bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The immigrants’ point of view: Acculturation, social judgment, and the relative propensity to take the perspective of the other
Authors: Sammut Gordon
Published: May 2012

Immigration comes with potential for increased opportunities but poses multifarious challenges to social integration. The local perception that immigration is unsustainable fuels identity threats that lead to surges in nationalism rather than multiculturalism. This paper reports three case studies of Maltese migrants to the UK. Adopting the migrants’ points of view, the paper documents how acculturation takes shape in a situation where immigrants face a social reality in which their own cultural point of view is that of a stranger. This furthers the study of points of view in cultural psychology by reconciling this focus with the socio-cognitive literature on perspectives and their relative propensity to interrelate. The form acculturation takes for individual migrants is demonstrated to be associated with the perspectives immigrants demonstrate and the extent to which they interrelate with cultural diversity.
Writing drug cultures
Authors: Nissen Morten
Published: May 2012

The paper juxtaposes the cultural mediation of experience through drugs with that performed with text. As a sample of the currently radically changing relations between professional and lay knowledge in the field of drug interventions, the website of a Copenhagen institution for young drug users is discussed. In particular, six different readings are offered of the coexistense of (professional) “facts” and (lay) “narratives”: Taking off from the two opposite, critical-modern readings where one cancels the other, and the parallellist reading that acknowledges the two cultures as simply unrelated, a fourth reading identifies a post-modern convergence between science and common sense. An ideology critique of the pragmatic construction of such common sense reveals it as a disengagement of language from material aspects of practice that produces a dichotomy of authenticity and pretense, and serves to regulate exclusion. This leads to an alternative articulation of the website as contributing to the construction of collectives that challenge the culture of consumption in which addiction is embedded. In conclusion, it is claimed that in order to grasp and facilitate such a more substantial recognition, it is necessary to transcend the standpoint of civil society and embrace a transformative welfare-state collectivity.
Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight in New York State Counties
Authors: Darling Rosa D. , Atav A. Serdar
Published: May 2012

The rate of low birth weight (LBW) is a national concern. In New York counties in 2009, the LBW rate was 8.2%. Reducing LBW has significant humanitarian and economic implications. At an average cost of $51,600 per infant, care for infants weighing less than 2,500 grams at birth is substantial. The purpose of this study was to identify demographic, socioeconomic, and health service factors that contribute to LBW among counties in New York. Analyses of data indicated that the number of MOMs providers and teen pregnancy rate were the strongest predictors for LBW. These findings reinforce the fact that LBW is a correctable phenomenon that can be addressed through public policy. With increasing budget cuts, provision of health services and implementation of programs that address teen pregnancy have become challenging. Public policy decisions and stewardship that support programs that increase the number of providers for the uninsured, underinsured, and economic underclass and maintain programs for the pregnant adolescent will help New York counties in their fight against LBW.
The COPII pathway and hematologic disease
Authors: Khoriaty Rami , Vasievich Matthew P. , Ginsburg David
Published: May 2012

Multiple diseases, hematologic and nonhematologic, result from defects in the early secretory pathway. Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II (CDAII) and combined deficiency of coagulation factors V and VIII (F5F8D) are the 2 known hematologic diseases that result from defects in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–to–Golgi transport system. CDAII is caused by mutations in the SEC23B gene, which encodes a core component of the coat protein complex II (COPII). F5F8D results from mutations in either LMAN1 (lectin mannose-binding protein 1) or MCFD2 (multiple coagulation factor deficiency protein 2), which encode the ER cargo receptor complex LMAN1-MCFD2. These diseases and their molecular pathogenesis are the focus of this review.
Hand hygiene instruction decreases illness-related absenteeism in elementary schools: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lau Claudia H , Springston Elizabeth E , Sohn Min-Woong , Mason Iyana , Gadola Emily , Damitz Maureen , Gupta Ruchi S
Published: May 2012

Background

Illness-related absences have been shown to lead to negative educational and economic outcomes. Both hand washing and hand sanitizer interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing illness-related absences. However, while the importance of hand hygiene in schools is clear, the role of instruction in use is less obvious. The purpose of this study was to compare absenteeism rates among elementary students given access to hand hygiene facilities versus students given both access and short repetitive instruction in use, particularly during influenza season when illness-related absences are at a peak.

Methods

A hand hygiene intervention was implemented from October to May during the 2009/2010 academic year, including peak flu season, in two Chicago Public Elementary Schools among students grades pre-kindergarten to eighth grade (ages 4–14). Classrooms were systematically assigned to an intervention or control group by grade (cluster design). Hand hygiene facilities (sanitizer and soap) were made available to all students. Students in the intervention group also received short repetitive instruction in hand hygiene every 2 months. Only absences as a result of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness were used to establish illness-related absenteeism rates. Percent absent days were calculated and bivariate analyses were performed to compare percent absent days among students given access to hand hygiene facilities versus students given both access and instruction. Prior to the intervention, teachers’ perceptions of students’ hand hygiene were also evaluated. Teacher perceptions were analysed to describe attitudes and beliefs.

Results

Data were collected and analysed for 773 students reporting 1,886 absences during the study period (1.73% of total school days). Both the percent total absent days and percent illness-related absent days were significantly lower in the group receiving short instruction during flu season (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, respectively). This difference peaked during the influenza season (when intervention began) and declined in the following months. Teachers (n = 23) agreed that hand hygiene is not performed properly among students and reported time constraints as a barrier to frequent hand washing.

Conclusions

Adding hand hygiene instruction to existing hand hygiene practices improved attendance at public elementary schools during the flu season. Standardized and brief repetitive instruction in hand hygiene holds potential to significantly reduce absenteeism.
New cell line development for antibody-producing Chinese hamster ovary cells using split green fluorescent protein
Authors: Kim Yeon-Gu , Park Byoungwoo , Ahn Jung Oh , Jung Joon-Ki , Lee Hong Weon , Lee Eun Gyo
Published: May 2012

Background

The establishment of high producer is an important issue in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture considering increased heterogeneity by the random integration of a transfected foreign gene and the altered position of the integrated gene. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based cell line development is an efficient strategy for the selection of CHO cells in high therapeutic protein production.

Results

An internal ribosome entry site (IRES) was introduced for using two green fluorescence protein (GFP) fragments as a reporter to both antibody chains, the heavy chain and the light chain. The cells co-transfected with two GFP fragments showed the emission of green fluorescence by the reconstitution of split GFP. The FACS-sorted pool with GFP expression had a higher specific antibody productivity (q
Ab) than that of the unsorted pool. The q
Ab was highly correlated with the fluorescence intensity with a high correlation coefficient, evidenced from the analysis of median GFP and q
Ab in individual selected clones.

Conclusions

This study proved that the fragment complementation for split GFP could be an efficient indication for antibody production on the basis of high correlation of q
Ab with reconstitution of GFP. Taken together, we developed an efficient FACS-based screening method for high antibody-producing CHO cells with the benefits of the split GFP system.
Bariatric surgery and T2DM improvement mechanisms: a mathematical model
Authors: Toghaw Puntip , Matone Alice , Lenbury Yongwimon , De GAETANO Andrea
Published: May 2012

Background

Consensus exists that several bariatric surgery procedures produce a rapid improvement of glucose homeostasis in obese diabetic patients, improvement apparently uncorrelated with the degree of eventual weight loss after surgery. Several hypotheses have been suggested to account for these results: among these, the anti-incretin, the ghrelin and the lower-intestinal dumping hypotheses have been discussed in the literature. Since no clear-cut experimental results are so far available to confirm or disprove any of these hypotheses, in the present work a mathematical model of the glucose-insulin-incretin system has been built, capable of expressing these three postulated mechanisms. The model has been populated with critically evaluated parameter values from the literature, and simulations under the three scenarios have been compared.

Results

The modeling results seem to indicate that the suppression of ghrelin release is unlikely to determine major changes in short-term glucose control. The possible existence of an anti-incretin hormone would be supported if an experimental increase of GIP concentrations were evident post-surgery. Given that, on the contrary, collected evidence suggests that GIP concentrations decrease post-surgery, the lower-intestinal dumping hypothesis would seem to describe the mechanism most likely to produce the observed normalization of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) after bariatric surgery.

Conclusions

The proposed model can help discriminate among competing hypotheses in a context where definitive data are not available and mechanisms are still not clear.
Standard abdominal wound edge protection with surgical dressings vs coverage with a sterile circular polyethylene drape for prevention of surgical site infections (BaFO): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mihaljevic André L , Michalski Christoph W , Erkan Mert , Reiser-Erkan Carolin , Jäger Carsten , Schuster Tibor , Schuhmacher Christoph , Kleeff Jörg , Friess Helmut
Published: May 2012

Background

Postoperative surgical site infections cause substantial morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, costs and even mortality and remain one of the most frequent surgical complications. Approximately 14% to 30% of all patients undergoing elective open abdominal surgery are affected and methods to reduce surgical site infection rates warrant further investigation and evaluation in randomized controlled trials.

Methods/design

To investigate whether the application of a circular plastic wound protector reduces the rate of surgical site infections in general and visceral surgical patients that undergo midline or transverse laparotomy by 50%. BaFO is a randomized, controlled, patient-blinded and observer-blinded multicenter clinical trial with two parallel surgical groups. The primary outcome measure will be the rate of surgical site infections within 45 days postoperative assessed according to the definition of the Center for Disease Control. Statistical analysis of the primary endpoint will be based on the intention-to-treat population. The global level of significance is set at 5% (2 sided) and sample size (n = 258 per group) is determined to assure a power of 80% with a planned interim analysis for the primary endpoint after the inclusion of 340 patients.

Discussion

The BaFO trial will explore if the rate of surgical site infections can be reduced by a single, simple, inexpensive intervention in patients undergoing open elective abdominal surgery. Its pragmatic design guarantees high external validity and clinical relevance.

Trial registration

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01181206. Date of registration: 11 August 2010; date of first patient randomized: 8 September 2010
Fructose-Induced Hypothalamic AMPK Activation Stimulates Hepatic PEPCK and Gluconeogenesis due to Increased Corticosterone Levels
Authors: Kinote Andrezza , Faria Juliana A. , Roman Erika A. , Solon Carina , Razolli Daniela S. , Ignacio-Souza Letícia M. , Sollon Carolina S. , Nascimento Lucas F. , de Araújo Thiago M. , Barbosa Ana Paula L. , Lellis-Santos Camilo , Velloso Licio A. , Bordin Silvana , Anhê Gabriel F.
Published: May 2012

Fructose consumption causes insulin resistance and favors hepatic gluconeogenesis through mechanisms that are not completely understood. Recent studies demonstrated that the activation of hypothalamic 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) controls dynamic fluctuations in hepatic glucose production. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate whether hypothalamic AMPK activation by fructose would mediate increased gluconeogenesis. Both ip and intracerebroventricular (icv) fructose treatment stimulated hypothalamic AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation, in parallel with increased hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxy kinase (PEPCK) and gluconeogenesis. An increase in AMPK phosphorylation by icv fructose was observed in the lateral hypothalamus as well as in the paraventricular nucleus and the arcuate nucleus. These effects were mimicked by icv 5-amino-imidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside treatment. Hypothalamic AMPK inhibition with icv injection of compound C or with injection of a small interfering RNA targeted to AMPKα2 in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) suppressed the hepatic effects of ip fructose. We also found that fructose increased corticosterone levels through a mechanism that is dependent on hypothalamic AMPK activation. Concomitantly, fructose-stimulated gluconeogenesis, hepatic PEPCK expression, and glucocorticoid receptor binding to the PEPCK gene were suppressed by pharmacological glucocorticoid receptor blockage. Altogether the data presented herein support the hypothesis that fructose-induced hypothalamic AMPK activation stimulates hepatic gluconeogenesis by increasing corticosterone levels.
“The Deep Ludicrousness of Lyric”: The Poet in T. J. Clark
Authors: Levy Ellen
Published: May 2012

Levy's chosen model for how to read poems is not a literary critic but an art historian, T. J. Clark. Why? To some extent, the author is following a more generalized “visual turn” in literary studies. But Clark is also a skilled and devoted close reader who, like many in literature, modeled his critical practice in this respect on that of the New Critics. What's more, Levy claims, Clark associates close reading with the reading of poetry in particular. Poetry features only rarely in the history of modernism as retold by art historians, but as Clark writes, “Lyric cannot be expunged from modernism, only repressed.” The essay thus traces the repression and reemergence of lyric poetry in art-historical discourse from the work of Clark's precursor Clement Greenberg through Clark's later books, Farewell to an Idea and The Sight of Death. The discussion ends with an imagined dialogue between Clark and the poet and art critic Frank O'Hara—whom Clark cites prominently in Farewell—on the subject of what they call “vulgarity,” which both writers see as a signal quality of late-modern lyric.
The space of linear maps into a Grassmann manifold
Authors: Ben Hammouda Walid , Kallel Sadok , Salvatore Paolo
Published: May 2012

We show that the space of all holomorphic maps of
degree one from the Riemann sphere into a Grassmann manifold is a
sphere bundle over a flag manifold. Using the notions of “kernel” and
“span” of a map, we
completely identify the space of unparameterized maps as well. The illustrative case of maps into the quadric Grassmann manifold is
discussed in detail and the homology of the corresponding spaces is computed.
Evaluation von E-Learning
Authors: Magenheim Johannes , Schwill Andreas
Published: May 2012

We summarize current methods and their lacks in analyzing e-learning approaches with respect to quality and present possible research challenges.
Lipid Profiles of Children With Down Syndrome Compared With Their Siblings
Authors: Adelekan Tahira , Magge Sheela , Shults Justine , Stallings Virginia , Stettler Nicolas
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVES:

Our objective was to compare serum lipid profiles, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) between children with Down syndrome (DS) and their non-DS siblings. We hypothesized that the children with DS would have higher TC, LDL, and TG and lower HDL. The secondary aim was to explore if the difference in lipid profiles could be explained by differences in weight status.

METHODS:

This was a cross-sectional study. Fasting lipid profile was obtained from 27 children with DS and 31 siblings between 4 and 10 years of age with no severe comorbidities (heart disease, cancer, hypothyroidism, diabetes, or obesity). BMI was calculated and BMI z scores were used to account for differences in BMI throughout childhood.

RESULTS:

Children with DS had higher TC (difference, 11.2 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval: 2.5–19.9; P = .01), LDL (12.8 mg/dL; 7.2–18.4; P < .001), TG (33.6 mg/dL; 11.1–56.1; P = .003), and lower HDL (−7.6 mg/dL; −12.1 to −3.0; P = .001) after adjustment for race, gender, age, and ethnicity. Results remained significant after additional adjustment for BMI z score: TC (14.9 mg/dL; 4.9–24.9; P = .003), LDL (16.6 mg/dL; 10.1–23.2; P < .001), TG (32.7 mg/dL; 7.7–57.7; P = .01), and lower HDL (−6.4 mg/dL; −12.2 to −0.7; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS:

Children with DS have less favorable lipid profiles than their siblings independent of weight status. These findings may have important implications for the screening and treatment of this large population at increased risk for ischemic heart disease.
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Patients With Complete Deletion of One WT1 Allele
Authors: Iijima Kazumoto , Someya Tomonosuke , Ito Shuichi , Nozu Kandai , Nakanishi Koichi , Matsuoka Kentaro , Ohashi Hirofumi , Nagata Michio , Kamei Koichi , Sasaki Satoshi
Published: May 2012

The renal prognosis of patients with Wilms’ tumor, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, and mental retardation syndrome (WAGR) is poor. However, the renal histology and its mechanisms are not well understood. We performed renal biopsies in 3 patients with WAGR syndrome who had heavy proteinuria. The complete deletion of one WT1 allele was detected in each patient by constitutional chromosomal deletion at 11p13 using G-banding, high-resolution G-banding, and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The patients exhibited proteinuria at the ages of 6, 10, and 6 years and were diagnosed as having focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) at the ages of 7, 16 and 19 years, respectively. They exhibited normal or mildly declined renal function at the time of biopsy. Re-examination of a nephrectomized kidney from 1 patient revealed that some glomeruli showed segmental sclerosis, although he did not have proteinuria at the time of nephrectomy. The other 2 patients did not develop Wilms’ tumor and thus did not undergo nephrectomy, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, thereby eliminating any effect of these therapies on the renal histology. In conclusion, complete deletion of one WT1 allele may induce the development of FSGS. Our findings suggest that haploinsufficiency of the WT1 could be responsible for the development of FSGS.
Randomized Trial of Sumatriptan and Naproxen Sodium Combination in Adolescent Migraine
Authors: Derosier Frederick J. , Lewis Donald , Hershey Andrew D. , Winner Paul K. , Pearlman Eric , Rothner Arnold David , Linder Steven L. , Goodman David K. , Jimenez Theresa B. , Granberry Wendy K. , Runken M. Chris
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

Treatment of adolescent migraine remains a significant unmet medical need. We compared the efficacy and safety of 3 doses of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium (suma/nap) combination tablets to placebo in the acute treatment of adolescent migraine.

METHODS:

This randomized, parallel group study in 12 to 17 year olds required 2 to 8 migraines per month (typically lasting >3 hours untreated) for ≥6 months. Subjects entered a 12-week run-in phase, treating 1 moderate-to-severe migraine (attack 1) with single-blind placebo. Subjects reporting headache pain 2 hours after dosing were randomly assigned into a 12-week double-blind phase, treating 1 moderate-to-severe migraine (attack 2) with placebo (n = 145), suma/nap 10/60 mg (n = 96), 30/180 mg (n = 97), or 85/500 mg (n = 152). The primary end point was the percentage of subjects pain-free at 2 hours.

RESULTS:

The attack 2 adjusted (age; baseline pain severity) 2-hour pain-free rates were higher with suma/nap 10/60 mg (29%; adjusted P = .003), 30/180 mg (27%; adjusted P = .003), and 85/500 mg (24%; adjusted P = .003) versus placebo (10%). Posthoc primary end-point analyses did not demonstrate differences among the 3 doses or an age-by-treatment interaction. Statistically significant differences were found for 85/500 mg versus placebo for sustained pain-free 2 to 24 hours (23% vs 9%; adjusted P = .008), 2-hour photophobia-free (59% vs 41%; adjusted P = .008), and 2-hour phonophobia-free (60% vs 42%; adjusted P = .008). Analyses of other pain, associated symptoms, rescue medication use, and health outcome end points supported higher efficacy for active doses versus placebo. All active doses were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS:

All doses of suma/nap were well tolerated, providing similarly effective acute treatment of adolescent migraine pain and associated symptoms, as compared with placebo.
Oral Dimenhydrinate Versus Placebo in Children With Gastroenteritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gouin Serge , Vo Thuy-Tien , Roy Michel , Lebel Denis , Gravel Jocelyn
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral dimenhydrinate in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis.

METHODS:

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in the emergency department of a pediatric university-affiliated center. Children 1 to 12 years old who presented to the emergency department with at least 5 episodes of vomiting in the previous 12 hours and diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis were block-randomized to receive oral dimenhydrinate (1 mg/kg; maximum: 50 mg) every 6 hours for 4 doses or placebo for 4 doses. The primary outcome measure was treatment failure as defined by the occurrence of ≥2 episodes of vomiting in the 24 hours after administration of the first dose of the study medication.

RESULTS:

During the study period, 209 patients met inclusion criteria, but 50 refused to participate and 7 were missed. Eight participants were lost to follow-up, and 144 were thus included in the primary analysis. Of these patients, 74 were randomized to receive dimenhydrinate and 70 placebo. The proportions of patients showing failure of treatment were similar for both treatment groups: dimenhydrinate, 31% (23 of 74); placebo, 29% (20 of 70) (difference: 0.02 [95% confidence interval: –0.12 to 0.17]). There were no differences between the 2 groups in rates of intravenous cathether insertion, mean number of episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, duration of symptoms, revisit rates, or parental absenteeism. The proportions of adverse effects were similar in both groups (53% vs 54%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The prescription of oral dimenhydrinate did not significantly decrease the frequency of vomiting in children with acute gastroenteritis compared with placebo.
Discharge coefficient of side weirs in curved channels
Authors: Agaccioglu Hayrullah , Emiroglu M. Emin , Kaya Nihat
Published: May 2012

Side weirs are flow diversion devices commonly used in irrigation, land drainage and urban sewage systems. It is essential for hydraulic and environmental engineers involved in the design of side weirs to predict the discharge coefficient correctly. The aim of this study is to present an accurate equation for discharge coefficients along the bend of sharp-crested rectangular side weirs based on a total of 1504 experimental runs. The discharge coefficient of the rectangular side weir along the bend depends on the dimensionless parameters of Froude number in the main channel F1, the angle of bend curvature α, the ratio of weir length to main channel width L/b, the ratio of weir length to radius of main channel centreline L/rc and the ratio of weir height to upstream flow depth p/h1. In particular, the variables L/rc and p/h1 are not seen in any equation for a rectangular side weir located on a curved channel. However, it was found that these dimensionless parameters were significantly important for the overflow rate. Moreover, the equation in the literature needs interpolation in order to obtain the discharge coefficient for different L/b and α values. Therefore, a reliable equation containing all dimensionless parameters for calculating the discharge coefficient was introduced.
From migration to nomadism: movement variability in a northern ungulate across its latitudinal range
Authors: Singh Navinder J. , Börger Luca , Dettki Holger , Bunnefeld Nils , Ericsson Göran
Published: May 2012

Understanding the causes and consequences of animal movements is of fundamental biological interest because any alteration in movement can have direct and indirect effects on ecosystem structure and function. It is also crucial for assisting spatial wildlife management under variable environmental change scenarios. Recent research has highlighted the need of quantifying individual variability in movement behavior and how it is generated by interactions between individual requirements and environmental conditions, to understand the emergence of population‐level patterns. Using a multi‐annual movement data set of 213 individual moose (Alces alces) across a latitudinal gradient (from 56° to 67° N) that spans over 1100 km of varying environmental conditions, we analyze the differences in individual and population‐level movements. We tested the effect of climate, risk, and human presence in the landscape on moose movements. The variation in these factors explained the existence of multiple movements (migration, nomadism, dispersal, sedentary) among individuals and seven populations. Population differences were primarily related to latitudinal variation in snow depth and road density. Individuals showed both fixed and flexible behaviors across years, and were less likely to migrate with age in interaction with snow and roads. For the predominant movement strategy, migration, the distance, timing, and duration at all latitudes varied between years. Males traveled longer distances and began migrating later in spring than females. Our study provides strong quantitative evidence for the dynamics of animal movements in response to changes in environmental conditions along with varying risk from human influence across the landscape. For moose, given its wide distributional range, changes in the distribution and migratory behavior are expected under future warming scenarios.
Toxicokinetics and correlation of carbamazepine salivary and serum concentrations in acute poisonings
Authors: Djordjevic Snezana , Kilibarda Vesna , Vucinic Slavica , Stojanovic Tomislav , Antonijevic Biljana
Published: May 2012

Background/Aim. Saliva is a body fluid which, like serum, can be used for
determination of concentrations of certain drugs, both in pharmacotherapy as
well as in acute poisonings. The aim of this study was to determine
carbamazepine concentrations in both saliva and serum in acute poisoning in
order to show if there is a correlation between the obtained values, as well
as to monitor toxicokinetics of carbamazepine in body fluides. Methods.
Saliva and serum samples were obtained from 26 patients treated with
carbamazepine and 20 patients acutely poisoned by the drug immediately after
their admission in the Emergency Toxicology Unit. Determination of salivary
and serum carbamazepine concentrations was performed by the validated high
pressure liquid chromatographyultraviolet (HPLC-UV) method. Results. A
significant correlation of salivary and serum carbamazepine concentrations in
both therapeutic application and acute poisoning (r = 0.9481 and 0.9117,
respectively) was confirmed. In acute poisonings the mean ratio between
salivary and serum concentrations of carbamazepine (0.43) was similar to the
mean ratio after its administration in therapeutic doses (0.39), but there
were high inter-individual variations in carbamazepine concentrations in the
acutely poisoned patients, as a consequence of different ingested doses of
the drug. In acute poisoning the halftime of carbamazepine in saliva and
serum was 12.57 h and 6.76 h, respectively. Conclusion. Our results suggest a
possible use of saliva as an alternative biological material for
determination of carbamazepine concentrations in therapeutic application and
acute poisoning as well, and a possible extrapolation of the results obtained
in saliva to serum concentrations of carbamazepine.
Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling Facilitates FOXO-3a/FBXO-Dependent Vascular BK Channel β1 Subunit Degradation in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Lu Tong , Chai Qiang , Yu Ling , d’Uscio Livius V. , Katusic Zvonimir S. , He Tongrong , Lee Hon-Chi
Published: May 2012

Activity of the vascular large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel is tightly regulated by its accessory β1 subunit (BK-β1). Downregulation of BK-β1 expression in diabetic vessels is associated with upregulation of the forkhead box O subfamily transcription factor-3a (FOXO-3a)–dependent F-box–only protein (FBXO) expression. However, the upstream signaling regulating this process is unclear. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a common finding in diabetic vasculopathy. We hypothesized that ROS signaling cascade facilitates the FOXO-3a/FBXO-mediated BK-β1 degradation and leads to diabetic BK channel dysfunction. Using cellular biology, patch clamp, and videomicroscopy techniques, we found that reduced BK-β1 expression in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse arteries and in human coronary smooth muscle cells (SMCs) cultured with high glucose was attributable to an increase in protein kinase C (PKC)-β and NADPH oxidase expressions and accompanied by attenuation of Akt phosphorylation and augmentation of atrogin-1 expression. Treatment with ruboxistaurin (a PKCβ inhibitor) or with GW501516 (a peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor δ activator) reduced atrogin-1 expression and restored BK channel-mediated coronary vasodilation in diabetic mice. Our results suggested that oxidative stress inhibited Akt signaling and facilitated the FOXO-3a/FBXO-dependent BK-β1 degradation in diabetic vessels. Suppression of the FOXO-3a/FBXO pathway prevented vascular BK-β1 degradation and protected coronary function in diabetes.
Intranasal Insulin Suppresses Food Intake via Enhancement of Brain Energy Levels in Humans
Authors: Jauch-Chara Kamila , Friedrich Alexia , Rezmer Magdalena , Melchert Uwe H. , G. Scholand-Engler Harald , Hallschmid Manfred , Oltmanns Kerstin M.
Published: May 2012

Cerebral insulin exerts anorexic effects in humans and animals. The underlying mechanisms, however, are not clear. Because insulin physiologically facilitates glucose uptake by most tissues of the body and thereby fosters intracellular energy supply, we hypothesized that intranasal insulin reduces food consumption via enhancement of the neuroenergetic level. In a double-blind, placebo–controlled, within-subject comparison, 15 healthy men (BMI 22.2 ± 0.37 kg/m2) aged 22–28 years were intranasally administered insulin (40 IU) or placebo after an overnight fast. Cerebral energy metabolism was assessed by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy. At 100 min after spray administration, participants consumed ad libitum from a test buffet. Our data show that intranasal insulin increases brain energy (i.e., adenosine triphosphate and phosphocreatine levels). Cerebral energy content correlates inversely with subsequent calorie intake in the control condition. Moreover, the neuroenergetic rise upon insulin administration correlates with the consecutive reduction in free-choice calorie consumption. Brain energy levels may therefore constitute a predictive value for food intake. Given that the brain synchronizes food intake behavior in dependence of its current energetic status, a future challenge in obesity treatment may be to therapeutically influence cerebral energy homeostasis. Intranasal insulin, after optimizing its application schema, seems a promising option in this regard.
Nerve transfers for the restoration of hand function after spinal cord injury
Authors: Mackinnon Susan E. , Yee Andrew , Ray Wilson Z.
Published: May 2012

Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a significant public health problem. Despite advances in understanding of the pathophysiological processes of acute and chronic SCI, corresponding advances in translational applications have lagged behind. Nerve transfers using an expendable nearby motor nerve to reinnervate a denervated nerve have resulted in more rapid and improved functional recovery than traditional nerve graft reconstructions following a peripheral nerve injury. The authors present a single case of restoration of some hand function following a complete cervical SCI utilizing nerve transfers.
Ciprofloxacin-Collagen Conjugate in the Wound Healing Treatment
Authors: Puoci Francesco , Piangiolino Cristiana , Givigliano Francesco , Parisi Ortensia Ilaria , Cassano Roberta , Trombino Sonia , Curcio Manuela , Iemma Francesca , Cirillo Giuseppe , Spizzirri Umile Gianfranco , Restuccia Donatella , Muzzalupo Rita , Picci Nevio
Published: May 2012

The synthesis of a novel functional biomaterial for wound healing treatment was carried out by adopting a free-radical grafting procedure in aqueous media. With this aim, ciprofloxacin (CFX) was covalently incorporated into collagen (T1C) chains employing an ascorbic acid/hydrogen peroxide redox pair as biocompatible initiator system. The covalent insertion of CFX in the polymeric chains was confirmed by FT-IR and UV analyses, while an antibacterial assay demonstrated the activity of the synthesized conjugate against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, microorganisms that commonly infect wounds. A catechin blended conjugate was also tested in order to evaluate the ability to influence fibroblast cell growth. The observed antibacterial activity and stimulation of fibroblast growth support the applicability of CFX-T1C conjugate in wound treatment encouraging the healing process.
Road Sign Recognition with Fuzzy Adaptive Pre-Processing Models
Authors: Lin Chien-Chuan , Wang Ming-Shi
Published: May 2012

A road sign recognition system based on adaptive image pre-processing models using two fuzzy inference schemes has been proposed. The first fuzzy inference scheme is to check the changes of the light illumination and rich red color of a frame image by the checking areas. The other is to check the variance of vehicle’s speed and angle of steering wheel to select an adaptive size and position of the detection area. The Adaboost classifier was employed to detect the road sign candidates from an image and the support vector machine technique was employed to recognize the content of the road sign candidates. The prohibitory and warning road traffic signs are the processing targets in this research. The detection rate in the detection phase is 97.42%. In the recognition phase, the recognition rate is 93.04%. The total accuracy rate of the system is 92.47%. For video sequences, the best accuracy rate is 90.54%, and the average accuracy rate is 80.17%. The average computing time is 51.86 milliseconds per frame. The proposed system can not only overcome low illumination and rich red color around the road sign problems but also offer high detection rates and high computing performance.
Electromagnetic Field Analysis and Modeling of a Relative Position Detection Sensor for High Speed Maglev Trains
Authors: Xue Song , He Ning , Long Zhiqiang
Published: May 2012

The long stator track for high speed maglev trains has a tooth-slot structure. The sensor obtains precise relative position information for the traction system by detecting the long stator tooth-slot structure based on nondestructive detection technology. The magnetic field modeling of the sensor is a typical three-dimensional (3-D) electromagnetic problem with complex boundary conditions, and is studied semi-analytically in this paper. A second-order vector potential (SOVP) is introduced to simplify the vector field problem to a scalar field one, the solution of which can be expressed in terms of series expansions according to Multipole Theory (MT) and the New Equivalent Source (NES) method. The coefficients of the expansions are determined by the least squares method based on the boundary conditions. Then, the solution is compared to the simulation result through Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The comparison results show that the semi-analytical solution agrees approximately with the numerical solution. Finally, based on electromagnetic modeling, a difference coil structure is designed to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor.
Regulatory T Cells in Arterivirus and Coronavirus Infections: Do They Protect Against Disease or Enhance it?
Authors: Cecere Thomas E. , Todd S. Michelle , LeRoith Tanya
Published: May 2012

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of T cells that are responsible for maintaining peripheral immune tolerance and homeostasis. The hallmark of Tregs is the expression of the forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) transcription factor. Natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) are a distinct population of T cells that express CD4 and FoxP3. nTregs develop in the thymus and function in maintaining peripheral immune tolerance. Other CD4+, CD4-CD8-, and CD8+CD28- T cells can be induced to acquire regulatory function by antigenic stimulation, depending on the cytokine milieu. Inducible (or adaptive) Tregs frequently express high levels of the interleukin 2 receptor (CD25). Atypical Tregs express FoxP3 and CD4 but have no surface expression of CD25. Type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1 cells) produce IL-10, while T helper 3 cells (Th3) produce TGF-β. The function of inducible Tregs is presumably to maintain immune homeostasis, especially in the context of chronic inflammation or infection. Induction of Tregs in coronaviral infections protects against the more severe forms of the disease attributable to the host response. However, arteriviruses have exploited these T cell subsets as a means to dampen the immune response allowing for viral persistence. Treg induction or activation in the pathogenesis of disease has been described in both porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, lactate dehydrogenase elevating virus, and mouse hepatitis virus. This review discusses the development and biology of regulatory T cells in the context of arteriviral and coronaviral infection.
La diplomatie française à l'épreuve de l'Iran
Authors: Therme Clément
Published: May 2012

Résumé Du point de vue des révolutionnaires khomeynistes, la France est un pays de type « petit Satan », une catégorie à mettre en perspective avec le statut de « grand Satan » réservé aux États-Unis. Pour les élites politiques de la République islamique, ce statut se justifie avant tout par le soutien de Paris à Saddam Hussein pendant la guerre Iran-Irak (1980-1988) et par l’appartenance de la France au camp occidental. Cette vision de ce que représente la France et de sa politique sur la scène internationale doit être mise en regard avec la perception de l’Iran que développent les élites diplomatiques françaises. Selon ces dernières, la fermeté dans les négociations avec l’Iran est indispensable pour contrer ses ambitions nucléaires.
Role-Play Revisited
Authors: Billings Diane M.
Published: May 2012

This column provides tips for designing and implementing role-play.
Value of 3-D CT in Classifying Acetabular Fractures During Orthopedic Residency Training
Authors: Garrett Jeffrey , Halvorson Jason , Carroll Eben , Webb Lawrence X.
Published: May 2012

The complex anatomy of the pelvis and acetabulum have historically made classification and interpretation of acetabular fractures difficult for orthopedic trainees. The addition of 3-dimensional (3-D) computed tomography (CT) scan has gained popularity in preoperative planning, identification, and education of acetabular fractures given their complexity. Therefore, the authors examined the value of 3-D CT compared with conventional radiography in classifying acetabular fractures at different levels of orthopedic training. Their hypothesis was that 3-D CT would improve correct identification of acetabular fractures compared with conventional radiography.

The classic Letournel fracture pattern classification system was presented in quiz format to 57 orthopedic residents and 20 fellowship-trained orthopedic traumatologists. A case consisted of (1) plain radiographs and 2-dimensional axial CT scans or (2) 3-D CT scans. All levels of training showed significant improvement in classifying acetabular fractures with 3-D vs 2-D CT, with the greatest benefit from 3-D CT found in junior residents (postgraduate years 1–3).

Three-dimensional CT scans can be an effective educational tool for understanding the complex spatial anatomy of the pelvis, learning acetabular fracture patterns, and correctly applying a widely accepted fracture classification system.
Wound Complications in Joint Arthroplasty: Comparing Traditional and Modern Methods of Skin Closure
Authors: Patel Ronak M. , Cayo Max , Patel Arpan , Albarillo Marie , Puri Lalit
Published: May 2012

Various methods of skin closure exist in joint replacement surgery. Although subcuticular skin closure techniques offer an aesthetic advantage over conventional skin stapling, no measurable differences have been reported. Furthermore, newer barbed sutures, such as the V-Loc absorbable suture (Covidien, Mansfield, Massachusetts), theoretically distribute tension evenly through the wound and help decrease knot-related complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether wound complication rates were (1) lower in V-Loc closure cases as theoretically suggested, (2) lower for subcuticular closure vs staples, and (3) significantly different for knee and hip joint reconstruction.

A retrospective chart review was conducted of 278 consecutive cases of primary joint reconstruction performed by a single surgeon (L.P.). The study group comprised 106 men and 161 women. Average patient age at surgery was 63 years (range, 18–92 years), and average body mass index of the cohort was 33.7 kg/m
2
(range, 25–51 kg/m
2
). Skin was closed via staple gun or subcuticular stitch (3-0 Biosyn [Covidien] vs V-Loc). Seven (3.9%) wound complications occurred in 181 cases closed with staples. Four (7.8%) wound complications occurred in 51 cases closed via subcuticular Biosyn suture. Six (13.0%) wound complications occurred in 46 cases closed with V-Loc suture. The staple group had a lower rate of complications when compared with the suture group as a whole (
P
=.033) and when compared specifically with the V-Loc suture group (
P
=.017).
MRI Appearance of Presumed Self-inflicted Trauma in the Knees of Military Recruits
Authors: Thein Ran , Schweitzer Mark E. , Diprimio Gina , Shabshin Nogah
Published: May 2012

When knee bone marrow edema is observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it usually follows a pattern that can be explained by certain etiologies. This article describes a series of unusual knee bone marrow edemas in soldiers presumed to represent self-inflicted trauma.

Ten soldiers (9 men and 1 woman; age range, 19–24 years) underwent knee MRI. None reported recent trauma or stress, and all presented with nonspecific pain or failure to respond to therapy. All showed a similar unusual pattern of bone marrow edema in the medial femoral condyle. Three observers evaluated the location of the bone marrow edema within the medial femoral condyle and its distance from the articular surface, dimensions, overlying soft tissue abnormality, and internal derangements. The edema was always subcortical and located in the middle aspect (n=7) or mid-anterior aspect (n=3) of the medial femoral condyle but was never centered subarticularly. Edema size ranged between 8×10×8 and 32×46×40 mm. Overlying soft tissue abnormalities were common (n=4) and included organizing (n=1) and residual hematoma (n=3). Concomitant MRI abnormalities were seen in 3 patients, usually minor. Eight patients reported longstanding pain with no antecedent trauma, and 2 reported remote trauma. One patient had a negative 4-month follow-up MRI, and another had a negative arthroscopy. Poor correlation existed between MRI findings and the absence of stress and trauma. Soldier chat rooms were found that describe how to induce fractures at this location.
Hemiarthroplasty Versus Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Acute Proximal Humerus Fractures in Elderly Patients
Authors: Garrigues Grant E. , Johnston Peter S. , Pepe Matthew D. , Tucker Bradford S. , Ramsey Matthew L. , Austin Luke S.
Published: May 2012

Proximal humerus fractures are the third most common fracture in elderly patients. Hemiarthroplasty has been the treatment of choice in patients with bone quality and fracture patterns not amenable to open reduction and internal fixation. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is a newer option that appears to be less dependent on tuberosity healing than hemiarthroplasty. The authors hypothesized that reverse total shoulder arthroplasty provides improved functional outcomes compared with hemiarthroplasty for fractures in elderly patients.

A retrospective review was performed of all patients treated with arthroplasty for acute proximal humerus fractures in an orthopedic practice using a Current Procedural Terminology code search, patient charts, and radiographs. Validated outcome scores were used to assess satisfaction, function, and general well-being. Twenty-three patients were treated for acute proximal humerus fractures (11 reverse total shoulder arthroplasties and 12 hemiarthroplasties). Three patients were lost to follow-up, and 6 patients were deceased. Mean follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 1.3–8 years). Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty outperformed hemiarthroplasty with regard to forward flexion, American Shoulder and Elbow Society score, University of Pennsylvania shoulder score, and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation score.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is a reliable option for acute, proximal humerus fractures that are not amenable to closed treatment or reconstruction in elderly patients. Improved functional outcomes when compared with hemiarthroplasty must be balanced against the increased cost and limited life expectancy of patients with this injury.