bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Incidence and Coincidence of Uterine and Mammary Tumors in Wistar and Sprague-Dawley Rats Based on the RITA Database and the Role of Prolactin
Authors: Harleman Johannes H. , Hargreaves Adam , Andersson Håkan , Kirk Sarah
Published: May 2012

Wistar rats are frequently selected for use in carcinogenicity studies because of their advantageous survival rate, which is more favorable than other strains such as the Sprague-Dawley (SD) strain. Uterine and mammary tumors are relatively common spontaneous neoplasms of both strains. We examined the incidence and coincidence of uterine tumors and mammary tumors in control animals of both strains within the RITA database. There was a strong inverse relationship between these tumor types in Wistar rats ( p < .001). A less strong relationship was present in SD rats ( p = .057). This association is likely to be related to prolactin. A short review of the role of prolactin in rats is given. These results are also discussed in the background of nonspecific toxicity at high dose levels in carcinogenicity studies above MTD levels resulting in reduction in body weights of >10%.
Reflections on Associative Word Links in Judges
Authors: Kaminsky Joel S.
Published: May 2012

Attempts to read Judges in a unified fashion have shed much light on this book. Yet, such readings often are not fully convincing because they gloss over details that do not easily fit into the literary, theological, or ideological perspective being advanced. This essay moves in a new direction by exploring a thick web of verbal resonances that brings various distinct components within Judges into a complex literary and theological conversation. Even as this webbing draws various parts of the book into association with each other, it at the same time highlights the distinct elements of each story. While many narratives in Judges are indeed interconnected, it is less clear that Judges contains a linear and progressive narrative with an over-arching message.
The influence of pulsed electric field on hematological parameters in rat
Authors: Coskun Ozlem , Comlekci Selcuk
Published: May 2012

The aim of the present study is to investigate whether or not pulsed electric field (PEF) affects some hematological parameters in rats. Sixteen healthy male Wistar rats weighting 150–200 g were used and were randomly divided into two groups. Exposure group ( n = 8) was exposed to a PEF (10 kV m−1 for 1 h d−1) for 10 consecutive days. The control group rats ( n = 8) were not exposed to PEF. The following hematological parameters were measured in both the groups: white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht) and platelets (PLTs). Some of the hematological parameters under investigation were similar in both the groups. Exposure group, exposed for 1 h d−1 during 10 consecutive days, induced a significant increase in the rates of WBC ( p < 0.05), RBC ( p < 0.05), Hb ( p < 0.05), Ht ( p < 0.05) and PLTs ( p < 0.05) in blood when compared with control. These results suggest that PEFs affect the hematological parameters in rat. Results of the parameters are statistically significant.
The genotoxic and teratogenic effects of maltitol in rats
Authors: Canimoglu Semir , Rencuzogullari Eyyup
Published: May 2012

In the present study, the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of the low-caloric artificial sweetener maltitol, which is a sugar alcohol (polyol), were investigated in the bone marrow cells of rats using the chromosome aberration (CA) test. In addition, the teratogenicity and embryotoxicity of maltitol was also investigated in rats. To reveal the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of maltitol, rats were intraperitoneally administered 2.5, 5 and 10 g/kg body weight (bw) concentrations of maltitol for 6, 12 and 24 h treatment period. The pregnant females were intraperitoneally treated with 1, 2 and 4 g/kg bw/day concentrations of maltitol during the first 7 days of gestation (first trimester) to investigate the teratogenicity of maltitol. The embryos were collected after killing the dams by cervical dislocation under ether anaesthesia on gestation day 19. Maltitol did not induce the CA and did not decrease the mitotic index in bone marrow cells of rats at all concentrations and treatment periods. In addition, maltitol was not teratogenic; however, it decreased the foetuses weight and at the highest dose (4 g/kg bw) caused growth retardation.
Peer Physical Aggression and Its Association With Aggressive Beliefs, Empathy, Self-Control, and Cooperation Skills Among Students in a Rural Town of China
Authors: Wang Fu Man , Chen Jing Qi , Xiao Wan Qing , Ma Ya Ting , Zhang Man
Published: May 2012

This study explored the prevalence of peer physical aggression (PPA) and its association with aggressive beliefs, empathy, self-control, and cooperation skills among 1,719 7th-to-9th-grade students in a rural town in the central China province of Henan. The data were collected by the self-administered questionnaire anonymously. Results showed that 17.9% of the students reported that they had one or more times of physical aggressive behaviors toward their peers in the past 12 months. The reported rate of PPA was significantly higher in boys (24.7%) than in girls (10.7%). After adjusting the factors of gender and grade, result of logistic regression analysis showed that having a higher level of aggressive beliefs was PPA risk factor; a higher level of self-control was protective factor, but there were no significant association between PPA and the factors of empathy and cooperation skills. These results indicated that helping students to decrease their aggressive beliefs and to improve their self-control skill would aid in the prevention of youth violence.
What Do Kramer’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative PROBIT Studies Tell Us? A Review of a Decade of Research
Authors: Martens Patricia J.
Published: May 2012

Background:

Kramer et al’s PROBIT (Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial) research in Belarus studied effects of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) training on breastfeeding duration, exclusivity, and health outcomes.

Aims:

To critique inclusion criteria, context, approaches to data analysis, and health outcome results.

Method:

Twenty-two articles were retrieved from PubMed and the PROBIT Website for 2001-2010; 6 were excluded as not focusing on breastfeeding and health outcomes.

Results:

PROBIT data from the cluster randomized hospital comparisons included only breastfed babies since all non-breastfed babies were excluded from the research. Context may affect outcomes, knowing that Belarus has good basic health services, 3-year maternity leaves with little use of daycare, 95% breastfeeding initiation rate, and a well-educated population. PROBIT data were analyzed in 2 ways: (a) intent-to-treat analyses of breastfeeding and health differences by cluster randomized intervention and control site mother/baby pairs; and (b) as an observational cohort study of health outcomes for all mother/baby pairs, analyzed by various breastfeeding categorizations and controlling for biases. PROBIT demonstrated links between BFHI and longer breastfeeding duration (19.7% vs 11.4% at 12 months, P < .001) and exclusivity (43.3% vs 6.4% at 3 months, P < .001), reductions in gastrointestinal episodes and rashes, higher verbal IQ scores, and longer exclusive breastfeeding rates for subsequent children but no statistically significant differences in the child’s body mass index, blood pressure, or dental health.

Conclusion:

PROBIT provides foundational evidence for BFHI policy and follow-up care. Knowing that non-breastfed babies were excluded, caution must be exercised for health comparisons.
Hepatic copper and iron accumulation and histologic findings in 104 feline liver biopsies
Authors: Whittemore Jacqueline C. , Newkirk Kim M. , Reel Danielle M. , Reed Ann
Published: May 2012

In contrast to dogs, the role of copper and iron accumulation in feline hepatic disease remains poorly characterized. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to compare the amount and distribution of copper and iron accumulation for different disease processes in feline liver biopsies. Liver biopsies (from 104 privately owned cats) were categorized by primary histopathologic lesion. Copper (by rubeanic acid) and iron (by Prussian blue) accumulation were graded by amounts (0–3) and location (centrilobular, midzonal, periportal, random). The Kruskal–Wallis test and Pearson chi-square test were used to assess differences in metal grade and location, respectively, between diagnostic categories. Histologic diagnoses were normal ( n = 12), congenital ( n = 6), neoplastic ( n = 16), infectious and/or inflammatory ( n = 39), and other ( n = 31). Hepatocellular iron staining was negative in 18 samples; remaining samples had grade 1 ( n = 38), 2 ( n = 40), and 3 ( n = 8) accumulation. Ninety-two samples were negative for copper; remaining samples had grade 1 ( n = 5), 2 ( n = 6), and 3 ( n = 1) accumulation. No significant differences were found in the amount of iron or copper accumulation between the different diagnostic categories. Diagnostic category and the location of copper or iron accumulation were not associated. Hepatic iron accumulation was common and not associated with histologic diagnosis. Hepatocellular copper accumulation was more common in cats than previously reported, had a similar pattern of distribution to fibrotic changes, and was not present in histologically normal liver biopsies.
Effect of a Compassion-Focused Training Program in Palliative Care Education for Medical Students
Authors: Shih Chih-Yuan , Hu Wen-Yu , Lee Long-Teng , Yao Chien-An , Chen Ching-Yu , Chiu Tai-Yuan
Published: May 2012

Background:

Compassion is the key value of humanities perspective. Little is known, however, concerning the impact of enhancing compassion on ethical decision making in end-of-life care.

Methods:

A total of 251 preclinical medical students were enrolled in a palliative care training course. A structured self-report questionnaire was administered before and after training.

Results:

Experience with caring for patients with terminal cancer was positively related to improvement in the decision of “truth telling is helpful to a good death.” In addition, improvement in the perception of “compassionate care” was correlated with higher improvement in the decision of “discharge planning and home care.”

Conclusion:

Compassion-focused training program can be helpful to improve medical students’ competence in making more appropriate ethical decisions in end-of-life care.
N-Acetylserotonin
Authors: Tosini Gianluca , Ye Keqiang , Iuvone P. Michael
Published: May 2012

N-Acetylserotonin (NAS) is a naturally occurring chemical intermediate in biosynthesis of melatonin. Previous studies have shown that NAS has different brain distribution patterns from those of serotonin and melatonin, suggesting that NAS might have functions other than as a precursor or metabolite of melatonin. Indeed, several studies have now shown that NAS may play an important role in mood regulation and may have antidepressant activity. Additional studies have shown that NAS stimulates proliferation of neuroprogenitor cells and prevents some of the negative effects of sleep deprivation. It is believed that the antidepressant and neurotrophic actions of NAS are due at least in part to the capability on this molecule to activate the TrkB receptor in a brain-derived neurotrophic factor–independent manner. Emerging evidence also indicates that NAS and its derivatives have neuroprotective properties and protect retinal photoreceptor cells from light-induced degeneration. In this review, the authors discuss the literature about this exciting and underappreciated molecule.
Dilemmas in doing insider research in professional education
Authors: Humphrey Caroline
Published: May 2012

This article explores the dilemmas I encountered when researching social work education in England as an insider researcher who was simultaneously employed as an educator in the host institution. This was an ethnographic project deploying multiple methods and generating rich case study material which informed the student textbook Becoming a Social Worker ( Humphrey, 2011 ). But a series of dilemmas materialized over the four-year period of the project. First, ethical dilemmas emerged around informed consent and confidentiality when conducting surveys of students and reading their portfolios. Second, professional dilemmas stemmed from the ways in which my roles as a researcher, academic tutor, social worker and former practice educator converged and collided. Third, political dilemmas pertained to the potential for the project to crystallize and convey conflicts among stakeholders in the university and community. Since the majority of research in social work education is conducted by insiders, we have a vital interest in making sense of such complexity.
Growth of single crystal silicon carbide by liquid phase epitaxy using samarium/cobalt as unique solvent
Authors: Wang Sheng-Chang , Nayak Pramoda K , Chen You-Ling , Sung James C , Huang Jow-Lay
Published: May 2012

An approach for synthesizing single crystal silicon carbide at low temperature using liquid phase epitaxy is proposed. A mixture of samarium and cobalt (Sm:Co = 64:36 at.%) was used as a unique solvent in this synthesis process. Electron microscopy indicates the epitaxial growth of single crystal silicon carbide with a thickness of 4 µm over a silicon wafer followed by the formation of polycrystalline silicon carbide and silicon carbide whiskers. Some growth mechanisms are proposed to explain the formation of silicon carbide. It is hypothesized that the single crystal silicon carbide grew from the liquid phase, whereas polycrystalline silicon carbide whiskers grew via the vapor–liquid–solid process.
Neurohospitalists Improve Door-to-Needle Times for Patients With Ischemic Stroke Receiving Intravenous tPA
Authors: Bhatt Archit , Shatila Ahmed
Published: May 2012

Purpose: It is unknown whether neurohospitalist evaluation improves door-to-needle times (DNT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of neurohospitalist evaluation on DNT for patients with ischemic stroke receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) presenting within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Methods: We retrospectively identified consecutive patients with ischemic stroke who received tPA between 0 and 4.5 hours. We determined and compared DNT for nonneurohospitalists versus neurohospitalists for a 26-month period from 2009 to 2011. Our main outcome measure was percentage of patients receiving tPA within 60 minutes. Results: Overall, out of the 107 consecutive ischemic stroke patients (mean age 67 years) who received intravenous tPA within 4.5 hours, 60 patients were evaluated by nonneurohospitalists (community and locums neurologists) and 47 patients were evaluated by neurohospitalists. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) DNT with patients treated by nonneurohospitalists (93 ± 24 minutes) were significantly longer than the DNT treated by neurohospitalists (68 ± 18 minutes). Twenty-four patients (51%) treated by neurohospitalists had DNT less than or equal to 60 minutes, while 9 patients (15%) treated by nonneurohospitalists had DNT less than or equal to 60 minutes. Multivariate analysis showed that neurohospitalist evaluation (odds ratio [OR] 5.4, confidence interval [CI] 2.2-13.6, P = .022) was the only independent factor associated with patients receiving tPA within 60 minutes. Conclusion: Neurohospitialist evaluation is associated with faster DNT in patients with ischemic stroke. Neurohospitalist evaluation could be a part of a multidimensional initiative to improve the timeliness of tPA administration.
Differences in DNA curvature-related sequence periodicity between prokaryotic chromosomes and phages, and relationship to chromosomal prophage content
Authors: Abel Jacob , Mrázek Jan
Published: May 2012

Background

Periodic spacing of A-tracts (short runs of A or T) with the DNA helical period of ~10–11 bp is characteristic of intrinsically bent DNA. In eukaryotes, the DNA bending is related to chromatin structure and nucleosome positioning. However, the physiological role of strong sequence periodicity detected in many prokaryotic genomes is not clear.

Results

We developed measures of intensity and persistency of DNA curvature-related sequence periodicity and applied them to prokaryotic chromosomes and phages. The results indicate that strong periodic signals present in chromosomes are generally absent in phage genomes. Moreover, chromosomes containing prophages are less likely to possess a persistent periodic signal than chromosomes with no prophages.

Conclusions

Absence of DNA curvature-related sequence periodicity in phages could arise from constraints associated with DNA packaging in the viral capsid. Lack of prophages in chromosomes with persistent periodic signal suggests that the sequence periodicity and concomitant DNA curvature could play a role in protecting the chromosomes from integration of phage DNA.
Enhanced magnetic-field-induced optical properties of nanostructured magnetic fluids by doping nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Wang Xiang , Pu Shengli , Ji Hongzhu , Yu Guojun
Published: May 2012

Ferronematic materials composed of 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl nematic liquid crystal and oil-based Fe3O4 magnetic fluid were prepared using ultrasonic agitation. The birefringence (Δn) and figure of merit of optical properties (Q = Δn/α, where α is the extinction coefficient) of pure magnetic fluids and the as-prepared ferronematic materials were examined and compared. The figure of merit of optical properties weighs the birefringence and extinction of the materials and is more appropriate to evaluate their optical properties. Similar magnetic-field- and magnetic-particle-concentration-dependent properties of birefringence and figure of merit of optical properties were obtained for the pure magnetic fluids and the ferronematic materials. For the ferronematic materials, the values of Q increase with the volume fractions of nematic liquid crystal under certain fixed field strength and are larger than those of their corresponding pure magnetic fluids at high field region. In addition, the enhancement of Q value increases monotonously with the magnetic field and becomes remarkable when the applied magnetic field is beyond 50 mT. The maximum relative enhanced value of Q
R exceeds 6.8% in our experiments. The results of this work may conduce to extend the pragmatic applications of nanostructured magnetic fluids in optical field.
Potential Usefulness of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms to Identify Persons at High Cancer Risk: An Evaluation of Seven Common Cancers
Authors: Park Ju-Hyun , Gail Mitchell H. , Greene Mark H. , Chatterjee Nilanjan
Published: May 2012

Purpose

To estimate the likely number and predictive strength of cancer-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are yet to be discovered for seven common cancers.

Methods

From the statistical power of published genome-wide association studies, we estimated the number of undetected susceptibility loci and the distribution of effect sizes for all cancers. Assuming a log-normal model for risks and multiplicative relative risks for SNPs, family history (FH), and known risk factors, we estimated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the proportion of patients with risks above risk thresholds for screening. From additional prevalence data, we estimated the positive predictive value and the ratio of non–patient cases to patient cases (false-positive ratio) for various risk thresholds.

Results

Age-specific discriminatory accuracy (AUC) for models including FH and foreseeable SNPs ranged from 0.575 for ovarian cancer to 0.694 for prostate cancer. The proportions of patients in the highest decile of population risk ranged from 16.2% for ovarian cancer to 29.4% for prostate cancer. The corresponding false-positive ratios were 241 for colorectal cancer, 610 for ovarian cancer, and 138 or 280 for breast cancer in women age 50 to 54 or 40 to 44 years, respectively.

Conclusion

Foreseeable common SNP discoveries may not permit identification of small subsets of patients that contain most cancers. Usefulness of screening could be diminished by many false positives. Additional strong risk factors are needed to improve risk discrimination.
Negative Influence
Authors: Shetley Vernon
Published: May 2012

The central illumination of Harold Bloom's theory of influence was his insistence on the negative element of literary inheritance. This aspect of Bloom's work inspired fierce resistance, a resistance whose success may have masked, for many contemporary critics, the importance of negativity in poetic traditions. The article examines Emily Dickinson's “Essential Oils—are wrung” as an instance of a poem that may be clarified by an exploration of its negative response to her poetic predecessors, in this case the tradition of Petrarchanism. It explores a similar negativity in Alvin Feinman's “Relic,” in which a swerve from Petrarchanism threatens to undermine the position of the poet himself. The article concludes with a discussion of two poems by Brenda Hillman, “Remembering Form” and “Styrofoam Cup,” which suggest ways in which Bloomian misprision, the violent misreading of the past, induces an anxiety about the survival of the poetic impulse itself.
Biases of Correlograms and of AR Representations of Stationary Series
Authors: Abadir Karim M. , Larsson Rolf
Published: May 2012

We derive the relation between the biases of correlograms and of estimates of auto-regressive AR(k) representations of stationary series, and we illustrate it with a simple AR example. The new relation allows for k to vary with the sample size, which is a representation that can be used for most stationary processes. As a result, the biases of the estimators of such processes can now be quantified explicitly and in a unified way.
Interdisziplinarität als Herausforderung für die E-Learning-Forschung
Authors: Keil Reinhard , Wessner Martin
Published: May 2012

Research in e-learning requires collaboration within the various fields of computer science as well as between computer scientists and a variety of other disciplines. The article lists important prerequisites and challenges of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Forschungsfeld Learning Analytics
Authors: Chatti Mohamed Amine , Dyckhoff Anna Lea , Schroeder Ulrik , Thüs Hendrik
Published: May 2012

Learning analytics has attracted a great deal of attention in technology enhanced learning (TEL) in recent years as educational institutions and researchers are increasingly seeing the potential that learning analytics has to support the learning process. Learning analytics has been identified as a possible key future trend in learning and teaching (Johnson et al., 2011). Analytics can be a powerful tool to support learning. There are, however, a number of issues that need to be addressed before starting analytics projects. In this paper, we identify various challenges and research opportunities in the emerging area of learning analytics.
ADAM10 promotes pituitary adenoma cell migration by regulating cleavage of CD44 and L1
Authors: Pan Yuan , Han Chong , Wang Chunlin , Hu Guohan , Luo Chun , Gan Xiaoqiang , Zhang Fenglin , Lu Yicheng , Ding Xuehua
Published: May 2012

ADAM10 is a metalloproteinase that regulates invasiveness in many tumors. Here, we found that ADAM10 expression correlates with the invasiveness of pituitary adenomas and contributes to invasion by cleaving L1 and CD44. In high-grade pituitary adenoma patients, ADAM10 expression levels were found to be elevated compared with low-grade pituitary adenomas. In a phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated pituitary adenoma cell line, AtT-20 cells, we found that the cleavage of L1 was correspondingly enhanced with the increased interaction between Src and Shc. Increases in PMA-induced L1 cleavage and the phosphorylation of residue 418 of Src (418Src) were promoted by overexpression of ADAM10. Inversely, knockdown of Adam10 suppressed PMA-induced L1 cleavage and the phosphorylation of Src, which was blocked by the Src inhibitor PP2 and the MEK inhibitor PD98059. On the other hand, calcium flux activation in AtT-20 cells resulted in increased CD44 cleavage, with reduction of the interaction between calmodulin and ADAM10. The induction of enhanced CD44 cleavage by calcium flux activation was inhibited by knockdown of Adam10. In addition, Adam10 knockdown repressed AtT-20 cell migration, which was reversed by CD44EXT (CD44 ectodomain cleavage). Collectively, these data indicated that ADAM10 facilitated cell migration through modulation of CD44 and L1 cleavage.
The importance of visualization in cartographic communication
Authors: Ikonovic Vesna , Zivkovic Dragica , Djordjevic Aleksandar
Published: May 2012

Visualization is a field of computer graphics which explores the analytical
and communication possibilities of visual presentation. Visualization
explores the possibilities of using images, similar to three-dimensional
world, as models so that analysis and communication can be improved.
Visualization depends on new computer techniques of data analysis and
presentation, as well as on the accuracy, exactness and form of said data.
Visualization is a scientific tool, but its application demands art,
imagination and intuition. Visualization demands the use of the latest and
the best computer technology.
Evolution of cataract surgery: Smaller incision - less complications
Authors: Draganic Vladimir , Vukosavljevic Miroslav , Milivojevic Milorad , Resan Mirko , Petrovic Nenad
Published: May 2012

Background/Aim. Cataract surgery has become one of the safest procedures in
medicine thanks to advances in technology and surgical techniques. Although
minimal, we still witness different complications. The aim of this study was
to compare visual outcome and complication rate in different techniques of
cataract surgery, ie in cataract surgeries with various corneal incision
width. Methods. The study included 3,457 consecutive patients, ie 4,670 eyes
that had undergone cataract surgery. The used surgical techniques were:
extracapsular cataract extraction, phacoemulsification/ forceps IOL
implantation, phacoemulsification/ injector IOL implantation, microincision
cataract surgery (MICS). Patient follow up was 6 months. Patients were
evaluated for: visual aquity, corneal astigmatism, cellular reaction in the
anterior chamber, IOL position. Results. Uncorrected visual aquity 30 days
postoperatively was ? 0.5 in 30% of the eyes - ECCE; 54.7% of the eyes -
phacoemulsification/forceps IOL implantation; 63.0% of the eyes -
phacoemulsification/injector IOL implantation; 5/8 of the eyes - MICS.
Endophthalmitis was detected in 0.15% of the eyes - ECCE and 0.1% of the
eyes - phacoemulsification/forceps IOL implantation. In eyes with
phacoemulsification/injector IOL implantation or microincision cataract
surgery (MICS) there were no cases of endophthalmitis. After a 6-month
period intraocular lens were dislocated in 7.2% of the eyes - ECCE, and 0.6%
of the eyes - phacoemulsification/PMMA IOL. There was no IOL dislocation in
other surgical techniques. Conclusion. Shorter corneal incision implies less
complications, less operative trauma, faster visual rehabilitation and
better visual outcome.
Disulfiram-induced polyneurophaty
Authors: Vujisic Slavica , Radulovic Ljiljana , Knezevic-Apostolski Sladjana , Petkovic Stevan , Vukmirovic Filip , Apostolski Slobodan
Published: May 2012

Introduction. Disulfiram is used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism,
because of the unpleasant symptoms produced after ethanol intake. Although it
is well tolerated in most patients, one in 15,000 patients will develop
peripheral neuropathy every year, which is frequently misdiagnosed as
alcoholic neuropathy. Case report. We report clinical, laboratory,
electrophysiological and histopathological features in a 19-year-old patient
who developed an acute distal sensorymotor neuropathy during the treatment of
alcoholism. At the end of 4-month treatment with disulfiram 250 mg/day, the
patient complained of weakness in distal segments of the lower limbs
associated with burning dysesthesias, numbness and pain in the soles of the
feet and the legs below the knees; reduction in foot strength, the absence of
ankle jerk tendon reflexes, and tactile stocking pin-pick and vibratory
sensory impairment in the lower limbs below the knee. Recovery was successful
after treatment cessation. Conclusion. The significance of toxic neuropathy
is shown by the fact that the recognition of clinical picture, identifying
etiological factors and its elimination may prevent the evolution of
polyneuropathy. This allows for more effective treatment of these
neuropathies as apposite to idiopathic ones which can be treated only
symptomatically. Our case report indicates the possibilities during a period
with no serious damage to the axons manifested.
Methazolamide Is a New Hepatic Insulin Sensitizer That Lowers Blood Glucose In Vivo
Authors: Konstantopoulos Nicky , Molero Juan C. , McGee Sean L. , Spolding Briana , Connor Tim , de Vries Melissa , Wanyonyi Stephen , Fahey Richard , Morrison Shona , Swinton Courtney , Jones Sharon , Cooper Adrian , Garcia-Guerra Lucia , Foletta Victoria C. , Krippner Guy , Andrikopoulos Sofianos , Walder Ken R.
Published: May 2012

We previously used Gene Expression Signature technology to identify methazolamide (MTZ) and related compounds with insulin sensitizing activity in vitro. The effects of these compounds were investigated in diabetic db/db mice, insulin-resistant diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, and rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. MTZ reduced fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels in db/db mice, improved glucose tolerance in DIO mice, and enhanced the glucose-lowering effects of exogenous insulin administration in rats with STZ-induced diabetes. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps in DIO mice revealed that MTZ increased glucose infusion rate and suppressed endogenous glucose production. Whole-body or cellular oxygen consumption rate was not altered, suggesting MTZ may inhibit glucose production by different mechanism(s) to metformin. In support of this, MTZ enhanced the glucose-lowering effects of metformin in db/db mice. MTZ is known to be a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI); however, CAIs acetazolamide, ethoxyzolamide, dichlorphenamide, chlorthalidone, and furosemide were not effective in vivo. Our results demonstrate that MTZ acts as an insulin sensitizer that suppresses hepatic glucose production in vivo. The antidiabetic effect of MTZ does not appear to be a function of its known activity as a CAI. The additive glucose-lowering effect of MTZ together with metformin highlights the potential utility for the management of type 2 diabetes.
ChREBP Mediates Glucose-Stimulated Pancreatic β-Cell Proliferation
Authors: Metukuri Mallikarjuna R. , Zhang Pili , Basantani Mahesh K. , Chin Connie , Stamateris Rachel E. , Alonso Laura C. , Takane Karen K. , Gramignoli Roberto , Strom Stephen C. , O’Doherty Robert M. , Stewart Andrew F. , Vasavada Rupangi C. , Garcia-Ocaña Adolfo , Scott Donald K.
Published: May 2012

Glucose stimulates rodent and human β-cell replication, but the intracellular signaling mechanisms are poorly understood. Carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) is a lipogenic glucose-sensing transcription factor with unknown functions in pancreatic β-cells. We tested the hypothesis that ChREBP is required for glucose-stimulated β-cell proliferation. The relative expression of ChREBP was determined in liver and β-cells using quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. Loss- and gain-of-function studies were performed using small interfering RNA and genetic deletion of ChREBP and adenoviral overexpression of ChREBP in rodent and human β-cells. Proliferation was measured by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation, [3H]thymidine incorporation, and fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. In addition, the expression of cell cycle regulatory genes was measured by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. ChREBP expression was comparable with liver in mouse pancreata and in rat and human islets. Depletion of ChREBP decreased glucose-stimulated proliferation in β-cells isolated from ChREBP−/− mice, in INS-1–derived 832/13 cells, and in primary rat and human β-cells. Furthermore, depletion of ChREBP decreased the glucose-stimulated expression of cell cycle accelerators. Overexpression of ChREBP amplified glucose-stimulated proliferation in rat and human β-cells, with concomitant increases in cyclin gene expression. In conclusion, ChREBP mediates glucose-stimulated proliferation in pancreatic β-cells.
Effect of Intensive Versus Standard Blood Pressure Control on Depression and Health-Related Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: O’Connor Patrick J. , Narayan K.M. Venkat , Anderson Roger , Feeney Patricia , Fine Larry , Ali Mohammed K. , Simmons Debra L. , Hire Don G. , Sperl-Hillen JoAnn M. , Katz Lois Anne , Margolis Karen L. , Sullivan Mark D.
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE

We tested the hypothesis that intensive (systolic blood pressure [SBP] <120 mmHg) rather than standard (SBP 130–139 mmHg) blood pressure (BP) control improves health-related quality of life (HRQL) in those with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subjects were 1,028 ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes) BP trial HRQL substudy participants who completed baseline and one or more 12-, 36-, or 48-month HRQL evaluations. Multivariable linear regression assessed impact of BP treatment assignment on change in HRQL.

RESULTS

Over 4.0 years of follow-up, no significant differences occurred in five of six HRQL measures. Those assigned to intensive (vs. standard) BP control had statistically significant worsening of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form health survey (SF36) physical component scores (−0.8 vs. −0.2; P = 0.02), but magnitude of change was not clinically significant. Findings persisted across all prespecified subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Intensive BP control in the ACCORD trial did not have a clinically significant impact, either positive or negative, on depression or patient-reported HRQL.
Quantum Type Indeterminacy in Dynamic Decision-Making: Self-Control through Identity Management
Authors: Lambert-Mogiliansky Ariane , Busemeyer Jerome
Published: May 2012

The Type Indeterminacy model is a theoretical framework that uses some elements of quantum formalism to model the constructive preference perspective suggested by Kahneman and Tversky. In a dynamic decision context, type indeterminacy induces a game with multiple selves associated with a state transition process. We define a Markov perfect equilibrium among the selves with individual identity (preferences) as the state variable. The approach allows to characterize generic personality types and derive some comparative static results.
Pokemon Silencing Leads to Bim-Mediated Anoikis of Human Hepatoma Cell QGY7703
Authors: Liu Kun , Liu Feng , Zhang Nannan , Liu Shiying , Jiang Yuyang
Published: May 2012

Pokemon is an important proto-oncogene that plays a critical role in cellular oncogenic transformation and tumorigenesis. Anoikis, which is regulated by Bim-mediated apoptosis, is critical to cancer cell invasion and metastasis. We investigated the role of Pokemon in anoikis, and our results show that Pokemon renders liver cells resistant to anoikis via suppression of Bim transcription. We knocked-down Pokemon in human hepatoma cells QGY7703 with small interfering RNAs (siRNA). Knockdown of Pokemon alone did not significantly affect the growth and survival of QGY7703 cells but notably enhanced their sensitivity to apoptotic stress due to the presence of chemical agents or cell detachment, thereby inducing anoikis, as evidenced by flow cytometry and caspase-3 activity assays. In contrast, ectopic expression of Pokemon in HL7702 cells led to resistance to anoikis. Dual-luciferase reporter and ChIP assays illustrated that Pokemon suppressed Bim transcription via direct binding to its promoter. Our results suggest that Pokemon prevents anoikis through the suppression of Bim expression, which facilitates tumor cell invasion and metastasis. This Pokemon-Bim pathway may be an effective target for therapeutic intervention for cancer.
Synthesis of Novel E-2-Chlorovinyltellurium Compounds Based on the Stereospecific Anti-addition of Tellurium Tetrachloride to Acetylene
Authors: Musalova Maria V. , Potapov Vladimir A. , Amosova Svetlana V.
Published: May 2012

The reaction of tellurium tetrachloride with acetylene proceeds in a stereospecific anti-addition manner to afford the novel products E-2-chlorovinyltellurium trichloride and E,E-bis(2-chlorovinyl)tellurium dichloride. Reaction conditions for the selective preparation of each of these products were found. The latter was obtained in 90% yield in CHCl3 under a pressure of acetylene of 10–15 atm, whereas the former product was formed in up to 72% yield in CCl4 under a pressure of acetylene of 1–3 atm. Synthesis of the previously unknown E,E-bis(2-chlorovinyl) telluride, E,E-bis(2-chlorovinyl) ditelluride, E-2-chlorovinyl 1,2,2-trichloroethyl telluride and E,E-bis(2-chlorovinyl)-tellurium dibromide is described.
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT findings in pleural effusions of patients with known cancer
Authors: Letovanec I. , Allenbach G. , Mihaescu A. , Nicod Lalonde M. , Schmidt S. , Stupp R. , Fitting J.-W. , Boubaker A. , Ris H.-B. , Prior J. O.
Published: May 2012

Aim: Pleural effusion is common in cancer patients and to determine its malignant origin is of huge clinical significance. PET/CT with 18F-FDG is of diagnostic value in staging and follow-up, but its ability to differentiate between malignant and benign effusions is not precisely known. Patients, methods: We examined 50 PET/CT from 47 patients (29 men, 18 women, 60 ± 16 years) with pleural effusion and known cancer (24 NSCLC, 7 lymphomas, 5 breasts, 4 GIST, 3 mesotheliomas, 2 head and neck, 2 malignant teratoma, 1 colorectal, 1 oesophageal, 1 melanoma) for FDG uptake in the effusions using SUVmax. This was correlated to cytopathology performed after a median of 21 days (interquartile range –3 to 23), which included pH, relative distribution (macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, plasmocytes), and absolute cell count. Results: Malignant cells were found in 17 effusions (34%) (6 NSCLC, 5 lymphomas, 2 breasts, 2 mesotheliomas, 2 malignant teratomas). SUV in malignant effusions were higher than in benign ones [3.7 (95%CI 1.8–5.6) vs. 1.7 g/ml (1.5–1.9), p = 0.001], with a correlation between malignant effuUntersion and SUV (Spearman coefficient ρ = 0.50, p = 0.001), but not with other cytopathological or radiological parameters (ROC area 0.83 ± 0.06). Using a 2.2-mg/l SUV threshold, 12 PET/CT studies were positive and 38 negative with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 53%, 91%, 75% and 79%, respectively. For NSCLC only (n = 24), ROC area was 0.95 ± 0.04, 7 studies were positive and 17 negative with a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 83%, 89%, 71 and 94%, respectively. Conclusion: PET/CT may help to differentiate the malignant or benign origin of a pleural effusion with a high specificity in patients with known cancer, in particular NSCLC.
Improving Medication Management Among At-Risk Older Adults
Authors: Martin Delinda , Kripalani Sunil , DuRapau V.J.
Published: May 2012

Low health literacy is common among Medicare recipients and affects their understanding of complex medication regimens. Interventions are needed to improve medication use among older adults, while addressing low health literacy. Community-dwelling older adults in this study were enrolled at an inner-city adult day center. They completed a baseline measure of health literacy, medication self-efficacy, and medication adherence. They were provided with a personalized, illustrated daily medication schedule (PictureRx™). Six weeks later, their medication self-efficacy and adherence were assessed. Among the 20 participants in this pilot project, 70% had high likelihood of limited health literacy and took an average of 13.20 prescription medications. Both self-efficacy and medication adherence increased significantly after provision of the PictureRx cards (
p
< 0.001 and
p
< 0.05, respectively). All participants rated the PictureRx cards as very helpful in terms of helping them remember the medication’s purpose and dosing. Illustrated daily medication schedules improve medication self-efficacy and adherence among at-risk, community-dwelling older adults.
RETRACTED: Pain Management After Total Knee Arthroplasty Using a Multimodal Approach
Authors: Meftah Morteza , Wong Anthony C. , Nawabi Danyal H. , Yun Richard J. , Ranawat Amar S. , Ranawat Chitranjan S.
Published: May 2012

This article has been retracted at the request of the authors.
Comparison of Dynamic and Locked Compression Plates for Treating Midshaft Clavicle Fractures
Authors: Lai Yu-Cheng , Tarng Yih-Wen , Hsu Chien-Jen , Chang Wei-Ning , Yang Shan-Wei , Renn Jenn-Huei
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study was to compare the parameters of perioperative course and cost-effectiveness for patients with midshaft clavicle fractures treated by dynamic compression plates or locked compression plates.

This retrospective, case-controlled study involved 54 patients with midshaft clavicle fractures who received dynamic compression plates (n=21) or locked compression plates (n=33) between January 2002 and December 2008. Indications for surgery included displacement or shortening >2 cm, comminuted fractures, and skin tenting. Patients with previous malunion, nonunion, multiple injuries of the shoulder girdle, or open fractures were excluded. Preoperative demographics showed no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. Eighteen patients with dynamic compression plates and 28 patients with locked compression plates with postoperative follow-up >1 year were included for comparison. Statistical analyses for operative time, blood loss, complication rate, hospital stay, and union rate demonstrated no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. The only statistically significant difference was a higher rate of plate removal requests in the dynamic compression plate group. Considering medical expenditure, locked compression plates cost 6 times more than dynamic compression plates in the authors’ institution (US $600 vs $100, respectively).

Other than more plate removal requests in the dynamic compression plate group and greater expense in the locked compression plate group, dynamic compression plates and locked compression plates achieved satisfactory operative outcomes in treating midshaft clavicle fractures, with no statistically significant difference between perioperative course and eventual fracture union observed between the 2 groups.
Femtosecond Laser–assisted LASIK Improves Quality of Life
Authors: Meidani Alexandra , Tzavara Chara , Dimitrakaki Christina , Pesudovs Konrad , Tountas Yannis
Published: May 2012

PURPOSE:

To investigate the quality of life (QOL) outcomes of femtosecond laser–assisted LASIK using the Quality of Life Impact of Refractive Correction (QIRC) questionnaire.

METHODS:

Translation of the QIRC questionnaire from English to Greek followed standard international protocols. The questionnaire was completed by 190 individuals, aged 18 to 39 years with myopia (range: −0.75 to −8.50 diopters) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of logMAR 0.2 or better (Snellen equivalent 20/32) in the worse eye. Half of this sample underwent LASIK with femtosecond laser flap creation and ablation with the Visx Star S4 IR excimer laser (Abbott Medical Optics). The questionnaire was scored with Rasch analysis. Validity was tested by internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α) and repeatability by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman limits of agreement, convergent validity was examined with inter-item correlations, and construct validity was evaluated by known groups comparison analysis.

RESULTS:

The total QIRC score improved with femtosecond laser–assisted LASIK from mean 38.9±5.7 preoperatively to 53.7±5.1 postoperatively (
P
<.001). Among the pre-treatment and control groups, QIRC score was greater for those wearing contact lenses than those wearing spectacles (
P
<.01). The Greek version of the QIRC had good internal consistency reliability. Inter-item correlations were all significant (
P
<.001), ranging from 0.32 to 0.79. Repeatability was high (Bland-Altman limits of agreement were −6.72 to +5.41 and ICC for the total score was 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS:

Femtosecond laser–assisted LASIK leads to marked improvements in refractive error–related quality of life. This study also provides evidence for the reliability and validity of the Greek version of the QIRC questionnaire.
Comparison of KRAS Mutation Assessment in Tumor DNA and Circulating Free DNA in Plasma and Serum Samples
Authors: Morgan Shethah R. , Whiteley Jessica , Donald Emma , Smith John , Eisenberg Marcia T. , Kallam Eddie , Kam-Morgan Lauren
Published: May 2012

Testing for mutations in the KRAS oncogene for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is generally performed using DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue; however, access to specimens can be limited and analysis challenging. This study assessed the identification of KRAS mutations in circulating free DNA (cfDNA) using a commercially available KRAS polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kit. Matched plasma, serum and tumor samples were available from 71 patients with mCRC who had received prior therapy but whose disease progressed following therapy. Yields of cfDNA from plasma and serum samples were comparable. Analyses were successful in 70/71 plasma-extracted samples (specificity: 97%, sensitivity: 31%) and 67/71 serum-extracted samples (specificity: 100%, sensitivity: 25%). This study demonstrates that KRAS mutations can be detected in cfDNA using a commercially available KRAS PCR kit, confirming cfDNA as a potential alternative source of tumor DNA in a diagnostic setting if access to archival tumor specimens is limited.
Atmospheric histories and growth trends of C4F10, C5F12, C6F14, C7F16 and C8F18
Authors: Ivy D. J. , Arnold T. , Harth C. M. , Steele L. P. , Mühle J. , Rigby M. , Salameh P. K. , Leist M. , Krummel P. B. , Fraser P. J. , Weiss R. F. , Prinn R. G.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. Atmospheric observations and trends are presented for the high molecular weight perfluorocarbons (PFCs): decafluorobutane (C4F10), dodecafluoropentane (C5F12), tetradecafluorohexane (C6F14), hexadecafluoroheptane (C7F16) and octadecafluorooctane (C8F18). Their atmospheric histories are based on measurements of 36 Northern Hemisphere and 46 Southern Hemisphere archived air samples collected between 1973 to 2011 using the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) "Medusa" preconcentration gas chromatography-mass spectrometry systems. A new calibration scale was prepared for each PFC, with estimated accuracies of 6.8% for C4F10, 7.8% for C5F12, 4.0% for C6F14, 6.6% for C7F16 and 7.9% for C8F18. Based on our observations the 2011 globally averaged dry air mole fractions of these heavy PFCs are: 0.17 parts-per-trillion (ppt, i.e., parts per 1012) for C4F10, 0.12 ppt for C5F12, 0.27 ppt for C6F14, 0.12 ppt for C7F16 and 0.09 ppt for C8F18. These atmospheric mole fractions combine to contribute to a global average radiative forcing of 0.35 mW m−2, which is 6% of the total anthropogenic PFC radiative forcing (Montzka and Reimann, 2011; Oram et al., 2012). The growth rates of the heavy perfluorocarbons were largest in the late 1990s peaking at 6.2 parts per quadrillion (ppq, i.e., parts per 1015) per year (yr) for C4F10, at 5.0 ppq yr−1 for C5F12 and 16.6 ppq yr−1 for C6F14 and in the early 1990s for C7F16 at 4.7 ppq yr−1 and in the mid 1990s for C8F18 at 4.8 ppq yr−1. The 2011 globally averaged mean atmospheric growth rates of these PFCs are subsequently lower at 2.2 ppq yr−1 for C4F10, 1.4 ppq yr−1 for C5F12, 5.0 ppq yr−1 for C6F14, 3.4 ppq yr−1 for C7F16 and 0.9 ppq yr−1 for C8F18. The more recent slowdown in the growth rates suggests that emissions are declining as compared to the 1980s and 1990s.