bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The comparison of clinicopathological characteristics in primary malignant mixed műllerian tumour with epithelial endometrial carcinoma
Authors: TONG Seo‐Yun , LEE Jong‐Min , CHOI Young‐Joon , LEE Jae‐Kwan , KIM Jao Weon , CHO Chi‐Heum , KIM Seok‐Mo , PARK Sang‐Yoon , PARK Chan‐Yong , KIM Ki‐Tae
Published: December 2011

Aims:  We performed an age‐matched case–control study to compare the clinical and pathology outcomes between histologically diagnosed primary malignant mixed műllerian tumour (MMMT) of the uterus and endometrial carcinoma.

Methods:  Thirty‐two women were treated for primary MMMT at seven tertiary medical centres in Korea from 2000 to 2006. For each woman with MMMT, four women with endometrioid and two with non‐endometrioid endometrial carcinoma were selected as age‐matched controls for analysis. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to obtain outcome data.

Results:  The incidence of MMMT was 2.57% (32/1244). In comparison with women with endometrioid endometrial cancer, those with MMMT were characterised by large tumour size, higher incidence of adnexal involvement and lymph node metastases, leading to advanced disease stage. Despite the frequent use of adjuvant treatment, the 5‐year survival rate of women with MMMT was significantly poorer than those with endometrioid endometrial cancer. However, women with MMMT were not significantly different from those with non‐endometrioid endometrial cancer in terms of important pathologic variables, apart from larger tumour size. In addition, the 5‐year survival rate of women MMMT was poorer than that those with non‐endometrioid endometrial cancer, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:  Malignant mixed műllerian tumour is characterised by a high incidence of lymph node metastases and advanced stage at diagnosis, leading to poorer overall survival than other subtypes of endometrial carcinoma. Clinical trials for MMMT are critical for improving treatment strategies.
MOLECULAR CLONING AND BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF GALACTOSE‐1‐PHOSPHATE URIDYLYLTRANSFERASE FROM GRACILARIA CHANGII (RHODOPHYTA)1
Authors: Siow Rouh‐San , Teo Swee‐Sen , Ho Wan‐Yong , Shukor Mohd. Yunus Abd. , Phang Siew‐Moi , Ho Chai‐Ling
Published: December 2011

Galactose‐1‐phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT) catalyzes the reversible conversion of glucose‐1‐phosphate and UDP‐galactose to galactose‐1‐phosphate and UDP‐glucose. This enzyme is also responsible for one of the biochemical steps that produce the precursors of agar and agarose. In this study, we report the molecular cloning and sequence analyses of a cDNA encoding GALT, from Gracilaria changii (B. M. Xia et I. A. Abbott) I. A. Abbott, J. Zhang et B. M. Xia, which constitutes a genus of seaweeds that supply more than 60% of the world’s agar and agarose. We have subcloned this cDNA into a bacterial expression cloning vector and characterized the enzyme activities of its recombinant proteins in vitro. The GcGALT gene was shown to be up‐regulated by salinity stresses. The abundance of transcripts encoding GcGALT was the highest in G. changii, followed by Gracilaria edulis and Gracilaria salicornia in a descending order, corresponding to their respective agar contents. Our findings indicated that GALT could be one of the components that determines the agar yield in Gracilaria species.
Predisposing Factors for Postoperative Delirium After Hip Fracture Repair in Individuals with and without Dementia
Authors: Lee Hochang B. , Mears Simon C. , Rosenberg Paul B. , Leoutsakos Jeannie‐Marie S. , Gottschalk Allan , Sieber Frederick E.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

Based on a multifactorial model of delirium, to compare the types and magnitude of pre‐ and intraoperative predisposing factors for incident delirium in a stratified sample of individuals with and without preoperative dementia undergoing acute hip fracture repair.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Participants

Four hundred twenty‐five individuals with acute hip fracture and without delirium (mean age 80.2 ± 6.8, 73.2% female, 33.1% with probable dementia) admitted to a multidisciplinary hip fracture repair service.

Measurements

A research nurse assessed each participant for delirium based on the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) before study enrollment and from the second postoperative day until hospital discharge.

Results

The incidence of delirium was higher in the group with probable dementia (56%) than in the group without dementia (26%) (P < .001). In the group without dementia (n = 284), age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02–1.13), male sex (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.40–5.64), body mass index (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.86–0.99), number of medical comorbidities (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.01–1.32), and duration of surgery longer than 2 hours (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.20–4.88) were independently associated with postoperative delirium. In the group with probable dementia, only the lag time from the emergency department to operating room was significantly associated (OR = 2.83, 95% CI = 1.24–2.25) with delirium.

Conclusion

Preoperative determination of dementia status is important for risk stratification for incident delirium after acute hip fracture repair surgery because types and magnitude of predisposing risk factors for postoperative delirium substantially differ based on preoperative dementia status.
Do Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Predict Dementia at 1‐ and 2‐Year Follow‐Up? Findings from the Development of Screening Guidelines and Diagnostic Criteria for PredementiaAlzheimer's Disease Study
Authors: Sikkes Sietske A. M. , Visser Pieter Jelle , Knol Dirk L. , de Lange‐de Klerk Elly S. M. , Tsolaki Magda , Frisoni Giovani B. , Nobili Flavio , Spiru Luiza , Rigaud Anne Sophie , Frölich Lutz , Rikkert Marcel Olde , Soininen Hilkka , Touchon Jacques , Wilcock Gordon , Boada Mercè , Hampel Harald , Bullock Roger , Vellas Bruno , Pijnenburg Yolande A.L. , Scheltens Philip , Verhey Frans R. , Uitdehaag Bernard M.J.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To investigate whether problems in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) can add to conventionally used clinical measurements in helping to predict a diagnosis of dementia at 1‐ and 2‐year follow‐up.

Design

Multicenter prospective cohort study.

Setting

Memory clinics inEurope.

Participants

Individuals aged 55 and older without dementia.

Measurements

IADLswere measured using pooled activities from five informant‐based questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to investigate the relation betweenIADLsand dementia. Age, sex, education, depression, and cognitive measures (Mini‐Mental State Examination and verbal memory) were included in the model.

Results

Five hundred thirty‐one participants had baseline and 1‐year follow‐up assessments; 69 (13.0%) of these had developed dementia at 1‐year follow‐up. At 2‐year follow‐up, 481 participants were seen, of whom 100 (20.8%) had developed dementia. Participants withIADLdisabilities at baseline had a higher conversion rate (24.4%) than participants withoutIADLdisabilities (16.7%) (chi‐square = 4.28, degrees of freedom = 1,P = .04).SEMshowed thatIADLdisability could help predict dementia in addition to the measured variables at 1‐year follow‐up (odds ratio (OR) = 2.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.51–3.13) and 2‐year follow‐up (OR = 2.11, 95%CI = 1.33–3.33).

Conclusion

IADLdisability is a useful addition to the diagnostic process in a memory clinic setting, indicating who is at higher risk of developing dementia at 1‐ and 2‐year follow‐up.
Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Muscle Strength, Gait and Balance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Muir Susan W. , Montero‐Odasso Manuel
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To systematically review and quantitatively synthesize the effect of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength, gait, and balance in older adults.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Setting

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, bibliographies of selected articles, and previous systematic reviews were searched between January 1980 and November 2010 for eligible articles.

Participants

Older adults (≥60) participating in randomized controlled trials of the effect of supplemental vitamin D without an exercise intervention on muscle strength, gait, and balance.

Measurements

Data were independently extracted, and study quality was evaluated. Meta‐analysis using a fixed‐effects model was performed and the I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity.

Results

Of 714 potentially relevant articles, 13 met the inclusion criteria. In the pooled analysis, vitamin D supplementation yielded a standardized mean difference of −0.20 (95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.39 to −0.01, P = .04, I2 = 0%) for reduced postural sway, −0.19 (95% CI = −0.35 to −0.02, P = .03, I2 = 0%) for decreased time to complete the Timed Up and Go Test, and 0.05 (95% CI = −0.11 to 0.20, P = .04, I2 = 0%) for lower extremity strength gain. Regarding dosing frequency regimen, only one study demonstrated a beneficial effect on balance with a single large dose. All studies with daily doses of 800 IU or more demonstrated beneficial effects on balance and muscle strength.

Conclusion

Supplemental vitamin D with daily doses of 800 to 1,000 IU consistently demonstrated beneficial effects on strength and balance. An effect on gait was not demonstrated, although further evaluation is recommended.
Liver Resection for Colorectal Metastases in Older Adults: A Paired Matched Analysis
Authors: Di Benedetto Fabrizio , Berretta Massimiliano , D'Amico Giuseppe , Montalti Roberto , De Ruvo Nicola , Cautero Nicola , Guerrini Gian Piero , Ballarin Roberto , Spaggiari Mario , Tarantino Giuseppe , Di Sandro Stefano , Pecchi Anna , Luppi Gabriele , Gerunda Giorgio‐Enrico
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To assess the safety and long‐term results of hepatic resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) in older adults.

Design

Case–control.

Setting

Single liver and multivisceral transplant center.

Participants

Individuals with CLM: 32 aged 70 and older (older group) and 32 younger than 70 (younger group) matched in a 1:1 ratio according to sex, primary tumor site, liver metastases at diagnosis, number of metastases, maximum tumor size, infiltration of cut margin, type of hepatic resection, and hepatic resection timing.

Measurements

Postoperative complications and survival rates.

Results

There was no significant difference in preoperative clinical findings between the two study groups. The incidence of cumulative postoperative complications was similar in the older (28.1%) and younger (34.4%) groups (P = .10). One‐, 3‐, and 5‐year disease‐free survival rates were 57.6%, 32.9%, and 16.4%, respectively, in the younger group and 67.9%, 29.2%, and 19.5%, respectively, in the older group (P = .72). One‐, 3‐, and 5‐year participant survival rates were 84.1%, 51.9%, and 33.3%, respectively, in the older group and 93.6%, 63%, and 28%, respectively, in the younger group (P = .50).

Conclusions

Resection of colorectal liver metastases in older adults can be performed with low mortality and morbidity and offers a long‐time survival advantage to many of these individuals. Based on the results of this case–control study, older adults should be considered for surgical treatment whenever possible.
Treatment of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head in Small Dogs with Micro Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Jankovits Daniel A. , Liska William D. , Kalis Russell H.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To evaluate clinical outcome of small dogs with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head treated with Micro total hip replacement (THR).

Study Design

Nonrandomized, retrospective efficacy case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 7; 7 hips) that had MicroTHR.

Methods

Medical records (December 2005–March 2009) of dogs affected withAVNtreated with MicroTHRwere reviewed. Data analysis included age, sex, breed, body weight, and body condition. All dogs were evaluated at least 6 months after MicroTHR was performed on the affectedAVNlimb. Physical, orthopedic, and radiographic examination, owner questionnaire, thigh girth, and ground reaction force were evaluated.

Results

Seven dogs (7MicroTHR) met the inclusion criteria. Mean age at time of onset of clinical signs was 7.7 months and mean age at time of MicroTHRwas 9.6 months. Mean body weight was 4.2 kg. Median body condition score was 5.0 (range, 4–6). Mean cumulative functional scores from client questionnaires before (19.5; range, 11–25) and after MicroTHR(8.2; range, 7–14) were significantly different (P= .004). There was no significant difference between thigh girths of the MicroTHR(17.8 ± 2.6 cm; range, 14.5–21.5 cm) limbs when compared with contralateral (17.5 ± 2.9 cm; range, 14.5–22.0 cm) limbs (P= .38). Peak vertical force (P= .20), vertical impulse (P= .81), peak braking force (P= .91), braking impulse (P= .19), peak propulsion force (P= .32), and propulsion impulse (P= .19) were not significantly different in MicroTHRlimbs compared with contralateral limbs.

Conclusion

There was no relationship between age, sex, and breed for development ofAVNin this study. Dogs that received MicroTHRfor the treatment ofAVNhad no significant differences in thigh girth and ground reaction forces when MicroTHRlimb was compared with the contralateral limb.
Micro Total Hip Replacement in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Marino Dominic J , Ireifej Shadi J , Loughin Catherine A
Published: December 2011

Objective

To describe the surgical technique using power‐assisted femoral preparation and clinical outcome in 41 dogs and 2 cats surgically treated with the micro total hip prosthesis.

Study Design

Retrospective case series

Animals

Dogs (n = 41) and 2 cats

Methods

Medical records (January 2007–March 2010) of dogs and cats that had MicroTHRwere reviewed. Data regarding implant position, cement mantle quality, concurrent surgery, intra‐ and postoperative complications, operative time, 3‐week and 3‐month recheck physical examinations, 3‐month pelvic radiograph findings, and interval from surgery to any complication were retrieved.

Results

Six dogs had staged bilateral MicroTHR, 35 dogs and 2 cats had unilateral MicroTHR. Median body weight was 8.2 kg (range, 2.1–14.2 kg) whereas for those that had complications (fracture or luxation) it was 8.6 kg (range, 6.6–14.1 kg). Median operative time was 71 minutes (range, 55–105 minutes). Complications included luxations (5 of 49; 10%) and femoral fracture (1; 2%). Lameness grades assigned at the 3‐month recheck examination: 39 (80%) animals were grade 1, 6 (12%) were grade 2, and 4 (8%) were grade 3. Forty‐five animals (92%) had good or excellent results.

Conclusions

MicroTHRis a practical and effective surgery in small breed dogs and cats with coxofemoral disease.
Expression of Concern: Randomized comparison of superovulation with letrozole vs. clomiphene citrate in an IUI program for women with recently surgically treated minimal to mild endometriosis
Authors: ABU HASHIM HATEM , EL RAKHAWY MOHAMED , ABD ELAAL IBRAHIM
Published: December 2011

Objective. To evaluate pregnancy rates with letrozole and clomiphene citrate (CC) alone for superovulation in an intrauterine insemination program for women with recently surgically treated minimal to mild endometriosis. Design. A randomized controlled trial following the CONSORT criteria. Setting. University teaching hospital and a private practice setting. Patients. 136 women with primary infertility due to minimal to mild endometriosis who did not achieve pregnancy after six to 12 months following laparoscopic treatment. Interventions: Superovulation using 5mg letrozole/day (69 women, 220 cycles) or 100mg CC/day (67 women, 213 cycles) for five days combined with intrauterine insemination up to four cycles. Main outcome measures. Clinical pregnancy rate per cycle, cumulative pregnancy rate after four cycles, number of follicles, serum estradiol, endometrial thickness on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration, serum progesterone, miscarriage and live birth rates. Results. The clinical pregnancy rate per cycle and the cumulative pregnancy rate after four cycles were comparable (15.9 vs. 14.5% and 64.7 vs. 57.2%; p=0.82, p=0.71 in letrozole and CC groups, respectively). Two twin pregnancies occurred in the CC/intrauterine insemination group. Miscarriage and live birth rates were comparable (11.4 vs. 12.9% and 44.9 vs. 40.3%; p=0.47, p=0.62 in letrozole and CC groups, respectively). The total number of follicles and serum estradiol on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration were significantly increased in the CC group. Conclusions. Superovulation with letrozole is not more effective than clomiphene citrate alone in an intrauterine insemination program for women with minimal to mild endometriosis who did not achieve pregnancy after six to 12 months following laparoscopic treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01334762.
The use of video‐clips as a teaching aide
Authors: Smith W. , Rafeek R. , Marchan S. , Paryag A.
Published: December 2011

Introduction:  Video‐clips of tooth preparations recorded with a digital head‐mounted camera replaced live demonstrations midway in a preclinical operative dentistry course. DVDs of the video‐clips were made available to the students for home use.

Aims:  The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of these video‐clips had any impact on students’ practical examination results and to analyse students’ opinions of this new technology and the perceived impact on their learning.

Methods:  A questionnaire was administered to all students (n = 26) who completed the course, asking their opinions on the video‐clips. The results of student practical examinations before the introduction of the camera were compared with those after the video‐clips were available and also to the examination outcomes of the previous year’s students (ANOVA, P < 0.05).

Results:  Twenty‐one students completed the questionnaire. Sixteen students (76%) preferred the video‐clips to the live demonstrations, and 12 students (57%) made and reviewed the DVDs at home. They expressed a preference for the videos to be made available online or as podcasts. Twelve students (57%) felt that one‐to‐one supervision was more effective developing their competence in tooth preparations when compared to their viewing of the video‐clips. There were no statistically significant differences between the practical examination results.

Conclusion:  In this group of students, video‐clips were the preferred method of demonstration of tooth preparations in the preclinical environment. However, students perceived their learning to be facilitated more by one‐to‐one supervision. The students preferred to have the video‐clips made available to them online instead of in the form of a DVD. The introduction of this educational aide did not make a difference in practical examination results.
5,7‐Dimethoxyflavone, an activator of PPARα/γ, inhibits UVB‐induced MMP expression in human skin fibroblast cells
Authors: Kim Jae Kyung , Mun Sukyeong , Kim Myung‐Suk , Kim Mi‐Bo , Sa Bo‐Kyung , Hwang Jae‐Kwan
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs), which are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, are a family of ligand‐activated transcription factors that consist of three isotypes (PPAR α, δ and γ). PPAR activity was previously thought to be limited to lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis; however, intensive studies of PPARα/γ in recent years have revealed their importance in age‐related inflammation and photoaging as regulators of cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB). We evaluated the ability of the PPARα/γ activator 5,7‐dimethoxyflavone (5,7‐DMF) to inhibit ultraviolet B (UVB)‐induced MMP expression in Hs68 human skin fibroblasts. Hs68 cells were treated with 5,7‐DMF and then exposed to UVB irradiation. MMP expression, production and activity were determined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and gelatin zymography. PPARα/γ expression, catalase expression, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) and NF‐κB signalling were evaluated by Western blot analysis. PPARα/γ activity was assessed with the GAL4/PPARα/γ transactivation assay. We found that 5,7‐DMF strongly decreased MMP expression, production and activity. In addition, 5,7‐DMF significantly increased PPARα/γ activation and catalase expression, thereby downregulating UVB‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, ROS‐induced MAPK signalling and downstream transcription factors. Finally, 5,7‐DMF reduced IκBα phosphorylation, blocked NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation, strongly suppressed proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐8. 5,7‐DMF prevents UVB‐induced MMP expression by suppressing UVB‐induced oxidative stress and age‐related inflammation via NF‐κB and MAPK/AP‐1 pathways. Our findings suggest the usefulness of 5,7‐DMF for preventing and treating skin photoaging.
Clarithromycin suppresses the periodontal bacteria‐accelerated abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice
Authors: Aoyama N. , Suzuki J.‐I. , Ogawa M. , Watanabe R. , Kobayashi N. , Hanatani T. , Yoshida A. , Ashigaki N. , Izumi Y. , Isobe M.
Published: December 2011

Aoyama N, Suzuki J‐I, Ogawa M, Watanabe R, Kobayashi N, Hanatani T, Yoshida A, Ashigaki N, Izumi Y, Isobe M. Clarithromycin suppresses the periodontal bacteria‐accelerated abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 463–469. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Although clarithromycin (CAM) has many biological functions, including regulation of MMPs, little is known about its effect on abdominal aortic aneurysms. Periodontopathic bacteria have been reported to be associated with several kinds of circulatory diseases. The purpose of this study was therefore to clarify the effect of CAM on periodontopathic bacteria‐accelerated abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Material and Methods:  Abdominal aortic aneurysm was produced in mice by the peri‐aortic application of 0.25 m CaCl2. The mice were inoculated once per week with live Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is one of the major periodontopathic bacteria. Test mice (n = 8) were given a daily oral dose of CAM, while control mice (n = 13) were not.

Results:  Four weeks after the operation, the P. gingivalis‐injected and CAM‐treated mice showed a significant decrease in the aortic diameter in comparison with the mice only injected with P. gingivalis. Histopathologically, the samples obtained from the P. gingivalis‐injected and CAM‐treated mice showed less elastic degradation. Moreover, the plasma MMP‐2 concentration of the CAM‐treated mice decreased significantly.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that CAM administration is useful to suppress periodontal bacteria‐accelerated abdominal aortic aneurysms via MMP regulation.
Marathon of eponyms: 22 Virchow node
Authors: Scully C , Langdon J , Evans J
Published: December 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 107–108

The use of eponyms has long been contentious, but many remain in common use, as discussed elsewhere (Editorial: Oral Diseases. 2009: 15; 185). The use of eponyms in diseases of the head and neck is found mainly in specialties dealing with medically compromised individuals (paediatric dentistry, special care dentistry, oral and maxillofacial medicine, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology and oral and maxillofacial surgery) and particularly by hospital‐centred practitioners. This series has selected some of the more recognized relevant eponymous conditions and presents them alphabetically. The information is based largely on data available from MEDLINE and a number of internet websites as noted below: the authors would welcome any corrections. This document summarizes data about Virchow node.
Enhanced alveolar bone loss in a model of non‐invasive periodontitis in rice rats
Authors: Aguirre JI , Akhter MP , Kimmel DB , Pingel J , Xia X , Williams A , Jorgensen M , Edmonds K , Lee JY , Reinhard MK , Battles AH , Kesavalu L , Wronski TJ
Published: December 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 459–468

Objective:  The rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) develops periodontitis‐like lesions when fed a diet rich in sucrose and casein (H‐SC). We aimed to establish whether this model can accurately mimic the development of human periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:  For this purpose, 28‐day‐old rice rats (15/group) were assigned to standard (STD) or H‐SC diets and sacrificed after 6, 12, and 18 weeks. Jaws were processed for morphometric, histometric, histologic, histomorphometric, and micro‐CT analyses.

Results:  We found a progressive increase in horizontal alveolar bone loss (ABL) with age in maxillae of rats fed the STD diet as determined by morphometry. The H‐SC diet exacerbated horizontal ABL at the palatal surface at 12 and 18 weeks. Furthermore, increased vertical ABL was detected in mandibles and maxillae of rats fed the H‐SC diet for 12 and/or 18 weeks by histometry and micro‐CT. Remarkably, the H‐SC diet significantly increased bone remodeling at the interproximal alveolar bone of mandibles from rats fed for 6 weeks, but not in those fed for longer periods.

Conclusions:  These findings indicate that the H‐SC diet induced a transient increase in alveolar bone remodeling, which is followed by ABL characteristic of moderate periodontitis.
Global myocardial function is compromised in infants with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Sehgal Arvind , Athikarisamy Sam E , Adamopoulos Maria
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is a serious clinical entity with significant mortality and long‐term morbidity. The objective was to study the profile of myocardial function, especially diastolic function, in term infants with pulmonary hypertension treated with nitric oxide.

Methods:  Unit electronic database was accessed to identify infants ≥34 weeks gestation who were administered nitric oxide for pulmonary hypertension over the last 6 years. Medical records and archived echocardiographic images were retrieved. Those with no echocardiogram on the day of administration of nitric oxide, concomitant congenital heart disease or ≥2 weeks of age at the time of nitric administration were excluded.

Results:  Low biventricular outputs were noted in >2/3rd infants. Tricuspid regurgitation was noted in 20/25 (80%) infants, and ductal shunt was bidirectional in the majority of cases. Right ventricular diastolic function was assessed by systolic to diastolic duration ratio; dysfunction was widely prevalent.

Conclusions:  A large percentage of infants were haemodynamically severely compromised. This is the first study to detail right ventricular diastolic dysfunction in infants with pulmonary hypertension and highlights the therapeutic role of milrinone, a lusitropic drug with myocardial relaxation properties. Comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular haemodynamics can optimize clinical care.
ESTIMATION OF GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE IN HEALTHY CATS USING SINGLE‐SLICE DYNAMICCTANDPATLAK PLOT ANALYSIS
Authors: Granger L. Abbigail , Armbrust Laura J. , Rankin David C. , Ghering Ronette , Bello Nora M. , Alexander Kate
Published: December 2011

Commonly used clinical indicators of renal disease are either insensitive to early dysfunction or have delayed results. Decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) indicates renal dysfunction before there is a loss of 50% of functional nephrons. Most tests evaluate global rather than individual kidney function. Dynamic computed tomography (CT) andPatlak plot analysis allows for individualGFRto be tested. Our objectives were to establish a procedure and provide reference values for determination of globalGFRin 10 healthy cats using dynamicCT(CTGFR). This method ofGFRdetermination was compared against serum iohexol clearance (SIC). A singleCTslice centered on both kidneys and the aorta was acquired every fifth second during and after a bolus injection of iohexol (240 mgI/ml; 300 mgI/kg) for 115 s. Using data from this dynamic acquisition,Patlak plots were obtained,GFRwas calculated, and results were compared to globalGFRdetermined by iohexol clearance. The average globalCTGFRestimate was 1.84 ml/min × kg (SD = 0.43; range = [1.22, 2.45]). The average globalGFRmeasured usingSICwas 2.45 ml/min × kg (SD = 0.58; range = [1.72, 3.69]).GFRmeasurements estimated by both dynamicCTandSICwere positively associated (estimatedSpearman rank correlation coefficient = 0.72;P = 0.0234). TheCTGFRmethod consistently underestimatedGFRwith a bias of −0.62 (SE = 0.1307) when compared toSIC(P = 0.0011). In healthy cats,CTGFRwas capable of determining individual kidney function and appears clinically promising.
The catalytic core of an archaeal 2‐oxoacid dehydrogenase multienzyme complex is a 42‐mer protein assembly
Authors: Marrott Nia L. , Marshall Jacqueline J. T. , Svergun Dmitri I. , Crennell Susan J. , Hough David W. , Danson Michael J. , van den Elsen Jean M. H.
Published: December 2011

The dihydrolipoyl acyl‐transferase (E2) enzyme forms the structural and catalytic core of the tripartite 2‐oxoacid dehydrogenase multienzyme complexes of the central metabolic pathways. Although this family of multienzyme complexes shares a common architecture, their E2 cores form homo‐trimers that, depending on the source, further associate into either octahedral (24‐mer) or icosahedral (60‐mer) assemblies, as predicted by the principles of quasi‐equivalence. In the crystal structure of the E2 core from Thermoplasma acidophilum, a thermophilic archaeon, the homo‐trimers assemble into a unique 42‐mer oblate spheroid. Analytical equilibrium centrifugation and small‐angle X‐ray scattering analyses confirm that this catalytically active 1.08 MDa assembly exists as a single species in solution, forming a hollow spheroid with a maximum diameter of 220 Å. In this paper we show that a monodisperse macromolecular assembly, built from identical subunits in non‐identical environments, forms an irregular protein shell via non‐equivalent interactions. This unusually irregular protein shell, combining cubic and dodecahedral geometrical elements, expands on the concept of quasi‐equivalence as a basis for understanding macromolecular assemblies by showing that cubic point group symmetry is not a physical requirement in multienzyme assembly. These results extend our basic knowledge of protein assembly and greatly expand the number of possibilities to manipulate self‐assembling biological complexes to be utilized in innovative nanotechnology applications.

Database

The final coordinates of the E2 structure have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB accession code 3RQC)

Structured digital abstract

 E2 and E2 bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)

 E2 and E2 bind by x ray scattering (View interaction)
The affect of pH and bacterial phenotypic state on antibiotic efficacy
Authors: Thomas John , Linton Sara , Corum Linda , Slone Will , Okel Tyler , Percival Steven L
Published: December 2011

Antibiotics are routinely used in woundcare for the treatment of local and systemic infections. Our goals in this paper were to (i) evaluate the antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria isolated from burn and chronic wounds and (ii) evaluate the effect of pH and bacterial phenotype on the efficacy of antibiotics. Chronic and burn wound isolates, which had been routinely isolated from patients at West Virginia University Hospital, USA, were evaluated for their sensitivity to antibiotics. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a standardised disk diffusion assay on agar (quasi/non biofilm) and poloxamer (biofilm). Many of the Gram‐positive and ‐negative isolates demonstrated changes in susceptibility to antibiotics when grown at different pH values and phenotypic states. Findings of this study highlight the clinical relevance that both pH and the phenotypic state of bacteria have on antibiotic performance. The study in particular has shown that bacteria exhibit an enhanced tolerance to antibiotics when grown in the biofilm phenotypic state. Such a finding suggests that more appropriate antibiotic sensitivity testing for woundcare and medicine is warranted to help assist in the enhancement of positive clinical outcomes.
Low concentration amino‐bisphosphonates stimulate human keratinocyte proliferation and in vitro wound healing
Authors: Renò Filippo , Migliario Mario , Rizzi Manuela , Invernizzi Marco , Cisari Carlo , Cannas Mario
Published: December 2011

Amino‐bisphosphonates (N‐BPs) are widely used to treat a great variety of clinical conditions involving altered calcium metabolism, as well as to prevent bone metastases. The use of N‐BPs, however, display well‐known side effects, including cellular toxicity, mainly at soft tissue and mucosal level, that arise from N‐BPs ability to induce cell apoptosis when administered at clinically relevant concentrations. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in an in vitro wound healing model, the effect of N‐BPs low concentration (10 nM–10 µM) stimulation on keratinocyte cellular behaviour. Human keratinocytes were treated with neridronate and zoledronate, two N‐BPs with different chemical structure and clinical potency, but sharing a common pharmacological target: farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) synthase. Surprisingly, at the tested concentrations, both drugs stimulated keratinocytes proliferation, upregulating cytokeratin 5 while downregulating filaggrin expression, and wound healing ability, without any significant effect on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 activity. The lack of N‐BPs effect on MMP‐9 activity indicates that wound closure, in our experimental model, is mainly due to an increase in cell proliferation rather than to an increase in cell migration. Therefore, it can be hypothesised that the observed wound healing results could be ascribed to an N‐BPs mediated reduction of FPP endogenous levels, thus suggesting new possible clinical applications for these compounds.
Laser irradiation effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms isolated from venous leg ulcer
Authors: Baffoni Marina , Bessa Lucinda J , Grande Rossella , Di Giulio Mara , Mongelli Matteo , Ciarelli Antonio , Cellini Luigina
Published: December 2011

Chronic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers and venous leg ulcers, represent a significant cause of morbidity in developed countries, predominantly in older patients. The aetiology of these wounds is probably multifactorial, but the role of bacteria in their pathogenesis is still unclear. Moreover, the presence of bacterial biofilms has been considered an important factor responsible for wounds chronicity. We aimed to investigate the laser action as a possible biofilm eradicating strategy, in order to attempt an additional treatment to antibiotic therapy to improve wound healing. In this work, the effect of near‐infrared (NIR) laser was evaluated on mono and polymicrobial biofilms produced by two pathogenic bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus PECHA10 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PECHA9, both isolated from a chronic venous leg ulcer. Laser effect was assessed by biomass measurement, colony forming unit count and cell viability assay. It was shown that the laser treatment has not affected the biofilms biomass neither the cell viability, although a small disruptive action was observed in the structure of all biofilms tested. A reduction on cell growth was observed in S. aureus and in polymicrobial biofilms. This work represents an initial in vitro approach to study the influence of NIR laser treatment on bacterial biofilms in order to explain its potentially advantageous effects in the healing process of chronic infected wounds.
Plasma flow versus magnetic feature-tracking speeds in the Sun
Authors: Guerrero G. , Rheinhardt M. , Brandenburg A. , Dikpati M.
Published: December 2011

We simulate the magnetic feature-tracking (MFT) speed using axisymmetric advective—diffusive transport models in both one and two dimensions. By depositing magnetic bipolar regions at different latitudes at the Sun's surface and following their evolution for a prescribed meridional circulation and magnetic diffusivity profiles, we derive the MFT speed as a function of latitude. We find that in a one-dimensional surface-transport model the simulated MFT speed at the surface is always the same as the meridional flow speed used as input to the model, but is different in a two-dimensional transport model in the meridional (r, θ) plane. The difference depends on the value of the magnetic diffusivity and on the radial gradient of the latitudinal velocity. We have confirmed our results with two different codes in spherical and Cartesian coordinates.
Radius and magnetic field from synchrotron self-absorbed radio and inverse-Compton X-ray observations of supernovae
Authors: Katz Boaz
Published: December 2011

Simple expressions for the radius and magnetic field of a system emitting synchrotron self-absorbed radio and inverse-Compton X-rays are derived from first principles which involve observable quantities only. These expressions are useful for analysing observations of supernova blast waves interacting with dense circumstellar material at early times.
A TWO‐STEP CONTROLLED LACTIC FERMENTATION OF CABBAGE FOR IMPROVED CHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITIES*
Authors: JAGANNATH A. , RAJU P.S. , BAWA A.S.
Published: December 2011

Traditionally, lactic fermentation of vegetables is spontaneous and uncontrolled leading to unstable and inconsistent product. The present work used Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactobacillus plantarum in a two‐step controlled fermentation to ensure shelf stable, fermented cabbage with 0.5% added salt concentration. The pH, titratable acidity, lactic bacterial counts, sugar utilization and amino acid profile of the final product were periodically monitored. The pH in controlled cabbage fermentation dropped to less than 4.5, within 60 h of fermentation and glucose was completely utilized in 15 days while about 15–18% of glucose remained in spontaneously fermented cabbage. The spontaneously fermented cabbage samples had a significantly lower content of amino acids such as tyrosine, histidine, threonine, alanine, valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine and developed off‐flavors at the end of 90 days of refrigerated storage. In contrast, controlled lactic fermentation stabilized the product in the first 15 days of fermentation and was organoleptically acceptable up to 3 months.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Use of defined single or mixed starters and precise control of the cabbage fermentation process go a long way in ensuring a consistent product without the need of any chemical preservatives or harsh processing conditions. The present work made use of the benefits of heterofermentative pathway to create a product similar to naturally fermented cabbage in terms of flavor and used the homofermentative pathway to stabilize the product and showed that it is possible to obtain a satisfactory and stable product by the two‐step controlled fermentation as far as commercializing and mechanizing the product is concerned. The amino acid contents are also shown to be more in controlled than spontaneously fermented cabbage.
Simple Automatic Time‐Stepping for Improved Simulation of Groundwater Hydrographs
Authors: Jackson Christopher R.
Published: December 2011

An automatic time‐stepping algorithm is presented, based on the intensity of driving groundwater recharge, that improves the simulation of groundwater level fluctuations in regional models while maintaining model run‐times. The algorithm is implemented in the ZOOMQ3D finite difference groundwater flow code and controls the discretization of time using two user‐defined criteria: a maximum time‐step length and a maximum recharge per time‐step. Daily recharge is accumulated in time until either of these criteria is violated when the model then calculates a solution. The efficiency and accuracy of the algorithm is tested using an idealized groundwater model and an existing regional groundwater model of a UK aquifer. The approach is illustrated using simulations of high groundwater levels and associated groundwater flood events in a responsive, high‐diffusivity aquifer. Simulations using the automatic time‐stepping technique are presented that reduce the maximum absolute error in groundwater level by 45% and the run‐time by 51% compared to models using conventional, a priori defined stress‐periods and time‐steps.
Older adult osteoarthritis pain management: Results from the 2008 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey
Authors: McDonald Deborah D. , Walsh Stephen
Published: December 2011

Purpose: To describe practitioners’ prescription of recommended initial osteoarthritis (OA) pain treatments for older adults.

Data sources: A secondary data analysis was conducted with the 2008 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) that was completed by practitioners in ambulatory medical care settings. Of the 28,741 office visits, 9314 were by adult patients age 60 or older, and 871 of those visits involved a painful joint. Only 128 were also by people with practitioner‐documented OA. Of those 128 visits, 21 (16.1%) were prescribed exercise and/or acetaminophen and were not prescribed non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agents (NSAIDS). No complementary alternative medical treatments were prescribed. Older adults with and without documented OA had a mean of at least four office visits with the practitioner during the past year.

Conclusions: OA may be under‐diagnosed, under‐reported, or overshadowed by co‐morbid medical conditions. Older adults with persistent OA pain are at increased risk for adverse events from prescribed NSAIDs. Safe and effective multimodal pain treatments need to be prescribed for older adults with persistent OA pain.

Implications for practice: Referral to a rheumatologist or pain management specialist should be considered when pain intensity and/or pain interference with daily activities remains moderate or greater.
Parasitism and oviposition of Melittobia acasta on Bombus terrestris: Impact of larval overwintering and host status on pupation and adult emergence
Authors: KWON Yong Jung , AMIN Md Ruhul , INN Nang Soi Lao
Published: December 2011

Melittobia acasta (Walker) are microhymenopteran ectoparasitoids of the pupae and prepupae of the commercially‐used pollinator bumblebee species Bombus terrestris L. The female parasitoids puncture the host cuticle with their sting and feed oozing hemolymph. This study shows that M. acasta parasitize 100% pupae and 84% prepupae of B. terrestris but are ineffective on the larvae of the bees. The female parasitoids lay a significantly higher number of eggs on pupae (67.7 ± 16.2 female−1) compared to prepupae (20.5 ± 14.5 female−1). The parasitoids differ in their choice for oviposition sites and fecundity on different locations of B. terrestris pupae, and they show most preference for oviposition (32%) as well as fecundity (34.9 ± 15.1 female−1) on the petiole of the host. Larvae of the parasitoids overwinter at low temperatures but larval overwintering duration and post‐diapause rearing on original or new hosts do not affect their pupation and adult emergence. Larvae have a higher percentage of pupation (88.0–94.4%) and adult emergence (84.4–92.9%) both on the original and the new host, thus indicate that the parasitoids are highly capable of reproduction in B. terrestris colonies.
One new species and three unrecorded species of Anteoninae (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae) from South Korea
Authors: KIM Chang‐Jun , MITA Toshiharu , LEE Jong‐Wook
Published: December 2011

A new species, Anteon koreana sp. nov. and three unrecorded species, Anteon javanum, Anteon jurineanum and Anteon munitum of the family Dryinidae, are described from South Korea. Description and photographs of diagnostic characters are provided herein.
Feeding of grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) with the contraceptive agent DiazaCon™: effect on cholesterol, hematology, and blood chemistry
Authors: YODER Christi A. , MAYLE Brenda A. , FURCOLOW Carol A. , COWAN David P. , FAGERSTONE Kathleen A.
Published: December 2011

Grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are an invasive species in Britain and Italy. They have replaced native red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) throughout most of Britain, and cause damage to trees. Currently, lethal control is used to manage grey squirrel populations in Britain, but nonlethal methods might be more acceptable to the public. One such method is contraception with 20,25‐diazacholesterol dihydrochloride (DiazaCon™). DiazaCon™ inhibits the conversion of desmosterol to cholesterol, resulting in increasing desmosterol concentrations and decreasing cholesterol concentrations. Because cholesterol is needed for the synthesis of steroid reproductive hormones, such as progesterone and testosterone, inhibition of cholesterol synthesis indirectly inhibits reproduction. Desmosterol is used as a marker of efficacy in laboratory studies with species that do not reproduce readily in captivity. Grey squirrels were gavaged with a DiazaCon™ solution for 2 days, and then fed DiazaCon™‐coated peanuts for an additional 8 days at target doses of 50 and 100 mg DiazaCon™ per kg body weight. There was a significant difference in cholesterol concentrations in the treatment groups compared to the control group. Cholesterol was reduced by ≥ 40% for 2 months in both treatment groups. There were no differences among groups with respect to blood chemistry and hematology parameters, and mean values are reported. The mean overall dose of DiazaCon™ received was 29.0 ± 1.6 and 55.3 ± 4.3 mg/kg in the low (50 mg/kg) and high dose (100 mg/kg) groups, respectively. DiazaCon™ might provide an effective, acceptable alternative to lethal control.
Impairment of cellular and humoral immunity in overweight Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)
Authors: XU Deli , LIU Xinyu , WANG Dehua
Published: December 2011

Animal immunity is usually impaired in obesity. We know little about the effect of being overweight or obese on the immune function of wild rodents. The present study is aimed to test the hypothesis that immunity is suppressed in overweight Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). In the study, 16 overweight (body mass: 90.8–127.6 g) and 16 lean gerbils (body mass: 60.5–77.7 g) were randomly selected from a total of 174 male gerbils (body mass range: 55.8–144.7 g). Half of the overweight and lean males were injected with sterile saline; the others were immunochallenged (IC) with phytohaemagglutinin and keyhole limpet hemocyanin to assess cellular and humoral immunity, respectively. Body fat mass, wet and dry spleen mass, leukocyte counts, blood glucose levels and serum leptin levels were significantly higher in the overweight gerbils than in the lean gerbils. However, phytohemagglutinin response indicative of cellular immunity and immunoglobulin G concentrations was significantly lower in the IC overweight gerbils than in the IC lean gerbils. These results indicate that cellular and humoral immunity are impaired in the overweight gerbils. Excessive body fat mass, higher leukocyte counts and serum leptin levels imply that overweight gerbils are in a low grade inflammatory state.