bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent Dating Violence and Peplau’s Dimensions of the Self
Authors: Draucker Claire B. , Cook Christina B. , Martsolf Donna S. , Stephenson Pam S.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Adolescent dating violence (ADV) is a significant public health problem. Despite an association between ADV and lowered self-esteem, little research has examined identity issues in persons who have experienced ADV. OBJECTIVES: To use Peplau’s model of the dimensions of the self to describe identity concerns in those who experienced ADV. DESIGN: Verbatim comments that met Peplau’s definitions of self-statements were extracted from the narratives of 50 young adults who had taken part in an ongoing qualitative study on ADV. The statements were coded into Peplau’s dimensions using content analysis. RESULTS: 175 verbatim sentences were extracted from the narratives. The statements addressed 16 different personal characteristics, including strength, sociability, and aggressiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who have experienced ADV have a number of concerns related to self-concept. Recommendations are made regarding how these concerns may be addressed with investigative counseling, as described by Peplau.
Neural Correlates of Forethought in ADHD
Authors: Poissant Hélène , Mendrek Adrianna , Senhadji Noureddine
Published: April 2012

Objective: The purpose of the present investigation was to delineate the neural correlates of forethought in the ADHD children relative to typically developing (TD) children. Method: In all, 21 TD and 23 ADHD adolescents underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while performing a forethought task. The participants had to identify congruent and incongruent stimuli from cartoon stories representing sequences of action. Results: The findings revealed significantly greater activation in the bilateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) in TD versus ADHD children, and more activation in the cerebellar vermis in the adolescents with ADHD versus TD, during performance of the incongruent relative to congruent condition. Conclusion: The inverse pattern of activation of the PFC and the cerebellar vermis in both groups could reflect a compensatory role played by the cerebellum or suggest the malfunction of the neural network between those regions in ADHD. Further research of the neural correlates of forethought in ADHD is warranted.
Climate change and tourism futures: Responses by Australian tourism agencies
Authors: Zeppel Heather , Beaumont Narelle
Published: April 2012

There is a growing body of knowledge about the impacts of climate change on tourism destinations and about tourism’s commitment to address these impacts. However, there has been limited research about climate change responses by national or sub-national tourism agencies and the role they play in providing information, incentives and leadership to encourage the uptake of climate change actions by the industry. This paper assesses the climate change responses of nine Australian government tourism agencies. Information on climate change, sustainability and green business practices is drawn from the corporate websites, annual reports, tourism plans, fact sheets, and case studies produced by one national, six state and two territory tourism agencies from 2007 to 2010. The paper focuses on how government tourism agencies are addressing climate change mitigation by promoting carbon reduction initiatives and carbon offsetting schemes. Climate change tourism responses are more developed in Australian states with climate change policies and in destinations vulnerable to the impacts of climate change or dependent on long haul travellers. To date, few government tourism agencies report on their own carbon footprint or mitigation and offset measures. This study highlights a range of mitigation options that will assist government tourism agencies to address climate change impacts through policies, strategic plans and green business advice for tourism operators.
The effects of quercetin supplementation on cognitive functioning in a community sample: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Broman-Fulks Joshua J. , Canu Will H. , Trout Krystal L. , Nieman David C.
Published: April 2012

Background:

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of quercetin supplementation on neurocognitive functioning.

Methods:

A large community sample ( n = 941) completed a 12-week supplementation protocol, and participants were randomly assigned to receive 500 mg/day or 1000 mg/day quercetin, or placebo.

Results:

Results failed to indicate significant effects of quercetin on memory, psychomotor speed, reaction time, attention, or cognitive flexibility, despite large increases in plasma quercetin levels among the quercetin treatment groups.

Discussion:

Consistent with recent research, this study raises concerns regarding the generalizability of positive findings of in vitro and animal quercetin research, and provides evidence that quercetin may not have an ergogenic effect on neurocognitive functioning in humans.
Arabidopsis senescence-associated protein DMP1 is involved in membrane remodeling of the ER and tonoplast
Authors: Kasaras Alexis , Melzer Michael , Kunze Reinhard
Published: April 2012

Background

Arabidopsis DMP1 was discovered in a genome-wide screen for senescence-associated membrane proteins. DMP1 is a member of a novel plant-specific membrane protein family of unknown function. In rosette leaves DMP1 expression increases from very low background level several 100fold during senescence progression.

Results

Expression of AtDMP1 fused to eGFP in Nicotiana benthamiana triggers a complex process of succeeding membrane remodeling events affecting the structure of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the vacuole. Induction of spherical structures (“bulbs”), changes in the architecture of the ER from tubular to cisternal elements, expansion of smooth ER, formation of crystalloid ER, and emergence of vacuolar membrane sheets and foamy membrane structures inside the vacuole are proceeding in this order. In some cells it can be observed that the process culminates in cell death after breakdown of the entire ER network and the vacuole. The integrity of the plasma membrane, nucleus and Golgi vesicles are retained until this stage. In Arabidopsis thaliana plants expressing AtDMP1-eGFP by the 35S promoter massive ER and vacuole vesiculation is observed during the latest steps of leaf senescence, whereas earlier in development ER and vacuole morphology are not perturbed. Expression by the native DMP1 promoter visualizes formation of aggregates termed “boluses” in the ER membranes and vesiculation of the entire ER network, which precedes disintegration of the central vacuole during the latest stage of senescence in siliques, rosette and cauline leaves and in darkened rosette leaves. In roots tips, DMP1 is strongly expressed in the cortex undergoing vacuole biogenesis.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that DMP1 is directly or indirectly involved in membrane fission during breakdown of the ER and the tonoplast during leaf senescence and in membrane fusion during vacuole biogenesis in roots. We propose that these properties of DMP1, exacerbated by transient overexpression, may cause or contribute to the dramatic membrane remodeling events which lead to cell death in infiltrated tobacco leaves.
Elevated circulating soluble interleukin-2 receptor in patients with chronic liver diseases is associated with non-classical monocytes
Authors: Seidler Sebastian , Zimmermann Henning W , Weiskirchen Ralf , Trautwein Christian , Tacke Frank
Published: April 2012

Background

The soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R, sIL2R, sTAC, sCD25) is a reliable biomarker for disease activity in inflammatory disorders such as sarcoidosis. Based on the essential pathogenic role of inflammation for progression of liver diseases, we hypothesized that sIL-2R might be an indicator of inflammatory cell activation and disease severity in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD).

Methods

We measured sIL-2R serum levels in 71 patients with different stages and etiologies of CLD in comparison to 41 healthy controls. Serum sIL-2R concentrations were correlated with laboratory markers of liver diseases, cytokine / chemokine levels and circulating immune cell subpopulations as simultaneously assessed by FACS analysis from peripheral leukocytes.

Results

CLD patients showed significantly elevated serum sIL-2R levels compared with controls. sIL-2R was significantly higher in patients with compared to patients without established liver cirrhosis and increased with the Child-Pugh stage of cirrhosis, independent of the underlying etiology. sIL-2R levels correlated inversely with parameters indicating the hepatic biosynthetic capacity, such as albumin or international normalized ratio, and positively with non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis such as hyaluronic acid or procollagen-III-peptide. Circulating immune cells might represent a major source of sIL-2R. In fact, sIL2-R levels correlated closely with circulating monocytes, especially non-classical CD14+ CD16+ monocytes, which were found to express high levels of CD25 by FACS. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-2, IFNγ or IL-6, and chemokines were also associated with sIL2-R. In addition, renal failure was an important confounder of sIL-2R levels independent of liver dysfunction and inflammation.

Conclusions

sIL-2R is elevated in patients with liver diseases and cirrhosis, is associated with circulating inflammatory cells and is increased in concomitant renal failure. These data indicate that sIL-2R might be a potential marker for immune cell activation in CLD, especially for proinflammatory and profibrogenic non-classical CD14 + CD16+ monocytes.
The association of moderate renal dysfunction with impaired preference-based health-related quality of life: 3rdKorean national health and nutritional examination survey
Authors: Lee Hajeong , Oh Yun Jung , Kim Myounghee , Kim Ho , Lee Jung Pyo , Kim Sejoong , Oh Kook-Hwan , Jun Chin Ho , Joo Kwon Wook , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Suhnggwon , Kim Yon Su , Kim Dong Ki
Published: April 2012

Background

Only a few large-scale studies have investigated the association between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and renal function. Moreover, the HRQOL of patients with moderate renal dysfunction is frequently underestimated by healthcare providers. This study assessed the impact of renal function on preference-based HRQOL in Korean adult population.

Methods

We analyzed data for 5,555 adults from the 3rd Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2005. The EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) utility score was used to evaluate HRQOL. The study subjects were stratified into three groups based on their estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs): ≥ 90.0, 60.0-89.9 and 30.0-59.9 mL/min/1.73 m2. Individuals with advanced renal dysfunction were excluded from the analysis.

Results

The proportions of participants who reported problems in each of the five EQ-5D dimensions increased significantly with decreasing eGFR. However, a significant decrease in the EQ-5D utility score was observed among participants with an eGFR of 30.0-59.9 mL/min/1.73 m2. Participants with an eGFR of 30.0-59.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 had an almost 1.5-fold higher risk of impaired health utility (the lowest quartile of EQ-5D utility score) compared with those participants with eGFRs ≥ 90.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, after adjustment for age, gender, health-related behaviors, socioeconomic and psychological variables, and other comorbidities. Among the five dimensions of the EQ-5D, an eGFR of 30.0-59.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 was an independent determinant of self-reported problems in the mobility and pain/discomfort dimensions.

Conclusions

Although age affects the association between renal dysfunction and the EQ-5D, moderate renal dysfunction seems to be an important determinant of impaired health utility in a general population and may affect the mobility and pain/discomfort dimensions of health utility.
Erratum to: BTI-Tnao38, a new cell line derived from Trichoplusia ni, is permissive for AcMNPV infection and produces high levels of recombinant proteins
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshi , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Shiying , Chen Yun-Ru , Blissard Gary W
Published: April 2012

After publication we discovered an error in the identification of the origin of the cell line reported in our article in BMC Biotechnology (2010, 10:50), entitled "Ao38, a new cell line from eggs of the black witch moth, Ascalapha odorata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is permissive for AcMNPV infection and produces high levels of recombinant proteins". Upon analysis of primary A. odorata cultures, we found that they were contaminated with cells of Trichoplusia ni origin. The origin of the Ao38 cell line was determined as T. ni using three marker genes and the Ao38 cell line was renamed BTI-Tnao38. References to the origin of the cell line as Ascalapha odorata should be replaced with "a cell line of Trichoplusia ni origin". The absence of TNCL virus detection in the BTI-Tnao38 (Ao38) cell line was confirmed using a highly sensitive RT-PCR protocol capable of detecting TNCL virus RNA at approximately 0.018 copies/cell. Because of these observations, we have revised the title of the original article to "Correction: BTI-Tnao38, a new cell line derived from Trichoplusia ni, is permissive for AcMNPV infection and produces high levels of recombinant proteins" and two additional authors were added to reflect their contributions to the analysis of this cell line.
Role of nutritional status in predicting quality of life outcomes in cancer – a systematic review of the epidemiological literature
Authors: Lis Christopher G , Gupta Digant , Lammersfeld Carolyn A , Markman Maurie , Vashi Pankaj G
Published: April 2012

Malnutrition is a significant factor in predicting cancer patients’ quality of life (QoL). We systematically reviewed the literature on the role of nutritional status in predicting QoL in cancer. We searched MEDLINE database using the terms “nutritional status” in combination with “quality of life” together with “cancer”. Human studies published in English, having nutritional status as one of the predictor variables, and QoL as one of the outcome measures were included. Of the 26 included studies, 6 investigated head and neck cancer, 8 gastrointestinal, 1 lung, 1 gynecologic and 10 heterogeneous cancers. 24 studies concluded that better nutritional status was associated with better QoL, 1 study showed that better nutritional status was associated with better QoL only in high-risk patients, while 1 study concluded that there was no association between nutritional status and QoL. Nutritional status is a strong predictor of QoL in cancer patients. We recommend that more providers implement the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) guidelines for oncology patients, which includes nutritional screening, nutritional assessment and intervention as appropriate. Correcting malnutrition may improve QoL in cancer patients, an important outcome of interest to cancer patients, their caregivers, and families.
Homonymous Quadrantanopsia as the First Manifestation of Cerebral Metastasis of Invasive Mole: a case report
Authors: Song De-Lu , Zhong Yong , Feng Feng , Li Yuan , Li Meng-Hui
Published: April 2012

Introduction

Homonymous quadrantanopsia results from retrochiasmal lesions in the visual pathway. Invasive mole is a benign tumor that arises from myometrial invasion of a hydatidiform mole via direct extension through tissue or venous channels. Cerebral metastasis of invasive mole is rare and there has been no report demonstrating homonymous quadrantanopsia as the first manifestation of metastasis in any trophoblastic neoplasms.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 31-year-old Asian woman who presented with right homonymous inferior quadrantanopsia from the mass effect of a solitary cerebral metastasis from an invasive mole. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the brain showed a metastatic tumor in the left occipital lobe. The visual field improved slightly after chemotherapy. There was a reduction in the tumor size and the surrounding edema. This is the first case report demonstrating that homonymous quadrantanopsia should be included in the manifestations of the metastasis of an invasive mole.

Conclusions

The presentation of homonymous quadrantanopsia must alert ophthalmologists to conduct a complete medical history and arrange specialist consultation.
Outcome After Surgery Alone or With Restricted Use of Chemotherapy for Patients With Low-Risk Neuroblastoma: Results of Children's Oncology Group Study P9641
Authors: Strother Douglas R. , London Wendy B. , Schmidt Mary Lou , Brodeur Garrett M. , Shimada Hiroyuki , Thorner Paul , Collins Margaret H. , Tagge Edward , Adkins Stanton , Reynolds C. Patrick , Murray Kevin , Lavey Robert S. , Matthay Katherine K. , Castleberry Robert , Maris John M. , Cohn Susan L.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The primary objective of Children's Oncology Group study P9641 was to demonstrate that surgery alone would achieve 3-year overall survival (OS) ≥ 95% for patients with asymptomatic International Neuroblastoma Staging System stages 2a and 2b neuroblastoma (NBL). Secondary objectives focused on other low-risk patients with NBL and on those who required chemotherapy according to protocol-defined criteria.

Patients and Methods

Patients underwent maximally safe resection of tumor. Chemotherapy was reserved for patients with, or at risk for, symptomatic disease, with less than 50% tumor resection at diagnosis, or with unresectable progressive disease after surgery alone.

Results

For all 915 eligible patients, 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and OS were 89% ± 1% and 97% ± 1%, respectively. For patients with asymptomatic stage 2a or 2b disease, 5-year EFS and OS were 87% ± 2% and 96% ± 1%, respectively. Among patients with stage 2b disease, EFS and OS were significantly lower for those with unfavorable histology or diploid tumors, and OS was significantly lower for those ≥ 18 months old. For patients with stage 1 and 4s NBL, 5-year OS rates were 99% ± 1% and 91% ± 1%, respectively. Patients who required chemotherapy at diagnosis achieved 5-year OS of 98% ± 1%. Of all patients observed after surgery, 11.1% experienced recurrence or progression of disease.

Conclusion

Excellent survival rates can be achieved in asymptomatic low-risk patients with stages 2a and 2b NBL after surgery alone. Immediate use of chemotherapy may be restricted to a minority of patients with low-risk NBL. Patients with stage 2b disease who are older or have diploid or unfavorable histology tumors fare less well. Future studies will seek to refine risk classification.
Functional T Cells Targeting NY-ESO-1 or Melan-A Are Predictive for Survival of Patients With Distant Melanoma Metastasis
Authors: Weide Benjamin , Zelba Henning , Derhovanessian Evelyna , Pflugfelder Annette , Eigentler Thomas K. , Di Giacomo Anna Maria , Maio Michele , Aarntzen Erik H.J.G. , de Vries I. Jolanda M. , Sucker Antje , Schadendorf Dirk , Büttner Petra , Garbe Claus , Pawelec Graham
Published: April 2012

Purpose

To analyze the prognostic relevance of circulating T cells responding to NY-ESO-1, Melan-A, MAGE-3, and survivin in patients with melanoma with distant metastasis.

Patients and Methods

We examined 84 patients with follow-up after analysis (cohort A), 18 long-term survivors with an extraordinarily favorable course of disease before analysis (> 24 months survival after first occurrence of distant metastases; cohort B), and 14 healthy controls. Circulating antigen-reactive T cells were characterized by intracellular cytokine staining after in vitro stimulation.

Results

In cohort A patients, the presence of T cells responding to peptides from NY-ESO-1, Melan-A, or MAGE-3 and the M category according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer classification were significantly associated with survival. T cells responding to NY-ESO-1 and Melan-A (hazard ratios, 0.29 and 0.18, respectively) remained independent prognostic factors in Cox regression analysis and were superior to the M category in predicting outcome. Median survival of patients possessing T cells responding to NY-ESO-1, Melan-A, or both was 21 months, compared with 6 months for all others. NY-ESO-1–responsive T cells were detected in 70% of cohort A patients surviving > 18 months and in 50% of cohort B patients. Melan-A responses were found in 42% and 47% of patients in cohorts A and B, respectively. In contrast, the proportion was only 22% for NY-ESO-1 and 23% for Melan-A in those who died within 6 months.

Conclusion

The presence of circulating T cells responding to Melan-A or NY-ESO-1 had strong independent prognostic impact on survival in advanced melanoma. Our findings support the therapeutic relevance of Melan-A and NY-ESO-1 as targets for immunotherapy.
Direct percutaneous embolization of an iatrogenic lumbar artery pseudoaneurysm following unsuccessful coil embolization
Authors: Ikeda Osamu , Kawanaka Koichi , Nakasone Yutaka , Tamura Yoshitaka , Yamashita Yasuyuki
Published: April 2012

A 56-year-old man with acute myeloleukemia was hospitalized for lumbar pain. Treatment with antibiotics failed to improve the symptoms. For the diagnosis of infiltration by leukemia we performed CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of the L2-L3 disc and the L3 vertebral body using a left posterolateral approach. His symptoms were improved by treatment with antibiotics and he was discharged 4 days later. He again experienced lumbar pain 4 days post-discharge and was readmitted. Unenhanced CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a giant hematoma in the left psoas muscle and we suspected lumbar arterial injury. A preoperative aortography and transcatheter arterial coil embolization was then performed for the diagnosis and treatment of a lumbar artery pseudoaneurysm. On the preoperative angiography, pseudoaneurysm arising from the left lumbar artery was shown. All feeders were shown by the selective catheterization of the lumbar arteries and they were completely embolized using coils. However, contrast-enhanced CT obtained on the next day still demonstrated a pseudoaneurysm in the left psoas muscle. Thus, additional percutaneous embolization using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was performed. After this procedure, complete embolization of the pseudoaneurysm was obtained and his lumbar pain was relieved.
Pregnancy outcomes after metformin treatment for gestational diabetes: a case-control study
Authors: Balani Jyoti , Hyer Steve , Johnson Antoinette , Shehata Hassan
Published: April 2012

Background

There is increasing evidence that metformin is safe and effective in the treatment of gestational diabetes (GDM), although it has not yet been widely accepted for routine practice. We compared pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational GDM treated with metformin or dietary measures alone.

Methods

Women with GDM (324) not adequately controlled by diet received metformin according to protocol based on their home glucose results. Pregnancy outcomes in these women were compared with 175 GDM women treated with diet alone and matched for age and ethnicity.

Results

The percentage of macrosomic babies (birth weight [BW] centile >90th centile) and small for gestational age (SGA) (BW <10th centile) in the metformin group was significantly reduced compared with the diet group (12.7% versus 20%; P < 0.05 [macrosomia]; 7.7% versus 14.3% [SGA] P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Metformin treatment had a favourable impact on the rates of macrosomia and SGA despite more severe glucose intolerance at baseline.
Prevalence and presentation of chronic venous disease in Pakistan: a multicentre study
Authors: Khan A F A , Chaudhri R , Ashraf M A , Mazaffar M S , Zawar-ul-Imam S , Tanveer M
Published: April 2012

Our objective was to study the prevalence and clinical pattern of chronic venous disease (CVD) in the Pakistani population. This was a multicentre cross-sectional study in which 100 primary care physicians examined 3000 subjects. The study population was aged 18–95 years (mean ± SD = 39 ± 13.2) comprised 47.4% women and 52.6% men. The prevalence of CVD was 34.8%, being significantly higher ( P < 0.04) among men (36.4%) than women (33.0%). The maximum prevalence was of C3 (36.7%), followed by C2 (15.8%). The most frequent symptom was pain in the legs (59.2%) followed by heavy legs (42.7%) and night cramps (34.4%). The prevalence of symptoms increased with age but was similarly distributed between men and women. Family history of CVD, blood clots in veins and lack of exercise were significant risk factors. The roles of age or gender as risk factors could not be established. In conclusion, the prevalence and presentation of CVD in Pakistan is similar to most other countries.
Diagnostic accuracy of current sonographic criteria for the detection of outflow abnormalities in the internal jugular veins
Authors: Simka M , Ludyga T , Latacz P , Kazibudzki M
Published: April 2012

Objectives:

This study was aimed at evaluation of the diagnostic value of Doppler sonography for the assessment of abnormalities in the internal jugular veins (IJVs).

Method:

One hundred and sixteen IJVs were assessed in 58 patients with associated multiple sclerosis. Findings of Doppler sonography were compared with results of the reference test: catheter venography.

Results:

At least one positive extracranial sonographic criterion suggesting venous abnormality was found in 92.2% of the assessed veins. Yet, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of sonography were low: 93.4%, 12.0%, 79.4% and 33.3% for at least one positive criterion, and for at least two positive criteria: 29.3%, 75.0%, 81.8% and 21.7%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Our research has shown that currently used extracranial sonographic criteria for the detection of obstructive venous abnormalities in the IJVs are of limited diagnostic value. For the time being, diagnosis of this vascular pathology should be given using catheter venography.
Serum S100B Determination in the Management of Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Bouvier Damien , Fournier Mathilde , Dauphin Jean-Benoît , Amat Flore , Ughetto Sylvie , Labbé André , Sapin Vincent
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND

The place of serum S100B measurement in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) management is still controversial. Our prospective study aimed to evaluate its utility in the largest child cohort described to date.

METHODS

Children younger than 16 years presenting at a pediatric emergency department within 3 h after TBI were enrolled prospectively for blood sampling to determine serum S100B concentrations. The following information was collected: TBI severity determined by using the Masters classification [1: minimal or Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 15, 2: mild or GCS 13–15, and 3: severe or GCS <13]; whether hospitalized or not; good or bad clinical evolution (CE); whether cranial computed tomography (CCT) was prescribed; and related presence (CCT+) or absence (CCT−) of lesions.

RESULTS

For the 446 children enrolled, the median concentrations of S100B were 0.21, 0.31, and 0.44 μg/L in Masters groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between these groups (P < 0.05). In Masters group 2, 65 CCT scans were carried out. Measurement of S100B identified patients as CCT+ with 100% (95% CI 85–100) sensitivity and 33% (95% CI 20–50) specificity. Of the 424 children scored Masters 1 or 2, 21 presented “bad CE.” S100B identified bad CE patients with 100% (95% CI 84–100) sensitivity and 36% (95% CI 31–41) specificity. Of the 242 children hospitalized, 81 presented an S100B concentration within the reference interval.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum S100B determination during the first 3 h of management of children with mTBI has the potential to reduce the number of CCT scans, thereby avoiding unnecessary irradiation, and to save hospitalization costs.
Predicting Phenotypes from Genetic Crosses: A Mathematical Concept to Help Struggling Biology Students
Authors: Baurhoo Neerusha , Darwish Shireef
Published: April 2012

Predicting phenotypic outcomes from genetic crosses is often very difficult for biology students, especially those with learning disabilities. With our mathematical concept, struggling students in inclusive biology classrooms are now better equipped to solve genetic problems and predict phenotypes, because of improved understanding of dominance and recessiveness. Furthermore, this new concept has gained popularity among our dyslexic biology students who usually have difficulty in conceptualizing alleles and genes with alphabetical letters. In addition to giving these students the option of using numerical representations, this method minimizes confusion that is often caused by alphabetical representations.
A Bioinformatics Module for Use in an Introductory Biology Laboratory
Authors: Alaie Adrienne , Teller Virginia , Qiu Wei-gang
Published: April 2012

Since biomedical science has become increasingly data-intensive, acquisition of computational and quantitative skills by science students has become more important. For non-science students, an introduction to biomedical databases and their applications promotes the development of a scientifically literate population. Because typical college introductory biology laboratories do not include experiences of this type, we present a bioinformatics module that can easily be included in a 90-minute session of a biology course for both majors and non-majors. Students completing this computational, inquiry-based module observed the value of computer-assisted analysis. The module gave students an understanding of how to read files in a biological database (GenBank) and how to use a software tool (BLAST) to mine the database.
Investigating the Influence of Karrikins on Seed Germination
Authors: Beer Josef de
Published: April 2012

Recent research has identified a karrikin (a butenolide derative) known as 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one, formed from burning cellulose, that stimulates seed germination. Here, I present ideas on how to investigate the influence of karrikins on seed germination in the laboratory.
Impact of short-term high-fat feeding and insulin-stimulated FGF21 levels in subjects with low birth weight and controls
Authors: Vienberg Sara G , Brøns Charlotte , Nilsson Emma , Astrup Arne , Vaag Allan , Andersen Birgitte
Published: April 2012

Objective

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a metabolic factor involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. However, little is known about the physiological role of FGF21 during a dietary challenge in humans.

Research design and methods

Twenty healthy low birth weight (LBW) with known risk of type 2 diabetes and 26 control (normal birth weight (NBW)) young men were subjected to 5 days of high-fat (HF) overfeeding (+50%). Basal and clamp insulin-stimulated serum FGF21 levels were examined before and after the diet, andFGF21mRNA expression was measured in muscle and fat biopsies respectively.

Results

Five days of HF overfeeding diet significantly (P<0.001) increased fasting serum FGF21 levels in both the groups (P<0.001). Furthermore, insulin infusion additionally increased serum FGF21 levels to a similar extent in both the groups. Basal mRNA expression ofFGF21in muscle was near the detection limit and not present in fat in both the groups before and after the dietary challenge. However, insulin significantly (P<0.001) increasedFGF21mRNA in both muscle and fat in both the groups during both diets.

Conclusion

Short-term HF overfeeding markedly increased serum FGF21 levels in healthy young men with and without LBW but failed to increase muscle or fatFGF21mRNA levels. This suggests that the liver may be responsible for the rise of serum FGF21 levels during overfeeding. In contrast, the increase in serum FGF21 levels during insulin infusion may arise from increased transcription in muscle and fat. We speculate that increased serum FGF21 levels during HF overfeeding may be a compensatory response to increase fatty acid oxidation and energy expenditure.
Clinical Research Involving Children: Registration, Completeness, and Publication
Authors: Shamliyan Tatyana , Kane Robert L.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Effective health care for children must be based on thorough analyses of the best research evidence. The objective of this study was to examine registration, completeness, and publication of studies involving children.

METHODS:

We searched the ClinicalTrials.gov registry to identify all closed studies involving children and examined them for completeness and availability of results. We examined publication in peer-reviewed journals for 160 randomly selected National Institutes of Health (NIH)–funded studies from 2000 through 2010 and for 758 randomly selected completed studies.

RESULTS:

Of 3428 closed studies involving children identified in ClinicalTrials.gov, 2385 (70%) were completed, 28 (0.8%) suspended, 152 (4.4%) terminated, and 38 (1.1%) withdrawn. The proportion of non-completed studies (terminated and suspended) increased linearly by 186% between 2001 and 2009, from 1.9% to 8.4%. Of the 152 terminated studies, 48 did not report reasons for termination, 21 cited safety concerns, and 83 cited poor recruitment or other administrative reasons. Only 29% of completed studies were published. Publication that did occur was an average of 2 years after study completion. Completed interventional studies were published more often than observational studies. Completed industry-funded studies were published less often than studies funded by the NIH. Registered NIH-funded trials were published more often than unregistered.

CONCLUSIONS:

Results are unavailable for more than half of the studies involving children, revealing a substantial publication bias. Registration and posting of results on ClinicalTrials.gov should be mandatory for all studies involving children.
Race and Unequal Burden of Perioperative Pain and Opioid Related Adverse Effects in Children
Authors: Sadhasivam Senthilkumar , Chidambaran Vidya , Ngamprasertwong Pornswan , Esslinger Hope R. , Prows Cynthia , Zhang Xue , Martin Lisa J. , McAuliffe John
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND:

Interindividual variability in pain perception and analgesic response is a major problem in perioperative practice. Adult studies suggest pain management is influenced by patient’s race. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of race on perioperative pain treatment in children.

METHODS:

Prospective observational study evaluating effect of race on analgesia and opioid related adverse effects after tonsillectomy in African American and Caucasian children. A sample of 194 healthy children between 6 and 15 years of age were included. Race was self-identified by parents. All participants received standard perioperative care with a standard anesthetic and an intraoperative dose of morphine. Analgesia outcomes included maximum postoperative pain scores, postoperative opioid requirement, and analgesic interventions. Safety outcomes included incidences of opioid related adverse effects.

RESULTS:

African American children experienced significantly more postoperative pain than Caucasian children as measured by postoperative opioid requirement (P = .0011), maximum postoperative pain scores (P < .0001), and analgesic interventions (P < .0001) in the recovery room. Although Caucasian children received relatively less opioids perioperatively, they had significantly higher opioid related adverse effects (P = .039). African American children with obstructive sleep apnea were more likely to have prolonged post anesthesia recovery unit stay due to inadequate pain control.

CONCLUSIONS:

After similar uses of intraoperative morphine for tonsillectomy, there was an unequal burden of increased pain in African American children and increased opioid adverse effects in Caucasian children in the recovery room. Though Caucasian children received relatively less opioids perioperatively, they had higher incidences of opioid related adverse effects than African American children.
Control of Morphology of Nanoparticles – Liquid Crystal Colloids
Authors: West John L. , Zhang Ke , Glushchenko Anatoliy
Published: April 2012

In this work we report methods of formation of three-dimensional structures of particles in a liquid crystal host. We found that, under the appropriate conditions, the particles are captured and dragged by the moving isotropic/nematic front during the phase transition process. This movement of the particles can be enhanced significantly or suppressed drastically by application of an electric field and/or by changing the conditions of the phase transition, such as the rate of cooling. As a result, a wide variety of particle structures can be obtained ranging from a finegrained cellular structure to stripes of varying periods to a course-grained “root” structure. Changing the properties of the materials, such as the size and density of the particles and the surface anchoring of the liquid crystal at the particle surface, can also be used to control the morphology of the three-dimensional particle network and adjust the physical properties of the resulting dispersions.
Identification of distinct movement patterns in Pacific leatherback turtle populations influenced by ocean conditions
Authors: Bailey Helen , Benson Scott R. , Shillinger George L. , Bograd Steven J. , Dutton Peter H. , Eckert Scott A. , Morreale Stephen J. , Paladino Frank V. , Eguchi Tomoharu , Foley David G. , Block Barbara A. , Piedra Rotney , Hitipeuw Creusa , Tapilatu Ricardo F. , Spotila James R.
Published: April 2012

Interactions with fisheries are believed to be a major cause of mortality for adult leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), which is of particular concern in the Pacific Ocean, where they have been rapidly declining. In order to identify where these interactions are occurring and how they may be reduced, it is essential first to understand the movements and behavior of leatherback turtles. There are two regional nesting populations in the East Pacific (EP) and West Pacific (WP), comprising multiple nesting sites. We synthesized tracking data from the two populations and compared their movement patterns. A switching state‐space model was applied to 135 Argos satellite tracks to account for observation error, and to distinguish between migratory and area‐restricted search behaviors. The tracking data, from the largest leatherback data set ever assembled, indicated that there was a high degree of spatial segregation between EP and WP leatherbacks. Area‐restricted search behavior mainly occurred in the southeast Pacific for the EP leatherbacks, whereas the WP leatherbacks had several different search areas in the California Current, central North Pacific, South China Sea, off eastern Indonesia, and off southeastern Australia. We also extracted remotely sensed oceanographic data and applied a generalized linear mixed model to determine if leatherbacks exhibited different behavior in relation to environmental variables. For the WP population, the probability of area‐restricted search behavior was positively correlated with chlorophyll‐a concentration. This response was less strong in the EP population, but these turtles had a higher probability of search behavior where there was greater Ekman upwelling, which may increase the transport of nutrients and consequently prey availability. These divergent responses to oceanographic conditions have implications for leatherback vulnerability to fisheries interactions and to the effects of climate change. The occurrence of leatherback turtles within both coastal and pelagic areas means they have a high risk of exposure to many different fisheries, which may be very distant from their nesting sites. The EP leatherbacks have more limited foraging grounds than the WP leatherbacks, which could make them more susceptible to any temperature or prey changes that occur in response to climate change.
Prevalence of Neurocognitive and Balance Deficits in Collegiate Football Players Without Clinically Diagnosed Concussion
Authors: Mulligan Ivan , Boland Mark , Payette Justin
Published: April 2012

Study Design

Prospective cohort.

Objectives

To identify the prevalence of neurocognitive and balance deficits in collegiate football players 48 hours following competition.

Background

Neurocognitive testing, balance assessments, and subjective report of symptoms are a test battery commonly used to examine athletes suspected of having sustained a concussion. Previous literature suggests that many concussions go unreported. Little research exists examining the prevalence of neurocognitive or balance deficits in athletes who do not report concussion-like symptoms to a healthcare provider.

Methods

Forty-five Division IA collegiate football players participated in this study. Preseason baseline scores using the Balance Error Scoring System, the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing, and the Postconcussion Symptom Scale were compared to posttest results obtained 48 hours following a game. Prevalence of symptoms was analyzed and reported.

Results

Thirty-two (71%) of the 45 athletes tested demonstrated at least 1 deficit in either the Postconcussion Symptom Scale, Balance Error Scoring System, or at least 1 composite score of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. Nineteen of the 32 subjects demonstrated a change in 2 or more categories of neurocognitive and balance function.

Conclusion

In a cohort of football players tested 48 hours following their last game of the season, who did not seek medical attention related to a concussion, a significant number demonstrated limitations in neurocognitive and balance performance, suggesting that further research may need to be performed to improve recognition of an athlete's deficits and to improve the ability to assess concussion.

Level of Evidence

Differential diagnosis/symptom prevalence, level 3b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(7):625–632, Epub 24 April 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3798
Revisiting the Impact of NCLB High-Stakes School Accountability, Capacity, and Resources
Authors: Lee Jaekyung , Reeves Todd
Published: April 2012

This study examines the impact of high-stakes school accountability, capacity, and resources under NCLB on reading and math achievement outcomes through comparative interrupted time-series analyses of 1990–2009 NAEP state assessment data. Through hierarchical linear modeling latent variable regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting, the study addresses pre-NCLB differences in state characteristics and trends to account for variations in post-NCLB gains. While the states’ progress was uneven among different grades, subjects, and subgroups, NCLB did not yet evidence sustainable and generalizable high-stakes accountability policy effects. Improving average achievement as well as narrowing achievement gaps was associated with long-term statewide instructional capacity and teacher resources rather than short-term NCLB implementation fidelity, rigor of standards, and state agency’s capacity for data tracking and intervention.
Assay-Abhängigkeit der Calcitonin- Zielbereiche für „biochemisch geheilte“ Patienten mit medullärem Schilddrüsenkarzinom
Authors: Müller S. , Nagarajah J. , Lahner H. , Broecker-Preuss M. , Bockisch A. , Görges R. , Hartung-Knemeyer V.
Published: April 2012

Aim: Calcitonin (hCT) is an important diagnostic parameter in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). We determined the variability of the reference ranges of several currently available immunometric assays for „biochemically cured“ MTC patients. Patients, methods: We compared six assays [Nichols ICMA, Biomerica IEMA, Immulite 2000 (Siemens), Calcitonin-IRMA magnum (Medipan), SELco-IRMA (Medipan) and Calcitonin IRMA (Medgenix)] in subgroups of 198 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) after total thyroidectomy as a model for curatively treated MTC patients. In addition, hCT was measured after pentagastrin stimulation in 13 DTC patients and 13 patients with MTC. Results: The basal hCT concentrations were below the detection limit of the respective assay in 100% of all thyroidectomized DTC patients for Nichols ICMA (n = 138) and Immulite 2000 (n = 60), in 97% for Biomerica IEMA (n = 57), and in 85% for IRMA magnum (n = 20). However, basal hCT was mostly within the reference range in Selco-IRMA (n = 20) and Medgenix IRMA (n = 76). In all DTC patients and 9/13 MTC patients the pentagastrin stimulated hCT was below the detection limit for the Nichols ICMA and Immulite 2000, all four MTC patients with elevated stimulated hCT developed a recurrence during follow-up. Conclusions: For assays with high monomer specificity (Nichols ICMA, Biomerica IEMA, Immulite 2000, to a lesser degree IRMA magnum) biochemical cure is defined by basal and stimulated calcitonin levels below the detection limit. For assays with low monomer specificity (SELco-IRMA, IRMA Medgenix) calcitonin levels in the reference range of patients without thyroid diseases are consistent with “biochemical cure”.
Risk of malignancy in follicular thyroid neoplasm
Authors: Selkinski I. , Blasius S. , Rink T. , Schroth H.-J. , Grünwald F. , Zimny M.
Published: April 2012

The cytological diagnosis of follicular neoplasm is a common finding in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of thyroid nodules and includes benign disease as well as differentiated thyroid cancer. The aim of the study is to determine if thyrotropin is a predictive factor for a malignant nature of follicular neoplasm. Patients, methods: The records of 119 patients with follicular neoplasm on FNAC, who underwent surgery for final diagnosis, were reviewed retrospectively. The predictive value of serum parameters including thyrotropin, thyroglobulin, and anti-thyroid antibodies, ultrasonographic criteria and clinical variables was evaluated by univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis. Results, discussion: Patients with malignant nodules showed a higher thyrotropin concentration compared to patients with benign nodules (median 1.6 mU/l, interquartile range 1.4–3.0 mU/l vs. median 1.2 mU/l, interquartile range 0.8–1.6 mU/l, p < 0.01). ROC-analysis of thyrotropin revealed an optimal cut off value to differentiate benign and malignant nodules of 1.34 mU/l. The incidence of malignancy was 30.3% for a thyrotropin concentration higher than 1.34 mU/l compared to 6.4% for a thyrotropin concentration lower than or equal to 1.34 mU/l. On univariate analysis thyroglobulin higher than 300 ng/ml, positive anti-thyroid antibodies, hypoechogenicity, and ill-defined margins, respectively, were also significantly associated with malignancy. On logistic regression analysis higher thyrotropin concentrations, ill-defined margins, and thyroglobulin higher than 300 ng/ml, respectively, were independent predictive factors for malignancy (OR 20.0, 10.7, and 22.7, respectively). Conclusion: Higher thyrotropin concentrations are predictive for a malignant nature of follicular neoplasm.