expression on monocyte-derived DCs reverses the Th2 cell polarization bias, driven by Der p 1 allergen exposure, through upregulation of IDO activity. In conclusion, our work demonstrates a major role for MR in glycoallergen recognition and in the development of Th2 responses.
Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of rapidly growing mycobacteria
Authors: Gayathri R , Therese K Lily , Deepa P , Mangai S , Madhavan HN
Published: July 2010

Background:

The rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) causing human infections primarily consist of the Mycobacterium fortuitum group, Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium chelonae. The antibiotic susceptibility testing is important to determine the appropriate therapy as the antibiotics used to treat RGM are different from those used for treating infections caused by slow growers of mycobacteria.

Aim:

To determine antibiotic susceptibility of RGM using Kirby Bauer method and following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

Settings and Design:

Larsen and Toubro Microbiology Research Centre, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Retrospective study.

Materials and Methods:

The antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed following CLSI method for the drugs Amikacin, Azithromycin, Tobramycin, Ceftazidime, Cephotaxime, Cefuroxime, Cefaperazone, Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Gatifloxacin and Moxifloxacin.

Results and Conclusions:

Out of the 148 RGM isolates 146 (98%) were susceptible to amikacin, 138 (91%) to gatifloxacin, 132 (87%) to moxifloxacin, 122 (76%) to ciprofloxacin and 116 (74%) to Norfloxacin. Majority of the RGM were resistant to Ceftazidime, Cephotaxime and Cefaperazone. All the M. abscessus isolates were resistant to tobramycin. The in vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing by disc diffusion method showed that majority of the RGM were sensitive to Amikacin followed by Gatifloxacin, Moxifloxacin and Ciprofloxacin
Review of periodic limb movement and restless leg syndrome
Authors: Natarajan R
Published: July 2010

Periodic limb movement (PLM) and Restless leg syndrome (RLS) are types of sleep disorders that are not very well recognized in clinical practice. While RLS is a clinical diagnosis, the diagnosis of PLM is made by polysomnography. They share the same pathophysiology and often respond to the same treatment. To date all the epidemiological studies have reported the prevalence between 2% and 15%. It has recently become known that mild obstructive sleep apnea and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) can masquerade as PLM syndrome. New discoveries have been made with regard to genetics and PLM and RLS. Detailed review on this subject should improve the awareness of these disorders, both among general physicians and specialists. Extensive review of journals in the past 20 years was made using Medline search.
Tumefactive demyelinating lesion
Authors: Sinha MK , Garg RK , Bhatt MLB , Chandra A
Published: July 2010

Tumefactive demyelinating lesion, a variant of multiple sclerosis, is a solitary large demyelinating lesion, which mimics cerebral neoplasm. Distinguishing tumefactive lesions from other etiologies of intracranial space-occupying lesions is essential to avoid inadvertent surgical or toxic chemotherapeutic interventions. We report two unusual cases of tumefactive demyelinating lesion. The first patient presented with recurrent right focal tonic-clonic seizures with secondary generalization of three-month duration. Her neurological examination was normal. Another patient presented with right homonymous hemianopia. In this patient, the diagnosis was established after biopsy of the lesion, which revealed perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate and aggregates of foam cells in white matter with relatively uninvolved grey matter, suggestive of tumefactive demyelinating lesion. Administration of intravenous methylprednisolone resulted in rapid clinical improvement in both the patients and the brain lesion decreased in size. Both, epilepsy and homonymous hemianopia, are unusual manifestations of tumefactive demyelinating lesions. In our cases, cerebral tumors were initial diagnoses. Presence of an open ring or incomplete ring lesions and other magnetic resonance characteristics helped in differentiating demyelinating lesions from other neoplastic and infective diseases of the brain. Differential diagnosis of tumefactive demyelinating lesions, at times, may prove to be a challenging task for the treating physician.
Predicting Net Discount Rates: A Comparison of Professional Forecasts, Time-series Forecasts and Traditional Methods
Authors: Cushing Matthew J. , Rosenbaum David I.
Published: July 2010

Previous research proposed two future net discount rate estimators that improved on naïve long-term average and random walk estimators. The proposed estimators were superior in the class of estimators that used only current and past observations on net discount rates. In this paper we consider two extensions. First we examine whether professional forecasts perform significantly better than the two alternatives. Second, we examine the properties and performance of multivariate estimators that account for the potentially differing time-series behaviors of the underlying wage growth and interest rate series.
Discounting Damage Awards Using the Zero Coupon Treasury Curve: Satisfying Legal and Economic Theory While Matching Future Cash Flow Projections
Authors: Rosenberg Joseph Irving
Published: July 2010

How to calculate damage awards has long been the subject of academic dispute. Much focus has been on what is the appropriate discount rate to convert future lost earnings into a lump sum amount. Conflicting or ambiguous legal guidance by the courts has lead to wide disparities in discount rate methodology. This paper presents a fresh, alternative approach to valuing lost earnings in damage awards using current market data from the zero coupon Treasury bond curve. Unlike many other approaches this approach satisfies legal requirements while offering several theoretical and practical benefits: (a) default free discounting; (b) market-based prices and yields; (c) a fully objective way to recompute awards if market conditions change materially in the course of litigation; (d) satisfaction of the “parity in risk” principal which requires consistent treatment of uncertainty in cash flows and discount rate, which is violated by using an arbitrary average of three-month T-bill rates if inflation is embedded in lost earnings; and (e) a theoretically investible stream of cash flows that can be maturity matched against projected lost earnings.
A Supplement to “Assessing Economic Damages in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation: The State of South Dakota”
Authors: Langelett George , Fausti Scott
Published: July 2010

In the Fall 2007 issue of the Journal of Forensic Economics Ralph J. Brown and Erik L. Olsen outline case law relevant for forensic economics in the areas of personal injury and wrongful death litigation in the State of South Dakota. This note supplements Brown's and Olsen's work by discussing three additional issues of which readers should be aware before practicing forensic economics in the State of South Dakota. These issues are: the statutory pre-judgment interest rate, the required discount rate in workmen's compensation cases, and the statutory increase in compensation in workmen's compensation cases.
Assessing Economic Damages in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation: The State of Alaska
Authors: Taylor Laura J.
Published: July 2010

In contribution to the series on economic damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases by state, this article presents the legal framework for calculating economic damages in civil litigation in the State of Alaska. Areas of discussion include the court system in Alaska, the requirements for an economic expert in the discovery process, earnings calculations and the related deductions in personal injury and wrongful death matters. In addition, non-economic damages are briefly addressed, as are subsistence activities and the Permanent Fund Dividend.
Assessing Economic Damages in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation: The State of New Jersey
Authors: Tinari Frank D. , Kucsma Kristin K.
Published: July 2010

Contributors to the Journal of Forensic Economics are compiling a state-by-state series of papers on how economic damages are assessed in personal injury and wrongful death cases. This paper discusses rules of the court, the court system, and case law for the State of New Jersey. Overall, New Jersey is both different and the same as many other states. The court requires experts to discount to present value, use gender-neutral life expectancy tables, and subtract personal income taxes when estimating earnings losses. New Jersey also accepts expert testimony regarding the value of lost companionship services and advice and counsel services in death cases. This paper discusses these issues and others, with a goal of familiarizing forensic economists with the relevant court rules and rulings and standard practices when performing economic damage appraisals in the State of New Jersey.
Long‐term results of single‐agent thalidomide as initial therapy for asymptomatic (smoldering or indolent) myeloma
Authors: Detweiler‐Short Kristen , Hayman Suzanne , Gertz Morie A. , Lacy Martha Q. , Dispenzieri Angela , Kumar Shaji , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Russell Stephen J. , Lust John A. , Kyle Robert A. , Greipp Philip R. , Witzig Thomas E. , Vincent Rajkumar S.
Published: July 2010

We report the long‐term follow‐up results of a phase II trial of thalidomide for early‐stage multiple myeloma (MM). Patients were eligible if they had smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) or indolent MM without the need for immediate therapy. Thalidomide was initiated at a dose of 200 mg/day and adjusted as tolerated. Disease progression was defined using modified American Society of Hematology/Food and Drug Administration consensus panel criteria for SMM. Thirty‐one patients were enrolled; 29 (19 SMM and 10 indolent MM) were eligible. The median age was 61 years. Median follow‐up of living patients was 10.2 years (range, 7.5‐11.0 years). Ten patients (34%) had a partial response (PR) and nine had minimal response (MR) for an MR plus PR rate of 66%. The median time to progression (TTP) to symptomatic myeloma was 35 months. Median TTP was 61 months in those achieving PR, 39 months with MR, and 9 months among those failing to achieve either MR or PR, P = 0.005. Median overall survival from diagnosis was 86 months; median survival from onset of symptomatic myeloma was 49 months. Grade 3‐4 nonhematologic adverse events were noted in 55% of patients. Randomized trials are needed to determine the role of early therapy in SMM. Am. J. Hematol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early Holocene human remains from the Argentinean Pampas: Additional evidence for distinctive cranial morphology of early South Americans
Authors: Pucciarelli Héctor M. , Perez S. Ivan , Politis Gustavo G.
Published: July 2010

The cranial morphology of Early Holocene American human samples is characterized by a long and narrow cranial vault, whereas more recent samples exhibit a shorter and wider cranial vault. Two hypotheses have been proposed to account for the morphological differences between early and late‐American samples: (a) the migratory hypothesis that suggests that the morphological variation between early and late American samples was the result of a variable number of migratory waves; and (b) the local diversification hypothesis, that is, the morphological differences between early and late American samples were mainly generated by local, random (genetic drift), and nonrandom factors (selection and phenotypic plasticity). We present the first craniometric study of three early skulls from the Argentinean Pampas, dated ∼8,000 cal. years BP (Arroyo Seco 2, Chocorí, and La Tigra), and one associated with mega‐faunal remains (Fontezuelas skull). In addition, we studied several Late Holocene samples. We show that the skulls from the Argentinean Pampas are morphologically similar to other Early Holocene American skulls (i.e., Lagoa Santa from Brazil, Tequendama, Checua, and Aguazuque from Colombia, Lauricocha from Peru, and early Mexicans) that exhibit long and narrow cranial vaults. These samples differ from the Late Holocene American samples that exhibit a shorter and wider cranial vault. Our results underscore the important differences in cranial morphology between early and late‐American samples. However, we emphasize the need for further studies to discuss alternative hypotheses regarding such differences. Am J Phys Anthropol 143:298–305, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: Identification of bone formation and resorption surfaces by reflected light microscopy
Authors: Martinez‐Maza Cayetana , Rosas Antonio , Nieto‐Diaz Manuel
Published: July 2010

Developmental and evolutionary changes in craniofacial morphology are a central issue in paleoanthropology, but the underlying bone growth processes have been scarcely studied. Relevant knowledge on bone growth dynamics can be obtained from the spatial distribution of bone formation and resorption activities. Determining these patterns from the valuable samples typically used in anthropology and palaeoanthropology necessarily implies nondestructive procedures. In this work, we present a methodology based on the analysis of high‐resolution replicas by reflected light microscopy, describing how microfeatures related to bone formation and resorption activities are recognized on both recent and fossil bone surfaces. The proposed method yields highly similar images to those obtained with scanning electron microscope and has proven its utility in an analysis of a large sample of extant and extinct hominoids. Am J Phys Anthropol 143:313–320, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The importance of accounting for the area of the medullary cavity in cross‐sectional geometry: A test based on the femoral midshaft
Authors: Sparacello V.S. , Pearson O.M.
Published: July 2010

In cross‐sectional geometric (CSG) studies, both the subperiosteal and endosteal contours are considered important factors in determining bone bending rigidity. Recently, regression equations predicting CSG properties from a section's external dimensions were developed in a world‐wide sample of human long bones. The results showed high correlations between some subperiosteally derived and actual CSG parameters. We present a theoretical model that further explores the influence of endosteal dimensions on CSG properties. We compare two hypothetical femoral midshaft samples with the same total subperiosteal area but with percentages of cortical bone at the opposite ends of published human variation for population sample means. Even in this relatively uncommon scenario, the difference between the samples in the resultant means for predicted femoral polar second moment of area (J) appears to be modest: power analysis indicates that a minimum sample size of 61 is needed to detect the difference 90% of the time via a t‐test. Moreover, endosteal area can be predicted—although with substantial error—from periosteal area. Despite this error, including this relationship in subperiosteally derived estimates of J produces sample mean estimates close to true mean values. Power analyses reveal that when similar samples are used to develop prediction equations, a minimum sample of hundreds or more may be needed to distinguish a predicted mean J from the true mean J. These results further justify the use of regression equations estimating J from periosteal contours when analyzing behaviorally induced changes in bone rigidity in ancient populations, when it is not possible to measure endosteal dimensions. However, in other situations involving comparisons of individual values, growth trends, and senescence, where relative cortical thickness may vary greatly, inclusion of endosteal dimensions is still important. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Künstliche lichtgesteuerte Katalysatorsysteme
Authors: Stoll Ragnar S. , Hecht Stefan
Published: July 2010

Kontrolle über einen Gegenstand oder einen gesamten Prozess auszuüben, ist zweifelsohne der ultimative Beweis für dessen Verständnis und ermöglicht erst die vollständige Nutzung seines Potenzials. Vor diesem Hintergrund haben Chemiker in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten für die meisten (relevanten) chemischen Reaktionen nicht nur eine Vielzahl von Katalysatoren entwickelt und optimiert, sondern vor kurzem auch damit begonnen, Steuerungselemente in das Katalysatordesign einzuführen. Diese integrierten Kontrolleinheiten werden durch Einwirkung geeigneter Stimuli reguliert, wobei Licht aus wissenschaftlicher und technologischer Sicht vermutlich am attraktivsten ist. Bestrahlung kann hierbei prinzipiell sowohl Aktivität als auch Selektivität in einem gegebenen katalytischen System mit hoher räumlicher und zeitlicher Präzision steuern, die zu einer allgemeinen Lokalisierung und Verstärkung des optischen Signals und dessen Umwandlung in chemische Aktivität führt. Während in der Natur dieses Konzept bereits erfolgreich Anwendung findet, im Speziellen beim Sehprozess und bei der Photobewegung, eröffnen derartige künstliche lichtgesteuerte katalytische Systeme einzigartige Möglichkeiten und verfügen über ein hohes Potenzial für zukünftige Anwendungen. In diesem Aufsatz beschreiben wir die grundsätzliche Idee der lichtgesteuerten Katalyse basierend auf photoaktivierbaren und photoschaltbaren Systemen und diskutieren relevante Beispiele aus der älteren und neueren Literatur.
Artificial Light‐Gated Catalyst Systems
Authors: Stoll Ragnar S. , Hecht Stefan
Published: July 2010

Having control over an entity or even an entire process is arguably the ultimate demonstration of its understanding and it will enable its potential to be fully exploited. With this in mind, chemists have not only been creating and optimizing a myriad of different catalysts for most (relevant) chemical reactions over the past decades, but have recently started to implement controlling elements into the catalyst design. These incorporated gates operate upon exposure to suitable control stimuli, and light represents perhaps the scientifically and technologically most attractive stimulus. In principle, irradiation can thereby induce activity and selectivity in a given catalyst system with high spatial and temporal control, leading to an overall localization and amplification of an optical signal and translation into chemical action. While nature has developed and utilized this concept, in particular in the processes of vision and photomovement, such artificial photocontrolled catalyst systems offer unique opportunities and have high potential for future applications. In this Review, we outline the general concept of light‐gated catalysis based on photocaged and also photoswitchable systems, and discuss relevant examples of the past and recent literature.