bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy by Sulforaphane: Possible Role of Nrf2 Upregulation and Activation
Authors: Cui Wenpeng , Bai Yang , Miao Xiao , Luo Ping , Chen Qiang , Tan Yi , Rane Madhavi J. , Miao Lining , Cai Lu
Published: September 2012

The present study was to investigate whether sulforaphane (SFN) can prevent diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetic mouse model induced by multiple low-dose streptozotocin. Diabetic and age-matched control mice were given SFN at 0.5 mg/kg body weight daily for 3 months. At the end of 3-month SFN treatment, the diabetic nephropathy, shown by renal inflammation, oxidative damage, fibrosis, and dysfunction, was significantly prevented along with an elevation of renal Nrf2 expression and transcription in diabetes/SFN group compared with diabetic group. However, this renal prevention by SFN was not seen when the 3-month SFN-treated diabetic mice were aged for additional 3 months without further SFN treatment. Nrf2-mediated renal protective effects in diabetes were evaluated in human renal tubular HK11 cells transfected with control and Nrf2 siRNA and treated with 27.5 mM mannitol or high glucose plus palmitate (300 μM). Blockade of Nrf2 expression completely abolished SFN prevention of the profibrotic effect induced by high glucose plus palmitate. These results support that renal Nrf2 expression and its transcription play important roles in SFN prevention of diabetes-induced renal damage. However, the SFN preventive effect on diabetes-induced renal pathogeneses is not sustained, suggesting the requirement of continual use of SFN for its sustained effect.
Cluster Headache Secondary to Macroprolactinoma with Ipsilateral Cavernous Sinus Invasion
Authors: Levy M. J. , Robertson I. , Howlett T. A.
Published: September 2012

We present a 25 year-old man with episodic cluster headache that was refractory to all standard pharmacological prophylactic and abortive treatments. Because of the lack of response, an MRI brain was performed which showed a large pituitary tumour with ipsilateral cavernous sinus invasion. The serum prolactin was significantly elevated at 54,700 miU/L (50–400) confirming a macro-prolactinoma. Within a few days of cabergoline therapy the headache resolved. He continues to be headache free several years after starting the dopamine agonist. This case highlights the importance of imaging the pituitary fossa in patients with refractory cluster headache, It also raises the potential anatomical importance of the cavernous sinus in pituitary-associated headache.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptors in Ovarian Cancer Patients with Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Madsen Christine Vestergaard , Dahl Steffensen Karina , Waldstrøm Marianne , Jakobsen Anders
Published: September 2012

Introduction. The well-documented role of the PDGF system in tumor growth and angiogenesis has prompted the development of new biological agents targeting the PDGF system. The aim of the present study was to analyze the expression of the PDGF-receptors in ovarian cancer and to investigate its relation to histopathological parameters and long-term overall survival. Methods. The immunohistochemical expression of PDGFR-α and PDGFR-β was investigated in tumor and stromal cells in 170 patients with histologically verified epithelial ovarian cancer. Results. Almost half of the tumor specimens showed high expression of PDGFR-α and PDGFR-β in tumor cells (43% and 41%) and in stromal compartments (32% and 44%). There was a significant association between high expression of PDGFR-α and high expression of PDGFR-β in both tumor and stromal cells. Coexpression of PDGFR-α and PDGFR-β in stromal cells was seen more often in serous adenocarcinomas than in nonserous adenocarcinomas. No clear correlation between PDGFR expression and longterm overall survival or clinical parameters was found. Conclusions. PDGFR-α and PDGFR-β were expressed in a subset of ovarian carcinomas but did not show significant prognostic importance in this material.
The Impact of Arithmetic Skills on Mastery of Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Blaylock Bruce K. , Kopf Jerry M.
Published: September 2012

Over the past several years math education has moved from a period where all math calculations were done by hand to an era where most calculations are done using a calculator or computer. There are certainly benefits to this approach, but when one concomitantly recognizes the declining scores on national standardized mathematics exams, it raises the question, “Could the lack of technology-assisted arithmetic manipulation skills have a carryover to understanding higher-level mathematical concepts or is it just a spurious correlation?” Eighty-seven students were tested for their ability to do simple arithmetic and algebra by hand. These scores were then regressed on three important areas of quantitative analysis: recognizing the appropriate tool to use in an analysis, creating a model to carry out the analysis, and interpreting the results of the analysis. The study revealed a significant relationship between the ability to accurately do arithmetic calculations and the ability to recognize the appropriate tool and creating a model. It found no significant relationship between results interpretation and arithmetic skills.
Distribution‐Free Continuous Review Inventory Model with Controllable Lead Time and Setup Cost in the Presence of a Service Level Constraint
Authors: MA Wei-Min , QIU Bing-Bing
Published: September 2012

Based on the mean and the standard deviation of lead time demand, and also taking the difficulty in measuring shortage cost into consideration, we investigate the joint decision problem of continuous review inventory in which a service level constraint should be satisfied. Under the assumption of controllable lead time and setup cost, a mathematical programming model is established. The objective function of the proposed model is the total expected annual cost and the constraint guarantees that the service level requirement can be satisfied at the worst case. Subsequently, an equivalent nonlinear programming model is derived. By constructing Lagrange function, the analysis regarding the solution procedure is conducted, and a solution algorithm is then provided. Moreover, a numerical example is introduced to illustrate the proposed model and solution algorithm. Through sensitivity analysis, some observations and managerial implications are provided.
Experimental Acoustic Evaluation of an Auditorium
Authors: Ţopa Marina Dana , Toma Norbert , Kirei Botond Sandor , Sărăcuţ Ioana , Farina Angelo
Published: September 2012

The paper presents a case history: the acoustical analysis of a rectangular auditorium. The following acoustical parameters were evaluated: early decay time, reverberation time, clarity, definition, and center time. The excitation signal was linear sweep sine and additional analysis was carried out: peak-to-noise ratio, reverberation time for empty and occupied room, standard deviation of acoustical parameters, diffusion, and just noticeable differences analysis. Conclusions about room’s destination and modeling were drawn in the end.
The Role of Semaphorins and Their Receptors in Gliomas
Authors: Law Janice Wai Sze , Lee Alan Yiu Wah
Published: September 2012

Gliomas are the most common tumor in the central nervous system. High-grade glioblastomas are characterized by their high invasiveness and resistance to radiotherapy, leading to high recurrence rate and short median survival despite radical surgical resection. Characterizations of gliomas at molecular level have revealed aberrations of various growth factor receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases, and tumor suppressor genes that lead to deregulation of multiple signaling pathways, thereby contributing to abnormal proliferation, invasion, and resistance to apoptosis in cancer cells. Recently, accumulating evidence points to the emerging role of axon guidance molecules in glioma progression. Notably, many signaling events harnessed by guidance molecules to regulate cell migration and axon navigation during development are also found to be involved in the modulation of deregulated pathways in gliomas. This paper focused on the signalings triggered by the guidance molecule semaphorins and their receptors plexins and neuropilins, and how their crosstalk with oncogenic pathways in gliomas might modulate cancer progression. The emerging role of semaphorins and plexins as tumor suppressors or oncogenes is also discussed.
Physical, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Predictors of Functional Disability and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents with Neurofibromatosis-1
Authors: Garwood Molly M. , Bernacki Jessica M. , Fine Kathi M. , Hainsworth Keri R. , Davies W. Hobart , Klein-Tasman Bonita P.
Published: September 2012

Objective. To examine physical, cognitive, and social-emotional predictors of quality of life (HRQOL) and functional disability (FD) in adolescents diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis-1. Methods. Participants were twenty-seven adolescents with a diagnosis of NF-1 who were recruited through an NF-1 specialty clinic at a large Midwestern children’s hospital. Measurements of the adolescents’ cognitive functioning, pain, FD, HRQOL, and social and emotional functioning were obtained with corresponding parent measures. Results. Emotional functioning significantly predicted youth-reported and parent-reported HRQOL, whereas days of pain significantly predicted youth-reported FD. Conclusions. NF-1 is a complex disease. Measurements of the overall impact of the disease tap into different aspects of the effects of NF-1 on daily life. Global outcomes such as HRQOL appear to be influenced especially by emotional functioning, whereas outcomes such as FD appear to be influenced by the physical/organic aspects of NF-1.
Integration Processes of Delay Differential Equation Based on Modified Laguerre Functions
Authors: Sun Yeguo
Published: September 2012

We propose long‐time convergent numerical integration processes for delay differential equations. We first construct an integration process based on modified Laguerre functions. Then we establish its global convergence in certain weighted Sobolev space. The proposed numerical integration processes can also be used for systems of delay differential equations. We also developed a technique for refinement of modified Laguerre‐Radau interpolations. Lastly, numerical results demonstrate the spectral accuracy of the proposed method and coincide well with analysis.
Heterogeneous Catalysts in Pictet‐Spengler‐Type Reactions
Authors: Quevedo Rodolfo , Perdomo Camilo , Moreno Sonia
Published: September 2012

Several solid catalysts were evaluated as an alternative for 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline synthesis by means of the Pictet‐Spengler reaction. The reaction catalysed by a mixed oxide (Mg and Al) led to the best yield and good regioselectivity; using an Al‐pillared bentonite led to good yields and total regioselectivity. The results revealed no direct relationship between catalyst acidity and yield.
Comparative Corrosion Inhibition Effect of Imidazole Compounds and of Trichodesma indicum (Linn) R. Br. on C38 Steel in 1 M HCl Medium
Authors: Mangai S. Alarmal , Ravi Subban
Published: September 2012

Corrosion inhibition effect of alkaloid extract part of the plant Trichodesma indicum (Linn) R. Br. of Boraginaceae family was studied and compared with that of imidazole compounds (imidazole, benzimidazole) on C38 steel in 1 M HCl solution by weight loss method at various temperatures. The study showed that the alkaloid part of the plant extract acts as a better inhibitor in comparison to the selected organic inhibitors. The maximum inhibition efficiency of the extract of Trichodesma indicum R. Br. was found to be 94.5% at a concentration of 75 mg/L at 30°C.
The Growing Arsenal of ATP-Competitive and Allosteric Inhibitors of BCR–ABL
Authors: Hantschel Oliver , Grebien Florian , Superti-Furga Giulio
Published: September 2012

The BCR–ABL fusion kinase is the driving mutation of chronic myelogenous leukemias and is also expressed in a subset of acute lymphoblastic leukemias. Recent advances in elucidating the structure, regulation, and signaling of BCR–ABL have led to the identification of allosteric sites that are distant from the ATP-binding pocket and are critical for BCR–ABL–dependent oncogenic transformation. Here, we review the available data regarding the molecular mechanism of action and the specificity of ATP-competitive tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting BCR–ABL. In addition, we discuss how targeting of allosteric sites could provide new opportunities to inhibit resistant BCR–ABL mutants, either alone or in combination with conventional ATP-competitive inhibitors. Cancer Res; 72(19); 4890–5. ©2012 AACR.
Cytomegalovirus Infection Leads to Pleomorphic Rhabdomyosarcomas in Trp53+/− Mice
Authors: Price Richard L. , Bingmer Katherine , Harkins Lualhati , Iwenofu O. Hans , Kwon Chang-Hyuk , Cook Charles , Pelloski Christopher , Chiocca E. Antonio
Published: September 2012

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been detected in several human cancers, but it has not proven to be oncogenic. However, recent studies have suggested mechanisms through which cytomegalovirus may modulate the tumor environment, encouraging its study as a positive modifier of tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of cytomegalovirus infection in Trp53 heterozygous mice. Animals were infected with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) after birth at 2 days (P2) or 4 weeks of age and then monitored for tumor formation. Mice injected at 2 days of age developed tumors at a high frequency (43%) by 9 months of age. In contrast, only 3% of mock-infected or mice infected at 4 weeks developed tumors. The majority of tumors from P2 MCMV–infected mice were pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) harboring MCMV DNA, RNA, and protein. An examination of clinical cases revealed that human RMS (embryonal, alveolar, and pleomorphic) harbored human cytomegalovirus IE1 and pp65 protein as well as viral RNA. Taken together, our findings offer support for the hypothesis that cytomegalovirus contributes to the development of pleomorphic RMS in the context of Trp53 mutation, a situation that occurs with high frequency in human RMS. Cancer Res; 72(22); 5669–74. ©2012 AACR.
Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor: Diagnosis by Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology
Authors: Leça Luís B. , Vieira Joana , Teixeira Manuel R. , Monteiro Paula
Published: September 2012

Background: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a distinctive clinicopathologic entity with an aggressive clinical course that typically involves the abdominal and/or pelvic peritoneum of young males. A population of small round blue cells and a fibroesclerotic stroma are the usual morphologic features. This tumor is characterized by a typical polyphenotypic profile with expression of epithelial, mesenchymal and neural markers. Cytogenetically, this tumor presents a unique abnormality – t(11;22)(p13;q12). Case: A 29-year-old male without significant medical history was admitted to our institution with gastrointestinal symptomatology. The physical examination and medical imaging studies revealed an extensive soft tissue mass filling the entire peritoneal cavity/pelvis. A fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the abdominal mass was performed. The FNA smears revealed fragments of collagenous desmoplastic stroma and clusters of loosely cohesive small round cells that showed positivity for epithelial and myogenic markers. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated rearrangement of the genes EWSR1 and WT1, resulting from the t(11;22)(p13;q12). Conclusion: DSRCT is an uncommon neoplasm that shares clinical and cytomorphologic features with other small round cell tumors. Therefore, a primary definitive diagnosis based on cytology specimens may be difficult but plausible and can be aided by a typical clinical presentation and ancillary immunocytochemical/cytogenetic studies.
Long-Term Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor with Subjective and Objective Quantification via Mailed-In Questionnaires
Authors: de Oliveira Tatiana H. , Ginsberg Matthew R. , Cooper Scott , Nowacki Amy , Rezai Ali , Deogaonkar Milind , Machado Andre G.
Published: September 2012

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a standard treatment for patients with disabling essential tremor. The short-term efficacy rate is well established. Objectives: To assess the long-term effects of DBS in our series and evaluate the durability of the effects over time. Methods: Eighty-four patients implanted with unilateral or bilateral DBS for essential tremor were asked to complete three mailed-in questionnaires to assess DBS efficacy objectively and subjectively. Results: Twenty-six patients responded, with a median follow-up of 41 months. Approximately half of the patients had more than 48 months of follow-up. At the time of follow-up, the Tremor Rating Scale was reduced from a mean score of 7 (5–8) to 3 (2–3) with DBS OFF and ON, respectively. Quality of life, measured with a subset of items of the ADL Taxonomy, improved from a mean of 26 (23–33) to 12 (12–14), comparing DBS OFF and ON. No significant differences were seen when comparing efficacy at short- (<12 months), middle- (12–48 months) or long-term (>48 months) follow-ups. Conclusion: DBS has long-term efficacy for tremor control. This is associated with sustained benefits in quality of life. The duration of the follow-up was not associated with any significant difference in efficacy.
Role of p16INK4a Cytology Testing as an Adjunct to Enhance the Diagnostic Specificity and Accuracy in Human Papillomavirus-Positive Women within an Organized Cervical Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Gustinucci Daniela , Passamonti Basilio , Cesarini Elena , Butera Daniela , Palmieri Emiliano Antonio , Bulletti Simonetta , Carlani Angela , Staiano Maria , D’Amico Maria Rosaria , D’Angelo Valentina , Di Dato Eugenio , Martinelli Nadia , Malaspina Morena , Spita Nicoletta , Tintori Beatrice , Fulciniti Franco
Published: September 2012

Objective: We evaluated the performance of cytologic p16INK4a (p16) immunostaining within a cervical cancer screening program for the categories of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LS after triage with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) testing and atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade intraepithelial squamous lesion (ASC-H) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). We also verified whether the routine introduction of p16 staining might enhance the specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN2+) lesions predicted by a cytological screening test. Study Design: Performance of the p16 cytology test was estimated in 578 cytological samples, of which 213 were HR-HPV+ ASC-US, 186 were HR-HPV+ LSIL, 74 were ASC-H, 56 were HSIL-CIN2 and 49 were HSIL-CIN3. All samples had histological follow-up. Results: In the ASC-US category, p16 sensitivity was 91% for CIN2+ and 100% for CIN3, while specificity was 64 and 58%, respectively, negative predictive value (NPV) was 96 and 100%, respectively, and PPV was 39%. In the LSIL category, sensitivity was 77 and 75%, respectively, for CIN2+ and CIN3, while specificity was 64 and 57%, NPV was 93 and 98% and PPV was 30%. Sensitivity for ASC-H and HSIL-CIN3 was 100% for CIN2+ and CIN3, while for HSIL-CIN2 it was 91 and 95%, respectively; NPV for ASC-H was 100%, and for HSIL-CIN2 it was 43 and 86%, respectively. Follow-up examinations of 8 cases diagnosed as p16+ ASC-H and HSIL-CIN3, but histologically negative or CIN1 on the first biopsy, showed 4 CIN2 and 4 CIN3 lesions. Conclusions: Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV confirm the importance of the utilization of p16 in the categories ASC-US and LSIL after triage with an HR-HPV test. In the ASC-H and HSIL-CIN3 lesions, p16 was shown to be an excellent marker for picking up CIN2+ lesions, especially in cases with cytohistological discordance.
Quantitative Proteomic Analyses of Cerebrospinal Fluid Using iTRAQ in a Primate Model of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Patton Stephanie M. , Coe Christopher L. , Lubach Gabriele R. , Connor James R.
Published: September 2012

Iron deficiency affects nearly 2 billion people worldwide, with pregnant women and young children being most severely impacted. Sustained anemia during the first year of life can cause cognitive, attention and motor deficits, which may persist despite iron supplementation. We conducted iTRAQ analyses on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from infant monkeys (Macaca mulatta) to identify differential protein expression associated with early iron deficiency. CSF was collected from 5 iron-sufficient and 8 iron-deficient anemic monkeys at weaning age (6–7 months) and again at 12–14 months. Despite consumption of iron-fortified food after weaning, which restored hematological indices into the normal range, expression of 5 proteins in the CSF remained altered. Most of the proteins identified are involved in neurite outgrowth, migration or synapse formation. The results reveal novel ways in which iron deficiency undermines brain growth and results in aberrant neuronal migration and connections. Taken together with gene expression data from rodent models of iron deficiency, we conclude that significant alterations in neuroconnectivity occur in the iron-deficient brain, which may persist even after resolution of the hematological anemia. The compromised brain infrastructure could account for observations of behavioral deficits in children during and after the period of anemia.
Ocular Anatomy, Ganglion Cell Distribution and Retinal Resolution of a Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)
Authors: Mass Alla M. , Supin Alexander Y. , Abramov Andrey V. , Mukhametov Lev M. , Rozanova Elena I.
Published: September 2012

Retinal topography, cell density and sizes of ganglion cells in the killer whale (Orcinus orca) were analyzed in retinal whole mounts stained with cresyl violet. A distinctive feature of the killer whale’s retina is the large size of ganglion cells and low cell density compared to terrestrial mammals. The ganglion cell diameter ranged from 8 to 100 µm, with the majority of cells within a range of 20–40 µm. The topographic distribution of ganglion cells displayed two spots of high cell density located in the temporal and nasal quadrants, 20 mm from the optic disk. The high-density areas were connected by a horizontal belt-like area passing below the optic disk of the retina. Peak cell densities in these areas were evaluated. Mean peak cell densities were 334 and 288 cells/mm2 in the temporal and nasal high-density areas, respectively. With a posterior nodal distance of 19.5 mm, these high-density data predict a retinal resolution of 9.6′ (3.1 cycles/deg.) and 12.6′ (2.4 cycles/deg.) in the temporal and nasal areas, respectively, in water.
Doppler-Assessed Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity in the Neonate as Estimator of Global Cerebral Blood Volume Flow Measured Using Phase-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Authors: Benders Manon J.N.L. , Hendrikse Jeroen , de Vries Linda , Groenendaal Floris , van Bel Frank
Published: September 2012

Background: We hypothesized that color Doppler-measured cerebral blood flow velocity (CD-CBFV) as measured in the three feeding arteries of the brain can be used as an estimator of global cerebral blood flow. Patients and Methods: CD-CBFV was determined as soon as possible after determination of phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography-measured blood volume flow (PC-MRA BVF) by adding up angle-corrected time-averaged mean flow velocities of both internal carotid arteries and basilar artery. 30 newborns (gestational age ranging from 25 to 42 weeks; actual weight ranging from 1,050 to 5,858 g; postconceptional age ranging from 225 to 369 days) were investigated. Results: Doppler-determined CBFV ranged from 37 to 131 cm/s with a median of 69 cm/s. CD-CBFV showed a positive correlation with actual weight (r = 0.56, p < 0.01) and postconceptional age (r = 0.53, p < 0.01). CD-CBFV correlated positively with PC-MRA-measured BVF (r = 0.51, p < 0.01). Gestational age at birth, mechanical ventilation or gender did not influence this relationship. The limits of agreement, however, are wide, especially at higher CD-CBFV- and PC-MRA-measured BVF. Conclusion: CD-CBFV may be used as a non-invasive trend-monitoring tool to detect gross changes in global cerebral blood flow in the unstable and sick neonate.
From the Transcription of Genes Involved in Ectodermal Dysplasias to the Understanding of Associated Dental Anomalies
Authors: Laugel-Haushalter V. , Langer A. , Marrie J. , Fraulob V. , Schuhbaur B. , Koch-Phillips M. , Dollé P. , Bloch-Zupan A.
Published: September 2012

Orodental anomalies are one aspect of rare diseases and are increasingly identified as diagnostic and predictive traits. To understand the rationale behind gene expression during tooth or other ectodermal derivative development and the disruption of odontogenesis or hair and salivary gland formation in human syndromes we analyzed the expression patterns of a set of genes (Irf6, Nfkbia, Ercc3, Evc2, Map2k1) involved in human ectodermal dysplasias in mouse by in situ hybridization. The expression patterns of Nfkbia, Ercc3 and Evc2 during odontogenesis had never been reported previously. All genes were indeed transcribed in different tissues/organs of ectodermal origin. However, for Nfkbia, Ercc3, Evc2, and Map2k1, signals were also present in the ectomesenchymal components of the tooth germs. These expression patterns were consistent in timing and localization with the known dental anomalies (tooth agenesis, microdontia, conical shape, enamel hypoplasia) encountered in syndromes resulting from mutations in those genes. They could also explain the similar orodental anomalies encountered in some of the corresponding mutant mouse models. Translational approaches in development and medicine are relevant to gain understanding of the molecular events underlying clinical manifestations.
Inverted Duplication and Deletion of 10q25q26 in a Patient without Any Obvious Skeletal Anomalies
Authors: Xiao B. , Ji X. , Xing Y. , Jiang W.-T. , Zhang J.-M. , Tao J.
Published: September 2012

We report on a girl with inverted duplication and deletion of 10q25q26 revealed by array-CGH and FISH analysis. Array-CGH analysis demonstrated a ∼13.1-Mb duplication encompassing 10q25.3q26.2 and a ∼5-Mb deletion at 10q26.2q26.3. No single-copy region was detected between the deleted and duplicated segments. FISH analysis found the arrangement duplicated in an inverted position. FISH analysis using the same probes did not show any abnormality in both parents, which indicates a de novo occurrence. The frequently reported features of distal 10q duplication include developmental delay, blepharophimosis, hypotonia, skeletal anomalies and some facial dysmorphisms. The girl presented with many features of distal 10q duplication with the exception of skeletal anomalies. To our knowledge, this is the fourth patient reported in the literature with inv dup del 10q. 10q duplication seems to account for most of the phenotypes for our patient. Although no obvious skeletal feature was found in our patient at present, follow-up assessment of skeletal development should be planned with the increase of age.
Myosin Cross-Bridge Dynamics in Patients With Hypertension and Concentric Left Ventricular Remodeling
Authors: Donaldson Cameron , Palmer Bradley M. , Zile Michael , Maughan David W. , Ikonomidis John S. , Granzier Henk , Meyer Markus , VanBuren Peter , LeWinter Martin M.
Published: September 2012

Background—

Hypertension (HTN) causes concentric left ventricular remodeling, defined as an increased relative wall thickness or overt left ventricular hypertrophy, and associated diastolic dysfunction. HTN and concentric remodeling are also common precursors to heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction. It is not known whether the myofilament contributes to diastolic dysfunction in patients with concentric remodeling.

Methods and Results—

Intraoperative myocardial biopsies were obtained in 15 male patients undergoing coronary bypass grafting, all with normal left ventricular ejection fraction and wall motion. Eight patients had a history of HTN and concentric remodeling. Seven without HTN or remodeling served as controls. Myocardial strips were dissected and demembranated with detergent. Isometric tension was measured and sinusoidal length perturbation analysis performed at sarcomere length 2.2 μm and pCa 8 to 4.5. Sinusoidal analysis provides estimates of cross-bridge dynamics, including rate constants of attachment and detachment and cross-bridge attachment time. The normalized isometric tension–pCa relation was similar in HTN and controls. However, cross-bridge attachment time was significantly prolonged at submaximal [Ca
2+
] (pCa ≥6.5) in HTN patients. Analysis of protein phosphorylation revealed ≈25% reduction in phosphorylation of troponin I in HTN patients (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Compared with controls, patients with HTN and concentric remodeling display prolonged cross-bridge attachment time at submaximal [Ca
2+
] without a change in the tension–pCa relation. Prolonged cross-bridge attachment time implicates altered cross-bridge dynamics as a cause of slowed relaxation in these patients. This finding was associated with reduced phosphorylation of troponin I, suggesting decreased phosphorylation of protein kinase A/G sites as a mechanism.
Pathological Role of Serum- and Glucocorticoid-Regulated Kinase 1 in Adverse Ventricular Remodeling
Authors: Das Saumya , Aiba Takeshi , Rosenberg Michael , Hessler Katherine , Xiao Chunyang , Quintero Pablo A. , Ottaviano Filomena G. , Knight Ashley C. , Graham Evan L. , Boström Pontus , Morissette Michael R. , del Monte Federica , Begley Michael J. , Cantley Lewis C. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Tomaselli Gordon F. , Rosenzweig Anthony
Published: September 2012

Background—

Heart failure is a growing cause of morbidity and mortality. Cardiac phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling promotes cardiomyocyte survival and function, but it is paradoxically activated in heart failure, suggesting that chronic activation of this pathway may become maladaptive. Here, we investigated the downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase effector, serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase-1 (SGK1), in heart failure and its complications.

Methods and Results—

We found that cardiac SGK1 is activated in human and murine heart failure. We investigated the role of SGK1 in the heart by using cardiac-specific expression of constitutively active or dominant-negative SGK1. Cardiac-specific activation of SGK1 in mice increased mortality, cardiac dysfunction, and ventricular arrhythmias. The proarrhythmic effects of SGK1 were linked to biochemical and functional changes in the cardiac sodium channel and could be reversed by treatment with ranolazine, a blocker of the late sodium current. Conversely, cardiac-specific inhibition of SGK1 protected mice after hemodynamic stress from fibrosis, heart failure, and sodium channel alterations.

Conclusions—

SGK1 appears both necessary and sufficient for key features of adverse ventricular remodeling and may provide a novel therapeutic target in cardiac disease.
Dyadic Power Theory, Touch, and Counseling Psychology
Authors: Dunbar Norah E. , Abra Gordon
Published: September 2012

Smith, Vogel, Madon, and Edwards’ (2011) recent article tested dyadic power theory (DPT) by examining the use of touch as a compliance-gaining tactic in the conflicts of married couples. In this response, we raise a methodological issue about the touch behaviors examined by Smith et al. and also pose a theoretical critique that their test of DPT violates an important scope condition of the theory. They did not examine differences between power-equal and power-unequal dyads, but instead they state that topic selection provides an actor with legitimate authority (and thus greater perceived power) and therefore the actor would touch their partner more to influence the partner. In contrast, DPT predicts that actors will use control attempts such as touch more when they are equal in power than when they are unequal. We believe DPT is relevant to touch in marital conflicts and provide a preliminary statement of that idea.
Narrative, Poststructuralism, and Social Justice
Authors: Combs Gene , Freedman Jill
Published: September 2012

This paper is a review of current practice in narrative therapy with a focus on how it is attractive and useful for therapists who wish to work for social justice. The authors describe narrative therapy’s roots in poststructuralist philosophy and social science. They illustrate its major theoretical constructs, including the narrative metaphor, Foucault’s notion of “modern power,” and narrative therapy’s emphasis on problems as separate from people. The authors then describe specific practices: narrative questions, externalizing conversations, utilizing the “absent but implicit,” the development and “thickening” of preferred stories, the documentation of preferred stories, outsider witness practices, and practices for connecting people around shared purposes. After reviewing research that supports narrative therapy as useful and effective, the authors specifically address the ways narrative therapy deals with issues of social justice, showing how its focus on the discourses of modern power helps therapists be especially attuned to these issues.
The romance of working together: Benefits of gender diversity on group performance in China
Authors: Zhang Yan , Hou LiWen
Published: September 2012

The authors examine cross-cultural differences in the effects of gender diversity on group identification and performance using workgroups from American and Chinese firms. Nationality is found to moderate the relationship between gender diversity and group identification in that gender diversity associates more positively with group identification in Chinese workgroups than in American workgroups. Nationality does not moderate the gender diversity–group performance relationship: although the Chinese sample shows a positive association between gender diversity and group performance, the American sample shows no association. A second longitudinal study explores the mechanisms of relationship conflict and task conflict by which gender diversity benefits group performance in China. Results show that gender-diverse groups perform better than homogeneous groups by decreasing relationship conflict and task conflict. Future research directions and practical implications are discussed.
Crafting a balance between work and home
Authors: Sturges Jane
Published: September 2012

This article reports the findings of a qualitative study that explored the unofficial techniques and activities that individuals use to shape their own work–life balance. It theorizes that this behaviour may be usefully conceptualized as physical, relational and cognitive work–life balance crafting. It identifies the physical, relational and cognitive techniques that young professionals employ to manage their work–life balance and shows that distinct approaches to work–life balance crafting exist, each of which features a specific range of techniques.
Doing Good and Feeling Good Among African Americans
Authors: Grayman-Simpson Nyasha , Mattis Jacqueline S.
Published: September 2012

Previous studies of religion’s role in the connection between helping and well-being among African Americans have examined this relationship from a stress and coping theoretical standpoint, perpetuating a deficit model of positive functioning. In an effort to develop the literature, the authors approached the study of these relationships from a role identity theoretical standpoint, and a fulfillment perspective within a community sample of African American adults ( N = 140). Consistent with tests for mediation, the authors found support for the following: (1) helping positively predicted satisfaction, (2) subjective religiosity positively predicted helping, (3) subjective religiosity positively predicted satisfaction, and (4) the strength of the relationship between subjective religiosity and satisfaction was significantly reduced in the presence of helping. Findings point to a mediation effect for subjective religiosity and to role identity theory as a viable explanation for religion’s role in the relationship between helping and well-being among African Americans.
A Systematic Review of Simulators in Otolaryngology
Authors: Javia Luv , Deutsch Ellen S.
Published: September 2012

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of published articles that describe simulators that could be used in otolaryngology for education, skill acquisition, and/or skill improvement.

Data Sources

Ovid and Embase databases searched July 14, 2011.

Review Methods

Three hundred fifty‐three abstracts were independently reviewed by both authors, then 154 eligible articles were reviewed by both authors, and 95 articles were categorized by organ system (eg, otologic); type of simulator (eg, physical, virtual); whether the simulator was a prototype, could be purchased, or was constructed; validation; and level of learning assessment. Discrepancies were resolved by re‐review and discussion.

Results

In addition to 11 overview articles, 28 articles described 16 otology simulators, most of which are virtual and prototypes. Ninteen articles described 10 sinus/rhinology simulators; most are virtual surgery simulators and prototypes. Eight articles described 8 oral cavity simulators, and 8 articles described neck simulators. Seventeen articles described 13 bronchoscopy simulators; several are full‐body high‐technology manikins adapted from other purposes. Five articles described eclectic simulators, including some for learning nontechnical and teamwork skills. Half of the simulators have been validated. Learning levels were often not assessed or assessment was limited to the learners’ perceptions.

Conclusion

A wide variety of simulators are available or under development. Lack of unified validation concepts and limited descriptions restricted our ability to assess model characteristics, availability, and validation. Simulators are emerging as powerful tools to facilitate learning; this review may provide a platform for discussion and refinement of the information reported and analyzed in evaluating simulators.
Safety of training and assessment in operating theatres – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ahmed K , Ashrafian H , Harling L , Patel VM , Rao C , Darzi A , Hanna GB , Punjabi P , Athanasiou T
Published: September 2012

Objective:

Procedural outcomes can be used to assess the performance of specialists and trainees. This article establishes a systematic evidence base for the safety of training in the operating theatre. It also explores the possibility of using early, intermediate and late procedural outcomes of cardiac surgical operations to evaluate the performance of the clinicians and the healthcare system.

Methods:

Medline, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases were searched. Comparative studies evaluating quality indicators of cardiac surgical procedures (coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve surgery) were included. Guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used.

Results:

Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. For CABG, meta-analysis of outcomes did not show any significant differences between the technical and non-technical skills of trainees versus specialists apart from bypass time (less for specialists) and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (less for trainees). Studies reporting outcomes on valve surgery also did not report any statistically significant differences amongst the outcomes.

Conclusion:

This systematic review did not discern any significant differences between the procedural outcomes of trainees and specialists, which indicates that trainees are safe to operate under senior supervision. In addition, this article recommends that various procedural outcomes can be used to evaluate the performance of clinicians and healthcare systems. Prospective studies need to be performed, taking into account the specific contribution of trainees and specialists during the procedure. This will give a clearer indication of safety and performance of trainees and specialists in the operating theatre.
How important is resilience among family members supporting relatives with traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury?
Authors: Simpson Grahame , Jones Kate
Published: September 2012

Objective:

To investigate the relationship between resilience and affective state, caregiver burden and caregiving strategies among family members of people with traumatic brain or spinal cord injury.

Design:

An observational prospective cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Inpatient and community rehabilitation services.

Subjects:

Convenience sample of 61 family respondents aged 18 years or older at the time of the study and supporting a relative with severe traumatic brain injury ( n = 30) or spinal cord injury ( n= 31).

Main measures:

Resilience Scale, Positive And Negative Affect Schedule, Caregiver Burden Scale, Functional Independence Measure, Carer’s Assessment of Managing Index.

Results:

Correlational analyses found a significant positive association between family resilience scores and positive affect ( rs = 0.67), and a significant negative association with negative affect ( rs = −0.47) and caregiver burden scores ( rs = −0.47). No association was found between family resilience scores and their relative’s severity of functional impairment. Family members with high resilience scores rated four carer strategies as significantly more helpful than family members with low resilience scores. Between-groups analyses (families supporting relative with traumatic brain injury vs. spinal cord injury) found no significant differences in ratings of the perceived helpfulness of carer strategies once Bonferroni correction for multiple tests was applied.

Conclusions:

Self-rated resilience correlated positively with positive affect, and negatively with negative affect and caregiver burden. These results are consistent with resilience theories which propose that people with high resilience are more likely to display positive adaptation when faced by significant adversity.
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Using Modified Mason-Allen Medial Row Stitch
Authors: Rhee Yong Girl , Cho Nam Su , Parke Chong Suck
Published: September 2012

Background:

When using a method of suture bridge technique, there may be a possibility of strangulation of the rotator cuff tendon at the medial row. The style of knots chosen to secure the medial row might conceivably be a factor to reduce this possibility.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical results and repair integrity of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between a knotless and a conventional knot-tying suture bridge technique for patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears and to evaluate retear patterns in the cases with structural failure after arthroscopic repair by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

After arthroscopic repair for medium-sized rotator cuff tears, 110 patients available for postoperative MRI evaluation at least 6 months were enrolled in this study. According to the repair technique, 51 shoulders were enrolled in a knotless suture bridge technique group (group A) and 59 shoulders in a conventional knot-tying suture bridge technique group (group B). The mean age at the time of the operation was 61.0 years (range, 44-68 years) in group A and 57.6 years (range, 45-70 years) in group B. The mean follow-up period was 21.2 months (range, 12-34 months) and 22.1 months (range, 13-32 months), respectively.

Results:

The Constant score of group A increased from the preoperative mean of 65.2 points to 79.1 points at the last follow-up ( P < .001). The corresponding figures for group B improved from 66.6 points to 76.3 points ( P < .001). The preoperative Shoulder Rating Scale of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score was 21.1 points in group A and 18.3 points in group B. The UCLA score at the last follow-up was 31.0 points in group A and 27.9 points in group B ( P < .001, P < .001). Retear rate was significantly lower in group A (5.9%) than group B (18.6%) ( P < .001). In group B, retear occurred at the musculotendinous junction in 72.7%, but group A had no medial cuff failure.

Conclusion:

In arthroscopic suture bridge repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, clinical results of both a knotless and a conventional knot-tying group showed improvement without significant difference between the 2 groups. However, the knotless group had a significantly lower retear rate compared with the conventional knot-tying group. A knotless suture bridge technique could be a new supplementary repair technique to conventional technique.
Return to Play and Future ACL Injury Risk After ACL Reconstruction in Soccer Athletes From the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Group
Authors: Brophy Robert H. , Schmitz Leah , Wright Rick W. , Dunn Warren R. , Parker Richard D. , Andrish Jack T. , McCarty Eric C. , Spindler Kurt P.
Published: September 2012

Background:

There is limited information on outcomes and return to play (RTP) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in soccer athletes.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to (1) test the hypotheses that player sex, side of injury, and graft choice do not influence RTP and (2) define the risk for future ACL injury in soccer players after ACLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Soccer players in a prospective cohort were contacted to determine RTP after ACLR. Information regarding if and when they returned to play, their current playing status, the primary reason they stopped playing soccer (if relevant), and incidence of subsequent ACL surgery was recorded.

Results:

Initially, 72% of 100 soccer athletes (55 male, 45 female) with a mean age of 24.2 years at the time of ACLR returned to soccer. At average follow-up of 7.0 years, 36% were still playing, a significant decrease compared with initial RTP ( P < .0001). Based on multivariate analysis, older athletes ( P = .006) and females ( P = .037) were less likely to return to play. Twelve soccer athletes had undergone further ACL surgery, including 9 on the contralateral knee and 3 on the ipsilateral knee. In a univariate analysis, females were more likely to have future ACL surgery (20% vs 5.5%, P = .03). Soccer athletes who underwent ACLR on their nondominant limb had a higher future rate of contralateral ACLR (16%) than soccer athletes who underwent ACLR on their dominant limb (3.5%) ( P = .03).

Conclusion:

Younger and male soccer players are more likely to return to play after ACL reconstruction. Return to soccer after ACLR declines over time. ACLR on the nondominant limb potentially places the dominant limb at risk for future ACL injury.
Competing Paradigms of Competition
Authors: Bahçe Serdal , Eres Benan
Published: September 2012

This study aims at the empirical investigation of the different conceptualizations of competition with the data available for Turkish manufacturing from 1980 to 2001. The analysis specifically takes into account the classical/Marxian view of competition, which rigorously recognizes the dynamic and turbulent nature of capitalist competition and is based on the concept of “regulating capital.” Time series analysis is conducted in order to test for the persistence of profit rate differentials among 3-digit classification of the manufacturing industries. The analysis, by differentiating between the intra- and inter-industry competition, addresses the classical/Marxian emphasis on the inter-industry trends of equalization. For this purpose, industry-based data instead of firm-based data are used. Lastly, the incremental rate of profit as the return to regulating capital is taken as the basis for establishing what is actually equalized in the course of competitive process. The analysis is conducted both for the average and incremental rates of return for a comparative view. The results show that while the average rate of profit shows significant persistence in most of the industries, the incremental rate does not. These results are in accordance with the classical/Marxian long-run center of gravity dynamics.

JEL Classifications: B12, B51, D41, D49, L10, L60