bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Positive modulation of the α9α10 nicotinic cholinergic receptor by ascorbic acid
Authors: Boffi JC , Wedemeyer C , Lipovsek M , Katz E , Calvo DJ , Elgoyhen AB 
Published: September 2012

Background and PurposeThe activation of α9α10 nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) present at the synapse between efferent olivocochlear fibres and cochlear hair cells can prevent acoustic trauma. Hence, pharmacological potentiators of these receptors could be useful therapeutically. In this work, we characterize ascorbic acid as a positive modulator of recombinant α9α10 nAChRs.Experimental ApproachACh‐evoked responses were analysed under two‐electrode voltage‐clamp recordings in Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with α9 and α10 cRNAs.Key ResultsAscorbic acid potentiated ACh responses in X. laevis oocytes expressing α9α10 (but not α4β2 or α7) nAChRs, in a concentration‐dependent manner, with an effective concentration range of 1–30 mM. The compound did not affect the receptor's current–voltage profile nor its apparent affinity for ACh, but it significantly enhanced the maximal evoked currents (percentage of ACh maximal response, 240 ± 20%). This effect was specific for the L form of reduced ascorbic acid. Substitution of the extracellular cysteine residues present in loop C of the ACh binding site did not affect the potentiation. Ascorbic acid turned into a partial agonist of α9α10 nAChRs bearing a point mutation at the pore domain of the channel (TM2 V13′T mutant). A positive allosteric mechanism of action rather than an antioxidant effect of ascorbic acid is proposed.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe present work describes one of the few agents that activates or potentiates α9α10 nAChRs and leads to new avenues for designing drugs with potential therapeutic use in inner ear disorders.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF DIPMETER LOGS FROM EXPLORATION WELLS IN THE DRAVA DEPRESSION, NORTHERN CROATIA
Authors: Velic J. , Malvic T. , Cvetkovic M. , Bošnjak M. 
Published: September 2012

Stratal dip and azimuth data from dipmeter logs recorded at wells in the western Drava Depression (northern Croatia) were analysed in order to assist with subsurface structural interpretations. The dipmeter data came from the Miocene Moslavacka gora, Ivanic‐Grad and Kloštar Ivanic Formations at wells Virovitica‐3, Rezovacke Krcevine‐1 istok, Rezovacke Krcevine‐2 and Orešac‐1, located near the town of Virovitica. In contrast to conventional dipmeter interpretations in which dip patterns are represented by “colour trends” (e.g. red represents increasing dip with depth), statistical methods of analysis were used in this study, and consisted of the interpretation of regression curves of dip and azimuth variations with depth. Interpretation of the dipmeter data in this way assisted with the structural interpretation of this folded and faulted part of the Drava Depression.Also discussed are techniques for the selection of typical regression curves which can help in the identification of lithologically similar intervals based on stratal dip and azimuth data. A total of six such curves can be used for structural and depositional interpretation of such intervals.
Temporal occurrence of retinal detachments after cataract surgery
Authors: Hermann Manuel M. , Kirchhof Bernd , Fauser Sascha 
Published: September 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To characterize the temporal occurrence of retinal detachments (RD) after cataract surgery.Methods:  In this retrospective, consecutive case series, we reviewed the charts of 798 pseudophakic patients with primary rhegmatogenous RD that underwent surgery between 1999 and 2009, at the Center of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Germany.Results:  Twenty‐five percent of all pseudophakic RDs occurred within 1 year after cataract surgery, 50% within 3.2 years and 90% within 9.9 years. Risk was increased for at least 11 years. The time interval was significantly shorter in vitrectomized eyes (2.49 versus 4.31 years, p = 0.016). Women showed a statistical trend towards longer time intervals (4.72 versus 3.93 years, p = 0.052), whereas myopic patients and different age groups showed no significant difference.Conclusions:  After cataract surgery, the risk for RD was highest in the beginning and decreased continuously over time. However, the risk was increased for at least 11 years. Therefore, most studies have underestimated the incidence of RD after cataract surgery.
Initial Japanese experience with the LAP‐BAND system
Authors: Ohta Masayuki , Kitano Seigo , Kai Seiichiro , Shiromizu Akio , Iwashita Yukio , Endo Yuichi , Kawano Yuichiro , Masaki Takayuki , Kakuma Tetsuya , Yoshimatsu Hironobu 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic bariatric surgery has gradually spread in Japan since it was introduced in 2000. In 2005, we introduced laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) with the LAP‐BAND system into Japan. Here, we evaluate our intermediate‐term results with the LAP‐BAND system.MethodsBetween August 2005 and June 2010, 27 Japanese patients with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) underwent LAGB with the LAP‐BAND system in our institution. Our patients' average weight was 111 kg and BMI was 41 kg/m2. All LAGB procedures were performed through the pars flaccida pathway with band fixation using gastric‐to‐gastric sutures. The average follow‐up period was 48 months.ResultsAll procedures were completed laparoscopically. One early complication (sudden cardiac arrest due to postoperative bleeding) and three late complications (port trouble, megaesophagus, and band slippage) were experienced, and reoperations were performed in three of the patients. Weight loss and percentage of excess weight loss on average were 26 kg and 53% after 3 years and 22 kg and 53% after 6 years, respectively. In line with this good weight loss, comorbidities, especially those of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome were frequently resolved or improved.ConclusionLAGB with the LAP‐BAND system appears to be beneficial in obese Japanese patients.
Influence of translation on RppH‐dependent mRNA degradation in Escherichia coli
Authors: Richards Jamie , Luciano Daniel J. , Belasco Joel G. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryIn Escherichia coli, the endonuclease RNase E can access internal cleavage sites in mRNA either directly or by a 5′ end‐dependent mechanism in which cleavage is facilitated by prior RppH‐catalysed conversion of the 5′‐terminal triphosphate to a monophosphate, to which RNase E can bind. The characteristics of transcripts that determine which of these two pathways is primarily responsible for their decay are poorly understood. Here we report the influence of ribosome binding and translocation on each pathway, using yeiP and trxB as model transcripts. Ribosome binding to the translation initiation site impedes degradation by both mechanisms. However, because the effect on the rate of 5′ end‐independent decay is greater, poor ribosome binding favours degradation by that pathway. Arresting translation elongation with chloramphenicol quickly inhibits RNase E cleavage downstream of the initiation codon but has little or no immediate effect on cleavage upstream of the ribosome binding site. RNase E binding to a monophosphorylated 5′ end appears to increase the likelihood of cleavage at sites within the 5′ untranslated region. These findings indicate that ribosome binding and translocation can have a major impact on 5′ end‐dependent mRNA degradation in E. coli and suggest a possible sequence of events that follow pyrophosphate removal.
Sleep quality and nocturnal hypoxaemia and hypercapnia in children and young adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Fauroux Brigitte , Pepin Jean-Louis , Boelle Pierre-Yves , Cracowski Claire , Murris-Espin Marlène , Nove-Josserand Raphaele , Stremler Nathalie , Simon Tabassome , Burgel Pierre-Régis 
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate sleep quality and nocturnal gas exchange in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to assess if sleep quality and daytime lung function could predict nocturnal hypoxaemia or hypercapnia.Study designDaytime sleepiness and objective sleep quality were evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and actigraphy in 25 children and 55 young adults (mean age 24±10 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 41±11% predicted). Nocturnal gas exchange was assessed by pulse oximetry (SpO2) and transcutaneous carbon dioxide (PtcCO2) recordings. Eleven patients underwent simultaneous polysomnography (PSG).ResultsPSQI was 6.3±3.4 with 51% of the patients having a score >5 corresponding to significant sleep complaints. On actigraphy, sleep efficiency was impaired at 79±11% with a fragmentation index at 41±18. Mean nocturnal SpO2 was 93±3% with 18% of the patients exhibiting >10% of night time spent with a value below 90%. Mean PtcCO2 was 44±6 mm Hg with 47% of the patients exhibiting >10% of night time with a value >45 mm Hg. Daytime arterial blood gases correlated with nocturnal gas exchange. FEV1 was the only lung function parameter that correlated with nocturnal SpO2 (p<0.01). Compared with PSG, SpO2 and PtcCO2 accurately identified rapid eye movement sleep hypoventilation.ConclusionsPatients with CF exhibit poor sleep quality that does not predict nocturnal gas exchange. Nocturnal hypoxaemia and hypercapnia can be identified by simple tools.
Factors associated with mortality and length of stay in hospitalised neonates in Eritrea, Africa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shah Shetal , Zemichael O , Meng Hong Dao 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the factors associated with mortality in a hospitalised cohort of infants in Asmara, Eritrea.DesignRetrospective cross-sectional review of all 2006 admissions to a specialised neonatal intensive care unit. Data on gestational age (prematurity), age at presentation, birth weight, gender, mode of delivery, Apgar score, maternal age, birth location, admission diagnosis, admission comorbidities, time of admission and outcome were collected.SettingOrotta Pediatric Hospital ‘Specialised Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’ (SNCU) in Orotta National Maternity Referral Hospital, the nation's only tertiary newborn centre.Primary and secondary outcome measuresFactors associated with mortality and length of stay via multivariate regression analysis and the combined association of both hypothermia and pneumonia. Other outcome measures were determination of the association of admission hypothermia, time of admission and pneumonia on mortality.ResultsA total of 1502 infants were admitted to the SNCU with an average preterm gestational age of 35.9 weeks. 87 died (mortality 8.2%). In bivariate analysis, the highest mortality rate (10.3%) was seen in patient's admitted <1 h after birth. Patients with hypothermia or pneumonia exhibited higher mortality rates (13.6% and 13.4%, respectively). In multivariate analysis, birth weight <2 kg (p<0.01), birth weight between 2.1 and 2.5 kg (p<0.01), Apgar score at 1 min (p<0.01), small for gestational age (p<0.01), hypothermia (p<0.04) and pneumonia (p<0.01) were associated with mortality.ConclusionHypothermia, pneumonia, younger gestational age, 1 min Apgar score and small size for gestational age are significantly associated with mortality and longer length of stay in the Eritrean SNCU.
Validation of prescribing appropriateness criteria for older Australians using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method
Authors: Basger Benjamin Joseph , Chen Timothy Frank , Moles Rebekah Jane 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveTo further develop and validate previously published national prescribing appropriateness criteria to assist in identifying drug-related problems (DRPs) for commonly occurring medications and medical conditions in older (≥65 years old) Australians.DesignRAND/UCLA appropriateness method.ParticipantsA panel of medication management experts were identified consisting of geriatricians/pharmacologists, clinical pharmacists and disease management advisors to organisations that produce Australian evidence-based therapeutic publications. This resulted in a round-one panel of 15 members, and a round-two panel of 12 members.Main outcome measureAgreement on all criteria.ResultsForty-eight prescribing criteria were rated. In the first rating round via email, there was disagreement regarding 17 of the criteria according to median panel ratings. During a face-to-face second round meeting, discussion resulted in retention of 25 criteria after amendments, agreement for 14 criteria with no changes required and deletion of 9 criteria. Two new criteria were added, resulting in a final validated list of 41 prescribing appropriateness criteria. Agreement after round two was reached for all 41 criteria, measured by median panel ratings and the amount of dispersion of panel ratings, based on the interpercentile range.ConclusionsA set of 41 Australian prescribing appropriateness criteria were validated by an expert panel. Use of these criteria, together with clinical judgement and other medication review processes such as patient interview, is intended to assist in improving patient care by efficiently detecting potential DRPs related to commonly occurring medicines and medical conditions in older Australians. These criteria may also contribute to the medication management education of healthcare professionals.
Derivation and validation of a clinical prediction rule for delirium in patients admitted to a medical ward: an observational study
Authors: Martinez Juan Antonio , Belastegui Ana , Basabe Iban , Goicoechea Xabier , Aguirre Cristina , Lizeaga Nerea , Urreta Iratxe , Emparanza Jose Ignacio 
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesTo develop and validate a simple clinical prediction rule, based on variables easily measurable at admission, to identify patients at high risk of developing delirium during their hospital stay on an internal medicine ward.DesignProspective study of two cohorts of patients admitted between 1 May and 30 June 2008 (derivation cohort), and between 1 May and 30 June 2009 (validation cohort).SettingA tertiary hospital in Donostia-Gipuzkoa (Spain).ParticipantsIn total 397 patients participated in the study. The mean age and incidence of delirium were 75.9 years and 13%, respectively, in the derivation cohort, and 75.8 years and 25% in the validation cohort.Main outcome measuresThe predictive variables analysed and finally included in the rule were: being aged 85 years old or older, being dependent in five or more activities of daily living, and taking two or more psychotropic drugs (antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, anticonvulsant and/or antidementia drugs). The variable of interest was delirium as defined by the short Confusion Assessment Method, which assesses four characteristics: acute onset and fluctuating course, inattention, disorganised thinking and altered level of consciousness.ResultsWe developed a rule in which the individual risk of delirium is obtained by adding one point for each criterion met (age≥85, high level of dependence, and being on psychotropic medication). The result is considered positive if the score is ≥1. The rule accuracy was: sensitivity=93.4% (95% CI 85.5% to 97.2%), specificity=60.6% (95% CI 54.1% to 66.8%), positive predictive value=44.4% (95% CI 36.9% to 52.1%) and negative predictive value=96.5% (95% CI: 92% to 98.5%). The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.85 for the validation cohort.ConclusionsThe presence or absence of any of the three predictive factors (age≥85, high level of dependence and psychotropic medication) allowed us to classify patients on internal medicine wards according to the risk of developing delirium. The simplicity of the variables in our clinical prediction rule means that the data collection required is feasible in busy medicine units.
A Description of the Madden–Julian Oscillation Based on a Self-Organizing Map
Authors: Chattopadhyay Rajib , Vintzileos Augustin , Zhang Chidong 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
This study introduces a nonlinear clustering technique based on a self-organizing map (SOM) algorithm to identify horizontal and vertical structures of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) through its life cycle. The SOM description of the MJO does not need intraseasonal bandpass filtering or selection of leading modes. MJO phases are defined by SOM based on state similarities in chosen variables. Spatial patterns of rainfall-related variables in a given MJO phase defined by SOM are distinct from those in other phases. The structural evolution of the MJO derived from SOM agrees with those from other methods in certain aspects and differs in others. SOM reveals that the dominant longitudinal structure in the diabatic heating and related fields of the MJO is a dipole or tripole pattern with a zonal scale close to that of zonal wavenumber 2, as opposed to zonal wavenumber 1 suggested by other methods. Results from SOM suggest that the MJO life cycle may be composed of quasi-stationary stages of strong, coherent spatial patterns with relatively fast transition in between that is less coherent and weaker. The utility of SOM to isolate signals of an individual MJO event in a case study is illustrated. The results from this study show that some known gross features of the MJO are independent of diagnostic methods, but other properties of the MJO may be sensitive to the choice of diagnosis method.
All the Rage: Clarence Thomas, Paternal Authority, and Conservative Desire
Authors: Dudas Jeffrey R. 
Published: September 2012

Clarence Thomas is, according to The Weekly Standard, the “leading conservative in America today.” More than just an iconic conservative, The National Review esteems Thomas as “an extraordinary man.” How are we to understand the ascent of a sitting United States Supreme Court Justice to the status of national hero in the American conservative imagination? And what does Clarence Thomas’s hero-status reveal about that conservative imagination? I argue, first, that the canonization of Clarence Thomas by American conservative intellectuals speaks to, and revives, long-standing motifs in the American political tradition: rage at, and rejection of, maternal, feminine influence; an associated longing for stable, paternal authority and the self-disciplined, autonomous citizenship that it is believed to produce; and the promotion of law as the primary means by which to achieve social order and to repress the chaos conventionally associated with the maternal realm. Second, I argue that Thomas’s political vision and, especially, his jurisprudential philosophy – which emphasizes a Judge’s responsibility to abdicate individual judgment in the name of fidelity to the desires of the Founding Fathers – reveals an ironic ambiguity at the heart of the conservative political imagination. Indeed, fixation with the paternal authority of law leads modern conservatives, as it does Clarence Thomas, to impose a series of limitations on the individual autonomy that they claim is the fruit of overcoming feminine, maternal influence. The manifold obsessions voiced by Clarence Thomas and his conservative intellectual champions – obsessions with fathers, with mothers, and with law – thus point to a limited citizenship that is at odds with conservatism’s own dreams of mature autonomy.
The Use of Neuroimaging Studies and Neurological Consultation to Evaluate Dizzy Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Navi Babak B. , Kamel Hooman , Shah Maulik P. , Grossman Aaron W. , Wong Christine , Poisson Sharon N. , Whetstone William D. , Josephson S. Andrew , Johnston S. Claiborne , Kim Anthony S. 
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose: Dizziness is a frequent reason for neuroimaging and neurological consultation, but little is known about the utility of either practice. We sought to characterize the patterns and yield of neuroimaging and neurological consultation for dizziness in the emergency department (ED). Methods: We retrospectively identified consecutive adults presenting to an academic ED from 2007 to 2009, with a primary complaint of dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance. Neurologists reviewed medical records to determine clinical characteristics, whether a neuroimaging study (head computed tomography [CT] or brain magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) or neurology consultation was obtained in the ED, and to identify relevant findings on neuroimaging studies. Two neurologists assigned a final diagnosis for the cause of dizziness. Logistic regression was used to evaluate bivariate and multivariate predictors of neuroimaging and consultation. Results: Of 907 dizzy patients (mean age 59 years; 58% women), 321 (35%) had a neuroimaging study (28% CT, 11% MRI, and 4% both) and 180 (20%) had neurological consultation. Serious neurological disease was ultimately diagnosed in 13% of patients with neuroimaging and 21% of patients with neurological consultation, compared to 5% of the overall cohort. Headache and focal neurological deficits were associated with both neuroimaging and neurological consultation, while age ≥60 years and prior stroke predicted neuroimaging but not consultation, and positional symptoms predicted consultation but not neuroimaging. Conclusion: In a tertiary care ED, neuroimaging and neurological consultation were frequently utilized to evaluate dizzy patients, and their diagnostic yield was substantial.
A genome-wide association study identifies a gene network of ADAMTS genes in the predisposition to pediatric stroke
Authors: Arning Astrid , Hiersche Milan , Witten Anika , Kurlemann Gerhard , Kurnik Karin , Manner Daniela , Stoll Monika , Nowak-Göttl Ulrike 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Pediatric stroke is a rare but highly penetrant disease with a strong genetic background. Although there are an increasing number of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for stroke in adults, such studies for stroke of pediatric onset are lacking. Here we report the results of the first GWAS on pediatric stroke using a large cohort of 270 family-based trios. GWAS was performed using the Illumina 370 CNV single nucleotide polymorphisms array and analyzed using the transmission disequilibrium test as implemented in PLINK. An enrichment analysis was performed to identify additional true association signals among lower P value signals and searched for cumulatively associated genes within protein interaction data using dmGWAS. We observed clustering of association signals in 4 genes belonging to one family of metalloproteinases at high (ADAMTS12, P = 2.9 × 10−6; ADAMTS2, P = 8.0 × 10−6) and moderate (ADAMTS13, P = 9.3 × 10−4; ADAMTS17, P = 8.5 × 10−4) significance levels. Over-representation and gene-network analyses highlight the importance of the extracellular matrix in conjunction with members of the phosphoinositide and calcium signaling pathways in the susceptibility for pediatric stroke. Associated extracellular matrix components, such as ADAMTS proteins, in combination with misbalanced coagulation signals as unveiled by gene network analysis suggest a major role of postnatal vascular injury with subsequent thrombus formation as the leading cause of pediatric stroke.