bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Finitude of Method: Mourning Theory from the New Criticism to the New Vitalism
Authors: Librett Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2012

This essay provides a new interpretation of the major methodological movements in literary scholarship since World War II, especially in the United States. The overarching claim is that these movements comprise displaced repetitions of moments in the early modern mourning for lost absolutes (the “death of God”), a mourning that, as the recent “return of religion” reveals, is far from complete. In the history of the secularization of reason in the West, the rationalist and empiricist traditions constitute the two main (and opposing) forms in which reason attempts to mourn for God, and to replace him. The essay argues that rationalism involves a melancholic gesture, whose structural representative in Freudian terms is obsessive-compulsive discourse. Empiricism, in turn, arises as a manic phase of attempted (and failed) mourning, stabilized in what will come to be known as hysteria. Contemporary theory has taken shape in and around these two modes of response to the disappearance of the absolute addressee. The four movements considered are New Criticism, structuralism (and post-structuralism), New Historicism (and Cultural Studies), and what I call the “New Vitalism” (represented here by Giorgio Agamben and Slavoj Žižek). The essay initially understands New Criticism as focused on formal traits, (post)structuralism as concerned mainly with epistemology, New Historicism/Cultural Studies as privileging history, and the New Vitalism as seeking the realization of the subject. Going beyond this initial, standard determination, the essay characterizes each movement in terms of the concepts provided by all of them, on the assumption that the “totality” of these movements cannot be exceeded at this time, but that it can be displaced by being relativized through such a description. As a result, New Criticism appears as ironic in its privileged representational mode, criticist (in the Kantian sense) in its epistemology and aesthetics, aestheticist in literary-historical or history of ideas terms, and phobic in psychoanalytic terms. The (post)structuralist moment appears formally as allegorical, philosophically as rationalist, historically as akin to Enlightenment, and psychoanalytically as obsessional. New Historicism and Cultural Studies embrace (despite appearances) a symbolist mode of presentation and an empiricist epistemology, recapitulate the literary-historical tendencies of realism, and take, in psychoanalytic terms, a hysterical stance. The New Vitalism, finally, has faith in polemic as its privileged mode of presentation, takes a neo-idealist position philosophically, echoes neo-Romantic vitalisms of the late nineteenth century, and positions itself as perverse in psychoanalytic terms. Where critical theory goes from here remains an open question. Completion of mourning for the socially sanctioned delusion we still evidently have difficulty doing without remains a methodological desideratum.
Wordsworth, Baudelaire, and the Limits of Poetic Insight
Authors: Bailey Quentin
Published: May 2012

This essay traces Wordsworth's and Baudelaire's attempts to see into the lives of the unknown beggars they encountered on the streets of London and Paris and identifies those occasions on which both writers sought to appropriate the lives of the poor and vagrant for political ends. The essay argues that it is ultimately in those fleeting moments when the ability of the poet to enter into the lives of others is thwarted that the limits of a Romantic poetics can be established. In particular, the essay focuses on those occasions, in the work of both writers, when the process of identification with beggars — so sincerely wished for on account of its socio-political or aesthetic consequences — is interrupted, and the poet is exposed to an almost disabling moment of uncertainty. For Wordsworth, the essay contends, such moments occurred primarily when he moved out of the rural byways of England and into the crowded streets of London; for Baudelaire, they occurred when the “ineffable orgy” of the crowd failed to generate insights into the face of the stranger. For both writers, this failure of the poetic imagination on the streets of the metropolis, evident, for instance, in Wordsworth's encounter with the blind beggar in The Prelude and Baudelaire's with the old man in Les Sept Vieillards, marked the limit of a poetic activity based on identity, recognition, and empathy. The essay suggests that, while these moments were occasional and transitory, they delineate an imaginative terrain whose contours are visible in writers as diverse as Thomas De Quincey and T.S. Eliot.
Autophagy and cancer – issues we need to digest
Authors: Liu Emma Y. , Ryan Kevin M.
Published: May 2012

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic pathway that has multiple roles in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy. It can inhibit the initiation of tumorigenesis through limiting cytoplasmic damage, genomic instability and inflammation, and the loss of certain autophagy genes can lead to cancer. Conversely, autophagy can also assist cells in dealing with stressful metabolic environments, thereby promoting cancer cell survival. In fact, some cancers rely on autophagy to survive and progress. Furthermore, tumour cells can exploit autophagy to cope with the cytotoxicity of certain anticancer drugs. By contrast, it appears that certain therapeutics require autophagy for the effective killing of cancer cells. Despite these dichotomies, it is clear that autophagy has an important, if complex, role in cancer. This is further exemplified by the fact that autophagy is connected with major cancer networks, including those driven by p53, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), RAS and glutamine metabolism. In this Commentary, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the role that autophagy has in cancer and discuss current strategies for targeting autophagy for therapeutic gain.
Toxofilin upregulates the host cortical actin cytoskeleton dynamics facilitating Toxoplasma invasion
Authors: Delorme-Walker Violaine , Abrivard Marie , Lagal Vanessa , Anderson Karen , Perazzi Audrey , Gonzalez Virginie , Page Christopher , Chauvet Juliette , Ochoa Wendy , Volkmann Niels , Hanein Dorit , Tardieux Isabelle
Published: May 2012

Toxoplasma, a human pathogen and a model apicomplexan parasite, actively and rapidly invades host cells. To initiate invasion, the parasite induces the formation of a parasite-cell junction, progressively propels itself through the junction inside a newly formed vacuole that encloses the entering parasite. Litle is known how a few micron-large diameter parasite overcome the host cell cortical actin barrier to support these remarkably rapid process of internalization (< few seconds). Correlative light and electron microscopy in conjunction with electron tomography and three-dimensional image analysis indicate that toxofilin an actin-binding protein, secreted by invading parasites correlates with localized sites of disassembly of the host cell actin meshwork. Moreover, quantitative fluorescence speckle microscopy in cells expressing toxofilin indicates that toxofilin regulates actin filament disassembly and turnover. Furthermore, Toxoplasma tachyzoites lacking toxofilin, are impaired in cortical actin disassembly and exhibit delayed invasion kinetics. We propose that toxofilin locally upregulates actin turnover thus increasing depolymerization events at the site of entry that, in turn loosens the local host cell actin meshwork, facilitating parasite internalization and vacuole folding.
Alternative translation initiation gives rise to two isoforms of orai1 with distinct plasma membrane mobilities
Authors: Fukushima Miwako , Tomita Takuro , Janoshazi Agnes , Putney James W.
Published: May 2012

Store-operated calcium entry is a nearly ubiquitous signaling pathway in eukaryotic cells. The plasma membrane store-operated channels are comprised of subunits of the recently discovered Orai proteins, the major one being Orai1.We have discovered that native Orai1 as well as expressed Orai1 exists in two forms in similar quantities: a longer form (Orai1α) of approximately 33 kDa, and a shorter form (Orai1β) of approximately 23 kDa. The second Orai1β form arises from alternative translation initiation from a methionine at position 64, and possibly also 71, in the longer, Orai1α form. In the sequence upstream of the initiation site of Orai1β, there is a poly-arginine sequence previously suggested to be involved in interaction of Orai1 with plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. The loss of this phospholipid binding domain would be expected to influence the mobility of Orai1 protein in the plasma membrane. Indeed, experiments utilizing fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) revealed that the recovery half-time for Orai1β was significantly faster than for Orai1α. Since Orai1 must diffuse to sites of interaction with the Ca2+ sensor, STIM1, these two mobilities might provide for efficient recruitment of Orai1 subunits to sites of store-operated Ca2+ entry during agonist-induced Ca2+ signaling.
gC1qR Expression in Normal and Pathologic Human Tissues
Authors: Dembitzer Francine R. , Kinoshita Yayoi , Burstein David , Phelps Robert G. , Beasley Mary Beth , Garcia Roberto , Harpaz Noam , Jaffer Shabnam , Thung Swan N. , Unger Pamela D. , Ghebrehiwet Berhane , Peerschke Ellinor I.
Published: May 2012

The gC1qR (i.e., gC1q receptor, gC1q binding protein, p32, p33) is a multifunctional cellular protein that interacts with components of the complement, kinin, and coagulation cascades and select microbial pathogens. Enhanced gC1qR expression has been reported in adenocarcinomas arising in a variety of organs. The present study compared gC1qR expression in normal, inflammatory, dysplastic, and malignant tissue of epithelial and mesenchymal origin. gC1qR expression was visualized in tissue sections by immunohistochemistry using the 60.11 monoclonal antibody (i.e., IgG1 mouse monoclonal antibody directed against gC1qR) and the UltraVision LP Detection System. Sections were counterstained with hematoxylin and examined by light microscopy. Strongest gC1qR expression was noted in epithelial tumors of breast, prostate, liver, lung, and colon, as well as in squamous and basal cell carcinoma of the skin. However, increased gC1qR staining was appreciated also in inflammatory and proliferative lesions of the same cell types, as well as in normal continuously dividing cells. In contrast, tumors of mesenchymal origin generally stained weakly, with the exception of osteoblasts, which stained in both benign and malignant tissues. The data suggest that increased gC1qR expression may be a marker of benign and pathologic cell proliferation, particularly in cells of epithelial origin, with potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Exhaled breath analysis for early cancer detection: principle and progress in direct mass spectrometry techniques
Authors: Badjagbo Koffi
Published: May 2012

Volatile biomarker analysis in exhaled breath is becoming one of the desirable strategies for cancer detection because it may offer a relatively inexpensive, rapid, and non-invasive screening method for early diagnosis. Breath analysis has attracted a considerable amount of scientific and clinical interest over the past decade. However, breath is not yet used for routine medical diagnostic purposes. Challenges faced in the development of breath analysis for cancer diagnosis include developing techniques that can measure biomarkers in exhaled breath at ultratrace levels, providing definitive evidence for their presence and for the relationship between the proposed biomarker and the underlying condition. Various analytical methods are used for the detection of breath biomarkers. Gas chromatography-based methods which involve sample collection, analyte preconcentration, desorption, and separation steps are the most popular. However, direct-sampling mass spectrometry techniques have been proven more reliable for air analysis without prior sample pretreatment or chromatographic separation. This review focuses on the most commonly used direct mass spectrometry methods for the direct online analysis of endogenous cancer biomarkers in exhaled breath, with particular attention to principle of detection, method performance, advantages, shortcomings, recent advances, and applications within health-related studies for cancer biomarkers research. The principle behind the science of breath analysis for cancer diagnosis is also discussed.
Role of foetal MRI in the evaluation of ischaemic-haemorrhagic lesions of the foetal brain
Authors: Manganaro Lucia , Bernardo Silvia , La Barbera Laura , Noia Giuseppe , Masini Lucia , Tomei Alessandra , Fierro Francesca , Vinci Valeria , Sollazzo Paolo , Silvestri Evelina , Giancotti Antonella , Marini Mario
Published: May 2012

Objective: The purpose of this study is to define the role of foetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating cerebral ischaemic-haemorrhagic lesions and the extension of parenchymal injuries.

Study design: From September 2006 to September 2010, 271 foetal MRI have been performed on cases referred to us for ultrasound suspect of brain abnormalities or cytomegalovirus infection and Toxoplasma serum conversion. Foetal MRI was performed with a 1.5-T magnet system without mother sedation.

Results: Foetal MRI detected ischaemic-haemorrhagic lesions in 14 of 271 foetuses, consisting of 5% incidence. MRI confirmed the diagnosis in three of 14 cases with ultrasonography (US) suspect of ischaemic-haemorrhagic lesions associated with ventriculomegaly. In one of 14 cases with US findings of cerebellar haemorrhage, MRI confirmed the diagnosis and provided additional information regarding the parenchymal ischaemic injury. In eight of 14 cases with US suspect of ventriculomegaly (3), corpus callosum agenesis (2), hypoplasia of cerebellar vermis (1), holoprosencephaly (1) and spina bifida (1), MRI detected ischaemic and haemorrhagic lesions unidentified at US examination. In two of 14 foetuses with US suspect of intracerebral space-occupying lesion, MRI modified the diagnosis to extra-axial haematoma associated with dural sinus malformation. Results were compared with post-mortem findings or afterbirth imaging follow-up.

Conclusions: Foetal MRI is an additional imaging modality in the diagnosis of cerebral ischemic-haemorrhagic lesions, and it is useful in providing further information on the extension of the parenchymal injury and associated abnormalities, thus improving delivery management.
Adhesive Joints in Glass and Solar Engineering
Authors: Weller Bernhard , Vogt Iris
Published: May 2012

The architecture of the past 100 years is characterized by a desire for ever greater transparency. Inevitably, that goes hand in hand with a constantly growing proportion of glass in the building envelope. But owing to the brittle nature of glass, there are only limited options for transferring tried-and-tested methods of jointing—derived from structural steelwork and other engineering disciplines—to this material. However, adhesive joints are much more suited to creating a material bond between glass components. Structural adhesive joints for load bearing glass components have been the subject of research and development work all over Europe in recent years. This article looks at some of that work. The research has led to the development of practical adhesive joints for glass-glass and glass-metal connections. The work includes the study of surface pretreatments and aging scenarios so that types of application for the tensile and shear loads encountered in practice can be specified. Material specimens tested at various load application rates and temperatures enable the material parameters to be determined. A torsion specimen with a glued butt joint is being used to improve the in situ testing of glass-metal connections. There are plenty of potential applications for adhesive joints in structural glazing and solar technology, including the following: Point adhesive joints for overhead glazing and for oversize photovoltaic modules subjected to high environmental loads, linear adhesive joints for hybrid steel-glass composite beams with good ductility and for glass fins with a reduced cross-section in minimized steel-and-glass facades, or full-bond adhesive joints for photovoltaic facades suspended in front of a ventilation cavity and for fully transparent load bearing adhesive joints to an all-glass pavilion (first approved application in Germany).
Regulation of mitochondrial DNA accumulation during oocyte growth and meiotic maturation in the mouse
Authors: Mahrous Enas , Yang Qin , Clarke Hugh J
Published: May 2012

Oocytes accumulate an enormous quantity of mitochondrial (mt) DNA, and an insufficient amount of mtDNA may underlie some cases of poor oocyte quality leading to infertility. Little is known, however, about the mechanisms that govern the timing and regulation of mtDNA accumulation during oogenesis. We report, through analysis of the mtDNA content of individual oocytes of the mouse, that mtDNA accumulates steadily during oocyte growth to reach a value of ∼175 000 copies per cell. MtDNA content ceases to increase once oocytes reach full size and remains unchanged during meiotic maturation. To test whether mtDNA accumulation depends on oocyte growth, we inhibited growth in vitro in two ways – by exposing complexes comprising partially grown oocytes enclosed by granulosa cells to a chemical inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase signaling pathway and by removing the surrounding granulosa cells from partially grown oocytes. Under both conditions, the oocytes fail to grow, but mtDNA accumulation is unaffected, indicating that the two processes can be mechanistically uncoupled. Quantitative analysis of the mRNAs encoding proteins required for mtDNA replication revealed that Polg (Polga) (polymerase-γ, α-subunit), Polg2 (Polgb), and Tfam (transcription factor A, mitochondrial) increase during oocyte growth but then decrease after fully grown oocytes become transcriptionally silent as indicated by the non-surrounded nucleolus-to-surrounded nucleolus transition. Thus, there is a correlation between the decline in the quantity of mRNAs encoding mtDNA replication factors in fully grown oocytes and the arrest of mtDNA accumulation in these cells, suggesting that the two events may be causally linked.
Psychological Outcome of Injured Workers at 3 Months after Occupational Injury Requiring Hospitalization in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Kuan‐Han , Guo Nai‐Wen , Liao Shih‐Cheng , Kuo Chun‐Ya , Hu Pei‐Yi , Hsu Jin‐Huei , Hwang Yaw‐Huei , Guo Yue Leon
Published: May 2012

Psychological Outcome of Injured Workers at 3 Months after Occupational Injury Requiring Hospitalization in Taiwan: Kuan‐Han LIN, et al. Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University School of Public Health, Taiwan—Introduction: After a traumatic event, a significant proportion of victims develop psychiatric disorders. Trauma has been an important ailment among workers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric disorders at three months after occupational injuries.

Methods

Our study candidates were injured workers in Taiwan who were hospitalized for 3 days or longer and Received hospitalization benefits from the Labor Insurance program. A two‐staged survey study was conducted. A self‐reported questionnaire including the Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS50) and Post‐traumatic Symptom Checklist (PTSC) was sent to workers at 3 months after injury. Those who met the criteria were recruited for the second stage phone interview with a psychiatrist using the Mini‐international Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).

Results

A total of 2001 workers completed the questionnaire (response rate 45.5%). Among them, 357 (17.8%) fulfilled the criteria for the MINI interview and were invited. A total of 148 (41.5%) completed the phone interview. The estimated rates of PTSD, partial PTSD (PPTSD), major depression, comorbid PTSD/PPTSD and major depression, and either PTSD/PPTSD or major depression were 2.7, 4.1, 3.0, 2.3, and 7.5%, respectively. The estimated rates of either PTSD/PPTSD or major depression among workers who suffered from intracranial injury, fracture, burn, crushing injury, and open wound of upper limbs were 10.4, 6.9, 5.9, 5.8 and 0%, respectively.

Conclusions

At three months after occupational injuries, a significant proportion of workers suffered from psychiatric disorders. The rates of psychiatric disorders occurring after intracranial injuries were significantly higher than those occurring after non‐intracranial injuries.
A Guillain‐Barré Syndrome‐like Neuropathy Associated with Arsenic Exposure
Authors: Kim Sunyoung , Takeuchi Akito , Kawasumi Yaeko , Endo Yoko , Lee Heun , Kim Yangho
Published: May 2012

A Guillain‐Barré Syndrome‐like Neuropathy Associated with Arsenic Exposure: Sunyoung KIM, et al. Department of Neurology, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Republic of Korea—

Objectives

We report on a patient presenting with an isolated polyneuropathy mimicking Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) associated with arsenic exposure. Case: A 43‐year‐old man visited our emergency room complaining of progressive quadri‐paresis over the prior 5 days. His clinical course with laboratory data was typical of GBS. However, because of his recent use of herbal medication, we screened for the presence of several heavy metals. Serial analyses of urinary inorganic arsenic concentrations confirmed exposure to arsenic. He was diagnosed as arsenic neuropathy mimicking GBS without any systemic manifestation of arsenic intoxication.

Conclusions

The present case study emphasizes the need to consider arsenic intoxication in patients presenting with acute demyelinating neuropathies and histories of herbal medication use.
Treatment of Maladaptive Aggression in Youth: CERT Guidelines II. Treatments and Ongoing Management
Authors: Scotto Rosato Nancy , Correll Christoph U. , Pappadopulos Elizabeth , Chait Alanna , Crystal Stephen , Jensen Peter S. ,   on behalf of the Treatment of Maladaptive Aggressive in Youth Steering Committee
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To develop guidelines for management and treatment of maladaptive aggression in youth in the areas of psychosocial interventions, medication treatments, and side-effect management.

METHODS:

Evidence was assembled and evaluated in a multistep process, including systematic reviews of published literature; an expert survey of recommended practices; a consensus conference of researchers, policymakers, clinicians, and family advocates; and review by the steering committee of successive drafts of the recommendations. The Center for Education and Research on Mental Health Therapeutics Treatment of Maladaptive Aggression in Youth guidelines reflect a synthesis of the available evidence, based on this multistep process.

RESULTS:

This article describes the content, rationale, and evidence for 11 recommendations. Key treatment principles include considering psychosocial interventions, such as evidence-based parent and child skills training as the first line of treatment; targeting the underlying disorder first following evidence-based guidelines; considering individual psychosocial and medical factors, including cardiovascular risk in the selection of agents if medication treatment (ideally with the best evidence base) is initiated; avoiding the use of multiple psychotropic medications simultaneously; and careful monitoring of treatment response, by using structured rating scales, as well as close medical monitoring for side effects, including metabolic changes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Treatment of children with maladaptive aggression is a “moving target” requiring ongoing assimilation of new evidence as it emerges. Based on the existing evidence, the Treatment of Maladaptive Aggression in Youth guidelines provide a framework for management of maladaptive aggression in youth, appropriate for use by primary care clinicians and mental health providers.
Meta-analysis of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation of Formula and Infant Cognition
Authors: Qawasmi Ahmad , Landeros-Weisenberger Angeli , Leckman James F. , Bloch Michael H.
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Infant formula is supplemented with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) because they are hypothesized to improve cognition. Several randomized controlled clinical trials have examined the effect of LCPUFA supplementation of infant formula on cognitive development. We conducted this meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of LCPUFA supplementation of infant formula on early cognitive development.

METHODS:

Two authors searched PubMed, PsychInfo, and Scopus for randomized controlled clinical trials assessing the efficacy of LCPUFA supplementation of infant formulas on cognition. Our analysis was restricted to randomized controlled clinical trials that examined the effect of LCPUFA supplementation on infant cognition using Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Our primary outcome was the weighted mean difference in Bayley Scales of Infant Development score between infants fed formula supplemented with LCPUFA compared with unsupplemented formula. We conducted secondary subgroup analyses and meta-regression to examine the effects of study sample, LCPUFA dose, and trial methodologic quality on measured efficacy of supplementation.

RESULTS:

Twelve trials involving 1802 infants met our inclusion criteria. Our meta-analysis demonstrated no significant effect of LCPUFA supplementation of formula on infant cognition. There was no significant heterogeneity or publication bias between trials. Secondary analysis failed to show any significant effect of LCPUFA dosing or prematurity status on supplementation efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS:

LCPUFA supplementation of infant formulas failed to show any significant effect on improving early infant cognition. Further research is needed to determine if LCPUFA supplementation of infant formula has benefits for later cognitive development or other measures of neurodevelopment.
Approach to Infants Born at 22 to 24 Weeks’ Gestation: Relationship to Outcomes of More-Mature Infants
Authors: Smith P. Brian , Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Li Lei , Cotten C. Michael , Laughon Matthew , Walsh Michele C. , Das Abhik , Bell Edward F. , Carlo Waldemar A. , Stoll Barbara J. , Shankaran Seetha , Laptook Abbot R. , Higgins Rosemary D. , Goldberg Ronald N. ,   the Generic Database Subcommittee,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health,   Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE:

We sought to determine if a center’s approach to care of premature infants at the youngest gestational ages (22–24 weeks’ gestation) is associated with clinical outcomes among infants of older gestational ages (25–27 weeks’ gestation).

METHODS:

Inborn infants of 401 to 1000 g birth weight and 22 0/7 to 27 6/7 weeks’ gestation at birth from 2002 to 2008 were enrolled into a prospectively collected database at 20 centers participating in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. Markers of an aggressive approach to care for 22- to 24-week infants included use of antenatal corticosteroids, cesarean delivery, and resuscitation. The primary outcome was death before postnatal day 120 for infants of 25 to 27 weeks’ gestation. Secondary outcomes were the combined outcomes of death or a number of morbidities associated with prematurity.

RESULTS:

Our study included 3631 infants 22 to 24 weeks’ gestation and 5227 infants 25 to 27 weeks’ gestation. Among the 22- to 24-week infants, use of antenatal corticosteroids ranged from 28% to 100%, cesarean delivery from 13% to 65%, and resuscitation from 30% to 100% by center. Centers with higher rates of antenatal corticosteroid use in 22- to 24-week infants had reduced rates of death, death or retinopathy of prematurity, death or late-onset sepsis, death or necrotizing enterocolitis, and death or neurodevelopmental impairment in 25- to 27-week infants.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study suggests that physicians’ willingness to provide care to extremely low gestation infants as measured by frequency of use of antenatal corticosteroids is associated with improved outcomes for more-mature infants.
Dimension stone design – partial safety factors: a reliability based approach
Authors: S. Camposinhos Rui
Published: May 2012

Today's thin stone veneers must be designed to resist, besides their self-weight, high wind pressures and induced seismic forces. They must accommodate hygrometric differential movement, deflection, vibration and creep, etc. When available, code requirements do not provide an accurate or realistic safety factor for the specific type of anchor and or stone used in a project. Global safety factors that are recommended by stone industry associations are imprecise and used as rules of thumb. Limit state design has replaced the older concept of allowable stress design in most forms of civil engineering. As a result, all modern buildings are designed in accordance with a code which is based on limit state theory for all man-made materials, yet there is an astonishing nonexistence of ′natural stone′. In this paper partial factors of safety are proposed depending on the types and on the coefficients of variation of the distributions of resistances. Their values are determined using structural reliability analysis for the load and resistance factor design format according to Eurocode 1990. Aging and stone resistance decay is outside the scope of the article, yet some guidance is provided on the influence of stone durability on stone cladding performance. An application example is used to illustrate both methods, and conclusions are drawn.
Regenerative Treatment for a Peri‐Implantitis‐Affected Implant: A Case Report
Authors: Froum Stuart J.
Published: May 2012

Introduction: Peri‐implantitis is an inflammatory disease in the mucosa around an implant that results in bone loss and, if allowed to progress, can result in loss of the implant. This disease has been estimated to have a prevalence varying from 11.3% to 56%. To date, there is little evidence to indicate the most effective method of treatment of peri‐implantitis. This report describes a regenerative treatment for restoration of bone and reduction of probing depth (PD) around a peri‐implantitis‐affected implant.

Case Presentation: A 67‐year‐old male patient presented with advanced peri‐implantitis around a mandibular right first molar implant that was placed and restored 3 years before his visit. An examination revealed PD of 7 to 12 mm and bone loss of 7 to 10 mm circumferentially around the implant. Treatment consisted of flap reflection, a six‐step surface decontamination, placement of enamel matrix derivative on the implant surface, and fill of the defect with combined allograft/xenografts mixed with platelet‐derived growth factor. The graft was covered with two absorbable collagen membranes, and the flap was coronally advanced and sutured. A 7‐year follow‐up revealed PD reduction of 4 to 10 mm, bone level gain of 3 to 3.5 mm, and no change in the coronal level of the mucosa (no post‐surgical recession).

Conclusion: The technique used in this case report resulted in an outcome that saved the implant, brought the peri‐implant tissues back to health, and reduced PD and increased bone support around the affected implant without soft‐tissue recession.
Further Evidence of the Clinical, Hormonal, and Genetic Heterogeneity of Klinefelter Syndrome: A Study of 216 Infertile Egyptian Patients
Authors: Abdel‐Razic Moheb M. , Abdel‐Hamid Ibrahim A. , Elsobky Ezzat , El‐Dahtory Faeza
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT: This study aims to provide further insight into the phenotypic heterogeneity of Klinefelter syndrome (KS) by presenting clinical, hormonal, and genetic data from a large series of Egyptian infertile patients with KS. A retrospective case series of KS patients was studied over a period from January 2003 to April 2010. All patients underwent a complete history and physical examination; color duplex examination; semen analysis; measurement of total testosterone (T), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and prolactin (PRL); and chromosomal typing. Mosaic KS diagnosis was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The series included 216 KS patients (198 nonmosaic, 16 mosaic, and 2 KS variants). Typical clinical signs of hypoandrogenism were observed in 86% of patients. Gynecomastia affected 20.8% of the patients. Eunuchoidal body proportions, with arm span exceeding height and lower segment length exceeding upper segment length, were detected in 43.9% and 64.4% of the patients, respectively. In all patients, a reduction in testicular size and azoospermia were detected. Normal levels of T, FSH, LH, E2, and PRL were detected in 44.5%, 3.7%, 3.3%, 93.5%, and 91.2% of patients, respectively. Differences were not significant between patients with classic KS and those with mosaic KS in terms of the frequency of clinical signs of hypoandrogenism, gynecomastia, low T concentrations, or high concentrations of FSH, LH, E2, and PRL (all P > .05). The results of the current study emphasize the heterogeneous clinical, hormonal, and genetic phenotype of infertile KS patients. Our findings support the usefulness of cytogenetic studies in infertile patients showing small testicular size and azoospermia, regardless of the presence of other clinical or endocrine findings.
Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the SEPTIN12 Gene May Be a Genetic Risk Factor for Japanese Patients With Sertoli Cell–Only Syndrome
Authors: Miyakawa Hiroe , Miyamoto Toshinobu , Koh Eitetsu , Tsujimura Akira , Miyagawa Yasushi , Saijo Yasuaki , Namiki Mikio , Sengoku Kazuo
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT: Genetic mechanisms have been implicated as a cause of some cases of male infertility. Recently, 10 novel genes involved in human spermatogenesis, including human SEPTIN12, were identified by expression microarray analysis of human testicular tissue. Septin12 is a member of the septin family of conserved cytoskeletal GTPases that form heteropolymeric filamentous structures in interphase cells. It is expressed specifically in the testis. Therefore, we hypothesized that mutation or polymorphisms of SEPTIN12 participate in male infertility, especially Sertoli cell–only syndrome (SCOS). To investigate whether SEPTIN12 gene defects are associated with azoospermia caused by SCOS, mutational analysis was performed in 100 Japanese patients by direct sequencing of coding regions. Statistical analysis was performed in patients with SCOS and in 140 healthy control men. No mutations were found in SEPTIN12; however, 8 coding single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP1–SNP8) could be detected in the patients with SCOS. The genotype and allele frequencies in SNP3, SNP4, and SNP6 were notably higher in the SCOS group than in the control group (P < .001). These results suggest that SEPTIN12 might play a critical role in human spermatogenesis.
The Effects of Honey Supplementation on Seminal Plasma Cytokines, Oxidative Stress Biomarkers, and Antioxidants During 8 Weeks of Intensive Cycling Training
Authors: Tartibian Bakhtyar , Maleki Behzad Hajizadeh
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of natural honey supplementation on seminal plasma cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers, and antioxidants during 8 weeks of intensive cycling training in male road cyclists. Thirty‐nine healthy nonprofessional male road cyclists aged 18–28 years participated in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to exercise + supplement (E + S, n = 20) and exercise (E, n = 19) groups. All subjects participated in 8 weeks of intensive cycling training. Ninety minutes before each training session, subjects in the E + S group supplemented with 70 g of honey, whereas subjects in the E group received 70 g of an artificial sweetener. All subjects had an initial semen sampling at baseline (T1). The next 6 semen collections were collected immediately (T2) and 12 (T3) and 24 hours (T4) after the last training session in week 4, as well as immediately (T5) and 12 (T6) and 24 hours (T7) after the last training session in week 8, respectively. In the E group, 8 weeks of intensive cycling training significantly increased seminal interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P < .008) and significantly decreased the levels of seminal superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P < .008). Significantly less elevation in seminal IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, ROS, and MDA levels (P < .008) and significant increases in seminal SOD, catalase, and TAC concentrations were observed after the honey supplementation in the E + S group (P < .008). It may be possible that honey supplementation following long‐term intensive cycling training would be effective in attenuating the probable aggravating effects of intensive cycling training on spermatogenesis and fertility capacity in road cyclists.
Differential Clustering of Sperm Subpopulations in Infertile Males With Clinical Varicocele and Carriers of Rearranged Genomes
Authors: García‐Peiró Agustín , Oliver‐Bonet María , Navarro Joaquima , Abad Carlos , Amengual María José , López‐Fernández Carmen , Gosálvez Jaime , Benet Jordi
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT: Some methods for determining sperm DNA fragmentation, such as the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD), provide additional information about particular subgroups of spermatozoa with specific irregularities. Thus, SCSA recognizes a specific sperm subpopulation, the high–DNA stainability sperm subpopulation (HDS), and SCD recognizes the so‐called DNA‐degraded sperm (DDS) subpopulation. Although some studies associate the presence of these subpopulations with specific aspects related to infertility, the relationship between both sperm subpopulations and their preponderance in specific clinical groups of infertile males has not been extensively investigated. In this study, HDS and DDS subpopulations were determined in a total of 37 human males: 8 males with proven fertility, 9 infertile males with asthenoteratozoospermia, 10 carriers of chromosomal reorganizations, and 10 infertile males with clinical varicocele. Results showed a significant increase of the DDS subpopulation (P < .001) in both the varicocele patient (16.85 ± 7.24) and carrier of rearranged genome (11.6 ± 5.23) groups, but not in patients with asthenoteratozoospermia (3.88 ± 1.55) or fertile donors (2.62 ± 1.68). No statistical differences were detected for the HDS subpopulation (P = .542), but the highest values were found in the varicocele and rearranged‐genome groups. However, no correlation between the HDS and DDS subpopulations were found (r = 0.196; P = .244), suggesting that both represent a different class of sperm subpopulation in the ejaculate. A significant increase in HDS, and especially DDS, can be associated with the presence of varicocele or the rearrangement of chromosomes. Specific diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis must be performed in patients with increased DDS and HDS values.
The Role of Over‐the‐Counter Supplements for the Treatment of Male Infertility—Fact or Fiction?
Authors: Ko Edmund Y. , Sabanegh Edmund S.
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT: Many over‐the‐counter (OTC) vitamins and supplements have been used to improve male fertility. The purpose of this study is to review the effects of these OTC supplements on male fertility. A Pub Med and Medline review of the randomized controlled studies utilizing OTC vitamins and supplements readily available in the United States over the last 3 decades was performed. Many studies demonstrate the positive effects of OTC supplementation on semen parameters and pregnancy outcomes. Conversely, many studies also demonstrate a lack of improvement and potential complications with supplementation. Confounding factors include lack of standard dosing regimens, duration of treatment, and control for dietary intake. No standard exists for which OTC supplement and vitamin studies have been conducted or the medications dosed. Definitive conclusions as to their true effects on male subfertility and dosing regimen could not be identified.
Effects of the Exposure to Mobile Phones on Male Reproduction: A Review of the Literature
Authors: La Vignera Sandro , Condorelli Rosita A. , Vicari Enzo , D'Agata Rosario , Calogero Aldo E.
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT: The use of mobile phones is now widespread. A great debate exists about the possible damage that the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF‐EMR) emitted by mobile phones exerts on different organs and apparatuses. The aim of this article was to review the existing literature exploring the effects of RF‐EMR on the male reproductive function in experimental animals and humans. Studies have been conducted in rats, mice, and rabbits using a similar design based upon mobile phone RF exposure for variable lengths of time. Together, the results of these studies have shown that RF‐EMR decreases sperm count and motility and increases oxidative stress. In humans, 2 different experimental approaches have been followed: one has explored the effects of RF‐EMR directly on spermatozoa and the other has evaluated the sperm parameters in men using or not using mobile phones. The results showed that human spermatozoa exposed to RF‐EMR have decreased motility, morphometric abnormalities, and increased oxidative stress, whereas men using mobile phones have decreased sperm concentration, decreased motility (particularly rapid progressive motility), normal morphology, and decreased viability. These abnormalities seem to be directly related to the duration of mobile phone use.
Pathogenic microorganisms of medicinal herbal drugs
Authors: Stevic Tatjana , Pavlovic Snezana , Stankovic S. , Savikin Katarina
Published: May 2012

All the parts of plants (root, leaf, flower) naturally have a high level of
microorganisms, bacteria and fungi, especially molds. Microbial contamination
could be a result of inappropriate harvesting, cleaning of the raw plant
material, unhygienic processing of the plants, unsuitable transport and
storage. After examination of over 40 dried medicinal plant species, the
lowest microbial quality was determined for Maydis stigma, Mentha leaf and
herb, Equisetum herb, Calendula flower, Urtica leaf, Melissa leaf, Serpylli
herb, Chamomilla flower etc. Although mixed infections are recorded with
different types of fungus, Fusarium was observed as the most dominant genus
in most of the tested drugs, followed by Aspergillus and Alternaria. In
addition to these fungi species from the following genera were identified:
Phoma, Cephalosporium, Nigrospora, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, Gliocladium,
Myrothecium, Cercospora, Phomopsis, Verticillium, Dreschlera (=Bipolaris),
Rhizoctonia, Septoria, Trichoderma, Curvularia, Stachybotrys, Trichothecium,
Puccinia, Botrytis, Mucor and Rhizopus sp., depending on plant species.
Computational identification of miRNAs and their targets from Crocus sativus L.
Authors: Guleria Praveen , Goswami Deepmala , Yadav Kumar
Published: May 2012

miRNAs are smaller known entities that perform several crucial regulatory
roles in plants. Identification and characterization of miRNAs has been a
challenging task which has become simplified with the development of
computational approaches. In the present study, three novel miRNAs were
predicted from Crocus sativus by computational approaches. A total 6767 ESTs
were mined from the EST database available at NCBI. The software MicroPC was
utilized which resulted with the prediction of three miRNAs, csa-miR1,
csa-miR2 and csa-miR3. Targets were predicted for the respective miRNAs
using the miRU2 program. The identified targets have a role in plant growth,
senescence, disease resistance and various stress responses. In addition,
some targets are involved in mRNA export, protein synthesis and
posttranslational modifications.
Chemical compositions, A-glucosidase and A-amylase inhibitory activities of crude polysaccharides from the endodermis of shaddock (Citrus maxima)
Authors: Liu Guocong
Published: May 2012

The chemical composition of shaddock mainly includes polyphenols, proteins
and polysaccharides. However, polysaccharides from shaddock materials have
received much less consideration than polyphenols (Fellers et al., 1990).
Herein the chemical compositions, ?-glucosidase and ?-amylase inhibitory
activities of crude polysaccharides from the endodermis of shaddock were
investigated. The exopolysaccharides (EPS) exhibited a broad and intense peak
at 3300-3400 cm-1 that characterized the absorption of the hydroxyl group,
and one weak C-H band at around 2941.3 cm-1 in the IR spectrum. The content
of neutral sugars in EPS was determined as 37.16%. The content of acidic
sugar in EPS was determined as 33.71%. EPS exhibited the highest content of
neutral sugar. The content of proteins in EPS was 5.75%. The content of
polyphenols was 6.52%. The EPS mainly consisted of four types of
polysaccharides with molecular weights of 110 kD, 68 kD, 31 kD and 12 kD. The
crude EPS showed significantly higher inhibitory effects on ?-glucosidase and
?-amylase (inhibition to 74.12% and 86.59%, respectively).
Stages of flower bud development in Iris pumila and between-habitat morphological differences
Authors: Barisic-Klisaric Natasa , Miljkovic Danijela , Avramov S. , Zivkovic U. , Tarasjev A.
Published: May 2012

Previous studies revealed significant phenotypic plasticity and
between-population differentiation in flower morphometric traits of Iris
pumila in response to environmental variability between natural shade and
exposed habitats. Since these habitats differed in flowering times as well,
in this work we investigated at which stages of flower bud development
differences between open and shaded habitats start to appear. Our analysis
detected several groups of trait development patterns through the I. pumila
bud development in two contrasting habitats, with stem length being the most
suitable trait for application in further analyses of so-called ?shade
avoidance syndrome?.
Developmental stability of Iris pumila flower traits: A common garden experiment
Authors: Miljkovic Danijela
Published: May 2012

I. pumila natural populations usually occur in two different habitat types:
dune and forest. These I. pumila habitats differ in many abiotic
environmental factors, but mostly in available light intensity and quality.
The effects of different light intensity on the developmental stability of I.
pumila floral traits were analyzed on clones taken from two different natural
light habitat types that were raised in contrasting light treatments in
experimental garden conditions (common garden experiment). As an indicator of
developmental stability, we used two fluctuating asymmetry indices (FA1 and
FA8a) of three bilateral symmetric traits of I. pumila flower (FW-fall width,
SW-standard width and STW- style branch width). In addition, statistically
significant treatment x population interaction was observed for style width.
According to the presented results, the observed FA patterns of particular
traits did not reflect the whole organism buffering capacity under the given
environmental conditions.
Evolutionary biology studies on the Iris pumila clonal plant: Advantages of a good model system, main findings and directions for further research
Authors: Tarasjev A. , Avramov S. , Miljkovic Danijela
Published: May 2012

Evolutionary studies on the dwarf bearded iris, Iris pumila L., a perennial
clonal monocot with hermaphroditic enthomophylous flowers, have been
conducted during the last three decades on plants and populations from the
Deliblato Sands in Serbia. In this review we discuss the main advantages of
this model system that have enabled various studies of several important
genetic, ecological, and evolutionary issues at different levels of
biological organization (molecular, physiological, anatomical, morphological
and population). Based on published research and its resonance in
international scientific literature, we present the main findings obtained
from these studies, and discuss possible directions for further research.