bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Techniques for Using MODIS Data to Remotely Sense Lake Water Surface Temperatures
Authors: Grim Joseph A. , Knievel Jason C. , Crosman Erik T.
Published: May 2013

This study describes a stepwise methodology used to provide daily high-spatial-resolution water surface temperatures from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data for use nearly in real time for the Great Salt Lake (GSL). Land surface temperature (LST) is obtained each day and then goes through the following series of steps: land masking, quality control based on other concurrent datasets, bias correction, quality control based on LSTs from recent overpasses, temporal compositing, spatial hole filling, and spatial smoothing. Although the techniques described herein were calibrated for use on the GSL, they can also be applied to any other inland body of water large enough to be resolved by MODIS, as long as several months of in situ water temperature observations are available for calibration. For each of the buoy verification datasets, these techniques resulted in mean absolute errors for the final MODIS product that were at least 62% more accurate than those from the operational Real-Time Global analysis. The MODIS product provides realistic cross-lake temperature gradients that are representative of those directly observed from individual MODIS overpasses and is also able to replicate the temporal oscillations seen in the buoy datasets over periods of a few days or more. The increased accuracy, representative temperature gradients, and ability to resolve temperature changes over periods down to a few days can be vital for providing proper surface boundary conditions for input into numerical weather models.
River Forecast Application for Water Management: Oil and Water?
Authors: Werner Kevin , Averyt Kristen , Owen Gigi
Published: May 2013

Managing water resources generally and managing reservoir operations specifically have been touted as opportunities for applying forecasts to improve decision making. Previous studies have shown that the application of forecasts into water management is not pervasive. This study uses a scenario-based approach to explore whether and how people implement forecast information into reservoir operations decisions in a workshop setting. Although it was found that participants do utilize both forecast and observed information, they generally do not utilize probabilistic forecast information in a manner to appropriately minimize risks associated with the tail end of the forecast distribution. This study found strong tendencies for participants to wait for observed information, as opposed to forecast information, before making decisions. In addition, study participants tended to make decisions based on median forecast values instead of considering forecast probability. These findings support the development of quantitative decision support systems to optimally utilize probabilistic forecasts as well as for forecast agencies such as NOAA/NWS to continue investments in work to better understand contexts and environments where forecasts are used or have the potential for use in supporting water management decisions.
Ergotism in Norway. Part 2: The symptoms and their interpretation from the eighteenth century onwards
Authors: Alm Torbjørn , Elvevåg Brita
Published: May 2013

Ergotism, the disease caused by consuming Claviceps purpurea, a highly poisonous, grain-infecting fungus, occurred at various places scattered throughout Norway during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. By focusing on these cases we chart the changing interpretations of the peculiar disease, frequently understood within a religious context or considered as a supernatural (e.g. ghostly) experience. However, there was a growing awareness of the disease ergotism, and from the late eighteenth century onwards it was often correctly interpreted as being due to a fungus consumed via bread or porridge. Also, nineteenth-century fairy-tales and regional legends reveal that people were increasingly aware and fearful of the effects of consuming infected grain.
‘Struensée’s memoir on the situation of the King’ (1772): Christian VII of Denmark
Authors: Schioldann Johan
Published: May 2013

Christian VII of Denmark (1749–1808) was insane throughout his long reign. The royal physician, Johann Friedrich Struensée (1737–72), usurped his power. In 1771 the King appointed him Privy Cabinet Minister. Struensée revolutionized the whole administration of the Danish-Norwegian kingdom and had an adulterous relationship with the Queen, Caroline Mathilda, George III’s sister. In January 1772 he was arrested, sentenced to death for lese-majesty and executed. During his confinement, he wrote a memoir on the King’s condition, which he considered to be caused by, or the effect of, masturbation. In 1906 Christiansen interpreted it as a case of dementia praecox, i.e. schizophrenia. It is now suggested that Christian’s insanity, like that of George III (his cousin), might have been due to porphyria – the ‘royal malady’, possibly inherited through his mother, Princess Louise of England or his father, King Frederik V, who died from an illness which retrospectively resembles a case of porphyria.
The bones of the insane
Authors: Wallis Jennifer
Published: May 2013

This article examines alienist explanations for fracture among British asylum patients in the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries. A series of deaths in asylums came to light in the 1870s which, in placing the blame for such incidents on asylum staff, called for a response from the psychiatric profession. This response drew upon other medical fields and employed novel pathological techniques to explain why fractures occurred among the insane, in many cases aligning bone fragility with particular forms of insanity (namely, General Paralysis of the Insane). Although such research aimed to provide a medical explanation for the ‘fracture death’, it also called into question the value of pathological research and the utility of quantitative measurement in understanding mental disease.
From psychiatric symptom to diagnostic category: self-harm from the Victorians to DSM-5
Authors: Gilman Sander L
Published: May 2013

It is rare that a symptom becomes a disease entity. ‘Self-harm’ is now a full-fledged diagnostic category for DSM-5. The existing literature of the topic posits that it is a trans-historical psychiatric category and that examples of self-harm can be found from the earliest written records, which is part of the underlying argument for its inclusion in DSM-5. But how old is self-harm and indeed what defines ‘self-harm’ historically and culturally?
“The Lady in the Coffin” – Delusions and Hearing Voices
Authors: Klausen Rita K. , Haugsgjerd Svein , Lorem Geir Fagerjord
Published: May 2013

This article is based on a study of user participation and insight among 30 patients in community health centres in northern Norway. The living conditions of the patients have changed because of mental illness. Through a case study, we analyze the meaning of contexts in a meeting with Sverre, an older man, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia many years ago. One of the core features of schizophrenia is the patient’s lack of insight. Case studies have a valuable place in illness narratives, giving voice to suffering in a way different than the biomedical voice. Sverre’s narrative performance represents a different insight, which challenges the perception of everyday life in the clinic and our work with this patient group. By using a performative narrative perspective, the concept of insight emerges as a relational term and something that is developed in the dialogue, rather than through the static characteristics of the patient.
A Group for Men with Eating Disorders
Authors: Russell Leo , Laszlo Bert
Published: May 2013

In this clinical essay, we describe the experience of creating and delivering a group for men with eating disorders. We outline our motivation for developing a therapeutic intervention of this nature and describe the format that we established. We then focus on the dynamics of the group that evolved and the themes that emerged in relation to issues of masculinity. We consider implications and recommendations for people interested in establishing groups for men with eating difficulties.
Summarizing the incidence of adverse events using volcano plots and time intervals
Authors: Zink Richard C , Wolfinger Russell D , Mann Geoffrey
Published: May 2013

Background

Adverse event incidence analyses are a critical component for describing the safety profile of any new intervention. The results typically are presented in lengthy summary tables. For therapeutic areas where patients have frequent adverse events, analysis and interpretation are made more difficult by the sheer number and variety of events that occur. Understanding the risk in these instances becomes even more crucial.

Purpose

We describe a space-saving graphical summary that overcomes the limitations of traditional presentations of adverse events and improves interpretability of the safety profile.

Methods

We present incidence analyses of adverse events graphically using volcano plots to highlight treatment differences. Data from a clinical trial of patients experiencing an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are used for illustration. Adjustments for multiplicity are illustrated.

Results

Color is used to indicate the treatment with higher incidence; bubble size represents the total number of events that occur in the treatment arms combined. Adjustments for multiple comparisons are displayed in a manner to indicate clearly those events for which the difference between treatment arms is statistically significant. Furthermore, adverse events can be displayed by time intervals, with multiple volcano plots or animation to appreciate changes in adverse event risk over time. Such presentations can emphasize early differences across treatments that may resolve later or highlight events for which treatment differences may become more substantial with longer follow-up.

Limitations

Treatment arms are compared in a pairwise fashion.

Conclusions

Volcano plots are space-saving tools that emphasize important differences between the adverse event profiles of two treatment arms. They can incorporate multiplicity adjustments in a manner that is straightforward to interpret and, by using time intervals, can illustrate how adverse event risk changes over the course of a clinical trial.
Upregulation of myeloid cell leukemia-1 potentially modulates beclin-1-dependent autophagy in ischemic stroke in rats
Authors: Xingyong Chen , Xicui Sun , Huanxing Su , Jingsong Ou , Yi Huang , Xu Zhang , Ruxun Huang , Zhong Pei
Published: May 2013

Background

The mechanisms that underlie autophagy in cerebral ischemia remain poorly defined. Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl1), an anti-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, regulates the balance between autophagy and apoptosis. However, little is known regarding its expression profile and contribution to cell fate in the brain following ischemic stroke.

Results

In this study, we investigated the expression profile and cellular distribution of Mcl1 in brains from transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model rats. Brain slices from sham-operated control rats showed minimal immunoreactivity for Mcl1. Mcl1 was mainly produced in neurons. Immunoreactivity for Mcl1 increased as early as 4 hours after MCAO, peaked at 24 hours, and then declined, but still remained high, at 72 hours. Mcl1 positive cells never colocalized with either cleaved caspase-3 or terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells. Both microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and beclin-1 were evident in ischemic brain between 4 and 72 hours after MCAO. Most cells with strong LC3 staining were also labeled with beclin-1. Beclin-1 did colocalize with caspase-3 or Mcl1. Beclin-1/caspase-3 positive cells displayed the characteristic features of apoptosis including cell shrinkage and pyknotic nuclei, whereas beclin-1/Mcl1 positive cells had normal morphology. Pretreatment with 3-methyladenine attenuated autophagy without affecting the level of Mcl1 protein.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that the expression of Mcl1 is involved in the survival of neuronal cells. In addition, the coexpression of Mcl1 with beclin-1 may attenuate beclin-1-dependent autophagy during ischemic stroke in rats.
High-throughput screen of essential gene modules in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a bibliometric approach
Authors: Xu Guangyu , Liu Bin , Wang Fang , Wei Chengguo , Zhang Ying , Sheng Jiyao , Wang Guoqing , Li Fan
Published: May 2013

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). The annotation of functional genome and signaling network in M. tuberculosis are still not systematic. Essential gene modules are a collection of functionally related essential genes in the same signaling or metabolic pathway. The determination of essential genes and essential gene modules at genomic level may be important for better understanding of the physiology and pathology of M. tuberculosis, and also helpful for the development of drugs against this pathogen. The establishment of genomic operon database (DOOR) and the annotation of gene pathways have felicitated the genomic analysis of the essential gene modules of M. tuberculosis.

Method

Bibliometric approach has been used to perform a High-throughput screen for essential genes of M. tuberculosis strain H37Rv. Ant colony algorithm were used to identify the essential genes in other M. tuberculosis reference strains. Essential gene modules were analyzed by operon database DOOR. The pathways of essential genes were assessed by Biocarta, KEGG, NCI-PID, HumanCyc and Reactome. The function prediction of essential genes was analyzed by Pfam.

Results

A total approximately 700 essential genes were identified in M. tuberculosis genome. 40% of operons are consisted of two or more essential genes. The essential genes were distributed in 92 pathways in M. tuberculosis. In function prediction, 61.79% of essential genes were categorized into virulence, intermediary metabolism/respiration,cell wall related and lipid metabolism, which are fundamental functions that exist in most bacteria species.

Conclusion

We have identified the essential genes of M. tuberculosis using bibliometric approach at genomic level. The essential gene modules were further identified and analyzed.
Reflex anuria following acute cardiac event
Authors: Jeevagan Vijayabala , Navinan Mitrakrishnan , Munasinghe Arunie , Nazar Abdul , Wijewardena Anura , Constantine Godwin
Published: May 2013

Background

Reflex anuria is an uncommon cause for acute renal failure, which occurs almost always after manipulation or irritation to kidneys, ureter, bladder or other pelvic organs.

Case presentation

Here we describe a case of acute renal failure due to reflex anuria following acute cardiac event. This patient had background history of urolithiasis. In the absence of other pre renal, renal or post- renal causes for acute kidney injury, we believe reflex anuria is the causative entity for acute renal failure in our patient.

Conclusion

Acute renal failure due to reflex anuria is related to a reflex mechanism involving arteriolar vasoconstriction and urethral spasm. Patients with reflex anuria can be successfully managed with medical or surgical interventions. Our case suggests that reflex anuria should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis of acute renal failure following acute cardiac event, especially in patients with background urological problem.
Expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor by the vascular endothelium in tumor metastases
Authors: Siraj Ahsan , Desestret Virginie , Antoine Martine , Fromont Gaëlle , Huerre Michel , Sanson Marc , Camparo Philippe , Pichon Christophe , Planeix François , Gonin Julie , Radu Aurelian , Ghinea Nicolae
Published: May 2013

Background

The Follicle Stimulating Hormone receptor (FSHR) is expressed by the vascular endothelium in a wide range of human tumors. It was not determined however if FSHR is present in metastases which are responsible for the terminal illness.

Methods

We used immunohistochemistry based on a highly FSHR-specific monoclonal antibody to detect FSHR in cancer metastases from 6 major tumor types (lung, breast, prostate, colon, kidney, and leiomyosarcoma ) to 6 frequent locations (bone, liver, lymph node, brain, lung, and pleura) of 209 patients.

Results

In 166 patients examined (79%), FSHR was expressed by blood vessels associated with metastatic tissue. FSHR-positive vessels were present in the interior of the tumors and some few millimeters outside, in the normally appearing tissue. In the interior of the metastases, the density of the FSHR-positive vessels was constant up to 7 mm, the maximum depth available in the analyzed sections. No significant differences were noticed between the density of FSHR-positive vessels inside vs. outside tumors for metastases from lung, breast, colon, and kidney cancers. In contrast, for prostate cancer metastases, the density of FSHR-positive vessels was about 3-fold higher at the exterior of the tumor compared to the interior. Among brain metastases, the density of FSHR-positive vessels was highest in lung and kidney cancer, and lowest in prostate and colon cancer. In metastases of breast cancer to the lung pleura, the percentage of blood vessels expressing FSHR was positively correlated with the progesterone receptor level, but not with either HER-2 or estrogen receptors. In normal tissues corresponding to the host organs for the analyzed metastases, obtained from patients not known to have cancer, FSHR staining was absent, with the exception of approx. 1% of the vessels in non tumoral temporal lobe epilepsy samples.

Conclusion

FSHR is expressed by the endothelium of blood vessels in the majority of metastatic tumors.
Lipid-lowering pharmacotherapy and socioeconomic status: atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) surveillance study
Authors: Kitzmiller Joseph P , Foraker Randi E , Rose Kathy M
Published: May 2013

Background

Lipid-reduction pharmacotherapy is often employed to reduce morbidity and mortality risk for patients with dyslipidemia or established cardiovascular disease. Associations between socioeconomic factors and the prescribing and use of lipid-lowering agents have been reported in several developed countries.

Methods

We evaluated the association of census tract-level neighborhood household income (nINC) and lipid-lowering medications received during hospitalization or at discharge among 3,546 (5,335 weighted) myocardial infarction (MI) events in the United States (US) Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARIC) surveillance study (1999–2002). Models included neighborhood household income, race, gender, age, study community, year of MI, hospital type (teaching vs. nonteaching), current or past history of hypertension, diabetes or heart failure, and presence of cardiac pain.

Results

About fifty-nine percent of patients received lipid-lowering pharmacotherapy during hospitalization or at discharge. Low nINC was associated with a lower likelihood (prevalence ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval: 0.79, 1.01) of receiving lipid-lowering pharmacotherapy compared to high neighborhood household income, and no significant change in this association resulted when adjusted for the above-mentioned covariates.

Conclusion

Patient’s socioeconomic status appeared to influence whether they were prescribed a lipid-lowering pharmacotherapy after hospitalization for myocardial infarction in the US ARIC surveillance study (1999–2002).
Characterization of a novel swollenin from Penicillium oxalicum in facilitating enzymatic saccharification of cellulose
Authors: Kang Kang , Wang Shaowen , Lai Guohong , Liu Gang , Xing Miao
Published: May 2013

Background

Plant expansins and fungal swollenin that can disrupt crystalline cellulose have great potential for applications in conversion of biomass. Recent studies have been mainly focused on Trichoderma reesei swollenin that show relatively low activity in the promotion of cellulosic hydrolysis. Our aim was to isolate a novel swollenin with greater disruptive activity, to establish an efficient way of producing recombinant swollenin, and to optimize the procedure using swollenin in facilitation of cellulosic hydrolysis.

Results

A novel gene encoding a swollenin-like protein, POSWOI, was isolated from the filamentous fungus Penicillium oxalicum by Thermal Asymmetric Interlaced PCR (TAIL-PCR). It consisted of a family 1 carbohydrate-binding module (CBM1) followed by a linker connected to a family 45 endoglucanase-like domain. Using the cellobiohydrolase I promoter, recombinant POSWOI was efficiently produced in T. reesei with a yield of 105 mg/L, and showed significant disruptive activity on crystalline cellulose. Simultaneous reaction with both POSWOI and cellulases enhanced the hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose Avicel by approximately 50%. Using a POSWOI-pretreatment procedure, cellulases can produce nearly twice as many reducing sugars as without pretreatment. The mechanism by which POSWOI facilitates the saccharification of cellulose was also studied using a cellulase binding assay.

Conclusion

We present a novel fungal swollenin with considerable disruptive activity on crystalline cellulose, and develop a better procedure for using swollenin in facilitating cellulosic hydrolysis. We thus provide a new approach for the effective bioconversion of cellulosic biomass.
Social determinants of health and periodontal disease in Brazilian adults: a cross- sectional study
Authors: Bonfim Maria de Lourdes Carvalho , Mattos Flavio Freitas , Ferreira Efigênia Ferreira e , Campos Ana Cristina Viana , Vargas Andréa Maria Duarte
Published: May 2013

Background

Recently, increasing importance has been placed on the social determinants of health and disease. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of periodontal disease in Brazilian adults and identify possible relationships with social determinants.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed using a sample of 743 adults (aged 35–49 years) living in an urban area of a large city in southeastern Brazil. The condition of the periodontium was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) according to the diagnostic criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO). The variables related to social determinants were collected using a structured questionnaire. A descriptive analysis of all study variables was performed. Multiple correspondence analysis was subsequently performed to identify relationships between periodontal disease and the social determinants of health.

Results

The periodontal exams showed that 36.5% of adults had a healthy periodontium, 2.0% had gingival bleeding, 47.1% had calculus and 9.5% had periodontal pockets of 4–5 mm. Periodontal pockets of 6 mm or more were the worst periodontal condition found (affecting only 2.1% of the participants). The correspondence analysis enabled us to form three groups with different profiles. The first group was distinguished by the presence of bleeding (gingivitis) or a healthy periodontium. The members of this group were typically aged 35 to 39 years and had 9–12 years or more than 12 years of education. The second group consisted of subjects with calculus and periodontal pockets of 4–5 mm. The members of this group were typically white men aged 40–44 years with incomes greater than $ 300.00. The third group was distinguished by the presence of periodontal pockets of 6 mm or more. The members of this group were typically adult females, black and mixed individuals who had 8 years or less of schooling, individuals with incomes ≤ $ 300.00 and widowers.

Conclusion

The results suggest that periodontal health is worse in the group for which the social indicators are worse. Therefore, the social determinants of health also affect the severity of periodontal disease in adults Brazilian society.
The effects of vitamins C and B12 on human nasal ciliary beat frequency
Authors: Jiao Jian , Meng Na , Wang Hong , Zhang Luo
Published: May 2013

Background

This study was designed to investigate the effects of the vitamins C and B12 on the regulation of human nasal ciliary beat frequency (CBF).

Methods

Human nasal mucosa was removed endoscopically and nasal ciliated cell culture was established. Changes of CBF in response to different concentrations of vitamin C or vitamin B12 were quantified by using high-speed (240 frames per second) digital microscopy combined with a beat-by-beat CBF analysis.

Results

At the concentrations of 0.01% and 0.10%, vitamin C induced an initial increase, followed by a gradual decrease of CBF to the baseline level, while 1.00% vitamin C induced a reversible decrease of CBF. Vitamin B12, at the concentrations of 0.01% and 0.10%, did not influence CBF during the 20-min observation period, while a 1.00% vitamin B12 treatment caused a time-dependent but reversible decrease of CBF.

Conclusions

Treatment with vitamin C or vitamin B12 caused a concentration-dependent but reversible decrease of CBF in cultured human nasal epithelial cells. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a concentration that is safe, effective, and non-ciliotoxic when applying these drugs topically in the nasal cavity.
The association between polymorphisms in the MDR1 gene and risk of cancer: a systematic review and pooled analysis of 52 case–control studies
Authors: Wang Ling-Hui , Song Yan-Bin , Zheng Wen-Ling , Jiang Ling , Ma Wen-Li
Published: May 2013

Background

The multidrug resistance (MDR) 1 gene encodes a 170-kDa membrane transporter called P-glycoprotein, which plays an important role in protecting cells against lipophilic xenobiotics by the way of an ATP-dependent cellular efflux mechanism. Three polymorphisms of MDR1, 3435C > T located in exon 26, 1236C > T in exon 12 and 2677G > T/A in exon 21 were the most extensively studied and were identified functionally important and ethnically diverse mapping to the gene region. Considering the potential influence of altering MDR1 activity, it is plausible that MDR1 polymorphisms might play a role in the development of cancer. Although the effects of MDR1 polymorphisms on susceptibility to human cancer have been investigated in many studies, the results still remain conflicting.

Methods

To resolve these conflicts, we performed a quantitative synthesis of the association between these three polymorphisms and cancer risk, including 52 studies (15789 cases and 20274 controls) for 3435C > T polymorphism, 10 studies (2101 cases and 2842 controls) for 1236C > T polymorphism and 18 studies (3585 cases and 4351 controls) for 2677G > T/A polymorphism.

Results

The stratified analyses for 3435C > T polymorphism, individuals with T-allele in 3435C > T had significantly higher ALL risks (TT versus CC: OR =1.286, 95% CI =1.123-1.474); significantly elevated risks were observed among Caucasian populations (TT versus CC: OR =1.276, 95% CI =1.112-1.464). When restricting the analysis to the source of controls, we found that HB (hospital-based) genetic models had higher risks (TT versus CC: OR =1.307, 95% CI =1.046-1.632), as well as in PB (population-based) genetic models (TT versus CC: OR =1.294, 95% CI =1.079-1.55).

The T/A-allele frequency of 2677G > T/A polymorphism was associated with higher risk of cancer (TT + TA + AA vs. GG: OR =1.348, 95% CI =1.031-1.762), significantly elevated risks were observed among Asian populations (TT + TA + AA vs. GG: OR =1.642, 95% CI =1.340-2.012), and elevated risks could be associated with PB models (TT + TA + AA vs. GG: OR =1.641, 95% CI =1.018-2.646).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggested that 3435C > T polymorphism and 2677G > T/A polymorphism were associated with cancer risk when all studies were pooled together, while 1236C > T polymorphism not.
Comparisons of maximum deformation and failure forces at the implant–abutment interface of titanium implants between titanium-alloy and zirconia abutments with two levels of marginal bone loss
Authors: Wang Chiung-Fang , Huang Heng-Li , Lin Dan-Jae , Shen Yen-Wen , Fuh Lih-Jyh , Hsu Jui-Ting
Published: May 2013

Background

Zirconia materials are known for their optimal aesthetics, but they are brittle, and concerns remain about whether their mechanical properties are sufficient for withstanding the forces exerted in the oral cavity. Therefore, this study compared the maximum deformation and failure forces of titanium implants between titanium-alloy and zirconia abutments under oblique compressive forces in the presence of two levels of marginal bone loss.

Methods

Twenty implants were divided into Groups A and B, with simulated bone losses of 3.0 and 1.5 mm, respectively. Groups A and B were also each divided into two subgroups with five implants each: (1) titanium implants connected to titanium-alloy abutments and (2) titanium implants connected to zirconia abutments. The maximum deformation and failure forces of each sample was determined using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed using the nonparametric Mann–Whitney test.

Results

The mean maximum deformation and failure forces obtained the subgroups were as follows: A1 (simulated bone loss of 3.0 mm, titanium-alloy abutment) = 540.6 N and 656.9 N, respectively; A2 (simulated bone loss of 3.0 mm, zirconia abutment) = 531.8 N and 852.7 N; B1 (simulated bone loss of 1.5 mm, titanium-alloy abutment) = 1070.9 N and 1260.2 N; and B2 (simulated bone loss of 1.5 mm, zirconia abutment) = 907.3 N and 1182.8 N. The maximum deformation force differed significantly between Groups B1 and B2 but not between Groups A1 and A2. The failure force did not differ between Groups A1 and A2 or between Groups B1 and B2. The maximum deformation and failure forces differed significantly between Groups A1 and B1 and between Groups A2 and B2.

Conclusions

Based on this experimental study, the maximum deformation and failure forces are lower for implants with a marginal bone loss of 3.0 mm than of 1.5 mm. Zirconia abutments can withstand physiological occlusal forces applied in the anterior region.
Transient expansion of activated CD8+ T cells characterizes tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in patients with HIV: a case control study
Authors: Espinosa Enrique , Romero-Rodríguez Dámaris P , Cantoral-Díaz María-Teresa , Reyes-Terán Gustavo
Published: May 2013

Background

CD4+ T cell activation indicators have been reported to be a common phenomenon underlying diverse manifestations of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). However, we have found that a high frequency of circulating CD8+ T cells is a specific risk factor for mycobacterial IRIS. Therefore, we investigated whether CD8+ T cells from patients who develop TB IRIS were specifically activated.

Methods

We obtained PBMCs from HIV+ patients prior to and 4, 8, 12, 24, 52 and 104 weeks after initiating antiretroviral therapy. CD38 and HLADR expression on naive, central memory and effector memory CD8+ and CD4+ T cells were determined by flow cytometry. Absolute counts and frequencies of CD8+ T cell subsets were compared between patients who developed TB IRIS, who developed other IRIS forms and who remained IRIS-free.

Results

TB IRIS patients showed significantly higher counts of naive CD8+ T cells than the other groups at most time points, with a contraction of the effector memory subpopulation occurring later in the follow-up period. Activated (CD38+ HLADR+) CD8+ T cells from all groups decreased with treatment but transiently peaked in TB IRIS patients. This increase was due to an increase in activated naive CD8+ T cell counts during IRIS. Additionally, the CD8+ T cell subpopulations of TB IRIS patients expressed HLADR without CD38 more frequently and expressed CD38 without HLADR less frequently than cells from other groups.

Conclusions

CD8+ T cell activation is specifically relevant to TB IRIS. Different IRIS forms may involve different alterations in T cell subsets, suggesting different underlying inflammatory processes.
Impact of chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea in breast cancer patients: the evaluation of ovarian function by menstrual history and hormonal levels
Authors: Meng Kexin , Tian Wei , Zhou Meiqi , Chen Hailong , Deng Yongchuan
Published: May 2013

Background

Chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (CIA) is one of the most frequent therapy-related adverse events observed in breast cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy. Although the characteristics of CIA have been studied in Western countries, little is known about CIA in Asian. We conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the characteristics and influencing factors of CIA and its association with menopause in Chinese women who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer.

Methods

Seventy-three premenopausal women who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy for early stage (stages I to III) breast cancer were analyzed. Patient clinical characteristics, treatment regimes, menstrual information, and serum hormone values were collected retrospectively. Characteristic factors relevant to the onset of CIA and menopause were also estimated.

Results

Approximately 83.6% of patients developed CIA. Older patients (>40 years old) had higher CIA incidence compared with younger patients (P <0.0001). The onset of menopause was correlated with age (P <0.0001) and tamoxifen use (P = 0.0313). On the basis of the Kaplan–Meier analysis, a significant difference was observed in the time of onset of permanent amenorrhea as determined by menstrual history and hormone levels (P = 0.0028). In women aged 46 to 49 years, the beginning of permanent amenorrhea was detected earlier via the clinical method than via the hormonal method (2 months versus 23 months, P <0.0001). In the analysis of patients ≥50 years old, the median time to detection of permanent amenorrhea was 19 months in the hormonal test and 2 months in the clinical test (P = 0.0112).

Conclusions

Age at diagnosis is a predictor of the onset of amenorrhea and transformation into menopause among premenopausal breast cancer patients. Adjuvant tamoxifen therapy substantially affects the onset of menopause. A delay of the onset of serum hormone postmenopausal status was observed compared with clinical symptoms. This interval was approximately 21 months in patients aged 46 to 49 years and 17 months in patients aged over 50 years. This interval is significant in the clinical estimate of the menstrual status.
Botryoid Wilms’ tumor: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Xu Guofeng , Hu Jimeng , Wu Yeming , Xiao Yongtao , Xu Maosheng
Published: May 2013

Here, we report a new case of botryoid Wilms’ tumor, a 4-year-old boy, who was referred to us with a chief complaint of dysuria and gross hematuria. The computed tomography and radical nephroureterectomy showed that a botryoid sarcoma-like appearance occupied the right renal pelvis and extended into the bladder. Histologic examination further confirmed this case was a mixed type of Wilms’ tumor. In a word, we demonstrated a rare case of botryoid Wilms’ tumor, which extended from the renal pelvis into the ureter and bladder, then some degenerative and necrotic tissue with calcification discharged from urethra. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was executed. At 24-month follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence.
Examination of mid-intervention mediating effects on objectively assessed sedentary time among children in the Transform-Us! cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Carson Valerie , Salmon Jo , Arundell Lauren , Ridgers Nicola D , Cerin Ester , Brown Helen , Hesketh Kylie D , Ball Kylie , Chinapaw Mai , Yildirim Mine , Daly Robin M , Dunstan David W , Crawford David
Published: May 2013

Background

The optimal targets and strategies for effectively reducing sedentary behavior among young people are unknown. Intervention research that explores changes in mediated effects as well as in outcome behaviors is needed to help inform more effective interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the mid-intervention mediating effects on children’s objectively assessed classroom and total weekday sedentary time in the Transform-Us! intervention.

Methods

The results are based on 293 children, aged 7- to 9-years-old at baseline, from 20 schools in Melbourne, Australia. Each school was randomly allocated to one of four groups, which targeted reducing sedentary time in the school and family settings (SB; n = 74), increasing or maintaining moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity in the school and family settings (PA; n = 75), combined SB and PA (SB + PA; n = 80), or the current practice control (C; n = 64). Baseline and mid-intervention data (5–9 months) were collected in 2010 and analyzed in 2012. Classroom and total weekday sedentary time was objectively assessed using ActiGraph accelerometers. The hypothesized mediators including, child enjoyment, parent and teacher outcome expectancies, and child perceived access to standing opportunities in the classroom environment, were assessed by questionnaire.

Results

The SB + PA group spent 13.3 min/day less in weekday sedentary time at mid-intervention compared to the control group. At mid-intervention, children in the SB group had higher enjoyment of standing in class (0.9 units; 5-unit scale) and all intervention groups had more positive perceptions of access to standing opportunities in the classroom environment (0.3-0.4 units; 3-unit scale), compared to the control group. However, none of the hypothesized mediator variables had an effect on sedentary time; thus, no mediating effects were observed.

Conclusions

While beneficial intervention effects were observed on some hypothesized mediating variables and total weekday sedentary time at mid-intervention, no significant mediating effects were found. Given the dearth of existing information, future intervention research is needed that explores mediated effects. More work is also needed on the development of reliable mediator measures that are sensitive to change overtime.

Trial registration

ACTRN12609000715279

ISRCTN83725066
Interferon-α (IFN-α) suppresses HTLV-1 gene expression and cell cycling, while IFN-α combined with zidovudin induces p53 signaling and apoptosis in HTLV-1-infected cells
Authors: Kinpara Shuichi , Kijiyama Mami , Takamori Ayako , Hasegawa Atsuhiko , Sasada Amane , Masuda Takao , Tanaka Yuetsu , Utsunomiya Atae , Kannagi Mari
Published: May 2013

Background

Human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is the causative retrovirus of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). HTLV-1 gene expression is maintained at low levels in vivo by unknown mechanisms. A combination therapy of interferon-α (IFN-α) and zidovudin (AZT) shows therapeutic effects in ATL patients, although its mechanism is also obscure. We previously found that viral gene expression in IL-2-dependent HTLV-1-infected T-cells (ILTs) derived from ATL patients was markedly suppressed by stromal cells through a type I IFN response. Here, we investigated the effects of IFN-α with or without AZT on viral gene expression and cell growth in ILTs.

Results

ILTs expressed variable but lower amounts of HTLV-1 Tax protein than HTLV-1-transformed HUT102 cells. Following the addition of IFN-α, the amounts of HTLV-1 p19 in the supernatants of these cells decreased in three days, while HTLV-1 gene expression decreased only in ILTs but not HUT102 cells. IFN-α also suppressed the spontaneous HTLV-1 induction in primary ATL cells cultured for 24 h. A time course study using ILTs revealed that the levels of intracellular Tax proteins decreased in the first 24 h after addition of IFN-α, before the reduction in HTLV-1 mRNA levels. The initial decreases of Tax protein following IFN-α treatment were observed in 6 of 7 ILT lines tested, although the reduction rates varied among ILT lines. An RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR)-inhibitor reversed IFN-mediated suppression of Tax in ILTs. IFN-α also induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and suppressed NF-κB activities in these cells. AZT alone did not affect HTLV-1 gene expression, cell viability or NF-κB activities. AZT combined with IFN-α markedly induced cell apoptosis associated with phosphorylation of p53 and induction of p53-responsive genes in ILTs.

Conclusions

IFN-α suppressed HTLV-1 gene expression at least through a PKR-mediated mechanism, and also induced cell cycle arrest in ILTs. In combination with AZT, IFN-α further induced p53 signaling and cell apoptosis in these cells. These findings suggest that HTLV-1-infected cells at an IL-2-dependent stage retain susceptibility to type I IFN-mediated regulation of viral expression, and partly explain how AZT/IFN-α produces therapeutic effects in ATL.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Ulnar malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour diagnosis in a mixed-breed dog as a model to study human: histologic, immunohistochemical, and clinicopathologic study
Authors: Tavasoly Abbas , Javanbakht Javad , Khaki Fariba , Hosseini Ehsan , Bahrami Alimohammad , Hassan Mehdi Aghamohammad , Mirabad Mohammadmehdi
Published: May 2013

Canine Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNSTs) are uncommonly reported in the ulnar, since they are underestimated relative to the more common spindle cell tumours of soft tissue. In dogs, MPNST accounts for 27% of nervous system tumours. In man, MPNST represents 5-10% of all soft tissue sarcomas and is often associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1).An 8-year-old, 9 kg, female mixed-breed dog with a subcutaneous mass on the upper right side of the ulnar region was presented to the small animal research and teaching hospital of Tehran University. The dog was anorexic with general weakness. The mass (7 × 4 cm) was removed surgically and processed routinely. Microscopically, the mass was composed of highly cellular areas with a homogeneous population of round or spindle cells, high cellular pleomorphism, high mitotic index and various morphologic patterns. Furthermore, spindle cells arranged in densely or loosely sweeping fascicles, interlacing whorls, or storiform patterns together with wavy cytoplasm, nuclear palisades, and round cells were arranged in sheets or cords with a meshwork of intratumoral nerve fibers. In addition, in this case the presence of neoplastic cells within the blood vessels was observed. Immunohistochemically, tumor was positive for vimentin and S-100 protein. The histopathologic features coupled with the S-100 and vimentin immunoreactivity led to a diagnosis of malignant neurofibroma.

To the best of our knowledge, primary ulnar MPNST has not been reported in animals. This is the first documentation of an ulnar malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour in a dog.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1310907815984587
Tissue engineering rib with the incorporation of biodegradable polymer cage and BMSCs/decalcified bone: an experimental study in a canine model
Authors: Tang Hua , Wu Bin , Qin Xiong , Zhang Lu , Kretlow Jim , Xu Zhifei
Published: May 2013

Background

The reconstruction of large bone defects, including rib defects, remains a challenge for surgeons. In this study, we used biodegradable polydioxanone (PDO) cages to tissue engineer ribs for the reconstruction of 4cm-long costal defects.

Methods

PDO sutures were used to weave 6cm long and 1cm diameter cages. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) which is a xenograft was molded into cuboids and seeded with second passage bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) that had been osteogenically induced. Two DBM cuboids seeded with BMSCs were put into the PDO cage and used to reconstruct the costal defects. Radiographic examination including 3D reconstruction, histologic examination and mechanical test was performed after 24 postoperative weeks.

Results

All the experimental subjects survived. In all groups, the PDO cage had completely degraded after 24 weeks and been replaced by fibrous tissue. Better shape and radian were achieved in PDO cages filled with DBM and BMSCs than in the other two groups (cages alone, or cages filled with acellular DBM cuboids). When the repaired ribs were subjected to an outer force, the ribs in the PDO cage/DBMs/BMSCs group kept their original shape while ribs in the other two groups deformed. In the PDO cage/DBMs/BMSCs groups, we also observed bony union at all the construct interfaces while there was no bony union observed in the other two groups. This result was also confirmed by radiographic and histologic examination.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that biodegradable PDO cage in combination with two short BMSCs/DBM cuboids can repair large rib defects. The satisfactory repair rate suggests that this might be a feasible approach for large bone repair.
A patient who experienced thyroid storm complicated by rhabdomyolysis, deep vein thrombosis, and a silent pulmonary embolism: a case report
Authors: Umezu Taro , Ashitani Keigo , Toda Takahiro , Yanagawa Tatsuo
Published: May 2013

Background

Thyroid storm is a serious condition of thyrotoxicosis. Hyperthyroidism often presents with thrombotic events, especially at cerebral sites; however, the possible association between a lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT) and thyroid storm has not been previously reported. We encountered a patient who developed thyroid storm, associated with rhabdomyolysis, followed by LEDVT and a small silent pulmonary embolism (PE). The case is discussed with references to the pertinent literature.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old woman with no past medical history was referred to our hospital because of severe diarrhea, muscle weakness in her lower limbs (manual muscle testing: MMT 3), and disturbances of consciousness. She was diagnosed as having Graves’ disease based on the presence of struma, exophthalmos, and hyperthyroidism with TSH receptor antibody positivity; we further determined that the patient was experiencing thyroid storm based on the results of the Burch-Wartofsky scoring system and a Japanese diagnostic criteria. Treatment with steroids, iodine potassium, methimazole, and propranolol was initiated. Severe watery diarrhea continued, and the laboratory data revealed hypokalemia (2.0 meq/L). On day 14, a blood analysis showed a sudden elevation in her creatinine kinase (CK) level, leading to a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. Thereafter, the muscle weakness in her lower limbs advanced to a degree of MMT 1. Seven days after the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis, pitting edema began to appear in bilateral lower extremities. Contrast-enhanced CT scans revealed a LEDVT involving the left common iliac vein, bilateral femoral veins, and left popliteal vein. Furthermore, a small PE was identified. Hyperthyroidism often presents with thrombotic events, especially at cerebral sites, but few reports of PE or LEDVT have been made.

Conclusion

This case suggests that the occurrence of thyroid storm may be associated with a risk of LEDVT and/or PE. We suggest that DVT preventive measures are undertaken, and that a lower limb venous echo or contrast-enhanced CT examination would be considered if LEDVT is suspected.