bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural Australian community pharmacists' views on complementary and alternative medicine: a pilot study
Authors: Bushett Nicole J , Dickson-Swift Virginia A , Willis Jon A , Wood Pene
Published: November 2011

Background

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are being used increasingly across the world. In Australia, community pharmacists are a major supplier of these products but knowledge of the products and interactions with other medicines is poor. Information regarding the use of CAMs by metropolitan pharmacists has been documented by the National Prescribing Service (NPS) in Australia but the views of rural/regional community pharmacists have not been explored. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and information seeking of a cohort of rural community pharmacists towards CAMs and to compare the findings to the larger NPS study.

Methods

A cross sectional self-administered postal questionnaire was mailed to all community pharmacists in one rural/regional area of Australia. Using a range of scales, data was collected regarding attitudes, knowledge, information seeking behaviour and demographics.

Results

Eighty eligible questionnaires were returned. Most pharmacists reported knowing that they should regularly ask consumers if they are using CAMs but many lacked the confidence to do so. Pharmacists surveyed for this study were more knowledgeable in regards to side effects and interactions of CAMs than those in the NPS survey. Over three quarters of pharmacists surveyed reported sourcing CAM information at least several times a month. The most frequently sought information was drug interactions, dose, contraindications and adverse effects. A variety of resources were used to source information, the most popular source was the internet but the most useful resource was CAM text books.

Conclusions

Pharmacists have varied opinions on the use of CAMs and many lack awareness of or access to good quality CAMs information. Therefore, there is a need to provide pharmacists with opportunities for further education. The data is valuable in assisting interested stakeholders with the development of initiatives to address the gaps in attitudes, knowledge and to improve effectiveness of information seeking behaviour.
Compulsory drug detention center experiences among a community-based sample of injection drug users in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Csete Joanne , Kaplan Karyn , Hayashi Kanna , Fairbairn Nadia , Suwannawong Paisan , Zhang Ruth , Wood Evan , Kerr Thomas
Published: November 2011

Background

Despite Thailand's official reclassification of drug users as "patients" deserving care and not "criminals," the Thai government has continued to rely heavily on punitive responses to drug use such as "boot camp"-style compulsory "treatment" centers. There is very little research on experiences with compulsory treatment centers among people who use drugs. The work reported here is a first step toward filling that gap.

Methods

We examined experiences of compulsory drug treatment among 252 Thai people who inject drugs (IDU) participating in the Mitsampan Community Research Project in Bangkok. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with a history of compulsory treatment experience.

Results

In total, 80 (31.7%) participants reported a history of compulsory treatment. In multivariate analyses, compulsory drug detention experience was positively associated with current spending on drugs per day (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.86; 95%CI: 1.07 - 3.22) and reporting drug planting by police (AOR = 1.81; 95%CI: 1.04 - 3.15). Among those with compulsory treatment experience, 77 (96.3%) reported injecting in the past week, and no difference in intensity of drug use was observed between those with and without a history of compulsory detention.

Conclusion

These findings raise concerns about the current approach to compulsory drug detention in Thailand. Exposure to compulsory drug detention was associated with police abuse and high rates of relapse into drug use, although additional research is needed to determine the precise impact of exposure to this form of detention on future drug use. More broadly, compulsory "treatment" based on a penal approach is not consistent with scientific evidence on addressing drug addiction and should be phased out in favor of evidence-based interventions.
A national policy for malaria elimination in Swaziland: a first for sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kunene Simon , Phillips Allison A , Gosling Roly D , Kandula Deepika , Novotny Joseph M
Published: November 2011

Swaziland is working to be the first country in mainland sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate malaria. The highest level of Swaziland's government recently approved a national elimination policy, which endorses Swaziland's robust national elimination strategic plan. This commentary outlines Swaziland's progress towards elimination as well as the challenges that remain, primarily around securing long-term financial resources and managing imported cases from neighbouring countries.
Low quality of routine microscopy for malaria at different levels of the health system in Dar es Salaam
Authors: Kahama-Maro Judith , D'Acremont Valerie , Mtasiwa Deo , Genton Blaise , Lengeler Christian
Published: November 2011

Background

Laboratory capacity to confirm malaria cases in Tanzania is low and presumptive treatment of malaria is being practiced widely. In malaria endemic areas WHO now recommends systematic laboratory testing when suspecting malaria. Currently, the use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) is recommended for the diagnosis of malaria in lower level peripheral facilities, but not in health centres and hospitals. In this study, the following parameters were evaluated: (1) the quality of routine microscopy, and (2) the effects of RDT implementation on the positivity rate of malaria test results at three levels of the health system in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

During a baseline cross-sectional survey, routine blood slides were randomly picked from 12 urban public health facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Sensitivity and specificity of routine slides were assessed against expert microscopy. In March 2007, following training of health workers, RDTs were introduced in nine public health facilities (three hospitals, three health centres and three dispensaries) in a near-to-programmatic way, while three control health facilities continued using microscopy. The monthly malaria positivity rates (PR) recorded in health statistics registers were collected before (routine microscopy) and after (routine RDTs) the intervention in all facilities.

Results

At baseline, 53% of blood slides were reported as positive by the routine laboratories, whereas only 2% were positive by expert microscopy. Sensitivity of routine microscopy was 71.4% and specificity was 47.3%. Positive and negative predictive values were 2.8% and 98.7%, respectively. Median parasitaemia was only three parasites per 200 white blood cells (WBC) by routine microscopy compared to 1226 parasites per 200 WBC by expert microscopy. Before RDT implementation, the mean test positivity rates using routine microscopy were 43% in hospitals, 62% in health centres and 58% in dispensaries. After RDT implementation, mean positivity rates using routine RDTs were 6%, 7% and 8%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of RDTs using expert microscopy as reference were 97.0% and 96.8%. The positivity rate of routine microscopy remained the same in the three control facilities: 71% before versus 72% after. Two cross-sectional health facility surveys confirmed that the parasite rate in febrile patients was low in Dar es Salaam during both the rainy season (13.6%) and the dry season (3.3%).

Conclusions

The quality of routine microscopy was poor in all health facilities, regardless of their level. Over-diagnosis was massive, with many false positive results reported as very low parasitaemia (1 to 5 parasites per 200 WBC). RDTs should replace microscopy as first-line diagnostic tool for malaria in all settings, especially in hospitals where the potential for saving lives is greatest.
Arthrogenicity of type II collagen monoclonal antibodies associated with complement activation and antigen affinity
Authors: Koobkokkruad Thongchai , Kadotani Tatsuya , Hutamekalin Pilaiwanwadee , Mizutani Nobuaki , Yoshino Shin
Published: November 2011

Background

The collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) model, which employs a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to type II collagen (CII), has been widely used for studying the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis. In this model, not all mAbs to CII are capable of inducing arthritis because one of the initial events is the formation of collagen-antibody immune complexes on the cartilage surface or in the synovium, and subsequent activation of the complement by the complexes induces arthritis, suggesting that a combination of mAbs showing strong ability to bind mouse CII and activate the complement may effectively induce arthritis in mice. In the present study, we examined the relationship between the induction of arthritis by the combination of IgG2a (CII-6 and C2A-12), IgG2b (CII-3, C2B-14 and C2B-16) and IgM (CM-5) subclones of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) of anti-bovine or chicken CII and the ability of mAbs to activate complement and bind mouse CII.

Methods

DBA/1J mice were injected with several combinations of mAbs followed by lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, the ability of mAbs to activate the complement and bind mouse CII was examined by ELISA.

Results

First, DBA/1J mice were injected with the combined 4 mAbs (CII-3, CII-6, C2B-14, and CM-5) followed by lipopolysaccharide, resulting in moderate arthritis. Excluding one of the mAbs, i.e., using only CII-3, CII-6, and C2B-14, induced greater inflammation of the joints. Next, adding C2A-12 but not C2B-16 to these 3 mAbs produced more severe arthritis. A combination of five clones, consisting of all 5 mAbs, was less effective. Histologically, mice given the newly developed 4-clone cocktail had marked proliferation of synovial tissues, massive infiltration by inflammatory cells, and severe destruction of cartilage and bone. Furthermore, 4 of the 6 clones (CII-3, CII-6, C2B-14, and C2A-12) showed not only a strong cross-reaction with mouse CII but also marked activation of the complementin vitro.

Conclusion

The combination of 4 mAbs showing strong abilities to activate the complement and bind mouse CII effectively induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice. Thisin vitrosystem may be useful for the selection of mAbs associated with the development of arthritis.
Heat shock protein 70/peptide complexes: potent mediators for the generation of antiviral T cells particularly with regard to low precursor frequencies
Authors: Tischer Sabine , Basila Megan , Maecker-Kolhoff Britta , Immenschuh Stephan , Oelke Mathias , Blasczyk Rainer , Eiz-Vesper Britta
Published: November 2011

Background

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) has gained major attention as an adjuvant capable of inducing antigen-specific CD8+and CD4+T-cell responses. The ability of HSP70/peptide complexes to elicit cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) responses by cross-presentation of exogenous antigens via HLA class I molecules is of central interest in immunotherapy. We examined the role of HSP70/CMVpp65495-503-peptide complex (HSP70/CMV-PC) in HLA class I-restricted cross-presentation forex vivoexpansion of CMV-specific CTLs.

Methods

CMV-specific T cells generated from PBMCs of HLA-A*02:01/CMV-seropositive donors were stimulated for 21 days with HSP70/CMV-PC and analyzed in functional assays. As a control PBMCs were cultured in the presence of CMVpp65495-503peptide or HSP70. Increase of CMV-specific CTLs was visualized by pentameric HLA-A*02:01/CMVpp65495-503complex.

Results

About 90% of HSP70/CMV-PC generated T cells were CMV-specific and exhibited significantly higher IFN-γ secretion, cytotoxic activity, and an increased heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) gene expression as compared to about 69% of those stimulated with CMVpp65495-503peptide. We decided to classify the HLA-A*02:01/CMV-seropositive donors as weak, medium, and strong responder according to the frequency of generated A2/CMV-pentamer-positive CD8+T cells. HSP70/CMV-PC significantly induces strong antiviral T-cell responses especially in those donors with low memory precursor frequencies. Blockage of CD91 with α2-macroglobulin markedly reduced proliferation of antiviral T cells suggesting a major role of this receptor in the uptake of HSP70/CMV-PC.

Conclusion

This study clearly demonstrates that HSP70/CMV-PC is a potent mediator to induce stronger T-cell responses compared to antiviral peptides. This simple and efficient technique may help to generate significant quantities of antiviral CTLs by cross-presentation. Thus, we propose HSP70 for chaperoning peptides to reach an efficient level of cross-presentation. HSP70/peptide complexes may be particularly useful to generate stronger T-cell responses in cases of low precursor frequencies and may help to improve the efficiency of antigen-specific T-cell therapy for minor antigens.
Improvement of photon extraction efficiency of GaN-based LED using micro and nano complex polymer structures
Authors: Cho Joong-Yeon , Byeon Kyeong-Jae , Park Hyoungwon , Kim Jinseung , Kim Hyeong-Seok , Lee Heon
Published: November 2011

A micro- and nanoscale complex structure made of a high refractive index polymer (n = 2.08) was formed on the ITO electrode layer of an edge-emitting type GaN blue light-emitting diode (LED), in order to improve the photon extraction efficiency by suppressing total internal reflection of photons. The nanoimprint lithography process was used to form the micro- and nanoscale complex structures, using a polymer resin with dispersed TiO2 nano-particles as an imprint resin. Plasma processing, such as reactive ion etching, was used to form the micro- and nano-scale complex structure; thus, plasma-induced damage to the LED device can be avoided. Due to the high refractive index polymeric micro- and nanostructure on the ITO layer, the electroluminescence emission was increased up to 20%, compared to an identical LED that was grown on a patterned sapphire substrate to improve photon extraction efficiency.
Identification and complete genome sequencing of paramyxoviruses in mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) using random access amplification and next generation sequencing technologies
Authors: Rosseel Toon , Lambrecht Bénédicte , Vandenbussche Frank , van den Berg Thierry , Van Borm Steven
Published: November 2011

Background

During a wildlife screening program for avian influenza A viruses (AIV) and avian paramyxoviruses (APMV) in Belgium, we isolated two hemagglutinating agents from pools of cloacal swabs of wild mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) caught in a single sampling site at two different times. AIV and APMV1 were excluded using hemagglutination inhibition (HI) testing and specific real-time RT-PCR tests.

Methods

To refine the virological identification of APMV2-10 realized by HI subtyping tests and in lack of validated molecular tests for APMV2-10, random access amplification was used in combination with next generation sequencing for the sequence independent identification of the viruses and the determination of their genomes.

Results

Three different APMVs were identified. From one pooled sample, the complete genome sequence (15054 nucleotides) of an APMV4 was assembled from the random sequences. From the second pooled sample, the nearly complete genome sequence of an APMV6 (genome size of 16236 nucleotides) was determined, as well as a partial sequence for an APMV4. This APMV4 was closely related but not identical to the APMV4 isolated from the first sample. Although a cross-reactivity with other APMV subtypes did not allow formal identification, the HI subtyping revealed APMV4 and APMV6 in the respective pooled samples but failed to identify the co-infecting APMV4 in the APMV6 infected pool.

Conclusions

These data further contribute to the knowledge about the genetic diversity within the serotypes APMV4 and 6, and confirm the limited sensitivity of the HI subtyping test. Moreover, this study demonstrates the value of a random access nucleic acid amplification method in combination with massive parallel sequencing. Using only a moderate and economical sequencing effort, the characterization and full genome sequencing of APMVs can be obtained, including the identification of viruses in mixed infections.
Antioxidant properties of lutein contribute to the protection against lipopolysaccharide-induced uveitis in mice
Authors: He Rong-Rong , Tsoi Bun , Lan Fang , Yao Nan , Yao Xin-Sheng , Kurihara Hiroshi
Published: November 2011

Background

Lutein is an important eye-protective nutrient. This study investigates the protective effects and mechanisms of lutein on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced uveitis in mice.

Methods

Lutein, suspended in drinking water at a final concentration of 12.5 and 25 mg/mL, was administered to mice at 0.1 mL/10 g body weight for five consecutive days. Control and model group received drinking water only. Uveitis was induced by injecting LPS (100 mg per mouse) into the footpad in the model and lutein groups on day 5 after the last drug administration. Eyes of the mice were collected 24 hours after the LPS injection for the detection of indicators using commercial kits and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Results

LPS-induced uveitis was confirmed by significant pathological damage and increased the nitric oxide level in eye tissue of BALB/C mice 24 hours after the footpad injection. The elevated nitric oxide level was significantly reduced by oral administration of lutein (125 and 500 mg/kg/d for five days) before LPS injection. Moreover, lutein decreased the malondialdehyde content, increased the oxygen radical absorbance capacity level, glutathione, the vitamin C contents and total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Lutein further increased expressions of copper-zinc SOD, manganese SOD and GPx mRNA. Conclusion The antioxidant properties of lutein contribute to the protection against LPS-induced uveitis, partially through the intervention of inflammation process.
The effects of depression and use of antidepressive medicines during pregnancy on the methylation status of the IGF2 imprinted control regions in the offspring
Authors: Soubry A , Murphy SK , Huang Z , Murtha A , Schildkraut JM , Jirtle RL , Wang F , Kurtzberg J , Demark-Wahnefried W , Forman MR , Hoyo C
Published: November 2011

In utero exposures to environmental factors may result in persistent epigenetic modifications affecting normal development and susceptibility to chronic diseases in later life. We explored the relationship between exposure of the growing fetus to maternal depression or antidepressants and DNA methylation at two differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of the imprinted Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 (IGF2) gene. Aberrant DNA methylation at the IGF2 and neighboring H19 DMRs has been associated with deregulated IGF2 expression, childhood cancers and several chronic diseases during adulthood. Our study population is comprised of pregnant mothers and their newborns (n = 436), as part of the Newborn Epigenetics Study (NEST). A standardized questionnaire was completed and medical record data were abstracted to ascertain maternal depression and antidepressive drug use. DMR methylation levels in umbilical cord blood leukocytes were quantified using pyrosequencing. From the 436 newborns, laboratory data were obtained for 356 individuals at the IGF2 DMRs, and for 411 individuals at the H19 DMRs; about half of each group was African American or Caucasian. While overall no association between depression and methylation profiles was found, we observed a significant hypermethylation of the H19 DMRs in newborns of African American (n = 177) but not Caucasian (n = 168) mothers who reported the use of antidepressive drugs during pregnancy (β = +6.89, p = 0.01). Of note, our data reveal a race-independent association between smoking during pregnancy and methylation at the IGF2 DMR (+3.05%, p = 0.01). In conclusion, our findings suggest a race-dependent response related to maternal use of antidepressants at one of the IGF2 DMRs in the offspring.
Narratives and Metaphors of the Middle
Authors: Heath Shirley Brice
Published: November 2011

This essay examines narrative forms and types of metaphor that relate to “getting on with life”—that middle part of life's story, which is neither start nor finish. Narrative theorists tend to assume that humans, since they began telling stories in ancient times, have relished openings and ritualized endings. Metaphors abound when we think of start-ups or endings, but neither narratives nor metaphors immediately come to mind when we think about the middle parts of lives or events. Adults tend to view stories as stretching on too long when their middle portions hold listeners or readers back from “the point.” Children, however, often relish the long middle portions of their storybooks, wanting to see how events move forward and back, rather than just how they end. Poets, along with post-modern writers of fiction, also have more tolerance for the openness of narrative middles. Considered here, in terms of the field of medicine, is the probing power of being within the dual sense of movement and stagnation that resides within metaphors and narratives of the middle.
The Two-Eyed Cyclops: Metaphor and Narrative in American Medical Research Policy
Authors: Annas George J.
Published: November 2011

Health care insurance reform and medical research in the United States have been driven by metaphor and narrative. Obama's year-long reform effort effectively used the narrative of social progress (and the compelling stories of his dying mother and grandmother and their bitter experiences with the health care and insurance systems). Narrative, in the form of a quest, is usually reserved to support medical research. The quest narrative has, for example, been a staple of both “personalized” and regenerative medicine. The quest narrative, paired with stories of dying patients, has had a profound, and not always positive, effect on the way we package and sell both medicine and medical research in the United States, causing us to favor the latter at the expense of the former. We will have to supplement the pervasive quest narrative not with stories about lives that could have been made better by more medical research, but rather with lives that have a beginning, a middle, and an end—inevitable and not to be fought at all costs—and that deserve decent, quality health care throughout.
After Sontag: Reclaiming Metaphor
Authors: Holmes Martha Stoddard
Published: November 2011

Susan Sontag's Illness as Metaphor and AIDS and Its Metaphors critique the use of metaphoric language, particularly military metaphors of invasion and battle, to describe illness experiences. Metaphors generate explanatory narratives, just as stories often use a resonant metaphor as shorthand for them. Metaphors and narratives can suggest reductive or stereotypical ways of imagining illness, disability, and other experiences of embodiment. However, rather than attempting to limit the metaphoric framing of illness, we should work to confer the agency to make metaphors on a larger constituency, one that always includes the patient. The author's first-person ovarian cancer narrative illustrates that not having the capacity to make metaphors for one's embodied experiences can affect the timing of diagnosis; the dearth of effective public metaphors for imagining some internal organs, such as the ovaries, contributes to the problem. Metaphors can be reductive, but they can also generate a wide range of relationships between illness and the person experiencing it, as illustrated by examples including Margaret Atwood's short story “Hairball.” Simile, in particular, which expresses similarity but not equivalence and thus does not erase difference, can spur healthy ways of imagining illness. Some recent literature has suggested that doctors use metaphor to communicate with patients; this gives doctors the power to determine which metaphors will frame the illness and direct its narrative. The lessons of narrative medicine, which advocate that patients and doctors use narrative collaboratively to generate a more effective understanding and treatment of illness, need to be extended to include the practice of metaphor.
Determination of Basic Density and Moisture Content of Merchantable Loblolly Pine Logs by near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Mora Christian R. , Schimleck Laurence R. , Clark Alexander , Daniels Richard F.
Published: November 2011

The use of near infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for the estimation of basic density and moisture content of loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) logs was explored. A total of 219 wood disks representing the large and small ends of 146 merchantable logs 4.87 m in length, ranging in age from 13 years to 19 years, were analysed. NIR spectra were obtained from the transverse surface of the disks when the wood was green using a Foss XDS NIR System coupled with a Smart Probe Analyser. Each disk was divided into four quadrants and two spectra were collected per quadrant (one representing juvenile wood and one mature wood). NIR calibration models were fitted using pre-processed spectra with multiplicative scatter correction and the dimensionality of the models was kept constant for comparison purposes. Successful models based on an average of all spectra collected from both ends of the logs were obtained for basic density ( R2c = 0.84) and moisture content ( R2c = 0.85) using nine factors for both properties. The predictive ability of the calibrations was acceptable, with mean square errors of 22.8 kg m−3 for basic density and 2.1% for moisture content. It was found that the number of spectra per disk could be reduced to four readings but further reductions increased prediction errors considerably. Calibration models based only on spectra collected from one of the log ends were also examined. Using large-end diameter spectra only, the fit statistics for basic density models fell to R2 c=0.76 for (eight spectra) and R2c=0.71 (four spectra). Similarly, the fit statistics for moisture content calibrations dropped to R2c=0.76 for (eight spectra) and R2c=0.72 (four spectra). Calibrations based only on small-end diameter spectra were considerably weaker than those based on large-end diameter spectra.
Fourier Transform near Infrared Assessment of Biomass Composition of Shrub Willow Clones (Salix sp.) for Optimal Bio-Conversion Processing
Authors: Sandak Jakub , Sandak Anna
Published: November 2011

Biomass, typically obtained from fast growing plants or over-stocked agricultural products, has been widely recognised as a replacement for traditional energy sources. The challenge is, however, to provide biomass feedstock with optimised properties best suited for downstream conversion. Willow ( Salix sp.) is one of the most common hardwood species suitable for short-rotation forestry. The goal of this research was to explore the potential of the near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to evaluate the chemical composition of several willow clones. It was shown that near infrared spectroscopy can be an alternative technique to standard analytical methods supporting research and development of biomass production technologies. Partial least squares (PLS) regression models for quantitative prediction of wood components (lignin, cellulose, holocellulose, pentosans and extractive components soluble in hot/cold water, 1% NaOH and organic solvents) were developed. Using NIR spectroscopy, it was possible to discriminate different willow clones and to assign these into groups by means of principal components analysis (PCA).
Audit of receptionists’ records of symptoms and concurrence with clinician consultation: data collected for the Department of Health
Authors: Stanley B , Gibson S
Published: November 2011

Summary

Audit of reliability of data collected by genitourinary (GU) medicine reception staff in north Cumbria for Department of Health mandatory returns suggests that receptionist-logged presence or absence of symptoms does not concur well with subsequent symptom disclosure to clinicians during consultations, even after the use of patient-completed symptom-specific questionnaires. Triage or fast-tracking based upon symptoms in order to select those at risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI) is likely to fail for a significant proportion of patients. Department of Health symptoms data need to be interpreted with caution.
Imaging in chronic cough in paediatrics
Authors: Brown S , Davies P
Published: November 2011

Chronic cough is a common presentation in paediatrics. We describe a case which highlights the need for careful history taking and summarize the key clinical features which should prompt a clinician to perform a chest X-ray.
The Vanishing Testis
Authors: Antic Tatjana , Hyjek Elizabeth M. , Taxy Jerome B.
Published: November 2011

Of patients with cryptorchidism, 5% have no palpable gonad. Physical examination or scrotal exploration demonstrates tissue nubbins or small nodules that constitute the vanishing testis syndrome. At the University of Chicago Hospitals (Chicago, IL; 2004–2008), 30 surgical pathology specimens from 29 patients with this clinical diagnosis underwent scrotal exploration. Histologic and immunohistochemical comparison was done with 7 fetal testes, 8 surgically removed nonneoplastic testes, and 2 cryptorchid testes. Routine histologic studies showed no seminiferous tubules in 18 cases (60%), fibrosis in all (100%), calcifications in 16 (53%), and hemosiderin deposits in 9 (30%). In 12 cases with seminiferous tubules (40%), there were Sertoli cells only. Scrotal exploration in such cases is clinically driven and results in the removal of any tissue present. Although published studies suggest the risk for future tumor development is low, possibly absent, the definitive removal of a testicle is established by an awareness of the histologic spectrum exhibited by testicular remnants.
Reproductive biology of a natural mangrove hybrid Rhizophora annamalayana and its parent species (R. apiculata and R. mucronata) (Rhizophoraceae)
Authors: Seetharaman Kavitha , Kandasamy Kathiresan
Published: November 2011

Rhizophora annamalayana is a natural mangrove hybrid with a rare seed set; the species is fast disappearing. We investigated possible causes of rare fruit set and explored ways of overcoming reproductive difficulties in this mangrove. Flowers open in the early morning in the hybrid and its parent species. Anthers dehisced after flower opening only in Rhizophora mucronata and Rhizophora apiculata. Anthesis and anther dehiscence took up to 5 days in all three species. Stigma receptivity peaked during anthesis; receptivity was lost within 8 h in R. annamalayana and R. mucronata. In R. apiculata, anthesis occurred inside the flowers, confirming that cleiostogamy occurred. Pollen of R. mucronata was 100% viable. Viability was 53% in R. apiculata. In R. annamalayana, only 3% of pollen was viable. R. mucronata flowers offered pollen and nectar to visitors, which were mainly Lucilia caesar (flies, bees, ants, etc.). Pollinators of R. annamalayana were restricted to Monobia quadridens, Vespa tropica and Ocybadistes walkeri. R. annamalayana reproduced by cross-pollination.
The effects of combining guaiacol and syringol on their pyrolysis
Authors: Asmadi, Mohd , Kawamoto Haruo , Saka Shiro
Published: November 2011

Pyrolysis of guaiacol/syringol mixtures was studied in an ampoule reactor (N2/600°C/40–600 s) to understand the reactivities of the aromatic nuclei in hardwood lignins. By comparing the results with those of pure guaiacol or syringol, significant effects of their combination were observed during early stage pyrolysis: charring and gas formation were markedly suppressed. Yields for the tar fractions (MeOH-soluble) were increased by combination but the contents of GC/MS-detectable products with low molecular weight were dramatically decreased in these fractions, especially catechol-type compounds diminished, which are formed through the O-CH3 homolysis reaction and subsequent donation of hydrogen atoms. These observations are discussed at the molecular level. Inhibition of the charring reaction, which can act as a strong hydrogen donor, would increase the probability of radical coupling reactions of the O-CH3 homolysis products instead of the formation of catechol and pyrogallol and their derivatives. The latter compounds are important intermediates for gas formation, especially for CO. Based on these lines of evidence, a hypothesis is proposed according to which poly\xadaromatization during carbonization activates the pyrolytic reactions of guaiacol and syringol.
Mobility and Contact Mechanics of a Rotating Platform Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Otto Jason K. , Callaghan John J. , Brown Thomas D.
Published: November 2011

Despite their increasing clinical usage, mobile-bearing total knee replacements have not been well characterized biomechanically. An experimental and finite element analysis was done to asses the mobility and contact mechanics of a widely used rotating platform total knee replacement. Parameters that varied were axial load, condylar load allocation, flexion angle, and static versus dynamic loading. Similar results from the physical model and finite element model lend credence to the validity of the findings. The torque required to initiate rotation (static torque) was greater than that to sustain rotation (dynamic torque). At four times body weight axial load, peak resisting torque measured was 9.47 ± 0.61 and 5.51 ± 0.38 N-m, for static and dynamic torque, respectively. A 60–40 condylar load allocation produced slightly less resisting torque than the 50-50 load. For all practical purposes, the polyethylene insert rotated simultaneously with the femoral component, leading to maintenance of high contact area, desirable behavior clinically. Walking cycle simulations produced a total axial rotation range of motion of 6°. The high frictional torques observed at the mobile interface may explain why a percentage of these mobile-bearings fail to rotate under routine functional load.
HCN Channels Expressed in the Inner Ear Are Necessary for Normal Balance Function
Authors: Horwitz Geoffrey C. , Risner-Janiczek Jessica R. , Jones Sherri M. , Holt Jeffrey R.
Published: November 2011

HCN1–4 subunits form Na+/K+-permeable ion channels that are activated by hyperpolarization and carry the current known asIh.Ihhas been characterized in vestibular hair cells of the inner ear, but its molecular correlates and functional contributions have not been elucidated. We examinedHcnmRNA expression and immunolocalization of HCN protein in the mouse utricle, a mechanosensitive organ that contributes to the sense of balance. We found that HCN1 is the most highly expressed subunit, localized to the basolateral membranes of type I and type II hair cells. We characterizedIhusing the whole-cell, voltage-clamp technique and found the current expressed in 84% of the cells with a mean maximum conductance of 4.4 nS.Ihwas inhibited by ZD7288, cilobradine, and by adenoviral expression of a dominant-negative form of HCN2. To determine which HCN subunits carriedIh, we examined hair cells from mice deficient inHcn1,2, or both.Ihwas completely abolished in hair cells ofHcn1−/−mice andHcn1/2−/−mice but was similar to wild-type inHcn2−/−mice. To examine the functional contributions ofIh, we recorded hair cell membrane responses to small hyperpolarizing current steps and found that activation ofIhevoked a 5–10 mV sag depolarization and a subsequent 15–20 mV rebound upon termination. The sag and rebound were nearly abolished inHcn1-deficient hair cells. We also found thatHcn1-deficient mice had deficits in vestibular-evoked potentials and balance assays. We conclude that HCN1 contributes to vestibular hair cell function and the sense of balance.
β-III Spectrin Is Critical for Development of Purkinje Cell Dendritic Tree and Spine Morphogenesis
Authors: Gao Yuanzheng , Perkins Emma M. , Clarkson Yvonne L. , Tobia Steven , Lyndon Alastair R. , Jackson Mandy , Rothstein Jeffrey D.
Published: November 2011

Mutations in the gene encoding β-III spectrin give rise to spinocerebellar ataxia type 5, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive thinning of the molecular layer, loss of Purkinje cells and increasing motor deficits. A mouse lacking full-length β-III spectrin (β-III−/−) displays a similar phenotype.In vitroandin vivoanalyses of Purkinje cells lacking β-III spectrin, reveal a critical role for β-III spectrin in Purkinje cell morphological development. Disruption of the normally well ordered dendritic arborization occurs in Purkinje cells from β-III−/−mice, specifically showing a loss of monoplanar organization, smaller average dendritic diameter and reduced densities of Purkinje cell spines and synapses. Early morphological defects appear to affect distribution of dendritic, but not axonal, proteins. This study confirms that thinning of the molecular layer associated with disease pathogenesis is a consequence of Purkinje cell dendritic degeneration, as Purkinje cells from 8-month-old β-III−/−mice have drastically reduced dendritic volumes, surface areas and total dendritic lengths compared with 5- to 6-week-old β-III−/−mice. These findings highlight a critical role of β-III spectrin in dendritic biology and are consistent with an early developmental defect in β-III−/−mice, with abnormal Purkinje cell dendritic morphology potentially underlying disease pathogenesis.
Neuronal P2X2 Receptors Are Mobile ATP Sensors That Explore the Plasma Membrane When Activated
Authors: Richler Esther , Shigetomi Eiji , Khakh Baljit S.
Published: November 2011

ATP-gated ionotropic P2X2 receptors are widely expressed in neurons. Although the electrophysiological properties of P2X2 receptors have been extensively studied, little is known about the plasma membrane lateral mobility of P2X2 receptors or whether receptor mobility is regulated by ATP. Here we used single-molecule imaging with simultaneous whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings to track quantum dot-labeled P2X2 receptors in the dendrites of rat hippocampal neurons to explore P2X2 receptor mobility and its regulation. We find that plasma membrane P2X2 receptor lateral mobility in dendrites is heterogeneous but mostly Brownian in nature, consisting of mobile and slowly mobile receptor pools. Moreover, lateral mobility is P2X2 subunit and cell specific, is increased in an activation-dependent manner, and is regulated by cytosolic VILIP1, a calcium binding protein. Our data provide the first direct measures of P2X receptor mobility and show that P2X2 receptors are mobile ATP sensors, sampling more of the dendritic plasma membrane in response to ATP.
Perinatal Citalopram Exposure Selectively Increases Locus Ceruleus Circuit Function in Male Rats
Authors: Darling Ryan D. , Alzghoul Loai , Zhang Junlin , Khatri Nidhi , Paul Ian A. , Simpson Kimberly L. , Lin Rick C. S.
Published: November 2011

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (CTM), have been widely prescribed for major depressive disorder, not only for adult populations, but also for children and pregnant mothers. Recent evidence suggests that chronic SSRI exposure in adults increases serotonin (5-HT) levels in the raphe system and decreases norepinephrine (NE) locus ceruleus (LC) neural activity, suggesting a robust opposing interaction between these two monoamines. In contrast, perinatal SSRI exposure induces a long-lasting downregulation of the 5-HT-raphe system, which is opposite to that seen with chronic adult treatment. Therefore, the goal of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that perinatal CTM exposure (20 mg/kg/d) from postnatal day 1 (PN1) to PN10 leads to hyperexcited NE-LC circuit function in adult rats (>PN90). Our single-neuron LC electrophysiological data demonstrated an increase in spontaneous and stimulus-driven neural activity, including an increase in phasic bursts in CTM-exposed animals. In addition, we demonstrated a corresponding immunoreactive increase in the rate-limiting catalyzing catecholamine enzyme (tyrosine hydroxylase) within the LC and their neocortical target sites compared to saline controls. Moreover, these effects were only evident in male exposed rats, suggesting a sexual dimorphism in neural development after SSRI exposure. Together, these results indicate that administration of SSRIs during a sensitive period of brain development results in long-lasting alterations in NE-LC circuit function in adults and may be useful in understanding the etiology of pervasive developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.
Influence of the uterine environment on the development of in vitro-produced equine embryos
Authors: Smits Katrien , Govaere Jan , Peelman Luc J , Goossens Karen , de Graaf Dirk C , Vercauteren Dries , Vandaele Leen , Hoogewijs Maarten , Wydooghe Eline , Stout Tom , Van Soom Ann
Published: November 2011

The necessity for early interaction between the embryo and the oviductal and/or uterine environment in the horse is reflected by several striking differences between equine embryos that develop in vivo and those produced in vitro. Better understanding of the salient interactions may help to improve the efficiency of in vitro equine embryo production. In an initial experiment, cleavage-stage in vitro-produced (IVP) equine embryos were transferred into the uterus of recipient mares that had ovulated recently to determine whether premature placement in this in vivo environment would improve subsequent development. In a second experiment, an important element of the uterine environment was mimicked by adding uterocalin, a major component of the endometrial secretions during early pregnancy, to the culture medium. Intrauterine transfer of cleavage-stage IVP equine embryos yielded neither ultrasonographically detectable pregnancies nor day 7 blastocysts, indicating that the uterus is not a suitable environment for pre-compact morula stage horse embryos. By contrast, exposure to uterocalin during IVP improved capsule formation, although it did not measurably affect the development or expression of a panel of genes known to differ between in vivo and in vitro embryos. Further studies are required to evaluate whether uterocalin serves purely as a carrier protein or more directly promotes improved capsule development.
Application of simulated annealing in simulation and optimization of drying process of Zea mays malt
Authors: Benvenga Marco A. C. , Araújo Sidnei A. de , Librantz André F. H. , Santana José C. C. , Tambourgi Elias B.
Published: November 2011

Kinetic simulation and drying process optimization of corn malt by Simulated Annealing (SA) for estimation of temperature and time parameters in order to preserve maximum amylase activity in the obtained product are presented here. Germinated corn seeds were dried at 54-76 °C in a convective dryer, with occasional measurement of moisture content and enzymatic activity. The experimental data obtained were submitted to modeling. Simulation and optimization of the drying process were made by using the SA method, a randomized improvement algorithm, analogous to the simulated annealing process. Results showed that seeds were best dried between 3h and 5h. Among the models used in this work, the kinetic model of water diffusion into corn seeds showed the best fitting. Drying temperature and time showed a square influence on the enzymatic activity. Optimization through SA showed the best condition at 54 ºC and between 5.6h and 6.4h of drying. Values of specific activity in the corn malt were found between 5.26±0.06 SKB/mg and 15.69±0,10% of remaining moisture.
Caracterização físico-química de frutos de maracujazeiro amarelo provenientes da irradiação com raios gama
Authors: Flores Patrícia Silva , Silva Danielle Fabíola Pereira da , Bruckner Cláudio Horst , Oliveira Sílvia Paula de , Salomão Luiz Carlos Chamhum
Published: November 2011

A indução de mutações tem sido utilizada em programas de melhoramento de algumas culturas economicamente importantes, como ferramenta para complementar as técnicas de melhoramento convencional. Em estudos prévios, observou-se que, através da indução de mutações com irradiações com raios gama, foi possível obter plantas de maracujazeiro amarelo resistentes a fusariose, uma das principais doenças que ataca a cultura. Porém, estudos sobre caracteres agronômicos relacionados com a qualidade dos frutos são fundamentais para avaliação desses genótipos resistentes. Neste trabalho, foram analisadas as características físicas e químicas dos frutos de plantas de Passiflora edulis Sims provenientes da irradiação com raios gama. Os valores obtidos com as análises foram muito próximos àqueles encontrados na literatura relacionada com a caracterização físico-química de frutos de maracujazeiro amarelo. Porém, será necessário o melhoramento para redução da espessura da casca.
Approval Summary: Letrozole (Femara® Tablets) for Adjuvant and Extended Adjuvant Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Treatment: Conversion of Accelerated to Full Approval
Authors: Cohen Martin H. , Johnson John R. , Justice Robert , Pazdur Richard
Published: November 2011

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Compare the efficacy of letrozole and tamoxifen.Contrast the adverse effect profile of letrozole with those of tamoxifen and placebo.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

On April 30, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration converted letrozole (Femara®; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ) from accelerated to full approval for adjuvant and extended adjuvant (following 5 years of tamoxifen) treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive early breast cancer.

The initial accelerated approvals of letrozole for adjuvant and extended adjuvant treatment on December 28, 2005 and October 29, 2004, respectively, were based on an analysis of the disease-free survival (DFS) outcome of patients followed for medians of 26 months and 28 months, respectively. Both trials were double-blind, multicenter studies. Both trials were unblinded early when an interim analysis showed a favorable letrozole effect on DFS.

In updated intention-to-treat analyses of both trials, the risk for a DFS event was lower with letrozole than with tamoxifen (hazard ratio [HR], 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–0.99; p = .03) in the adjuvant trial and was lower than with placebo (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.76–1.03; p = .12) in the extended adjuvant trial. The latter analysis ignores the interim switch of 60% of placebo-treated patients to letrozole.

Bone fractures and osteoporosis were reported more frequently following treatment with letrozole whereas tamoxifen was associated with a higher risk for endometrial proliferation and endometrial cancer. Myocardial infarction was more frequently reported with letrozole than with tamoxifen, but the incidence of thromboembolic events was higher with tamoxifen than with letrozole. Lipid-lowering medications were required for 25% of patients on letrozole and 16% of patients on tamoxifen.