bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperactivity, Unexplained Speech Delay, and Coarse Facies—Is It Sanfilippo Syndrome?
Authors: Saini Arushi Gahlot , Singhi Pratibha , Sahu Jitendra Kumar , Ganesan Saptharishi L. , Vyas Sameer , Rao Sandeep , Sachdeva Man Updesh Singh
Published: June 2013

Mucopolysaccharidosis-IIIB or Sanfilippo-B syndrome is caused by deficiency of lysosomal α- N-acetylglucosaminidase that leads to accumulation of heparan-sulphate and degeneration of central nervous system with progressive dementia, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior. Mucopolysaccharidosis-III remains underdiagnosed as a cause of developmental delay and hyperactivity both in adults and children because in contrast to other mucopolysaccharidoses, they have little somatic disease, coarse facial features, hepatosplenomegaly or skeletal changes, and a high incidence of false-negative results on the urinary screening tests. We describe here a girl with the classic phenotype of mucopolysaccharidosis-IIIB to alert pediatricians to the possibility of this disorder in children with unexplained speech delay and hyperactivity and prevent unnecessary investigations.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Zemlyak Alla , Heniford B. Todd , Sing Ronald F.
Published: June 2013

Primary and acquired abdominal pathology accounts for a significant proportion of sepsis and SIRS in the ICU population. Abdominal processes often present a difficult diagnostic dilemma in the truly critically ill patient who, due to hemodynamic instability or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring high-level ventilatory support, is at significant risk during transport to radiology department. Furthermore, the accuracy of radiologic studies in the ICU setting is often limited. Laparoscopy provides a “minimally invasive” definitive modality to diagnose intra-abdominal problems. It may quickly provide the necessary information to define further management. In selective circumstances, it may actually allow appropriate intervention. However, the overall mortality of patients who undergo diagnostic laparoscopy in the ICU is high regardless of diagnostic findingsduring this procedure. Although not a technically difficult procedure, diagnostic laparoscopy does require a certain skill level, especially when limited time and unfavorable patient physiology are taken into account. The use of diagnostic laparoscopy should be limited to patients in whom a therapeutic intervention is feasible.
Implicit and Explicit Attitudes Toward Rape are Associated With Sexual Aggression
Authors: Nunes Kevin L. , Hermann Chantal A. , Ratcliffe Katie
Published: June 2013

We examined the relationship between self-reported sexual aggression and implicit and explicit attitudes towards rape in a sample of 86 male heterosexual university students. Large, significant group differences were found between the most sexually aggressive participants and the nonaggressive participants, with the most sexually aggressive group showing less negative implicit and explicit attitudes towards rape (Cohen’s d = 0.76-1.20). Implicit and explicit attitudes provided complementary information such that together they were more strongly associated with sexual aggression than on their own. The current findings suggest that implicit and explicit attitudes towards rape are associated with sexual aggression. In addition to the broader set of cognitions that appear to be assessed by most self-report measures, the narrower construct of attitudes towards rape may be a fruitful avenue of further exploration for research, assessment, and treatment of sexual aggression.
Land Financialization as a ‘lived’ process: The transformation of Milan’s Bicocca by Pirelli
Authors: Kaika Maria , Ruggiero Luca
Published: June 2013

Contributing to an emerging debate that brings the mobilization of land rent as a financial asset to the heart of urban analysis, this article offers a narrative of land financialization as a ‘lived’ process. Focusing empirically on Bicocca (a post-industrial area north-east of Milan that traditionally hosted the activities of Pirelli, one of Italy’s most successful companies), the paper shifts the focus of enquiry on land financialization from global capital flows and real estate aggregate data to a qualitative analysis of the alliances and struggles between the elites and workers who animated the traditional manufacturing sector. Centring the analysis on these previously neglected actors permits an understanding of land financialization as a ‘lived’ and socially embodied process, and offers a complementary perspective to the discussion on the role of land rent in the making of financialized capitalism. First, it reveals the struggles and alliances between industrial elites, workers’ unions, and local governance as key protagonists in the way land became mobilized as a financial asset, was subsequently embedded in practices of urban renewal, and finally contributed to an epochal change in urban capitalism. Second, it shows how mobilizing industrial land as a financial asset performed not just a coordinating but also a transformative role in the transition from industrial to financial capitalism as it enabled traditional elites to launch into a financialized phase of transnational competition. Third, it reveals changes in urban governance to be as much responses to the needs of local traditional elites as they are responses to the demands of global financial elites.
Deconstructing LajjA as a Marker of Indian Womanhood
Authors: Sinha Mala , Chauhan Vishal
Published: June 2013

This article explores the meaning of lajjA as a core Indian cultural concept and how it enters the construction of womanhood in modern India. It discusses how the concept is embedded in India’s social, political and ideological history and its psychological, social and behavioural representations. Written narratives, conversations, and symbolic representations of lajjA in films, advertisements and media were the primary source of data for deconstructing the concept. Findings showed that natured or denatured lajjA is represented as a virtue, emotion or tool of manipulation, depending on how it plays out in a particular situation. The proposed theoretical model in the paper links lajjA with the Guna theory from Bhagavad Gita to increase the explanatory power of the cultural concept, so that its impact on the well-being of individuals and social cohesion can be understood better.
A Study of the Dengue Epidemic and Meteorological Factors in Guangzhou, China, by Using a Zero-Inflated Poisson Regression Model
Authors: Wang Chenggang , Jiang Baofa , Fan Jingchun , Wang Furong , Liu Qiyong
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study is to develop a model that correctly identifies and quantifies the relationship between dengue and meteorological factors in Guangzhou, China. By cross-correlation analysis, meteorological variables and their lag effects were determined. According to the epidemic characteristics of dengue in Guangzhou, those statistically significant variables were modeled by a zero-inflated Poisson regression model. The number of dengue cases and minimum temperature at 1-month lag, along with average relative humidity at 0- to 1-month lag were all positively correlated with the prevalence of dengue fever, whereas wind velocity and temperature in the same month along with rainfall at 2 months’ lag showed negative association with dengue incidence. Minimum temperature at 1-month lag and wind velocity in the same month had a greater impact on the dengue epidemic than other variables in Guangzhou.
The benefit of musical and linguistic expertise on language acquisition in sung material
Authors: Larrouy-Maestri Pauline , Leybaert Jacqueline , Kolinsky Régine
Published: June 2013

Musical learning and training appear to have large cross-domain transfer effects: they are beneficial in various cognitive domains including language. The present study aimed to examine the role of musical expertise in how musical and linguistic information contained in songs is used. However, as the superiority of musicians could be attributed to improvements in executive functions (e.g., Bialystok & DePape, 2009), we tried to isolate the role of musical training by comparing music experts to both non-experts and language experts. To this end we used the tasks proposed by Schön and colleagues (2008), who compared artificial language learning (ALL) based on spoken sequences to ALL based on sung sequences. These authors concluded that songs, more than speech, allow fast and strong learning. In contrast to Schön et al. (2008), the benefit of ALL based on songs was not found among non-experts in our study. However, there was a highly significant interaction between type of expertise and materials. The music experts were the only group to benefit from the matching of linguistic and musical information, hence showing a different profile than language experts. The present data thus confirm the specificity of transfer effects linked to musical expertise.
“To Be stuck in It—I Can’t Just Leave”
Authors: Landmark Bjørg T. , Aasgaard Heid Svenkerud , Fagerström Lisbeth
Published: June 2013

The large number of individuals affected by dementia entails major challenges for home health care (HHC) and dementia-affected families. The aim of the study was to explore and describe relatives’ experiences of people with dementia living at home and to reveal the relatives’ needs for support. Focus group interviews (10 people) were used for data collection. The analysis was qualitative content analysis. The results show that relatives are unable to escape the situation and that the dignity of the person with dementia is threatened. Relatives experience a sense of powerlessness due to fragmented services. The continuity of HHC services constitutes a major challenge. Personnel should focus more on ethical considerations and on dialogue between formal and informal caregivers.
Calcium, a Necessary Mineral for Proper Body Function
Authors: Alpert Patricia T.
Published: June 2013

Calcium is an abundant mineral found in the body, 99% found in bone and teeth and 1% to 2% used to maintain proper metabolic functions. This column examines the forms of calcium found in foods and supplements and discusses some of the research on health as a result of calcium intake.
Shear fatigue characterization of fire resistant syntactic foam core sandwich beam
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Mynul , Shivakumar Kunigal
Published: June 2013

Eco-Core is syntactic foam made by high volume percent of flyash and a small amount of phenolic resin. Because of very low volatile content in the mixture, it has demonstrated to be a fire resistant material for composite sandwich structural applications. Its superior mechanical and fire safety properties were established previously. Its fatigue performance under compression, shear and flexure loading are being investigated. Objective of this paper is to establish shear stress–life relationship and failure modes of sandwich beams. The Eco-Core sandwich specimens made of FGI 1854 glass/vinyl ester face sheet were designed to fail in core shear and were tested by shear fatigue loading at a frequency of 2 Hz and load ratio of R = 0.1. The Eco-Core density was about 0.5 g/cm3. The fatigue test was conducted at maximum shear stress ( τmax) values of 0.7 τc to 0.9 τc using four-point bend load specimen, where τc is the static shear strength of the core. Shear fatigue failure of the core material was found to be three types: shear crack on-set, crack propagation and ultimate shear failure (represented by shear crack linking to top and bottom face sheets and finally interface delamination). These failures were found to be represented by 2, 5 and 7% change in compliance. The fatigue stress–life (S–N) relationship was found to follow the power law equation, τmax/ τc =  AoNα. Constants of the equation were established for all three modes of failure. Based on 1 million cycles limit, the endurance limit was determined to be 0.66 τc, 0.68 τc and 0.69 τc, respectively, for damage onset, propagation and ultimate failure. The typical shear fatigue failure was a 45° crack in the core, followed by crack propagation to face sheet and finally interfacial delamination between face sheet and core.
Chelsea’s journey of becoming a teacher: A narrative of then and now
Authors: Blair Deborah V.
Published: June 2013

In this study I explored, with Chelsea, her journey of becoming a music teacher. At the time of the study, Chelsea had completed her second year of teaching. Together, we revisited the artifacts of her undergraduate coursework and practicum experiences (journals, online forum posts, videotapes of her own teaching, written reflections of her teaching). We engaged in a narrative exploration of her journey of becoming a teacher as Chelsea provided written and verbal narratives of “then and now”— a process of ethnographic hindsight in which Chelsea was able to provide both emic and etic lenses of the experiences revisited via the data. A thread of connection and detachment is pervasive throughout the data and the interpretation of themes as Chelsea’s path toward becoming a teacher is positioned in the juxtaposition of these stances.
What is recognised as ability in physical education? A systematic appraisal of how ability and ability differences are socially constructed within mainstream secondary school physical education
Authors: Wilkinson Shaun , Littlefair David , Barlow-Meade Linda
Published: June 2013

In sport, schools and physical education (PE) ability has invariably been understood as an inherent and relatively immutable capacity, amendable to varying degrees by interventions such as training regimes and education. Differences in achievement are assumed to be an inevitable consequence of natural variations in ability and an indication of motivation or effort. Drawing on the theoretical tools of Pierre Bourdieu, Evans, in 2004, proposed an alternative socially constructed perspective of ability. Evans suggested that an individual’s embodied dispositions can function as capital and thus be ‘perceived as abilities when defined relationally with reference to attitudes, values and mores prevailing within a discursive field’ (e.g. PE). Drawing on the data of existing socially critical research on the social construction of ability, this paper takes the form of a systematic appraisal. Systematic searches were conducted in numerous electronic databases and electronic journals and contact was made with authors to identify relevant studies. Nine studies in total complied with a pre-determined inclusion/exclusion criteria. The data for the studies included in this appraisal are for the most part located in Queensland, Australia and to a lesser extent Sweden. Therefore, importantly, the Australian and Swedish contexts are the focus of this report. The aims of this systematic appraisal are to investigate how ability is socially constructed (conceived of and re/produced) in PE and how conceptualisations of ability in the subject influence students’ learning, experiences and potential achievement. The conclusions of this paper suggest that teachers and the PE curriculum in Queensland, Australia and Sweden play a significant role in (re)producing particular discourses around the body which reward (with ‘high’ ability identification) only those few (mostly male) students whose abilities are consistent with the values prevailing within the field (e.g. being competitive and aggressive). The limited acknowledgement of a ‘range’ of abilities in the subject leads to many students (both male and female) perceiving themselves incapable of being successful, not because they lack ability per se but rather because their abilities are not recognised or transactable for high achievement grades in the field.
Mixed messages: The ambiguity of the MOD chip and pirate cultural production for the Nintendo DS
Authors: O’Donnell Casey
Published: June 2013

This essay1 examines the ambiguous character of videogame console modification chips (MOD chips) in the space of videogame piracy. While it is possible for these chips to be used to “pirate” versions of games for these devices, they also expand the utility of the devices by adding capabilities. Perhaps more significantly, MOD chips also enable users to create software and videogames that run on these consoles outside the typical rules and regulations of the videogame industry. Ethnographic work amongst Nintendo DS (“dual screen”) MOD communities is examined to illuminate this understudied space of cultural production.
Global citizens in the making: Child-centred multimedia ethnographic research on South Korean student migrants in Singapore
Authors: Kang Yoonhee
Published: June 2013

This study of South Korean pre-college students in Singapore has two goals: (1) to propose multimedia ethnography as a method for examining children’s views on migration; and (2) to use this method to explore intersections between globality and locality in children’s migration experiences. Multimedia ethnography allows the ethnographer to analyse how children reflect on and shape their experiences and imaginations through examining various modes of communicative practices – such as drawings, diaries, and peer talk. My multimedia data reveals that the discourses of ‘being global’ that are dominant in Korean society significantly influence the migrant children’s imaginings of their future selves. Yet at the same time, experiences of localness play a central role in the children’s construction of ‘the world’ and globality. As such, multimedia ethnography brings to light how the migrant children’s unarticulated everyday experiences constitute the process of ‘going global’.
Outcomes and Complications of Sclerotherapy for Venous Malformations
Authors: Qiu Yajing , Chen Hui , Lin Xiaoxi , Hu Xiaojie , Jin Yunbo , Ma Gang
Published: June 2013

Objective:

To determine the efficacy of sclerotherapy for venous malformations (VMs).

Methods:

PubMed was used to search the medical literatures for publication on the combined topics of “VMs and sclerotherapy.” The final evaluation of the venous lesions was based on both objective parameters and subjective parameters. Complications were also recorded.

Results:

A total of 35 studies published between 1986 and 2011 matched the selection criteria and were included. Ethanol, polidocanol, ethanolamine oleate, and sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) are the 4 mainstream sclerosants. The total efficiency of these 4 sclerosants all exceeded 90% except STS. Skin damage (10.0%) was the most common minor complication. Other complications included renal damage (3.9%), nerve damage (1.85%), muscle damage (0.66%), pulmonary embolism (0.25%), cardiovascular collapse (0.08%), and others.

Conclusions:

Sclerotherapy is effective for VMs. However, there is limited evidence from randomized clinical trials to support the use of any kinds of sclerosants.
Ultrasonic diagnosis of perinatal lethal hypophosphatasia
Authors: Muller Linnie , Wainwright Helen , Beighton Peter
Published: June 2013

Perinatal lethal hypophosphatasia (PLH) [OMIM 241500] is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait, with a significant risk of recurrence for further offspring following the birth of an affected baby. The study was aimed at documentation of the ultrasonographical manifestations of PLH at the 13th week of gestation, confirming that these appearances are consistent with those in later pregnancy (20 weeks) and demonstrating that they correlate with the radiographical and histological features. In clinical practice, these observations facilitate the early ultrasonic diagnosis of PLH in a potentially affected foetus. The ultrasonographical appearances in siblings at 13 and 20 weeks’ gestations were documented and compared. Post-mortem studies including babygram and histology were undertaken in these foetuses. Autopsy details of a third foetus were available from the pathology archives. The results showed that the ultrasonographical, clinical, radiological and histological appearances correlated in each instance. Thus, it was concluded that ultrasonographical diagnosis of PLH is possible as early as the 13th week of gestation.
Percutaneous humeral derotational osteotomy in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy: a new technique
Authors: Aly A. , Bahm J. , Schuind F.
Published: June 2013

Thirty three per cent of children with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy with incomplete neurological recovery develop shoulder internal contracture associated with osseous deformity. Some of the older children are treated by humeral derotational osteotomy. The classical technique of open approach to the humeral diaphysis and plate fixation imposes a longitudinal scar and carries significant risks (nonunion, nerve palsy); a secondary procedure for plate removal is necessary in a significant proportion of patients. The authors report a new technique of percutaneous humeral osteotomy with osteosynthesis by Hoffmann external fixator. In six cases bone healing was obtained at an average of 45 days, without adverse complication. The postoperative results showed improved shoulder function. This new technique is simple and safe; it represents a new option for the treatment of sequelae of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy.
Utility of peripheral blood for cytogenetic and mutation analysis in myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Mohamedali Azim M. , Alkhatabi Heba , Kulasekararaj Austin , Shinde Sneha , Mian Syed , Malik Farooq , Smith Alexander E. , Gäken Joop , Mufti Ghulam J.
Published: June 2013

Key Points

There is 100% concordance in the cytogenetic and mutation profile between PB and BM in myelodysplastic syndrome.
Antiphospholipid antibodies and the risk of recurrence after a first episode of venous thromboembolism: a systematic review
Authors: Garcia David , Akl Elie A. , Carr Richard , Kearon Clive
Published: June 2013

Key Points

The quality of evidence pertaining to the risk of recurrent thrombosis among patients with an antiphospholipid antibody is very low. Additional studies are needed to define the impact of APLA testing on clinical decision-making.
Phenotypic, genomic, and transcriptional characterization of Streptococcus pneumoniae interacting with human pharyngeal cells
Authors: Kimaro Mlacha Sheila Z , Romero-Steiner Sandra , Dunning Hotopp Julie C , Kumar Nikhil , Ishmael Nadeeza , Riley David R , Farooq Umar , Creasy Todd H , Tallon Luke J , Liu Xinyue , Goldsmith Cynthia S , Sampson Jacquelyn , Carlone George M , Hollingshead Susan K , Scott J Anthony G , Tettelin Hervé
Published: June 2013

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite the availability of effective pneumococcal vaccines. Understanding the molecular interactions between the bacterium and the host will contribute to the control and prevention of pneumococcal disease.

Results

We used a combination of adherence assays, mutagenesis and functional genomics to identify novel factors involved in adherence. By contrasting these processes in two pneumococcal strains, TIGR4 and G54, we showed that adherence and invasion capacities vary markedly by strain. Electron microscopy showed more adherent bacteria in association with membranous pseudopodia in the TIGR4 strain. Operons for cell wall phosphorylcholine incorporation (lic), manganese transport (psa) and phosphate utilization (phn) were up-regulated in both strains on exposure to epithelial cells. Pneumolysin, pili, stress protection genes (adhC-czcD) and genes of the type II fatty acid synthesis pathway were highly expressed in the naturally more invasive strain, TIGR4. Deletion mutagenesis of five gene regions identified as regulated in this study revealed attenuation in adherence. Most strikingly, ∆SP_1922 which was predicted to contain a B-cell epitope and revealed significant attenuation in adherence, appeared to be expressed as a part of an operon that includes the gene encoding the cytoplasmic pore-forming toxin and vaccine candidate, pneumolysin.

Conclusion

This work identifies a list of novel potential pneumococcal adherence determinants.
Reliability of medical record abstraction by non-physicians for orthopedic research
Authors: Mi Michael Y , Collins Jamie E , Lerner Vladislav , Losina Elena , Katz Jeffrey N
Published: June 2013

Background

Medical record review (MRR) is one of the most commonly used research methods in clinical studies because it provides rich clinical detail. However, because MRR involves subjective interpretation of information found in the medical record, it is critically important to understand the reproducibility of data obtained from MRR. Furthermore, because medical record review is both technically demanding and time intensive, it is important to establish whether trained research staff with no clinical training can abstract medical records reliably.

Methods

We assessed the reliability of abstraction of medical record information in a sample of patients who underwent total knee replacement (TKR) at a referral center. An orthopedic surgeon instructed two research coordinators (RCs) in the abstraction of inpatient medical records and operative notes for patients undergoing primary TKR. The two RCs and the surgeon each independently reviewed 75 patients’ records and one RC reviewed the records twice. Agreement was assessed using the proportion of items on which reviewers agreed and the kappa statistic.

Results

The kappa for agreement between the surgeon and each RC ranged from 0.59 to 1 for one RC and 0.49 to 1 for the other; the percent agreement ranged from 82% to 100% for one RC and 70% to 100% for the other. The repeated abstractions by the same RC showed high intra-rater agreement, with kappas ranging from 0.66 to 1 and percent agreement ranging from 97% to 100%. Inter-rater agreement between the two RCs was moderate with kappa ranging from 0.49 to 1 and percent agreement ranging from 76% to 100%.

Conclusion

The MRR method used in this study showed excellent reliability for abstraction of information that had low technical complexity and moderate to good reliability for information that had greater complexity. Overall, these findings support the use of non-surgeons to abstract surgical data from operative notes.
Malaria and haematologic parameters of pupils at different altitudes along the slope of Mount Cameroon: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kimbi Helen K , Sumbele Irene UN , Nweboh Malaika , Anchang-Kimbi Judith K , Lum Emmaculate , Nana Yannick , Ndip Lucy M , Njom Henry , Lehman Leopold G
Published: June 2013

Background

Haematologic abnormalities are features in Plasmodium falciparum infection, and anaemia is an inevitable outcome. This study examines the influence of malaria status and altitude on haematologic parameters in school-aged pupils.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 728 school pupils aged between four and 15 years at three different altitudinal ranges along the slope of the Mount Cameroon region. The investigative methods included the use of questionnaire, clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations. Blood sample collected from each child was used for the preparation of blood films for detection of malaria parasites and assessment of malaria parasite density as well as full blood count determination using an automated haematology analyzer.

Results

The prevalence of malaria in the study population was 33.8% and 64.2% (158/246) of these were asymptomatic (AM). Pupils in lowlands had a significantly higher (P <0.05) prevalence (95% confidence interval, CI) of malaria (60.6%, CI = 54.6–65.9%) than those in middle belt (29.1%, CI = 23.9–34.8%) and highlands (7.7%, CI = 6.1–9.8%), while those in middle belt had significantly higher geometric mean parasite density (475) than those in lowlands (233) and highlands (388). The prevalence of malaria was significantly higher in children that presented with fever (40.4%, CI = 33.8–47.2%) when compared with afebrile subjects (31%, CI = 27–35.2%). Pupils with AM had a higher prevalence of leucopaenia (43.7%, CI = 35.8–51.8%), microcytosis (27.2%, CI = 20.5–34.9%), hypochromasia (27.8%, CI = 21–35.5%) and thrombocytopaenia (14.9%, CI = 8.9–22.8%) when compared with those with clinical malaria (CM). All mean haematological parameters were comparable in pupils with CM and AM, except for the mean white blood cell (WBC) counts. Pupils with AM had significantly lower (P = 0.02) mean WBC counts (5.1 ± 2.5 × 109/L) than those with CM (5.9 ± 2.3 × 109/L). Age, altitude and malaria parasitaemia was of significant influence on several haematological parameters.

Conclusion

Altitude influenced the distribution and density of malaria parasites and was of confounding influence on the haematologic profiles. These results highlight the insidious effects of AM on the haematologic components.
Determination of artemether and lumefantrine in anti-malarial fixed-dose combination tablets by microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography with short-end injection procedure
Authors: Amin N’Cho Christophe , Fabre Huguette , Blanchin Marie-Dominique , Montels Jérôme , Aké Michèle
Published: June 2013

Background

Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) combination therapy is now the most used anti-malarial treatment in the world. Quality control of AL formulations is still a major challenge in developing countries. Until now, only liquid chromatographic methods have been reported in the literature for their analysis. Capillary electrophoretic methods, which present various advantages (low price of capillary, low volumes of electrolyte consumption), may be an alternative to liquid chromatography methods. In this paper, a reliable method was developed and validated for the determination of AL in commercial fixed-dose combination tablets commercialized in Côte d’Ivoire.

Methods

Artemether and lumefantrine were determined by microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography using short-end injection procedure. The two analytes were extracted from tablets by acidified methanol. Pyrimethamine was used as internal standard. Separation was carried out in an uncoated fused silica capillary, 30 cm long × 50 μm internal diameter, using an effective length of 10 cm and a microemulsion composed of octane, butanol, sodium dodecyl sulfate and borate buffer as background electrolyte, a - 500 V.cm-1 electric field and a detection wavelength of 214 nm.

Results

Artemether, lumefantrine and pyrimethamine were separated in 6 min. The method was reliable with respect to selectivity towards formulation excipients, linearity of the response function (r2 > 0.998), recovery studies from synthetic tablets (in the range 99–101%), repeatability (relative standard deviation 1–3%, n = 7 analytical procedures). Application to four commercial formulations containing 20/120 mg of AL per tablet gave a content in good agreement with the declared content. However, the electropherogram of one tablet formulation showed the presence of an ingredient which was not declared.

Conclusion

The developed MEEKC method can be proposed as an alternative method to liquid chromatography for the determination of artemether and lumefantrine in fixed-dose combination tablet formulations.
The expression of cytokeratin 19 in lymph nodes was a poor prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection
Authors: Lee Chao-Wei , Kuo Wen-Ling , Yu Ming-Chin , Chen Tse-Ching , Tsai Chi-Neu , Lee Wei-Chen , Chen Miin-Fu
Published: June 2013

Background

The expression of CK19 in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor outcome. However, few studies have investigated the expression profile of CK19 in regional lymph nodes (LNs) of HCC after hepatic resection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of CK19 in primary liver tumor and regional LNs of HCC with and without lymph node metastasis (LNM).

Methods

The expression of CK19 in patients with (n = 16) and without LNM (n = 26) was examined using immunohistochemical staining. Both the primary tumor and LN specimen were studied for their CK19 expression. Clinico-pathological variables and prognostic significance were analyzed.

Results

Immunopositivity of CK19 in primary liver tumor was significantly correlated with LNM (P = 0.005) and tumor non-encapsulation (P <0.005). Univariate analysis showed that CK19 expression in primary liver tumor, CK19 expression in regional LN, vascular invasion, daughter nodules, positive resection margin and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor stage significantly decreased overall survival. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that daughter nodules (P = 0.001) and CK19 expression in regional LN (P = 0.002) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival.

Conclusions

This study showed that CK19 expression in regional LN of HCC was associated with LNM and an extremely poor outcome after operation. It is of clinical significance to identify these patients at risk for more aggressive HCC, and multi-modality treatment could be helpful to improve their dismal outcome.
Dexmedetomidine protects against renal ischemia and reperfusion injury by inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling activation
Authors: Si Yanna , Bao Hongguang , Han Liu , Shi Hongwei , Zhang Yuan , Xu Li , Liu Chenhui , Wang Jinsong , Yang Xiaobing , Vohra Akbar , Ma Daqing
Published: June 2013

Background

The α2-adrenoreceptor agonist dexmedetomidine is known to provide renoprotection against ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. However the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway plays a role in dexmedetomidine’s renoprotection.

Methods

I/R model was induced by bilateral renal pedicle clamping for 45 min followed by 48 h of reperfusion in male Wistar rat. Sham laparotomy served as controls. Animals received dexmedetomidine (50 μg/kg, i.p.) in the absence or presence of atipamezole (250 μg/kg, i.p.), or vehicle (DMSO) in the absence or presence of selective JAK2 inhibitor tyrphostin AG490 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) before ischemia. Renal function, histology, apoptosis, expression of cleaved caspase 3 protein, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and phosphorylations of JAK2, STAT1 and STAT3 were assessed.

Results

The animals treated with either dexmedetomidine or AG490 exhibited an improved renal functional recovery, attenuated histological lesions and reduced number of apoptotic tubular epithelial cells. Either dexmedetomidine or AG490 inhibited the phosphorylations of JAK2 and its downstream molecule STAT1 and STAT3, accompanied by down-regulation the expression of cleaved caspase 3, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 proteins, and significantly ameliorated renal I/R injury.

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine protects kidney against I/R injury, at least in part, through its inhibitory effects on injury-induced activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway. If our data can be extrapolated to clinical setting, then dexmedetomidine may therefore serve as a clinical strategy to treat/prevent perioperative renal I/R injury.
A pilot study of sensory feedback by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to improve manipulation deficit caused by severe sensory loss after stroke
Authors: Kita Kahori , Otaka Yohei , Takeda Kotaro , Sakata Sachiko , Ushiba Junichi , Kondo Kunitsugu , Liu Meigen , Osu Rieko
Published: June 2013

Background

Sensory disturbance is common following stroke and can exacerbate functional deficits, even in patients with relatively good motor function. In particular, loss of appropriate sensory feedback in severe sensory loss impairs manipulation capability. We hypothesized that task-oriented training with sensory feedback assistance would improve manipulation capability even without sensory pathway recovery.

Methods

We developed a system that provides sensory feedback by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (SENS) for patients with sensory loss, and investigated the feasibility of the system in a stroke patient with severe sensory impairment and mild motor deficit. The electrical current was modulated by the force exerted by the fingertips so as to allow the patient to identify the intensity. The patient had severe sensory loss due to a right thalamic hemorrhage suffered 27 months prior to participation in the study. The patient first practiced a cylindrical grasp task with SENS for 1 hour daily over 29 days. Pressure information from the affected thumb was fed back to the unaffected shoulder. The same patient practiced a tip pinch task with SENS for 1 hour daily over 4 days. Pressure information from the affected thumb and index finger was fed back to the unaffected and affected shoulders, respectively. We assessed the feasibility of SENS and examined the improvement of manipulation capability after training with SENS.

Results

The fluctuation in fingertip force during the cylindrical grasp task gradually decreased as the training progressed. The patient was able to maintain a stable grip force after training, even without SENS. Pressure exerted by the tip pinch of the affected hand was unstable before intervention with SENS compared with that of the unaffected hand. However, they were similar to each other immediately after SENS was initiated, suggesting that the somatosensory information improved tip pinch performance. The patient’s manipulation capability assessed by the Box and Block Test score improved through SENS intervention and was partly maintained after SENS was removed, until at least 7 months after the intervention. The sensory test score, however, showed no recovery after intervention.

Conclusions

We conclude that the proposed system would be useful in the rehabilitation of patients with sensory loss.
CETN1 is a cancer testis antigen with expression in prostate and pancreatic cancers
Authors: Kim John J , Rajagopalan Krithika , Hussain Basil , Williams Brenten H , Kulkarni Prakash , Mooney Steven M
Published: June 2013

Background

The Cancer Testis Antigens (CTAs) are a group of genes that are highly expressed in the normal testis and several types of cancer. Due to their restricted expression in normal adult tissues, CTAs have been attractive targets for immunotherapy and biomarker development. In this work, we discovered that Centrin 1 (CETN1) which is found in the centrosome of all eukaryotes, may be a member of this group and is highly expressed in prostate and pancreatic cancer. Three members of the centrin family of calcium binding proteins (CETN) are localized to the centrosome in all eukaryotes with CDC31 being the sole yeast homolog. CETN1 is a retrogene that probably arose from a retrotransposition of CETN2, an X-linked gene. A previous mouse study shows that CETN1 is expressed solely in the testis, while CETN2 is expressed in all organs.

Results

In this work, we show that CETN1 is a new member of the growing group of CTAs. Through the mining of publicly available microarray data, we discovered that human CETN1 expression but not CETN2 or CETN3 is restricted to the testis. In fact, CETN1 is actually down-regulated in testicular malignancies compared to normal testis. Using q-PCR, CETN1 expression is shown to be highly up-regulated in cancer of the prostate and in pancreatic xenografts. Unexpectedly however, CETN1 expression was virtually absent in various cell lines until they were treated with the DNA demethylation agent 5’AZA-2’Deoxycytidine (AZA) but showed no increased expression upon incubation with Histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin-A (TSA) alone. Additionally, like most CTAs, CETN1 appears to be an intrinsically disordered protein which implies that it may occupy a hub position in key protein interaction networks in cancer. Neither CETN1 nor CETN2 could compensate for loss of CDC31 expression in yeast which is analogous to published data for CETN3.

Conclusions

This work suggests that CETN1 is a novel CTA with expression in cancer of the prostate and pancreas. In cell lines, the expression is probably regulated by promoter methylation, while the method of regulation in normal adult tissues remains unknown.
An Iterative Modal Identification Algorithm for Structural Health Monitoring Using Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Dorvash Siavash , Pakzad Shamim N. , Cheng Liang
Published: June 2013

A novel modal identification approach for the use of a wireless sensor network (WSN) for structural health monitoring is presented, in which the computational task is distributed among remote nodes to reduce the communication burden of the network and, as a result, optimize the time and energy consumption of the monitoring system. Considering the need for having an agile system to capture the earthquake response and also the limited energy resource in WSN, such algorithms for speeding the analysis time and preserving energy are essential. The algorithm of this study, called iterative modal identification (IMID), relies on an iterative estimation method that solves for unknown parameters in the absence of complete information about the system. Applying IMID in WSN-based monitoring systems results in significant savings in time and energy. Validation through implementation of the algorithm on numerically simulated and experimental data illustrates the superior performance of this approach.
Numerical Modeling of Buried HDPE Pipelines Subjected to Normal Faulting: A Case Study
Authors: Xie Xiaojian , Symans Michael D. , O'Rourke Michael J. , Abdoun Tarek H. , O'Rourke Thomas D. , Palmer Michael C. , Stewart Harry E.
Published: June 2013

A systematic study is presented herein on the seismic response of buried pipelines subjected to ground fault rupture in the form of normal faulting. In this study, advanced computational simulations are conducted in parallel with physical testing using a geotechnical centrifuge. For the numerical simulations, the pipeline was modeled using isotropic 3-D shell elements and the soil was modeled using either 1-D spring elements or 3-D solid (continuum) elements. The results from continuum finite-element analyses are compared with those from a Winkler-type model (in which the pipe is supported by a series of discrete springs) and with results from centrifuge tests. In addition, via appropriate modeling of the soil-pipe interaction, the q-z relation of the soil medium is elucidated for normal faulting events. The numerical analysis results demonstrate the potential for continuum modeling of events that induce pipe-soil interaction and results in improved understanding of pipe-soil interaction under normal faulting.
Representation of Soil-Foundation Systems and Its Application to Shaking Table Tests by Constructing a Mechanical Interface
Authors: Saitoh Masato , Saito Tomoya , Hikima Toshifumi , Ozawa Makoto , Imanishi Keiichi
Published: June 2013

Experimental studies on the dynamic response of structures comprising soil-foundation systems require an appropriately constructed soil-foundation model below the superstructures in order to properly estimate structural responses. In most studies, applying a small scaling is necessary for constructing the entire structural system, since there is limited space on shaking tables. This constraint has been a hindrance in experimental studies. Thus this study proposes a mechanical interface (MI) that represents the impedance characteristics of a 3 × 5 pile group embedded in a layered soil medium. The MI is constructed on the basis of lumped parameter models with gyro-mass elements. This element is mechanically realized in the MI using a rotational mass in combination with coupling gears. The results show that the MI properly simulates the impedance functions with frequency-dependent oscillations, and shaking table tests using the MI for an inelastic structure are demonstrated.
Prediction of Broadband Ground-Motion Time Histories: The Case of Tehran, Iran
Authors: Zafarani Hamid , Vahidifard Hesam , Ansari Anooshirvan
Published: June 2013

The northern Tehran fault (NTF) is potentially capable of causing large earth-quakes (Mmax ~ 7.2) in a very densely populated area of northern Tehran, Iran. Due to the lack of recorded strong motion data for earthquakes on the fault, a hybrid simulation method is used to calculate broadband (0.1–20 Hz) ground-motion time histories at bedrock level for deterministic earthquake scenarios on the NTF. Low-frequency components of motion (0.1–1.0 Hz) are calculated using a deterministic approach and the discrete wave number-finite element method in a regional one-dimensional (1-D) velocity model. High frequencies (1.0–20.0 Hz) are calculated by the stochastic finite fault method based on dynamic corner frequency. The results were validated by comparing the simulated peak values and response spectra with the empirical ground motion models available for the area and the Modified Mercalli intensity (MMI) observations from historical earthquakes of the region.
Porcn-dependent Wnt signaling is not required prior to mouse gastrulation
Authors: Biechele Steffen , Cockburn Katie , Lanner Fredrik , Cox Brian J. , Rossant Janet
Published: June 2013

In mice and humans the X-chromosomal porcupine homolog (Porcn) gene is required for the acylation and secretion of all 19 Wnt ligands and thus represents a bottleneck for all Wnt signaling. We have generated a mouse line carrying a floxed allele for Porcn and used zygotic, oocyte-specific and visceral endoderm-specific deletions to investigate embryonic and extra-embryonic requirements for Wnt ligand secretion. We show that there is no requirement for Porcn-dependent secretion of Wnt ligands during preimplantation development of the mouse embryo. Porcn-dependent Wnts are first required for the initiation of gastrulation, where Porcn function is required in the epiblast but not the visceral endoderm. Heterozygous female embryos, which are mutant in both trophoblast and visceral endoderm due to imprinted X chromosome inactivation, complete gastrulation but display chorio-allantoic fusion defects similar to Wnt7b mutants. Our studies highlight the importance of Wnt3 and Wnt7b for embryonic and placental development but suggest that endogenous Porcn-dependent Wnt secretion does not play an essential role in either implantation or blastocyst lineage specification.
Continuous and intermittent exposure of neonatal rat calvarial cells to PTHrP (1-36) inhibits bone nodule mineralization in vitro by downregulating bone sialoprotein expression via the cAMP signaling pathway
Authors: Kamel Suzan A , Yee John A
Published: June 2013

The development and growth of the skeleton in the absence of parathyroid-hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is abnormal.  The shortening of appendicular bones in PTHrP gene null mice is explained by an effect of PTHrP on endochondral bone growth.  Whether or not PTHrP influences intramembranous ossification is less clear.  The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of exogenous PTHrP on intramembranous ossificationin vitro.  Neonatal rat calvarial cells maintained in primary cell culture conditions that permit spontaneous formation of woven bone nodules by intramembranous ossification were studied. The expression of PTHrP, parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R), and alkaline phosphatase (AP) by osteogenic cells in developing nodules and the effects of PTHrP (1-36) on nodule development was determined over 3-18 days. PTHrP and PTH1R were detected colonies of osteogenic cells on culture day three, and AP was detected on day six. PTHrP and its receptor were localized in pre-osteoblasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes, and AP activity was detected in pre-osteoblasts and osteoblasts but not osteocytes. Continuous and intermittent exposure to PTHrP (1-36) decreased the number of mineralized bone nodules and bone sialoprotein (BSP) mRNA and protein, but had no effect on the number of AP-positive osteogenic cell colonies, cell proliferation, apoptosis, or osteopontin (OPN) mRNA. These results demonstrate that osteogenic cells that participate in the formation of woven bone nodulesin vitroexhibit PTHrP and PTH1R before they demonstrate AP activity. Exogenous PTHrP (1-36) inhibits the mineralization of woven bone deposited during bone nodule formationin vitro,possibly by reducing the expression of BSP.