bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoreactive‐Aβ antibodies promote APP β‐secretase processing
Authors: Deng Juan , Hou Huayan , Giunta Brian , Mori Takashi , Wang Yan‐Jiang , Fernandez Frank , Weggen Sascha , Araki Wataru , Obregon Demian , Tan Jun
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 732–740.

Several prior investigations of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients have indicated naturally occurring autoantibodies against amyloid‐β (Aβ) species are produced. Although many studies have focused on the relative concentrations or binding affinities of autoantibodies against Aβ‐related proteins in AD and aging, data regarding their functional properties are limited. It is generally believed that these antibodies act to aid in clearance of Aβ. However, as antibodies which bind to Aβ also typically bind to the parent amyloid precursor protein (APP), we reasoned that certain Aβ‐targeting autoantibodies may bind to APP thereby altering its conformation and processing. Here we show for the first time, that naturally occurring Aβ‐reactive autoantibodies isolated from AD patients, but not from healthy controls, promote β‐secretase activity in cultured cells. Furthermore, using monoclonal antibodies to various regions of Aβ, we found that antibodies generated against the N‐terminal region, especially Aβ1‐17, dose dependently promoted amyloidogenic processing of APP viaβ‐secretase activation. Thus, this property of certain autoantibodies in driving Aβ generation could be of etiological importance in the development of sporadic forms of AD. Furthermore, future passive or active anti‐Aβ immunotherapies must consider potential off‐target effects resulting from antibodies targeting the N‐terminus of Aβ, as co‐binding to the corresponding region of APP may actually enhance Aβ generation.
Visual Three‐Dimensional Representation of Beat‐to‐Beat Electrocardiogram Traces During Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Rodriguez‐Fernandez Rodrigo , Infante Oscar , Perez‐Grovas Héctor , Hernandez Erika , Ruiz‐Palacios Patricia , Franco Martha , Lerma Claudia
Published: December 2011

This study evaluated the usefulness of the three‐dimensional representation of electrocardiogram traces (3DECG) to reveal acute and gradual changes during a full session of hemodiafiltration (HDF) in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Fifteen ESRD patients were included (six men, nine women, age 46 ± 19 years old). Serum electrolytes, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured before and after HDF. Continuous electrocardiograms (ECGs) obtained by Holter monitoring during HDF were used to produce the 3DECG. Several major disturbances were identified by 3DECG images: increase in QRS amplitude (47%), decrease in T‐wave amplitude (33%), increase in heart rate (33%), and occurrence of arrhythmia (53%). Different arrhythmia types were often concurrent and included isolated supraventricular premature beats (N = 5), atrial fibrillation or atrial bigeminy (N = 2), and isolated premature ventricular beats (N = 6). Patients with decrease in T‐wave amplitude had higher potassium and BUN (both before HDF and total removal) than those without decrease in T‐wave amplitude (P < 0.05). Concurrent acute and gradual ECG changes during HDF are identified by the 3DECG, which could be useful as a preventive and prognostic method.
Development of an ethidium monoazide–enhanced internally controlled universal 16S rDNA real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates
Authors: Patel Poorvi , Garson Jeremy A. , Tettmar Kate I. , Ancliff Siobhan , McDonald Carl , Pitt Tyrone , Coelho Juliana , Tedder Richard S.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Bacterial contamination of platelet (PLT) concentrates remains a problem for blood transfusion services. Culture‐based bacterial screening techniques are available but offer inadequate speed and sensitivity. Alternative techniques based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification have been described but their performance is often compromised by traces of bacterial DNA in reagents.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Universal 16S rDNA primers were used to develop a real‐time PCR assay (TaqMan, Applied Biosystems) and various reagent decontamination strategies were explored. Detection sensitivity was assessed by spiking PLT concentrates with known concentrations of 13 different organisms.

RESULTS: Restriction enzyme digestion, master mix ultrafiltration, and use of alternative Taq polymerases all reduced the level of reagent DNA contamination to some extent but all proved unreliable. In contrast, ethidium monoazide (EMA) treatment of the PCR master mix followed by photoactivation was reliable and effective, permitting a full 40 amplification cycles, and totally eliminated contamination without compromising assay sensitivity. All 13 organisms were efficiently detected and the limit of detection for Escherichia coli–spiked PLTs was approximately 1 colony‐forming unit/mL. Coamplification of human mitochondrial DNA served to confirm efficient nucleic acid extraction and the absence of PCR inhibition in each sample. One of five automated extraction platforms evaluated was found to be contamination free and capable of high‐throughput processing.

CONCLUSION: Cross‐linking of EMA to DNA via photoactivation solved the previously intractable problem of reagent contamination and permitted the development of a high‐sensitivity universal bacterial detection system. Trials are ongoing to assess the suitability of the system for high‐throughput screening of PLT concentrates.
The microbiologic safety of umbilical cord blood transfusion for children with severe anemia in Mombasa, Kenya
Authors: Hassall Oliver W. , Thitiri Johnstone , Fegan Greg , Pole Lewa , Mwarumba Salim , Denje Douglas , Wambua Kongo , Lowe Brett , Parry Christopher M. , Mandaliya Kishor , Maitland Kathryn , Bates Imelda
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Severe anemia requiring blood transfusion is common in hospitalized young children in sub‐Saharan Africa but blood is often in short supply. Umbilical cord blood may be a useful source of blood if microbiologic safety concerns can be addressed.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Cord blood, donated on the labor ward at the provincial hospital in Mombasa, was cultured soon after collection (screening culture) and after a period of storage (poststorage culture). Conventional blood transfused to children at the hospital was cultured only at the time of issue (poststorage culture). Maternal sera (cord blood) and conventional blood donations were also screened for transfusion‐transmitted infection.

RESULTS: At poststorage culture, the overall contamination rate of cord blood was one‐third that of conventional blood (13/449 vs. 38/434; odds ratio [OR], 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15‐0.61) and for bacteria of high pathogenic potential it was half that of conventional blood (4/449 vs. 7/434; OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.12‐2.18). Screening cultures were positive in 50% (2/4) of cord blood packs where an organism of high pathogenic potential was isolated at poststorage culture. Cord blood donors had a lower seroreactivity than conventional donors for human immunodeficiency virus (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.29‐1.18), hepatitis B virus (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16‐0.59), and hepatitis C virus (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.24‐0.76). For syphilis, initial seroreactivity in cord blood donors was 3.8% compared to 1.8% in conventional blood donors (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.15‐3.60) but was 0.5% after retesting.

CONCLUSION: With respect to bacterial contamination and seroreactivity for transfusion‐transmitted infection, the safety of cord blood in Mombasa compares favorably with conventional blood. Clinical trials of cord blood transfusion are justified.
Predominant recurrence polarity among 928 adult international bipolar I disorder patients
Authors: Baldessarini R. J. , Undurraga J. , Vázquez G. H. , Tondo L. , Salvatore P. , Ha K. , Khalsa H.‐M. K. , Lepri B. , Ha T. H. , Chang J. S. , Tohen M. , Vieta E.
Published: December 2011

Baldessarini RJ, Undurraga J, Vázquez GH, Tondo L, Salvatore P, Ha K, Khalsa H‐MK, Lepri B, Ha TH, Chang JS, Tohen M, Vieta E. Predominant recurrence polarity among 928 adult international bipolar I disorder patients.

Objective:  To test the hypothesis that patients with bipolar disorder (BPD) differ demographically and clinically within subgroups based on the predominant‐polarity of major recurrences.

Method:  We tested factors for association with predominantly (≥2 : 1) depressive vs. mania‐like episodes with 928 DSM‐IV type‐I BPD subjects from five international sites.

Results:  Factors preliminarily associated with predominant‐depression included: electroconvulsive treatment, longer latency‐to‐BPD diagnosis, first episode depressive or mixed, more suicide attempts, more Axis‐II comorbidity, ever having mixed‐states, ever married, and female sex. Predominant‐mania was associated with: initial manic or psychotic episodes, more drug abuse, more education, and more family psychiatric history. Of the 47.3% of subjects without polarity‐predominance, risks for all factors considered were intermediate. Expanding the definition of polarity‐predominance to ≥51% added little, but shifting mixed‐states to ‘predominant‐depression’ increased risk of suicidal acts from 2.4‐ to 4.5‐fold excess over predominant‐mania–hypomania, and suicidal risk was associated continuously with increasing proportions of depressive or mixed episodes.

Conclusion:  Subtyping by predominant‐polarity yielded predictive associations, including the polarity of first episodes and risk of suicide attempts. Such subtyping may contribute to improve planning of clinical care and to biological studies of BPD.
Evaluation of surface roughness as a function of multiple blasting processing variables
Authors: Valverde Guilherme B. , Jimbo Ryo , Teixeira Hellen S. , Bonfante Estevam A. , Janal Malvin N. , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

This study evaluated the effect of implant surface blasting variables, such as blasting media size, velocity, and surface coverage and their two‐ and three‐way interaction in surface roughness parameters.

Material and methods

Machined, grade IV titanium‐alloy implants (n = 180) had their surfaces treated by a combination of 36 different blasting protocols according to the following variables: aluminum oxide blasting media particle size (50, 100, and 150 μm); velocity (75, 100, 125, and 150 m/s), and surface coverage (5, 15, 25 g/in.2) (n = 5 per blasting protocol). A single 0.46 inch nozzle of the blaster was pointed at the threaded area and spaced 0.050 inches away. Surface topography (n = 5 measurements per implant) was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Roughness parameters Sa, Sq, Sdr, and Sds were evaluated by optical interferometry. A GLM statistical model evaluated the effects of blasting variables on the surface parameters, and their two‐ and three‐way interaction (P < 0.05). Statistical inferences for Sa and Sq were performed after a log10 transformation to correct for data skewness.

Results

Prior to the log10 transformation, Sa and Sq values for all processing groups ranged from ~0.5 to ~2.6 μm and from ~0.75 to 4 μm, respectively. Statistical inferences showed that Sa, Sq, and Sdr values were significantly dependent on blasting media, velocity, and surface coverage (all P < 0.001). Media × velocity, media × coverage, and media × velocity × coverage also significantly affected Sa, Sq, and Sdr values (P < 0.002). The highest levels were obtained with 100 μm blasting media, coverage for 5 g/in.2, and velocity of 100 m/s. No significant differences were observed for Sds (P > 0.15).

Conclusions

The blasting variables produced different surface topography features and knowledge of their interaction could be used to tailor a desired implant surface configuration.
The use of masks and respirators to prevent transmission of influenza: a systematic review of the scientific evidence
Authors: bin‐Reza Faisal , Lopez Chavarrias Vicente , Nicoll Angus , Chamberland Mary E.
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: bin‐Reza et al. (2012) The use of masks and respirators to prevent transmission of influenza: a systematic review of the scientific evidence. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(4), 257–267.

There are limited data on the use of masks and respirators to reduce transmission of influenza. A systematic review was undertaken to help inform pandemic influenza guidance in the United Kingdom. The initial review was performed in November 2009 and updated in June 2010 and January 2011. Inclusion criteria included randomised controlled trials and quasi‐experimental and observational studies of humans published in English with an outcome of laboratory‐confirmed or clinically‐diagnosed influenza and other viral respiratory infections. There were 17 eligible studies. Six of eight randomised controlled trials found no significant differences between control and intervention groups (masks with or without hand hygiene; N95/P2 respirators). One household trial found that mask wearing coupled with hand sanitiser use reduced secondary transmission of upper respiratory infection/influenza‐like illness/laboratory‐confirmed influenza compared with education; hand sanitiser alone resulted in no reduction. One hospital‐based trial found a lower rate of clinical respiratory illness associated with non‐fit‐tested N95 respirator use compared with medical masks. Eight of nine retrospective observational studies found that mask and/or respirator use was independently associated with a reduced risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Findings, however, may not be applicable to influenza and many studies were suboptimal. None of the studies established a conclusive relationship between mask/respirator use and protection against influenza infection. Some evidence suggests that mask use is best undertaken as part of a package of personal protection especially hand hygiene. The effectiveness of masks and respirators is likely linked to early, consistent and correct usage.
A Brief Report on the State of U.S. Agriculture and Fisheries
Authors: Andreatta Susan
Published: December 2011

This brief report on the state of U.S. agriculture and fisheries emphasizes challenges and opportunities for small‐scale producers in the agri‐aqua food system, including current directions for farming and fisheries.
Hydrophilic mechanical buffer layers and stable hydrophilic finishes on polydimethylsiloxane using combined sequential vapor infiltration and atomic/molecular layer deposition
Authors: Gong Bo , Spagnola Joseph C. , Parsons Gregory N.
Published: December 2011

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is an important polymer material widely used for microfluidic device fabrication, microcontact lithography, and surface morphology molding. However, the hydrophobic surface limits its functionality. Low temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) has recently been used to functionalize a wide range of polymer surfaces. In previous research, the authors were able to produce a uniform hydrophilic alumina film coating on PDMS using trimethyl aluminum/water ALD. However, the surface recovered its hydrophobicity after 24–48 h in ambient air or under inert gas storage, which was ascribed to organic species outdiffusion through the ALD layer. This paper reports a stable hydrophilic ALD surface modification on the PDMS. The PDMS substrate was first sequentially exposed to trimethylaluminum and water vapor, allowing the vapors to infiltrate and react to create a mechanical and diffusion buffer layer in the PDMS surface region. This buffer layer helps to nucleate a cohesive hydrophilic ALD or molecular layer deposition (MLD) coating and also helps prevent organic outdiffusion that typically leads to PDMS hydrophobic recovery. The results provide valuable insight into reliable surface energy and mechanical modification of PDMS using vapor-phase precursor/polymer reactions. In addition, molecular layer deposition of “alucone” coatings was also investigated to modify the PDMS surface. The experiment result showed the vapor infiltration and MLD coatings produce a viable and stable hydrophilic surface on PDMS.
Forty-Year Journey of Angiogenesis Translational Research
Authors: Cao Yihai , Arbiser Jack , D’Amato Robert J. , D’Amore Patricia A. , Ingber Donald E. , Kerbel Robert , Klagsbrun Michael , Lim Sharon , Moses Marsha A. , Zetter Bruce , Dvorak Harold , Langer Robert
Published: December 2011

Antiangiogenic drugs successfully treat retinal vascular diseases, but challenges remain in the realm of cancer therapy.
Dissecting “Normal” in Leukemia
Authors: Emadi Ashkan
Published: December 2011

Abnormal single-nucleotide polymorphisms are linked to worse outcomes in acute myelogenous leukemia patients with normal karyotypes.
Prodrug Progress
Authors: Rytting Erik
Published: December 2011

Microspheres encapsulating a prodrug of
L
-dopa maintain levels of dopamine in the brain better than
L
-dopa.
Disaster-related injury and predictors of health complaints after exposure to a natural disaster: an online survey
Authors: Marres Geertruid M H , Leenen Luke P H , de Vries Jolanda , Mulder Paul G H , Vermetten Eric
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To study short- and long-term effects of experiencing a disaster in repatriated injured survivors and the differential effect of injury, need for medical treatment, loss of loved ones and danger to life on both physical and mental health.

Design

Prospective online study.

Setting

Open online survey among Dutch survivors of the 2004 Asian tsunami.

Participants

Of the estimated total of 464 Dutch survivors, the authors recruited 144 unique respondents (59 men and 85 women) with a total of 175 assessments made in various time periods.

Main outcome measures

Health outcomes were Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90), Impact of Event Scale (original version, in Dutch) and Beck Depression Inventory II. Correlations were calculated with socio-demographic as well as disaster-related factors: physical injury, medical care, loss of loved ones and duration of threat to life. Assessments were clustered in four post-disaster time periods (0–3, 4–6, 7–30 and 31–48 months).

Results

Across these periods, SCL-90 scores were significantly higher than the reference population (p<0.001), with a significant linear downward trend between the groups over time (p=0.001). The same pattern occurred for the Impact of Event Scale (p<0.001) and the Beck Depression Inventory II (p=0.002). Physical injury, medical care or loss of loved ones was not associated with higher total SCL-90 scores or somatic subscores. Both duration of threat to life and female sex were correlated with all measured outcome parameters.

Conclusions

Exposure to the 2004 Asian tsunami had significant short- and long-term impacts on health complaints in a group of repatriated Dutch tsunami victims. Cross-sectionally, there was a trend towards recovery over 4 years, although 22% still reported high psychological and physical distress 4 years post-disaster. Duration of danger to life and female sex were associated with more physical and mental health complaints. In this study, neither disaster-related injury nor loss of loved ones resulted in negative health outcomes.
Manchester triage in acute pulmonary embolism: can it unmask the grand impersonator?
Authors: Paiva L , Providencia R , Faustino A , Barra S , Botelho A , Leitao-Marques A M
Published: December 2011

Background

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with high mortality risk. Early diagnosis is difficult because of non-specific clinical presentation and delay in imaging confirmation. Manchester Triage (MT) prioritises patients on the basis of illness severity and potentially recognises those with higher mortality risk. No studies of the role and impact of MT on rapid PE diagnosis and in-hospital mortality (IHM) have been carried out.

Objective

To assess the appropriateness of MT in this set of patients presenting acutely to the emergency department (ED), and to determine whether it assists in a rapid diagnosis, acts as a protective triage tool and affects short-term mortality.

Methods

Single-centre retrospective study of 176 consecutive patients with PE, assessed by MT in the ED between January 2006 and October 2010 (mean age 70.5±15.7 years, 38.6% men). The primary outcome measure was all-cause IHM.

Results

IHM was seen in 30 (17%) patients. More than half of the patients with PE (54%) were classified as target time for first medical observation (MOb) ≤10 min. 73.3% of IHM occurred in this group (p=0.020) with several increased markers of illness severity. MOb ≤10 min was not associated with faster PE imaging confirmation. The average door-to-diagnosis time (PEDx) was 26.8±36.8 h and PEDx >17.0 h was associated with higher IHM (p=0.017). On multivariate analysis, thrombolysis and MOb ≤10 min were included in an IHM predictor model.

Conclusion

MT has high sensitivity in identifying patients with PE at risk. Those patients assigned as MOb ≤10 min have increased markers of illness severity and higher IHM. MT acts as a protective system in this challenging set and should be used as a patient's first assessment, aiding the emergency medical team to recognise those in need of urgent assessment and treatment.
Potential barriers to veterinary student access to counselling and other support systems: perceptions of staff and students at a UK veterinary school
Authors: Pickles K. J. , Rhind S. M. , Miller R. , Jackson S. , Allister R. , Philp J. , Waterhouse L. , Mellanby R. J.
Published: December 2011

Considerable evidence suggests that veterinary surgeons' mental health is often poorer than comparable populations and that the incidence of suicide is higher among veterinary surgeons than the general public. Veterinary students also appear to suffer from high levels of anxiety and stress, and may possess inadequate coping strategies when faced with adversity. Veterinary students may find it difficult to access central university support systems due to their heavy workload and geographical isolation on some veterinary campuses. A previous study of University of Edinburgh fourth‐year veterinary students found that support services located several miles from the main veterinary campus was a barrier to students accessing counselling services. Consequently, a pilot project was initiated, which provided a counselling service at the University of Edinburgh's rural Easter Bush veterinary campus one afternoon a week during 2010. As part of the evaluation of this service, web‐based questionnaires were delivered via e‐mail to all veterinary staff and students towards the end of the 12‐month pilot period to evaluate perceptions of barriers to student counselling and to investigate student‐valued support services. Questionnaire responses were received from 35 per cent of veterinary students and 52 per cent of staff. Stigmatisation of being unable to cope was a potent inhibitor of seeking support within the veterinary environment, but counselling was perceived as valuable by the majority of staff and students. Provision of an on‐site counselling service was considered important for increasing ease of access; however, students viewed friends and family as their most important support mechanism. Workload was cited as the main cause of veterinary student stress. The majority of staff and student respondents perceived veterinary students as having an increased need for counselling support compared with other students.
Forty years of spruce–fir stand development following herbicide application and precommercial thinning in central Maine, USA
Authors: Olson Matthew G. , Wagner Robert G. , Brissette John C.
Published: December 2011

We examined the development of a 33-year experiment in spruce–fir stands that received nine herbicide treatments (applied aerially in 1977), with and without precommercial thinning (PCT) (applied in 1986). We tested two commonly held assumptions about the long-term effects of herbicide and PCT in mixedwood stands managed for softwoods: (i) herbicide release produces stands dominated by softwoods and (ii) PCT promotes both softwood dominance and merchantable volume. All herbicides were effective at releasing balsam fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and spruce ( Picea spp.) from overtopping shrubs and hardwoods that had naturally regenerated following clearcut harvesting in 1970. Glyphosate (Roundup), triclopyr amine (Garlon 3A), 2,4,5-T, and a mixture of 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D herbicide treatments were all effective at shifting long-term species composition to softwood dominance after 30 years, irrespective of the rates applied. Herbicide-treated stands that did not receive PCT were overstocked with softwoods for at least 24 years and produced less than half of the merchantable softwood volume by 40 years than herbicide-treated stands that received PCT. Intolerant hardwoods dominated untreated stands for all 33 years of the experiment. When unsprayed plots received PCT, however, they produced stands at 40 years that were compositionally and structurally indistinguishable from those that had received both herbicide and PCT treatments. Results from this experiment clearly demonstrated that early herbicide application, regardless of type and rate of herbicide, created softwood-dominated mixedwood stands over the long term and that PCT more than doubled merchantable softwood volume within 25 years of application.
Growth responses to thinning and pruning in Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus nitens, and Eucalyptus grandis plantations in southeastern Australia
Authors: Forrester David I. , Baker Thomas G.
Published: December 2011

Growth responses to pruning or thinning are well documented but their interactions are not, even though they are sometimes performed simultaneously. Growth responses to thinning and pruning were examined in nine plantation silvicultural experiments at five sites in southeastern mainland Australia. The species studied were Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Eucalyptus nitens (Deane and Maiden) Maiden, and Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden. Thinning from about 1100–1300 trees·ha–1 to about 300 or 500 trees·ha–1 at either age 3–4 years or 7–10 years increased the volume of sawlog crop trees in all species. Multiple lift pruning to 6.5 m height on the sawlog crop trees that retained at least 70% of the live crown length at any lift significantly reduced tree growth at only one of the six site–species combinations where both thinning and pruning were studied. And here, thinning interacted with pruning such that the pruning effects were not significant in unthinned stands because only shaded and inefficient foliage was removed. This study shows that thinning and pruning can interact to influence sawlog crop tree growth and this interaction is influenced by site.
Modeling of timber harvesting options using timber prices as a mean reverting process with stochastic trend
Authors: Khajuria Rajendra Prasad , Kant Shashi , Laaksonen-Craig Susanna
Published: December 2011

Proper characterization of the timber price process plays a vital role in forest management decisions. The process of long-run timber prices and its implications for harvesting decisions are analyzed for a forest in Ontario, Canada. Timber prices are modeled as a mean reverting process with stochastic trend. The Kalman filter is used to estimate the state–space model. The forecasted prices from the model are used in real options analysis to determine the optimal investment time and optimal investment rule. The results provide insight different from that of other specifications used in earlier literature.
Anatomical and chemical factors affecting tensile growth stress in Eucalyptus grandis plantations at different latitudes in Brazil
Authors: Kojima Miho , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Saegusa Koichiro , Yamaji Fabio Minoru , Yoshida Masato , Yamashita Saori , Nakai Takahisa
Published: December 2011

The key to using planted Eucalyptus as timber lies in controlling the characteristic high tensile growth stress that often causes serious processing defects in sawn logs and lumber. In the present study, we investigated variations in the longitudinal released strain (RS) of surface growth stress in stems of Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden planted in a wide range of latitudes in Brazil and established relationships between RS measurements and anatomical and chemical factors. Cellulose and lignin content, RS, and the microfibril angle (MFA) of the middle layer of the secondary wall (S2 layer) differed among latitudes. The increase in cellulose content and decrease in MFA were correlated with the contractive value of RS, which explained the higher tensile growth stress in stems from high-latitude plantations where higher cellulose content and lower MFA were observed. To reduce processing defects due to tensile growth stress, the factors controlling MFA values and cellulose content must be identified.
ON THE GEOMETRY OF THE SUPERMULTIPLET IN M-THEORY
Authors: SATI HISHAM
Published: December 2011

The massless supermultiplet of 11-dimensional supergravity can be generated from the decomposition of certain representation of the exceptional Lie group F4 into those of its maximal compact subgroup Spin(9). In an earlier paper, a dynamical Kaluza–Klein origin of this observation is proposed with internal space the Cayley plane, 𝕆P2, and topological aspects are explored. In this paper we consider the geometric aspects and characterize the corresponding forms which contribute to the action as well as cohomology classes, including torsion, which contribute to the partition function. This involves constructions with bilinear forms. The compatibility with various string theories are discussed, including reduction to loop bundles in ten dimensions.
Ion Beam Analysis: A Century of Exploiting the Electronic and Nuclear Structure of the Atom for Materials Characterisation
Authors: Jeynes Chris , Webb Roger P. , Lohstroh Annika
Published: December 2011

Analysis using MeV ion beams is a thin film characterisation technique invented some 50 years ago which has recently had the benefit of a number of important advances. This review will cover damage profiling in crystals including studies of defects in semiconductors, surface studies, and depth profiling with sputtering. But it will concentrate on thin film depth profiling using Rutherford backscattering, particle induced X-ray emission and related techniques in the deliberately synergistic way that has only recently become possible. In this review of these new developments, we will show how this integrated approach, which we might call "total IBA", has given the technique great analytical power.
Studying Radiation Damage in Structural Materials by Using Ion Accelerators
Authors: Hosemann Peter
Published: December 2011

Radiation damage in structural materials is of major concern and a limiting factor for a wide range of engineering and scientific applications, including nuclear power production, medical applications, or components for scientific radiation sources. The usefulness of these applications is largely limited by the damage a material can sustain in the extreme environments of radiation, temperature, stress, and fatigue, over long periods of time. Although a wide range of materials has been extensively studied in nuclear reactors and neutron spallation sources since the beginning of the nuclear age, ion beam irradiations using particle accelerators are a more cost-effective alternative to study radiation damage in materials in a rather short period of time, allowing researchers to gain fundamental insights into the damage processes and to estimate the property changes due to irradiation. However, the comparison of results gained from ion beam irradiation, large-scale neutron irradiation, and a variety of experimental setups is not straightforward, and several effects have to be taken into account. It is the intention of this article to introduce the reader to the basic phenomena taking place and to point out the differences between classic reactor irradiations and ion irradiations. It will also provide an assessment of how accelerator-based ion beam irradiation is used today to gain insight into the damage in structural materials for large-scale engineering applications.
CytochromeP-450 CYP2E1 knockout mice are protected against high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Zong Haihong , Armoni Michal , Harel Chava , Karnieli Eddy , Pessin Jeffrey E.
Published: December 2011

Conventional (whole body) CYP2E1 knockout mice displayed protection against high-fat diet-induced weight gain, obesity, and hyperlipidemia with increased energy expenditure despite normal food intake and spontaneous locomotor activity. In addition, the CYP2E1 knockout mice displayed a marked improvement in glucose tolerance on both normal chow and high-fat diets. Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps demonstrated a marked protection against high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in CYP2E1 knockout mice, with enhanced adipose tissue glucose uptake and insulin suppression of hepatic glucose output. In parallel, adipose tissue was protected against high-fat diet-induced proinflammatory cytokine production. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the CYP2E1 deletion protects mice against high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance with improved glucose homeostasis in vivo.
Lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle: generation of adaptive and maladaptive intracellular signals for cellular function
Authors: Watt Matthew J. , Hoy Andrew J.
Published: December 2011

Fatty acids derived from adipose tissue lipolysis, intramyocellular triacylglycerol lipolysis, or de novo lipogenesis serve a variety of functions in skeletal muscle. The two major fates of fatty acids are mitochondrial oxidation to provide energy for the myocyte and storage within a variety of lipids, where they are stored primarily in discrete lipid droplets or serve as important structural components of membranes. In this review, we provide a brief overview of skeletal muscle fatty acid metabolism and highlight recent notable advances in the field. We then 1) discuss how lipids are stored in and mobilized from various subcellular locations to provide adaptive or maladaptive signals in the myocyte and 2) outline how lipid metabolites or metabolic byproducts derived from the actions of triacylglycerol metabolism or β-oxidation act as positive and negative regulators of insulin action. We have placed an emphasis on recent developments in the lipid biology field with respect to understanding skeletal muscle physiology and discuss unanswered questions and technical limitations for assessing lipid signaling in skeletal muscle.
Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Breast during Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Ashindoitiang John Adi , Faduyile Francis Adedayo , Taiwo Olufemi Joshua
Published: December 2011

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast (SCCB) is a very rare malignancy of the breast and is generally aggressive. It is even rarer during the gestational period. Only few cases have been reported during pregnancy and lactation (Rokutanda et al., 2000). SCCB seen within the gestational period tends to be very aggressive and has a larger size than other breast carcinomas. Pure SCCB is derived from the epidermis of the breast, nipple, or metaplasia on chronic inflammatory background (Bige et al., 2007), such as complicated breast cyst, dermoid cyst, or abscess. We report a case of SCCB in a 30-year-old primigravida that had an aggressive propensity and fatal outcome.
Good and Bad Sleep in Childhood: A Questionnaire Survey amongst School Children in Southern Italy
Authors: Ficca Gianluca , Conte Francesca , De Padova Vittoria , Zilli Iole
Published: December 2011

Despite its clinical importance, the issue of subjective sleep quality in children remains unexplored. Here we investigate, in school-aged children, the prevalence of bad sleep perception and its relationships with sleep habits and daytime functioning, to provide hints on its possible determinants. Subjective sleep perception, sleep habits, and daytime functioning were studied through a questionnaire survey in a sample of 482 children (6–12 yrs.). Being “bad sleeper” was reported by 6.9% of the sample. Compared to the “good sleepers”, these subjects displayed shorter sleep duration on schooldays, longer sleep latencies, and a more pronounced evening preference, beyond more frequent insufficient sleep. Though no differences emerged in sleepiness, bad sleepers showed higher impairments in daytime functioning, indicated by more frequent depressed mood and impulsivity. These distinctive features might be very important to precociously detect those children who are possibly more vulnerable to sleep disturbances and whose sleep-wake rhythms evolution should be paid particular attention thereafter.
Complete Response of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Multiple Lung Metastases Treated with Sorafenib: A Case Report
Authors: Inuzuka Tadashi , Nishikawa Hiroki , Sekikawa Akira , Takeda Haruhiko , Henmi Shinichiro , Sakamoto Azusa , Saito Sumio , Kita Ryuichi , Kimura Toru , Osaki Yukio , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: December 2011

Sorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, has demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, in the SHARP trial (Sorafenib HCC Assessment Randomized Protocol trial) and the Asia-Pacific trial (conducted in the Asia-Pacific region), no cases of complete response (CR) were reported. Thereafter, only a relatively small number of CR cases were reported worldwide for sorafenib therapy. We herein report a case of CR in a patient treated with sorafenib for 4 months. The patient had advanced HCC with multiple lung metastases, and there has been no recurrence after 8 months following cessation of administration. To our knowledge, this is the first time a female treated with sorafenib alone for HCC has had a CR.
Prevalence of Self-Neglect across Gender, Race, and Socioeconomic Status: Findings from the Chicago Health and Aging Project
Authors: Dong XinQi , Simon Melissa A. , Evans Denis A.
Published: December 2011

Background: Self-neglect is the behavior of an elderly person that threatens his/her own health and safety, and it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, the scope of the self-neglect in the community population remains unclear. We examined the prevalence of self-neglect and its specific behaviors of hoarding, hygiene and other environmental hazards in a community-dwelling elderly population. Methods: A population-based cohort study conducted from 2007 to 2010 in a single cycle in a geographically defined community of 4 adjacent neighborhoods in Chicago, Ill., USA. Participant’s personal and home environment was rated on hoarding, personal hygiene, house in need of repair, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate utility. Prevalence estimates were presented across gender, race/ethnicity, education and income levels. Results: There were 4,627 older adults in the cohort. The prevalence of self-neglect and specific personal and environmental hazards varied significantly by race/ethnicity and by levels of education and income. For race/ethnicity, black older adults (men 13.2%; women 10.9%) had a significantly higher prevalence of self-neglect than white older adults (men 2.4%; women 2.6%). For those with less than high school education, the prevalence of the self-neglect was 14.7% in men and 10.9% in women. For those with an annual income of less than USD 15,000, the prevalence of self-neglect was 21.7% in men and 15.3% in women. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-neglect and specific behaviors of hoarding, poor hygiene, and other environmental hazards are higher among black older adults and among those with lower levels of education and income.
Adriamycin Enhances Proteasome-Mediated Generation of the Proapoptotic Processed Form of MAGE-A4 in Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Sakurai Toshiharu , Kudo Masatoshi , Itoh Katsuhiko , Ryu U. , Higashitsuji Hiroaki , Fujita Jun
Published: December 2011

Background: Melanoma antigen (MAGE)-A4 is processed to generate a C-terminal fragment with proapoptotic activity. Here we demonstrate that Adriamycin promotes generation of the processed MAGE-A4 by activating the proteasome. The proteasome is known to prevent accumulation of toxic proteins to maintain cellular homeostasis. Methods and Results: Treatment of hepatoma cells expressing MAGE-A4 with a sublethal dose of Adriamycin increased the MAGE-A4 processing and sensitized the cells to Adriamycin-induced apoptosis. The processing of MAGE-A4 was inhibited by the proteasome inhibitors MG115, MG132, lactacystin and epoxamicin. MAGE-A4 was coimmunoprecipitated with the S6 proteasomal ATPase, and present in the fractions containing the proteasome during glycerol gradient centrifugation. Consistent with the notion that the proteasome cleaves MAGE-A4, the 26S proteasome, ubiquitin, and cell lysates were necessary for efficient in vitrocleavage of MAGE-A4. Conclusions: The present study suggests that a low dose of Adriamycin increases the proteasome activity, which either maintains cellular homeostasis or leads to apoptosis depending, at least under the present conditions, on the expression of MAGE-A4.
Living Donor Kidney Donation: Another Form of White Coat Effect
Authors: DeLoach Stephanie S. , Meyers Kevin E.C. , Townsend Raymond R.
Published: December 2011

Background/Aims: Living donor nephrectomy can be associated with increases in blood pressure several years following the procedure, but the best method to assess blood pressure during the living donor evaluation process is unclear. Methods: Living kidney donors underwent casual clinic and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and measurement of central aortic pressures at baseline and 6 months following donor nephrectomy. Results: There was a significant decline in clinic systolic blood pressure (SBP; p = 0.001) and central aortic systolic pressure (p = 0.011) during the study period. However, average ABPM was unchanged and other measures of central arterial pressures and Augmentation Index were unchanged at 6 months compared to baseline. Conclusions: The remarkable differences between clinic SBP and ambulatory SBP prior to donation, and the disappearance of these differences 6 months later, suggest a substantial white coat effect on SBP associated with living kidney donor evaluation. Also, ABPM represents a better way to assess blood pressure prior to kidney donation.
Effects of Short- and Long-Term Hypercholesterolemia on Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Yang Dingwei , Lin Shan , Yang Dingping , Wei Li , Shang Wenya
Published: December 2011

Background: Whether hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) remains unclear. In the present study, the effects of short- and long-term dietary hypercholesterolemia on contrast media-induced nephrotoxicity were evaluated. Methods: Rats were fed either a normal rodent diet (N) or high-cholesterol diet (H). At the end of 2 and 8 weeks, 8 rats from each diet group were given a tail vein injection of either iohexol (group NC and group HC) or vehicle (group N and group H). Blood lipids, renal function and renal hemodynamics were evaluated 1 day after contrast media administration. Renal and urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) were detected by radioimmunoassay. Renal nitric oxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by the Griess reaction and thiobarbituric acid method, respectively. Results: Contrast media administration increased serum creatinine levels and induced severe renal tubular necrosis in rats fed the high-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks but not in rats fed the normal diet or high-cholesterol diet for 2 weeks. The renal and urinary PGE2 and TXB2 levels increased significantly in rats in group H and group HC at the end of 8 weeks. Renal nitric oxide production decreased, and MDA levels increased markedly in group HC and group H at the end of 8 weeks. Conclusions: We conclude that long-term hypercholesterolemia appeared to be a risk factor for CI-AKI, which might be associated with disorders in intrarenal prostaglandins and abnormalities in renal nitric oxide system induced by lipid peroxidation.
Plasma S100A12 Levels and Peripheral Arterial Disease in End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Shiotsu Yayoi , Mori Yasukiyo , Hatta Tsuguru , Maki Noboru , Iida Kumiko , Matsuoka Eiko , Kado Hiroshi , Ishida Ryo , Kishimoto Noriko , Tamagaki Keiichi , Nishimura Masato , Iwamoto Noriyuki , Ono Toshihiko , Matsubara Hiroaki , Kosaki Atsushi
Published: December 2011

Background: S100A12 is an endogenous ligand of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Plasma S100A12 levels are high in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is common in HD patients and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates in this population. To date, however, no study has specifically assessed the relationship between plasma S100A12 and PAD in HD patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 152 HD patients in our affiliated hospital. We investigated PAD history and patient characteristics and quantified plasma S100A12 levels in all participants. Results: HD patients with PAD (n = 26; 21.9 [13.6–33.4] ng/ml) showed significantly higher plasma S100A12 levels than HD patients without PAD (n = 126; 11.8 [7.5–17.6]ng/ml; p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the plasma S100A12 level (odds ratio [OR] 5.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29–25.3; p = 0.022) was identified as an independent factor associated with PAD prevalence. Another factor associated with PAD prevalence was the ankle-brachial index (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.40–0.74; p < 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that plasma S100A12 levels are strongly associated with PAD prevalence in ESRD patients undergoing HD.
Stress-induced hyperglycaemia and venous thromboembolism following total hip or total knee arthroplasty
Authors: DeVries J. , Kamphuisen Pieter-Willem , Kuhls Silvia , Homering Martin , Hoekstra Joost , Lensing Anthonie , Büller Harry , Cohn Danny , Hermanides Jeroen
Published: December 2011

Stress-induced hyperglycaemia is common during orthopaedic surgery. In addition, hyperglycaemia activates coagulation. The aim of the study was to assess whether stress-induced hyperglycaemia is associated with symptomatic or asymptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) following orthopaedic surgery. We performed post-hoc analyses in the four RECORD studies (REgulation of Coagulation in major Orthopaedic surgery reducing the Risk of Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism). Separate analyses were performed for patients undergoing elective total hip or knee replacement. Outcome measures were symptomatic VTE and “total VTE” (defined as the composite of symptomatic VTE, asymptomatic DVT assessed by per protocol venography and all cause mortality). Glucose levels were measured pre-op and 6 hours post-op, categorised into quartiles, based on the distribution in the respective cohorts. The influence of glucose, adjusted for body mass index, age, gender and diabetes mellitus on VTE was assessed by logistic regression analyses. A total of 12,383 patients were eligible for assessment of symptomatic VTE, and 8,512 patients were eligible for assessment of total VTE. Increased glucose levels after total hip replacement were associated with total VTE; adjusted odds ratio (OR) highest versus lowest quartile 1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3 to 3.0). Furthermore, increase in glucose levels during total hip replacement was associated with total VTE (OR highest versus lowest quartile 1.8 (95%CI 1.2 to 2.8). This was not observed in patients undergoing total knee replacement, probably due to differences in the applied surgical procedures.
IAMS' LEAP INTO ASIA:
Authors: Verstraelen F.J.
Published: December 2011

After having met in Europe (Driebergen, Netherlands 1972; Frankfurt, Federal German Republic 1974), Latin America (San Jose, Costa Rica 1976) and NorthAmerica (Maryknoll, USA 1978), the International
Association for
Mission
Studies (IAMS) was ready to leap into Asia. We will here provide only a few aspects of IAMS' first meeting in that continent. The full official report of the meeting in Bangalore will be published this year in a special issue of Missiology, while also Indian Missiological Review will give an extensive covering.