bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Comprehensive Migraine Intervention Prior to Discharge From an Emergency Department
Authors: Friedman Benjamin W. , Solorzano Clemencia , Norton Jennifer , Adewumni Victoria , Campbell Caron M. , Esses David , Bijur Polly E. , Solomon Seymour , Lipton Richard B. , John Gallagher E.
Published: September 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:1151–1157 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  Patients who use an emergency department (ED) for acute migraine headaches have higher migraine disability scores, lower socioeconomic status, and are unlikely to have used a migraine‐specific medication prior to presentation to the ED. The objective was to determine if a comprehensive migraine intervention, delivered just prior to ED discharge, could improve migraine impact scores 1 month after the ED visit.

Methods:  This was a randomized controlled trial of a comprehensive migraine intervention versus typical care among patients who presented to an ED for management of acute migraine. At the time of discharge, for patients randomized to comprehensive care, the research team reinforced their diagnosis, shared a migraine education presentation from the National Library of Medicine, provided them with six tablets of sumatriptan 100 mg and 14 tablets of naproxen 500 mg, and if they wished, provided them with an expedited free appointment to the institution’s headache clinic. Patients randomized to typical care received the care their attending emergency physicians (EPs) felt was appropriate. The primary outcome was a between‐group comparison of the Headache Impact Test (HIT‐6) score, a validated headache assessment instrument, 1 month after ED discharge. Secondary outcomes included an assessment of satisfaction with headache care and use of migraine‐specific medication within that 1‐month period.

Results:  Over a 19‐month period, 50 migraine patients were enrolled. One‐month follow‐up was successfully obtained in 92% of patients. Baseline characteristics were comparable. One‐month HIT‐6 scores in the two groups were nearly identical (59 vs. 56, 95% confidence interval [CI] for difference of 3 = −5 to 11), as was dissatisfaction with overall headache care (17% vs. 18%, 95% CI for difference of 1% = −22% to 24%). Patients randomized to the comprehensive intervention were more likely to be using triptans or migraine‐specific therapy (43% vs. 0%, 95% CI for difference of 43% = 20 to 63%) 1 month later.

Conclusions:  A comprehensive migraine intervention, when compared to typical care, did not improve HIT‐6 scores (a validated measure of the effect of migraine on one’s daily life) 1 month after ED discharge. Future work is needed to define a migraine intervention that is practical and useful in an ED, where many underserved patients, of necessity, present for care.
Chemical Characterization of Automotive Polyurethane Foam Using Solid‐Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Parsons Norah S. , Lam Michael H. W. , Hamilton Sheilah E.
Published: September 2012

Solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) was used in this study to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from heated automotive polyurethane (PU) foam collected from 17 different automobiles located in Yuen Long, HK SAR. The samples (0.05 g each) underwent incubation inside 5‐mL glass vials for 30 min, and the VOCs were then collected from the headspace with a polydimethylsiloxane fiber by insertion for 30 min. The VOCs were then qualitatively identified by GC‐MS analysis and were mostly found to be saturated hydrocarbons. However, differences were noted from car to car in the retention time range of 10–23 min. The VOCs collected during this segment of retention time from the PU foams ranged from antioxidants, food preservatives, pesticides, plasticizers, flame retardants to antiseptic agents. The results obtained from this study therefore highlight the usefulness of SPME/GC‐MS as a form of chemical characterization in the analysis of PU foams in forensic casework.
Sonic Hedgehog Is Neuroprotective in the Cavernous Nerve with Crush Injury
Authors: Angeloni Nicholas , Bond Christopher W. , Harrington Daniel , Stupp Samuel , Podlasek Carol A.
Published: September 2012

Introduction

The cavernous nerve (CN) is commonly injured during prostatectomy, resulting in erectile dysfunction (ED). Although peripheral nerves have a limited ability to regenerate, a return of function typically does not occur due to irreversible down stream morphological changes in the penis that result from CN injury. We have shown in previous studies that sonic hedgehog (SHH) is critical for CN regeneration and improves erectile function after crush injury.

Aims

Examine a new direction, to determine if SHH is neuroprotective to the pelvic ganglia (PG)/CN after crush injury. A secondary focus is to examine if SHH signaling decreases with age in the PG/CN.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats underwent bilateral CN crush and SHH and glial fibrillary acidic protein were quantified by western analysis of the PG/CN (N = 6 rats at each time point) at 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 days, and the apoptotic index was measured in the penis. SHH was quantified by western in the PG/CN with blockade of anterograde transport (N = 4 rats) in comparison to mouse IgG (N = 4 rats). If SHH is neuroprotective was examined at 4 (N = 14 rats) and 7 days (N = 16 rats) of treatment after CN crush. SHH protein was quantified in aging (P200-300, N = 5 rats) PG/CN in comparison to normal adult (P115-120, N = 3 rats) PG/CN.

Main Outcome Measures

SHH pathway was examined in PG via immunohistochemistry, in situ, western, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL).

Results

SHH is neuroprotective in the PG/CN with injury. SHH localization in the PG/CN suggests SHH interaction in neuronal/glial signaling. SHH protein is significantly decreased in the PG/CN after crush injury and in the aged PG/CN. Signals from the PG are required to maintain SHH in the CN.

Conclusions

There is a window of opportunity immediately after nerve insult in which manipulation of SHH signaling in the nerve microenvironment can affect long-term regeneration outcome.
Initial experience on the urogenital outcomes after robotic rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Leung Alex L.H. , Chan Wai‐Hong , Cheung Hester Y.S. , Lui Gilbert K.L. , Fung James T.K. , Li Michael K.W.
Published: September 2012

Aim

Despite improvement in surgical approach and technology, total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer has been associated with significant postoperative sexual and urinary dysfunction. We hypothesize that robot‐assisted laparoscopic total mesorectal excision can achieve maintenance of such functions by its more assured pelvic splanchnic nerve preservation.

Patients and Methods

We prospectively assessed the preoperative and postoperative sexual and urinary function of male patients who received robot‐assisted laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer since May 2009. The International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) were employed for the assessment. The baseline and the 3‐month postoperative assessments of sexual and urinary function were analyzed and compared.

Results

In a 34‐month period, 33 male patients underwent robotic‐assisted rectal surgery. Their median age was 64 years (range: 33–84). Twenty‐six patients underwent sphincter‐saving total mesorectal excision, and four patients underwent neoadjuvant chemo‐irradiation. At 3 months' postoperative, one patient (3 per cent) still failed to produce spontaneous voiding. He was treated by long‐term Foley catheterization. The mean baseline and 3 months' postoperative IPSS scores were 4 and 4.1, respectively. There was no significant difference in IPSS score after operation. Fifteen patients (45.5 per cent) were sexually active before their operation. The mean baseline and 3 months' postoperative IIEF‐5 scores were 20 and 9.4, respectively. There was no significant difference in the IIEF‐5 score before and after the operation. Overall, there was a trend towards worsening erectile function after surgery.

Conclusion

Preliminary data from this study suggest that the robot‐assisted technique does not confer additional benefits in the preservation of urogenital function when compared to conventional laparoscopic technique. Further large‐scale studies are warranted to validate the role of the robot‐assisted technique in rectal cancer surgery.
Households' Decisions on Savings Accounts After Negative Experiences with Banks During the Financial Crisis
Authors: VAN DER CRUIJSEN CARIN A.B. , DE HAAN JAKOB , JANSEN DAVID‐JAN , MOSCH ROBERT H.J.
Published: September 2012

During the 2007–2008 financial crisis, consumers in many countries were suddenly confronted with the fact that their bank needed government support or had even failed. Using a detailed survey among households in the Netherlands, we show how these unexpected negative experiences have changed consumers' handling of their savings accounts. Our findings suggest that respondents who were customers of troubled banking institutions were subsequently more likely to spread their savings across accounts at several banks. They were also more likely to move funds across banks. Our results also suggest that the size of the shock is important as the strongest effects are found for respondents who experienced both a bank bailout and a bankruptcy.
Trends in training for nutritionists and dietitians in the Caribbean
Authors: THOMPSON Patricia Y. ,   on behalf of Caribbean Association of Nutritionists and Dietitians (CANDi)
Published: September 2012

Aim:  Because of its small size, the case study of the Caribbean region could be instructive in how a diversified profession would strengthen professional growth. This paper aims to describe the historical trends and efforts at restructuring the profession of nutrition and dietetics in the Caribbean to illustrate the processes followed and the progression of training.

Methods:  Data were collected from members of the Caribbean Association of Nutritionists and Dietitians by two sets of emailed questionnaires. This was followed by a face‐to‐face workshop consultation one year later, and with subsequent small group discussions to achieve consensus.

Results:  Initial responses revealed 17 pathways to qualification depending on country where trained and the main focus of the curricula. Responses to the second questionnaire detailed post‐didactic training expressed as internship, practicum, supervised practice and/or research. These responses were rationalised in subsequent discussions and consensus reached on relevant professional titles and qualifications.

Conclusion:  Professional advancement in the future will come from promoting greater diversity of the nutrition and dietetics profession. Graduates with diverse backgrounds are better able in a limited job market, to create niches for themselves in various sectors in addition to health and government. Of necessity is to create a clear image of our unique identity and to minimise confusion with varied professional titles and qualifications. Developing generic training programmes allowed for more effective positioning of our capabilities to potential users of our services and to facilitate free movement of professionals throughout the region.
Experimentalism in theEU: Common ground and persistent differences
Authors: Sabel Charles F. , Zeitlin Jonathan
Published: September 2012

Our central claim in this rejoinder is that experimentalist forms of organization in making regulatory rules, organizing social services, and articulating constitutional norms arise and diffuse as the problem that the actors and the state face shifts from ignorance to uncertainty. We argue that this has consequences for forms of accountability and for the conception and organization of democracy and constitutionalism. TheEU, founded by diverse states in a period of continuing uncertainty, intensified by growing interdependence, proves to be a natural laboratory for observing urgent efforts to adjust to this new situation, and the symposium focuses on developments there. The symposium has brought us to see that there is more common ground in these debates than prior exchanges may have suggested. We therefore emphasize convergence on large points, while underscoring and, we hope, clarifying persistent differences, with the aim of encouraging the joint exploration of them already underway, in part explicitly, in part implicitly.
Reflections on experimentalist governance
Authors: Fossum John Erik
Published: September 2012

This article critically engages with Sabel and Zeitlin's important notion of experimentalist governance (EG). It is cast as a “recursive process of provisional goal‐setting and revision based on learning from the comparison of alternative approaches to advancing them in different contexts.” This is a useful heuristic device to capture policymaking and implementation in complex, dynamic, and highly diverse political entities. This article discusses the micro‐foundations underpinningEG, how it relates to hierarchical modes of governing, and how well it captures the distinctive traits of theEU. It also discussesEGfrom a democratic perspective. In democratic termsEGis understood as a form of direct deliberative polyarchy. This article notes that the question ofEG's contribution to democratization cannot, however, be adequately addressed unless we pay more systematic attention to representation and representative democracy.
Pre‐ and in‐hospital intersection of stroke care
Authors: Meretoja Atte , Kaste Markku
Published: September 2012

Acute ischemic stroke is a time‐critical emergency for which thrombolytic therapy is the only medical treatment. Many patients who would benefit from this treatment are deprived of it due to delays. Failure to call for help rapidly is the main obstacle, but even when the call is made in time, the prehospital evaluation, transportation, and emergency department (ED) diagnostics often take too long to treat the patient with thrombolysis. Interventions to reduce pre‐ and in‐hospital delays have been described; although no single intervention is likely to make a major difference, a whole set of interventions needs to be implemented. The intersection of the pre‐ and in‐hospital care is of special importance. With successful protocols and good communication between the emergency medical service and ED, delays can be significantly reduced. On the basis of our experience, 94% of patients can be treated within 60 min of arrival, based largely on using the prehospital time effectively.
Population shifts and the future of stroke: forecasts of the future burden of stroke
Authors: Howard George , Goff David C.
Published: September 2012

Population distribution estimates by age and race/ethnicity from the U.S. Census Bureau for the years 2010 and 2050 were combined with estimates of stroke incidence from population‐based surveillance studies to forecast the distribution of incident stroke cases for the years 2010 and 2050. Over these 40 years, the number of incident strokes will more than double, with the majority of the increase among the elderly (age 75+) and minority groups (particularly Hispanics). These increases are likely to present major logistical, scientific, and ethnical issues in the near future.
How baseline severity affects efficacy and safety outcomes in acute ischemic stroke intervention trials
Authors: Gorelick Philip B.
Published: September 2012

Baseline severity of stroke may be an important predictor of efficacy and safety outcomes in acute stroke intervention trials. This summary explores definitions of baseline variables and outcomes used to measure stroke severity, efficacy, and safety. In addition, the discussion here reviews select acute ischemic stroke intravenous thrombolytic studies, such as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke rt‐PA Stroke Study and European Cooperative Acute Stroke Studies, select neuroprotectant and endovascular clot retrieval device studies, and large cooperative databases, such as the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive and Safe Implementation of Treatment in Stroke‐International Stroke Thrombolysis Registry, to explore relationships between baseline stroke severity and other possible factors associated with efficacy and safety outcomes. The NIH Stroke Scale and modified Rankin scale will be featured as major stroke outcome measures, based on frequency of use and reliability, familiarity, adaptability, and comparability.
The ischemic penumbra: how does tissue injury evolve?
Authors: Heiss Wolf‐Dieter
Published: September 2012

An ischemic penumbra has the potential for functional recovery provided that local blood flow can be reestablished, but irreversible damage will develop without sufficient reperfusion, depending on the interaction of severity and duration of ischemia. With acute flows below the threshold required for maintenance of basic housekeeping, injury in the core is established within a few minutes. During the subacute phase, the irreversible damage expands into the penumbra: multiple electrical and biological signals are triggered by periinfarct, spreading depression‐like depolarizations leading to hypoxia and stepwise increase in lactate. Usually within 6 to 8 hours, all the penumbra are converted into irreversible infarcts. In a delayed phase, secondary phenomena may cause additional tissue damage: disruption of the tight junctions results in vasogenic edema, leading to increase of water content and damage expansion. Neutrophils and cytokinins cause secondary inflammation, inducing further damage in periinfarct regions and connecting fiber tracts. Multimodal imaging might be able to differentiate among the tissue compartments affected by acute, subacute, or delayed ischemic damage, and thereby might provide the basis for phase‐specific treatment strategies.
Current treatment of basilar artery occlusion
Authors: Lindsberg Perttu J. , Sairanen Tiina , Strbian Daniel , Kaste Markku
Published: September 2012

Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is associated with high mortality (85–95%) if recanalization does not occur. Evidence of the efficacy of different therapy protocols of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or intraarterial thrombolysis (IAT) and/or mechanical endovascular treatment is based on retrospective or prospective patient cohorts, since randomized controlled trials (RCTs) do not exist. Roughly a third of BAO patients reach independent outcome following thrombolysis. From those in whom recanalization occurs, about half will reach independence. In noninvasive and endovascular protocols, recanalization of BAO is reached in 60–85% of the patients. While invasive endovascular approaches afford greater recanalization rates, they have not been proven superior to IVT in terms of functional outcome. Meaningful survival after BAO requires rapid access to thrombolysis. “Bridging” protocols have been introduced where rescue therapies such as endovascular thrombolysis and on‐demand mechanical thrombectomy or angioplasty are used. Multimodal imaging techniques should be used to choose the best therapeutic option individually.
Pathobiology of injury after stroke: the neurovascular unit and beyond
Authors: Dirnagl Ulrich
Published: September 2012

Throughout the history of research on stroke pathophysiology, focus has shifted from purely vascular concepts to the insight that a complex interplay of biochemical and molecular mechanisms involving practically any cell type of the brain (“neurovascular unit”) partakes in either salvage or demise of the tissue after a stroke. In addition, it was realized that peripheral immune cells play important roles, not only after their invasion into the brain but also because of stroke‐induced effects on the immune system that can result in infections. Indeed, outcome of stroke patients is not only dictated by nonmodifiable factors, such as severity of stroke, age, or premorbidity, but also by modifiable factors largely related to medical complications, such as infections and possibly sarcopenia. The highly successful concept of stroke units attests to the benefits of treating stroke comprehensively. Breakthroughs in improving outcome after stroke will only result from approaches that target not only the brain, but also systemic effects of stroke.
Intra‐arterial vasodilator use during endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke might improve reperfusion rate
Authors: El‐Zammar Ziad M.K. , Latorre Julius Gene S. , Wang Dongliang , Satyan Shyama , Elnour Elwaleed , Kamel Adham , Devasenapathy Ashok , Lodi Yahia M.
Published: September 2012

Treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is an evolving field. New treatment options are still needed in order to achieve greater success rates for arterial recanalization. Intra‐arterial therapy (lAT) is an option for AIS patients who are not good candidates for intravenous (i.v.) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) or where it has failed. While good data establishing the role of IAT in AIS management are lacking, the potential clinical efficacy of IAT is based on the premise that recanalization and reperfusion may result in better clinical outcome. Although lAT recanalization and reperfusion rates of large vessel occlusion are much higher than they are for i.v. rt‐PA, IAT's radiological efficacy is still far from perfect. Vasodilator use during IAT for AIS may increase the recanalization and reperfusion rates of such therapy. In this report, we describe the radiographic and clinical outcomes in a cohort of AIS patients who received intra‐arterial (i.a.) vasodilators during IAT and summarize the role of i.a. vasodilators in the process of recanalization and reperfusion.
Disease recurrence plays a minor role as a cause for retransplantation after living‐donor liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis: A multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Egawa Hiroto , Nakanuma Yasuni , Maehara Yoshihiko , Uemoto Shinji , Eguchi Susumu , Sato Yoshinobu , Shirabe Ken , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Mori Akira , Yamamoto Masakazu , Tsubouchi Hirohito
Published: September 2012

Aim

To clarify the role of disease recurrence as a cause of graft loss after living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), we investigated explant grafts, as well as the native liver and liver biopsy specimens, of patients who underwent retransplantation.

Methods

Of 516 patients who underwent LDLT for PBC and were registered in the Japanese Liver Transplant Registry, nine patients (1.7%) underwent retransplantation.

Results

Seven patients undergoing retransplantation later than 6 months after primary liver transplantation (LT) were enrolled. All seven patients were female, with ages ranging from 34–57 years, and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease scores ranging 10–28. The right lobe was used as graft in one and the left lobe in six. The initial immunosuppression regimen was tacrolimus in six and cyclosporin in one. The period between the primary LT and retransplantation ranged 11–120 months, with a median of 36 months. Three patients survived and four patients died due to poor graft functions or complications after retransplantation. The primary causes of primary graft loss revealed by histological examination of the explant livers were chronic rejection in three, portal thrombus and/or steatohepatitis in three and outflow block in one. PBC recurrence was observed in 3 and the stage was mild in all.

Conclusion

PBC recurrence has a small impact as a cause of graft loss after LDLT.
A complex of synaptic adhesion molecule CADM1, a molecule related to autism spectrum disorder, with MUPP1 in the cerebellum
Authors: Fujita Eriko , Tanabe Yuko , Imhof Beat A. , Momoi Mariko Y. , Momoi Takashi
Published: September 2012

Mutations in the synaptic adhesion protein CADM1 (RA175/SynCAM1) are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder of uncertain molecular origin. Cadm1‐knock out (KO) mice exhibit smaller cerebella with decreased number of synapse of Purkinje cells and some ASD‐like symptoms, including impaired ultrasonic vocalization. In this study, we examined the alteration of the Cadm1 synaptic complex in the mouse cerebellum at post‐natal stages. The C‐terminal peptide of Cadm1 associated with Mupp1 at PSD‐95/Dlg/ZO‐1 (PDZ)(1‐5), a scaffold protein containing 13 PDZ domains, which interacted with gamma‐aminobutyric acid type B receptor (GABBR)2 at PDZ13, but not with PSD‐95. The GABBR2 was detected in a set of proteins interacting with Cadm1 C‐terminal. Cadm1 colocalized with Mupp1 and GABBR2 on the dendrites of Purkinje cells in the molecular layers of the developing cerebellum and on the dendrites of hippocampal neurons cultured in vitro. These observations suggest that the Cadm1 synaptic receptor complex, including Mupp1–GABBR2, is located on the dendrites of Purkinje cells. The amount of GABBR2 protein, but not mRNA, was increased in the cerebella of Cadm1 KO mice, suggesting that lack of Cadm1 does not affect transcription of GABBR2, but may stabilize the Mupp1–GABBR2 complex; the Mupp1–GABBR2 interaction may be stabilized by conformational change in Mupp1 or association with other adhesion molecules and by anchorage to the post‐synaptic membrane. Up‐regulation of GABBR2 in the cerebellum in the absence of CADM1 may be associated with ASD pathogenesis.
CaWRKY40, a WRKY protein of pepper, plays an important role in the regulation of tolerance to heat stress and resistance toRalstonia solanacearuminfection
Authors: DANG FENG‐FENG , WANG YU‐NA , YU LU , EULGEM THOMAS , LAI YAN , LIU ZHI‐QIN , WANG XU , QIU AI‐LIAN , ZHANG TING‐XIU , LIN JING , CHEN YAN‐SHENG , GUAN DE‐YI , CAI HAN‐YANG , MOU SHAO‐LIANG , HE SHUI‐LIN
Published: September 2012

WRKY proteins form a large family of plant transcription factors implicated in the modulation of numerous biological processes, such as growth, development and responses to various environmental stresses. However, the roles of the majority WRKY family members, especially in non‐model plants, remain poorly understood. We identifiedCaWRKY40from pepper. Transient expression in onion epidermal cells showed that CaWRKY40 can be targeted to nuclei and activates expression of a W‐box‐containing reporter gene.CaWRKY40transcripts are induced in pepper byRalstonia solanacearumand heat shock. To assess roles ofCaWRKY40in plant stress responses we performed gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments. Overexpression ofCaWRKY40enhanced resistance toR. solanacearumand tolerance to heat shock in tobacco. In contrast, silencing ofCaWRKY40enhanced susceptibility toR. solanacearumand impaired thermotolerance in pepper. Consistent with its role in multiple stress responses, we foundCaWRKY40transcripts to be induced by signalling mechanisms mediated by the stress hormones salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET). Overexpression ofCaWRKY40in tobacco modified the expression of hypersensitive response (HR)‐associated and pathogenesis‐related genes. Collectively, our results suggest thatCaWRKY40orthologs are regulated by SA, JA and ET signalling and coordinate responses toR. solanacearumattacks and heat stress in pepper and tobacco.
EGFRoverexpression in canine primary lung cancer: pathogenetic implications and impact on survival
Authors: Sabattini S. , Mancini F. R. , Marconato L. , Bacci B. , Rossi F. , Vignoli M. , Bettini G.
Published: September 2012

This study reports the main clinicopathological features of primary lung cancer (PLC) in 37 dogs, with special regard to the pathogenetic and prognostic role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression. For each case the following characteristics were evaluated:tumour‐node‐metastasis (TNM)stage, tumour histotype, histological grade, mitotic activity and immunohistochemical expression ofEGFR. In samples with available normal lung tissue, the amount of background anthracosis was also measured by image analysis. In 27 tumours (73%) a variable number of cells (20–100%) stained positively forEGFR. The proportion ofEGFR‐positive tumours was significantly higher in cases with background anthracosis, and the amount of anthracosis was correlated with the percentage of positive tumour cells. Additionally, a trend towards shortened survival for the highEGFRgroup was observed. These findings suggest an involvement ofEGFRsignalling pathway in caninePLC, a negative prognostic significance of protein overexpression and its potential implication in air pollution carcinogenesis.
A Crystalline Singlet Phosphinonitrene: A Nitrogen Atom–Transfer Agent
Authors: Dielmann Fabian , Back Olivier , Henry-Ellinger Martin , Jerabek Paul , Frenking Gernot , Bertrand Guy
Published: September 2012

N on P

Nitrogen atoms form strong, relatively unreactive triple bonds with themselves (in N
2
) and with carbon (in cyanide and nitriles). In contrast, binding to transition metals often leaves an otherwise naked nitrogen center more prone to reactivity.

Dielmann
et al.

(p.
1526
) prepared a compound with nitrogen bound to divalent phosphorus, which acted more like a metal than a light element. Although the compound, formally a nitrene, was sufficiently stable to isolate at room temperature and characterize by x-ray diffraction, it transferred the nitrogen efficiently to unsaturated carbon compounds.
Did Neandertals Truly Bury Their Dead?
Authors: Balter Michael
Published: September 2012

New excavations in France are reexamining whether Neandertals buried their dead, an issue that many researchers had long thought was itself dead and buried.
Evaluation of Serological Diagnostic Tests for Typhoid Fever in Papua New Guinea Using a Composite Reference Standard
Authors: Siba Valentine , Horwood Paul F. , Vanuga Kilagi , Wapling Johanna , Sehuko Rebecca , Siba Peter M. , Greenhill Andrew R.
Published: September 2012

Typhoid fever remains a major global health problem. A major impediment to improving outcomes is the lack of appropriate diagnostic tools, which have not significantly improved in low-income settings for 100 years. We evaluated two commercially available rapid diagnostic tests (Tubex and TyphiDot), a prototype (TyphiRapid TR-02), and the commonly used single-serum Widal test in a previously reported high-burden area of Papua New Guinea. Samples were collected from 530 outpatients with axillary temperatures of ≥37.5°C, and analysis was conducted on all malaria-negative samples (n= 500). A composite reference standard of blood culture and PCR was used, by which 47 participants (9.4%) were considered typhoid fever positive. The sensitivity and specificity of the Tubex (51.1% and 88.3%, respectively) and TyphiDot (70.0% and 80.1%, respectively) tests were not high enough to warrant their ongoing use in this setting; however, the sensitivity and specificity for the TR-02 prototype were promising (89.4% and 85.0%, respectively). An axillary temperature of ≥38.5°C correlated with typhoid fever (P= 0.014). With an appropriate diagnostic test, conducting typhoid fever diagnosis only on patients with high-grade fever could dramatically decrease the costs associated with diagnosis while having no detrimental impact on the ability to accurately diagnose the illness.
Universal Amplification, Next-Generation Sequencing, and Assembly of HIV-1 Genomes
Authors: Gall Astrid , Ferns Bridget , Morris Clare , Watson Simon , Cotten Matthew , Robinson Mark , Berry Neil , Pillay Deenan , Kellam Paul
Published: September 2012

Whole HIV-1 genome sequences are pivotal for large-scale studies of inter- and intrahost evolution, including the acquisition of drug resistance mutations. The ability to rapidly and cost-effectively generate large numbers of HIV-1 genome sequences from different populations and geographical locations and determine the effect of minority genetic variants is, however, a limiting factor. Next-generation sequencing promises to bridge this gap but is hindered by the lack of methods for the enrichment of virus genomes across the phylogenetic breadth of HIV-1 and methods for the robust assembly of the virus genomes from short-read data. Here we report a method for the amplification, next-generation sequencing, and unbiased
de novo
assembly of HIV-1 genomes of groups M, N, and O, as well as recombinants, that does not require prior knowledge of the sequence or subtype. A sensitivity of at least 3,000 copies/ml was determined by using plasma virus samples of known copy numbers. We applied our novel method to compare the genome diversities of HIV-1 groups, subtypes, and genes. The highest level of diversity was found in the
env
,
nef
,
vpr
,
tat
, and
rev
genes and parts of the
gag
gene. Furthermore, we used our method to investigate mutations associated with HIV-1 drug resistance in clinical samples at the level of the complete genome. Drug resistance mutations were detected as both major variant and minor species. In conclusion, we demonstrate the feasibility of our method for large-scale HIV-1 genome sequencing. This will enable the phylogenetic and phylodynamic resolution of the ongoing pandemic and efficient monitoring of complex HIV-1 drug resistance genotypes.
Detection of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus by Reverse Transcription–Cross-Priming Amplification Coupled with Vertical Flow Visualization
Authors: Cui Lunbiao , Ge Yiyue , Qi Xian , Xu Gaolian , Li Haijing , Zhao Kangchen , Wu Bin , Shi Zhiyang , Guo Xiling , Hu Lin , You Qimin , Zhang Li-Hong , Freiberg Alexander N. , Yu Xuejie , Wang Hua , Zhou Minghao , Tang Yi-Wei
Published: September 2012

A virus known as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) was recently identified as the etiological agent of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in China. Reliable laboratory detection and identification of this virus are likely to become clinically and epidemiologically desirable. We developed a nearly instrument-free, simple molecular method which incorporates reverse transcription–cross-priming amplification (RT-CPA) coupled with a vertical flow (VF) visualization strip for rapid detection of SFTSV. The RT-CPA-VF assay targets a conserved region of the M segment of the SFTSV genome and has a limit of detection of 100 copies per reaction, with no cross-reaction with other vector-borne bunyaviruses and bacterial pathogens. The performance of the RT-CPA-VF assay was determined with 175 human plasma specimens collected from 89 clinically suspected SFTS patients and 86 healthy donors. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were 94.1% and 100.0%, respectively, compared with a combination of virus culture and real-time RT-PCR. The entire procedure, from specimen processing to result reporting, can be completed within 2 h. The simplicity and nearly instrument-free platform of the RT-CPA-VF assay make it practical for point-of-care testing.
Antiviral T Cell Response Triggers Cytomegalovirus Hepatitis in Mice
Authors: Livingston-Rosanoff Devon , Daley-Bauer Lisa P. , Garcia AnaPatricia , McCormick A. Louise , Huang Jing , Mocarski Edward S.
Published: September 2012

One common sign of human cytomegalovirus infection is altered liver function. Murine cytomegalovirus strain v70 induces a rapid and severe hepatitis in immunocompetent mice that requires the presence of T cells in order to develop. v70 exhibits approximately 10-fold-greater virulence than the commonly used strain K181, resulting in a more severe, sustained, and lethal hepatitis but not dramatically higher viral replication levels. Hepatitis and death are markedly delayed in immunodeficient SCID compared to immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Transfer of BALB/c splenocytes to SCID mice conferred rapid disease following infection, and depletion of either CD4 or CD8 T cells in BALB/c mice reduced virus-induced hepatitis. The frequency of CD8 T cells producing gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor in response to viral antigen was higher in settings where more severe disease occurred. Thus, virus-specific effector CD8 T cells appear to contribute to lethal virus-induced hepatitis, contrasting their protective role during sublethal infection. This study reveals how protection and disease during cytomegalovirus infection depend on viral strain and dose, as well as the quality of the T cell response.
Genome Sequences of a Novel HIV-1 CRF53_01B Identified in Malaysia
Authors: Chow Wei Zhen , Al-Darraji Haider , Lee Yeat Mei , Takebe Yutaka , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Tee Kok Keng
Published: September 2012

A novel HIV-1 genotype designated CRF53_01B was recently characterized from three epidemiologically unrelated persons in Malaysia. Here we announced three recently isolated full-length genomes of CRF53_01B, which is likely to be phylogenetically linked to CRF33_01B, circulating widely in Southeast Asia. The genome sequences may contribute to HIV-1 molecular surveillance and future vaccine development in the region.
Dynamics of the Establishment of Systemic Potyvirus Infection: Independent yet Cumulative Action of Primary Infection Sites
Authors: Lafforgue Guillaume , Tromas Nicolas , Elena Santiago F. , Zwart Mark P.
Published: September 2012

In the clinic, farm, or field, for many viruses there is a high prevalence of mixed-genotype infections, indicating that multiple virions have initiated infection and that there can be multiple sites of primary infection within the same host. The dynamic process by which multiple primary infection sites interact with each other and the host is poorly understood, undoubtedly due to its high complexity. In this study, we attempted to unravel the basic interactions underlying this process using a plant RNA virus, as removing the inoculated leaf can instantly and rigorously eliminate all primary infection sites. Effective population size in the inoculated leaf and time of removal of the inoculated leaf were varied in experiments, and it was found that both factors positively influenced if the plant became systemically infected and what proportion of cells in the systemic tissue were infected, as measured by flow cytometry. Fitting of probabilistic models of infection to our data demonstrated that a null model in which the action of each focus is independent of the presence of other foci was better supported than a dependent-action model. The cumulative effect of independently acting foci therefore determined when plants became infected and how many individual cells were infected. There was no evidence for interference between primary infection sites, which is surprising given the planar structure of leaves. By showing that a simple null model is supported, we experimentally confirmed—to our knowledge for the first time—the minimal components that dictate interactions of a conspecific virus population establishing systemic infection.
Bacteriophage P70: Unique Morphology and Unrelatedness to Other Listeria Bacteriophages
Authors: Schmuki Martina M. , Erne Doris , Loessner Martin J. , Klumpp Jochen
Published: September 2012

Listeria monocytogenesis an important food-borne pathogen, and its bacteriophages find many uses in detection and biocontrol of its host. The novel broad-host-range virulent phage P70 has a unique morphology with an elongated capsid. Its genome sequence was determined by a hybrid sequencing strategy employing Sanger and PacBio techniques. The P70 genome contains 67,170 bp and 119 open reading frames (ORFs). Our analyses suggest that P70 represents an archetype of virus unrelated to other knownListeriabacteriophages.
Post-Stimulation Effect of Electroacupuncture at Yintang (EX-HN3) and GV20 on cerebral functional regions in healthy volunteers: A resting functional MRI study
Authors: Zheng Yu , Qu Shanshan , Wang Na , Liu Limin , Zhang Guanzhong , Jiang Xiaoyu , Chen Junqi , Huang Yong , Zhang Zhangjin
Published: September 2012

Objective

The aim of the present work was to observe the activation/deactivation of cerebral functional regions after electroacupuncture (EA) at Yintang (EX-HN3) and GV20 by functional MRI (fMRI).

Design

A total of 12 healthy volunteers were stimulated by EA at Yintang and GV20 for 30 min. Resting-state fMRI scans were performed before EA, and at 5 and 15 min after needle removal. Statistical parametric mapping was used to preprocess initial data, and regional homogeneity (ReHo) and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) were analysed.

Results

ReHo at 5 min post stimulation showed increases in the left temporal lobe and cerebellum and decreases in the left parietal lobe, occipital lobe and right precuneus. At 15 min post stimulation, ReHo showed increases in the left fusiform gyrus; lingual gyrus; middle temporal gyrus; postcentral gyrus; limbic lobe; cingulate gyrus; paracentral lobule; cerebellum, posterior lobe, declive; right cuneus and cerebellum, anterior lobe, culmen. It also showed decreases in the left frontal lobe, parietal lobe, right temporal lobe, frontal lobe, parietal lobe and right cingulate gyrus. ALFF at 5 min post stimulation showed increases in the right temporal lobe, but decreases in the right limbic lobe and posterior cingulate gyrus. At 15 min post stimulation ALFF showed increases in the left frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, right temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe and cerebellum, but decreases in the left frontal lobe, anterior cingulate gyrus, right frontal lobe and posterior cingulate gyrus.

Conclusions

After EA stimulation at Yintang and GV20, which are associated with psychiatric disorder treatments, changes were localised in the frontal lobe, cingulate gyrus and cerebellum. Changes were higher in number and intensity at 15 min than at 5 min after needle removal, demonstrating lasting and strong after-effects of EA on cerebral functional regions.
Prospects for eradication of meningococcal disease
Authors: Nadel Simon
Published: September 2012

Meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia remain a serious global health threat. This review focuses on the epidemiology of meningococcal disease following the recent implementation of effective vaccines and the potential utility of a vaccine against serogroup B meningococcus.
Mother's country of birth and prescription of psychotropic medication in Swedish adolescents: a life course approach
Authors: Van Leeuwen Willemijn , Nilsson Sofia , Merlo Juan
Published: September 2012

Objectives

Besides medical needs, psychotropic medication use in adolescence might be conditioned by the cultural context of the family. This knowledge is relevant for both detecting inequities in healthcare, and identifying information bias in epidemiological studies using psychotropic medication as a proxy for impaired psychological health. Therefore, we investigated whether, independent of needs, the socioeconomic characteristics of the mother's country of birth are associated with psychotropic medication use in Swedish-born adolescents.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

The Swedish population.

Participants

By linking the Swedish Medical Birth Registry to other national registers, we identified all 324 510 singletons born between 1988 and 1990 and who were alive and residing in Sweden until the age of 18 years (2006−2008).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was participants’ use of psychotropic medication in the year they turned 18. In the analyses, applying a life-course approach, we included both the mother's and the children's characteristics throughout pregnancy, delivery, infancy, childhood and adolescence when calculating a risk score (RS) to adjust for needs. We classified the mother's country of birth according to the gross national income (GNI) per capita of each country.

Results

Overall, the lower the income of the mother's birth country, the lower the probability of psychotropic medication use among children. When adjusting for needs, the association became even stronger.

Conclusions

Besides medical needs, use of psychotropic medication by descendants of immigrants seems conditioned by the socioeconomic characteristics of the mothers’ countries of birth. The threat of information bias must be considered if psychotropic medication is used a proxy for impaired psychological health in descendants of immigrants.
The Northern Manhattan Caregiver Intervention Project: a randomised trial testing the effectiveness of a dementia caregiver intervention in Hispanics in New York City
Authors: Luchsinger José , Mittelman Mary , Mejia Miriam , Silver Stephanie , Lucero Robert J , Ramirez Mildred , Kong Jian , Teresi Jeanne A
Published: September 2012

Objectives

Dementia prevalence and its burden on families are increasing. Caregivers of persons with dementia have more depression and stress than the general population. Several interventions have proven efficacy in decreasing depression and stress in selected populations of caregivers. Hispanics in New York City tend to have a higher burden of dementia caregiving compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHW) because Hispanics have a higher prevalence of dementia, tend to have high family involvement, and tend to have higher psychosocial and economic stressors. Thus, we chose to test the effectiveness of a dementia caregiving intervention, the New York University Caregiver Intervention (NYUCI), with demonstrated efficacy in spouse caregivers in Hispanic relative caregivers of persons with dementia. Including the community health worker (CHW) intervention in both arms alleviates general psychosocial stressors and allows the assessment of the effectiveness of the intervention. Compared to two original efficacy studies of the NYUCI, which included only spouse caregivers, our study includes all relative caregivers, including common law spouses, children, siblings, a nephew and nieces. This study will be the first randomised trial to test the effectiveness of the NYUCI in Hispanic caregivers including non-spouses.

Methods and analysis

The design of the study is a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Participants are randomised to two arms: case management by a CHW and an intervention arm including the NYUCI in addition to case management by the CHW. The duration of intervention is 6 months. The main outcomes in the trial are changes in the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS) from baseline to 6 months.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial is approved by the Columbia University Medical Center Institutional Review Board (AAAI0022), and funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The funding agency has no role in dissemination.

Trial Registration

 www.ClinicalTrials.govNCT01306695.
INCOMPLETE KLOOSTERMAN SUMS AND MULTIPLICATIVE INVERSES IN SHORT INTERVALS
Authors: BROWNING T. D. , HAYNES A.
Published: September 2012

We investigate the solubility of the congruence xy ≡ 1 ( mod p), where p is a prime and x, y are restricted to lie in suitable short intervals. Our work relies on a mean value theorem for incomplete Kloosterman sums.
THE REPRESENTATION NUMBERS OF THREE OCTONARY QUADRATIC FORMS
Authors: KÖKLÜCE BÜLENT
Published: September 2012

In this study we use some known convolution sums to find the representation number for each of the three octonary quadratic forms [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].