bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
False Biomarker Discovery due to Reactivity of a Commercial ELISA for CUZD1 with Cancer Antigen CA125
Authors: Prassas Ioannis , Brinc Davor , Farkona Sofia , Leung Felix , Dimitromanolakis Apostolos , Chrystoja Caitlin C , Brand Randall , Kulasingam Vathany , Blasutig Ivan M , Diamandis Eleftherios P
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

By using proteomics and bioinformatics, we have previously identified a group of highly pancreas-specific proteins as candidate pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) biomarkers. With the use of commercially available ELISAs, the performance of some of these candidates was initially evaluated in a relatively small serum cohort (n = 100 samples). This phase revealed that CUB and zona pellucida-like domains protein 1 (CUZD1) may represent a new, promising PDAC biomarker.

METHODS

We performed detailed experiments to investigate the specificity of the commercial CUZD1 ELISA assay. CUZD1 was expressed in house in both bacteria and yeast expression systems. Recombinant CUZD1 and biological samples containing CUZD1, as well as commercial CUZD1 ELISA standards, were analyzed by Western blot, size exclusion HPLC, and mass spectrometry (LC-MS Orbitrap).

RESULTS

We confirmed that instead of CUZD1, the commercial assay is recognizing a nonhomologous, known cancer antigen [cancer antigen 125 (CA125)].

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that poor characterization of commercial ELISA assays is a factor that could lead to false biomarker discovery. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting that a commercial ELISA marketed for one analyte (CUZD1) may, in fact, recognize a different, nonhomologous antigen (CA125).
Immunological screening for tumor cells in serous body fluids has added value with the CELL-DYN Sapphire
Authors: Keuren Jeffrey F.W. , Hoffmann Johannes J.M.L. , Leers Mathie P.G.
Published: October 2013

Conventional cytological examination has limited sensitivity for detecting tumor cells in serous body cavity effusions and therefore, adjuvant techniques are necessary for a reliable diagnosis. Flow cytometry has proven benefit in these circumstances. The aim of our study was to explore the feasibility of CELL-DYN Sapphire, an advanced hematology analyzer with flow cytometric capabilities, for detecting tumor cells in serous body fluids, using CD326 monoclonal antibodies, which are directed against the epithelial marker EpCAM.

One hundred and five serous fluids (39 peritoneal and 66 pleural effusions) were analyzed by the CELL-DYN Sapphire using monoclonal antibody combinations CD3/CD19 and CD45/CD326. Of all samples a cytospin preparation was made and microscopically examined; the pathology findings served as a reference.

Using a threshold of 1% CD326+ cells, CELL-DYN Sapphire identified nine out of 12 cases with tumor cells in the serous effusions (sensitivity 75%), whereas routine cytology found eight cases (sensitivity 67%). The combination of immunophenotyping and cytology identified all 12 cases with tumor cells in the effusion fluid (sensitivity 100%). The specificities were 92% and 100%, respectively.

We demonstrated that it is feasible to run an immunophenotypic assay on CELL-DYN Sapphire for detecting tumor cells in serous body fluids. In addition, this study confirmed that a combination of conventional cytology and flow cytometry had a very high diagnostic yield in cases of carcinomatous effusions.
School-based intervention to promote healthy nutrition in Sousse, Tunisia
Authors: Kebaili Raoudha , Harrabi Imed , Maatoug Jihene , Ghammam Rim , Slim Slama , Ghannem Hassen
Published: October 2013

Introduction: Obesity among children is a major risk factor for chronic diseases. School interventions programs can represent a mean to implement healthy nutrition attitudes at early ages. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of a school intervention program to promote healthy nutrition among adolescents, in terms of knowledge, behaviors and intention.

Methods: Quasi experimental study among urban students in Sousse, Tunisia with 2 groups, intervention and control. The intervention group had an interactive program integrated with school courses that promoted healthy nutrition habits. Both groups had a pre post evaluation.

Results: 2200 students aged from 12 to 16 participated to the pre post evaluation. In the intervention group, there were significant changes form pre to post test in knowledge, intentions, and behaviors. In the control group, almost no significant changes were observed.

Conclusion: School intervention programs can represent an interesting approach to promote healthy nutrition habits among adolescents.
Iranian university students’ perceived reproductive health needs
Authors: Shahhosseini Zohreh , Abedian Kobra
Published: October 2013

Aim: One proposed strategy to improve youth health is needs assessment, a process for determining and addressing the needs of individual groups. The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes and perceptions of Iranian university students toward reproductive health needs, in order to promote the provision of reproductive health services.

Methods: Using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 548 students who were randomly selected from eight universities in Sari City, Iran. Topics covered the participants’ attitudes towards reproductive health needs as well as their opinion about proper sources of information in this area, as measured using a 5-point Likert scale.

Results: The mean age of participants was 21.57 years, and 57.82% were female. The maximum score of perceived reproductive health needs was related to “Be informed about appropriate behavior with my spouse”, and the majority of students (82.82%) supported family-based reproductive health education with emphasis on the mothers’ role. Although 65.14% of the participants agreed that “When a young has been raped, it’s better that she/he counsel with her/his family”, 11.67% of them stated that she/he must hide the problem. Finally, we found that 60.40% of the students preferred someone in a health care center as the one to explain how to use any contraception that may be provided for them.

Conclusion: Taken as a whole, these findings support the critical importance of programming for university students as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve the health and development of young adults.
First molecular evidence for the presence of Crocidura pachyura (Mammalia, Soricidae) in Kabylie (Algeria)
Authors: Nicolas Violaine , Hamani Adel , Amrouche Lilya , Bensidhoum Messaoud , Boukhemza Mohamed , Doumandji Salaheddine , Denys Christiane
Published: October 2013

To date,
Inflammatory adipokines contribute to insulin resistance in active acromegaly and respond differently to different treatment modalities
Authors: Olarescu Nicoleta C , Ueland Thor , Godang Kristin , Lindberg-Larsen Rune , Jørgensen Jens Otto L , Bollerslev Jens
Published: October 2013

Background

Active acromegaly is associated with insulin resistance, but it is uncertain whether inflammation in adipose tissue is a contributing factor.

Aim

To test if GH/IGF1 promotes inflammation in adipocytes, and if this is relevant for systemic insulin resistance in acromegaly. Furthermore, to investigate the effect of treatment modalities (transsphenoidal surgery (TS), somatostatin analogs (SAs), and pegvisomant (PGV)) on glucose metabolism and inflammatory biomarkers in acromegaly.

Methods

The in vitro effects of GH/IGF1 on gene expression of adipokines in human adipocytes were investigated. Body composition, glucose metabolism, and circulating adipokines (adiponectin (AD), high-molecular weight AD (HMWAD), leptin, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP1), and thioredoxin (TRX)) were measured in 37 patients with active acromegaly before and after treatment.

Results

In vitro GH, but not IGF1, increased VEGF and MCP1 in human adipocytes. In all treatment groups, body fat increased and IGF1 decreased to the same extent. Fasting glucose decreased in the TS (P=0.016) and PGV (P=0.042) groups, but tended to increase in the SA group (P=0.078). Insulin and HOMA-IR decreased in both TS and SA groups, while the PGV group showed no changes. Serum VEGF and MCP1 decreased significantly in the TS group only (P=0.010, P=0.002), while HMWAD increased with PGV treatment only (P=0.018). A multivariate analysis model identified the changes in GH and VEGF as predictors of improvement in HOMA-IR after treatment (R2=0.39, P=0.002).

Conclusions

i) GH directly promotes inflammation of human adipocytes by increasing VEGF and MCP1 levels; ii) glucose metabolism and inflammation (VEGF and MCP1) improve to some extent after treatment, despite an increase in adipose tissue mass; and iii) the decrease in insulin resistance after therapy in acromegaly depends, to some extent, on treatment modalities.
Cooling mass concrete: Owyhee, Hoover, and building large dams
Authors: Quivik Fredric L.
Published: October 2013

During the first half of the twentieth century, the US Bureau of Reclamation's engineers designed increasingly ambitious dams, culminating in the early 1930s with the construction of Boulder Dam (now known as Hoover Dam) on the Colorado River. Such projects required advancing the state of materials science, especially in understanding the behaviour of mass concrete as it hardened, leading in turn to new methods for pouring mass concrete. One requirement, when pouring a mass as large as Boulder Dam, was to remove the tremendous amount of heat generated by hydration, the chemical reaction that occurs as concrete cures, in order to keep the volumetric change of the mass to a minimum and thereby avoid undue cracking. Reclamation engineers developed a method to cool Boulder Dam's concrete mechanically, which they tested during the construction of Owyhee Dam in Oregon, which preceded Boulder Dam as the world's highest dam. This relationship between the construction of Owyhee Dam and Boulder Dam demonstrates the application of scientific research and the high level of complexity that engineers were able to manage well before the formal advent of systems engineering in the second half of the twentieth century.
A Spatial and Temporal Prediction Model of Corn Grain Yield as a Function of Soil Attributes
Authors: Rodrigues Marcos S. , Corá José E. , Castrignanò Annamaria , Mueller Tom G. , Rienzi Eduardo
Published: October 2013

Effective site‐specific management requires an understanding of the soil and environmental factors influencing crop yield variability. Moreover, it is necessary to assess the techniques used to define these relationships. The objective of this study was to assess whether statistical models that accounted for heteroscedastic and spatial‐temporal autocorrelation were superior to ordinary least squares (OLS) models when evaluating the relationship between corn (Zea maysL.) yield and soil attributes in Brazil. The study site (10 by 250 m) was located in São Paulo State, Brazil. Corn yield (planted with 0.9‐m spacing) was measured in 100 4.5‐ by 10‐m cells along four parallel transects (25 observations per transect) during six growing seasons between 2001 and 2010. Soil chemical and physical attributes were measured. Ordinary least squares, generalized least squares assuming heteroscedasticity (GLShe), spatial‐temporal least squares assuming homoscedasticity (GLSsp), and spatial‐temporal assuming heteroscedasticity (GLShe‐sp) analyses were used to estimate corn yield. Soil acidity (pH) was the factor that most influenced corn yield with time in this study. The OLS model suggested that there would be a 0.59 Mg ha–1yield increase for each unit increase in pH, whereas with GLShe‐spthere would be a 0.43 Mg ha–1yield increase, which means that model choice impacted prediction and regression parameters. This is critical because accurate estimation of yield is necessary for correct management decisions. The spatial and temporal autocorrelation assuming heteroscedasticity was superior to the OLS model for prediction. Historical data from several growing seasons should help better identify the cause and effect relationship between crop yield and soil attributes.
Spikelet Sterility is Associated with a Lack of Assimilate in High‐Spikelet‐Number Rice
Authors: Kobata Tohru , Yoshida Haruko , Masiko Uukina , Honda Tohru
Published: October 2013

New rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes bearing a high spikelet number (HS) occasionally cannot show their high yield potentials due to the lower grain‐filling rate. Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of spikelet sterility on grain filling in HS cultivars and to determine whether the assimilation factor around anthesis is related to spikelet sterility. Two japonica × indica and one japonica × javanica HS cultivars were grown and compared with single‐standard indica and japonica rice cultivars. Lower spikelet fertility (higher sterility) was accompanied by a lower filling percentage of spikelets (observed/potential grain yield) across cultivars and within the HS cultivars bearing different spikelet numbers as a function of N fertilizer treatments. To increase assimilate supply into the whole or lower part of the panicle, plant density was halved at heading or the upper half of the panicle was removed during the middle‐heading period. The halved density, and the removal of the upper panicle in particular, significantly increased spikelet fertility by 1.3 to 1.5 times in the lower part of the panicle in the HS cultivars. The spikelet fertility in HS cultivars could easily be decreased under adverse conditions of assimilation around flowering. The removal of the upper panicle in the HS cultivars significantly increased by 1.3 times the pollen count on the pistil in the low panicle position. These results suggest that spikelet sterility in the lower part of the panicle lowers grain‐filling in the HS cultivars and that inadequate assimilate supply around flowering results in spikelet sterility through a fault in the pollination process.
Factors Affecting Successful Establishment of Aerially Seeded Winter Rye
Authors: Wilson Melissa L. , Baker John M. , Allan Deborah L.
Published: October 2013

Establishing cover crops in a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation in northern climates can be difficult due to the short time between harvest and freezing temperatures. Aerial seeding into standing crops is one way to increase the time for germination and growth. Field studies were conducted to characterize the physical and chemical properties that affect winter rye (Secale cereale L.) establishment in corn and soybean, while a germination experiment was designed to determine optimal temperature and surface soil moisture content needed for successful germination. In the field study, 31 field‐scale sites (22 corn and nine soybean) were aerially seeded in southeastern Minnesota during late August to early September 2009, 2010, and 2011. Aboveground biomass was collected before the ground froze, and multiple regression analysis was used to relate biomass to multiple soil and weather conditions. Total N uptake also was determined. Overall, precipitation the week after seeding was the most important factor in determining rye establishment, although our model accounted for only 43% of the variation in biomass. The germination study characterized winter rye germination on the surface of three different soils equilibrated to –50, –200, and –500 kPa water potential placed in three low‐temperature incubators at 10, 18, and 25°C. Total germination was decreased by decreasing water potential in the sandy loam but not the clay or silt loam, suggesting that moisture content may be more important than water potential at the soil surface. Generally, germination was drastically reduced below a moisture content of 0.083 g g–1.
Physiological Responses of a Centipedegrass Mutant to Chilling Stress
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Guo Zhenfei , Fang Junyang , Lu Shaoyun
Published: October 2013

Physiological responses to chilling in γ‐ray‐induced mutant 22‐3 compared with two wild‐type lines (W1 and W2) with yellow‐stemmed stolons from the cultivar Common were analyzed to understand the chilling tolerance mechanism of centipedegrass [Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.]. The mutant 22‐3 showed an elevated chilling tolerance, with lower ion leakage and higher chlorophyll content after chilling treatment than the wild‐type plants. The maximum photochemical efficiency, quantum efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry, photochemical quenching efficiency, and net photosynthetic rate decreased after chilling treatment but were less affected in 22‐3 than in the wild‐type plants. Consistently higher levels of maximum net photosynthetic rate, apparent quantum yield, carboxylation efficiency, and light saturation point and lower levels of the CO2 compensation point and light compensation point were observed in 22‐3 than in the wild‐type plants after chilling treatment. Antioxidant enzyme activities and polyamines (PAs) including putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd), and spermine (Spm) remained higher in 22‐3 relative to the wild‐type plants during chilling stress. Activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate‐peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR) were highly correlated with Put and Spm, while APX, CAT, and GR were highly correlated with Spd. The results suggest that higher levels of PAs and antioxidants are associated with the elevated chilling tolerance in 22‐3 and improve protection of photosynthesis against chilling‐induced oxidative damage. We propose that manipulation of the biosynthesis of PAs could be valuable in centipedegrass breeding for increased chilling tolerance.
Camelina Yield and Quality Response to Combined Nitrogen and Sulfur
Authors: Jiang Yunfei , Caldwell Claude D. , Falk Kevin C. , Lada Raj R. , MacDonald Doug
Published: October 2013

Camelina [Camelina sativa L. Crantz], an oilseed crop in the Brassicaceae family, was field tested at multiple locations in the Maritime Provinces of eastern Canada in 2012 to evaluate the effects of N and S on seed yield, protein content, protein yield, oil content, and fatty acid profile. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block factorial design with six N rates (20, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 kg ha–1 N), two S rates (0 and 25 kg ha–1 S) and two lines of camelina (CDI005 and CDI007). The application of N increased the seed yield, protein content, protein yield, and percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA); however, N rate was negatively correlated with oil content and resulted in a reduction of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The optimum N rate for yield ranged from 120 to 160 kg ha–1 N. Sulfur affected yield, protein content, protein yield, oil content, percentage of MUFA, and percentage of PUFA only when the N level was sufficient.
Continuous Monitoring of Crop Reflectance, Vegetation Fraction, and Identification of Developmental Stages Using a Four Band Radiometer
Authors: Nguy‐Robertson Anthony , Gitelson Anatoly , Peng Yi , Walter‐Shea Elizabeth , Leavitt Bryan , Arkebauer Timothy
Published: October 2013

Real‐time monitoring of crop vegetation fraction and identification of development stages provides useful information for crop management. Using sensors at close range makes it possible to collect data with very high temporal resolution. This study used four‐band radiometers with green, red, red edge, and near infrared spectral bands for daily monitoring of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] reflectance during the growing season in three fields over 3 yr. Two fields were continuous irrigated maize and the third was managed under a maize/soybean rotation. The objectives were (i) determine diurnal and seasonal temporal behavior of reflectance in two contrasting crops, maize and soybean, (ii) remotely estimate the crop developmental stage using spectral spaces and vegetation indices, and (iii) estimate vegetation fraction using spectral spaces. Diurnal reflectance behavior indicated that the median reflectance measured within 2.5 h of solar noon was reliable for examining the daily behavior of reflectance and vegetation indices. Since the information content of reflectance in different spectral bands varies over the course of a season, spectral spaces (reflectance in one band vs. reflectance in another band) were constructed and shown to be a useful tool for identifying crop developmental stages. Five distinct stages of vegetation status (soil/residue, green‐up, vegetative, senescence, and soil/stover/residue) were accurately identified using the red vs. green reflectance spectral space. Vegetation fraction was estimated using spectral spaces in maize with estimation error below 0.071 and in soybean below 0.064. Thus, high temporal resolution sensors can be a reliable tool for monitoring vegetation for a variety of applications.
Physiological Responses of Creeping Bentgrass to Pigment‐Containing Products
Authors: McCarty Lambert B. , Gann James R. , Wells Christina E. , Bruce Terri F. , Gerard Patrick D.
Published: October 2013

Providing relief from summer stress is a constant goal when maintaining creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.)] golf putting greens. Colorants and other pigment‐containing products are marketed as a means of relieving summer stress but research supporting such claims is limited and was the objective of this study. Pigment‐containing products evaluated on bentgrass maintained under supraoptimal (>30°C) temperature stress included: TurfScreen (a combination of zinc oxide [ZnO], a green pigment, and titanium dioxide [TiO2]) and PAR (a commercial copper‐based pigment). Carbon dioxide exchange rate (µmol CO2 cm–2 s–1) was reduced >100% following Turfscreen and PAR applications and evapotranspiration rate (µmol H2O cm–2 s–1) was reduced ∼10% compared to nonstressed control plants. Fluorescence (Fv/Fm) was reduced ∼16% following Turfscreen and PAR application. Products (including a commercial paint and an additional copper‐based pigment, Foursome) were also applied to acrylic sheets to measure the transmission of photosynthetically active radiation. PAR and Foursome reduced the transmission of photosynthetically active radiation ∼20%, while TurfScreen and paint reduced it by 39 and 46%, respectively. Microscopy images revealed TurfScreen (higher viscosity) remained on the leaf surface, and covered stomata while PAR (lower viscosity) entered the leaf via stomata. Overall, products evaluated provided little consistent physiological benefit to creeping bentgrass in a heat‐stressed environment.
State‐Space Models Describe the Spatial Variability of Bromide Leaching Controlled by Land Use, Irrigation, and Pedologic Characteristics
Authors: Schwen Andreas , Yang Yang , Wendroth Ole
Published: October 2013

Understanding leaching mechanisms of surface‐applied solutes and pesticides is of paramount interest. One problem inherent in leaching experiments at the field scale is the considerably large spatial variability of flow‐controlling soil properties. Analyzing treatment effects based on the mean and variance of randomly taken field observations can become obsolete if there is a huge inherent variance in the set of measurements. Therefore, in a new experimental design, presented earlier and with treatments being arranged in a scale‐dependent manner, Bromide (Br−) leaching was analyzed under two contrasting land uses (cropland vs. grassland) and affected by different irrigation characteristics. Given the cyclic arrangement of treatments and pedologic properties such as texture and bulk density, the Br− leaching process and changes in the soil water status during the experiment were described by autoregressive state‐space models. The results showed that changes in soil water status could be described by state equations comprising the irrigation amount and to a smaller extent the land use. The spatial process of Br− leaching was described by autoregressive state‐space models incorporating land use, irrigation amount, and changes in the soil water status during the experiment, as well as clay content and bulk density as means of the analyzed profiles. The results of this study demonstrated the efficiency of state‐space models for describing field solute transport based on experimental treatments and underlying pedological properties. This way of analysis improved our knowledge about the relative influence of these factors on field‐scale solute leaching.
Using Late Time Data Improves the Heat‐Pulse Method for Estimating Soil Thermal Properties with the Pulsed Infinite Line Source Theory
Authors: Lu Yili , Wang Yajing , Ren Tusheng
Published: October 2013

Soil‐probe contact resistance and finite radius and heat capacity of the heat pulse (HP) probe produce significant errors in thermal property estimates. In this study, we demonstrated that estimating soil thermal properties from late‐time data of the temperature change‐by‐time (ΔT(t)) curve reduces these errors effectively. The weighted nonlinear curve fitting method was applied to estimate soil thermal properties following the pulsed infinite line source (PILS) theory using ΔT(t) data from the complete (PILS‐Complete), peak‐time (PILS‐Peak), and late‐time (PILS‐Late) ranges. Three experiments on specific heat of soil solids (cs), soil thermal properties, and soil water content (θHP) were conducted to examine the performance of these approaches. The results showed that the PILS‐Complete and PILS‐Peak methods overestimatedcsby 16.6% and 13.0% respectively, and the error from the PILS‐Late method reduced to 3.2%. Soil thermal conductivity measurements from the PILS‐Late method agreed well with those from the identical‐cylindrical‐perfect‐conductors theory and with the estimates from the heat flux plate data. The PILS‐Late method also effectively reduced the overestimation of soil heat capacity and underestimation of soil thermal diffusivity. In comparing to the PILS‐Complete method, the PILS‐Late method reduced the root mean square error (RMSE) of θHPfrom 0.039 to 0.021 m3m−3on a sand soil, and from 0.032 to 0.018 m3m−3on a clay loam soil. Thus, using late‐time data improved the accuracy of HP method for measuring soil thermal properties.
Estimation of Nonuniform Soil Thermal Properties by Harmonic Analysis
Authors: Ross P.J.
Published: October 2013

Existing methods of estimating spatially varying soil thermal conductivity and diffusivity using harmonic analysis of soil temperatures are applicable only at periodic steady state. This study adopted a more general Fourier analysis which is applicable when transients are present. Two new methods of estimation were compared with existing methods using synthetic data generated by solution of the one‐dimensional heat conduction equation in a soil whose water content varied with depth. All methods gave accurate results for the logarithmic derivative of conductivity and the diffusivity at steady state, but only the new methods were accurate when initial temperatures led to transients. Sensitivity to depth spacings and to noise were also investigated. Spatially interpolating the amplitude and phase of the temperature data with filtering for estimating derivatives allowed good results to be obtained in the presence of noise, especially for the diffusivity. Although the methods work best for temperatures at several depths and spacings of 0.05 m or less, errors in diffusivity were less than 8% with only three depths at 0.1 m spacing.
No Correlations Between the Development of Specific IgA and IgM Antibodies Against Anti-TNF Blocking Agents, Disease Activity and Adverse Side Reactions in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Benucci Maurizio , Saviola Gianantonio , Meacci Francesca , Manfredi Mariangela , Infantino Maria , Campi Paolo , Severino Maurizio , Iorno Miriam , Sarzi-Puttini Piercarlo , Atzeni Fabiola
Published: October 2013

The use of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists (infliximab [IFN], etanercept [ETN], adalimumab [ADA]) has changed the course of many rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, some questions concerning their safety have emerged since their approval because they can trigger immunisation, induce rare type I and III hypersensitivity, and cause acute and delayed reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations between hypersensitivity reactions to biological agents, disease activity and the development of class-specific IgA and IgM antibodies against the three anti-TNF agents in patients with RA.

This longitudinal observational study involved consecutive outpatients with active RA who started treatment with IFN (n=30), ETN (n=41) or ADA (n=28). Clinical data and systemic and local side effects were collected prospectively at baseline and after six months of anti-TNF treatment. Serum samples were taken at the same time points in order to measure antibodies against the TNF blockers, anti-nuclear (ANA) and anti-dsDNA antibodies. The IgA and IgM antibodies specific to all three anti-TNF-α agents were analysed using ImmunoCaP Phadia- Thermofisher especially developed in collaboration with the laboratory of Immunology and Allergy, San Giovanni di Dio, Florence.

The mean age of the 99 patients (86% females) was 54.6±12.4 years, and the median disease duration was 11.2±.3.2 years (range 3-14.3). The three treatment groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody positivity, and baseline C-reactive protein levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 28-joint disease activity scores, and concomitant medications. Twelve patients treated with INF (40%) had anti-IFN IgM, and two (6%) anti-IFN IgA; 19 patients treated with ADA (68%) had anti-ADA IgM, and four (6%) anti-ADA IgA; and 27 patients treated with ETN (66%) had anti-ETN IgM, and 24 (58%) anti-ETN IgA. There were five systemic reactions in the IFN group, and seven adverse local reactions in both the ADA and the ETN group. There was no correlation between drug-specific IgA and IgM antibodies (p=0.65). There was also no correlation between the antibodies and disease activity after six months of treatment (r=0.189;p=0.32).

Our findings show that the development of antibodies against IFN, ADA or ETN of IgA and IgM class are not related to any decrease in efficacy or early discontinuation of anti-TNF treatment in RA patients, nor to systemic and local reactions. Further studies of larger series of RA patients are needed to confirm the relationships between the development of drug-specific antibodies, serum TNF blocker levels, and disease activity.
Psychopathological Organizations and Attachment Styles in Patients with Fear of Flying: A Case Study
Authors: Veronese Guido , Procaccia Rossella , Romaioli Diego , Barola Gianpiero , Castiglioni Marco
Published: October 2013

Objectives:

The scope of the study is to identify the leading “organization of meaning” in patients affected by
aviophobia and the related attachment style. Specifically we hypothesized that participants with fear of flying would predominantly
display a phobic organization of meaning, associated with an anxious-ambivalent attachment style.

Methods:

150 adults, divided between an experimental group (FOF) and a control group (CON), completed three research
instruments: two self-report questionnaires assessing attachment style (AAQ and ASQ) and the self-characterization, a
qualitative constructivist tool.

Results:

The insecure attachment style prevailed in aviophobics rather than control group. Socio-economic and gender differences
were found. The vocabulary used by the group with flying phobia featured a system of meaning referring to
“freedom” family semantics.

Conclusions:

Attachment style appears to be a necessary but insufficient condition for predicting fear of flying. A greater
role in the disorder is played by the organization of patients' personality, as argued by socio-constructionist and constructivist
authors. Implication for clinical work and psychotherapy are discussed.
Bacteria-Derived DNA Fragment in Peritoneal Dialysis Effluent as a Predictor of Relapsing Peritonitis
Authors: Szeto Cheuk-Chun , Lai Ka-Bik , Kwan Bonnie Ching-Ha , Chow Kai-Ming , Leung Chi-Bon , Law Man-Ching , Yu Vincent , Li Philip Kam-Tao
Published: October 2013

Background and objectives

Relapsing and recurrent peritonitis episodes are important causes of treatment failure in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study explored whether the level of bacteria-derived DNA fragment in PD effluent predicts the development of relapsing or recurrent peritonitis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The study included 143 patients with PD peritonitis in a dialysis unit between September 2010 and December 2011. Every 5 days until antibiotic treatment ended, PD effluent was collected to determine bacteria-derived DNA fragment level, which is represented by the number of PCR cycles at which bacterial DNA could be detected. Patients were followed for the development of relapsing or recurrent peritonitis.

Results

Thirty-nine patients were excluded because of immediate treatment failure or incorrect diagnosis. Of the other 104 patients, 15 (14.4%) developed relapsing peritonitis, 3 (2.9%) had recurrent peritonitis, and 5 (4.8%) had repeat episodes. Patients with relapsing or recurrent peritonitis episodes had significantly higher levels of bacterial DNA fragment in PD effluent than those without relapsing or recurrence, both 5 days before (31.9±3.4 versus 34.3±3.0 cycles; P=0.002) and on the day of (32.3±2.6 versus 34.1±1.7 cycles; P<0.001) completion of antibiotics. When bacterial DNA fragment detectable by 34 PCR cycles 5 days before the completion of antibiotics is used as the cutoff, it has a sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 60.5% for the prediction of relapsing or recurrent peritonitis.

Conclusions

Bacterial DNA fragment levels in PD effluent are significantly higher, both 5 days before and on the date of completion of antibiotics, among patients who subsequently develop relapsing or recurrent peritonitis than among those cured by antibiotics. Further studies are needed to validate these results and confirm the clinical utility of dialysate bacterial DNA fragment level.
Psychosocial characteristics and motivational factors in woman seeking cosmetic breast augmentation surgery
Authors: Nikolic Jelena , Janjic Zlata , Marinkovic Marija , Petrovic Jelica , Bozic Teodora
Published: October 2013

Background/Aim. There are various opinions regarding the factors motivating
women to undergo breast augmentation. The aim of this study was to estimate
motivation for augmentation mammaplasty (AM), self-esteem and body image
perception in breast augmentation patients. Methods. This prospective study
involved AM patients operated in the Clinical Center of Vojvodina during a
3-year period. A total of 45 patients responded to our package of
questionnaires designed to assess motivation for surgery, self-esteem level
and body image perception. Those patients were compared to the control group
of women who did not want to change their breast size, and who were similar
in their age, social status and education level. Our package of
questionnaires included a general questionnaire, Photographic Figure Rating
Scale (PFRS) and Rosenberg?s Self-Esteem Scale. Results. Differences in
marital status, educational level, habitation and employment status were
statistically insignificant, but there was a significantly lower body mass
index (BMI) in the operated women. Considering motives for surgery, a few
factors were distinguished: desire to feel more feminine (82.2%), confident
(75.5%) and attractive (73.3%), to feel less shy with men (64.4%), to
improve their sex life (46.5%), teasing history (42.2%) and easier to find a
partner (11.1%) and job (2.2%). Both groups demonstrated a high self-esteem
level, but in the AM group results were lower than in the control group.
The mean current self-rating by the PFRS in the group AM was lower than in
the control group (4.28 ? 1.3 vs 5.12 ? 1.23, respectively) and this
coincided with lower BMI in the AM group. The women in the AM group had
chosen significantly smaller body size as maximally attractive, and had
chosen a narrower attractive body size range than the women in the control
group. Conclusion. Preoperative evaluation of patients? motives for surgery
can help surgeons to exclude woman with unrealistic expectations and
different psychological problems.
Correlation between extraintestinal manifestations and clinical parameters with the histologic activity index in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Stulic Milos , Culafic Djordje , Mijac Dragana , Jankovic Goran , Jovicic Ivana , Krstic Miodrag , Milosavljevic Tomica
Published: October 2013

Bacground/Aim. Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic,
idiopathic, inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract. The aim of this
study was to determine a possible correlation between the clinical
parameters of the disease activity degree and the presence of
extraintestinal manifestations with disease activity histopathological
degree, in patients presented with CD and UC. Methods. This cross-sectional
study included 134 patients (67 with CD and UC, respectively) treated at the
Clinic of Gastroenterology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade. After
clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, histopathologic and radiologic
diagnostics, the patients were divided into two groups according to their
histopathological activity. The group I comprised 79 patients whose values
of five-grade histopathological activity were less than 5 (45 with CD and 34
with UC), while the group II consisted of 55 patients with the values higher
than 5 (22 with CD and 33 with UC). The CD activity index (CDAI) and
Truelove and Witts' scale of UC were used for clinical evaluation of the
disease activity. Results. CD extraintestinal manifestations were present in
28.9% and 63.6% of the patients in the groups I and II, respectively (p <
0.05). Comparison of the mean CDAI values found a significant difference
between these two patients groups (the group I: 190.0 ? 83.0, the group II:
263.4 ? 97.6; p < 0.05). No correlation of extraintestinal manifestations of
the disease, Truelove and Witts' scale and histological activity was found
in UC patients (p > 0.05). Conclusion. In the patients presented with CD,
the extraintestinal manifestations with higher CDAI suggested a higher
degree of histopathological activity. On the contrary, in the UC patients,
Truelove and Witts' scale and extraintestinal manifestations were not valid
predictors of the disease histopathological activity.
Adhesive capsulitis: How to treat your patient?
Authors: Dubljanin-Raspopovic Emilija , Nedeljkovic Una , Tomanovic-Vujadinovic Sanja , Grajic Mirko , Krstic Nevena , Konstantinovic Ljubica
Published: October 2013

nema
Evaluation of risk factors associated with recurrent obstruction in cats treated medically for urethral obstruction
Authors: Eisenberg Beth W. , Waldrop Jennifer E. , Allen Sarah E. , Brisson Jennifer O. , Aloisio Kathryn M. , Horton Nicholas J.
Published: October 2013

Objective—To determine risk factors for short-term recurrent urethral obstruction in cats after treatment by means of urinary catheterization and hospitalization.

Design—Prospective case series.

Animals—83 client-owned cats.

Procedures—Physical examination findings, laboratory abnormalities, treatment decisions, and environmental changes were evaluated as risk factors for recurrent urethral obstruction in the 30 days following hospital discharge.

Results—Of the 68 cats with completed follow-up surveys, 10 had an episode of recurrent urethral obstruction. Older cats were significantly more likely to have recurrent urethral obstruction. No specific laboratory abnormalities were associated with the risk of recurrent urethral obstruction. Longer duration of catheterization was significantly associated with a decreased risk of recurrent urethral obstruction. Duration of hospitalization and volume of IV fluids delivered were not significantly associated with recurrent urethral obstruction. Increasing water availability after discharge was associated with a decreased risk of recurrent urethral obstruction. There was no association between diet and recurrent urethral obstruction.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of this study suggested that longer duration of catheterization may be associated with a lower probability of short-term recurrent urethral obstruction in male cats. Older cats were at higher risk for recurrent obstruction. Owners should be encouraged to increase water availability after discharge in cats treated for urethral obstruction to decrease the likelihood of recurrence.
Efficacy of two commercially available, low-magnesium, urine-acidifying dry foods for the dissolution of struvite uroliths in cats
Authors: Lulich Jody P. , Kruger John M. , MacLeay Jennifer M. , Merrills Jane M. , Paetau-Robinson Inke , Albasan Hasan , Osborne Carl A.
Published: October 2013

Objective—To compare the efficacy and safety of using 2 commercially available, low-magnesium, urine-acidifying dry foods to dissolve sterile struvite uroliths in cats.

Design—Prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial

Sample—37 cats with presumed struvite uroliths.

Procedures—Cats were randomly assigned to be fed 1 of 2 low-magnesium, urine-acidifying dry foods (food A or B). For each cat, physical examination, urinalysis, and abdominal radiography were performed weekly to assess treatment response.

Results—32 cats had complete urolith dissolution. Mean ± SD times for a 50% reduction in urolith size (0.69 ± 0.1 weeks) and complete urolith dissolution (13.0 ± 2.6 days) were significantly shorter for cats fed food A, compared with those (1.75 ± 0.27 weeks and 27.0 ± 2.6 days, respectively) for cats fed food B. At study termination, mean ± SD urine pH (6.083 ± 0.105) for cats fed food A was lower than that (6.431 ± 0.109) for cats fed food B. In 5 cats, uroliths did not dissolve and were subsequently determined to be composed of 100% ammonium urate (n = 4) or 100% calcium oxalate (1). Adverse events associated with diet were not observed in any of the cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that dietary dissolution is safe and effective for eradication of sterile struvite uroliths in cats. Cats fed food A had faster urolith dissolution than did cats fed food B. Lack of a reduction in urolith size at 2 weeks after diet initiation was indicative of misdiagnosis or noncompliance.
Use of a hand-assisted laparoscopic surgical technique for closure of an extensive mesojejunal rent in a horse
Authors: Witte Thomas H. , Wilke Markus , Stahl Christina , Jandová Vendula , Haralambus Rhea , Straub Reto
Published: October 2013

Case Description—A 7-year-old 573-kg (1,261 -lb) Swiss Warmblood gelding was evaluated because of signs of acute abdominal pain.

Clinical Findings—Physical examination revealed a markedly distended abdomen with subjectively reduced borborygmi in all abdominal quadrants. A large, gas-distended viscus was present at the pelvic brim preventing complete palpation of the abdomen per rectum. Ultrasonographic evaluation could not be safely performed in the initial evaluation because of severe signs of abdominal pain.

Treatment and Outcome—Ventral midline celiotomy was performed, and right dorsal displacement of the ascending colon was corrected. Progressive signs of abdominal pain after surgery prompted repeat ventral midline celiotomy, and small intestinal incarceration in a large, radial mesojejunal rent was detected. The incarceration was reduced, but the defect was not fully accessible for repair via the celiotomy. Repair of the mesenteric defect was not attempted, and conservative management was planned after surgery; however, signs of colic returned. A standard laparoscopic approach was attempted from both flanks in the standing patient, but the small intestine could not be adequately mobilized for full evaluation of the rent. Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) allowed identification and reduction of jejunal incarceration and repair of the mesenteric rent. Although minor ventral midline incisional complications were encountered, the horse recovered fully.

Clinical Relevance—HALS techniques should be considered for repair of mesenteric rents in horses. In the horse of this report, HALS facilitated identification, evaluation, and repair of a large radial mesenteric rent that was not accessible from a ventral median celiotomy.
A class of exactly solvable models for the Schrödinger equation
Authors: Downing Charles
Published: October 2013

We present a class of confining potentials which allow one to reduce the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation to a named equation of mathematical physics, namely either Bessel’s or Whittaker’s differential equation. In all cases, we provide closed form expressions for both the symmetric and antisymmetric wavefunction solutions, each along with an associated transcendental equation for allowed eigenvalues. The class of potentials considered contains an example of both cusp-like single wells and a double-well.
Timely identification of children with cancer
Authors: Starke Sven , Weber Axel , Fest Stefan , Fischer Lars , Christiansen Holger
Published: October 2013

Background. Cancer in childhood is rare, but nevertheless one of the most frequent causes of disease related death. Initial symptoms are often unspecific, frequently leading to a delay of cancer diagnosis. As a timely diagnosis can be crucial for the clinical outcome, our aim is to point out when unspecific symptoms should be considered suspect of being associated with specific cancer entities. Data sources. A systematic literature research in PubMed and current biliographies, as well as an evaluation of published epidemiologic data was performed. Results. This article reviews the typical presenting features and epidemiologic characteristics of the more common childhood malignancies, elucidates when specific and virtually unspecific symptoms require further evaluation, and gives advice how to start a rational diagnostic workup. Furthermore, genetic syndromes requiring increased watchfulness for cancer in childhood are demonstrated. Conclusion. Patients showing suspect symptoms should early be referred to specialized centres to assure optimal diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.
Intervention for cardiovascular risk factors decreases adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein levels in males — a pilot study
Authors: Sovova Eliska , Kaletova Marketa , Stejskal David , Kaminek Milan , Budikova Marie , Metelkova Iva , Horakova Dagmar , Sova Milan , Sovova Marketa , Palcik Jindrichv , Zapletalova Jana
Published: October 2013

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in developed countries. According to the 2012 European Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice, family history is a cornerstone for risk stratification of CVD. First-degree relatives are persons in whom CVD should be assessed and targeted intervention should be performed. The aims of this pilot study were (i) to determine risk factors (RFs) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a group of first-degree relatives of patients with CVD at baseline and after 1 year, (ii) to measure adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) levels as a potential connecting link between metabolic disease and atherosclerosis, and (iii) to determine the impact of targeted intervention on these parameters. The study comprised 62 asymptomatic subjects (41 males; mean age of 53.8±8.3 years). Preventive examinations and interventions were carried out at baseline and at 1-year follow-up to assess RFs and evaluate A-FABP levels. At 1 year, males had significantly lower levels of cholesterol (median 5.18 vs 4.67, p=0.005), HDL (median 1.24 vs 1.14, p=0.021), LDL (median 3.08 vs 2.46, p=0.021), ApoB (median 0.99 vs 0.82, p=0.012) and A-FABP (median 19.84 vs 16.73, p = 0.015). In females after 1 year, only significantly lower levels of fibrinogen (median 3.10 vs 2.79, p=0.043) were found. All subjects were clinically examined or contacted by phone after a mean of 36.7 months (range, 11–55). Over that time, no serious complications were noted. In males, intervention for RFs leads to lower levels of A-FABP as a potential RF linking metabolic syndrome to atherosclerosis.