bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
mGluR6 Transcripts in Non-neuronal Tissues
Authors: Vardi Tamar , Fina Marie , Zhang Lingli , Dhingra Anuradha , Vardi Noga
Published: November 2011

To study mGluR6 expression, the authors investigated two transgenic mouse lines that express enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) under control of mGluR6 promoter. In retina, GFP was expressed exclusively in all ON bipolar cell types, either uniformly across all cells of this class (line 5) or in a mosaic (patchy) fashion (line 1). In brain, GFP was found in certain cortical areas, superior colliculus, axons of the corpus callosum, accessory olfactory bulb, and cells of the subcommissural organ. Outside the nervous system, GFP was seen in the corneal endothelium, testis, the kidney’s medulla, collecting ducts and parietal layer that surround the glomeruli, and B lymphocytes. Furthermore, RT-PCR showed that most tissues that expressed GFP in the transgenic mouse also transcribed two splice variants of mGluR6 in the wild-type mouse. The alternate variant was lacking exon 8, predicting a protein product of 545 amino acids that lacks the 7-transmembrane domains of the receptor. In cornea, immunostaining for mGluR6 gave strong staining in the endothelium, and this was stronger in wild-type than in mGluR6-null mice. Furthermore, calcium imaging with Fura-2 showed that application of L-AP4, an agonist for group III metabotropic glutamate receptors including mGluR6, elevated calcium in endothelial cells.
Markers of Plaque Instability in the Early Diagnosis and Risk Stratification of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Schaub Nora , Reichlin Tobias , Meune Christophe , Twerenbold Raphael , Haaf Philip , Hochholzer Willibald , Niederhauser Nadine , Bosshard Piet , Stelzig Claudia , Freese Michael , Reiter Miriam , Gea Joachim , Buser Andreas , Mebazaa Alexandre , Osswald Stefan , Mueller Christian
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND

Plaque erosion and plaque rupture occur early in the pathophysiology of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We hypothesized that markers of plaque instability might be useful in the early diagnosis and risk stratification of AMI.

METHODS

In this multicenter study, we examined 4 markers of plaque instability, myeloperoxidase (MPO), myeloid-related protein 8/14 (MRP-8/14), pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in 398 consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department with acute chest pain and compared them to normal and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (cTnT and hs-cTnT). The final diagnosis was adjudicated by 2 independent cardiologists. Primary prognostic end point was death during a median follow-up of 27 months.

RESULTS

The adjudicated final diagnosis was AMI in 76 patients (19%). At emergency department presentation, concentrations of all 4 biomarkers of plaque instability were significantly higher in patients with AMI than in patients with other diagnoses. However, their diagnostic accuracy as quantified by the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was low (MPO 0.63, MRP-8/14 0.65, PAPP-A 0.62, CRP 0.59) and inferior to both normal and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (cTnT 0.88, hs-cTnT 0.96; P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Thirty-nine patients (10%) died during follow-up. Concentrations of MPO, MRP-8/14, and CRP were higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors and predicted all-cause mortality with moderate accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

Biomarkers of plaque instability do not seem helpful in the early diagnosis of AMI but may provide some incremental value in the risk stratification of patients with acute chest pain.
Glucagon counteracts interleukin-6-dependent gene expression by redundant action of Epac and PKA
Authors: Khouri Christina , Dittrich Anna , Sackett Sara Dutton , Denecke Bernd , Trautwein Christian , Schaper Fred
Published: November 2011

Inflammation is the biological response to injurious stimuli. In the initial phase of the inflammatory process, interleukin-6 (IL-6) is the main inducer of acute phase protein expression in the liver. A prolonged acute phase response is characterised by a disturbed glucose homeostasis and elevated levels of IL-6, insulin, and counterregulatory hormones such as glucagon. Several studies deal with the impact of IL-6 on glucagon-dependent gene expression. In contrast, only very little is known about the influence of G-protein-coupled receptors on IL-6 signalling. Therefore, the aim of this study is to elucidate the regulation of IL-6-induced gene expression by glucagon. We could reveal a novel mechanism of negative regulation of IL-6-induced MAP kinase activation by glucagon in primary murine hepatocytes. IL-6-dependent induction of the ERK-dependent target gene Tfpi2, coding for a Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor, was strongly down-regulated by glucagon treatment. Studying the underlying mechanism revealed a redundant action of the signalling molecules exchange protein activated by cyclic AMP (Epac) and protein kinase A. The metabolic hormone glucagon interferes in IL-6-induced gene expression. This observation is indicative for a regulatory role of G-protein-coupled receptors in the IL-6-dependent inflammatory response.
Dimerization of human 5-lipoxygenase
Authors: Häfner Ann-Kathrin , Cernescu Mihaela , Hofmann Bettina , Ermisch Michael , Hörnig Michael , Metzner Julia , Schneider Gisbert , Brutschy Bernhard , Steinhilber Dieter
Published: November 2011

Human 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) can form dimers as shown here via native gel electrophoresis, gel filtration chromatography and LILBID (laser induced liquid bead ion desorption) mass spectrometry. After glutathionylation of 5-LO by diamide/glutathione treatment, dimeric 5-LO was no longer detectable and 5-LO almost exclusively exists in the monomeric form which showed full catalytic activity. Incubation of 5-LO with diamide alone led to a disulfide-bridged dimer and to oligomer formation which displays a strongly reduced catalytic activity. The bioinformatic analysis of the 5-LO surface for putative protein-protein interaction domains and molecular modeling of the dimer interface suggests a head to tail orientation of the dimer which also explains the localization of previously reported ATP binding sites. This interface domain was confirmed by the observation that 5-LO dimer formation and inhibition of activity by diamide was largely prevented when four cysteines (C159S, C300S, C416S, C418S) in this domain were mutated to serines.
Cysteine proteinase SpeB from Streptococcus pyogenes – a potent modifier of immunologically important host and bacterial proteins
Authors: Nelson Daniel C. , Garbe Julia , Collin Mattias
Published: November 2011

Group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) is an exclusively human pathogen that causes a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from pharyngitis, to impetigo, to toxic shock, to necrotizing fasciitis. The diversity of these disease states necessitates that S. pyogenes possess the ability to modulate both the innate and adaptive immune responses. SpeB, a cysteine proteinase, is the predominant secreted protein from S. pyogenes. Because of its relatively indiscriminant specificity, this enzyme has been shown to degrade the extracellular matrix, cytokines, chemokines, complement components, immunoglobulins, and serum protease inhibitors, to name but a few of the known substrates. Additionally, SpeB regulates other streptococcal proteins by degrading them or releasing them from the bacterial surface. Despite the wealth of literature on putative SpeB functions, there remains much controversy about this enzyme because many of reported activities would produce contradictory physiological results. Here we review all known host and bacterial protein substrates for SpeB, their cleavage sites, and discuss the role of this enzyme in streptococcal pathogenesis based on the current literature.
Synthesis of novel-9-cyano/acetylpyrano[2,3-f]chromones via Baylis-Hillman reaction
Authors: Jayaprakash Rao Y. , Niranjan K. , Hemasri Y. , David Krupadanam G.L.
Published: November 2011

Condensation of 8-formyl-7-hydroxy chromones 2a–e with methyl vinyl ketone and acrylonitrile in the presence of diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) under Baylis-Hillman reaction conditions afforded 9-cyano/acetyl-substituted pyrano[2,3-f]chromones 3a–e and 4a–e.
The need for evidence-based, non-drug medicine
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Orr Gary , Merrick Joav
Published: November 2011

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is defined as “the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.” EBM is based on three equally important key factors: i) the best available scientific evidence; ii) the physician’s experience and intuition; and, iii) the preferences and values of the patient. EBM uses a hierarchy of evidence and critical appraisal of the sources, which makes it possible to balance high quality evidence with documented effectiveness. A treatment that is more safe and effective, but less well documented may very well be the treatment of choice. Ethics (not putting the patient at risk of harm with a treatment if this can be avoided at all) is an important part of EBM. Many pharmaceutical drugs have a number needed to treat (NNT) of approximately 20 [NNT=20, confidence interval CI (5–50)] and the number needed to harm is less well understood and documented. The adverse effect profile of pharmacological agents can be more harmful than non-drug medicine. Most EBM-treatments are likely to be non-drug treatments in the future. There are six steps to the practice of EBM: i) the patients and the physician must work together to define the problem; ii) the patients and the physician must explore the patient’s values and preferences; iii) the information about the possible alternative medical interventions must be discussed and critically appraised; iv) the best, relevant evidence must be applied to the patient as a treatment or cure; v) together, the patient and the physician must evaluate how useful the intervention was; and vi) if the intervention did not help sufficiently, the process must begin again. In this review, we explain, in our opinion, how non-drug EBM should be practiced.
The renin–angiotensin system in thyroid disorders and its role in cardiovascular and renal manifestations
Authors: Vargas Félix , Rodríguez-Gómez Isabel , Vargas-Tendero Pablo , Jimenez Eugenio , Montiel Mercedes
Published: November 2011

Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine diseases and affect virtually all physiological systems, with an especially marked impact on cardiovascular and renal systems. This review summarizes the effects of thyroid hormones on the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and the participation of the RAS in the cardiovascular and renal manifestations of thyroid disorders. Thyroid hormones are important regulators of cardiac and renal mass, vascular function, renal sodium handling, and consequently blood pressure (BP). The RAS acts globally to control cardiovascular and renal functions, while RAS components act systemically and locally in individual organs. Various authors have implicated the systemic and local RAS in the mediation of functional and structural changes in cardiovascular and renal tissues due to abnormal thyroid hormone levels. This review analyzes the influence of thyroid hormones on RAS components and discusses the role of the RAS in BP, cardiac mass, vascular function, and renal abnormalities in thyroid disorders.
Transcriptional Regulation and the Diversification of Metabolism in Wine Yeast Strains
Authors: Rossouw Debra , Jacobson Dan , Bauer Florian F
Published: November 2011

Transcription factors and their binding sites have been proposed as primary targets of evolutionary adaptation because changes to single transcription factors can lead to far-reaching changes in gene expression patterns. Nevertheless, there is very little concrete evidence for such evolutionary changes. Industrial wine yeast strains, of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are a geno- and phenotypically diverse group of organisms that have adapted to the ecological niches of industrial winemaking environments and have been selected to produce specific styles of wine. Variation in transcriptional regulation among wine yeast strains may be responsible for many of the observed differences and specific adaptations to different fermentative conditions in the context of commercial winemaking. We analyzed gene expression profiles of wine yeast strains to assess the impact of transcription factor expression on metabolic networks. The data provide new insights into the molecular basis of variations in gene expression in industrial strains and their consequent effects on metabolic networks important to wine fermentation. We show that the metabolic phenotype of a strain can be shifted in a relatively predictable manner by changing expression levels of individual transcription factors, opening opportunities to modify transcription networks to achieve desirable outcomes.
Measuring Selection Coefficients Below 10−3: Method, Questions, and Prospects
Authors: Gallet Romain , Cooper Tim F , Elena Santiago F , Lenormand Thomas
Published: November 2011

Measuring fitness with precision is a key issue in evolutionary biology, particularly in studying mutations of small effects. It is usually thought that sampling error and drift prevent precise measurement of very small fitness effects. We circumvented these limits by using a new combined approach to measuring and analyzing fitness. We estimated the mutational fitness effect (MFE) of three independent mini-Tn10 transposon insertion mutations by conducting competition experiments in large populations of Escherichia coli under controlled laboratory conditions. Using flow cytometry to assess genotype frequencies from very large samples alleviated the problem of sampling error, while the effect of drift was controlled by using large populations and massive replication of fitness measures. Furthermore, with a set of four competition experiments between ancestral and mutant genotypes, we were able to decompose fitness measures into four estimated parameters that account for fitness effects of our fluorescent marker (α), the mutation (β), epistasis between the mutation and the marker (γ), and departure from transitivity (τ). Our method allowed us to estimate mean selection coefficients to a precision of 2 × 10−4. We also found small, but significant, epistatic interactions between the allelic effects of mutations and markers and confirmed that fitness effects were transitive in most cases. Unexpectedly, we also detected variation in measures of s that were significantly bigger than expected due to drift alone, indicating the existence of cryptic variation, even in fully controlled experiments. Overall our results indicate that selection coefficients are best understood as being distributed, representing a limit on the precision with which selection can be measured, even under controlled laboratory conditions.
Pulmonary Vascular Disease and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Evaluation and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Abman Steven H.
Published: November 2011

Despite major advances in perinatal medicine, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) persists as a major complication of prematurity. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been long-recognized as a significant problem of infants with BPD and remains strongly associated with worse outcomes and late mortality. Recent studies further suggest that the pulmonary circulation is characterized by a dysmorphic structure, which contributes to impaired gas exchange, poor tolerance of respiratory infections, increased risk for developing PH, and late exercise intolerance. Current approaches to the diagnosis and management of PH in BPD includes avoidance of hypoxia, aggressive treatment of airways disease, assessing risk for chronic aspiration, and other factors that can complicate the overall respiratory course of infants with established BPD. Echocardiograms and cardiac catheterization remain essential for the accurate assessments of the presence and severity of PH and potential therapeutic strategies. Novel pharmacologic therapies are available for the treatment of PH in BPD, but data are limited regarding optimal strategies and efficacy. Further studies are needed to better understand the incidence, risk factors, and optimal management of PH in infants with BPD.
Core Concepts: Neonatal Tidal Volume: Physiologic, Technologic, and Clinical Considerations
Authors: Lan Wen-Chun Jimmy , Bhutani Vinod K.
Published: November 2011

Neonatal tidal volume breathing is fundamental to gas exchange and ventilatory support after birth. In uniquely vulnerable preterm infants, excessive tidal volume, volutrauma, is a significant contributor to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). This biotrauma triggers a cascade of proinflammatory responses associated with an increased occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Understanding of physiologic determinants of tidal volume allow for optimal tidal volume delivery by using minimal pressures to achieve desired carbon dioxide exchange without air-trapping. Tidal volumes (Vt) can be measured continuously by monitoring airflow signals of assisted ventilation. Currently, pneumotachography is the most commonly utilized bedside technology. Ideal techniques to measure continuous, bi-directional airflow proximal to the endotracheal tube require accuracy over a range of airflow, negligible contribution to dead space and resistive load, reliability, minimal need for operator intervention or calibration, adaptability to a warmed and humidified environment, and validated performance for long-term use. For all infants receiving assisted ventilation, clinicians require accurate technologies to continuously measure Vt until respiratory stability is reached to minimize the risk of VILI.
Pediatric Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Legal, Ethical, and Clinical Issues in Decision-Making
Authors: Gilmour Joan , Harrison Christine , Cohen Michael H. , Vohra Sunita
Published: November 2011

In this article we introduce a series of 8 case scenarios and commentaries and explore the complex legal, ethical, and clinical concerns that arise when pediatric patients and their parents or health care providers use or are interested in using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). People around the world rely on CAM, so similar issues face clinicians in many countries. In law, few cases have dealt with CAM use. The few that have apply the same general legal principles used in cases that involved conventional care while taking into account considerations unique to CAM. In ethics, as with conventional care, the issues surrounding pediatric CAM use usually involve questions about who the appropriate decision-makers are, on what ethical principles should clinical decision-making rely, and what obligations arise on the part of physicians and other health care providers. Clinical decision-making is made more complex by the relatively limited research on the efficacy and safety of CAM compared with conventional medicine, especially in children, which requires clinicians to make decisions under conditions of uncertainty. The clinical scenarios presented focus on patients who represent a range of ages, clinical conditions, and settings. They act as anchors to explore particular CAM policy issues and illustrate the application of and shortcomings in existing guidance and intervention principles. Although the focus on a pediatric population adds another layer of complexity to the analysis, many of the concepts, issues, principles, and recommendations also apply to adults.
Natural Health Product–Drug Interactions: Evolving Responsibilities to Take Complementary and Alternative Medicine Into Account
Authors: Gilmour Joan , Harrison Christine , Asadi Leyla , Cohen Michael H. , Vohra Sunita
Published: November 2011

Natural health products (NHPs) (known as dietary supplements in the United States) are a popular form of self-care, yet many patients do not disclose their use to clinicians. NHP-drug interactions are known to occur and can harm patients and affect the efficacy of conventional treatment. Using the example of an HIV-positive adolescent who had been responding well to antiretroviral therapy but then experienced a sudden unexplained deterioration in her condition, we review (1) clinicians' obligation to inquire about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use when assessing, treating, and monitoring patients, (2) how clinicians' duty to warn about risks associated with treatment has evolved and expanded, and (3) patients' and parents' responsibility to disclose CAM use. It also addresses the responsibility of hospitals and health facilities to ensure that the reality of widespread CAM/NHP use is taken into account in patient care to effectively protect patients from harm.
Referrals and Shared or Collaborative Care: Managing Relationships With Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practitioners
Authors: Gilmour Joan , Harrison Christine , Asadi Leyla , Cohen Michael H. , Vohra Sunita
Published: November 2011

In this article we discuss steps that clinicians should take after deciding to include a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment that is beyond the clinician's expertise in a patient's treatment plan. We use the example of an adolescent patient with chronic recurrent headaches that have not been relieved by medication or other therapies and whose physician refers her to an acupuncturist for treatment. We focus on (1) circumstances under which referral is appropriate, (2) the nature of the relationship between the referring clinician and the practitioner to whom the referral is made (considering conventional health care and CAM, regulated and unregulated practitioners), and (3) considerations when undertaking shared or collaborative care with other health care practitioners (conventional health care or CAM). We also suggest best practices in managing such relationships.
Translational medicine
Authors: Antal János , Timár Attila
Published: November 2011

Translational medicine is the emerging scientific discipline of the last decade which will set the benchmark for the pharmaceutical industry research and development, integrates inputs from the basic sciences of computer modeling and laboratory research through the pre-clinical and clinical phases of human research to the assimilation of new therapies and treatments into everyday practice of patient care and prevention. With this brief insight authors tried in their humble way to summarize the underlying basis, the present and the potential future of this emerging view, to draw attention to some of the challenges and tasks it faces and to highlight some of the promising approaches, trends and model developments and applications. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1894–1902.
Affective temperaments: from neurobiological roots to clinical application
Authors: Eőry Ajándék , Gonda Xénia , Torzsa Péter , Kalabay László , Rihmer Zoltán
Published: November 2011

The Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) has grown to be a clinically important outcome measure in the diagnosis and the clinical course of mood disorders. However, temperaments, which represent the biologically stable core of personality, are not just antecedents of major affective disorders, but also serve as a reservoir of genetically advantageous traits for the survival of different cultures. The rapidly growing body of research in psychiatric and non-psychiatric fields even raises the question of temperament as a common root in psychiatric and somatic disorders, providing a new meaning for the construct of psychosomatic disorders. In this review we aim to summarize current knowledge on both the neurobiological background and clinical importance of affective temperaments including implications for future research. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1879–1886.
“Hannibal ante portas” – technical development and health care reorganization
Authors: Fülesdi Béla , Velkey György
Published: November 2011

Authors intend to analyze the impact of medical technical development on the Hungarian health care system and try to draw attention to potentially necessary measures for professional and structural health care reorganization. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1903–1906.
Desigualdades sociais nas complicações da cesariana: uma análise hierarquizada
Authors: Freitas Paulo Fontoura , Savi Eduardo Pereira
Published: November 2011

Com objetivo de investigar associações entre fatores socioeconômicos e complicações da cesariana, uma amostra de 604 puérperas cujos partos ocorreram em duas maternidades no Sul do Brasil foi entrevistada 24 horas pós-parto e na segunda semana do puerpério, por meio de entrevistas hospitalares e domicilio. Regressão de Cox foi aplicada ao modelo hierárquico dos fatores associados ao tipo de parto e às complicações no pós-parto. Complicações foram duas vezes mais frequentes após cesariana, independentemente das condições socioeconômicas. Contudo, a maneira como o parto cesáreo se associou ao risco de complicações mostrou-se mediada pelas circunstâncias socioeconômicas representadas pela categoria do pré-natal e parto, ter ou não o mesmo profissional no pré-natal e parto e ter sua cesariana decidida intraparto. Resultados do estudo evidenciam que complicações pós-cirúrgicas da cesariana têm impacto adverso, principalmente, entre aquelas mulheres vivendo em condições sociais e de saúde menos privilegiadas, as quais, após o parto, retornam para um ambiente de menor suporte, com uma cicatriz abdominal.
Reproducibility of the Portuguese version of the PEDro Scale
Authors: Shiwa Silvia Regina , Costa Leonardo Oliveira Pena , Costa Luciola da Cunha Menezes , Moseley Anne , Hespanhol Junior Luiz Carlos , Venâncio Roberta , Ruggero Cintia , Sato Tatiana de Oliveira , Lopes Alexandre Dias
Published: November 2011

The objective of this study was to test the inter-rater reproducibility of the Portuguese version of the PEDro Scale. Seven physiotherapists rated the methodological quality of 50 reports of randomized controlled trials written in Portuguese indexed on the PEDro database. Each report was also rated using the English version of the PEDro Scale. Reproducibility was evaluated by comparing two separate ratings of reports written in Portuguese and comparing the Portuguese PEDro score with the English version of the scale. Kappa coefficients ranged from 0.53 to 1.00 for individual item and an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.82 for the total PEDro score was observed. The standard error of the measurement of the scale was 0.58. The Portuguese version of the scale was comparable with the English version, with an ICC of 0.78. The inter-rater reproducibility of the Brazilian Portuguese PEDro Scale is adequate and similar to the original English version.
Modernidade alimentar e consumo de alimentos: contribuições sócio-antropológicas para a pesquisa em nutrição
Authors: Fonseca Alexandre Brasil , Souza Thaís Salema Nogueira de , Frozi Daniela Sanches , Pereira Rosangela Alves
Published: November 2011

Este trabalho buscou apresentar o que a modernidade alimentar representa para a sociologia e a antropologia, questão que é discutida a partir de revisão bibliográfica. Considera-se inicialmente a presença do tema alimentação nos estudos das ciências sociais, enfocando-se as abordagens relacionadas à modernidade alimentar, especialmente o trabalho de Claude Fischler. Privilegiou-se o registro das questões relacionadas à alimentação e às mudanças no mundo do trabalho, ampliação do comércio, feminização da sociedade e a questão das identidades. Ao compreender o fenômeno alimentar e o seu consumo em uma abordagem mais qualitativa pode-se avançar na construção das ciências nutricionais, privilegiando-se uma abordagem compreensiva sobre o alimento e a alimentação nos dias atuais. Como recomendação os estudos atuais devem se dedicar à investigação do consumo alimentar como um fenômeno social para que se agreguem novos componentes analíticos ao conjunto de resultados com o enfoque biomédico.
Self-perception and malocclusion and their relation to oral appearance and function
Authors: Peres Sílvia Helena de Carvalho Sales , Goya Suzana , Cortellazzi Karine Laura , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria Bovi , Meneghim Marcelo de Castro , Pereira Antonio Carlos
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between malocclusion and self-perception of oral appearance/function, in 12/15-year-old Brazilian adolescents. The cluster sample consisted of 717 teenagers attending 24 urban public (n=611) and 5 rural public (n=107) schools in Maringá/PR. Malocclusion was measured using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), in accordance with WHO recommendations. A parental questionnaire was applied to collect information on esthetic perception level and oral variables related to oral health. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Multiple logistic regression confirmed that for 12-year-old, missing teeth (OR=2.865) and presence of openbite (open occlusal relationship) (OR=2.865) were risk indicators for speech capability. With regard to 15-year-old, presence of mandibular overjet (horizontal overlap) (OR=4.016) was a risk indicator for speech capability and molar relationship (OR=1.661) was a risk indicator for chewing capability. The impact of malocclusion on adolescents' life was confirmed in this study. Speech and chewing capability were associated with orthodontic deviations, which should be taken into consideration in oral health planning, to identify risk groups and improve community health services.
Diseño y aplicación de un Programa de Comunicación de Riesgos para la salud ambiental infantil en un sitio contaminado con plomo y arsénico
Authors: Cubillas-Tejeda Ana Cristina , Torres-Nerio Rocío , Díaz-Barriga Martínez Fernando , Carrizales-Yáñez Leticia , Coronado-Salas Citlalhit , Nieto Caraveo Luz María , Moreno Sánchez Ana Rosa , Barraza Lomelí Laura
Published: November 2011

Una industria metalúrgica en la ciudad de San Luis Potosí, México ha contaminado el sitio con plomo (Pb) y arsénico (As) principalmente. Desde 1989 se han reportado por nuestro grupo altas concentraciones de Pb en sangre (PbS) y As en orina (AsO) en los niños del lugar. En el presente estudio se generó un Programa de Comunicación Riesgos (PCR) para informar a los niños sobre los riesgos ambientales del sitio donde viven y que cambiaran conductas para disminuir la exposición al Pb y al As. Se trabajó con 170 niños (5 a 7 años) de la zona. Se aplicó el PCR y se realizó la evaluación mediante análisis de dibujos, cuestionarios y monitoreo biológico. En los dibujos de los niños se encontraron elementos tóxicos tales como el Pb, la tierra contaminada, entre otros. En los cuestionarios aplicados a los niños y a los padres de familia se pudo apreciar un cambio en los conocimientos y en algunas conductas respecto a los contaminantes, sus efectos y su exposición. No se encontró una disminución en los niveles de PbS ni de AsO. Esto quizás porque la principal ruta de exposición no es únicamente el suelo, como se había contemplado anteriormente.
Survival Prediction for Terminally Ill Cancer Patients: Revision of the Palliative Prognostic Score with Incorporation of Delirium
Authors: Scarpi Emanuela , Maltoni Marco , Miceli Rosalba , Mariani Luigi , Caraceni Augusto , Amadori Dino , Nanni Oriana
Published: November 2011

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the effect on the palliative prognostic score classifications when delirium was included as a variable.Compare changes in overall survival times when delirium was added to the palliative prognostic score.

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

Purpose.

An existing and validated palliative prognostic (PaP) score predicts survival in terminally ill cancer patients based on dyspnea, anorexia, Karnofsky performance status score, clinical prediction of survival, total WBC, and lymphocyte percentage. The PaP score assigns patients to three different risk groups according to a 30-day survival probability—group A, >70%; group B, 30%–70%; group C, <30%. The impact of delirium is known but was not incorporated into the PaP score.

Materials and Methods.

Our aim was to incorporate information on delirium into the PaP score based on a retrospective series of 361 terminally ill cancer patients. We followed the approach of “validation by calibration,” proposed by van Houwelingen and later adapted by Miceli for achieving score revision with inclusion of a new variable. The discriminating performance of the scores was estimated using the K statistic.

Results.

The prognostic contribution of delirium was confirmed as statistically significant (p < .001) and the variable was accordingly incorporated into the PaP score (D-PaP score). Following this revision, 30-day survival estimates in groups A, B, and C were 83%, 50%, and 9% for the D-PaP score and 87%, 51%, and 16% for the PaP score, respectively. The overall performance of the D-PaP score was better than that of the PaP score.

Conclusion.

The revision of the PaP score was carried out by modifying the cutoff values used for prognostic grouping without, however, affecting the partial scores of the original tool. The performance of the D-PaP score was better than that of the PaP score and its key feature of simplicity was maintained.
Acinar Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas: New Genetic and Treatment Insights into a Rare Malignancy
Authors: Lowery Maeve A. , Klimstra David S. , Shia Jinru , Yu Kenneth H. , Allen Peter J. , Brennan Murray F. , O'Reilly Eileen M.
Published: November 2011

Background.

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm, accounting for 1% of all pancreatic neoplasms. There remains a lack of data regarding the use of systemic therapy in this disease. We present a series of 40 consecutive cases of ACC of the pancreas treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, with an emphasis on evaluation of activity of new therapeutic agents.

Methods.

Patients reviewed at our institution from January 2000 through January 2011 were identified from an institutional database with prior institutional review board approval. Pathology was confirmed in all cases as ACC or a closely related entity.

Results.

Forty patients were identified; 29 were male (73%). The median age at diagnosis was 65 years (range, 16–87 years). The median overall survival (OS) time for patients with localized, resectable disease was 56.9 months and the OS time for patients with metastatic ACC (n = 18) was 19.6 months. Six patients with metastatic or recurrent ACC had a partial response to chemotherapy and five patients had stable disease for ≥6 months on systemic chemotherapy. Clinical observation was made of a patient with ACC and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and a patient with ACC and a BRCA1 germline mutation.

Conclusions.

ACC is moderately chemoresponsive to agents that have activity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and colorectal carcinoma. A potential association between germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes and ACC warrants further evaluation.
Chemosynthetic bivalves of the family Solemyidae (Bivalvia, Protobranchia) in the Neogene of the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Taviani Marco , Angeletti Lorenzo , Ceregato Alessandro
Published: November 2011

The Mediterranean area is the locus of a variety of deep-sea chemosynthetic environments that have been exploited by bivalves of the family Solemyidae during Cenozoic to present time. Large solemyids represented by theSolemya doderleinigroup were widely distributed in Neogene deep-sea reducing habitats, including cold vent hydrocarbon sites. Based upon the diagnostic structure of the ligament,Solemya doderleini(Mayer), 1861 andS. subquadrata(Foresti), 1879 are moved to the genusAcharaxDall, 1908. After the Messinian Salinity CrisisAcharax doderleinire-colonized deep-sea sulphide environments up to the Pliocene at least. At present,Acharaxoccurs in similar settings in the adjacent eastern Atlantic Ocean. Thus far, large solemyids are not documented from the present deep Mediterranean Sea in spite of a vast number of seep and reducing habitats with chemosynthetic biota, especially concentrated in its Eastern basin. Promisingly, however, a single live juvenile specimen of Solemyidae has been recently found at bathyal depth associated with a pockmark in the Nile Deep Sea Fan.
The first Psychodidae (Insecta: Diptera) from the lower Eocene Fushun amber of China
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhang Haichun , Azar Dany
Published: November 2011

Trichomyia duckhousei, a new species belonging to Psychodidae Trichomyiinae, is characterized and described based on a well-preserved specimen from the lower Eocene Fushun amber of China. It shares some similarities withTrichomyiaof Group B, but has some features present in the fossil record but not in Recent taxa, such as non-eccentric flagellomeres and long legs. This discovery represents the first Trichomyiinae (Psychodidae) from the Fushun amber, and adds more evidence on the very high palaeodiversity of the psychodids since at least the middle Cretaceous. An updated check list of fossil Trichomyiinae is given.
The Upper Ordovician trinucleid trilobiteBancroftolithusfrom the Precordillera of Argentina
Authors: Waisfeld Beatriz G. , Vaccari N. Emilio , Edgecombe Gregory D. , Chatterton Brian D. E.
Published: November 2011

The trinucleid trilobiteBancroftolithusBaldis and Pöthe, 1995 includes a group of species from Sandbian strata of the Argentine Precordillera. The monotypicHunickenolithusBaldis and Pöthe, 1995 from the Las Aguaditas Formation at its type locality in San Juan Province is placed in the synonymy ofBancroftolithus.Of four nominal taxa from the Las Aguaditas Formation,B. pozensisBaldis and Pöthe, 1995, andB. hughesiBaldis and Pöthe, 1995 are retained, and both are revised based on new collections from the type locality that include ontogenetic series from the protaspid period. Two protaspid stages are recognized in both species. Three additional species (Bancroftolithus alkin. sp.,B.cf.B. pozoensis, Bancroftolithussp.) from broadly coeval strata in the Las Plantas Member of the Las Vacas Formation in La Rioja Province are identified as the closest relatives of the Las Aguaditas species.Bancroftolithus alkialso occurs in the Los Azules Formation in San Juan Province. The five species included in this regional clade exhibit significant morphological differences in the lower lamellae, an unusual feature among the Trinucleidae.Bancroftolithusis evidently most closely related to the Australian Katian genusParkesolithus.The two are not convincingly assigned to any of the existing trinucleid subfamilies.
Callochiton monteleonensisn. sp., first record of Polyplacophora (Mollusca) from the Neogene of Argentina
Authors: Urteaga Diego , Griffin Miguel , Pastorino Guido
Published: November 2011

A new species of chiton is described from early Miocene deposits of the Monte León Formation, in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina.Callochiton monteleonensisn. sp. clearly differs from known fossil and Recent species of the southwestern Atlantic because the central area of its intermediate valves has a stepped appearance, in which each step is marked by a longitudinal rib. It is similar toCallochiton kapitiensisMestayer, 1926, a Recent species from New Zealand. Biogeographic implications are discussed. This is the first record of a polyplacophoran from Neogene deposits of Argentina.
Northeast Pacific Cretaceous record ofPyropsis(Neogastropoda: Pyropsidae) and paleobiogeography of the genus
Authors: Squires Richard L.
Published: November 2011

The neogastropod genusPyropsisConrad, 1860 (family Pyropsidae Stephenson, 1941) is recognized for the first time from Upper Cretaceous shallow-marine siliciclastic rocks in the region extending from Vancouver Island, British Columbia southward to southern California. Four new species were detected:Pyropsis aldersoni(earliest Coniacian, southern California),Pyropsis californica(early Coniacian, northern California),Pyropsis louellae(late Coniacian or early Santonian, northern California), andPyropsis grahami(late early Campanian, Vancouver Island).

A critical review of the global reports ofPyropsis, a genus that has been commonly confused with other genera (especiallyTudiclaRöding, 1798), establishes thatPyropsishad an amphitropical distribution and lived in warm-temperate waters adjacent to a broad tropical realm. It is rare to uncommon wherever found, and its geologic range is middle Cenomanian to an age near the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary (probably earliest Paleocene). It was moderately widespread before the Maastrichtian but was predominantly restricted to the New World during the Maastrichtian.
Biogeography of Iberian Atlantic Neogene marginelliform gastropods (Marginellidae, Cystiscidae): global change and transatlantic colonization
Authors: Da Silva Carlos Marques , Landau Bernard , La Perna Rafael
Published: November 2011

The Marginellidae Fleming and the Cystiscidae Stimpson, herein collectively referred to as marginelliform gastropods, are convergent families of thermophilic marine gastropods. Shallow-water marginelliform gastropods are found in the Ibero-Moroccan Gulf and Mediterranean, diversity rapidly increasing towards tropical West Africa. Surprisingly, in the tropical and subtropical European Miocene fossil record, marginelliform genera of tropical affinity such asPersiculaSchumacher andPrunumHerrmannsen, occurring today in West Africa, are altogether missing. Others, such asMarginellaLamarck, are present only in the southwestern Iberian and Mediterranean Neogene record. This work describes the marginelliform gastropods from the Atlantic Iberian Neogene. Ten species are recorded, of which three are new,Persicula mikhailovaen. sp.,Gibberula costaen. sp., andGibberula brebionin. sp. This study shows thatGibberulaSwainson andVolvarinaHinds have been present in Europe since the Eocene.Marginellamay have originated in southern Africa and migrated north to Europe in the Miocene, never extending further north than west central Portugal.PersiculaandPrunumprobably originated in the Caribbean and migrated east during the Pliocene, following closure of the Central American Seaway. The colonization of the Pliocene European Atlantic coast by gastropods of these genera was selective, only where high sea-water temperature and high productivity were combined. These findings suggest that post-Messinian recolonization of the Mediterranean during the Pliocene was a complex process, involving colonization by groups originating in various regions of the Atlantic, including Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Civil engineering research – time for a more radical approach
Authors: Townend Ian , Rogers Chris
Published: November 2011

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is about to publish a further report into civil engineering research needs. Ian Townend and Chris Rogers of ICE’s innovation and research panel explain the thinking and approach in the report, which concludes that civil engineering research needs to start getting more radical.
Isothermal crystallization of novel polypropylene/polyaniline-grafted-short glass fiber (Pan-g-SGF) composites
Authors: Valerio-Cárdenas Cintya , Romo-Uribe Angel , Cruz-Silva Rodolfo , Rejon Leonardo , Saldivar-Guerrero Ruben
Published: November 2011

Isothermal crystallization kinetics of composites of isotactic-polypropylene (iPP) reinforced with polyaniline-grafted short glass fibers (PAn-g-SGF) were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The concentration of PAn-g-SGF ranged from 10 to 30 wt%. Furthermore, a composite of iPP blended with 5% polypropylene-grafted maleic anhydride and 30 wt% PAn-g-SGF was also studied. DSC showed that the crystallization temperature of iPP, Tc, was significantly increased by the microfiller. Isothermal crystallization results showed that the kinetics of neat iPP is well described by the Avrami model, with half-time crystallization τ1/2 in the range of 3 to 22 mins. Regarding the composites, τ1/2 was five times faster than neat iPP. Furthermore, the kinetics of crystallization was described by the Avrami model only at temperatures not too close to the respective crystallization temperature Tc. That is, the PAn-g-SGF microfiller acted as nucleating agent was significantly accelerating the rate of crystallization of the composites. The rate of crystallization was even faster than when using only bare glass fibers. Hot-stage polarized optical microscopy showed transcrystallinity induced by PAn-g-SGF; that is, crystallization in the composites starts first on the surface of the microfillers and then spreads out into the polymer matrix. This might explain the extremely fast rate of crystallization kinetics observed in the composites.
Effects of sex change on the implications of marine reserves for fisheries
Authors: Chan Neil C. S. , Connolly Sean R. , Mapstone Bruce D.
Published: November 2011

Marine reserves have become widely used in biodiversity conservation and are increasingly proposed as fisheries management tools. Previous modeling studies have found that reserves may increase or decrease yields, depending on local environmental conditions and on the specific life‐history traits of the fishery species. Sex‐changing (female‐to‐male) fish are targets of some of the most important commercial and recreational fisheries in the world. The potential for disproportionate removal of the larger, older sex of such species requires new theory to facilitate our understanding of how reserves will affect the yields of surrounding fisheries, relative to fishes with separate sexes. We investigated this question by modeling the effects of marine reserves on a non‐sex‐changing and a sex‐changing population. We used demographic parameter estimates for the common coral trout as a baseline, and we conducted extensive sensitivity analyses to determine how sustainable yields of sex‐changing species are likely to be affected by reserves across a broad range of life‐history parameters. Our findings indicate that fisheries for sex‐changing species are unlikely to receive the same yield‐enhancing benefit that non‐sex‐changing fisheries enjoy from marine reserves, and that often reserves tend to reduce sustainable yields for a given overall population size. Specifically, the increased egg production and high fertilization success within reserves is more than offset by the reduced egg production and fertilization success in the fished areas, relative to a system in which fishing mortality is distributed more evenly over the entire system. A key reason for this appears to be that fertilization success is reduced, on average, when males are unevenly distributed among subpopulations, as is the case when reserves are present. These findings suggests that, for sex‐changing populations, reserves are more suited to rebuilding overfished populations and sustaining fishery viability, rather than enhancing fishery yields. These results are robust over a range of sex‐change regimes, stock–recruitment relationships, adult mortality rates, individual growth strategies, and fertilization‐success functions. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the different contributions of males and females to population growth and fishery yields when evaluating the efficacy of marine reserves for enhancement of fished species.