http://www.sage-hindawi.comThe latest articles from SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pd/2010/201089.htmlWe aimed to investigate the characteristics of Parkinsonian features assessed by the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) and determine their correlations with the computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The total score and the scores for arising from chair, gait, postural stability, and body hypokinesia in the motor examination section of UPDRS were significantly improved after shunt operations. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that postural stability was the determinant of the gait domain score of the iNPH grading scale. The canonical correlation analysis between the CT findings and the shunt-responsive Parkinsonian features indicated that Evans index rather than midbrain diameters had a large influence on the postural stability. Thus, the pathophysiology of postural instability as a cardinal feature of gait disturbance may be associated with impaired frontal projections close to the frontal horns of the lateral ventricles in the iNPH patients.Mitsuaki Ishii, Toshio Kawamata, Ichiro Akiguchi, Hideo Yagi, Yuko Watanabe, Toshiyuki Watanabe, and Hideaki Mashimo© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/josteo/2010/891058.htmlOsteoporosis is defined as a progressive systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Although bone mass and quality is mainly determined genetically, many other factors, including lifestyle and nutrition also have an impact on bone health. It has been suggested that dietary protein intake may be a risk factor for osteoporosis, and high-protein diets are associated with increased bone loss. Many scientists have examined the relationship between types of protein and urinary calcium excretion, and found that although animal protein was associated with increased urinary calcium excretion, soy protein was not. There is sufficient evidence suggesting soy isoflavones may have potential benefits for bone. Soy protein with naturally occurring phytoestrogens, mainly isoflavones protect against bone loss and synthetic soy ipriflavone in some studies has been shown to favorably affect, but a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of ipriflavone and maintenance of bone mineral density in post-menopausal women. Therefore it is too early to recommend it as a supplement for this group of women.Sa'eed Bawa© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/sci/2010/868076.htmlBone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDMSC) are emerging as a therapeutic modality in various inflammatory disease states, including acute lung injury (ALI). A hallmark of inflammation, and a consistent observation in patients with ALI, is a perturbation in the systemic redox environment. However, little is known about the effects of BMDMSC on the systemic redox status. The objective of the present study was to determine whether exogenously infused BMDMSC protect against endotoxin-induced oxidation of plasma cysteine (Cys) and glutathione (GSH) redox states. To determine the effect on the redox state if BMDMSC, mice received endotoxin intraperitoneally (1 mg/kg), followed by intravenous infusion of either 5×105 BMDMSC or an equal volume of saline solution. Control mice received intraperitoneal endotoxin followed by 5×105 lung fibroblasts given intravenously. Cys, cystine (CySS), GSH, and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) concentrations were determined by HPLC. Results showed sequential preservation of plasma Cys and GSH levels in response to BMDMSC infusion. The data show that BMDMSC infusion leads to a more reducing Cys and GSH redox state. The findings are the first to demonstrate that BMDMSC have antioxidant effects in vivo, and add to our understanding of the systemic effects of BMDMSC in lung injury.Smita S. Iyer, Edilson Torres-Gonzalez, David C. Neujahr, Mike Kwon, Kenneth L. Brigham, Dean P. Jones, Ana L. Mora, and Mauricio Rojas© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/802373.htmlObjective. The transverse-axial tubule system (TATS) of cardiomyocytes allows a spatially coordinated conversion of electrical excitation into an intracellular Ca2+ signal and consequently contraction. Previous reports have indicated alterations of structure and/or volume of the TATS in cardiac hypertrophy and failure, suggesting a contribution to the impairment of excitation contraction coupling. To test whether structural alterations are present in human heart failure, the TATS was visualized in myocytes from failing and non-failing human hearts. Methods and Results. In freshly isolated myocytes, the plasmalemmal membranes were labeled with Di-8-ANEPPS and imaged using two-photon excitation at 780 nm. Optical sections were taken every 300 nm through the cells. After deconvolution, the TATS was determined within the 3D data sets, revealing no significant difference in normalized surface area or volume. To rule out possible inhomogeneity in the arrangement of the TATS, Euclidian distance maps were plotted for every section, allowing to measure the closest distance between any cytosolic and any membrane point. There was a trend towards greater spacing in cells from failing hearts, without statistical significance. Conclusion. Only small changes, but no significant changes in the geometrical dimensions of the TATS were observed in cardiomyocytes from failing compared to non-failing human myocardium.Andreas Ohler, Jutta Weisser-Thomas, Valentino Piacentino 3rd, Steven R. Houser, Gordon F. Tomaselli, and Brian O'Rourke© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jtr/2010/759109.htmlFine needle aspiration biopsy is the most feasible, safe, and accurate diagnostic tool for thyroid nodule diagnosis. The development of a sinus tract between thyroid gland and the skin through needle tract after fine needle aspiration biopsy is an extremely uncommon phenomenon. In this paper, a 71-year-old man presenting with a swelling and discharge on the anterior neck wall was reported. Similar complaints were present 15 to 20 days after fine needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid gland four years ago. Bilateral total thyroidectomy was performed considering a thyroid malignancy infiltrating the skin. Histopathologic examination confirmed a sinus tract between the thyroid gland and skin and thyroid nodule was benign in nature. It must be kept in mind that inflammatory reactions might also occur after fine needle aspiration biopsy of benign thyroid nodules. In patients with needle biopsy-related inflammation, surgery may be delayed until the inflammation subsides.Lutfi Dogan, Niyazi Karaman, Ali Kucuk, Cihangir Ozaslan, Can Atalay, and Sait Celebioglu© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2010/794026.htmlSpontaneous coronary dissections (SCAD) can be asymptomatic or can manifest itself as any of the clinical spectrum of the ischemic heart disease. In this report, we present a 65 year old man presented with myocardial infarction in whom coronary angiography a nonocclusive SCAD was noticed in addition to a very late stent thrombosis and make a brief overview of the treatment for SCAD.Ismail Dogu Kilic, Halil Tanriverdi, Harun Evrengul, and Sukru Gur© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pri/2010/292606.htmlExtraovarian granulosa cell tumor (GCT) is a very uncommon tumor, assumed to arise from the ectopic gonadal tissue along the embryonal route of the genital ridge. A 54 years old female patient presented with a mass and acute pain in abdomen. Exploratory laparatomy revealed hemoperitoneum with a large mesenteric mass measuring 13 × 12 cm in size, showing extensive areas of haemorrhages. Histopathological examination of the excised mass showed features of adult-type GCT. As the patient had a history of hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy 10 years ago for ‘‘leiomyoma’’ with no evidence of GCT of the ovary in the histopathology report, a diagnosis of extraovarian GCT was made. A diagnosis of extraovarian GCT should be carried out after excluding any previous history of GCT of the ovary. Tumor rupture with haemoperitoneum is a well-known complication of GCT. Extraovarian GCT is a rare tumor with only 10 cases reported in literature. The case is presented for its rarity.Manjiri R. Naniwadekar and N. J. Patil© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/josteo/2010/808341.htmlA case of steroid-induced osteoporosis-related multiple fractures and dislocations are described after a seizure is reported. Patient had two years history of steroid use with no supplement or antiresorptive therapy. There was a delay in the diagnosis which affected an otherwise good outcome in such situations. It is recommended that patients on steroid should be given calcium, vitamin D, and an antiresorptive. Furthermore, a meticulous clinical examination is required in patients who are on steroids and suffer epileptic seizures to rule out skeletal injury.Abdullah S. AlOmran© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/523781.htmlWe evaluated a scheme for assessing shelter dog behaviour, which used 28 tests and rated responses from 0 (positive response) to 5 (fear, tonic immobility, or escape attempts). The assessment was evaluated for 236 dogs, and was repeated by a different assessor for 39 dogs approximately 80 days after rehoming to determine relevance of individual test components. A new owner survey evaluated satisfaction with the dog. A total of 130 of 236 dogs passed (score ≤ 70), 24 scored 71–80 (referred for behavioural modification), and 82 (score > 80) failed. Scores were mainly unaffected by dog type and environmental variables, but decreased if dog faeces from a previous test was present in the arena during a test. Shelter tests only correlated with repeat tests if there was no direct contact with assessors. Adopters were satisfied with their dogs, despite reporting some behaviour problems. The shelter assessment was therefore robust against most outside influences but did not predict responses to people well.A. H. Poulsen, A. T. Lisle, and C. J. C. Phillips© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/josteo/2010/736391.htmlAim was to investigate fracture risk (FR) according to bone loss (BL) rate. A random sample of 1652 women aged 53.5 years was measured with dual X-ray absorptiometry in femoral neck in 1989 and 1994 and divided into tertiles of annual BL rate: high >0.84%, moderate 0.13%–0.84%, and low <0.13%. Low trauma energy fractures during following 10 years were recorded. There were no differences in FR between BL tertiles in Cox regression model. Factors predicting lower FR in Cox model were in high tertile: high T-score (HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.54–0.93, P=.012), no sister's fracture (HR 0.35; 0.19–0.64, P=.001), no mother's fracture (HR 0.52; 0.31–0.88, P=.015), in moderate tertile: high T-score (HR 0.69;0.53–0.91, P=.008) and good grip strength (HR 0.98; 0.97–0.99, P=.022). In low tertile there were no predictors for FR. BL predicted FR in women with mother's fracture in univariate and multivariate model (OR 2.6; 1.15–5.7, P=.021) but with sister's fracture this was observed only in multivariate model (OR 2.66; 1.09–6.7, P=.039). Accordingly, the risk factors for postmenopausal fractures, especially mother's fracture, may interact with BL.Joonas Sirola, Anna-Kaisa Koistinen, Kari Salovaara, Toni Rikkonen, Marjo Tuppurainen, Jukka S. Jurvelin, Risto Honkanen, Esko Alhava, and Heikki Kröger© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/418596.htmlA portable analytical chemistry analyzer was used to make field assessments of wild harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) in association with telemetry studies of winter survival in Prince William Sound, Alaska. We compared serum chemistry results obtained on-site with results from a traditional laboratory. Particular attention was paid to serum glucose and potassium concentrations as potential indicators of high-risk surgical candidates based on evaluation of the field data. The median differential for glucose values (N=82) between methods was 0.6 mmol/L (quartiles 0.3 and 0.9 mmol/L) with the median value higher when assayed on site. Analysis of potassium on site returned a median of 2.7 mmol/L (N=88 ; quartiles 2.4 and 3.0 mmol/L). Serum potassium values were too low for quantitation by the traditional laboratory. Changes in several serum chemistry values following a three-day storm during the study support the value of on site evaluation of serum potassium to identify presurgical patients with increased anesthetic risk.Michael K. Stoskopf, Daniel M. Mulcahy, and Daniel Esler© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/769694.htmlInfectious thoracic aortitis is a rare entity in the antibiotic era and usually appears in patients with prior aortic disease and/or associated infective endocarditis. Infected nonaneurysmal aorta will likely progress to mycotic aneurysm if left untreated. In most of the reports, infectious thoracic aortitis presents with a mycotic aneurysm. We report the case of a patient with a nonaneurysmal infectious thoracic aortitis, probably secondary to purulent meningitis, early diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiogram.Ricardo Lopes, Jorge Almeida, Paula Dias, Paulo Pinho, and Maria Júlia Maciel© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/939870.htmlThe present study was conducted on 101 animals suffering from thoracoabdominal disorders; out of which twenty seven animals (twenty six buffaloes and one cow) were diagnosed with diaphragmatic hernia based on clinical signs, radiography, ultrasonography, and left flank laparorumenotomy. Radiography alone confirmed diaphragmatic hernia in 18 cases (66.67%) with a sac-like structure cranial to the diaphragm. In 15 animals the sac contained metallic densities while in three cases a sac-like structure with no metallic densities was present. Ultrasonography was helpful in confirming diaphragmatic hernia in 23 cases (85.18%) and ultrasonographically reticular motility was evident at the level of 4th/5th intercostal space in all the animals. B+M mode ultrasonography was used for the first time for diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia in bovines and the results suggested that ultrasonography was a reliable diagnostic modality for diaphragmatic hernia in bovines.Hakim Athar, Jitender Mohindroo, Kiranjeet Singh, Ashwani Kumar, and Mulinti Raghunath© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jna/2010/763658.htmlThe structure of G,T-parallel-stranded duplexes of DNA carrying similar amounts of adenine and guanine residues is studied by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and UV- and CD spectroscopies. In addition the impact of the substitution of adenine by 8-aminoadenine and guanine by 8-aminoguanine is analyzed. The presence of 8-aminoadenine and 8-aminoguanine stabilizes the parallel duplex structure. Binding of these oligonucleotides to their target polypyrimidine sequences to form the corresponding G,T-parallel triplex was not observed. Instead, when unmodified parallel-stranded duplexes were mixed with their polypyrimidine target, an interstrand Watson-Crick duplex was formed. As predicted by theoretical calculations parallel-stranded duplexes carrying 8-aminopurines did not bind to their target. The preference for the parallel-duplex over the Watson-Crick antiparallel duplex is attributed to the strong stabilization of the parallel duplex produced by the 8-aminopurines. Theoretical studies show that the isomorphism of the triads is crucial for the stability of the parallel triplex.Anna Aviñó, Elena Cubero, Raimundo Gargallo, Carlos González, Modesto Orozco, and Ramon Eritja© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jdb/2010/736830.htmlThe purpose of the study was to compare Quasi-Static (QS) and harmonic (CSM) methods of indentation testing. Bone sections were obtained from mid-femoral diaphyses of dogs which received a pair of calcein labels. Labeled (n = 35) and unlabeled (n = 112) osteons were identified. Indentation modulus (IM) and hardness (H) for the CSM method were collected during the entire loading cycle to peak depth, while IM and H for QS method were calculated at a peak depth of 500 nm. Results: The mean (SD) of the IM and H for labeled osteons were as follows: QS IM = 15.3 GPa (3.85) versus CSM IM = 14.7 GPa (3.58); P = .52 and QS H = .39 GPa (.171) versus CSM H = .42 GPa (.146); P = .32. The mean (SD) of the IM and H for unlabeled osteons were as follows: QS IM = 21.5 GPa (2.80) versus CSM IM = 20.6 GPa (2.53); P = .054 and QS H = .64 GPa (.117) versus CSM H = .70 GPa (.120); P = .017. There was no difference in IM and H for the two methods, except for H of the unlabeled osteons. In addition, for the CSM method, IM at 100 nm, 200 nm, 300 nm, 400 nm and 500 nm were not statistically significant different (P = .06). Bone is viscoelastic at an organ level. However, this component of its behavior was not detected at the length scale examined.S. S. Huja, J. L. Hay, A. M. Rummel, and F. M. Beck© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jna/2010/235240.htmlPyrrolepolyamide-2′-deoxyguanosine hybrids (Hybrid 2 and Hybrid 3) incorporating the 3-aminopropionyl or 3-aminopropyl linker were designed and synthesized on the basis of previously reported results of a pyrrolepolyamide-adenosine hybrid (Hybrid 1). Evaluation of the DNA binding sequence selectivity of pyrrolepolyamide-2′-deoxyguanosine hybrids was performed by CD spectral and Tm analyses. It was shown that Hybrid 3 possessed greater binding specificity than distamycin A, Hybrid 1 and Hybrid 2.Etsuko Kawashima, Yusuke Ohba, Yusuke Terui, and Kazuo Kamaike© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pd/2010/696492.htmlAlthough dual-task interference has previously been demonstrated to have a significant effect on postural control among individuals with Parkinson's disease, the impact of speech complexity on postural control has not been demonstrated using quantitative biomechanical measures. The postural stability of twelve participants with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and twelve healthy age-matched controls was evaluated under three conditions: (1) without a secondary task, (2) performing a rote repetition task and (3) generating a monologue. Results suggested a significant effect of cognitive load on biomechanical parameters of postural stability. Although both groups increased their postural excursion, individuals with Parkinson's disease demonstrated significantly reduced excursion as compared with that of healthy age-matched controls. This suggests that participants with Parkinson's disease may be overconstraining their postural adjustments in order to focus attention on the cognitive tasks without losing their balance. Ironically, this overconstraint may place the participant at greater risk for a fall.J. D. Holmes, M. E. Jenkins, A. M. Johnson, S. G. Adams, and S. J. Spaulding© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/351846.htmlTherapeutic efficacy of an “Indigenous vaccine” has been evaluated with respect to a commercial vaccine (Gudair, Spain), for the control of clinical Johne's disease (JD) in naturally infected goatherds. Seventy-one goats (JD positive) were randomly divided into 3 groups (“Bison”, “Gudair” and “Sham-immunized”). After vaccination, goats were monitored for physical condition, morbidity, mortality, body weights, shedding of M. paratuberculosis (MAP) in feces, internal condition and lesions, as well as humoral and cell-mediated immune responses for 210 days. Study showed marked overall improvement in physical condition of vaccinated goats and average body weight gain was significantly higher (P<.05) in “Bison” group as compared to “Sham-immunized” goats. Mortality due to JD was significantly (P<.05) lower in vaccinated groups than in “sham-immunized”. Morbidity rates (due to diarrhea and weakness) were lower in “Bison” group as compared to other groups. Died goats from vaccinated groups showed regression of gross JD lesions and regeneration of fat layer around visceral organs while “Sham-immunized” goats exhibited frank lesions. Vaccinated goats had higher protective CMI response and also higher antibody titer for the trial period as compared to “Sham immunized”. Both vaccines also reduced shedding of MAP in feces significantly (P<.05). Though the two vaccines effectively restricted the severity of clinical symptoms of JD, however “Indigenous vaccine” was superior in many respects.S. V. Singh, P. K. Singh, A. V. Singh, J. S. Sohal, and M. C. Sharma© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jtr/2010/897602.htmlRelationship between postpartal fatty liver and thyroid gland activity during the peripartal and mid dry periods was studied. Twenty one dry cows were chosen. Blood samples were obtained on days −30, −2, and +12 related to calving and analized for thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). A T3/T4 ratio was calculated. Liver tissue samples were taken 12 d after calving and tested for the lipid content. Cows were divided into three groups: mild (<20% fat), moderate (20 to 30%), or severe fatty liver (>30%). Cows, that were affected with severe fatty liver, were hypothyroid prior to development of the condition due to lower T4 concentrations, and had significantly lower concentration of T3 and higher T3/T4 ratios than cows with mild and moderate fatty liver. Thus, hypothyroid state during mid-dry period may be an early indicator of postpartal fatty liver and may provoke T3/T4 ratio increase in this group of cows.Horea Šamanc, Velibor Stojić, Danijela Kirovski, Milijan Jovanović, Horia Cernescu, and Ivan Vujanac© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/ad/2010/470695.htmlTo identify Fc γ RIIA genotypes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients and their association with anti-C1q antibodies. Methods. Fc γ RIIA genotyping was done in eighty Indian SLE patients and eighty healthy controls using allele-specific PCR. Anti-C1q antibodies were measured by ELISA. Results. LN patients showed higher SLEDAI (6–32) as compared to SLE patients without renal manifestations and had SLEDAI between 6–23. Fc γ RIIA polymorphic frequency in SLE patients was R131/H131 (67.5%), R131/R131 (20%) and H131/ H131 (12.5%) as against that of normal population (62.5%, 10%, and 27.5%), respectively. Sixty two patients (77.5%) showed positivity for anti-C1q antibodies. LN patients showed elevated levels of anti-C1q antibodies (258.2 u/ml±38.5 U/mL) as compared to SLE patients without nephritis (134.6±24.6 U/mL). Among anti-C1q positive patients, 71% had R131/H131 genotype, 22.6% had R131/R131 and remaining 6.4%, patients had H131/H131 genotype. All anti-C1q positive patients with R131/R131 genotype had elevated levels of anti-C1q antibodies (>100 U/ml), whereas among anti-C1q negative patients, none had R131/R131 genotype. Conclusion. This first report on Indian SLE patients supports the hypothesis that Fc γ RIIA R131 variant over expression may constitute a susceptibility factor for development of severe SLE manifestations in LN patients.Vandana Pradhan, Manisha Patwardhan, Anita Nadkarni, and Kanjaksha Ghosh© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pd/2010/189371.htmlDeep brain stimulation (DBS) is a common surgical procedure used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor. A potential complication of this procedure is hardware failure. The authors report a case of DBS hardware failure in which repeated fractures of the extension wire were caused by abnormal rotational movements of the IPG placed in the loose subclavicular tissue of an overweight female. Implantation of the IPG in the suprascapular area prevented further extension wire fractures. This strategy may be especially relevant in overweight females with loose subclavicular tissue.Ankur Garg, Avinash L. Mohan, and P. Charles Garell© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/ijeb/2009/803142.htmlAlthough the nature of ruminant evolution is still disputed, current theory based on physiology and genetic analysis suggests that the abomasum is the evolutionarily oldest stomach compartment, the rumen evolved some time after the abomasum, and the omasum is the evolutionarily youngest stomach compartment. In addition, there is some evidence of relaxed selective constraint in the stomach-like organ and the foregut shortly after the foregut formation event. Along with the assumption of a mean, stochastic rate of evolution, analysis of differences in genetic profiles among digestive body organs can give clues to the relationships among these organs. The presence of large numbers of uniquely expressed entries in the abomasum and rumen indicates either a period of relaxed selective constraint or greater evolutionary age. Additionally, differences in expression profiles indicate that the abomasum, rumen, and intestine are more closely related to each other, while the reticulum and omasum are more closely related to the rumen. Functional analysis using Gene Ontology (GO) categories also supports the proposed evolutionary relationships by identifying shared functions, such as muscle activity and development, lipid transport, and urea metabolism, between all sections of the digestive tract investigated.D. C. Beck, Honglin Jiang, and Liqing Zhang© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jtr/2010/840469.htmlIntroduction. We present a case of an 89-year-old female who attended our surgical endocrine clinic with a 3-month history of a left-sided neck lump. There was no past medical history of thyroid disease. Methods. Following examination and further investigation, including core biopsy, a diagnosis of plasma cell granuloma of the thyroid was made. Biochemical testing of thyroid function and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody was in-keeping with an associated Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Results. The patient was treated conservatively with thyroxine and regularly seen in clinic. TSH levels improved and the lump showed signs of regression. Conclusion. Plasma cell granuloma of the thyroid is rare with only 16 previously reported cases. We present a new approach to management without the use of surgery or steroids. The literature is reviewed comparing clinico-pathological features and management of other reported cases.W. A. Barber, M. Fernando, and D. R. Chadwick© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/josteo/2010/640878.htmlBackground. Osteoporosis is an extrapulmonary effect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on BMD measured by DXA-scan. The best location for BMD measurement in COPD has not been determined. Aim of this study was to assess whole-body BMD and BMD of the hip and lumbar spine (local DXA) in COPD patients and compare the prevalence of osteoporosis at these locations. Methods. Whole body as well as local DXA-scan were made in 168 COPD patients entering pulmonary rehabilitation. Patient-relevant characteristics were assessed. Prevalence of osteoporosis was determined. Characteristics of patients without osteoporosis were compared to patients with osteoporosis on local DXA. Results. A higher prevalence of osteoporosis was found using local DXA compared to whole-body DXA (39% versus 21%). One quarter of patients without osteoporosis on whole body-DXA did have osteoporosis on local DXA. Significant differences in patient characteristics between patients without osteoporosis based on both DXA measurements and patients with osteoporosis based on local DXA only were found. Conclusions. DXA of the hip and lumbar spine should be made to assess bone mineral density in COPD patients. The lowest T-score of these locations should be used to diagnose osteoporosis.Lidwien Graat-Verboom, Martijn A. Spruit, Ben E. E. M. van den Borne, Frank W. J. M. Smeenk, and Emiel F. M. Wouters© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pri/2010/652398.htmlPrimary leiomyosarcoma of the kidney is a rare tumor with an aggressive behaviour. A 55-year-old woman presented with a left sided abdominal mass in our outpatient department. Radiologic investigations revealed the mass to be renal in origin with colonic adhesions for which radical nephrectomy and hemicolectomy were done. The tumor completely appeared to replace the left kidney and had a whorled character focally on cut section. Microscopically, spindle cells having malignant features with cigar shaped nuclei were seen. The smooth muscle origin of the cells was confirmed by immunohistochemical positivity for smooth muscle actin. Sarcomatoid variant of the renal cell carcinoma was ruled out as the tumor was negative for cytokeratin. Tumors with spindle cell morphology in the kidney should not always be taken for a sarcomatoid variant of renal cell carcinoma and should be investigated thoroughly.Kusuma Venkatesh, Monika Lamba Saini, S. R. Niveditha, Chaithra Krishnagiri, and Sudarshan Babu© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/517060.htmlAntimicrobial resistance patterns and gene coding for methicillin resistance (mecA) were determined in 25 S. aureus and 75 Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CNS) strains isolates from half-udder milk samples collected from goats with subclinical mastitis. Fourteen (56.0%) S. aureus and thirty-one (41.3%) CNS isolates were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents. S. aureus showed the highest resistance rate against kanamycin (28.0%), oxytetracycline (16.0%), and ampicillin (12.0%). The CNS tested were more frequently resistant to ampicillin (36.0%) and kanamycin (6.7%). Multiple antimicrobial resistance was observed in eight isolates, and one Staphylococcus epidermidis was found to be resistant to six antibiotics. The mecA gene was not found in any of the tested isolates. Single resistance against β-lactamics or aminoglicosides is the most common trait observed while multiresistance is less frequent.Salvatore Virdis, Christian Scarano, Francesca Cossu, Vincenzo Spanu, Carlo Spanu, and Enrico Pietro Luigi De Santis© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/ijht/2010/970694.htmlEast European countries have reported high prevalence of Arterial Hypertension (AHT). In order to investigate the data for Romania, we firstly performed a national survey—the Study for the Evaluation of Prevalence of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk in Adult Population in Romania (SEPHAR). A representative population was selected using stratified proportional sampling, including 2017 adult subjects, ≥18 years old. The general prevalence of AHT was 44,92%, higher in men (50,17%) than in women (41,11%) (P<.0001) and predominant in rural areas (49,47%) in comparison to the urban ones (41,58%) (P<.02). AHT awareness attended 44,26%, rising with age, significantly lower in men (34,58%) than in women (52,8%) (P<.0006). We have found a 38,85% proportion of treated hypertensive persons, worse for men (30,11%) then for women (46,56%) (P<.003). The rate of AHT control was 19,88%, with no significant differences between gender. In conclusion, we estimated for Romania a high prevalence of AHT, a level of awareness and treatment lower than in many European countries and a rate of treatment control at the inferior limit of the European average. Males, characterized by a higher prevalence of AHT, were also less aware and less treated than women.M. Dorobantu, R. O. Darabont, E. Badila, and S. Ghiorghe© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/ijad/2009/278615.htmlObjective. To assess the ability of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients to perceive emotional information and to assign subjective emotional rating scores to audiovisual presentations. Materials and Methods. 24 subjects (14 with AD, matched to controls for age and educational levels) were studied. After neuropsychological assessment, they watched a Neutral story and then a story with Emotional content. Results. Recall scores for both stories were significantly lower in AD (Neutral and Emotional: P=.001). CG assigned different emotional scores for each version of the test, P=.001, while ratings of AD did not differ, P=.32. Linear regression analyses determined the best predictors of emotional rating and recognition memory for each group among neuropsychological tests battery. Conclusions. AD patients show changes in emotional processing on declarative memory and a preserved ability to express emotions in face of arousal content. The present findings suggest that these impairments are due to general cognitive decline.Corina Satler, Carlos Uribe, Carlos Conde, Sergio Leme Da-Silva, and Carlos Tomaz© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jtr/2010/101948.htmlPrevious studies of congenital hypothyroidism have suggested an increasing incidence and seasonal variation in incidence, which may suggest nongenetic factors involved in aetiology. This study describes the incidence of elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) values in newborns, a surrogate for congenital hypothyroidism, measured as part of the screening programme for congenital hypothyroidism, over an eleven-year period (1994–2005), and assesses whether seasonal variation exists. All infants born in the Northern Region of England are screened by measuring levels of circulating TSH using a blood spot assay. Data on all 213 cases born from 1994 to 2005 inclusive were available. Annual incidence increased significantly from 37 per 100,000 in 1994 to a peak of 92.8 per 100,000 in 2003. There was no evidence of seasonal variation in incidence. The reasons for the increasing incidence are unclear, but do not appear to involve increasing exposure to seasonally varying factors or changes in measurements methods.Mark S. Pearce, Murthy Korada, Julie Day, Steve Turner, David Allison, Mohammed Kibirige, and Tim D. Cheetham© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pd/2010/650794.htmlα-Synuclein aggregation and fibrillation are closely associated with the formation of Lewy bodies in neurons and are implicated in the causative pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. Currently, there is no approved therapeutic agent directed toward preventing the protein aggregation, which has been recently shown to have a key role in the cytotoxic nature of amyloidogenic proteins. Flavonoids, known as plant pigments, belong to a broad family of polyphenolic compounds. Over 4,000 flavonoids have been identified from various plants and foodstuffs derived from plants and have been demonstrated as potential neuroprotective agents. In this study 48 flavonoids belonging to several classes with structures differing in the position of double bonds and ring substituents were tested for their ability to inhibit the fibrillation of α-synuclein in vitro. A variety of flavonoids inhibited α-synuclein fibrillation, and most of the strong inhibitory flavonoids were also found to disaggregate preformed fibrils.Xiaoyun Meng, Larissa A. Munishkina, Anthony L. Fink, and Vladimir N. Uversky© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/ijad/2009/481031.htmlDetecting aggregated amyloid peptides (Aβ plaques) presents targets for developing biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Polymeric n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (PBCA) nanoparticles (NPs) were encapsulated with radiolabelled amyloid affinity I125-clioquinol (CQ, 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline) as in vivo probes. I125-CQ-PBCA NPs crossed the BBB (2.3±0.9 ID/g) (P<.05) in the WT mouse (N = 210), compared to I125-CQ (1.0±0.4 ID/g). I125-CQ-PBCA NP brain uptake increased in AD transgenic mice (APP/PS1) versus WT (N = 38; 2.54×105±5.31×104 DLU/mm2; versus 1.98×105±2.22×104 DLU/mm2) and in APP/PS1/Tau. Brain increases were in mice intracranially injected with aggregated Aβ42 peptide (N = 17; 7.19×105±1.25×105 DLU/mm2), versus WT (6.07×105±7.47×104 DLU/mm2). Storage phosphor imaging and histopathological staining of the plaques, Fe2+ and Cu2+, validated results. I125-CQ-PBCA NPs have specificity for Aβ in vitro and in vivo and are promising as in vivo SPECT (I123), or PET (I124) amyloid imaging agents.Celeste A. Roney, Veera Arora, Padmakar V. Kulkarni, Peter P. Antich, and Frederick J. Bonte© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jna/2010/306754.htmlThymidylate synthase (TS) catalyzes methylation of dUMP to dTMP and it is the target for the 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) activity. Barbour et al. showed that variant structural forms of TS in tumour cell lines confer resistance to fluoropyrimidines. We planned to perform the whole TS gene structure by means of sequencing techniques in human colorectal cancer (CRC) samples to try to identify the presence of any possible TS variant form that could be responsible of fluoropyrimidines drug resistance and of the worse prognosis. We performed the TS-DNA gene sequence in 68 CRC from patients of A, B, and C Dukes' stages and different histological grade, but we did not find any mutation in the TS-DNA structure. In the future we intend to widen the TS structure analysis to the metastatic CRCs, because due to their higher genomic instability, they could present a TS variant form responsible of the fluoropyrimidines drug resistance and the worse prognosis.A. Calascibetta, Flavia Contino, S. Feo, G. Gulotta, M. Cajozzo, A. Antona, G. Sanguedolce, and R. Sanguedolce© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/er/2010/824763.htmlThe effects of exposure to hyperbaric oxygen on the oxidative capacity of the skeletal muscles in mice at different ages were investigated. We exposed 5-, 34-, 55-, and 88-week-old mice to 36% oxygen at 950 mmHg for 6 hours per day for 2 weeks. The activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), which is a mitochondrial marker enzyme, of the tibialis anterior muscle in hyperbaric mice were compared with those in age-matched mice under normobaric conditions (21% oxygen at 760 mmHg). Furthermore, the SDH activities of type IIA and type IIB fibers in the muscle were determined using quantitative histochemical analysis. The SDH activity of the muscle in normobaric mice decreased with age. Similar results were observed in both type IIA and type IIB fibers in the muscle. The decrease in the SDH activity of the muscle was reduced in hyperbaric mice at 57 and 90 weeks. The decreased SDH activities of type IIA and type IIB fibers were reduced in hyperbaric mice at 90 weeks and at 57 and 90 weeks, respectively. We conclude that exposure to hyperbaric oxygen used in this study reduces the age-related decrease in the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscles.Takahiro Nishizaka, Fumiko Nagatomo, Hidemi Fujino, Tomoko Nomura, Tomohiko Sano, Kazuhiko Higuchi, Isao Takeda, and Akihiko Ishihara© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/srt/2010/602642.htmlBackground. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) remains an important tool for diagnosis of carotid stenosis but is associated with risk for periprocedural complications. This is the first report of direct intraoperative and histolopathologic visualization of DSA-related carotid plaque disruption. Case. A 64-year-old man diagnosed to have a 60% right carotid stenosis received diagnostic DSA for therapeutic decision-making. He developed transient left hand numbness and weakness immediately after the procedure. Intraoperative imaging during carotid endarterectomy revealed a fragile plaque with sharp surface laceration and intraplaque hemorrhage at the bifurcation. Microscopy of the specimen demonstrated a large atheromatous plaque with fibrous hypertrophy and intraplaque hemorrhage filled with recent hemorrhagic debris. Conclusion. The visualized carotid lesion was more serious than expected, warning the danger of embolization or occlusion associated with the catheter maneuvers. Thus the highest level of practitioner training and technical expertise that ensures precise assessment of plaque characteristics should be encouraged.Tatsushi Mutoh, Tatsuya Ishikawa, Akifumi Suzuki, and Nobuyuki Yasui© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/srt/2010/467673.htmlThe aim of this study was to select the optimal procedure for analysing motor fields (MF) and motor evoked fields (MEF) measured from brain injured patients. Behavioural pretests with patients have shown that most of them cannot stand measurements longer than 30 minutes and they also prefer to move the hand with rather short breaks between movements. Therefore, we were unable to measure the motor field (MF) optimally. Furthermore, we planned to use MEF to monitor cortical plasticity in a motor rehabilitation procedure. Classically, the MF analysis refers to rather long epochs around the movement onset (M-onset). We shortened the analysis epoch down to a range from 1000 milliseconds before until 500 milliseconds after M-onset to fulfil the needs of the patients. Additionally, we recorded the muscular activity (EMG) by surface electrodes on the extensor carpi ulnaris and flexor carpi ulnaris muscles. Magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data were recorded from 9 healthy subjects, who executed horizontally brisk extension and flexion in the right wrist. Significantly higher MF dipole strength was found in data based on EMG-onset than in M-onset based data. There was no difference in MEF I dipole strength between the two trigger latencies. In conclusion, we recommend averaging in respect to the EMG-onset for the analysis of both components MF as well as MEF.Guido Waldmann, Michael Schauer, Hartwig Woldag, and Horst Hummelsheim© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pri/2010/846571.htmlSystemic lymph node metastasis is a rare event in malignant mesothelioma. It is even more exceptional when systemic lymph node metastasis is the initial clinical presentation. Review of literature discloses only four cases in which metastatic lymphadenopathy was the only symptom of malignant mesothelioma. We, herewith, report three cases where the initial diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma was made by biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes, which were the only clinical presentation. Immunohistochemistry played a pivotal role in elucidating the mesothelial origin of their unusual systemic lymph node metastasis.Yaxia Zhang, Zohreh M. Taheri, and Merce Jorda© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pri/2010/602523.htmlLiesegang rings are concentric noncellular lamellar structures, rarely seen in vivo, occurring as a consequence of the accumulation of insoluble products in a colloidal matrix. These characteristic structures are a rare phenomenon usually found in association with cystic or inflammatory lesions and may be mistaken for parasites. The authors examined Liesegang rings from an inflammatory kidney lesion identified previously as a tumoral lesion on computerized tomography. On microscopic evaluation, Liesegang rings can be mistaken for eggs and larvae of parasites, psammoma bodies and calcification. Special stains like PAS, Grocott, von Kossa and Masson's trichrome facilitate the diagnosis.Karla Laís Pegas, Maria Isabel Edelweiss, Eduardo Cambruzzi, and Cláudio Galleano Zettler© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/josteo/2010/641578.htmlHigh-resolution micro computed tomography has enabled measurement of bone architecture derived from 3D representations of cancellous bone. Twenty-eight vertebral bodies were obtained from four embalmed male cadavers. From 3D anaglyphs, trabecular rod thickness and length were measured and the trabecular rod Buckling index was calculated. From 3D voxel-based datasets, bone volume density, trabecular thickness, and trabecular separation were measured. Also, trabecular bone pattern factor, structural model index, connectivity density, and degree of anisotropy were calculated. Bone volume density alone explains 59% of the variability in trabecular rod Buckling index. The addition of connectivity density, trabecular separation, and structural model index, in a multiple regression statistical model, improves the explanatory power to 77%. The relationships between measures of cancellous bone architecture and a derived measure of trabecular rod strength were investigated. Morphological descriptors of cancellous bone provide a composite explanatory model of trabecular rod strength.Ian H. Parkinson, Danielle Forbes, Peter Sutton-Smith, and Nicola L. Fazzalari© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/927385.htmlThis study was investigated the role that endothelial function and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) play in determining cardiac function reserve during exercise by a new ambulatory radionuclide monitoring system (VEST) in patients with heart disease. The study population consisted of 32 patients. The patients had cardiopulmonary stress testing using the treadmill Ramp protocol and the VEST. The anaerobic threshold (AT) was autodetermined using the V-slope method. The SVR was calculated by determining the mean blood pressure/cardiac output. Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) was measured in the brachial artery to evaluate endotheilial function. FMD and the percent change f'rom rest to AT in SVR correlated with those from rest to AT in ejection fraction and peak ejection ratio by VEST, respectively. Our findings suggest that FMD in the brachial artery and the SVR determined by VEST in patients with heart disease can possibly reflect cardiac function reserve during aerobic exercise.Bonpei Takase, Takashi Akima, Akimi Uehata, Masayuki Ishihara, and Akira Kurita© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pd/2010/295346.htmlMyocardial MIBG scintigraphy is established in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Numerous studies address the pathophysiological impact of myocardial MIBG scintigraphy: the myocardial MIBG uptake correlates with the clinical phenotype of PD; the background of this phenomenon is unclear. Furthermore MIBG scintigraphy enables to study the extracranial Lewy body type-degeneration. In combination with cerebral dopamine transporter imaging, MIBG scintigraphy allows to correlate cerebral and extracranial Lewy body type-degeneration in PD.Jörg Spiegel© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/658965.htmlBackground. We studied the effect of fast induction of cardiac arrest with denosine on myocardial bax and bcl-2 expression. Methods and Results. 40 elective CABG patients were allocated into two groups. The adenosine group (n=20) received 250 μg/kg adenosine into the aortic root followed by blood potassium cardioplegia. The control group received potassium cardioplegia in blood. Bcl-2 and bax were measured. Bax was reduced in the postoperative biopsies (1.38 versus 0.47, P=.002) in the control group. Bcl-2 showed a reducing tendency (0.14 versus 0.085, P=.07). After the adenosine treatment, the expression of both bax (0.52 versus 0.59, P=.4) and bcl-2 (0.104 versus 0.107, P=.4) remained unaltered after the operation. Conclusion. Open heart surgery is associated with rapid reduction in the expression of apoptosis regulating genes bax and bcl-2. Fast Adenosine induction abolished changes in their expression.Ahmed Shalaby, Timo Rinne, Otso Järvinen, Juha Latva-Hirvelä, Kristiina Nuutila, Antti Saraste, Jari Laurikka, Helena Porkkala, Pekka Saukko, and Matti Tarkka© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/194528.htmlPurpose. Depression and antidepressant use may independently increase the risk of acute myocardial infarction and mortality in adults. However, no studies have looked at the effect of depression on a broader thrombotic event outcome, assessed antidepressant use, or evaluated elderly adults. Methods. A cohort of 7,051 community-dwelling elderly beneficiaries who experienced a thrombotic cardiovascular event (TCE) were pooled from the 1997 to 2002 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey and followed for 12 months. Baseline characteristics, antidepressant utilization, and death were ascertained from the survey, while indexed TCE, recurrent TCE, and depression (within 6 months of indexed TCE) were taken from ICD-9 codes on Medicare claims. Time to death and first recurrent TCE were assessed using descriptive and multivariate statistics. Results. Of the elders with a depression claim, 71.6% had a recurrent TCE and 4.7% died within 12 months of their indexed TCE, compared to 67.6% and 3.9% of those elders without a depression claim. Of the antidepressant users, 72.6% experienced a recurrent TCE and 3.9% died, compared to 73.7% and 4.6% in the subset of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) users. Depression was associated with a shorter time to death (P=.008) in the unadjusted analysis. However, all adjusted comparisons revealed no effect by depression, antidepressant use, or SSRI use. Conclusions. Depression was not associated with time to death or recurrent TCEs in this study. Antidepressant use, including measures of any antidepressant use and SSRI use, was not associated with shorter time to death or recurrent TCE.Christopher M. Blanchette, Linda Simoni-Wastila, Fadia T. Shaya, Denise Orwig, Jason Noel, and Bruce Stuart© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/ijad/2009/949271.htmlThe International Society for CNS Clinical Trials and Methodology (ISCTM) held its 4th Annual Autumn Conference in Toronto, Ontario, October 6-7, 2008. The purpose of the present report is to provide an overview of one of the sessions at the conference which focused on the designs and methodologies to be applied in clinical trials of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) with purported “disease-modifying” effects. The session began with a discussion of how neuroimaging has been applied in multiple sclerosis clinical trials (another condition for which disease modification claims have been achieved). The next two lectures provided a pharmaceutical industry perspective on some of the specific challenges and possible solutions for designing trials to measure disease progression and/or modification. The final lecture provided an academic viewpoint and the closing discussion included additional academic and regulatory perspectives on trial designs, methodologies, and statistical issues relevant to the disease modification concept.Aaron S. Kemp, George T. Grossberg, Steven J. Romano, Douglas L. Arnold, J. Michael Ryan, Roger Bullock, and David L. Streiner© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/727856.htmlThe clinical and pathology features of a cow with uterine adenocarcinoma and multiple metastasis are described. Weight loss, inappetence, mild respiratory signs, and reduced milk yield were evident on clinical examination. Grossly deformed uterus, enlarged iliac lymph nodes, and rosary arranged nodules in the mesentery were felt by rectal palpation. Right side laparotomy revealed numerous small masses covering the omentum, and mesentery. Euthanasia was performed. Necropsy and histopathology exam revealed a uterine adenocarcinoma with multiple pulmonary, liver and mesentery metastasis. Uterine adenocarcinoma with metastasis should be included in the differential diagnosis of cows showing weight loss and mild respiratory distress and palpation of numerous firm nodules in the mesentery should be suggestive of neoplasias' metastasis.George Stilwell and Maria C. Peleteiro© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jdb/2010/613142.htmlObjectives. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of resistance to sliding on expression of superelastic properties of NiTi wires. Methods and Materials. A three-point bending test was performed for 0.014 NiTi wire engaged in self-ligating (Damon, SmartClip, In-Ovation) and conventional brackets (Victory) ligated with regular and reduced friction modules (Slide). The wire was deflected in the buccal direction and allowed to straighten. The maximum load, unloading plateau and unloading capacity were registered. Results. The lowest activation load was required in the active self-ligating group (In-Ovation 2.2±0.4 N) and reduced friction module group (Victory/Slide 2.9±0.4 N), followed by the passive self-ligating systems (Damon 3.6±0.7 N, SmartClip 3.7±0.4 N). Higher activation load was obtained in the conventionally ligated group (Victory/module 4.5±0.4 N). Unloading plateau phase with the load magnitude ranging from 1.27±0.4 N (In-Ovation) to 1.627±0.4 N (Slide) was distinct in all groups but one (Victory). Conclusions. Higher friction at flanking points reduces the net force delivered by the wire. Unloading plateau phase of NiTi load-deflection curve disappears in the conventionally ligated group thus indicating to an incomplete expression of NiTi superelastic properties. A rigid passive bracket clip amplifies resistance to sliding in an active configuration and produces a permanent deflection of the wire.Natalie Reznikov, Gilad Har-Zion, Idit Barkana, Yosef Abed, and Meir Redlich© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pri/2010/173496.htmlThis study is one of the few to characterize immunohistochemically the distribution and localization of Receptor-Associated Protein (RAP) in human autopsy brain. The results show prominent cortical neuronal localization. RAP is clearly identified in large neuronal dendritic/axonal processes. RAP is expressed in both large pyramidal and smaller interneurons. Occasional, much less frequent RAP is detectable in glial cells in white matter, which appear to be predominantly astrocytic. Although RAP is detectable immunohistochemically in Alzheimer's disease autopsy brain, the level of expression appears significantly reduced relative to age-matched control brains. These results suggest, at the immunohistochemical level, that there is a reduction of RAP protein in Alzheimer's disease brain (cortex). In terms of Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology, a reduction of neuronal RAP could then lead to reduced membrane expression of LRP, since RAP has also been shown to be an LRP antagonist.John Provias and Brian Jeynes© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/josteo/2010/748380.htmlThe purpose of the present study was to determine the associations of age and history of non- and low-traumatic fractures with the severity of abdominal aortic calcification in Japanese postmenopausal women and men. Four hundred and one Japanese persons (24 men and 377 postmenopausal women, mean age: 73.8 years) for whom thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs had been obtained to evaluate their posture prior to patient participation in a fall-prevention exercise program were enrolled. The associations of sex, age, history of hip fracture, prevalence of vertebral fracture, and spondylosis grade (the Nathan degree) with the severity of abdominal aortic calcification (length of calcification, as evaluated according to the number of vertebral bodies) were analyzed. Nine subjects (2.2%) had a history of hip fracture, and 221 (55.1%) had at least one prevalent vertebral fracture. Two hundred and sixty-seven subjects (66.6%) had first-degree spondylosis. Age and the number of prevalent vertebral fractures, but not sex, history of hip fracture, or spondylosis grade, were significantly associated with the severity of abdominal aortic calcification. The present study confirmed that age and the number of vertebral fractures were associated with the severity of abdominal aortic calcification in Japanese postmenopausal women and men.Jun Iwamoto, Hideo Matsumoto, Tsuyoshi Takeda, Yoshihiro Sato, and Mitsuyoshi Uzawa© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/srt/2010/386389.htmlWe examined the possibility that the expression of adhesion molecules is regulated differently in cultured astrocytes from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP/IZM) rats than in those from Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY/IZM) by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) or hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R) and the inhibitory effects of apigenin. It was found that the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) by TNF-α in astrocytes isolated from SHRSP/IZM was increased compared with that in WKY/IZM. The expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA induced by H/R in SHRSP/IZM astrocytes was increased compared with that in normal oxygen concentrations. Apigenin strongly attenuated TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 mRNA and protein expression and suppressed the adhesion of U937 cells and SHRSP/IZM astrocytes. These results suggest that the expression levels of adhesion molecules during H/R affect disease outcome and can drive SHRSP/IZM to stroke. It is suggested that apigenin regulates adhesion molecule expression in reactive astrocytes during ischemia.Kazuo Yamagata, Takuya Kitazawa, Masahiro Shinoda, Chika Tagawa, Makoto Chino, and Hiroshi Matsufuji© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pri/2010/193535.htmlCystic lesions of the gallbladder are very rare and they are generally lined by single columnar or mucinous epithelium. A ciliated cyst of foregut origin is extremely rare in gallbladder. To our knowledge, only five cases have been reported so far. Here, we present the sixth case found incidentally in ultrasonographic examination in a 41-year-old woman suffering from chronic right upper quadrant pain. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed for the gallstones and a benign appearing cyst in ultrasonography. Macroscopically, a submucosal unilocular cyst was located in the neck of the gallbladder. There was no communication with the lumen. Histologically, the cyst was lined by pseudostratified ciliated epithelium containing goblet cells and had a muscular wall. The postoperative course was uneventful. Patient was discharged on the second day of the operation and was well after 2 months.Asiye Şafak Bulut and Kaan Karayalçın© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/281389.htmlWe report about an infant affected by dilated cardiomyopathy (CMP) in whom metabolic investigations evidenced medium-chain-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD), that is one of three types of inherited disorders of mitochondrial fatty-acid β-oxidation. Long-chain and very long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficits are recognized as responsible of hypertrophic or, less frequently, dilated cardiomyopathy (CMP) in childhood. Otherwise, to our knowledge, no case of MCADD associated to dilated CMP has been reported in literature.Marcello Marcì and Patrizia Ajovalasit© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jdb/2010/502318.htmlThe mechanical strength of the periodontal ligament (PDL) was first measured as force required to extract a tooth from its socket using human specimens. Thereafter, tooth-PDL-bone preparations have extensively been used for measurement of the mechanical response of the PDL. In vitro treatments of such specimens with specific enzymes allowed one to investigate into the roles of the structural components in the mechanical support of the PDL. The viscoelastic responses of the PDL may be examined by analysis of the stress-relaxation. Video polarised microscopy suggested that the collagen molecules and fibrils in the stretched fibre bundles progressively align along the deformation direction during the relaxation. The stress-relaxation process of the PDL can be well expressed by a function with three exponential decay terms. Analysis after in vitro digestion of the collagen fibres by collagenase revealed that the collagen fibre components may play an important role in the long-term relaxation component of the stress-relaxation process of the PDL. The dynamic measurements of the viscoelastic properties of the PDL have recently suggested that the PDL can absorb more energy in compression than in shear and tension. These viscoelastic mechanisms of the PDL tissue could reduce the risk of injury to the PDL.Koichiro Komatsu© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jna/2010/593408.htmlBioactive alkaloids occupy an important position in applied chemistry and play an indispensable role in medicinal chemistry. Amongst them, isoquinoline alkaloids like berberine, palmatine and coralyne of protoberberine group, sanguinarine of the benzophenanthridine group, and their derivatives represent an important class of molecules for their broad range of clinical and pharmacological utility. In view of their extensive occurrence in various plant species and significantly low toxicities, prospective development and use of these alkaloids as effective anticancer agents are matters of great current interest. This review has focused on the interaction of these alkaloids with polymorphic nucleic acid structures (B-form, A-form, Z-form, HL-form, triple helical form, quadruplex form) and their topoisomerase inhibitory activity reported by several research groups using various biophysical techniques like spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, thermal melting, circular dichroism, NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, viscosity, isothermal titration calorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, molecular modeling studies, and so forth, to elucidate their mode and mechanism of action for structure-activity relationships. The DNA binding of the planar sanguinarine and coralyne are found to be stronger and thermodynamically more favoured compared to the buckled structure of berberine and palmatine and correlate well with the intercalative mechanism of sanguinarine and coralyne and the partial intercalation by berberine and palmatine. Nucleic acid binding properties are also interpreted in relation to their anticancer activity.Motilal Maiti and Gopinatha Suresh Kumar© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pd/2010/409356.htmlThe purpose was to determine the incidence of lead fracture in patients with DBS over a long period of time. We present a retrospective study of 208 patients who received 387 DBS electrodes. Fourteen patients had sixteen lead fractures (4% of the implanted leads) and two patients suffered from 2 lead fractures. Of all lead fractures, five patients had the connection between the leads and the extension cables located in mastoids region, ten in cervical area and one in thoracic region. The mean distance from the connection between the electrode and the extension cable and the lead fracture was 10.7 mm. The lead fracture is a common, although long-term complication in DBS surgery. In our experience, the most common site of electrode cable breakage is approximately between 9 and 13 mm from the junction between the lead and the extension cable. The most important cause of lead fracture is the rotational movement of the lead-extension cable system. If we suspect lead fracture, we must check the impedance of the electrode and to evaluate the side effects of voltage. Finally, we must conduct a radiological screening.Fernando Seijo Fernández, Marco Antonio Alvarez Vega, Aida Antuña Ramos, Fernando Fernández González, and Beatriz Lozano Aragoneses© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jdb/2010/397037.htmlOrthodontic lingual root movement (torque) is an important aspect of treatment biomechanics and is typically achieved by torsion of a rectangular wire within the orthodontic bracket slot which introduces a force couple. The magnitude of the force moment achieved by wire torsion may be influenced by deformation of the orthodontic bracket. A device utilizing an optical image correlation technique has been developed to accurately quantify bracket slot dimensional changes during application of wire torsion. Simultaneous torque moment magnitude, degrees of wire twist, and bracket slot dimension data can be gathered. Bracket tie wing elastic deformation when loaded was demonstrated and plastic deformation was also observed with a single rotation of the wire.Ryan A. Lacoursiere, David S. Nobes, Darren L. N. Homeniuk, Jason P. Carey, Hisham H. Badawi, and Paul W. Major© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jna/2010/646109.htmlDNA homologous recombination is fundamental process by which two homologous DNA molecules exchange the genetic information for the generation of genetic diversity and maintain the genomic integrity. DNA recombinases, a special group of proteins bind to single stranded DNA (ssDNA) nonspecifically and search the double stranded DNA (dsDNA) molecule for a stretch of DNA that is homologous with the bound ssDNA. Recombinase A (RecA) has been well characterized at genetic, biochemical, as well as structural level from prokaryotes. Two homologues of RecA called Rad51 and Dmc1 have been detected in yeast and higher eukaryotes and are known to mediate the homologous recombination in eukaryotes. The biochemistry and mechanism of action of recombinase is important in understanding the process of homologous recombination. Even though considerable progress has been made in yeast and human recombinases, understanding of the plant recombination and recombinases is at nascent stage. Since crop plants are subjected to different breeding techniques, it is important to know the homologous recombination process. This paper focuses on the properties of eukaryotes recombinases and recent developments in the field of plant recombinases Dmc1 and Rad51.Rajani Kant Chittela and Jayashree K. Sainis© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jtr/2010/619013.htmlLoss-of-function mutations of the PAX8 gene are considered to mainly cause congenital hypothyroidism (CH) due to thyroid hypoplasia. However, some patients with PAX8 mutation have demonstrated a normal-sized thyroid gland. Here we report a CH patient caused by a PAX8 mutation, which manifested as iodide transport defect (ITD). Hypothyroidism was detected by neonatal screening and L-thyroxine replacement was started immediately. Although 123I scintigraphy at 5 years of age showed that the thyroid gland was in the normal position and of small size, his iodide trapping was low. The ratio of the saliva/plasma radioactive iodide was low. He did not have goiter; however laboratory findings suggested that he had partial ITD. Gene analyses showed that the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) gene was normal; instead, a mutation in the PAX8 gene causing R31H substitution was identified. The present report demonstrates that individuals with defective PAX8 can have partial ITD, and thus genetic analysis is useful for differential diagnosis.Wakako Jo, Katsura Ishizu, Kenji Fujieda, and Toshihiro Tajima© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/ijht/2010/298747.htmlRenin-producing cells have been the object of intense research efforts for the past fifty years within the field of hypertension. Two decades ago, research focused on the concept and characterization of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system. Early morphological studies led to the concept of the juxtaglomerular apparatus, a minute organ that links tubulovascular structures and function at the single nephron level. The kidney, thus, appears as a highly “topological organ” in which anatomy and function are intimately linked. This point is reflected by a concurrent and constant development of functional and structural approaches. After summarizing our current knowledge about renin cells and their distribution along the renal vascular tree, particularly along glomerular afferent arterioles, we reviewed a variety of imaging techniques that permit a fine characterization of renin synthesis, storage, and release at the single-arteriolar, -cell, or -granule level. Powerful tools such as multiphoton microscopy and transgenesis bear the promises of future developments of the field.Daniel Casellas© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/srt/2010/672064.htmlThe primary aim of thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke is recanalization of an occluded intracranial artery. Recanalization is an important predictor of stroke outcome as timely restoration of regional cerebral perfusion helps salvage threatened ischemic tissue. At present, intravenously administered tissue plasminogen activator (IV-TPA) remains the only FDA-approved therapeutic agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke within 3 hours of symptom onset. Recent studies have demonstrated safety as well as efficacy of IV-TPA even in an extended therapeutic window. However, the short therapeutic window, low rates of recanalization, and only modest benefits with IV-TPA have prompted a quest for alternative approaches to restore blood flow in an occluded artery in acute ischemic stroke. Although intra-arterial delivery of the thrombolytic agent seems effective, various logistic constraints limit its routine use and as yet no lytic agent have not received full regulatory approval for intra-arterial therapy. Mechanical devices and approaches can achieve higher rates of recanalization but their safety and efficacy still need to be established in larger clinical trials. The field of acute revascularization is rapidly evolving, and various combinations of pharmacologic agents, mechanical devices, and novel microbubble/ultrasound technologies are being tested in multiple clinical trials.Vijay K. Sharma, Hock Luen Teoh, Lily Y. H. Wong, Jie Su, Benjamin K. C. Ong, and Bernard P. L. Chan© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/491624.htmlThe prevalence of intermediately virulent Rhodococcus equi isolates from pig submaxillary lymph nodes from four slaughterhouses in Nakhonpathom province, Thailand, was investigated. The isolates were tested for the presence of virulence plasmids and the 20-kDa virulence-associated protein antigen (VapB) gene by PCR. Of the 734 submaxillary lymph nodes tested, 19 (2.6%) produced positive cultures of R. equi. All 19 isolates were positive for the VapB gene and contained virulence plasmids that were identified as type 1 (six isolates), type 6 (two isolates), type 7 (one isolate), type 16 (two isolates), and a new variant (eight isolates). Based on the restriction digestion patterns of the plasmid DNAs, we tentatively designated the variant as type 18. Investigation of the prevalence and plasmid profiles of VapB-positive R. equi in pigs should be extended throughout Thailand to evaluate potential sources of zoonotic infections.Chaithep Poolkhet, Suksun Chumsing, Worawidh Wajjwalku, Chihiro Minato, Yukiko Otsu, and Shinji Takai© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/hgp/2009/239204.htmlProteomics is the large-scale study of the structure and function of proteins in complex biological sample. Such an approach has the potential value to understand the complex nature of the organism. Current proteomic tools allow large-scale, high-throughput analyses for the detection, identification, and functional investigation of proteome. Advances in protein fractionation and labeling techniques have improved protein identification to include the least abundant proteins. In addition, proteomics has been complemented by the analysis of posttranslational modifications and techniques for the quantitative comparison of different proteomes. However, the major limitation of proteomic investigations remains the complexity of biological structures and physiological processes, rendering the path of exploration paved with various difficulties and pitfalls. The quantity of data that is acquired with new techniques places new challenges on data processing and analysis. This article provides a brief overview of currently available proteomic techniques and their applications, followed by detailed description of advantages and technical challenges. Some solutions to circumvent technical difficulties are proposed.Kondethimmanahalli Chandramouli and Pei-Yuan Qian© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/er/2010/478746.htmlThis study was designed to investigate the effects of molluscicidal components of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae) on certain enzymes in the nervous tissue of freshwater snail Lymnaea acuminata Lamarck (Lymnaeidae). In vivo and in vitro treatments of trimyristin and myristicin (active molluscicidal components of Myristica fragrans Houtt.) significantly inhibited the acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acid and alkaline phosphatase (ACP/ALP) activities in the nervous tissue of Lymnaea acuminata. The inhibition kinetics of these enzymes indicates that both the trimyristin and myristicin caused competitive noncompetitive inhibition of AChE. Trimyristin caused uncompetitive and competitive/noncompetitive inhibitions of ACP and ALP, respectively whereas the myristicin caused competitive and uncompetitive inhibition of ACP and ALP, respectively. Thus results from the present study suggest that inhibition of AChE, ACP, and ALP by trimyristin and myristicin in the snail Lymnaea acuminata may be the cause of the molluscicidal activity of Myristica fragrans.Preetee Jaiswal, Pradeep Kumar, V. K. Singh, and D. K. Singh© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/348919.htmlThe study was conducted with the primary objective to establish the influence of melatonin on adrenocortical functions to ameliorate thermal stress in goats. Endocrine secretions and several other blood biochemical parameters reflecting the animals adrenocortical stress response were determined over a one-week period after goats had been exposed to 40C∘ and 60%RH for 10 days. The study was conducted for a period of 17 days in psychrometric chamber. The animals served as self-controls prior to start of the experiment. Blood samples were drawn on day 10 to establish effect of thermal stress. Chemical adrenalectomy was achieved using metyrapone followed by exogenous melatonin treatment. 40C∘ of thermal stress which is quite normal in tropical zone significantly (P≤.05) influenced all parameters except plasma insulin. Metyrapone treatment significantly (P≤.05) affected plasma levels of glucose, total protein, total cholesterol, cortisol, and aldosterone. Metyrapone aggravated thermal stress by decreasing cortisol level in goats. Melatonin treatment at 11:00 AM significantly (P≤.05) influenced plasma levels of glucose, total protein, total cholesterol, cortisol, aldosterone and insulin. Metyrapone treatment aggravated thermal stress although administration of melatonin could ameliorate the condition. This establishes the role of melatonin in relieving thermal stress in goats.Veerasamy Sejian and Rajendra Swaroop Srivastava© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/593659.htmlBackground. Mitral valve replacement can be very difficult to obtain in infants because the valve annulus diameter can be smaller than the available prosthesis. Case Report. We describe the case of a 2-month-old female weighing 3.5 kg affected by mitral valve dysplasia leading to severe valve stenosis. Despite full medication, the clinical conditions were critical and surgery was undertaken. The mitral valve was unsuitable for repair and the orifice of mitral anulus was 12 mm, too small for a mechanical prosthesis. Therefore, a Ross-Kabbani operation was undertaken, replacing the mitral valve with the pulmonary autograft and reconstructing the right ventricular outflow tract with an etherograft. Results. The postoperative course was uneventful and the clinical conditions are good at 4-month follow-up. Conclusion. The Ross-Kabbani operation can be an interesting alternative to mitral valve replacement in infants when valve repair is not achievable and there is little space for an intra-annular mechanical prosthesis implant.Carlo Pace Napoleone, Guido Oppido, Emanuela Angeli, Alessandro Giardini, and Gaetano Gargiulo© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/645150.htmlThis study evaluated the efficacy of organic acids as a growth promoter for broiler chickens relative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). Broiler chickens were supplemented with graded doses of an organic acid blend (OAB, 1 g and 2 g/kg diet) and bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD, 0.5 g and 1 g/kg diet) for 35 days. Supplementation of OAB improved (P<.001) feed conversion ratio (FCR) and increased protein accretion (P<.001). Dietary acidification caused pH of the gizzard to decline linearly (P<.01) with the dose of supplemental OAB. In the lower intestine, pH remained unaffected by dietary treatments. Unlike BMD, supplemental OAB selectively promoted growth of lactobacilli in the small intestine. Moreover, compared to BMD, OAB tended to maintain the villi in the small intestine at a greater height. Although benefits of exceeding the dose of supplemental organic acids more than 1 g/kg diet are not always conspicuous, based on the live weight and feed conversion data, supplementation of 2 g organic acid per kg diet may be recommended for total replacement of AGPs in broiler diet.Saikat Samanta, Sudipto Haldar, and Tapan Kumar Ghosh© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/152164.htmlPersistent left superior vena cava is a rare congenital venous anomaly. It results from failure of closure of the left anterior cardinal vein during cardiac development. It is usually asymptomatic but can be associated with other congenital cardiac defects including atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, endocardial cushion defects, tetralogy of Fallot and rhythm disturbances. PLSVC should be considered in the presence of a dilated coronary sinus on transthoracic echocardiography. The diagnosis can be made when injection of contrast in left antecubital vein results in enhancement of the dilated coronary sinus before right atrium. MRI, CT-scan and catheterisation can be used to confirm the diagnosis.Tayfun Sahin, Teoman Kilic, Umut Celikyurt, Ulas Bildirici, and Dilek Ural© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/sci/2010/587213.htmlThe limited availability of cadaveric human donor pancreata as well as the incomplete success of the Edmonton protocol for human islet allografts fasten search for new sources of insulin the producing cells for substitution cell therapy of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Starting from isolated neonatal porcine pancreatic islets (NPIs), we have obtained cell monolayers that were exposed to microencapsulated monolayered Sertoli cells (ESCs) for different time periods (7, 14, 21 days). To assess the development of the cocultured cell monolayers, we have studied either endocrine cell phenotype differentiation markers or c-kit, a hematopoietic stem cell marker, has recently been involved with growth and differentiation of β-cell subpopulations in human as well as rodent animal models. ESC which were found to either accelerate maturation and differentiation of the NPIs β-cell phenotype or identify an islet cell subpopulation that was marked positively for c-kit. The insulin/c-kit positive cells might represent a new, still unknown functionally immature β-cell like element in the porcine pancreas. Acceleration of maturation and differentiation of our NPI cell monolayers might generate a potential new opportunity to develop insulin-producing cells that may suite experimental trials for cell therapy of T1DM.Francesca Mancuso, Mario Calvitti, Giovanni Luca, Claudio Nastruzzi, Tiziano Baroni, Stefania Mazzitelli, Ennio Becchetti, Iva Arato, Carlo Boselli, Monique D. Ngo Nselel, and Riccardo Calafiore© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jdb/2010/902537.htmlAn understanding of functional responses in oral bone is a crucial component of dental biomechanics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential biological remodelling response during mastication on the mandibular pre- and post-insertion of a fixed partial denture (FPD). A series of three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA) models were presented pre- and postextraction to determine the biomechanical responses to masticatory loading in the anterior mandible. Equivalent strains were analysed at lingual/buccal and mesial/distal areas of the premolar to molar region and quantified to anticipate bone remodelling response. Mandibular bone incorporating an FPD experienced substantially greater stress/strain magnitudes than that prior to placement of fixed prosthodontics, which is suggestive of engagements of bone remodelling. The results suggest similar outcomes to those reported clinically. Developing a simulation reflecting the outcomes of restorative treatment can provide meaningful insight into restorative treatment planning, clinical outcomes, and fixed prosthodontics designs.Clarice Field, Qing Li, Wei Li, and Michael Swain© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/817987.htmlAtherosclerotic renal artery disease is a common cause of hypertension and chronic kidney disease that may progress into end stage renal failure if not diagnosed and treated early. Renal artery stenosis (RAS) has been shown to be an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. We sought to determine whether race is an independent risk factor for developing RAS. A retrospective study was conducted including 324 patients with resistant hypertension who underwent renal angiography with or without coronary angiography. In univariate analysis, Caucasian race was associated with significant risk of RAS (OR = 2.3, P = .01). However, this association was no longer significant after correcting for additional clinical variables in a multivariate model (OR = 1.5, P = .07). There was a strong association between smoking and RAS (OR 2.0, P = .02). We conclude that traditional risk factors, especially smoking, rather than race, are the most important predictors of RAS development.Ayad Jazrawi, Saba Darda, Peter Burke, Marcos Daccarett, Josef Stehlik, Shukri David, and Marcel Zughaib© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/748621.htmlEfficacy of IS900 blood PCR was evaluated for the presence of MAP infection. Serum, fecal, and blood samples of kids, young, and adult goats from farm and farmer's herds in Mathura district were also screened by ELISA, microscopy and culture. Of 111 goats (kids: 40, young: 14, adults: 57) screened, 77.5% were positive by blood PCR. Of 76 goats, 90.8% (kids: 87.5% and adults: 94.4%) were positive by PCR. From 21 kids and 14 young goats, 42.8 and 57.1% were positive. gDNA from goats was genotyped as MAP “Indian Bison type”. Of 21 fecal samples of kids examined by microscopy, 66.7% were positive. In ELISA, 9.5 and 57.1% kids were positives as “type I” and “type II” reactors, respectively. Screening 14 young goats by culture of blood clots, 28.6% were positive. Agreement was substantial between PCR and microscopy. It was fair and moderate when PCR and microscopy were compared with type I and type II reactors, respectively. Presence of MAP in non-clinical kids and young goats indicate early or subclinical infection. Blood PCR was rapid, sensitive, and specific assay for detection of MAP in any stage (early, subclinical, and clinical) and age (kids, young, and adult) of goats.P. K. Singh, S. V. Singh, H. Kumar, J. S. Sohal, and A. V. Singh© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/sci/2010/145183.htmlLeech embryogenesis is a model for investigating cellular and molecular processes of development. Due to the unusually large size of embryonic stem cells (teloblasts: 50–300 μm) in the glossiphoniid leech, Theromyzon tessulatum, and the presence of identifiable stem cell precursors (proteloblasts), we previously isolated a group of genes upregulated upon stem cell birth. In the current study, we show that one of these genes, designated Theromyzon proliferation (Tpr), is required for normal stem cell genesis; specifically, transient Tpr knockdown experiments conducted with antisense oligonucleotides and monitored by semiquantitative RT-PCR, caused abnormal proteloblast proliferation leading to embryonic death, but did not overtly affect neuroectodermal or mesodermal stem cell development once these cells were born. Tpr encodes a large glutamine-rich (∼34%) domain that shares compositional similarity with strong transcriptional enhancers many of which have been linked with trinucleotide repeat disorders (e.g., Huntington's).Kristi A. Hohenstein, Shirley A. Lang, Tej Nuthulaganti, and Daniel H. Shain© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/659862.htmlOn-stud assessment of stallion sperm quality can be problematic. A new instrument, the Nucleocounter SP-100, was validated for measuring stallion sperm concentration and viability. It was subsequently used to evaluate sperm viability in Kenney's extender and INRA96. There was a strong correlation between sperm concentrations measured by the Nucleocounter SP-100 and by the Bürker counting chamber (r=0.84; P<.001). Similarly, there was a good correlation between sperm viability results from the Nucleocounter SP-100 and flow cytometric results (r=0.73; P<.001). Sperm viability at 24 hours was significantly better for samples extended in INRA96 than in Kenney's extender (P<.001). Furthermore, sperm kinematics were better for stored samples in INRA96 than in Kenney's extender. Single Layer Centrifugation selected spermatozoa that maintained their viability better during storage for 24 hours than the uncentrifuged samples. In conclusion, the type of semen extender used and Single Layer Centrifugation were found to influence both the kinematics and viability of stallion spermatozoa. The Nucelocounter-SP100 was considered to be a useful instrument for rapidly measuring stallion sperm concentration and viability.J. M. Morrell, A. Johannisson, L. Juntilla, K. Rytty, L. Bäckgren, A.-M. Dalin, and H. Rodriguez-Martinez© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/987309.htmlThe aim of this study was to examine the relationships between the concentrations of ATP, ADP, AMP (HPLC methods), total nucleotide pool (TAN), adenylate energy charge (AEC) and Na+, K+-ATPase erythrocytic activities (by Choi's method) of horses as a function of breed and sex. The studies were conducted on 54 horses (stallions and mares) of different constitution types: breathing constitution (Wielkopolska and Hanoverian breed) and digestive constitution (Ardenian breed). Horse erythrocytes, independently of examined breed, present low ATP concentration in comparison to other mammal species while retaining relatively high AEC. Erythrocytes of breathing constitution type horses appear to have a more intensive glucose metabolism and a more efficient energetic metabolism when compared to digestive constitution type horses. The conclusions may be proven by significantly higher ATP concentration, higher TAN and significantly higher AEC in breathing constitution type horses compared to the digestive constitution type. Sex does not significantly influence adenine nucleotides concentration in the erythrocytes of the examined horses, however, stallions have slightly higher values in comparison to mares. A positive correlation was found between Na+, K+, -ATPase activity, ATP, ADP and AMP concentration and TAN in Wielkopolska and Ardenian breeds, which was not confirmed for the Hanoverian breed.Maria Suska and Ewa Skotnicka© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pd/2010/836962.htmlThe studies on the association between serum cholesterol level and the risks of neurodegenerative diseases risk are debated. Some prospective studies have found that high serum cholesterol may increase the risks of dementia/Alzheimer's disease and ischemic stroke. However, other studies have found no association or a decreased risk of hemorrhagic stroke with increasing levels of serum total cholesterol. Little is known about the association between serum total cholesterol or a history of hypercholesterolemia and Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. Only a few case-control studies and four prospective epidemiological studies have examined this association, but the results are inconsistent. An inverse association between serum total cholesterol and the risk of PD has been found in one prospective study; however, no significant association is reported in the case-control studies and other two prospective studies. Recently, one large prospective study from Finland suggests that high total cholesterol at baseline is associated with an increased risk of PD. Further studies, especially large clinical trials, are needed.Gang Hu© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/srt/2010/841797.htmlObjective. To identify the role of thrombolytic therapy in acute embolic stroke due to infective endocarditis. Design. Case report. Setting. University hospital. Patient. A 70-year-old male presented with acute onset aphasia and hemiparesis due to infective endocarditis. His head computerized tomographic scan revealed left parietal sulcal effacement. He was given intravenous tissue plasminogen activator with significant resolution of the neurologic deficits without complications. Main Outcome Measures. Physical examination, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, radiologic examination results. Conclusions. Thrombolytic therapy in selected cases of stroke due to infective endocarditis manifesting as major neurologic deficits can be considered as an option after careful consideration of risks and benefits. The basis for such favorable response rests in the presence of fibrin as a major constituent of the vegetation. The risk of precipitating hemorrhage with thrombolytic therapy especially with large infarcts and mycotic aneurysms should be weighed against the benefits of averting a major neurologic deficit.Siva P. Sontineni, Aryan N. Mooss, Venkata G. Andukuri, Susan Marie Schima, and Dennis Esterbrooks© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pd/2010/432983.htmlBackground. Common but seldom published are Parkinson's disease (PD) medication errors involving late, extra, or missed doses. These errors can reduce medication effectiveness and the quality of life of people with PD and their caregivers. Objective. To explore lay perspectives of factors contributing to medication timing errors for PD in hospital and community settings. Design and Methods. This qualitative research purposively sampled individuals with PD, or a proxy of their choice, throughout New Zealand during 2008-2009. Data collection involved 20 semistructured, personal interviews by telephone. A general inductive analysis of the data identified core insights consistent with the study objective. Results. Five themes help to account for possible timing adherence errors by people with PD, their caregivers or professionals. The themes are the abrupt withdrawal of PD medication; wrong, vague or misread instructions; devaluation of the lay role in managing PD medications; deficits in professional knowledge and in caring behavior around PD in formal health care settings; and lay forgetfulness. Conclusions. The results add to the limited published research on medication errors in PD and help to confirm anecdotal experience internationally. They indicate opportunities for professionals and lay people to work together to reduce errors in the timing of medication for PD in hospital and community settings.Stephen Buetow, Jenny Henshaw, Linda Bryant, and Deirdre O'Sullivan© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/ijeb/2009/291236.htmlIn the housefly Musca domestica, synthesis of yolk proteins (YPs) depends on the level of circulating ecdysteroid hormones. In female houseflies, the ecdysterone concentration in the hemolymph oscillates and, at high levels, is followed by expression of YP. In male houseflies, the ecdysterone titre is constantly low and no YP is produced. In some strains, which are mutant in key components of the sex-determining pathway, males express YP even though their ecdysterone titre is not significantly elevated. However, we find that these males express a substantial amount of the female variant of the Musca doublesex homologue, Md-dsx. The dsx gene is known to sex-specifically control transcription of yp genes in the fat body of Drosophila melanogaster. Our data suggest that Md-dsx also contributes to the regulation of YP expression in the housefly by modulating the responsiveness of YP-producing cells to hormonal stimuli.Christina Siegenthaler, Peter Maroy, Monika Hediger, Andreas Dübendorfer, and Daniel Bopp© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pri/2010/628247.htmlThere are few pathologic descriptions of fatal coronary artery disease in the young. The morphologic characteristics of sudden coronary deaths in 47 hearts from patients younger than 40 years were studied. Numbers of plaques with necrotic cores were quantitated in each heart. Compared to 194 sudden coronary deaths >40 years, heart weight was lower, acute plaque erosions more frequent, and extent of disease less in the ≤40 years group. Plaque burden was less in hearts with erosions, and healed infarcts more common in hearts with stable plaque. The numbers of fibroatheromas increased with age until the 6th decade (P<.0001) as well as the proportion of total plaques that were atheromatous. Plaques in younger patients have fewer lipid-rich cores. Most thrombi show areas of organization, with layering frequent in erosions, suggesting a possible method of plaque enlargement in the absence of necrotic core formation.Fabio Tavora, Ling Li, Mary Ripple, David Fowler, and Allen Burke© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/976190.htmlWe present the case of a 54-year-old woman in which a diffuse congenital supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) was associated with a severe aortic valve incompetence and heavy calcification of the aortic annulus. Repair consisted in resection of the ascending aorta, patch augmentation of the hypoplastic aortic root and annulus, placement of a 20 mm Dacron tubular graft (Vascutek, Renfrewshire, UK) and aortic valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis (Sorin, Turin, Italy). Follow-up echocardiography demonstrated normal prosthetic valve function and a postoperative three-dimensional computed tomographic scan showed a normal shape of the reconstructed ascending aorta.Giovanni Ferlan, Claudio De Pasquale, Concetta Losito, Annalisa Fiorella, Nicola Marraudino, and Francesco Tunzi© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/er/2010/165878.htmlL-asparaginase was extracted from Erwinia carotovora and purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation (60–70%), Sephadex G-100, CM cellulose, and DEAE sephadex chromatography. The apparent Mr of enzyme under nondenaturing and denaturing conditions was 150 kDa and 37±0.5 kDa, respectively. L-asparaginase activity was studied in presence of thiols, namely, L-cystine (Cys), L-methionine (Met), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Kinetic parameters in presence of thiols (10–400 μM) showed an increase in Vmax values (2000, 2223, 2380, 2500, and control 1666.7 μmoles mg-1min-1) and a decrease in Km values (0.086, 0.076, 0.062, 0.055 and control 0.098 mM) indicating nonessential mode of activation. KA values displayed propensity to bind thiols. A decrease in Vmax/Km ratio in concentration plots showed inverse relationship between free thiol groups (NAC and GSH) and bound thiol group (Cys and Met). Enzyme activity was enhanced in presence of thiol protecting reagents like dithiothreitol (DTT), 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME), and GSH, but inhibited by p-chloromercurybenzoate (PCMB) and iodoacetamide (IA).Suchita C. Warangkar and Chandrahas N. Khobragade© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/858474.htmlThe aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of sodium lauryl sulfate-fumaric acid coupled addition on in vitro methangenesis and rumen fermentation. Evaluation was carried out using in vitro gas production technique. Ruminal contents were collected from five steers immediately after slaughtering and used for preparation of inoculums of mixed rumen microorganisms. Rumen fluid was then mixed with the basal diet of steers and used to generate four treatments, negative control (no additives), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) treated, fumaric acid treated, and SLS-fumaric acid coupled addition treated. The results revealed that, relative to control, efficiency in reduction of methanogenesis was as follows: coupled addition > SLS-addition > fumaric acid addition. Both SLS-addition and SLS-fumaric acid coupled addition demonstrated a decremental effect on ammonia nitrogen (NH3–N), total short chain volatile fatty acids (SCVFAs) concentrations and the amount of substrate degraded, and an increment effect on microbial mass and microbial yield (YATP). Nevertheless, fumaric acid did not alter any of the previously mentioned parameters but induced a decremental effect on NH3–N. Furthermore, both fumaric acid and SLS-fumaric acid coupled addition increased propionate at the expense of acetate and butyrate, while, defaunation increased acetate at the expense of propionate and butyrate. The pH value was decreased by all treatments relative to control, while, cellulase activity did not differ by different treatments. The current study can be promising strategies for suppressing ruminal methane emissions and improving ruminants feed efficiency.M. A. Abdl-Rahman, F. A. R. Sawiress, and A. M. Abd El-Aty© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/sci/2010/614395.htmlSelf-renewing Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) are responsible for reconstitution of all blood cell lineages. Sca-1 is the “stem cell antigen” marker used to identify the primitive murine HSC population, the expression of which decreases upon differentiation to other mature cell types. Sca-1+ HSCs maintain the bone marrow stem cell pool throughout the life. Aplastic anemia is a disease considered to involve primary stem cell deficiency and is characterized by severe pancytopenia and a decline in healthy blood cell generation system. Studies conducted in our laboratory revealed that the primitive Sca-1+ BM-HSCs (bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell) are significantly affected in experimental Aplastic animals pretreated with chemotherapeutic drugs (Busulfan and Cyclophosphamide) and there is increased Caspase-3 activity with consecutive high Annexin-V positivity leading to premature apoptosis in the bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell population in Aplastic condition. The Sca-1bright, that is, “more primitive” BM-HSC population was more affected than the “less primitive” BM-HSC Sca-1dim⁡ population. The decreased cell population and the receptor expression were directly associated with an empty and deranged marrow microenvironment, which is evident from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The above experimental evidences hint toward the manipulation of receptor expression for the benefit of cytotherapy by primitive stem cell population in Aplastic anemia cases.Sumanta Chatterjee, Pratima Basak, Prosun Das, Madhurima Das, Jacintha Archana Pereira, Ranjan Kumar Dutta, Malay Chaklader, Samaresh Chaudhuri, and Sujata Law© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/sci/2010/824876.htmlThe characterization and isolation of various stem cell populations, from embryonic through tissue-derived stem cells, have led a rapid growth in the field of stem cell research. These research efforts have often been interrelated as to the markers that identify a select cell population are frequently analyzed to determine their expression in cells of distinct organs/tissues. In this review, we will expand the current state of research involving select tissue-derived stem cell populations including the liver, central nervous system, and cardiac tissues as examples of the success and challenges in this field of research. Lastly, the challenges of clinical therapies will be discussed as it applies to these unique cell populations.Leora J. Tesche and David A. Gerber© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/213954.htmlA 65-year-old man suffering from ascending aorta aneurysm and atherosclerotic three vessel disease without left main involvement underwent aortic root replacement with coronary ostia reimplantation according to the modified Bentall technique and multiple coronary artery bypass grafts. Gelatin-resorcin-formaldehyde glue was used to reinforce the aortic coronary buttons and to facilitate hemostasis. Five months after surgery, the patient experienced rapidly worsening effort angina. Coronary angiography showed severe left main narrowing. The considerable amount of time that elapsed between surgery and the onset of symptoms implies that the problem was not related to an imperfect suture technique, but was most likely caused by an inflammatory and proliferative response to the glue that had been used. We performed elective percutaneous coronary intervention and stenting of the protected coronary vessel without technical difficulties and with a satisfactory final result. The patient is currently symptom-free after 1 year's follow-up.Manrico Balbi, Flavio Scarano, and Gian Paolo Bezante© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pri/2010/608519.htmlUndifferentiated endometrial sarcomas (UESs) of the ovary are very rare tumors. This paper presents a case of a 56-year-old patient with a history of hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy seven years ago for uterine leiomyomata. Intraoperatively, a tumor originating from the left ovary, adherent to the sigmoid colon, with infiltration of the small intestine and the vaginal apex was found. Histologically, the tumor was composed of pleomorphic round and oval to spindled cells with polymorphous vesicular nuclei with coarse chromatin and large nucleoli. Mitotic activity was brisk. There were large necrotic areas. Adjacent to the tumor tissue endometrium-like glands surrounded by fibrous stroma with macrophages corresponding to ovarian endometriosis were noted. Tumor cells showed diffuse strong immunoreactivity for vimentin and patchy strong staining for CD10; no reactivities were found for AE1/AE3, desmin, S-100, LCA, CD20, c-kit, and CD31. The patient died of her neoplastic disease four months postoperatively. CD10 is frequently expressed in different gynecopathological as well as other lesions, and, thus, nonspecific without relevance to the classification of this case. Morphological features, extensive sampling, and appropriate immunohistochemistry including markers for cytokeratins and myogenic differentiation are mandatory to arrive at the correct diagnosis.Hermann Brustmann, Ingrid M. Geiss, and Susanne Hinterholzer© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jna/2010/146418.htmlC-myc and Bcl2 are well characterized oncogenes that are capable of forming G-quadruplex structures. Promoter regions of C-myc and Bcl2 forming G-quadruplex structures are chemically synthesized and G-quadruplex structure is formed in presence of 100 mM potassium ion. Three different porphyrin drugs, namely TMPyP2, TMPyP3, and TMPyP4 are allowed to interact with quadruplex DNA complex and the site and nature of interaction are studied. Drug interactions with quadruplex DNA were carried out in different potassium ionic strengths using fluorescence spectroscopy. It is found that fluorescence hypochromicity decreases with an increase in ionic strength in the case of TMPyP4, TMPyP3, and TMPyP2. Fluorescence titration studies and Job plots indicate that four molecules of TMPyP4, two molecules of TMPyP3 and TMPyP2 are interacting with one molecule of quadruplex DNA.Narayana Nagesh, Varun K. Sharma, A. Ganesh Kumar, and Edwin A. Lewis© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/josteo/2010/145170.htmlThis experiment was designed to assess the capacity of dietary genistein (GEN), to attenuate bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) and ovary-intact VCD-treated mice. Pretreatment of mice with 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) gradually and selectively destroys ovarian follicles whilst leaving ovarian androgen-producing cells largely intact. VCD induces a perimenopause-like condition prior to the onset of reproductive acyclicity. Sixteen-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomized to five treatment groups: sham(SHM), OVX, SHM + VCD, OVX + GEN, and SHM + VCD + GEN. In vivo, blood samples were drawn for hormone and isoflavone analyses, estrous cycles were monitored, and X-ray imaging was performed to assess changes in bone parameters. Following sacrifice, ovaries were assessed histologically, bone microarchitecture was evaluated via microcomputed tomography, and bone mechanical properties were measured. Some effects of GEN were observed in OVX mice, but GEN effects were not able to be evaluated in VCD-treated mice due to the subtle diminution of bone during the 4 months of this experiment.Susan Reinwald, Loretta P. Mayer, Patricia B. Hoyer, Charles H. Turner, Stephen Barnes, and Connie M. Weaver© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/pri/2010/509245.htmlThe provision of dynamic splicing events constitutes the reflected nature of neoplasia that locally infiltrates and systemically spreads in terms of evolutionary attributes of the primary and various secondary pathways in malignant transformation. The significant diversity in molecular characterization of the given tumor lesion would adaptively conform to dynamics of splicing as enhanced or silenced exons of the premessenger RNA molecule. The proteins synthesized are in turn potential modifiers in further gene expression within such contexts as RNA:protein and RNA:DNA binding events. The recognition of pathways of incremental scope would underline the development of lesions, such as tumors, as multiple alternative splicing phenomena primarily affecting molecular physicochemical identity. It is within contexts of operative intervention and modification that the real identity of the malignant neoplastic process arises, within terms of reference of contextual splicing events. Disrupted gene expression is thus a referential pathway in the modification of splicing that may prove constitutive or alternative, in first instance, but also aberrant as the lesion progresses locally and systemically.Lawrence M. Agius© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/748272.htmlAneurysms of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) to coronary arteries are rare, usually asymptomatic and found incidentally. We report a case of an 84-year-old female who was found to have 8.1 × 8.4 cm aneurysm of an SVG to obtuse marginal (OM) artery. The aneurysm was prior to the distal anastamosis but no flow into the OM artery was noted. Cook Tornado Embolization Coils were used successfully to occlude the SVG proximal to the aneurysm. No complications occurred. The use of embolization coils is an effective and safe method for aneurysm occlusion when the anatomy is suitable and especially when patient is high risk for repeat surgical intervention.Ashwani Kumar, Dixon Santana, and Leigh Ann Jenkins© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/187543.htmlPostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) commonly affects women of childbearing age. We report on a 37-year-old woman who developed symptoms of recurrent syncope in the postpartum period. Her head up tilt test and clinical presentation was consistent with POTS.Khalil Kanjwal, Beverly Karabin, Yousuf Kanjwal, and Blair P. Grubb© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/jdb/2010/131630.htmlMany developments have been made in the field of resin composites for dental applications. However, the manifestation of shrinkage due to the polymerization process continues to be a major problem. The material's shrinkage, associated with dynamic development of elastic modulus, creates stresses within the material and its interface with the tooth structure. As a consequence, marginal failure and subsequent secondary caries, marginal staining, restoration displacement, tooth fracture, and/or post-operative sensitivity are clinical drawbacks of resin-composite applications. The aim of the current paper is to present an overview about the shrinkage stresses created during resin-composite applications, consequences, and advances. The paper is based on results of many researches that are available in the literature.Luis Felipe J. Schneider, Larissa Maria Cavalcante, and Nick Silikas© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/703793.htmlPulsus alternans is a rare hemodynamic condition characterized by beat-to-beat variability in systolic pressure. It is attributed to variations in stroke volume with alternate cardiac cycles and is typically seen in patients with advanced myopathic conditions. Left ventricular pulsus alternans is rare, and right ventricular pulsus alternans is even less common. There are only a few reports of biventricular pulsus alternans. We report the case of a 62-year-old female with a recent anterior wall myocardial infarction who had biventricular pulsus alternans at the time of cardiac catheterization.Param Vidwan and George A. Stouffer© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/ijad/2009/780720.htmlThis study compared the association of differing methods of dementia ascertainment, derived from multiple sources, with nursing home (NH) estimates of prevalence of dementia, length of stay, and costs an understudied issue. Subjects were 2050 new admissions to 59 Maryland NHs, from 1992 to 1995 followed longitudinally for 2 years. Dementia was ascertained at admission from charts, Medicare claims, and expert panel. Overall 59.5% of the sample had some indicator of dementia. The expert panel found a higher prevalence of dementia (48.0%) than chart review (36.9%) or Medicare claims (38.6%). Dementia cases had lower relative average per patient monthly costs, but longer NH length of stay compared to nondementia cases across all methods. The prevalence of dementia varied widely by method of ascertainment, and there was only moderate agreement across methods. However, lower costs for dementia among NH admissions are a robust finding across these methods.Ann L. Gruber-Baldini, Bruce Stuart, Ilene H. Zuckerman, Van Doren Hsu, Kenneth S. Boockvar, Sheryl Zimmerman, Steven Kittner, Charlene C. Quinn, J. Richard Hebel, Conrad May, and Jay Magaziner© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/598940.htmlThis is a case report in which a 60-year-old man who suffered from ventricular tachycardia with dilated cardiomyopathy was prescribed amiodarone. After taking amiodarone, liver enzymes were increased and computed tomographic (CT) scanning of the abdomen showed a significant increase in the density of the liver without contrast medium. He was suspected as hemochromatosis and liver biopsy was performed. An abnormal high density of liver tissue may be observed in an unenhanced CT in patients treated with amiodarone and we suggest that periodic monitoring of liver function and/or liver biopsy is warranted before an irreversible stage is reached.Sunao Kojima, Shinobu Kojima, Hirofumi Ueno, Motohiro Takeya, and Hisao Ogawa© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/ijad/2009/972178.htmlOxidative stress appears to be an early event involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The present study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Centella asiatica against colchicine-induced memory impairment and oxidative damage in rats. Colchicine (15 μg/5 μL) was administered intracerebroventricularly in the lateral ventricle of male wistar rats. Morris water maze and plus-maze performance tests were used to assess memory performance tasks. Various biochemical parameters such as lipid peroxidation, nitrite, reduced glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, acetylcholinesterase were also assessed. ICV colchicine resulted marked memory impairment and oxidative damage. Chronic treatment with Centella asiatica extract (150 and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) for a period of 25 days, beginning 4 days prior to colchicine administration, significantly attenuated colchicine-induced memory impairment and oxidative damage. Besides, Centella asiatica significantly reversed colchicines administered increase in acetylcholinesterase activity. Thus, present study indicates protective effect of Centella asiatica against colchicine-induced cognitive impairment and associated oxidative damage.Anil Kumar, Samrita Dogra, and Atish Prakash© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/ijeb/2009/759159.htmlDirectional asymmetry (DA), the consistent difference between a pair of morphological structures in which the same side is always larger than the other, presents an evolutionary mystery. Although many paired traits show DA, genetic variation for DA has not been unambiguously demonstrated. Artificial selection is a powerful technique for uncovering selectable genetic variation; we review and critique the limited number of previous studies that have been performed to select on DA and present the results of a novel artificial selection experiment on the DA of posterior crossvein location in Drosophila wings. Fifteen generations of selection in two genetically distinct lines were performed and none of the lines showed a significant response to selection. Our results therefore support and reconfirm previous findings; despite apparent natural variation and evolution of DA in nature, DA remains a paradoxical trait that does not respond to artificial selection.Ashley J. R. Carter, Elizabeth Osborne, and David Houle© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/943453.htmlObjectives. The transvascular closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) with self-expanding devices carries the risk of left atrial thrombus formation related to material protruding into the left atrium. Thus, we developed a novel device with flat left atrial disc geometry. We evaluated feasibility, handling, and biocompatibility in a porcine animal model. Methods. Implantation of an Occlutech Figulla PFO device was performed in 10 mini pigs using fluoroscopy and intra-cardiac ultrasound after transseptal puncture of the interatrial septum. Angiographic follow-up was performed after six and twelve weeks. Results. Implantation was successful in 100%. There were no further implant related complications. One procedure related death occurred, as one animal died of ventricular tachycardia due to mispunture of the interatrial septum. Angiographic studies showed no residual shunt during follow-up. Histopathological evaluation could demonstrate partial neoendothelialization after 6 weeks with completion after 12 weeks. The devices were incorporated into connective tissue containing fibro muscular cells. An only mild inflammatory reaction was detected locally related to the polyester fibers. Conclusion. In terms of feasibility and handling, the new device does not seem to be inferior to other presently used implantation systems. Good biocompatibility was demonstrated with rapid and complete neoendothelialization.F. Krizanic, M. Sigler, and H. R. Figulla© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/437237.htmlHigh-output cardiac failure secondary to hepatic involvement is a rare complication of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Here we report a 43-year-old woman who presented at 29 weeks gestation of her second pregnancy with complications of right-sided heart failure and preterm labor. After delivery via cesarean section, the patient was found to have intrahepatic arteriovenous malformations through non-invasive imaging. Subsequently, a family history of vascular malformations and epistaxis was elucidated and a diagnosis of HHT was made. This case is presented, along with a review of the literature and discussion of hepatic involvement in HHT with particular focus on the pregnant patient.Tareq Goussous, Alex Haynes, Katherine Najarian, Marcos Daccarett, and Shukri David© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/crp/2009/981292.htmlAneurysms of saphenous vein grafts are rare but can result in complications such as myocardial infarction or death. Percutaneous treatment has included a variety of approaches, including covered stents. Long aneurysms in saphenous vein grafts pose an additional challenge due to the lack of coronary covered stents with sufficient length. We present successful treatment of a long saphenous vein graft aneurysm with use of peripheral covered stents over two coronary guidewires, a 55-centimeter 8-French sheath and no guide catheter.Carmelo J. Panetta, Williaim Schneider, and Max A. Boller© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/274987.htmlThe intestinal microbiota has an influence on the growth and health status of the hosts. This is of particular interest in animals reared using intensive farming practices. Hence, it is necessary to know more about complexity of the beneficial intestinal microbiota. The use of molecular methods has revolutionized microbial identification by improving its quality and effectiveness. The specific aim of the study was to analyze predominant species of Lactobacillus in intestinal microbial ecosystem of young calves. Forty-two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from intestinal tract of young calves were characterized by: Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA), by using Hae III, Msp I, and Hinf I restriction enzymes, and 16S rDNA gene sequencing. ARDRA screening revealed nine unique patterns among 42 isolates, with the same pattern for 29 of the isolates. Gene fragments of 16S rDNA of 19 strains representing different patterns were sequenced to confirm the identification of these species. These results confirmed that ARDRA is a good tool for identification and discrimination of bacterial species isolated from complex ecosystem and between closely related groups. This paper provides information about the LAB species predominant in intestinal tract of young calves that could provide beneficial effects when administered as probiotic.Lorena P. Soto, Laureano S. Frizzo, Ezequiel Bertozzi, Elizabeth Avataneo, Gabriel J. Sequeira, and Marcelo R. Rosmini© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.http://www.sage-hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2010/810496.htmlLipomatosis is described in a miniature Zebu, Bos primigenius indicus, bull that died of perianesthetic complications. This is the first pathologic description of lipomatosis that we are aware of in this species and breed of cattle. Infiltration of multiple visceral organs is described and depicted along with comparison to previously published cases of lipomatosis in other breeds of cattle.Scott D. Reed and Dawn E. Evans© 2010, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research. All rights reserved.