bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review: A systematic review of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in schizophrenia: implications for mortality
Authors: Bradley Andrew J , Dinan Timothy G
Published: October 2010

There is convincing evidence that environmental stress plays a significant role in modifying both mental and physical health. The biological mechanisms linking stress to ill health are not fully understood, but significant evidence points to a central role of the stress axes; the hypothalamic— pituitary—adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Together these two systems link the brain and the body and are crucial in maintaining homeostasis as well as improving an organism’s survival chances in the face of environmental challenge. There is evidence of altered HPA axis function in people with a range of mental disorders, and this may in part explain the poor physical health of people with psychotic, mood and anxiety disorders. This paper systematically reviews HPA axis function in people with schizophrenia and relates this to the pattern of physical health seen in this disease. In summary, the evidence suggests people with schizophrenia can experience both hyper- and hypo-function of the HPA axis. It is likely that this contributes to the pattern of poor physical health and premature mortality suffered by people with schizophrenia, in particular the high rates of cardiovascular and metabolic disturbance.
Numerical Study of the Influence of Opaque External Trees with Pyramidal Shape on the Thermal Behaviour of a School Building in Summer Conditions
Authors: Conceição Eusébio Z. E. , Lúcio M. Manuela J. R.
Published: October 2010

This paper describes a numerical study of the influence of opaque external trees with pyramidal shape on the thermal behaviour of a school building in Summer conditions. The software used simulates the thermal response of buildings with complex topology under transient conditions. This software has previously been validated by real studies both in Summer and Winter conditions. The school building considered is localised in the South of Portugal. It has three levels divided into 97 rooms or spaces, 1277 main structures and 211 windows with plain transparent glass. In the model, the building is shaded by 49 ‘‘opaque’’ trees of pyramidal shape growing in front of the windows on one side of each building considered. The simulation considered a typical Summer school day with clear sky and with 800 occupants in the building. Two situations with the same configuration were analysed. In the first one, the trees (located in front of the windows) were placed to the West and South-West of the buildings, while in the second one, after a 180° building rotation, they were to the East and North-East. Both situations were studied with and without the presence of trees. Temperatures in the building and the occupant’s thermal comfort conditions were calculated.
Effects of Wrist Tendon Vibration on Targeted Upper-Arm Movements in Poststroke Hemiparesis
Authors: Conrad Megan O. , Scheidt Robert A. , Schmit Brian D.
Published: October 2010

Background. Impaired motor control of the upper extremity after stroke may be related to lost sensory, motor, and integrative functions of the brain. Artificial activation of sensory afferents might improve control of movement by adding excitatory drive to sensorimotor control structures. The authors evaluated the effect of wrist tendon vibration (TV) on paretic upper-arm stability during point-to-point planar movements. Methods. TV (70 Hz) was applied to the forearm wrist musculature of 10 hemiparetic stroke patients as they made center-out planar arm movements. End-point stability, muscle activity, and grip pressure were compared as patients stabilized at the target position for trials completed before, during, and after the application of the vibratory stimulus. Results. Prior to vibration, hand position fluctuated as participants attempted to maintain the hand at the target after movement termination. TV improved arm stability, as evidenced by decreased magnitude of hand tangential velocity at the target. Improved stability was accompanied by a decrease in muscle activity throughout the arm as well as a mean decrease in grip pressure. Conclusions. These results suggest that vibratory stimulation of the distal wrist musculature enhances stability of the proximal arm and can be studied further as a mode for improving end-point stability during reaching in hemiparetic patients.
Control of a Visual Keyboard Using an Electrocorticographic Brain–Computer Interface
Authors: Krusienski Dean J. , Shih Jerry J.
Published: October 2010

Objective. Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) are devices that enable severely disabled people to communicate and interact with their environments using their brain waves. Most studies investigating BCI in humans have used scalp EEG as the source of electrical signals and focused on motor control of prostheses or computer cursors on a screen. The authors hypothesize that the use of brain signals obtained directly from the cortical surface will more effectively control a communication/spelling task compared to scalp EEG. Methods. A total of 6 patients with medically intractable epilepsy were tested for the ability to control a visual keyboard using electrocorticographic (ECOG) signals. ECOG data collected during a P300 visual task paradigm were preprocessed and used to train a linear classifier to subsequently predict the intended target letters. Results. The classifier was able to predict the intended target character at or near 100% accuracy using fewer than 15 stimulation sequences in 5 of the 6 people tested. ECOG data from electrodes outside the language cortex contributed to the classifier and enabled participants to write words on a visual keyboard. Conclusions. This is a novel finding because previous invasive BCI research in humans used signals exclusively from the motor cortex to control a computer cursor or prosthetic device. These results demonstrate that ECOG signals from electrodes both overlying and outside the language cortex can reliably control a visual keyboard to generate language output without voice or limb movements.
Self-managing versus self-management: reinvigorating the socio-political dimensions of self-management
Authors: Kendall Elizabeth , Ehrlich Carolyn , Sunderland Naomi , Muenchberger Heidi , Rushton Carole
Published: October 2010

In Australia, self-management predominantly refers to education programmes that, theoretically, equip people with chronic disease with the necessary information and skills to manage their own healthcare, maintain optimal health, and minimize the consequences of their condition. These programmes are designed, and often delivered, by practitioners. Our research has demonstrated that for consumers, self-management involves navigating and responding to a myriad of information sources and experiences, many of which originate in their own lived bodily experiences and personal knowledge. In contrast to this organic and dynamic version of self-managing that is naturally practised by consumers, common practitioner and policy representations of self-management tend to discount consumer agency and overlook the daily ways in which people manage their own body, experiences and health choices. We argue that if the self-management movement is to tackle health inequalities (rather than creating new ones), health professionals and policy-makers must examine the potentially damaging assumptions that are inherent in contemporary self-management discourse.
Quality of life in older Norwegian adults living at home: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Halvorsrud Liv , Kalfoss Mary , Diseth Åge , Kirkevold Marit
Published: October 2010

The term quality of life (QoL) has been used in nursing for several years despite having neither a common conceptual model nor a common definition. The Wilson and Cleary Model (WCM), defined in 1995, is used as a conceptual model to identify suitable variables important in planning nursing care in a study among Norwegian older adults. The objective of this study was to investigate how the relationships among depressive symptoms, physical function, health satisfaction, age and environment may predict QoL in a model based on the WCM. The overall model provides empirical evidence for linkages in the WCM. Results showed that QoL is likely to be influenced by the direct effects of environmental conditions, health satisfaction and age. In addition, environmental conditions and age had indirect effects on QoL, in particular via depressive symptoms. Environment had both a significant direct and an indirect effect on QoL. An indirect effect of environment on QoL was shown with depressive symptoms, physical function and perceived health as mediators. There was only a small amount of evidence for age predicting QoL. This model may help nurses and other health care workers to collect and assess information, to suggest suitable interventions and to guide decision making.
Never mind the qualitative feel the depth! The evolving role of qualitative research in Cochrane intervention reviews
Authors: Noyes Jane
Published: October 2010

Whilst the Cochrane intervention review remains the gold standard, the previous focus on randomised controlled trials and exclusion of other types of evidence limited their utility for some users — especially policy makers and commissioners of services who had to draw on other types of evidence about patient views and context in order to make decisions.

This paper reports a significant development in the evolution of the Cochrane intervention review and outlines an evolving role for qualitative evidence. Policy and methodological developments within the Cochrane Collaboration and beyond will be discussed alongside an ongoing debate about the politics of evidence and perceived power of the quantitative effectiveness review in an evidence-based practice context.

The paper concludes with six key messages, including: (1) the Cochrane Collaboration has consistently acknowledged the potential value of qualitative evidence; (2) Cochrane was an early leader in quantitative evidence synthesis and developed a gold standard approach for effectiveness reviews; (3) early leaders in the field tend to dominate until other approaches are developed, tested and evaluated to challenge early leader dominance; (4) other review organisations and individuals have now developed expertise in qualitative and mixed method synthesis and there is an emerging and developing evidence base with a range of qualitative synthesis approaches for different contexts; (5) there is still a need for further methodological development, testing and evaluation, and (6) finally, more than one hierarchy of evidence is needed to address different types of questions, and the dominance and application of one hierarchy to all contexts is unhelpful and counterintuitive to achieving evidence-based healthcare.
Evolving expectations around early management of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gold Ralf , Wolinsky Jerry S. , Amato Maria Pia , Comi Giancarlo
Published: October 2010

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. With prevention or at least delay of disease progression as a key target in the management of multiple sclerosis, current opinion on treatment encourages early intervention with well-tolerated disease-modifying treatments in order to optimize long-term clinical outcomes. Patients presenting with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) may progress to clinically definite multiple sclerosis, and clinical trials have demonstrated that early treatment with interferon beta can reduce the conversion rate. Cognitive impairment may already be present in patients with CISs. Today there is evolving evidence that cognitive impairment may be relevant for prognosis and that early treatment with interferon beta may also have a protective effect on the cognitive function. As an accumulation of neuronal loss is now considered to underlie the development of persistent disability in multiple sclerosis, it is crucial that treatment can protect against neuronal damage. In addition to its anti-inflammatory activity, interferon beta may have direct and indirect neuroprotective effects, and several studies have explored the role of interferon beta in regulating neuroprotective factors. With over 15 years of clinical experience as evidence, the long-term safety and efficacy of interferon beta treatment is unquestionable. Results from the CIS studies have demonstrated the high percentage of patients converting to clinically definite multiple sclerosis without treatment and the short- and long-term benefits of an early use of disease-modifying treatments. These findings support starting disease-modifying treatment as soon as the diagnosis of MS is reasonably formulated.
Chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis: from in vitro studies to clinical recommendations
Authors: Henrotin Yves , Mathy Mariane , Sanchez Christelle , Lambert Cecile
Published: October 2010

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is recommended as a therapeutic intervention in the multimodal approach of osteoarthritis (OA) management. CS has been studied extensively to describe its pharmacology (pharmacokinetic, in vitro and in vivo effects) and its clinical efficacy Various results have been reported depending on the system of evaluation (model, dosage an duration) and the source of CS (origin and quality). The purpose of this review was to gather most of the available information about CS and to discuss its potency in OA management.
Bilateral Atraumatic Sequential Rupture of Tibialis Anterior Tendons
Authors: Rajagopalan Senthilvelan , Sangar Anurag , Upadhyay Vishal , Lloyd John , Taylor Heath
Published: October 2010

Tibialis anterior tendon ruptures are rare but debilitating injuries. A high index of suspicion is warranted in patients presenting with atraumatic anterior ankle pain, especially in conjunction with diabetes or inflammatory disease. The authors present a case report of bilateral sequential rupture of tibialis anterior tendons, a discussion of management, and a review of the literature.
Gout Arthropathy Following Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Hahnel James , Ramaswamy Rajesh , Grainger Andrew , Stone Martin
Published: October 2010

This article presents the case of a patient with pain associated with a total hip replacement. Following aspiration microscopy, a diagnosis of gout in a total hip replacement was made. Successful treatment was instituted with medical management in the presence of coexisting aseptic loosening. Gout in a total hip replacement is an exceptionally rare diagnosis. The gold standard for diagnosis is not urate level but crystal identification in the synovial fluid. The authors would therefore recommend that as part of a thorough workup for painful prosthetic joint requiring revision, a present or past history of gout is sought and a fluid aspirate should be examined not only for infection but also under polarized light for crystal arthropathy.
Remuneration of hematopoietic stem cell donors: principles and perspective of the World Marrow Donor Association
Authors: Boo Michael , van Walraven Suzanna M. , Chapman Jeremy , Lindberg Brian , Schmidt Alexander H. , Shaw Bronwen E. , Switzer Galen E. , Yang Edward , Egeland Torstein ,   on behalf of the World Marrow Donor Association
Published: October 2010

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a curative procedure for life-threatening hematologic diseases. Donation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from an unrelated donor, frequently residing in another country, may be the only option for 70% of those in need of unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. To maximize the opportunity to find the best available donor, individual donor registries collaborate internationally. To provide homogeneity of practice among registries, the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) sets standards against which registries are accredited and provides guidance and regulations about unrelated donor safety and care. A basic tenet of the donor registries is that unrelated HSC donation is an altruistic act; nonpayment of donors is entrenched in the WMDA standards and in international practice. In the United States, the prohibition against remuneration of donors has recently been challenged. Here, we describe the reasons that the WMDA continues to believe that HSC donors should not be paid because of ethical concerns raised by remuneration, potential to damage the public will to act altruistically, the potential for coercion and exploitation of donors, increased risk to patients, harm to local transplantation programs and international stem cell exchange, and the possibility of benefiting some patients while disadvantaging others.
Molecular analysis of phosphomannomutase (PMM) genes reveals a unique PMM duplication event in diverse Triticeae species and the main PMM isozymes in bread wheat tissues
Authors: Yu Chunmei , Li Yiwen , Li Bin , Liu Xin , Hao Lifang , Chen Jing , Qian Weiqiang , Li Shiming , Wang Guanfeng , Bai Shiwei , Ye Hua , Qin Huanju , Shen Qianhua , Chen Liangbiao , Zhang Aimin , Wang Daowen
Published: October 2010

Background

Phosphomannomutase (PMM) is an essential enzyme in eukaryotes. However, little is known about PMM gene and function in crop plants. Here, we report molecular evolutionary and biochemical analysis of PMM genes in bread wheat and related Triticeae species.

Results

Two sets of homoeologous PMM genes (TaPMM-1 and 2) were found in bread wheat, and two corresponding PMM genes were identified in the diploid progenitors of bread wheat and many other diploid Triticeae species. The duplication event yielding PMM-1 and 2 occurred before the radiation of diploid Triticeae genomes. The PMM gene family in wheat and relatives may evolve largely under purifying selection. Among the six TaPMM genes, the transcript levels of PMM-1 members were comparatively high and their recombinant proteins were all enzymatically active. However, PMM-2 homoeologs exhibited lower transcript levels, two of which were also inactive. TaPMM-A1, B1 and D1 were probably the main active isozymes in bread wheat tissues. The three isozymes differed from their counterparts in barley and Brachypodium distachyon in being more tolerant to elevated test temperatures.

Conclusion

Our work identified the genes encoding PMM isozymes in bread wheat and relatives, uncovered a unique PMM duplication event in diverse Triticeae species, and revealed the main active PMM isozymes in bread wheat tissues. The knowledge obtained here improves the understanding of PMM evolution in eukaryotic organisms, and may facilitate further investigations of PMM function in the temperature adaptability of bread wheat.
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) expression is an independent prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wagener Nina , Macher-Goeppinger Stephan , Pritsch Maria , Hüsing Johannes , Hoppe-Seyler Karin , Schirmacher Peter , Pfitzenmaier Jesco , Haferkamp Axel , Hoppe-Seyler Felix , Hohenfellner Markus
Published: October 2010

Background

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) gene exerts oncogene-like activities and its (over)expression has been linked to several human malignancies. Here, we studied a possible association between EZH2 expression and prognosis in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods

EZH2 protein expression in RCC specimens was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray (TMA) containing RCC tumor tissue and corresponding normal tissue samples of 520 patients. For immunohistochemical assessment of EZH2 expression, nuclear staining quantity was evaluated using a semiquantitative score. The effect of EZH2 expression on cancer specific survival (CSS) was assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results

During follow-up, 147 patients (28%) had died of their disease, median follow-up of patients still alive was 6.0 years (range 0-16.1 years). EZH2 nuclear staining was present in tumor cores of 411 (79%) patients. A multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that high nuclear EZH2 expression was an independent predictor of poor CSS (> 25-50% vs. 0%: HR 2.72, p = 0.025) in patients suffering from non-metastatic RCC. Apart from high nuclear EZH2 expression, tumor stage and Fuhrman's grading emerged as significant prognostic markers. In metastatic disease, nuclear EZH2 expression and histopathological subtype were independent predictive parameters of poor CSS (EZH2: 1-5%: HR 2.63, p = 0.043, >5-25%: HR 3.35, p = 0.013, >25%-50%: HR 4.92, p = 0.003, all compared to 0%: HR 0.36, p = 0.025, respectively).

Conclusions

This study defines EZH2 as a powerful independent unfavourable prognostic marker of CSS in patients with metastatic and non-metastatic RCC.
SHMT1 1420 and MTHFR 677 variants are associated with rectal but not colon cancer
Authors: Komlósi Viktor , Hitre Erika , Pap Éva , Adleff Vilmos , Réti Andrea , Székely Éva , Bíró Anna , Rudnai Péter , Schoket Bernadette , Müller Judit , Tóth Béla , Ottó Szabolcs , Kásler Miklós , Kralovánszky Judit , Budai Barna
Published: October 2010

Background

Association between rectal or colon cancer risk and serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 (SHMT1) C1420T or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphisms was assessed. The serum total homocysteine (HCY), marker of folate metabolism was also investigated.

Methods

TheSHMT1andMTHFRgenotypes were determined by real-time PCR and PCR-RFLP, respectively in 476 patients with rectal, 479 patients with colon cancer and in 461 and 478, respective controls matched for age and sex. Homocysteine levels were determined by HPLC kit. The association between polymorphisms and cancer risk was evaluated by logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex and body mass index. The population stratification bias was also estimated.

Results

There was no association of genotypes or diplotypes with colon cancer. The rectal cancer risk was significantly lower forSHMT1TT (OR = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.89) and higher forMTHFRCT genotypes (OR = 1.4, 95%CI 1.06-1.84). A gene-dosage effect was observed forSHMT1with progressively decreasing risk with increasing number of T allele (p = 0.014). The stratified analysis according to age and sex revealed that the association is mainly present in the younger (< 60 years) or male subgroup. As expected from genotype analysis, theSHMT1T allele/MTHFRCC diplotype was associated with reduced rectal cancer risk (OR 0.56, 95%CI 0.42-0.77 vs all other diplotypes together). The above results are unlikely to suffer from population stratification bias. In controls HCY was influenced bySHMT1polymorphism, while in patients it was affected only by Dukes' stage. In patients with Dukes' stage C or D HCY can be considered as a tumor marker only in case ofSHMT11420CC genotypes.

Conclusions

A protective effect ofSHMT11420T allele orSHMT11420 T allele/MTHFR677 CC diplotype against rectal but not colon cancer risk was demonstrated. The presence ofSHMT11420 T allele significantly increases the HCY levels in controls but not in patients. Homocysteine could be considered as a tumor marker inSHMT11420 wild-type (CC) CRC patients in Dukes' stage C and D. Further studies need to clarify whySHMT1andMTHFRpolymorphisms are associated only with rectal and not colon cancer risk.
Intraperitoneal Injection of Thalidomide Attenuates Bone Cancer Pain and Decreases Spinal Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Expression in a Mouse Model
Authors: Gu Xiaoping , Zheng Yaguo , Ren Bingxu , Zhang Rui , Mei Fengmei , Zhang Juan , Ma Zhengliang
Published: October 2010

Background:

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) may have a pivotal role in the genesis of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia during inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Thalidomide has been shown to selectively inhibit TNF-α production. Previous studies have suggested that thalidomide exerts anti-nociceptive effects in various pain models, but its effects on bone cancer pain have not previously been studied. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of thalidomide on bone cancer-induced hyperalgesia and up-regulated expression of spinal TNF-α in a mouse model.

Results:

Osteosarcoma NCTC 2472 cells were implanted into the intramedullary space of the right femurs of C3H/ HeJ mice to induce ongoing bone cancer related pain behaviors. At day 5, 7, 10 and 14 after operation, the expression of TNF-α in the spinal cord was higher in tumor-bearing mice compared to the sham mice. Intraperitoneal injection of thalidomide (50 mg/kg), started at day 1 after surgery and once daily thereafter until day 7, attenuated bone cancer-evoked mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia as well as the up-regulation of TNF-α in the spinal cord.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that thalidomide can efficiently alleviate bone cancer pain and it may be a useful alternative or adjunct therapy for bone cancer pain. Our data also suggest a role of spinal TNF-α in the development of bone cancer pain.
Factors affecting the STR amplification success in poorly preserved bone samples
Authors: Putkonen Mikko T , Palo Jukka U , Cano Jose M , Hedman Minttu , Sajantila Antti
Published: October 2010

Background

Factors affecting the success of short tandem repeat (STR) amplification of poorly preserved samples are generally known, but as of yet, they have seldom been systematically assessed. Using two different maximum likelihood-based methods, the relative importance of DNA quantity, degradation and inhibition in STR genotyping was studied with DNA extracts from a set of old bone samples. First, the effects of different factors related to PCR amplification were estimated with a generalized linear mixed model. Second, error rates of allelic drop-out and drop-in were estimated on the basis of the frequency and nature of mismatches between replicates.

Results

In autosomal STR analyses, the most important factor was the DNA quantity, followed by the degradation, whereas in Y-chromosomal STR analysis, the most important factor was the degradation. Inhibition was a minor concern in STR analyses of poorly preserved bones.

Conclusions

The success of PCR amplification depends largely on the template DNA quality (amount and degradation), but these problems can be partly compensated for by different primer design and amplification chemistry. Consequently, the relative roles of the compromising factors differ according to the kit used.
Appraisal of waveform repeatability for crosshole and hole-to-tunnel seismic monitoring of radioactive waste repositories
Authors: Marelli Stefano , Manukyan Edgar , Maurer Hansruedi , Greenhalgh Stewart A. , Green Alan G.
Published: October 2010

Countries worldwide are seeking solutions for the permanent removal of high-level radioactive waste from the environment. Surrounding the waste with multiple engineered barriers and emplacement in deep geological repositories is widely accepted as a safe means of isolating it from the biosphere for the necessary [Formula: see text]. As a precautionary measure, society demands that repositories be monitored for [Formula: see text] after they are backfilled and sealed. Effective monitoring that does not compromise the engineered and natural barriers is challenging. To address this issue, we investigate the viability of crosshole and hole-to-tunnel seismic methods for remotely monitoring high level radioactive waste repositories. Measurements are made at two underground rock laboratories in Switzerland, one within granitic rock and one within clay-rich sediments. Numerical simulations demonstrate that temporal changes of the monitored features (i.e., bentonite plug, excavation damage zone, sand-filled microtunnel) should produce significant changes in the seismicwaveforms. Nevertheless, inversion for medium-property changes requires that true seismic waveform changes are not overwhelmed by recording variations. We find that a P-wave sparker source is highly repeatable up to frequencies of [Formula: see text] for propagation distances out to tens of meters involved in repository-scale monitoring. Hydrophone repeatability is limited by incoherent high frequency noise and variable hydrophone-borehole coupling conditions, but firmly grouted geophones within the tunnels yield consistent recordings. Three kinds of coherent noise contaminate the data: (1) mechanically induced electrical effects in the hydrophone chains; (2) high currents in the sparker cable, which cause it to oscillate radially as a line source; and (3) tube waves. Our investigations outline a quantitative methodology to assess data-quality requirements for successful monitoring. We suggest that full waveform seismic tomography can be used to monitor radioactive waste emplacement tunnels, provided that careful attention is paid to instrument fidelity and noise suppression.
Localized anisotropic tomography with well information in VTI media
Authors: Bakulin Andrey , Woodward Marta , Nichols Dave , Osypov Konstantin , Zdraveva Olga
Published: October 2010

We develop a concept of localized seismic grid tomography constrained by well information and apply it to building vertically transversely isotropic (VTI) velocity models in depth. The goal is to use a highly automated migration velocity analysis to build anisotropic models that combine optimal image focusing with accurate depth positioning in one step. We localize tomography to a limited volume around the well and jointly invert the surface seismic and well data. Well information is propagated into the local volume by using the method of preconditioning, whereby model updates are shaped to follow geologic layers with spatial smoothing constraints. We analyze our concept with a synthetic data example of anisotropic tomography applied to a 1D VTI model. We demonstrate four cases of introducing additionalinformation. In the first case, vertical velocity is assumed to be known, and the tomography inverts only for Thomsen’s [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] profiles using surface seismic data alone. In the second case, tomography simultaneously inverts for all three VTI parameters, including vertical velocity, using a joint data set that consists of surface seismic data and vertical check-shot traveltimes. In the third and fourth cases, sparse depth markers and walkaway vertical seismic profiling (VSP) are used, respectively, to supplement the seismic data. For all four examples, tomography reliably recovers the anisotropic velocity field up to a vertical resolution comparable to that of the well data. Even though walkaway VSP has the additional dimension of angle or offset, it offers no further increase in this resolution limit. Anisotropic tomography with well constraints has multiple advantages over other approaches and deserves a place in the portfolio of model-building tools.
Inline delayed-shot migration in tilted elliptical-cylindrical coordinates
Authors: Shragge Jeffrey , Shan Guojian
Published: October 2010

Riemannian wavefield extrapolation, a one-way wave-equation method for propagating seismic data on generalized coordinate systems, is extended to inline delayed-shot migration using 3D tilted elliptical-cylindrical (TEC) coordinate meshes. Compared to Cartesian geometries, TEC coordinates are more conformal to the shape of inline delayed-source impulse response, which allows the bulk of wavefield energy to propagate at angles lower to the extrapolation axis, thus improving global propagation accuracy. When inline coordinate tilt angles are well matched to the inline source ray parameters, the TEC coordinate extension affords accurate propagation of both steep-dip and turning-wave components important for successfully imaging complex geologic structure. Wavefield extrapolation in TEC coordinates is no more complicated than propagation in elliptically anisotropic media and can be handled by existing implicit finite-difference methods. Impulse response tests illustrate the phase accuracy of the method and show that the approach is free of numerical anisotropy. Migration tests from a realistic 3D wide-azimuth synthetic derived from a field Gulf of Mexico data set demonstrate the imaging advantages afforded by the technique, including the improved imaging of steeply dipping salt flanks at a reduced computational cost.
Quality-of-Life Impact of Primary Treatments for Localized Prostate Cancer in Patients Without Hormonal Treatment
Authors: Pardo Yolanda , Guedea Ferran , Aguiló Ferrán , Fernández Pablo , Macías Víctor , Mariño Alfonso , Hervás Asunción , Herruzo Ismael , Ortiz María José , Ponce de León Javier , Craven-Bratle Jordi , Suárez José Francisco , Boladeras Ana , Pont Àngels , Ayala Adriana , Sancho Gemma , Martínez Evelyn , Alonso Jordi , Ferrer Montserrat
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Earlier studies evaluating the effect on quality of life (QoL) of localized prostate cancer interventions included patients receiving adjuvant hormone therapy, which could have affected their outcomes. Our objective was to compare the QoL impact of the three most common primary treatments on patients who were not receiving adjuvant hormonal treatment.

Patients and Methods

This was a prospective study of 435 patients treated with radical prostatectomy, external-beam radiotherapy, or brachytherapy. QoL was assessed before and after treatment with the Short Form-36 and the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite. Differences between groups were tested by analysis of variance. Distribution of outcome at 3 years was examined by stratifying according to baseline status. Generalized estimating equation models were constructed to assess the effect of treatment over time.

Results

Compared with the brachytherapy group, the prostatectomy group showed greater deterioration on urinary incontinence and sexual scores but better urinary irritative-obstructive results (−18.22, −13.19, and +6.38, respectively, at 3 years; P < .001). In patients with urinary irritative-obstructive symptoms at baseline, improvement was observed in 64% of those treated with nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. Higher bowel worsening (−2.87, P = .04) was observed in the external radiotherapy group, with 20% of patients reporting bowel symptoms.

Conclusion

Radical prostatectomy caused urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction but improved pre-existing urinary irritative-obstructive symptoms. External radiotherapy and brachytherapy caused urinary irritative-obstructive adverse effects and some sexual dysfunction. External radiotherapy also caused bowel adverse effects. Relevant differences between treatment groups persisted for up to 3 years of follow-up, although the difference in sexual adverse effects between brachytherapy and prostatectomy tended to decline over long-term follow-up. These results provide valuable information for clinical decision making.
First-Order Wetting Transition and Line Tension of Hexadecane Lens at Air/Water Interface Assisted by Surfactant Adsorption
Authors: Matsubara Hiroki , Ikebe Yosuke , Ushijima Yasutaka , Takata Youichi , Takiue Takanori , Aratono Makoto
Published: October 2010

A first-order transition from partial wetting to pseudo-partial wetting of hexadecane droplets on aqueous solutions of surfactant, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, has been investigated by using interfacial tensiometry and ellipsometry. A regular solution model was applied to calculate the surface free energy of the wetting film as a function of thickness and then the connection between calculated surface free energy profiles and line tension measured at the wetting transition was discussed based on the interface displacement model. The reversal of the sign of the line tension associated with the wetting transition was confirmed from both the experiment and the interface displacement model.
A Novel and Green Method for the Synthesis of Ionic Liquids Using the Corresponding Acidic Ionic Liquid Precursors and Dialkyl Carbonate
Authors: Xiao Wenjun , Wang Xiaoxing , Chen Qin , Wu Tinghua , Wu Ying , Dai Lizong , Song Chunshan
Published: October 2010

A novel and green method for the synthesis of dialkylimidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) has been developed. It was through a one-step alkylation of dialkyl carbonate with the corresponding acidic ionic liquid precursors (AILPs) prepared from the neutralization of imidazole derivatives with acids.
Electrochemical Investigation of Dynamic Solution Structures of Bicontinuous Microemulsion at Solid Interfaces
Authors: Makita Yuichi , Uemura Shinobu , Miyanari Nagayoshi , Kotegawa Takaaki , Kawano Shintaro , Nishimi Taisei , Tominaga Masato , Nishiyama Katsuhiko , Kunitake Masashi
Published: October 2010

Dynamic solution structure of a three-phase interface (oil/water/solid) of a bicontinuous microemulsion (BME) was evaluated electrochemically with apparent diffusion coefficients (Dapp’s) from cyclic voltammograms. With hydrophilic (ITO) and lipophilic (pyrolytic graphite) electrodes, Dapp’s were much smaller than with an amphiphilic (Au) electrode. The Dapp ratios of ITO:PG-b in the BME were larger than those in a homogeneous aqueous solution. These results indicate that BME solution structures around hydrophilic and lipophilic electrodes adopt alternately layered structures but not simple sloped structures.
HIV/AIDS and traditional healers: a blessing in disguise
Authors: Meel B L
Published: October 2010

Traditional healers contribute significantly to the level of health-care systems in Africa. They could play an important role in the prevention and care of patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the community. The traditional healing system deals with psychosocial stress associated with HIV/AIDS as well as herbal medications. Sometimes, herbal medicine causes serious life-threatening complications. Two case reports are presented in this article. The first is a 48-year-old woman with HIV who was made to drink a large volume of a herbal decoction to stimulate vomiting in the belief that cleansing the bowel would rid the system of the disease. The second is a 25-year-old young man who had a herbal enema, which resulted in gangrene of the large bowel. The case histories, mechanism of action and causes of death are discussed.
A pilot study of the early implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in England and Wales: the experience of consultants in old age psychiatry
Authors: Shah Ajit , Banner Natalie , Heginbotham Chris , Fulford Bill
Published: October 2010

Background

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) was fully implemented in October 2007 in England and Wales.

Methods

A pilot qualitative study using thematic analysis examined the experience of consultants in old age psychiatry in the early implementation of the MCA using a questionnaire designed to ascertain the experienced difficulties and the positive experiences of implementing the MCA, and its impact on their workload and associated changes in staffing levels.

Results

Fifty-two (27%) of the 196 consultants in old age psychiatry returned usable questionnaires. Eleven categories of difficulties and nine categories of positive experiences in the implementation of the MCA were reported. Two-thirds of respondents reported an increase in their workload, but over 90% reported no associated changes in staffing levels.

Conclusions

The factors contributing to the experienced difficulties and positive experiences in the implementation of the MCA require careful identification because strategies to lessen the difficulties and to maintain positive experiences need to be developed. The definitions of restraint and deprivation of liberty used in clinical practice and the overlap between these definitions requires careful study. The workload of clinicians in the context of implementing the MCA requires ongoing monitoring.
Victims of assault: a Europe-wide review of procedures for evaluating the seriousness of injuries
Authors: Gignon M , Paupière S , Jardé O , Manaouil C
Published: October 2010

In France, victims of assault receive a medical certificate describing their injuries. This certificate must fulfil certain criteria because it plays a major role in the subsequent judicial proceedings – notably the establishment of a period of ‘total incapacity for work’, which determines the court in which the case will be heard. Determination of the duration of this period of incapacity is complex. We decided to review medical examination procedures for victims of assault in a number of other European countries (England and Wales, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Spain). Our study revealed that only in France do physicians have to make a quantitative assessment of injuries, which is supposed to reflect the extent of the injuries and the intensity of the violence – despite the difficulties this may pose. We discuss the relevance of this quantitative assessment.
Forensic diagnosis and classification of snakebite (neurotoxic and haemotoxic) from renal changes at autopsy: morphological and histological determinants using a semi-quantitative method
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Partha Pratim , Ghosh Sulekha , Ghosh Tapan Kumar
Published: October 2010

Mortality due to poisonous snakebite is an emerging public health concern. Of late, snakebite has drawn global attention. Snakebite is a well-known cause of renal pathology especially in the haemotoxic group. Deaths due to renal failure are very common in envenomation due to poisonous snakebite. In this investigation our aim was to devise autopsy-proven diagnostic criteria of snakebite from the renal changes to confirm and classify the type of snakebite in forensic casework. That would be of practical help to the forensic pathologist with access to limited resources. An arbitrary scoring system from histology was adopted for the present semi-quantitative analysis. The scoring system (with scores from 0 to 5) developed by the present study was effective, valid and was able to distinguish between snakebite and control. The score obtained at histology in cases of snakebite was significantly different from the control group (Mann-Whitney U = 71.5; P = 0.011). Using stepwise linear discriminant function (DF) analysis, the score (Mukhopadhyay's score [MS]) was seen to be the only predictor of the type of snakebite. This model (DF = 1.05 × MS–1.78) could correctly classify 93.3% of the cases into neurotoxic and haemotoxic variety of offending snake. This is an effective, cheap and easy semi-quantitative method of distinguishing neurotoxic and haematoxic snakes from the renal changes at autopsy. It would be useful for practical application in centres where sophisticated biochemical or immunological analyses are not available due to limited resources.
Characteristics of offenders deemed not guilty by reason of insanity in Portugal
Authors: Almeida Jaime , Graça Olindina , Vieira Fernando , Almeida Nuno , Santos Jorge Costa
Published: October 2010

In Portugal, offenders found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI), may be given a restricted order to a special hospital as an alternative to prison. In European countries there is a recognized need for data concerning this special population. The aim of the present study was to examine the characteristics of all the NGRI subjects ( n = 274) detained in the country in a descriptive and retrospective survey conducted in January 2009. Offence committed, demographic factors, diagnosis at admission, background of substance abuse and diagnostic stability were recorded. Schizophrenia was the commonest diagnosis (51.5%). Mean population age was 42.6 years, with only 6.2% women. Homicide was the most common offense (41.2%). A background of substance abuse was found in 42.3% of subjects. There were significant differences in the schizophrenia and mental retardation patient groups when compared individually with the other diagnoses concerning homicide and arson as the offence. Mean duration of inpatient stay did not differ significantly between diagnoses. The findings also point to poor follow-up of the NGRI patients after admission.
Plasma cholinesterase: double-edged parameter in the diagnosis of acute organophosphorus poisoning
Authors: Prasad D R Mahadeshwara , Gouda Hareesh S , Hallikeri Vinay R
Published: October 2010

Biochemical markers are one of the mainstays in the diagnosis of ill health. Plasma cholinesterase is one such marker of the ill health caused by acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning. Organophosphorus pesticides are powerful inhibitors of plasma cholinesterase; consequently, the reduced level of this biochemical marker has been used in the diagnosis of cases of acute poisoning. But how dependable is this biochemical marker in the diagnosis of suspected organophosphorus pesticide poisoning without adequate clinical signs and symptoms? In the case reported here, the low level of plasma cholinesterase which was suspected to be due to organophosphorus poisoning was found to be caused by pulmonary Koch's and hepatitis B with associated malnutrition.
Optimization of enzymatic reaction conditions for generating representative pools of cDNA from small RNA
Authors: Munafó Daniela B. , Robb G. Brett
Published: October 2010

Small regulatory RNA repertoires in biological samples are heterogeneous mixtures that may include species arising from varied biosynthetic pathways and modification events. Small RNA profiling and discovery approaches ought to capture molecules in a way that is representative of expression level. It follows that the effects of RNA modifications on representation should be minimized. The collection of high-quality, representative data, therefore, will be highly dependent on bias-free sample manipulation in advance of quantification. We examined the impact of 2′-O-methylation of the 3′-terminal nucleotide of small RNA on key enzymatic reactions of standard front-end manipulation schemes. Here we report that this common modification negatively influences the representation of these small RNA species. Deficits occurred at multiple steps as determined by gel analysis of synthetic input RNA and by quantification and sequencing of derived cDNA pools. We describe methods to minimize the effects of 2′-O-methyl modification of small RNA 3′-termini using T4 RNA ligase 2 truncated, and other optimized reaction conditions, demonstrating their use by quantifying representation of miRNAs and piRNAs in cDNA pools prepared from biological samples.
Side Effects of Minocycline Treatment in Patients With Fragile X Syndrome and Exploration of Outcome Measures
Authors: Utari Agustini , Chonchaiya Weerasak , Rivera Susan M. , Schneider Andrea , Hagerman Randi J. , Faradz Sultana M. H. , Ethell Iryna M. , Nguyen Danh V.
Published: October 2010

Minocycline can rescue the dendritic spine and synaptic structural abnormalities in the fragile X knock-out mouse. This is a review and preliminary survey to document side effects and potential outcome measures for minocycline use in the treatment of individuals with fragile X syndrome. We surveyed 50 patients with fragile X syndrome who received minocycline for at least 2 weeks and found that the most common reported side effect is gastrointestinal difficulty, including loss of appetite. The families reported an improvement in language and behavioral areas. Outcome measures in the design of future randomized clinical trials should include both behavioral and language measures. As with any other treatments, we emphasize that randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy of minocycline in fragile X syndrome.