bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Montelukast on Antioxidant Enzymes and Proinflammatory Cytokines on the Heart, Liver, Lungs, and Kidneys in a Rat Model of Cecal Ligation and Puncture–Induced Sepsis
Authors: Coskun Ali Kagan , Yigiter Murat , Oral Akgun , Odabasoglu Fehmi , Halici Zekai , Mentes Oner , Cadirci Elif , Atalay Fadime , Suleyman Halis
Published: August 2011

We investigated the potential protective effects of montelukast (MLK) on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)–induced tissue injury in vital organs — liver, heart, kidneys, and especially lungs — through inhibition of the proinflammatory cytokine response and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rats. The rat groups were (1) a 10-mg/kg MLK-treated CLP group; (2) a 20-mg/kg MLK-treated CLP group; (3) a 20-mg/kg MLK-treated, sham-operated group; (4) a CLP control group; and (5) a sham-operated control group. MLK treatment significantly decreased proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6) cytokine levels following CLP. The lipid peroxide level increased in the lung, heart, liver, and kidney tissues after CLP-induced sepsis, and myeloperoxidase activity increased in the lung, heart, and liver tissues. MLK attenuated this elevation in all tissues except the kidney, dose dependently. The glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly increased in the lung, liver, and kidney tissues after MLK treatment. MLK treatment after CLP also potentially reduced mortality. The lung and kidney tissues were the most protected by MLK under sepsis conditions. We can suggest that MLK reverses the systemic inflammatory reaction to polymicrobial sepsis and thereby reduces multiple organ failure.
Giant Cell Arteritis Presenting as Scalp Necrosis
Authors: Maidana Daniel E. , Muñoz Silvia , Acebes Xènia , Llatjós Roger , Jucglà Anna , Álvarez Alba
Published: August 2011

The differential of scalp ulceration in older patients should include several causes, such as herpes zoster, irritant contact dermatitis, ulcerated skin tumors, postirradiation ulcers, microbial infections, pyoderma gangrenosum, and giant cell arteritis. Scalp necrosis associated with giant cell arteritis was first described in the 1940s. The presence of this dermatological sign within giant cell arteritis represents a severity marker of this disease, with a higher mean age at diagnosis, an elevated risk of vision loss and tongue gangrene, as well as overall higher mortality rates, in comparison to patients not presenting this manifestation. Even though scalp necrosis due to giant cell arteritis is exceptional, a high level of suspicion must be held for this clinical finding, in order to initiate prompt and proper treatment and avoid blindness.
Linear Methods for Analysis and Quality Control of Relative Expression Ratios from Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Experiments
Authors: Page Robert B. , Stromberg Arnold J.
Published: August 2011

Relative expression quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) experiments are a common means of estimating transcript abundances across biological groups and experimental treatments. One of the most frequently used expression measures that results from such experiments is the relative expression ratio (RE), which describes expression in experimental samples (i.e., RNA isolated from organisms, tissues, and/or cells that were exposed to one or more experimental or nonbaseline condition) in terms of fold change relative to calibrator samples (i.e., RNA isolated from organisms, tissues, and/or cells that were exposed to a control or baseline condition). Over the past decade, several models of RE have been proposed, and it is now clear that endogenous reference gene stability and amplification efficiency must be assessed in order to ensure that estimates of RE are valid. In this review, we summarize key issues associated with estimating RE from cycle threshold data. In addition, we describe several methods based on linear modeling that enable researchers to estimate model parameters and conduct quality control procedures that assess whether model assumptions have been violated.
Reverse Genetic Strategies inCaenorhabditis elegans: Towards Controlled Manipulation of the Genome
Authors: Baylis Howard A. , Vázquez-Manrique Rafael P.
Published: August 2011

Caenorhabditis eleganshas a complete annotated genome sequence that is augmented by increasing quantities of data from high-throughput postgenomic analyses. This has led to an increasing need to identify the biological functions of specific genes using reverse genetics, i.e., moving from gene to phenotype. Fundamental to this aim is the ability to alter the structure of particular genes by means that are not accessible to classical genetic strategies. Thus, one dream ofC. elegansresearchers is to establish a toolkit for the controlled manipulation of anylociwithin the genome. AlthoughC. elegansis amenable to a wide variety of genetic and molecular manipulations, controlled manipulation of endogenous genes by, for example, gene targeting has proved elusive until relatively recently. In this review, we describe and discuss the different methods available for the inactivation and modification of endogenous loci with a focus on strategies that permit some measure of control in this process. We describe methods that use random mutagenesis to isolate mutations in specific genes. We then focus on techniques that allow controlled manipulation of the genome: gene modification by transposon mobilisation, gene knock-out mediated by zinc-finger nucleases, and gene targeting by biolistic transformation.
Description of a Novel Murine Model for Ileocystoplasty and Early Histologic Changes
Authors: Braasch Matthew R. , Griffith Thomas S. , Cooper Christopher S. , Austin J. Christopher
Published: August 2011

There is concern that bladder augmentation with bowel segments predisposes toward the development of carcinoma. Additionally, patients with neurogenic bladder and bladder cancer often present with advanced stage and have poor survival. Cellular hyperproliferation at the urointestinal junction (UIJ) has been implicated in this scenario. We aimed to develop a reproducible murine model of ileocystoplasty (ICP). We also performed preliminary analysis of any early histologic changes with focus on cellular proliferation at the UIJ. Fifteen 6- to 8-week-old female C57BL/6 mice underwent ICP, where a 1-cm ileal segment was used for bladder augmentation. Four sham mice underwent cystotomy and closure, and four mice did not undergo surgery. The mice were euthanized at 12 weeks postsurgery, and paraffin sections were stained for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Cellular proliferation was investigated using Ki-67. A novel model of ICP in mice was developed and demonstrated to be technically feasible in approximately 60 min under the operating microscope. Twelve-week postsurgical survival rates were 80% (12 of 15). The surviving mice had a similar weight gain as the sham mice. H&E sections showed thickened urothelium (six to 10 cell layers) at the UIJ, but sparse mitotic figures and no dysplastic changes. Ki-67 staining was rare in the urothelium, and showed no differences between the sham and ICP mice in the bladder or at the UIJ. We here demonstrate the first murine model of ICP. Preliminary studies did not show evidence of early hyperproliferation at the UIJ or in the bladder, but further long-term studies as well as studies with transgenic mice are warranted.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Dendrimersper se
Authors: Hayder Myriam , Fruchon Séverine , Fournié Jean-Jacques , Poupot Mary , Poupot Rémy
Published: August 2011

Dendrimers are polybranched and polyfunctionalized tree-like polymers. Unlike linear polymers, they have perfectly defined structure and molecular weight, due to their iterative step-by-step synthesis. Their multivalent structure and supramolecular properties have made them attractive nanotools for applications, particularly in biology and medicine. Among the different biological and medical properties of dendrimers that have been developed over the past decades, the anti-inflammatory properties of several groups of dendrimers are the most recently discovered. Thereof, dendrimers emerge as promising, although heretical, drug candidates for the treatment of still-uncured chronic inflammatory disorders. This mini-review is based on the five main scientific articles giving an overview of what can be the spectrum of anti-inflammatory characteristics displayed by dendrimers.
Degree of Phosphorus Saturation and Soil Phosphorus Thresholds in an Ultisol Amended with Triple Superphosphate and Phosphate Rocks
Authors: Gikonyo E. W. , Zaharah A. R. , Hanafi M. M. , Anuar A. R.
Published: August 2011

Soil phosphorus (P) release capability could be assessed through the degree of P saturation (DPS). Our main objective was to determine DPS and, hence, P threshold DPS values of an Ultisol treated with triple superphosphate (TSP), Gafsa phosphate rocks (GPR), or Christmas Island phosphate rocks (CIPR), plus or minus manure. P release was determined by the iron oxide—impregnated paper strip (strip P), while DPS was determined from ammonium oxalate—extractable aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and P. Soils were sampled from a closed incubation study involving soils treated with TSP, GPR, and CIPR at 0–400 mg P kg-1, and a field study where soils were fertilized with the same P sources at 100–300 kg P ha-1plus or minus manure. The DPS was significantly influenced by P source x P rate, P source x manure (incubated soils), and by P source x P rate x time (field-sampled soils). Incubated soil results indicated that both initial P and total strip P were related to DPS by exponential functions: initial strip P = 1.38exp0.18DPS, R2= 0.82** and total strip P = 8.01exp0.13DPS, R2 = 0.65**. Initial strip P was linearly related to total P; total P = 2.45, initial P + 8.41, R2= 0.85**. The threshold DPS value established was about 22% (incubated soil). Field soils had lower DPS values <12% and strip P was related to initial DPS and average DPS in exponential functions: strip P = 2.6exp0.44DPS, R2= 0.77** and strip P = 1.1DPS2— 2.4DPS + 6.2, R2= 0.58**, respectively. The threshold values were both at ≈8% and P release was 11–14 mg P kg-1. Results are evident that DPS can be used to predict P release, but the threshold values are environmentally sensitive; hence, recommendations should be based on field trials.
Micropenis
Authors: Wiygul Jeremy , Palmer Lane S.
Published: August 2011

Micropenis is part of a larger group of conditions broadly known as inconspicuous penis; however, it is fundamentally different from the other diagnoses in this group, such as webbed penis and buried penis, in that the underlying problem is the size of the penis itself, not with the surrounding and overlying skin. This condition is usually the result of a defect in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, although iatrogenic causes are identified infrequently. Management revolves around testosterone (direct administration or encouraging the patient's body to make its own), and long-term results with respect to increase in penile length are promising. Reconstructive surgery is based on the use of a vascular pedicle free flap and is reserved for patients who fail to respond to hormonal treatment. Although substantial long-term data are lacking, adult patients with micropenis appear to report dissatisfaction with penile appearance, but the majority appear to have adequate sexual function.
Impaired Muscle Regeneration in Ob/ob and Db/db Mice
Authors: Nguyen Mai-Huong , Cheng Ming , Koh Timothy J.
Published: August 2011

In obesity and type 2 diabetes, efficient skeletal muscle repair following injury may be required, not only for restoring muscle structure and function, but also for maintaining exercise capacity and insulin sensitivity. The hypothesis of this study was that muscle regeneration would be impaired in ob/ob and db/db mice, which are common mouse models of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Muscle injury was produced by cardiotoxin injection, and regeneration was assessed by morphological and immunostaining techniques. Muscle regeneration was delayed in ob/ob and db/db mice, but not in a less severe model of insulin resistance – feeding a high-fat diet to wild-type mice. Angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and myoblast accumulation were also impaired in ob/ob and db/db mice, but not the high-fat diet mice. The impairments in muscle regeneration were associated with impaired macrophage accumulation; macrophages have been shown previously to be required for efficient muscle regeneration. Impaired regeneration in ob/ob and db/db mice could be due partly to the lack of leptin signaling, since leptin is expressed both in damaged muscle and in cultured muscle cells. In summary, impaired muscle regeneration in ob/ob and db/db mice was associated with reduced macrophage accumulation, angiogenesis, and myoblast activity, and could have implications for insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscle of obese and type 2 diabetic patients.
The Multifaceted Role of the Inflammasome in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Lissner Donata , Siegmund Britta
Published: August 2011

Inflammasomes are intracellular multiprotein complexes that coordinate the maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in response to pathogens and metabolic danger. Both cytokines have been linked to intestinal inflammation. However, recently evolving concepts ascribe a major role to the inflammasome in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. This review recapitulates its position in the development of inflammatory bowel disease, thereby outlining a model in which hypo- as well as hyperfunctionality can lead to an imbalance of the system, depending on the specific cell population affected. In the epithelium, the inflammasome is essential for regulation of permeability and epithelial regeneration through sensing of commensal microbes, while excessive inflammasome activation within the lamina propria contributes to severe intestinal inflammation.
7-Chloroquinolin-4-yl Arylhydrazone Derivatives: Synthesis and Antifungal Activity
Authors: Duval Auri R. , Carvalho Pedro H. , Soares Maieli C. , Gouvêa Daniela P. , Siqueira Geonir M. , Lund Rafael G. , Cunico Wilson
Published: August 2011

Fifteen 7-chloro-4-arylhydrazonequinolines have been evaluated for their in vitro antifungal activity against eight oral fungi:Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. lipolytica, C. tropicalis, C. famata, C. glabrata, Rhodutorula mucilaginosa, andR. glutinis. Several compounds exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) activities comparable with the first-line drug fluconazole. These results could be considered as an important starting point for the rational design of new antifungal agents.
Minimal Residual Disease Diagnostics and Chimerism in the Post-Transplant Period in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Bacher Ulrike , Haferlach Torsten , Fehse Boris , Schnittger Susanne , Kröger Nicolaus
Published: August 2011

In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the selection of poor-risk patients for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with rather high post-transplant relapse rates. As immunotherapeutic intervention is considered to be more effective before the cytomorphologic manifestation of relapse, post-transplant monitoring gains increasing attention in stem cell recipients with a previous diagnosis of AML. Different methods for detection of chimerism (e.g., microsatellite analysis or quantitative real-time PCR) are available to quantify the ratio of donor and recipient cells in the post-transplant period. Various studies demonstrated the potential use of mixed chimerism kinetics to predict relapse of the AML. CD34+-specific chimerism is associated with a higher specificity of chimerism analysis. Nevertheless, a decrease of donor cells can have other causes as well. Therefore, efforts continue to introduce minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring based on molecular mutations in the post-transplant period. TheNPM1(nucleophosmin) mutations can be monitored by sensitive quantitative real-time PCR in subsets of stem cell recipients with AML, but for approximately 20% of patients, suitable molecular mutations for post-transplant MRD monitoring are not available so far. This emphasizes the need for an expansion of the panel of MRD markers in the transplant setting.
Using Large Institutional or National Databases to Evaluate Prostate Cancer Outcomes and Patterns of Care: Possibilities and Limitations
Authors: Su Daniel , Jang Thomas L.
Published: August 2011

Prostate cancer is the most common non–skin-related cancer in men. With advances in technology, the care and treatment for men with this disease continues to become more complex. Large databases offer researchers a unique opportunity to conduct prostate cancer research in various areas, and provide important information that helps patients and providers determine prognosis after treatment. Furthermore, the studies using these databases may provide information on how side effects from various treatments can affect one's quality of life. Finally, information from these datasets can help to identify factors that determine why patients receive the treatments they do. Despite this, these databases are not without limitations. In this review, we discuss various available, national, multicenter, and institutional databases in the context of prostate cancer research, citing numerous important studies that have impacted on our understanding of prostate cancer outcomes.
Practical Aspects of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Patients with Poor-Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Delgado Julio , Duarte Rafael F.
Published: August 2011

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation has become a viable option for younger patients with poor-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The results obtained with either conventional or reduced-intensity conditioning regimens have been recently evaluated and compared with alternative nontransplant strategies. This manuscript deals with practical aspects of the procedure, including patient and donor selection, conditioning regimen, GVHD prophylaxis, disease monitoring, infectious and noninfectious complications, and timing of the procedure. Finally, we speculate on how we could improve the results obtained with the procedure and new advances currently in clinical trials.
Neuroprotection Caused by Hyperoxia Preconditioning in Animal Stroke Models
Authors: Bigdeli Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2011

Ischemic tolerance induced by hyperoxia (HO) can protect against brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Although multiple studies demonstrate neuroprotection by HO, the exact mechanism(s) of HO neuroprotection has not been elucidated. Here, I first review related mechanisms of brain ischemia and then data evaluating the neuroprotective effects of HO in focal and global ischemic animal models. I clearly establish that the cerebrovascular, extracellular matrix, plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial, and lysosomal reactions are critical in neuroprotection induced by HO in focal ischemia. In rats and mice, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was used to represent cerebrovascular stroke. Neuroprotection induced by HO exhibits specific adaptation responses that involve a number of cellular and biochemical alterations, including metabolic homeostasis and reprogramming of gene expression. The changes in the metabolic pathways are generally short lived and reversible, while the consequences of gene expression are a long-term process and may lead to the permanent alteration in the pattern of gene expression. The neuroprotection provided by HO may have important clinical implications. Therefore, it is important to assess the benefits and risks of HO therapy in noninfarcted tissue.
Penile Carcinoma: Risk Factors and Molecular Alterations
Authors: Calmon Marilia F. , Tasso Mota Mânlio , Vassallo José , Rahal Paula
Published: August 2011

Penile carcinoma is a rare, male cancer. Although the incidence of penile carcinoma is very low in Western countries, in some countries, the incidence is significantly greater, with penile carcinoma accounting for ≤10% of all male malignancies. Greater insight has been gained in recent years as to its pathogenesis, the risk factors associated with its development, and the clinical and histological precursor lesions related to this disease. In this review, risk and conditions factors for penile carcinoma, molecular alterations in this type of cancer, histological types, and prognostic factors will be discussed in order to further our understanding of the biology and behavior of this cancer.
Spinal Cord Injury and Bladder Dysfunction: New Ideas about an Old Problem
Authors: Cruz Célia Duarte , Cruz Francisco
Published: August 2011

Control of the lower urinary tract (LUT) requires complex neuronal circuits that involve elements located at the peripheral nervous system and at different levels of the central nervous system. Spinal cord injury (SCI) interrupts these neuronal circuits and jeopardizes the voluntary control of bladder function. In most cases, SCI results in a period of bladder areflexia, followed by the emergence of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). Only recently, researchers have started to have a clearer vision ofthe mechanisms of SCI-induced changes affecting LUT control. For example, changes in the urothelium have recently been described and proposed to play a role in NDO. As such, a better understanding of NDO has generated new opportunities to investigate novel therapeutic approaches for NDO.In the present paper, we aim to update recent data concerning SCI-induced LUT dysfunction and therapeutic approaches commonly used to deal with NDO. We make a brief description of LUT control and changes occurring after SCI, and refer to new therapeutic options, including vanniloids and botulinum toxin. Finally, we discuss mechanisms of spinal cord repair, an interesting and very active area of investigation that has obtained some promising results in the recovery of LUT control.
Predictors of Outcome of Non–Muscle-Invasive and Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Youssef Ramy F. , Lotan Yair
Published: August 2011

Bladder cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. At initial diagnosis, 75% of patients present with nonmuscle-invasive disease and 25% of patients have muscle-invasive or metastatic disease.Patients with noninvasive disease suffer from a high rate of recurrence and 10–30% will have disease progression. Patients with muscle-invasive disease are primarily treated with radical cystectomy, but frequently succumb to their disease despite improvements in surgical technique. In non–muscle-invasive disease, multiplicity, tumor size, and prior recurrence rates are the most important predictors for recurrence, while tumor grade, stage, and carcinomain situare the most important predictors for progression. The most common tool that clinicians use to predict outcomes after radical cystectomy is still the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system, with lymph node involvement representing the most important prognostic factor. However, the predictive accuracy of staging and grading systems are limited, and nomograms incorporating clinical and pathologic factors can improve prediction of bladder cancer outcomes. One limitation of current staging is the fact that tumors of a similar stage and grade can have significantly different biology. The integration of molecular markers, especially in a panel approach, has the potential to further improve the accuracy of predictive models and may also identify targets for therapeutic intervention or patients who will respond to systemic therapies.
Recognition and Treatment of BCG Failure in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Lightfoot Andrew J. , Rosevear Henry M. , O'Donnell Michael A.
Published: August 2011

Patients with high-grade Ta, T1, or carcinomain situnon–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) are at high risk for recurrence and, more importantly, progression. Thus, both the American Urological Association and European Association of Urology recommend initial intravesical treatment with bacillus Calmette-Guerin(BCG) followed by maintenance therapy for a minimum of 1 year. The complete response rate to BCG therapy in patients with high-risk NMIBC can be as high as ∼80%; however, most patients with high-risk disease suffer from recurrence. BCG failure can be further characterized into BCG refractory, BCG resistant, BCG relapsing, and BCG intolerant. Current recommendations include one further course of BCG or cystectomy. In patients who continue to fail conservative treatment and who refuse surgical therapy or are not surgical candidates, treatment options become even more complicated. In this setting, treatment options are limited and include repeat BCG treatment, an alternate immunotherapy regimen, chemotherapy, or device-assisted therapy. To date, however, further research is necessary for all secondary treatment options in order to determine which might be the most efficacious. All conservative treatments should be considered investigational. Currently, cystectomy remains the standard of care for high-risk patients who have failed BCG therapy.
Prepuce: Phimosis, Paraphimosis, and Circumcision
Authors: Hayashi Yutaro , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Mizuno Kentaro , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: August 2011

Phimosis is a condition in which the prepuce cannot be retracted over the glans penis. Actually, physiologic phimosis is common in male patients up to 3 years of age, but often extends into older age groups. Balanoposthitisis a common inflammation occurring in 4–11% of uncircumcised boys. Circumcision is generally undertaken for three reasons: first, as an item of religious practice, typically neonatally although occasionally transpubertally, as a rite of passage; second, as a prophylactic measure against future ailments for the reduction in the risk of penile cancer, urinary tract infection, and sexually transmitted infection; and third, for immediate medical indication. Balanitisxeroticaobliterans is an infiltrative skin condition that causes a pathological phimosis and has been considered to be the only absolute indication for circumcision. Various kinds of effective alternatives to circumcision have been described, including manual retraction therapy, topical steroid therapy, and several variations of preputioplasty. All of these treatments have the ability to retract the foreskin as their goal and do not involve the removal of the entire foreskin. Paraphimosis is a condition in which the foreskin is left retracted. When manipulation is not effective, a dorsal slit should be done, which is usually followed by circumcision.
Uncertainty-Weighted Time Averaging of Mercury Vapour Concentrations in Ambient Air: Application to Measurements in the United Kingdom
Authors: Brown Richard J. C. , Muhunthan Dharsheni
Published: August 2011

Uncertainty-weighted time averaging of total gaseous mercury concentrations in ambient air, with associated robust uncertainties, has been performed for concentrations measured by the U.K. Heavy Metals Monitoring Network between 2007 and 2009. The results have been compared with averages produced using standard time-averaging methods with a view to investigating the properties of the new method and whether it represents an improvement over current practice.
Testicular Torsion in Children: A 20-Year Retrospective Study in a Single Institution
Authors: Yang Chao , Song Bin , Tan Juan , Liu Xin , Wei Guang-hui
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we evaluated the historical features and physical examination findings, as well as laboratory tests and ultrasound examinations, in children with testicular torsion (TT), in order to improve diagnosis and treatment in this population. A retrospective review of patients with diagnosis of TT between January 1990 and January 2010 was performed. We included 118 cases in the study, accounting for 9.01% of all cases of acute scrotum. Mean patient age was 9.3 ± 5.6 years. The left side was predominantly affected. The median duration of symptoms up to surgical exploration was 64 h. Absence of cremasteric reflex presented in 94.9% patients. All boys had an ultrasound of the scrotum; decreased or absent blood flow was observed in all orchidectomy patients. Heterogeneous echogenicity presented in all cases of orchidectomy. At surgery, viable testes were present in 46 boys (39%) and preserved; in 72 boys with nonviable testes, they were removed. The median duration of symptoms at presentation was 12 h when the testes were successfully conserved and 90 h when they were removed. Testicular salvage depends critically on early surgical intervention. Ultrasound is a useful tool for the clinical assessment of patients with TT, however, sonographic interpretation must be in conjunction with the clinical manifestations. We advocate immediate surgical exploration with suspected TT. Long-term hormonal levels are within the normal range regardless of the fate of the testis. Further follow-up is needed to confirm fertility after TT.
Imaging of Bone Marrow Involvement in Lymphoma: State of the Art and Future Directions
Authors: Kwee Thomas C. , de Klerk John M. H. , Nievelstein Rutger A. J.
Published: August 2011

Accurate detection of bone marrow involvement in patients with lymphoma is of crucial importance because of the prognostic and therapeutic consequences. Bone marrow trephine biopsy (BMB) is currently regarded as the method of choice for the evaluation of the bone marrow in lymphoma, but it is invasive, has a risk of complications, and lacks sufficient sensitivity due to the possibility of sampling errors. Bone marrow imaging, if accurate, may (partially) replace BMBand/or may improve the sensitivity of BMB by guiding the biopsy to the location that appears to be involved by lymphoma at imaging. In this scientific communication, general concepts of bone marrow imaging, state-of-the-art imaging modalities, and future imaging strategies for the assessment of the bone marrow in lymphoma will be reviewed and discussed.
Epidemiology and Pathogenesis of Nasal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma: A Mini-Review
Authors: Aozasa Katsuyuki , Zaki Mona A. A.
Published: August 2011

Nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) frequently presents with necrotic, granulomatous lesions in the upper respiratory tract, and usually shows a highly aggressive clinical course. Thus, it was initially included in the clinical condition of lethal midline granuloma. Recently, the disease has been recognized as a neoplastic proliferation of NK/T cells. The disease is much more frequent in Asian and Latin American countries than in Western countries, and is universally associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Analyses of gene mutations, especially p53 and c-kit, revealed the different frequencies by district. Abnormalities of other genes have also been reported. Case-control studies showed that the exposure to pesticides and chemical solvents could be causative of NKTCL. Further studies including HLA antigen typing of patients is necessary to further clarify the disease mechanism.
Glioblastoma Multiforme Stem Cells
Authors: Dimov Irena , Tasic-Dimov Deasanka , Conic Irena , Stefanovic Vladisav
Published: August 2011

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive, malignant, and lethal brain tumor, resistant to all current forms of treatment. The rapidly emerging focus on cancer stem cells embodies a paradigm shift in our understanding of tumor pathogenesis, while the development of powerful genome-wide screening techniques has provided cause for optimism related to the development of more reliable therapies primarily targeting GBM stem cells (GBMSCs). There are promising mounting data on providing new molecular targets and predictive markers of response, leading to more effective therapies of GBM, guided by patient-specific genetic and epigenetic profiling. However, the achievement of efficient GBMSC targeting also requires an adequate understanding of the unique microenvironment, and the relationship with the immune system in the central nervous system (CNS) and CNS tumors. The endogenous immune regulation is likely to limit or abrogate the efficacy of the host's immune response, as well as the developed immunotherapeutic strategies at present. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the GBM-induced immunosuppression is indispensable. This review presents a summary of the present knowledge both on GBMSCs and the GBM, and/or GBMSC-related mechanisms of developing both local and systemic immunosuppression, of which an understanding may lead to the development of the novel and effective therapeutic strategies.
Results of a Randomized, Open-Label, Clinical Trial Investigating the Effects of Supplementation withHeracleum persicumExtract as an Adjunctive Therapy for Dyslipidemia
Authors: Panahi Yunes , Pishgoo Bahram , Beiraghdar Fatemeh , Araghi Zahra Mohammadi , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Abolhasani Ehsan
Published: August 2011

The present study evaluated the potential benefit of supplementation withHeracleum persicumas an adjunctive therapy to atorvastatin in dyslipidemic subjects. In a randomized, open-label, clinical trial, 100 dyslipidemic subjects were randomly assigned to: (1)H. persicumgroup (n= 50, completers = 18), receivingH. persicumextract (500 mg/day) + atorvastatin (10 mg/day) for 8 weeks, or (2) atorvastatin group (n=50, completers= 34), receiving only atorvastatin (20 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Weight, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, and biomarkers of hepatic and renal injury were determined at baseline and at the end of the trial. There were significant reductions in serum total cholesterol and LDL-C in both theH. persicum(p= 0.001) and atorvastatin (p< 0.05) groups. Serum HDL-C was elevated in the atorvastatin group (p< 0.05), while no significant change was observed in theH. persicumgroup (p> 0.05). Serum triglyceride levels remained statistically unchanged by the end of the trial in both groups (p> 0.05). Serum alanine (p= 0.049) and aspartate aminotransferase (p= 0.013) levels rose in the atorvastatin, but not theH. persicum(p> 0.05) group. In comparison with baseline values, no significant change was observed in weight and BMI, as well as serum levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and fasting blood sugar in either of the groups (p> 0.05). Apart from HDL-C, the effects of atorvastatin (20 mg/day) on other lipid profile parameters do not appear to be significantly superior to those achieved by combination therapy withH. persicum+ atorvastatin (10 mg/day).
Investigation of Arsenic-Stressed Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as a Bioassay in Homeopathic Basic Research
Authors: Jäger Tim , Scherr Claudia , Wolf Ursula , Simon Meinhard , Heusser Peter , Baumgartner Stephan
Published: August 2011

This study investigated the response of arsenic-stressed yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) towards homeopathically potentized Arsenicum album, a duckweed nosode, and gibberellic acid. The three test substances were applied in five potency levels (17x, 18x, 24x, 28x, 30x) and compared to controls (unsuccussed and succussed water) with respect to influencing specific growth parameters. Five independent experiments were evaluated for each test substance. Additionally, five water control experiments were analyzed to investigate the stability of the experimental setup (systematic negative control experiments). All experiments were randomized and blinded. Yeast grew in microplates over a period of 38 h in either potentized substances or water controls with 250 mg/l arsenic(V) added over the entire cultivation period. Yeast's growth kinetics (slope, Et50, and yield) were measured photometrically. The test system exhibited a low coefficient of variation (slope 1.2%, Et500.3%, yield 2.7%). Succussed water did not induce any significant differences compared to unsuccussed water. Data from the control and treatment groups were both pooled to increase statistical power. In this study with yeast, no significant effects were found for any outcome parameter or any homeopathic treatment. Since in parallel experiments arsenic-stressed duckweed showed highly significant effects after application of potentized Arsenicum album and duckweed nosode preparations from the same batch as used in the present study, some specific properties of this experimental setup with yeast must be responsible for the lacking response.
Privacy and Anonymity in the Information Society – Challenges for the European Union
Authors: Tsoukalas Ioannis A. , Siozos Panagiotis D.
Published: August 2011

Electronic information is challenging traditional views on property and privacy. The explosion of digital data, driven by novel web applications, social networking, and mobile devices makes data security and the protection of privacy increasingly difficult. Furthermore, biometric data and radiofrequency identification applications enable correlations that are able to trace our cultural, behavioral, and emotional states. The concept of privacy in the digital realm is transformed and emerges as one of the biggest risks facing today's Information Society. In this context, the European Union (EU) policy-making procedures strive to adapt to the pace of technological advancement. The EU needs to improve the existing legal frameworks for privacy and data protection. It needs to work towards a “privacy by education” approach for the empowerment of “privacy-literate” European digital citizens.
Democracies Restricting Democratic Rights: Some Classical Sources and Implications for Ethics of Biometrics
Authors: Leavitt Frank J.
Published: August 2011

Ancient Greek and 17thcentury English philosophy are not usually discussed along with the ethics of biometrics and data sharing. Academic ethics today, however, suffers from a lack of background in classical texts. We may discuss whether biometrics and data sharing are consistent with democracy, but if we do not know what democracy is, then we cannot know what actions are consistent with it. I shall discuss how and why democracies have restricted the rights of their citizens. I will give the most attention to two paradigms that have most influenced modern democratic thinking: 17thcentury English democracy and ancient Athens. I do not accept the dogma that the Athenians were obviously wrong to try and then to condemn Socrates. His death-loving doctrine could not but have weakened the will of the youth to work and fight for the good of Athens. I will try to understand the Athenians' point of view and their need to defend their security. At the end, I will apply these lessons to biometrics and data sharing for security reasons.
Biometrics, e-Identity, and the Balance between Security and Privacy: Case Study of the Passenger Name Record (PNR) System
Authors: Nouskalis G.
Published: August 2011

The implementation of biometrics entails either the establishment of an identity or tracing a person's identity. Biometric passport data (e.g., irises, fingers, faces) can be used in order to verify a passenger's identity. The proposed Passenger Name Record (PNR) system contains all the information necessary to enable reservations to be processed and controlled by the booking and participating air carriers for each journey booked by or on behalf of any person. PNR data are related to travel movements, usually flights, and include passport data, name, address, telephone numbers, travel agent, credit card number, history of changes in the flight schedule, seat preferences, and other information. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, a new emergency political-law status of society was established: the continuous state of “war” against the so-called unlawful combatants of the “enemy”. Officially, the enemy is the terrorists, but the victims of the privacy invasions caused by the above new form of data processing are the civilians. The data processing based on biometrics is covered both by Directive 95/46 EC and Article 8 of the Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (now the European Convention on Human Rights, “ECHR”). According to Article 2, Paragraph a of the above Directive, personal data shall mean any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person; an identifiable person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identification number or to one or more factors specific to his/her physical, physiological, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity.
Do Adolescent Developmental Issues Disappear Overnight? Reflections about Holistic Development in University Students
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Wong Keri K.
Published: August 2011

Adolescent developmental issues, such as mental health problems, substance abuse, and egocentric behavior, of university students are examined. This conceptual review generally shows that although there are related issues among university students deserving greater attention, there is a general lack of systematic prevention or positive youth development programs adopting the principle of universal prevention. In contrast to the abundance of universal adolescent prevention and positive youth development programs specifically designed for high school students, similar programs are grossly lacking in the university educational context. This paper highlights the factors contributing to such negligence in university education and the possible strategies that can be adopted to help university students develop in a holistic manner.
Unobtrusive Behavioral and Activity-Related Multimodal Biometrics: The ACTIBIO Authentication Concept
Authors: Drosou A. , Ioannidis D. , Moustakas K. , Tzovaras D.
Published: August 2011

Unobtrusive Authentication Using ACTIvity-Related and Soft BIOmetrics (ACTIBIO) is an EU Specific Targeted Research Project (STREP) where new types of biometrics are combined with state-of-the-art unobtrusive technologies in order to enhance security in a wide spectrum of applications. The project aims to develop a modular, robust, multimodal biometrics security authentication and monitoring system, which uses a biodynamic physiological profile, unique for each individual, and advancements of the state of the art in unobtrusive behavioral and other biometrics, such as face, gait recognition, and seat-based anthropometrics. Several shortcomings of existing biometric recognition systems are addressed within this project, which have helped in improving existing sensors, in developing new algorithms, and in designing applications, towards creating new, unobtrusive, biometric authentication procedures in security-sensitive, Ambient Intelligence environments. This paper presents the concept of the ACTIBIO project and describes its unobtrusive authentication demonstrator in a real scenario by focusing on the vision-based biometric recognition modalities.
Eye Safety Related to Near Infrared Radiation Exposure to Biometric Devices
Authors: Kourkoumelis Nikolaos , Tzaphlidou Margaret
Published: August 2011

Biometrics has become an emerging field of technology due to its intrinsic security features concerning the identification of individuals by means of measurable biological characteristics. Two of the most promising biometric modalities are iris and retina recognition, which primarily use nonionizing radiation in the infrared region. Illumination of the eye is achieved by infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs). Even if few LED sources are capable of causing direct eye damage as they emit incoherent light, there is a growing concern about the possible use of LED arrays that might pose a potential threat. Exposure to intense coherent infrared radiation has been proven to have significant effects on living tissues. The purpose of this study is to explore the biological effects arising from exposing the eye to near infrared radiation with reference to international legislation.
Qualitative Assessment of Soil Carbon in a Rehabilitated Forest Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Ch'ng Huck-Ywih , Ahmed Osumanu Haruna , Ab. Majid Nik Muhamad
Published: August 2011

Logging and poor shifting cultivation negatively affect initial soil carbon (C) storage, especially at the initial stage of deforestation, as these practices lead to global warming. As a result, an afforestation program is needed to mitigate this problem. This study assessed initial soil C buildup of rehabilitated forests using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The relatively high E4/E6 values of humic acids (HAs) in the rehabilitated forest indicate prominence of aliphatic components, suggesting that the HAs were of low molecular weight. The total acidity, carboxylic (-COOH) and phenolic (-OH) of the rehabilitated forest were found to be consistent with the ranges reported by other researchers. The spectra of all locations were similar because there was no significant difference in the quantities of C in humic acids (CHA) regardless of forest age and soil depth. The spectra showed distinct absorbance at 3290, 1720, 1630, 1510, 1460, 1380, and 1270 cm-1. Increase of band at 1630 and 1510 cm-1from 0–20 to 40–60 cm were observed, suggesting C buildup from the lowest depths 20–40 and 40–60 cm. However, the CHA content in the soil depths was not different. The band at 1630 cm-1was assigned to carboxylic and aromatic groups. Increase in peak intensity at 1510 cm-1was because C/N ratio increased with increasing soil depth. This indicates that decomposition rate decreased with increasing soil depth and decreased with CHA. The finding suggests that FTIR spectroscopy enables the assessment of C composition functional group buildup at different depths and ages.
Infarct of the Right Basal Ganglia in a Male Spinal Cord Injury Patient: Adverse Effect of Autonomic Dysreflexia
Authors: Vaidyanathan Subramanian , Soni Bakul M. , Singh Gurpreet , Hughes Peter L. , Pulya Kamesh , Oo Tun
Published: August 2011

Autonomic dysreflexia is a clinical emergency that occurs in individuals with spinal cord injury at level T-6 and above. We present a 58-year-old male patient with paraplegia who developed a severe, recurrent, throbbing headache during the night, which was relieved by emptying the urinary bladder by intermittent catheterisation. As this person continued to get episodes of severe headache for more than 6 months, computed tomography (CT) of the brain was performed. CT revealed an infarct measuring 1.2 cm in the right basal ganglia. In order to control involuntary detrusor contractions, the patient was prescribed propiverine hydrochloride 15 mg four times a day. The alpha-adrenoceptor blocking drug doxazosin was used to reduce the severity of autonomic dysreflexia. Following 4 weeks of treatment with propiverine and doxazosin, the headache subsided completely. We learned from this case that bladder spasms in individuals with spinal cord injury can lead to severe, recurrent episodes of autonomic dysreflexia that, in turn, can predispose to vascular complications in the brain. Therefore, it is important to take appropriate steps to control bladder spasms and thereby prevent recurrent episodes of autonomic dysreflexia. Intermittent catheterisations along with an alpha-adrenoceptor blocking drug (doxazosin) and an antimuscarinic drug (propiverine hydrochloride) helped this individual to control autonomic dysreflexia, triggered by bladder spasms during the night.