bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of a colorimetric and a high‐performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of fructan in pasture grasses for horses
Authors: Longland Annette C , Dhanoa Mewa S , Harris Patricia A
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Pasture (fresh or conserved as hay/haylage) forms the basis of most equid diets and contains varying amounts (0 to ≥ 200 g kg−1 dry matter (DM) or more) of fructans. Over‐consumption of fructan is associated with the onset of laminitis in equids, an agonizing condition that may necessitate euthanasia. To enable appropriate dietary management of animals susceptible to laminitis, it is essential that fructans can be properly quantified in fresh and conserved pasture. For research purposes, fructans are frequently quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), but these methods are costly for routine screening. However, an inexpensive colorimetric method for measuring fructans in human foods is commercially available. The aim here was to determine the suitability of the commercially available colorimetric method for determining the fructan content of pasture grasses for horses.

RESULTS: Pasture grasses (Phleum pretense, Festuca rubra, Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne) managed for grazing (sampled from April to November) and a further set managed for conservation (sampled in July) were analysed for fructan content by HPLC and the colorimetric technique. HPLC values ranged from 83 to 299 g fructan kg−1 DM (mean 154); corresponding colorimetric values were 5‐238 g fructan kg−1 DM (mean 82). Discrepancies in values between the two methods varied with time of sampling and plant species. Comparison of selected samples before and after incubation with the fructan hydrolases used in the colorimetric method revealed incomplete fructan hydrolysis from the pasture grasses, resulting in underestimates of their fructan content.

CONCLUSION: The colorimetric technique was not a reliable substitute for HPLC to quantify the fructan content of pasture grasses. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Direct cauterization of the nasal septal artery for epistaxis
Authors: Cooper Sarah E. , Ramakrishnan Vijay R.
Published: February 2012

Emergency management of epistaxis may include the use of local pressure and vasoconstrictors, chemical or electric cautery, hemostatic agents, nasal packing, embolization, and surgical arterial ligation. There is no definitive protocol for the management of epistaxis, although various protocols have been proposed in the literature. As approaches to surgical ligation of the arterial supply of the nasal cavity have evolved from external carotid ligation to minimally invasive approaches, surgical management of epistaxis has become more effective than embolization and may be less risky. In the surgical management of epistaxis, arterial ligation immediately proximal to the bleeding site is preferred. We propose a simple variation of the endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation that may be used to manage epistaxis arising from the nasal septum and floor. Laryngoscope, 2012
Computational fluid dynamics for investigation of saliva pressure in parotid obstruction
Authors: Xu Yue , Zhou Wenyan , Zhu Ping , Han Yi , Zheng Youhua , Li Jibin , Zhang Zhiguang
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hyothesis:

Parotid obstruction is one of the most common problems affecting the parotid gland. We aimed to investigate the blockage ratio (BR) and the intraductal pressure change of Stensen's duct using computational fluid dynamics.

Study Design:

Retrospective review of 16 patients who had undergone interventional sialendoscopy for parotid obstruction from 2009 to 2011.

Methods:

The three‐dimensional configurations of Stensen's duct were reconstructed from computed tomography (CT) sialographic images. Finite volume modeling in fluid dynamics of parotid obstruction was used to analyze the pressure distribution under conditions of rest and stimulation.

Results:

Intraductal pressure increased with increasing distance from the orifice. The upstream pressure was higher than that of downstream pressure in the same BR (P < .05). The upstream pressure increased as the BR increased. Statistically, the pressure turning point was indicated when BR = 60%. Only when the BR was much greater than 90% did the pressure reach 811.64 Pa, at which point patients could feel the painful swelling under the rest condition. Under the stimulated condition, the upstream pressure increased from 1.3‐ to 2.9‐fold of that of the no blocking state when the BR increased from 80% to 90%, which may aggravate the obstructive symptoms. There was no significant difference observed for downstream pressure under the same condition (P > .05).

Conclusions:

CT sialography was effectively used for analysis of the intraductal pressure distribution in patients with parotid obstruction. Analysis of salivary fluid dynamics in Stensen's duct may provide a further pathophysiological mechanism for obstructive diseases.
Cochlear implant performance in geriatric patients
Authors: Lenarz Minoo , Sönmez Hasibe , Joseph Gert , Büchner Andreas , Lenarz Thomas
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the hearing performance with cochlear implants (CIs) in patients who were 70 years or older at the time of implantation (geriatric patients) and compare it with the performance in younger adults.

Study Design:

Individual, retrospective, cohort study.

Methods:

A cohort of 1,005 postlingually deafened adults was selected for this study. According to their age at the time of cochlear implantation, patients were divided into four age groups: group 1, 18 to 39 years; group 2, 40 to 59 years; group 3, 60 to 69 years; and group 4, 70 years and older). The test battery was composed of four standard German speech tests: Freiburger Monosyllabic Test, Speech Tracking Test, and Hochmair‐Schulz‐Moser (HSM) Sentence Test in quiet and in 10 dB noise.

Results:

Geriatric patients showed a similar learning curve as the younger adults in the first 2 years after implantation. The direct comparison of speech perception in the Freiburger Monosyllabic Test, Speech Tracking Test, and HSM Test in quiet revealed no differences between the average performance of the geriatric patients and younger adults. However, in the HSM Test in noise, the performance of the geriatric group was significantly lower than the younger adults.

Conclusions:

Geriatric CI patients have a similar learning curve to younger adults, and in speech tests in quiet they show a comparable performance. However, their performance is significantly lower in noisy surroundings. This may be due to the central presbycusis in patients older than 70 years and should be taken into account in postoperative fitting of these patients. Further prospective studies are required to evaluate the role of special rehabilitation methods and cognitive training to improve the speech perception in noise in geriatric CI patients.
Watch peripheral arterial tonometry in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea: Influence of aging
Authors: Onder Nilgun Surmen , Akpinar Meltem Esen , Yigit Ozgur , Gor Ayse Pelin
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To investigate the consequences of aging and associated peripheral vascular tone impairment on peripheral arterial tonometry (Watch PAT)‐based sleep and respiratory disturbance analysis in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis.

Study Design:

Prospective, nonrandomized, clinical trial.

Methods:

A total of 56 subjects with age ranges of 20 to 35 years (group I, n = 27) and 50 to 65 years (group II, n = 29) referred to the sleep laboratory for overnight polysomnography (PSG) with suspected OSA were enrolled. All patients underwent simultaneous overnight PSG and Watch PAT monitoring. The data derived from PSG and Watch PAT records, including apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), rapid eye movement (REM) AHI, non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) AHI, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), mean O2 saturation (mean O2 sat), minimum O2 saturation (min O2 sat), sleep duration, and the percentages of NREM sleep stages 1‐2 and 3 and of REM sleep were used for comparisons. The calculated ΔPSG‐Watch PAT of the two groups were compared statistically. The correlations between the PSG‐Watch PAT measurements in each group were assessed.

Results:

The comparison of AHI, REM AHI, NREM AHI, ODI, mean O2 sat, min O2 sat, NREM sleep stage 1‐2, and REM sleep ΔPSG‐Watch PAT between the two groups did not reveal statistical significance. The difference between the two groups in terms of ΔPSG‐Watch PAT of sleep duration and sleep stage 3 was statistically significant.

Conclusions:

In addition to the good agreement confirmed between PSG and Watch PAT data in each group, aging did not negatively impact Watch PAT recorded data in terms of included parameters, except the difference in ΔPSG‐Watch PAT of sleep stage 3, which may be attributable to aging and impaired vascular tone.
Synthesis of atrial natriuretic peptide in the rabbit inner ear
Authors: Yoon Yong Joo , Lee Eun Jung , Kim Suhn Hee
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) exhibits natriuretic, diuretic, and vasorelaxant activity, maintaining fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Although ANP is mainly synthesized and secreted in/from atrium, ANP has been found in various tissues including the rat inner ear. The aim of this study was to identify the synthesis of ANP in lateral cochlear wall tissues and the presence of ANP in perilymph using rabbits.

Study Design:

In vivo study using a rabbit model.

Methods:

Expression of ANP in the rabbit inner ear tissue and the presence of perilymph were examined by radioimmunoassay and polymerase chain reaction using an ANP polyclonal antibody and rat ANP primers, respectively. Characteristics of ANP and pro‐ANP present in the inner ear were also evaluated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), comparing to rat cardiac ANP and pro‐ANP.

Results:

Immunoreactive ANP (ir‐ANP) was found in the perilymph and lateral cochlear wall tissue of rabbits. The levels of ir‐ANP in the perilymph were 5 to 16 ng/mL. Elusion profiles of HPLC showed two main peaks that were exactly matched with rat cardiac ANP and pro‐ANP. Expression of ANP mRNA was also detected.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that ANP and its precursor protein are synthesized in the ear tissues and secreted to perilymph. This hormone may play a role in control of water and/or ion homeostasis of the fluids in the ear that are responsible for normal hearing.
Traces of vector‐valued Sobolev spaces
Authors: Scharf Benjamin , Schmeißer Hans‐Jürgen , Sickel Winfried
Published: February 2012

Dedicated to Professor V. I. Burenkov on the occasion of his 70th birthday We characterize the traces of vector‐valued Besov and Lizorkin‐Triebel spaces. Therefrom we derive the corresponding assertions for the vector‐valued Sobolev spaces\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$W^m_{p}({\mathbf R}^n,E)\,$\end{document}. Here we do not assume the UMD property for the Banach spaceE.
Importance of the latex‐clearing protein (Lcp) for poly(cis‐1,4‐isoprene) rubber cleavage in Streptomyces sp. K30
Authors: Yikmis Meral , Steinbüchel Alexander
Published: February 2012

Streptomyces sp. strain K30 induces the formation of an extracellular Lcp (latex‐clearing protein) during poly(cis‐1,4‐isoprene) degradation. To investigate the function of this enzyme in Streptomyces sp. strain K30, the lcp gene was disrupted. This was the first time that the screening for a knock out lcp mutant of Streptomyces sp. strain K30 was successful. The resulting mutant Streptomyces sp. K30_lcpΩKm exhibited reduced growth in liquid mineral salts media containing poly(cis‐1,4‐isoprene) as the sole carbon and energy source. Additionally, there was no detectable Lcp activity on latex overlay agar plates. When Lcp from Streptomyces sp. strain K30 was heterologously expressed in strains TK23 and TK24 of Streptomyces lividans and a strain of S. erythraea with plasmid pIJ6021::lcp, the recombinant strains acquired the ability to cleave synthetic poly(cis‐1,4‐isoprene), confirming the involvement of Lcp in initial polymer cleavage. Specific anti‐LcpK30 IgGs were employed in Western blot analysis to detect the secretion of Lcp in the supernatant. We have conducted an important experiment to demonstrate Lcp activity using the supernatant of these Lcp‐expressing strains in vitro. All three strains obviously secreted a functional Lcp, as indicated by the formation of halo. Functional testing of Lcp with different plasmids in Escherichia coli strains and Pseudomonas strains was, however, not successful.
Identification of a five‐oxidoreductase‐gene cluster from Acetobacter pasteurianus conferring ethanol‐dependent acidification in Escherichia coli
Authors: Garcia‐Armisen Tamara , Vercammen Ken , Rimaux Tom , Vrancken Gino , Vuyst Luc De , Cornelis Pierre
Published: February 2012

Acetobacter pasteurianus, a Gram‐negative bacterium belonging to the α‐divison of Proteobacteria, produces acetic acid through ethanol oxidation. A genomic bank of A. pasteurianus 386B DNA was cloned in the low‐copy cosmid pRG930Cm vector and the resulting clones were screened for the production of protease using the skimmed‐milk agar assay whereby a clearing zone around the inoculated spots indicates casein degradation. Several positive clones were selected and restriction analysis revealed that many contained the same inserts. One clone was further analyzed and the cosmid DNA subjected to in vitro transposon insertion. After electroporation, several clones having lost the capacity to cause casein degradation were isolated and the sequence of the transposon‐flanking regions analyzed. The majority of insertions mapped to one gene encoding an NAD(P)+‐dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) of the PNTB superfamily, whereas one insert was found upstream in a gene encoding an ethanol dehydrogenase. Addition of phenol red to the medium confirmed the ethanol‐dependent acidification around the inoculated spots of the clones without transposon insertion, suggesting that casein degradation is due to the production of acetic acid as a result of the combined activities of the alcohol dehydrogenase and ALDH. Quantitative data and pH measurements confirmed a significant acidification, and the presence of acetic acid.
Spectrum of urodynamic abnormalities and renal function changes in adult men with non‐neurogenic urinary retention
Authors: Lewis Jane M. , Yalla Subbarao V. , Stanitski Kate E. , Sullivan Maryrose P.
Published: February 2012

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to identify abnormalities in bladder and renal function in men with urinary retention presumed to be due to BPH.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, urodynamic studies (UDS) and renal function were evaluated. Bladder contractility and compliance and the severity of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) were determined from urodynamics. Renal function (BUN, creatine, eGFR) was assessed prior to retention, at the time of presentation and after urodynamic evaluation.

Results

Of 87 patients with evaluable UDS, 48% did not demonstrate detrusor activity during testing while 52% showed some detrusor contractile activity. Of these, 23% did not have BOO. Diminished bladder compliance was detected in 56%. In the entire cohort, BUN, serum creatinine, and eGFR were significantly changed during retention but were restored after catheterization. In older patients (>75 years), BUN and creatinine during retention were significantly higher, and eGFR was significantly lower compared to younger patients, but renal function after catheterization was not different between age groups. No significant correlations were found between renal function measurements and bladder compliance or age.

Conclusion

The urodynamic spectrum in men with urinary retention ranged from detrusor acontractility to varied degrees of contractility associated with outlet obstruction spanning from equivocal to severe. Moreover, prompt relief of retention restores renal function to baseline levels, regardless of age. This study indicates that prostatic obstruction may not be the only cause of urinary retention in adult men presumed to have BPH and illustrates the value of urodynamic assessment prior to potentially failure‐prone surgical interventions. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:544–548, 2012. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Robust hierarchical a posteriori error estimators for stabilized convection–diffusion problems
Authors: Achchab B. , Agouzal A. , El Fatini M. , Souissi A.
Published: February 2012

We construct a hierarchical a posteriori error estimator for a stabilized finite element discretization of convection‐diffusion equations with height Péclet number. The error estimator is derived without the saturation assumption and without any comparison with the classical residual estimator. Besides, it is robust, such that the equivalence between the norm of the exact error and the error estimator is independent of the meshsize or the diffusivity parameter. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2012
Reducing Environmental Risks by Information Disclosure: Evidence in Residential Lead Paint Disclosure Rule
Authors: Bae Hyunhoe
Published: February 2012

Recently, there has been a surge in environmental regulations that require information disclosure. However, existing empirical evidence is limited to certain applications and has yet to generalize the effectiveness of this approach as a policy strategy to reduce environmental risks. This study evaluates the disclosure rule of the residential lead paint hazard (Title X) introduced in 1996. This regulation is one of the most prominent environmental disclosure laws, but its effectiveness has been relatively under‐investigated. Title X was intended to induce information recipients’ risk prevention behavior by proclaiming lead paint risk in old homes. Specifically, this study assumed three types of behavioral changes could be induced by Title X—(1) testing for lead paint, (2) maintaining painted surfaces in a proper condition, and (3) switching buying choice from old houses to new houses. In addition, using the national American Housing Survey, this study examined whether Title X increased the occurrence of those three behaviors. The results show that Title X increased the probability of homebuyers’ lead testing and decreased the probability of the existence of peeling paint in old homes. The analyses on households’ buying choices found that Title X did not result in a substantial switch from old houses to new houses in any socioeconomic status groups. However, it was found that the policy reduced the instances of households with young children occupying old homes. The findings in this study indicate that the policy generally induced more risk management behavior on existing risks and greatly influenced families with young children to such an extent that they changed their buying choice.
Mechanical and rheological behavior of highly filled polystyrene with lignin
Authors: Reza Barzegari Mohamad , Alemdar Ayse , Zhang Yaolin , Rodrigue Denis
Published: February 2012

The mechanical, rheological, and morphological properties of polystyrene (PS)/lignin blends over a wide range of lignin content (0–80 wt%) have been studied in this work. PS/lignin blends were compounded in an internal batch mixer with and without the addition of a linear triblock copolymer based on styrene, ethylene, and butylene (SEBS). A morphological analysis was carried out by scanning electron microscopy to determine the state of dispersion and the interfacial adhesion between the lignin particles and the PS matrix. It was found that the flexural and torsion moduli both increased, while the tensile properties decreased with increasing lignin content. Nevertheless, compatibilizer addition was found to improve the tensile properties of the lignin/PS blend. The shear rheological behavior of the lignin/PS blends was also studied in this work where viscosity, dynamic moduli, and activation energy were found to be very sensitive to both lignin and compatibilizer contents. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphological structure and surface properties of maleated ethylene propylene diene monomer/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Homocianu Mihaela , Airinei Anton , Stelescu Daniela Maria , Timpu Daniel , Ioanid Aurelia
Published: February 2012

The phase morphology and surface properties of some maleated ethylene propylene‐diene/organoclay nanocomposites (EPDM‐g‐MA/OC) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurements. The effect of organoclay and/or compatibilizing agent [maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA)] on the properties of the EPDM‐g‐MA nanocomposites was investigated. The quality and uniformity of nanoclay dispersion were analyzed by SEM and AFM images. The experimental results showed an intercalate structure and biphasic morphology for the binary blends based on EPDM and clay. The surface properties of the studied composites are significantly influenced by the presence of a compatibilizing agent—PP‐g‐MA. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Behavior of polyaniline–dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite films
Authors: Basavaraja C. , Kim Won Jung , Kim Dae Gun , Huh Do Sung
Published: February 2012

Polyaniline–dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA)/reduced graphene oxide (PDR) nanocomposites were synthesized through the oxidative polymerization of aniline hydrochloride in the presence of dissolved DBSA and reduced graphene oxide (GOR) in an aqueous solution. An in situ deposition technique was employed in this synthesis. The Fourier transformation infrared (FT‐IR), UV–vis spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analyses indicated strong interactions between PANI, DBSA, and GOR in the polymer composite. The temperature‐dependent DC electrical conductivity of the composite was studied in the range of 300–500 K to understand its conduction behavior. The properties on the mechanism of electrical transport of the PDR composite were analyzed using Mott's variable range of hopping. The newly synthesized polymer composites can be utilized in various fields, such as electric devices, sensors, and functional coatings, because of their high electrical conductivity. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Predictors and time trends in clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitor coprescription with low‐dose acetylsalicylic acid
Authors: Cea Soriano Lucía , Bueno Héctor , Johansson Saga , García Rodríguez Luis A.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

To determine trends and predictors of clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) coprescription with low‐dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) prescribed for secondary cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease (CVD) prevention in UK primary care.

Methods

Patients aged 50–84 years who received a first prescription for low‐dose ASA for secondary CVD prevention in 2000–2001 (n = 10 330) or 2006–2007 (n = 8154) were identified in The Health Improvement Network UK primary care database. Clopidogrel or PPI coprescriptions received within 15 days after the first low‐dose ASA prescription were ascertained.

Results

Clopidogrel coprescription with low‐dose ASA increased from 1.6% to 25.2% between the two study periods; PPI coprescription increased from 11.6% to 28.3%. Low‐dose ASA indications of myocardial infarction [odds ratio (OR) 11.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 10.2 to 13.4] and unstable angina (OR 1.73, 95%CI 1.09 to 2.75) were positive predictors of clopidogrel coprescription in 2006–2007, relative to chronic ischaemic heart disease. Patients at high risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding were more likely to receive a PPI than those at lower risk in 2006–2007 (OR 4.36, 95%CI 3.93 to 4.84). In this period, 65.5% of patients who required a clopidogrel coprescription according to guideline recommendations received one, and 44.3% of patients at high risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding received a PPI.

Conclusion

Clopidogrel and PPI coprescription with low‐dose ASA increased markedly between 2000–2001 and 2006–2007; however, many patients on low‐dose ASA did not receive the recommended coprescriptions at the end of the study period. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reading instruction in tier 1: Bridging the gaps by nesting evidence‐based interventions within differentiated instruction
Authors: Jones Ruth E. , Yssel Nina , Grant Christina
Published: January 2012

Response to Intervention (RtI) has brought about many changes in the way educational services are being provided to students who are at risk of school failure. Schools are seeking strategies that will be beneficial to more and more students, including those students whose instruction is primarily in the core, or Tier 1. Nesting proven, evidence‐based practices more widely in an RtI model is discussed as an efficient strategy for closing achievement gaps and research‐‐practice gaps. To differentiate instruction relative to RtI and the core curriculum, the application of strategies typically reserved for Tiers 2 and 3 is suggested. An example of embedding, or nesting, interventions at Tier 1 is given. Organizational tools are provided for Tier 1 whole‐class, differentiated instruction in fluency training, including repeated readings. The roles of the school psychologist, teacher, and administrator in the model are considered, along with specific, targeted examples and approaches. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supporting valid decision making: Uses and misuses of assessment data within the context of RTI
Authors: Ball Carrie R. , Christ Theodore J.
Published: January 2012

Within an RtI problem‐solving context, assessment and decision making generally center around the tasks of problem identification, problem analysis, progress monitoring, and program evaluation. We use this framework to discuss the current state of the literature regarding curriculum based measurement, its technical properties, and its utility for making instructional decisions. Cursory examination of emerging alternatives (e.g., computer adaptive tests) is included, where appropriate. We then offer recommendations for local decision making, with an emphasis on high‐quality assessment, responsible decision making, bridging the research–practice gap, and capitalizing on the expertise of school psychologists. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Special considerations with response to intervention and instruction for students with diverse backgrounds
Authors: Hernández Finch Maria E.
Published: January 2012

Response to Intervention (RtI) has been heralded as having significant promise for improving outcomes, reducing disproportional placement in special education, and making education more culturally responsive for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) youth. This article reviews the major recent empirical and qualitative research findings with respect to its impact, particularly with regard to CLD youth. Extant policies are reviewed, in addition to best‐practice recommendations by experts in the field of culturally responsive RtI. The major conclusion of this article is that despite some recent high‐quality studies, insufficient research currently exists to support full implementation of an RtI model with CLD youth or those who have individual diversity. In many cases, researchers need to minimally disaggregate their findings and more clearly explain their samples and methods, moving beyond providing simple ethnicity counts as proxies for culture. Future studies should include fully described contextual variables and consider the science to pedagogical practice gap. In addition, outcomes for youth need to be documented as part of assessing whether RtI is having the desired effect on producing a more equitable educational milieu. Finally, additional research is needed in subject areas beyond reading and should be conducted more frequently with CLD adolescents. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nutritional outcomes following gastrostomy in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Bradley Gia M. , Carson Kathryn A. , Leonard Amanda R. , Mogayzel Peter J. , Oliva‐Hemker Maria
Published: February 2012

Objective

In 2005 the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation recommended that children with CF maintain a body mass index (BMI) ≥50th percentile. Our study evaluated if gastrostomy (GT) placement increases the likelihood of reaching that goal compared to a standardized nutrition protocol.

Study design

Retrospective study of 20 children with CF ages 2–20 years with GTs placed from 2005 to 2010. Each case was pair‐matched on age, sex, pancreatic status, BMI, and lung function with a nonGT child with CF. Outcome measures included nutritional status and lung function at 6 months and 1 year.

Results

At baseline, mean ± SD BMI Z‐scores were similar (cases −1.19 ± 0.60, controls −1.10 ± 0.50; P = 0.10). Cases had a significant 6‐month increase in mean BMI Z‐score to −0.29 ± 0.84 compared to −1.02 ± 0.67 for controls (P < 0.001). By 1 year, the change in mean BMI Z‐score was less different (cases −0.41 ± 0.76, controls −0.71 ± 0.51; P = 0.07). Both groups had stable lung function. From exact logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for cases compared to controls of reaching BMI ≥50th percentile was 9.70 (95% CI: 1.05–484.7; P = 0.04) at 6 months and 3.65 (95%CI: 0.69–25.86; P = 0.16) at 1 year.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that children with CF who receive GTs are more likely to achieve BMI ≥50th percentile than matched children without GTs. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:743–748. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fingolimod: new oral treatment for relapsing‐remitting MS
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Schmierer Klaus , Farrell Rachel
Published: February 2012

Fingolimod (Gilenya) is an oral disease‐modifying therapy licensed for relapsingremitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in patients with high disease activity despite treatment with an interferon beta. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse events, and Drs Klaus Schmierer and Rachel Farrell discuss its place in place in the treatment of RRMS. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
Recommended drug therapy for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Taylor Kirstin , Wilkinson Mark
Published: February 2012

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition of unclear aetiology that can greatly impact on the lives of those affected. Our Drug review discusses the currently available treatments and their properties, followed by sources of further information. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
Simulation of InGaN quantum well LEDs with reduced internal polarization
Authors: Andreev Zhelio , Römer Friedhard , Witzigmann Bernd
Published: February 2012

This work presents a theoretical comparison of efficiency in III‐nitride light emitting diodes (LEDs). We simulate non‐, semi‐, and polar devices, and analyze their I–V characteristics and internal quantum efficiencies (IQEs). In addition we present simulations of a new structural design for nitride devices, with decreased polarization charges, using quaternary AlInGaN material.
Theoretical studies of the influence of structural inhomogeneities on the radiative recombination time in polar InGaN quantum wells
Authors: Gladysiewicz Marta , Kudrawiec Robert
Published: February 2012

The influence of two structural inhomogeneities (i.e., the quantum well width and indium concentration fluctuations) on the radiative recombination time (τr) in polar InGaN quantum wells (QWs) was studied within the “random” QW model [M. Gladysiewicz and R. Kudrawiec, J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 22, 485801 (2010)]. In this analysis it is assumed that the τr is inversely proportional to the electron–hole overlap integral which can be calculated within the effective mass approximation. In order to simulate QW inhomogeneities in this model, it was assumed that the QW width and indium concentration vary with a Gaussian distribution where the nominal QW width and indium concentration correspond to the mean value in this distribution and their fluctuations correspond to the deviation from the main value. Obtained results clearly show that the variation of QW width in this system (the first type of QW inhomogeneities) leads to a non‐linear dispersion of the τr whereas the change in indium concentration (the second type of QW inhomogeneities) leads to a linear dispersion of the τr. The two types of QW inhomogenities (QW width and indium concentration fluctuations) lead to a situation where the same emission wavelength can be realized by QWs with significantly different τr constants. Such a behavior of the τr leads to a non‐exponential decay of photoluminescence.
Unambiguous relationship between photoluminescence energy and its pressure evolution in InGaN/GaN quantum wells
Authors: Suski T. , Staszczak G. , Łepkowski S. P. , Perlin P. , Czernecki R. , Grzegory I. , Funato M. , Kawakami Y.
Published: February 2012

We have studied pressure dependence of photoluminescence in InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs). Universal dependence of the pressure coefficients dEPL/dp on the emission energy, at ambient pressure. EPL, in polar InGaN/GaN QWs has been found. This dependence is fulfilled for structures having different QWs, different composition of InGaN, and growth method. Calculations performed using k · p method combined with theory of elasticity and piezoelectricity support the experimental finding when an assumption on strain dependence of piezoelectric coefficients in nitride semiconductors is applied. We have also performed measurements of semipolar ($11{\bar {2}}2$) InGaN/GaN QWs with different In‐content. The same univocal dependence between EPL and dEPL/dp realized for polar structures has been also found in the studied semipolar QWs.
Modeling study on the properties of GaN/AlN core/shell nanowires by surface effect suppression
Authors: Tuoc Vu Ngoc , Huan Tran Doan , Lien Le Thi Hong
Published: February 2012

Physical properties of a nano structure are dramatically affected by its surface reconstruction and quantum confinement. For a core/shell structured nanowire (NW), the core/shell interface also plays a key role. The effects induced solely by the surface reconstruction can be estimated by using a reference model in which the dangling bonds on the NW's surface are saturated by a number of pseudo hydrogen atoms with fractional charge. We present in this paper a first principles study on the role of the surface reconstruction in several series of gallium nitride/aluminum nitride core/shell structured NWs. We also show that the model of pseudo hydrogen atoms does suppress the effects of surface reconstruction on both structural and electronic properties of the NWs, thus the model can be used to estimate the role of surface reconstruction.
Long delays of light in ZnO caused by exciton‐polariton propagation
Authors: Chen S. L. , Chen W. M. , Buyanova I. A.
Published: February 2012

We study the propagation of exciton‐polaritons through bulk ZnO using time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) complemented by time‐of‐flight measurements of laser pulses. When the photon energy approaches donor bound exciton resonances, substantial time delays in PL light propagation are observed which reach up to 210 ps for a 0.55 mm thick crystal. By comparing results from time‐of‐flight measurements performed using PL light and laser pulses, the observed delay is shown to be due to the formation of exciton‐polaritons and their spectral dispersion. It is also shown that the main contribution to the slow‐down effect arises from free exciton‐polaritons, whereas bound exciton‐polaritons become important only in close vicinity to the corresponding resonances.
Anxiolytic‐like Effect of α‐Asarone in Mice
Authors: Liu Shuang , Chen Si Wei , Xu Na , Liu Xing Hua , Zhang Hua , Wang Yan Zi , Xu Xiao Dan
Published: February 2012

The effects of α‐asarone in four assays predictive of anxiolytic activity in male mice were studied, with diazepam as a positive anxiolytic control. The use of the elevated plus‐maze test revealed that diazepam (2 mg/kg) or α‐asarone (3.5 mg/kg) increased the percentage of entries into open arms and of the time spent on open arms. In the light/dark transition test, as with 2 mg/kg diazepam, 7 mg/kg α‐asarone increased the time spent in the light area and the number of transitions between the two compartments. In the novel food consumption test, α‐asarone (3.5, 7 and 14 mg/kg) caused significant increases in food intake during 5 min as well as diazepam (0.5 mg/kg). In the marble burying test, α‐asarone also produced a significant inhibition of marble burying at doses of 14 and 28 mg/kg, as did diazepam (5 mg/kg). Thus, these findings indicated that α‐asarone exhibited an anxiolytic‐like effect. Further studies will be required to assess the generality of the present findings to other species and behavioral paradigms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective Effect of Brazilian Propolis Against Hepatic Oxidative Damage in Rats with Water‐immersion Restraint Stress
Authors: Nakamura Tadashi , Ohta Yoshiji , Ohashi Koji , Ikeno Kumiko , Watanabe Rie , Tokunaga Kenji , Harada Nobuhiro
Published: February 2012

In the present study we examined the protective effect of Brazilian propolis against hepatic oxidative damage in rats with water‐immersion restraint stress (WIRS) in comparison with that of vitamin E (VE). Fasted rats orally received Brazilian green propolis ethanol extract (BPEE; 10, 50 or 100 mg/kg), VE (250 mg/kg) or vehicle at 30 min before the onset of WIRS. Exposure of vehicle‐treated rats to 6 h of WIRS caused liver cell damage, judging from the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferease, increased hepatic lipid peroxide, NOx contents and myeloperoxidase activity, and decreased hepatic non‐protein SH, ascorbic acid contents and superoxide dismutase activity. Preadministration of BPEE (50 or 100 mg/kg) or VE to the stressed rats protected against the hepatic damage and attenuated the increased hepatic lipid peroxide and NOx contents and myeloperoxidase activity and the decreased hepatic non‐protein SH and ascorbic acid contents and superoxide dismutase activity. These protective effects of BPEE (50 mg/kg) were greater than those of BPEE (100 mg/kg) and were almost equal to those of VE. These results indicate that BPEE protects against hepatic oxidative damage in rats exposed to WIRS possibly through its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties such as VE. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Philosophical issues about concepts
Authors: McCaffrey Joseph , Machery Edouard
Published: February 2012

In this article, we review some important controversies about concepts in the philosophy of psychology, focusing particularly on the theories of concepts developed in philosophy, on the debate about the homogeneity of concepts, on neo‐empiricism, and on concept learning.WIREs Cogn Sci2012, 3:265–279. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1166

This article is categorized under:

Philosophy > Foundations of Cognitive Science
Chylomicron Formation and Secretion is Required for Lipid‐Stimulated Release of Incretins GLP‐1 and GIP
Authors: Lu Wendell J. , Yang Qing , Yang Li , Lee Dana , D’Alessio David , Tso Patrick
Published: February 2012

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are incretins produced in the intestine that play a central role in glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. Circulating concentrations of GLP‐1 and GIP are low and can be difficult to assay in rodents. These studies utilized the novel intestinal lymph fistula model we have established to investigate the mechanism of lipid‐stimulated incretin secretion. Peak concentrations of GLP‐1 and GIP following an enteral lipid stimulus (Liposyn) were significantly higher in intestinal lymph than portal venous plasma. To determine whether lipid‐stimulated incretin secretion was related to chylomicron formation Pluronic L‐81 (L‐81), a surfactant inhibiting chylomicron synthesis, was given concurrently with Liposyn. The presence of L‐81 almost completely abolished the increase in lymph triglyceride seen with Liposyn alone (P < 0.001). Inhibition of chylomicron formation with L‐81 reduced GLP‐1 secretion into lymph compared to Liposyn stimulation alone (P = 0.034). The effect of L‐81 relative to Liposyn alone had an even greater effect on GIP secretion, which was completely abolished (P = 0.004). These findings of a dramatic effect of L‐81 on lymph levels of GLP‐1 and GIP support a strong link between intestinal lipid absorption and incretin secretion. The relative difference in the effect of L‐81 on the two incretins provides further support that nutrient‐stimulation of GIP and GLP‐1 is via distinct mechanisms.
Nonvascular Pediatric Interventional Radiology
Authors: Burrill Joshua , Heran Manraj K.S.
Published: January 2012

Interventional radiology procedures are increasingly in demand in both the adult and pediatric populations. Pediatric procedures mirror many of the adult procedures but with increased complexity due to considerations related to patient size and the requirements for sedation and radiation protection. This article reviews the various nonvascular pediatric interventional procedures and provides information on sedation and radiation protection. The aim is to provide a greater exposure to the possible treatment options for pediatric patients and to facilitate understanding of imaging after various interventions.
Cripto/GRP78 modulation of the TGF‐β pathway in development and oncogenesis
Authors: Gray Peter C. , Vale Wylie
Published: February 2012

Cripto is a small, GPI‐anchored signaling protein that regulates cellular survival, proliferation, differentiation and migration during normal developmental processes and tumorigenesis. Cripto functions as an obligatory co‐receptor for the TGF‐β ligands Nodal, GDF1 and GDF3 but attenuates signaling of others such as activin‐A, activin‐B and TGF‐β1. Soluble, secreted forms of Cripto also activate Src, ras/raf/MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways via a mechanism that remains largely obscure. This review describes the biological roles and signaling mechanisms of Cripto, highlighting our identification of the 78 kDa glucose regulated protein (GRP78) as a cell surface receptor/co‐factor required for Cripto signaling via both TGF‐β and Src/MAPK/PI3K pathways. We discuss emerging evidence indicating that Cripto/GRP78 signaling regulates normal somatic stem cells and their tumorigenic counterparts.
A new hybrid bacteriocin, Ent35–MccV, displays antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Acuña Leonardo , Picariello Gianluca , Sesma Fernando , Morero Roberto D. , Bellomio Augusto
Published: February 2012

Bacteriocins and microcins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides that are usually active against phylogenetically related bacteria. Thus, bacteriocins are active against Gram‐positive while microcins are active against Gram‐negative bacteria. The narrow spectrum of action generally displayed by bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria represents an important limitation for the application of these peptides as clinical drugs or as food biopreservatives. The present study describes the design and expression of a novel recombinant hybrid peptide combining enterocin CRL35 and microcin V named Ent35–MccV. The chimerical bacteriocin displayed antimicrobial activity against enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes clinical isolates, among other pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, Ent35–MccV may find important applications in food or pharmaceutical industries.
Citalopram for agitation in Alzheimer's disease: Design and methods
Authors: Drye Lea T. , Ismail Zahinoor , Porsteinsson Anton P. , Rosenberg Paul B. , Weintraub Daniel , Marano Christopher , Pelton Gregory , Frangakis Constantine , Rabins Peter V. , Munro Cynthia A. , Meinert Curtis L. , Devanand D.P. , Yesavage Jerome , Mintzer Jacobo E. , Schneider Lon S. , Pollock Bruce G. , Lyketsos Constantine G. ,   CitAD Research Group
Published: February 2012

Background

Agitation is one of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and is associated with serious adverse consequences for patients and caregivers. Evidence‐supported treatment options for agitation are limited. The citalopram for agitation in Alzheimer's disease (CitAD) study was designed to evaluate the potential of citalopram to ameliorate these symptoms.

Methods

CitAD is a randomized, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled multicenter clinical trial, with two parallel treatment groups assigned in a 1:1 ratio and randomization stratified by clinical center. The study included eight recruiting clinical centers, a chair's office, and a coordinating center located in university settings in the United States and Canada. A total of 200 individuals having probable AD with clinically significant agitation and without major depression were recruited for this study. Patients were randomized to receive citalopram (target dose of 30 mg/d) or matching placebo. Caregivers of patients in both treatment groups received a structured psychosocial therapy. Agitation was compared between treatment groups using the NeuroBehavioral Rating Scale and the AD Cooperative Study‐ Clinical Global Impression of Change, which are the primary outcomes. Functional performance, cognition, caregiver distress, and rates of adverse and serious adverse events were also measured.

Conclusion

The authors believe the design elements in CitAD are important features to be included in trials assessing the safety and efficacy of psychotropic medications for clinically significant agitation in AD.
Enticing for me but unfair to her: Can targeted pricing evoke socially conscious behavior?
Authors: Wang Yu , Krishna Aradhna
Published: January 2012

Prior research shows that consumers stop purchasing from firms that treat them badly. In this research we show that consumers also resist firms that treat other consumers badly while favoring them. In three experiments, we demonstrate such social consciousness in the context of targeted pricing, where firms offer lower prices to new (versus old) customers. A significant proportion of consumers in our experiments give up money to resist the price‐discriminating firm, especially when the discrimination is more salient or is not justified. Further, perceived unfairness mediates the relationship between the salience and justification of the pricing practice and consumer resistance.
Stem cells in human normal endometrium and endometrial cancer cells: Characterization of side population cells
Authors: Kato Kiyoko
Published: January 2012

Recently, adult stem cells have been identified in several mature tissues. The human endometrium is responsive to sex steroid hormone. It undergoes extraordinary growth in a cyclic manner and is shed and regenerated throughout a woman's lifetime. It has been proposed that the human endometrium may contain a population of stem cells, which are responsible for its remarkable regenerative ability. It is also suggested that stem‐like cells exist in cancer tissues. Stem‐like cell subpopulations, referred to as “side population” (SP) cells, have been identified in several tissues and tumors based on their ability to efflux the fluorescent dye Hoechst 33342. Recently, we isolated and characterized the SP cells in normal human endometrium and in an endometrial cancer (EC) cell line. Endometrial SP cells can function as progenitor cells. EC SP cells show the following: (1) reductions in the expression levels of differentiation markers; (2) long‐term repopulating properties; (3) self‐renewal capacity; (4) enhancement of migration and podia formation; (5) enhancement of tumorigenicity; and (6) bipotent developmental potential (tumor cells and stroma‐like cells), suggesting that these SP cells have cancer stem‐like cell features. We review the articles that show the presence of stem cells in normal endometrium and EC cells and demonstrate the results of our studies.