bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desmoid Fibromatosis in Pediatric Patients: Management Based on a Retrospective Analysis of 59 Patients and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Oudot Caroline , Orbach Daniel , Minard-Colin Véronique , Michon Jean , Mary Pierre , Glorion Christophe , Helfre Sylvie , Habrand Jean-Louis , Oberlin Odile
Published: August 2012

Background. Only limited data are available concerning desmoid tumor in children.Methods. Fifty-nine children and adolescents with desmoid tumor treated in 2 French cancer centers with a very long followup were retrospectively reviewed.Results. Median age was 6 years (range, 0–15). Tumors mainly involved the limbs (42%). Five cases occurred in a context of genetic disorder. Surgery was first-line treatment in 80% of cases. Resection was microscopically complete in 3 patients (pts), with a microscopic residue in 19 pts and a macroscopic residue in 35 cases. Various adjuvant therapies were used. Overall response to all systemic therapies was 33%. Thirty-eight patients developed one or more recurrences or progressions. After a median followup of 8.5 years, 34 patients were alive in complete remission (CR), including 16 first CR. Seven patients died, 6 from refractory disease and 1 from colorectal carcinoma in a genetic context. Ten-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 31% and 88%, respectively. In univariate analysis, age less than 10 years and head-neck site were favorable prognostic factors for PFS.Conclusions. When surgery is required, surgical margins must be negative. Low-dose chemotherapy can be proposed as adjuvant therapy. Prospective trials must be developed to evaluate long-term response and side effects.
FatalToxoplasma gondiiDissemination in a Heart Transplant Recipient: Description of a Case
Authors: Mastrobuoni S. , Dell'Aquila A. M. , Herreros J.
Published: August 2012

A 45-year-old heart transplant recipient presented with fever, anorexia, asthenia, and lethargy. She had received heart transplantation only 5 weeks earlier for primary systemic amyloidosis with severe cardiac involvement. Serum sodium was low, and tacrolimus through level was high. Blood cultures and serology tests for infection were negative, and atypical pneumonia was suspected. Despite broad antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal treatment, the patient clinical condition rapidly deteriorated and she died within three days of admission. Postmortem examination revealed a disseminatedToxoplasma gondiiinfection as a result of donor (+)/recipient(−) mismatch forToxoplasmaserology. Although very rare, toxoplasmosis in heart transplant recipient should be suspect in case of neurological deficit and respiratory symptoms. Prophylaxis treatment is recommended in case of mismatch.
Brain Levels of Catalase Remain Constant through Strain, Developmental, and Chronic Alcohol Challenges
Authors: Rhoads Dennis E. , Contreras Cherly , Fathalla Salma
Published: August 2012

Catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) oxidizes ethanol to acetaldehyde within the brain and variations in catalase activity may underlie some consequences of ethanol consumption. The goals of this study were to measure catalase activity in subcellular fractions from rat brain and to compare the levels of this enzyme in several important settings. In the first series of studies, levels of catalase were compared between juvenile and adult rats and between the Long-Evans (LE) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) strains. Levels of catalase appear to have achieved the adult level by the preadolescent period defined by postnatal age (P, days) P25–P28, and there were no differences between strains at the developmental stages tested. Thus, variation in catalase activity is unlikely to be responsible for differences in how adolescent and adult rats respond to ethanol. In the second series of studies, periadolescent and adult rats were administered ethanol chronically through an ethanol-containing liquid diet. Diet consumption and blood ethanol concentrations were significantly higher for periadolescent rats. Catalase activities remained unchanged following ethanol consumption, with no significant differences within or between strains. Thus, the brain showed no apparent adaptive changes in levels of catalase, even when faced with the high levels of ethanol consumption characteristic of periadolescent rats.
Central Nervous System Strongyloidiasis and Cryptococcosis in an HIV-Infected Patient Starting Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Rodríguez Mónica , Flores Paúl , Ahumada Víctor , Vázquez-Vázquez Lorena , Alvarado-de la Barrera Claudia , Reyes-Terán Gustavo
Published: August 2012

We report a case ofStrongyloides stercoralishyperinfection syndrome with central nervous system involvement, in a patient with late human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection starting antiretroviral therapy, in whomStrongyloides stercoralislarvae andCryptococcus neoformanswere isolated antemortem from cerebrospinal fluid. Our patient was not from an endemic region for the parasite, so strongyloidiasis was not originally suspected. For this reason, we conclude thatStrongyloides stercoralisinfection should be suspected in HIV-infected patients starting antiretroviral therapy in order to avoid potential fatal outcomes.
Structural and Phase Transformations in Water-Vapour-Plasma-Treated Hydrophilic TiO2Films
Authors: Pranevicius L. , Urbonavicius M. , Tuckute S. , Gedvilas K. , Rajackas T. , Pranevicius L. L. , Milcius D.
Published: August 2012

We have investigated structural and phase transformations in water-vapor-plasma-treated 200–300 nm thick Ti films, maintained at room temperature, by injecting water vapor into radio frequency (RF) plasma at different processing powers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with optical microscopy and surface nanotopography analysis were used to view tracks of adsorbed water layers and to detect bulges or blisters appeared on the surface of treated samples. Rough surfaces with different size of holes (5–20 μm) through the entire film thickness have been observed. X-ray diffraction results show that the oxidation rate of Ti film drastically increases in the presence of an adsorbed water on the hydrophilic layer. It is assumed that the defining factor which controls oxidation kinetics is the hydroxyl radicals formation.
Weight Gain and Hair Loss during Anti-TNF Therapy
Authors: Lutf Abdo , Hammoudeh Mohammed
Published: August 2012

Objectives. To investigate the incidence of weight gain and hair loss as adverse effects of anti-TNF therapy in rheumatic diseases.Methods. Patients using anti-TNF therapy, who are followed in rheumatology clinic, were interviewed using a questionnaire to investigate the side effects of anti-TNF therapy. Patients who complained of hair loss and weight gain were asked additional questions concerning the relationship of these adverse effects to anti-TNF use, whether therapy was stopped because of these adverse effects and if the adverse effects reversed after stopping therapy. The files were reviewed to follow the weight change before, during, and after discontinuation of anti-TNF.Results. One hundred fifty consecutive patients (82 RA, 34 ankylosing spondylitis, 32 psoriatic arthritis, and 4 for other indications) were interviewed .Weight gain was observed in 20 patients (13.3%) with average gain of 5.5 Kg. Anti-TNF was stopped in five patients because of this adverse effect. Hair loss during anti-TNf therapy was reported in five females (3.3%) and anti-TNF therapy was stopped in all of them.Conclusion. Weight gain and hair loss appear to be associated with anti-TNF therapy and may be one reason for discontinuing the therapy.
Concerns of Indian Mothers with Children Having Severe-to-Profound Hearing Impairment at Diagnosis and after 1–3 Years of Therapy
Authors: Rout Nachiketa , Khanna Megha
Published: August 2012

Counseling training in graduate programs continues to be underrepresented. If parental queries are not addressed adequately, they keep visiting one doctor after another.Objective. The aim of the study is to identify maternal needs of children with hearing impairment at two stages of habilitation, that is, just after diagnosis (group I) and after receiving 1 to 3 years of language therapy (group II).Methods. Two groups of mothers were asked to speak their queries about aural habilitation of their children. Queries were recorded, summarized, and categorized as per their priorities.Results. Group I mothers wanted to know about how the child would learn to listen and speak (45%), causes of hearing loss (33.7%), understanding the ear and hearing (10.2%), understanding the audiogram (7%), and coping with emotional aspects of hearing loss (5%), while group II parents had priorities concerning speech development (24.5%) followed by child independence and employment (17.3%), schooling (15.6%), problem behaviors (11%), amplification device (9.4%), duration of therapy (8%), future of the child (8%), and questions about how can my child get adjusted to the “normal” world (6%).Conclusions. Culture- and language-specific materials to explain these issues need to be developed.
Distribution of Genes and Repetitive Elements in theDiabrotica virgifera virgiferaGenome Estimated Using BAC Sequencing
Authors: Coates Brad S. , Alves Analiza P. , Wang Haichuan , Walden Kimberly K. O. , French B. Wade , Miller Nicholas J. , Abel Craig A. , Robertson Hugh M. , Sappington Thomas W. , Siegfried Blair D.
Published: August 2012

Feeding damage caused by the western corn rootworm,Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is destructive to corn plants in North America and Europe where control remains challenging due to evolution of resistance to chemical and transgenic toxins. A BAC library, DvvBAC1, containing 109,486 clones with104±34.5 kb inserts was created, which has an~4.56X genome coverage based upon a 2.58 Gb (2.80 pg) flow cytometry-estimated haploid genome size. Paired end sequencing of 1037 BAC inserts produced 1.17 Mb of data (~0.05% genome coverage) and indicated~9.4 and 16.0% of reads encode, respectively, endogenous genes and transposable elements (TEs). Sequencing genes within BAC full inserts demonstrated that TE densities are high within intergenic and intron regions and contribute to the increased gene size. Comparison of homologous genome regions cloned within different BAC clones indicated that TE movement may cause haplotype variation within the inbred strain. The data presented here indicate that theD. virgifera virgiferagenome is large in size and contains a high proportion of repetitive sequence. These BAC sequencing methods that are applicable for characterization of genomes prior to sequencing may likely be valuable resources for genome annotation as well as scaffolding.
From Omics to Drug Metabolism and High Content Screen of Natural Product in Zebrafish: A New Model for Discovery of Neuroactive Compound
Authors: Hung Ming Wai , Zhang Zai Jun , Li Shang , Lei Benson , Yuan Shuai , Cui Guo Zhen , Man Hoi Pui , Chan Kelvin , Lee Simon Ming Yuen
Published: August 2012

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has recently become a common model in the fields of genetics, environmental science, toxicology, and especially drug screening. Zebrafish has emerged as a biomedically relevant model forin vivohigh content drug screening and the simultaneous determination of multiple efficacy parameters, including behaviour, selectivity, and toxicity in the content of the whole organism. A zebrafish behavioural assay has been demonstrated as a novel, rapid, and high-throughput approach to the discovery of neuroactive, psychoactive, and memory-modulating compounds. Recent studies found a functional similarity of drug metabolism systems in zebrafish and mammals, providing a clue with why some compounds are active in zebrafishin vivobut notin vitro, as well as providing grounds for the rationales supporting the use of a zebrafish screen to identify prodrugs. Here, we discuss the advantages of the zebrafish model for evaluating drug metabolism and the mode of pharmacological action with the emerging omics approaches. Why this model is suitable for identifying lead compounds from natural products for therapy of disorders with multifactorial etiopathogenesis and imbalance of angiogenesis, such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, cardiotoxicity, cerebral hemorrhage, dyslipidemia, and hyperlipidemia, is addressed.
The Role of Secondary Surgery in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Lorusso D. , Mancini M. , Di Rocco R. , Fontanelli R. , Raspagliesi F.
Published: August 2012

Despite optimal treatment (complete cytoreduction and adjuvant chemotherapy), 5-year survival for advanced ovarian cancer is approximately 30% and most patients succumb to their disease. Cytoreductive surgery is accepted as a major treatment of primary ovarian cancer but its role in recurrent disease is controversial and remains a field of discussion mainly owing to missing data from prospective randomized trials. A critical review of literature evidence on secondary surgery in recurrent ovarian cancer will be described.
Environmental Impacts ofJatropha curcasBiodiesel in India
Authors: Gmünder Simon , Singh Reena , Pfister Stephan , Adheloya Alok , Zah Rainer
Published: August 2012

In the context of energy security, rural development and climate change, India actively promotes the cultivation ofJatropha curcas, a biodiesel feedstock which has been identified as suitable for achieving the Indian target of 20% biofuel blending by 2017. In this paper, we present results concerning the range of environmental impacts of differentJatropha curcascultivation systems. Moreover, nine agronomic trials in Andhra Pradesh are analysed, in which the yield was measured as a function of different inputs such as water, fertilizer, pesticides, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Further, the environmental impact of the wholeJatropha curcasbiodiesel value chain is benchmarked with fossil diesel, following the ISO 14040/44 life cycle assessment procedure. Overall, this study shows that the use ofJatropha curcasbiodiesel generally reduces the global warming potential and the nonrenewable energy demand as compared to fossil diesel. On the other hand, the environmental impacts on acidification, ecotoxicity, eutrophication, and water depletion all showed increases. Key for reducing the environmental impact ofJatropha curcasbiodiesel is the resource efficiency during crop cultivation (especially mineral fertilizer application) and the optimal site selection of theJatropha curcasplantations.
Induction of Mitochondrial Changes Associated with Oxidative Stress on Very Long Chain Fatty Acids (C22:0, C24:0, or C26:0)-Treated Human Neuronal Cells (SK-NB-E)
Authors: Zarrouk Amira , Vejux Anne , Nury Thomas , El Hajj Hammam I. , Haddad Madouda , Cherkaoui-Malki Mustapha , Riedinger Jean-Marc , Hammami Mohamed , Lizard Gérard
Published: August 2012

In Alzheimer's disease, lipid alterations point towards peroxisomal dysfunctions. Indeed, a cortical accumulation of saturated very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs: C22:0, C24:0, C26:0), substrates for peroxisomalβ-oxidation, has been found in Alzheimer patients. This study was realized to investigate the effects of VLCFAs at the mitochondrial level since mitochondrial dysfunctions play crucial roles in neurodegeneration. On human neuronal SK-NB-E cells treated with C22:0, C24:0, or C26:0 (0.1–20 μM; 48 h), an inhibition of cell growth and mitochondrial dysfunctions were observed by cell counting with trypan blue, MTT assay, and measurement of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm) with DiOC6(3). A stimulation of oxidative stress was observed with DHE and MitoSOX used to quantify superoxide anion production on whole cells and at the mitochondrial level, respectively. With C24:0 and C26:0, by Western blotting, lower levels of mitochondrial complexes III and IV were detected. After staining with MitoTracker and by transmission electron microscopy used to study mitochondrial topography, mass and morphology, major changes were detected in VLCFAs treated-cells: modification of the cytoplasmic distribution of mitochondria, presence of large mitochondria, enhancement of the mitochondrial mass. Thus, VLCFAs can be potential risk factors contributing to neurodegeneration by inducing neuronal damages via mitochondrial dysfunctions.
Association between P2X7 Receptor Polymorphisms and Bone Status in Mice
Authors: Syberg Susanne , Schwarz Peter , Petersen Solveig , Steinberg Thomas H. , Jensen Jens-Erik Beck , Teilmann Jenni , Jørgensen Niklas Rye
Published: August 2012

Macrophages from mouse strains with the naturally occurring mutation P451L in the purinergic receptor P2X7 have impaired responses to agonists (1). Because P2X7 receptors are expressed in bone cells and are implicated in bone physiology, we asked whether strains with the P451L mutation have a different bone phenotype. By sequencing the most common strains of inbred mice, we found that only a few strains (BALB, NOD, NZW, and 129) were harboring the wild allelic version of the mutation (P451) in the gene for the purinergic receptor P2X7. The strains were compared by means of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone markers, and three-point bending. Cultured osteoclasts were used in the ATP-induced pore formation assay. We found that strains with the P451 allele (BALB/cJ and 129X1/SvJ) had stronger femurs and higher levels of the bone resorption marker C-telopeptide collagen (CTX) compared to C57Bl/6 (B6) and DBA/2J mice. In strains with the 451L allele, pore-formation activity in osteoclastsin vitrowas lower after application of ATP. In conclusion, two strains with the 451L allele of the naturally occurring mutation P451L, have weaker bones and lower levels of CTX, suggesting lower resorption levels in these animals, which could be related to the decreased ATP-induced pore formation observedin vitro. The importance of these findings for the interpretation of the earlier reported effects of P2X7 in mice is discussed, along with strategies in developing a murine model for testing the therapeutic effects of P2X7 agonists and antagonists upon postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Drug-Induced Oxidative Stress and Toxicity
Authors: Deavall Damian G. , Martin Elizabeth A. , Horner Judith M. , Roberts Ruth
Published: August 2012

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a byproduct of normal metabolism and have roles in cell signaling and homeostasis. Species include oxygen radicals and reactive nonradicals. Mechanisms exist that regulate cellular levels of ROS, as their reactive nature may otherwise cause damage to key cellular components including DNA, protein, and lipid. When the cellular antioxidant capacity is exceeded, oxidative stress can result. Pleiotropic deleterious effects of oxidative stress are observed in numerous disease states and are also implicated in a variety of drug-induced toxicities. In this paper, we examine the nature of ROS-induced damage on key cellular targets of oxidative stress. We also review evidence implicating ROS in clinically relevant, drug-related side effects including doxorubicin-induced cardiac damage, azidothymidine-induced myopathy, and cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
Spiral Deposition with Alternating Indium Composition in Growing an InGaN Nanoneedle with the Vapor‐Liquid‐Solid Growth Mode
Authors: Chang Wen-Ming , Liao Che-Hao , Chen Chih-Yen , Hsieh Chieh , Tang Tsung-Yi , Kiang Yean-Woei , Yang C. C.
Published: August 2012

The spiral deposition of InGaN with a quasiperiodical distribution of indium content along the growth direction for forming InGaN nanoneedles (NNs) with the vapor‐liquid‐solid (VLS) growth mode is demonstrated. The VLS growth is implemented by using Au nanoparticles (NPs) as the catalyst in metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The Au NPs on a GaN template are generated through pulsed laser irradiation. The observation of spiral deposition is based on the analyses of the scanning results in the high angle annular dark field and energy dispersive X‐ray measurements of transmission electron microscopy. In the measurements, the composition variations along and perpendicular to the growth direction (the c‐axis) are illustrated. The alternating indium content along the growth direction is attributed to a quasiperiodically pulsed behavior of indium supersaturation process in the melted Au NP at the top of an InGaN NN. The spiral deposition of InGaN is due to the formation of an NN at the location of an Au NP with a screw‐type dislocation beneath in the GaN template, at which the growth of a quasi‐one‐dimensional structure can be easily initiated.
Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Perspective on Current Evidence and Clinical Knowledge
Authors: Habib Ali , Smith Zachary A. , Lawton Cort D. , Fessler Richard G.
Published: August 2012

This paper reviews the current published data regarding open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in relation to minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF).Introduction. MI-TLIF, a modern method for lumbar interbody arthrodesis, has allowed for a minimally invasive method to treat degenerative spinal pathologies. Currently, there is limited literature that compares TLIF directly to MI-TLIF. Thus, we seek to discuss the current literature on these techniques.Methods. Using a PubMed search, we reviewed recent publications of open and MI-TLIF, dating from 2002 to 2012. We discussed these studies and their findings in this paper, focusing on patient-reported outcomes as well as complications.Results. Data found in 14 articles of the literature was analyzed. Using these reports, we found mean follow-up was 20 months. The mean patient study size was 52. Seven of the articles directly compared outcomes of open TLIF with MI-TLIF, such as mean duration of surgery, length of post-operative stay, blood loss, and complications.Conclusion. Although high-class data comparing these two techniques is lacking, the current evidence supports MI-TLIF with outcomes comparable to that of the traditional, open technique. Further prospective, randomized studies will help to further our understanding of this minimally invasive technique.
Familial Bell’s Palsy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kubik Mark , Robles Liliana , Kung Doris
Published: August 2012

Objective. To describe a unique case of familial Bell’s palsy and summarize the current literature regarding possible hereditary influences.Design. Case report.Main Outcome Measures. Clinical exam, CSF analysis, and family history provided per the patient.Results. We report the case of a 58-year-old female who presented with recurrent and bilateral episodes of facial palsy. The patient underwent multiple CSF investigations to rule out a possible infectious and rheumatologic etiology that were all negative. Further questioning revealed she was one of seven family members with a history of unilateral facial nerve paralysis.Conclusion. The sheer number of similar case studies to date suggests that familial clustering of Bell’s palsy is a real, noncoincidental phenomenon. Our case represents a unique and perplexing example of one such family. Familial Bell’s palsy may represent an autoimmune disease secondary to inherited HLA alloantigens or a structural predisposition to disease based on the dimensions of the facial canal.
The Durability of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Patients with Chronic Pain
Authors: Jungquist Carla R. , Tra Yolande , Smith Michael T. , Pigeon Wilfred R. , Matteson-Rusby Sara , Xia Yinglin , Perlis Michael L.
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term (six months) effects of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in patients with chronic pain. The results of the pre-post treatment effects have been reported previously. The therapy was delivered by an advanced practice nurse in a research setting using a parallel-group, randomized, single blind trial of CBT-I with a contact/measurement control condition. Outcomes included sleep diary, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Multidimensional Pain Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Profile of Mood States-short form, and the Pain Disability Index. Measurement time points were end-of-treatment, three-month and six-month posttherapy. Subjects receiving CBT-I(n=19), as compared to control subjects(n=9), did not exhibit any significant group by visit effects on measures of sleep, pain, mood, or function after end of treatment. However, subjects in the treatment group exhibited statistically(P=0.03)and clinically significant improvement in total sleep time (23 minutes) over the six months following treatment. In this paper, cognitive behavioral therapy directed to improve insomnia was successfully delivered to patients with moderate-to-severe chronic pain and the positive effects of CBT-I continued to improve despite the presence of continued moderate-to-severe pain.
Multiple Osteomas in Middle Ear
Authors: Li Yongxin , Li Qiuhuan , Gong Shusheng , Liu Honggang , Yu Zilong , Zhang Luo
Published: August 2012

Since the first description of middle ear osteomas by Thomas in 1964, only few reports were published within the English literatures (Greinwalid et al., 1998; Shimizu et al., 2003; Cho et al., 2005; and Jang et al., 2009), and only one case of the multiple osteomas in middle ear was described by Kim et al., 2006, which arose from the promontory, lateral semicircular canal, and epitympanum. Here we describe a patient with multiple middle ear osteomas arising from the promontory, incus, Eustachian tube, and bony semicanal of tensor tympani muscle. This patient also contracted the chronic otitis media in the ipsilateral ear. The osteomas were successfully removed by performing type III tympanoplasty in one stage.
Posttraumatic Parotid Fistula Treated with Transdermal Scopolamine: A Case Report
Authors: Pagliuca Giulio , Martellucci Salvatore , Rosato Chiara , Gallipoli Camilla , Gallo Andrea
Published: August 2012

A parotid fistula is a rare and extremely unpleasant condition. In this paper, we present the case of a 53-year-old woman with a diagnosis of posttraumatic fistula of the parotid gland. After exclusion of other therapeutic alternatives, it was decided to use transdermal scopolamine patches at sustained release (Scopoderm TTS). This technique consists in the application every three days of a patch with 1.5 mg of scopolamine in the area of the mastoid apophysis; the patch releases a dose of 0.5 mg of the active substance over each 24-hour period. The patient underwent periodic clinical followup over a period of three years, achieving satisfactory results with no significant adverse effects.
Enhanced Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Performance of Nanosized Anatase TiO2 Doped with CdS Quantum Dots for Cancer‐Cell Treatment
Authors: Huang Kangqiang , Chen Li , Deng Jieguan , Xiong Jianwen
Published: August 2012

CdS quantum‐dots‐(QDs‐)doped TiO2 nanocomposites were successfully synthesized using the sol‐gel technique and characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, EDS, UV‐Vis, and FS. They were then used as a new “photosensitizer” based on photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer‐cell treatment. The photocatalytic activities of CdS‐TiO2 on leukemia tumors were investigated by using Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay. The ultrastructural morphology of treated cells was also studied by AFM. The experimental results indicated that an obvious inhibition of tumor growth would be observed in groups treated with CdS‐TiO2 nanocomposites, and the PDT efficiency in the presence of CdS‐doped TiO2 was significantly higher than that of TiO2, revealing that the photocatalytic activities of TiO2 could be effectively enhanced by the modification of CdS QDs. Additionally, CdS‐ TiO2 can exhibit a very high photodynamic efficiency of 80.5% at a final concentration of 200 μg/mL under visible‐light irradiation. CdS‐TiO2 nanocomposites in this case were regarded as a promising application for cancer‐cell treatment.
Osteonecrosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Early, Frequent, and Not Always Symptomatic Complication
Authors: Caramaschi Paola , Biasi Domenico , Dal Forno Ilaria , Adami Silvano
Published: August 2012

Osteonecrosis may complicate the course of systemic lupus erythematosus and may contemporaneously affect multiple joints. The major risk factor associated with the development of osteonecrosis is the use of glucocorticoid at high doses. Recent studies using serial MRI, which represents the “gold standard” for the early detection of osteonecrosis, yielded some interesting findings about the natural history of this clinical entity. Osteonecrosis in the majority of the cases is asymptomatic and occurs early in the course of the disease. Its later occurrence is associated with lupus flare that requires the increase of corticosteroid dose. The optimal treatment of osteonecrosis is controversial. In case of silent osteonecrosis involving a small area conservative strategy is usually adequate. When lesions are symptomatic surgical treatment as core decompression or free vascularized fibular grafting is required; extracorporeal shockwave treatment may represent an alternative therapeutic approach. When the lesion has a medium-large dimension or involves a weight-bearing area bone collapse is a common complication requiring total joint replacement. Coadministration of bisphosphonate or warfarin with high doses of corticosteroid might be a promising preventive strategy of osteonecrosis.
Morphologic Features of Extrahepatic Manifestations of Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Ko Huaibin M. , Hernandez-Prera Juan C. , Zhu Hongfa , Dikman Steven H. , Sidhu Harleen K. , Ward Stephen C. , Thung Swan N.
Published: August 2012

Cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are the prototypic complications of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in the liver. However, hepatitis C virus also affects a variety of other organs that may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C infection include a multitude of disease processes affecting the small vessels, skin, kidneys, salivary gland, eyes, thyroid, and immunologic system. The majority of these conditions are thought to be immune mediated. The most documented of these entities is mixed cryoglobulinemia. Morphologically, immune complex depositions can be identified in small vessels and glomerular capillary walls, leading to leukoclastic vasculitis in the skin and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in the kidney. Other HCV-associated entities include porphyria cutanea tarda, lichen planus, necrolytic acral erythema, membranous glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, insulin resistance, sialadenitis, sicca syndrome, and autoimmune thyroiditis. This paper highlights the histomorphologic features of these processes, which are typically characterized by chronic inflammation, immune complex deposition, and immunoproliferative disease in the affected organ.
IgG4-Related Disease without Overexpression of IgG4: Pathogenesis Implications
Authors: Nishina Naoshi , Kaneko Yuko , Kuwana Masataka , Hanaoka Hironari , Kameda Hideto , Mikami Shuji , Takeuchi Tsutomu
Published: August 2012

IgG4-related disease is a new disease group that affects multiple organs. It is characterized by high serum IgG4 and abundant infiltration of IgG4-bearing plasma cells in the affected organ. Here, we describe an intriguing case that suggested that IgG4-related disease might present without IgG4 overexpression or infiltration, at least during a relapse. A 47-year-old man had been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus 15 years. He was admitted due to a pituitary mass, systemic lymphadenopathy, and multiple nodules in the lungs and kidneys. The serum IgG4 level was normal and histopathological examination of the pituitary mass showed abundant lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration with very few IgG4-positive cells. When we examined specimens preserved from 15 years ago, we found high serum IgG4 levels and IgG4-bearing plasma cell infiltration. This resulted in a diagnosis of IgG4-related disease, and we considered the current episode to be a relapse without IgG4 overexpression. This case indicated that, to clarify the pathogenesis of IgG4-related disease, current cases should repeat specimen evaluations over the course of IgG4-related disease to define diagnostic markers.
Perineal Accessory Scrotum with Congenital Lipoma: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Chatterjee Souvik , Gajbhiye Vishal , Nath Sasanka , Ghosh Dipak , Chattopadhyay Sarbani , Das Sukanta Kumar
Published: August 2012

A case of accessory scrotum in a 1-year-old boy is reported because of its rarity. A boy presented with a tumor mass attached with scrotum-like skin on its tip in the right side of perineum between the scrotum and anus. Both testes had descended into the scrotum. There was no other urological anomaly. Histological findings of the tumor indicated perineal lipoma, and the scrotum-like portion accessory scrotum. An overview of sequences during the normal development of male external genitalia has been provided and the deranged mechanism resulting in this anomaly has been reviewed with hypothesis regarding etiology of accessory scrotum.
Morphological Study on Room‐Temperature‐Cured PMMA‐Grafted Natural Rubber‐Toughened Epoxy/Layered Silicate Nanocomposite
Authors: Yuhana N. Y. , Ahmad S. , Kamal M. R. , Jana S. C. , Bahri A. R. Shamsul
Published: August 2012

A morphological study was conducted on ternary systems containing epoxy, PMMA‐grafted natural rubber, and organic chemically modified montmorillonite (Cloisite 30B). Optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) analysis were used. The following four materials were prepared at room temperature: cured unmodified epoxy, cured toughened epoxy, cured unmodified epoxy/Cloisite 30B nanocomposites, and cured toughened epoxy/Cloisite 30B nanocomposites. Mixing process was performed by mechanical stirring. Poly(etheramine) was used as the curing agent. The detailed TEM images revealed co‐continuous and dispersed spherical rubber in the epoxy‐rubber blend, suggesting a new proposed mechanism of phase separation. High‐magnification TEM analysis showed good interactions between rubber and Cloisite 30B in the ternary system. Also, it was found that rubber particles could enhance the separation of silicates layers. Both XRD and TEM analyses confirmed that the intercalation of Cloisite 30B was achieved. No distinct exfoliated silicates were observed by TEM. Aggregates of layered silicates (tactoids) were observed by SEM and EDX, in addition to TEM at low magnification. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of organic and inorganic elements in the binary and ternary epoxy systems containing Cloisite 30B.
Pediatric Nasal Lobular Capillary Hemangioma
Authors: Virbalas Jordan M. , Bent John P. , Parikh Sanjay R.
Published: August 2012

Background.LCH is a benign vascular growth of the skin and mucous membranes commonly affecting the head and neck. Since it was first described in the nineteenth century, this entity has been variously known as “human botryomycosis” and “pyogenic granuloma.” The shifting nomenclature reflects an evolving understanding of the underlying pathogenesis. We review the histopathology of and current epidemiological data pertaining to LCH which suggests that the development of these lesions may involve a hyperactive inflammatory response influenced by endocrine factors. We report two new cases of pediatric lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH) of the nasal cavity and review current theories regarding the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of nasal LCH.Methods. Retrospective case series.Case Series. Two adolescent females presented with symptoms of recurrent epistaxis, nasal obstruction, and epiphora. Both patients underwent computed tomography imaging and biopsy of their intranasal mass. The tumors were excised using image-guided transnasal endoscopic technique. Seven other cases of nasal LCH have been reported to date in the pediatric population.Conclusion. Nasal LCH is a rare cause of an intranasal mass and is associated with unilateral epistaxis, nasal obstruction, and epiphora. We advocate for image-guided endoscopic excision of LCH in the adolescent population.
Sinonasal Manifestations in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Oomen Karin P. Q. , April Max M.
Published: August 2012

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease, characterized by accumulation of thickened mucous secretions in exocrine glands. Although the major clinical manifestations of the disease are pancreatic and pulmonary disease, the majority of cystic fibrosis patients will develop sinonasal manifestations as well. This paper outlines the etiology, evaluation, and management of the nasal and sinus manifestations in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Gonococcal Subcutaneous Abscess and Pyomyositis: A Case Report
Authors: Jitmuang Anupop , Boonyasiri Adhiratha , Keurueangkul Nukool , Leelaporn Amornrut , Leelarasamee Amorn
Published: August 2012

Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) is an uncommon complication ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeinfection, its manifestation varies from a classic arthritis-dermatitis syndrome to uncommon pyogenic infections of several organs. Herein, we reported atypical presentation of DGI with subcutaneous abscess of right knee, pyomyositis of right lower extremity, and subsequently complicated byEscherichia colipyomyositis. This infection responded to appropriate antimicrobial therapy and prompt surgical management with good clinical outcome.
Renal Solid Mass as a Rare Presentation of Wagener's Granulomatosis: A Case Report
Authors: Mohammadi Sichani Mehrdad , Hadi Mazaher , Talebi Ardeshir , Khalighinejad Pooyan
Published: August 2012

Wagener's granulomatosis (WG) is a rheumatologic disease with unknown etiology which renal and pulmonary involvement is commonly seen. Renal involvement in Wagener's granulomatosis represents as a segmental necrotizing glomerulonephritis which is not visible with imaging techniques and usually presents with proteinuria, microhematuria, and hypertension. A rare presentation of the disease is a renal mass which can be mistaken as renal tumors, abscess, or lymphoma. We report a 22-year-old female with flank pain and fever who was admitted in our hospital. The patient underwent renal tumor biopsy and diagnosed with Wagener's granulomatosis in pathologic staining. The aim of this work is introduction of Wagener's granulomatosis as a differential diagnosis of renal tumors, to prevent unnecessary interventions and delayed treatment.
A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial with Vitamin D3 in MS: Subgroup Analysis of Patients with Baseline Disease Activity Despite Interferon Treatment
Authors: Åivo J. , Lindsröm B.-M. , Soilu-Hänninen M.
Published: August 2012

We present a subgroup analysis of the first double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial with vitamin D3 in MS. In the overall study population, there were 34 patients in the vitamin D arm and 32 patients in the placebo arm. All the patients were using interferon-β-1b (IFNB) therapy. The subgroup consisted of 15 patients in the vitamin D arm and 15 patients in the placebo arm, who had either at least one relapse during the year preceding the study or enhancing T1 lesions at the baseline MRI scan. We measured the total number of MRI T1 enhancing lesions, the number of new/enlarging T2 lesions and T2 lesion volume (BOD) (mm3), EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale), annual relapse Rate (ARR), timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), and timed 10-foot tandem walk (TT10W) at baseline and at 12 months in the vitamin D-treated and in the placebo-treated patients. There was a statistically significant reduction in the number of T1 enhancing lesions, a smaller T2 lesion volume growth and less new/enlarging T2 brain MRI lesions in the vitamin D3-treated than in the placebo-treated subgroup patients. The MRI results were slightly more pronounced in the subgroup than in the overall study population.
Comparative Gene Expression Profiling of Benign and Malignant Lesions Reveals Candidate Therapeutic Compounds for Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Edris Badreddin , Fletcher Jonathan A. , West Robert B. , van de Rijn Matt , Beck Andrew H.
Published: August 2012

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a malignant, soft-tissue tumor for which few effective therapies exist. Previously, we showed that there are three molecular subtypes of LMS. Here, we analyzed genes differentially expressed in each of the three LMS subtypes as compared to benign leiomyomas and then used the Connectivity Map (cmap) to calculate enrichment scores for the 1309 cmap drugs in order to identify candidate molecules with the potential to induce a benign, leiomyoma-like phenotype in LMS cells. 11 drugs were selected and tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of three human LMS cell lines. We identified two drugs within vitroefficacy against LMS, one of which had a strongly negative enrichment score (Cantharidin) and the other of which had a strongly positive enrichment score (MG-132). Given MG-132’s strong inhibitory effect on LMS cell viability, we hypothesized that LMS cells may be sensitive to treatment with other proteasome inhibitors and demonstrated that bortezomib, a clinically-approved proteasome inhibitor not included in the original cmap screen, potently inhibited the viability of the LMS cell lines. These findings suggest that systematically linking LMS subtype-specific expression signatures with drug-associated expression profiles represents a promising approach for the identification of new drugs for LMS.
A Classification Method of Normal and Overweight Females Based on Facial Features for Automated Medical Applications
Authors: Lee Bum Ju , Do Jun-Hyeong , Kim Jong Yeol
Published: August 2012

Obesity and overweight have become serious public health problems worldwide. Obesity and abdominal obesity are associated with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. In this paper, we first suggest a method of predicting normal and overweight females according to body mass index (BMI) based on facial features. A total of 688 subjects participated in this study. We obtained the area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of 0.861 and kappa value of 0.521 in Female: 21–40 (females aged 21–40 years) group, and AUC value of 0.76 and kappa value of 0.401 in Female: 41–60 (females aged 41–60 years) group. In two groups, we found many features showing statistical differences between normal and overweight subjects by using an independent two-samplet-test. We demonstrated that it is possible to predict BMI status using facial characteristics. Our results provide useful information for studies of obesity and facial characteristics, and may provide useful clues in the development of applications for alternative diagnosis of obesity in remote healthcare.
Design of a Wearable, Low-Cost, Through-Wall Doppler Radar System
Authors: Agneessens Sam , Van Torre Patrick , Declercq Frederick , Spinnewyn Bart , Stockman Gert-Jan , Rogier Hendrik , Vande Ginste Dries
Published: August 2012

A novel, low-cost, low-weight, wearable Doppler radar system composed of textile materials and capable of detecting moving objects behind a barrier is presented. The system operates at 2.35 GHz and is integrable into garments, making it well-suited for usage in difficult to access terrain, such as disaster areas or burning buildings. Wearability is maximized by relying on flexible, low-weight, and breathable materials to manufacture the key parts of the system. The low-complexity Doppler radar system makes use of an array of four textile-transmit antennas to scan the surroundings. The beam emitted by this array is right-hand circularly polarized along all scanning angles and provides a measured gain of 9.2 dBi. At the receiving end, textile materials are used to develop an active wearable receive antenna, with 15.7 dBi gain, 1.1 dB noise figure, left-hand circular polarization, and a 3 dB axial ratio beamwidth larger than 50°. Several measurement setups demonstrate that the onbody system is capable of detecting multiple moving subjects in indoor environments, including through-wall scenarios.
MicroRNA Regulation of Cholesterol Metabolism
Authors: Rotllan Noemi , Fernández-Hernando Carlos
Published: August 2012

Disruption of cellular cholesterol balance results in pathologic processes including atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis requires constant metabolic adjustment, achieved partly through the fine regulation of the classical transcription factors (e.g., by SREBP and LXR), but also through members of a class of noncoding RNAs termed miRNAs. Some miRNAs have now been identified to be potent post-transcriptional regulators of lipid metabolism genes, including miR-122, miR-33, miR-758, and miR-106b. Different strategies have been developed to modulate miRNA effects for therapeutic purposes. The promise demonstrated by the use of anti-miRs in human preclinical studies, in the case of miR-122, raises the possibility that miR-33, miR-758, and miR-106b may become viable therapeutic targets in future. This review summarizes the evidence for a critical role of some miRNAs in regulating cholesterol metabolism and suggests novel ways to manage dyslipidemias and cardiovascular diseases.
Intraoral Superficial Angiomyxoma of the Upper Alveolus: Report of a Unique Case
Authors: S. V. Ravindra , Raju M. Srinivasa , J. D. Sunitha , Taneja Neeraj , Chandra Sunira , Mahajan Shveta , Panwar Eesha
Published: August 2012

Angiomyxomas are relatively a group of uncommon myxoid mesenchymal tumors characterized by frequent local recurrences and show lack of malignant potential. Basically three types of angiomyxomas are recognized superficial, aggressive, and angiomyofibroblastoma. Though the angiomyxomas are rarely reported in the head and neck region, the paper shows reported cases intraorally in the buccal mucosa and floor of the mouth. Here, the authors report a rare case of angiomyxoma presenting as a growth in the upper posterior alveolar mucosa.
One-Haptic Fixation of Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lenses without Scleral Flaps
Authors: Moawad Ashraf I. , Ghanem Asaad A.
Published: August 2012

Purpose. To assess visual results and complications of a modified technique of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs) in aphakic eyes without scleral flaps.Methods. Modified one-haptic scleral fixation was performed in one eye each of 25 patients with aphakia and insufficient capsule support. Follow-up period was six months. Outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and postoperative complications.Results. The study included 15 males and 10 females. The preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged from 5/60 to 6/9. The operation time ranged from 25 to 45 minutes (mean 35.25 ± 5.34 min). Anterior vitrectomy was performed in 12 cases (48%). There was no major IOL decentration. The final BCVA ranged from 6/36 to 6/9. Seven cases (28%) showed postoperative glaucoma, five cases (20%) had temporary hypotony, and hyphema in 2 eyes (8%). No cases of suture erosion, postoperative endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, or IOL dislocation were detected.Conclusion. This technique of one-haptic scleral fixation of posterior chamber IOLs is a good choice in presence of insufficient capsule support. It reduces the operation time, achieves the IOL stability, and minimizes postoperative suture-related complications.
Error Bounds for lp‐Norm Multiple Kernel Learning with Least Square Loss
Authors: Lv Shao-Gao , Zhu Jin-De
Published: August 2012

The problem of learning the kernel function with linear combinations of multiple kernels has attracted considerable attention recently in machine learning. Specially, by imposing an lp‐norm penalty on the kernel combination coefficient, multiple kernel learning (MKL) was proved useful and effective for theoretical analysis and practical applications (Kloft et al., 2009, 2011). In this paper, we present a theoretical analysis on the approximation error and learning ability of the lp‐norm MKL. Our analysis shows explicit learning rates for lp‐norm MKL and demonstrates some notable advantages compared with traditional kernel‐based learning algorithms where the kernel is fixed.