bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 Is Amplified and Overexpressed in Pancreatic Cancer and Activated by Mutant K-Ras
Authors: Eggers John P. , Grandgenett Paul M. , Collisson Eric C. , Lewallen Michelle E. , Tremayne Jarrod , Singh Pankaj K. , Swanson Benjamin J. , Andersen Judy M. , Caffrey Thomas C. , High Robin R. , Ouellette Michel , Hollingsworth Michael A.
Published: August 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the nature of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) hyperactivity in pancreatic cancer progression.

Experimental Design: We used genetic, biochemical, and molecular biology methods to investigate the nature and function of overexpression of CDK5 and its activators p35 and p39 during the progression of pancreatic cancer.

Results: Amplification of the CDK5 gene or either of its main activators, p35 and p39, was observed in 67% of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). CDK5, p35, and p39 were rarely expressed in pancreatic ducts whereas more than 90% of PDACs had increased levels of CDK5 and p35. Increased levels of CDK5, p35, and p39 protein were observed in several pancreatic cancer cell lines. Inhibition of CDK5 kinase activity using a CDK5 dominant-negative mutant or the drug roscovitine significantly decreased the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. Increased CDK5 kinase activity was also observed in immortalized human pancreatic nestin-expressing (HPNE) cells expressing a mutant form of K-Ras (G12D) compared with HPNE cells expressing native K-Ras. G12D K-Ras increased cleavage of p35 to p25, a stable and greater activator of CDK5, thus implicating a role for CDK5 in early progression of PDAC. Inhibition of the signaling cascade downstream of mutant K-Ras (G12D) that involves mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal–regulated kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, or CDK5 decreased p25 protein levels.

Conclusion: These results suggest that mutant K-Ras acts in concert with CDK5 and its activators to increase malignant progression, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Clin Cancer Res; 17(19); 6140–50. ©2011 AACR.
Autophagy Activation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Contributes to the Tolerance of Oxaliplatin via Reactive Oxygen Species Modulation
Authors: Ding Zhen-Bin , Hui Bo , Shi Ying-Hong , Zhou Jian , Peng Yuan-Fei , Gu Cheng-Yu , Yang Hua , Shi Guo-Ming , Ke Ai-Wu , Wang Xiao-Ying , Song Kang , Dai Zhi , Shen Ying-Hao , Fan Jia
Published: August 2011

Purpose: Understanding the roles of mammalian autophagy in cancer highlights recent advances in the pharmacologic manipulation of autophagic pathways as a therapeutic strategy for cancer. However, autophagy status and corresponding functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after therapeutic stress remain to be clarified. This study was to determine whether the autophagic machinery could be activated after chemotherapy and the contribution of autophagy to tolerance of oxaliplatin in HCC.

Experimental Design: Autophagy activation and cell death induced by oxaliplatin were examined in two HCC cell lines as well as in vivo using an HCC model in nude mice. HCC tissue samples with or without locoregional chemotherapy before surgery were also examined by immunohistochemical and electron microscopic analysis.

Results: Autophagy was functionally activated in HCC cell lines and xenografts after oxaliplatin treatment. Suppression of autophagy using either pharmacologic inhibitors or RNA interference of essential autophagy gene enhanced cell death induced by oxaliplatin in HCC cells. Generation of reactive oxygen species has an important role in the induction of cell death by oxaliplatin in combination with autophagy inhibitors. Critically, the combination of oxaliplatin with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine resulted in a more pronounced tumor suppression in HCC xenografts. Furthermore, autophagy-specific protein LC3 and autophagic autophagosome formation were induced to a significantly higher level in HCC specimens that had been subjected to locoregional chemotherapy.

Conclusions: Autophagy activation under therapy stress contributes to HCC tumor cell survival. Targeting the autophagy pathway is a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance the effects of chemotherapy and improve clinical outcomes in HCC patients. Clin Cancer Res; 17(19); 6229–38. ©2011 AACR.
Doppler Sonography of Maternal Cerebral Arteries in Pregnancy: Side-to-Side Differences
Authors: Campos da Silva Fernanda , Moreira de Sá Renato Augusto , Velarde Luis Guillermo Coca , Suarez Bruno , Ville Yves
Published: August 2011

Background/Aims: To study side-to-side differences in blood flow of the common and internal carotid arteries, and the vertebral arteries (VAs) in women with uncomplicated pregnancies as a first step to build a reference values chart. Methods: A total of 155 healthy pregnant women between 20 and 40 weeks’ gestation were included. Doppler sonography of the common and internal carotid arteries and VAs was performed on both sides. Parameters measured included diameter, peak systolic velocity, systolic-diastolic ratio, end-diastolic velocity, pulsatility index and resistance index. Statistical analysis was performed using the S-Plus 8.0 program. Normality was determined using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Differences between sides were tested using Student’s paired t test, association using linear correlation, and agreement using the Bland-Altman method. Results: Mean values were equal between sides for all parameters with the exception of the end-diastolic velocity in the VAs. The association and agreement between the measurements taken from the right and left sides were poor. Bland-Altman plots also indicated low agreement between sides. All parameters showed significant right-to-left differences. Conclusion: Despite the equality between means, right and left flows through the vessels studied differed as there was poor association and agreement.
Placental Volume at 11–13 Weeks’ Gestation in the Prediction of Birth Weight Percentile
Authors: Plasencia Walter , Akolekar Ranjit , Dagklis Themistoklis , Veduta Alina , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: August 2011

Objective: To determine the value of placental volume measured by 3D ultrasound at 11–13 weeks’ gestation in combination with maternal characteristics and serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) in the prediction of small and large for gestational age (SGA and LGA) neonates. Methods: Maternal serum PAPP-A and placental volume were measured at 11–13 weeks in 3,104 singleton pregnancies. Regression analysis was used to examine the contribution of maternal characteristics, placental volume and PAPP-A in the prediction of SGA and LGA neonates. Results: There was a significant association between placental volume and PAPP-A (r = 0.268, p < 0.0001). Median placental volume and PAPP-A, expressed as multiples of the median (MoM) in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates, were reduced in the SGA group (placental volume 0.88 MoM, vs. 1.00 MoM in AGA, p < 0.0001; PAPP-A 0.92 MoM vs. 1.00 MoM in AGA, p = 0.019) and increased in the LGA group (placental volume 1.09 MoM vs. 1.00 MoM in AGA, p < 0.0001; PAPP-A 1.15 MoM vs. 1.00 MoM in AGA, p = 0.015). Maternal characteristics with either placental volume or PAPP-A detected about 30% of the SGA or LGA neonates, at a false positive rate of 10%. Conclusion: Measurement of placental volume and serum PAPP-A can improve the prediction of SGA or LGA neonates provided by maternal characteristics alone.
The Association between Adult Asthma and Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Gene Activity
Authors: Yang Li-Ling , Huang Ming-Shyan , Huang Chi-Chih , Wang Tung-Heng , Lin Meng-Chih , Wu Chao-Chien , Wang Chin-Chou , Lu Shao-Hua , Yuan Tsu-Yu , Liao Yen-Hsiung , Ko Ying-Chin , Wang Tsu-Nai
Published: August 2011

Background: Adult asthma is caused by interaction effects of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Some studies have suggested that antioxidant enzyme activity and gene polymorphisms may play important roles in the context of asthma. Therefore, our study objectives were to investigate the association between asthma, antioxidant activities and the polymorphisms of manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) or catalase (CAT). Materials and Methods: A case-control study, for which we recruited 250 asthmatic adults and 250 age- and sex-matched controls. All subjects completed a questionnaire. Waist and hip circumference measurements, a lung function test and DNA genotyping were performed. In total, 50 incident cases and 50 matched controls who were non-smokers or had quit smoking for at least 1 year were selected in order to investigate SOD and CAT activity levels. Results: In our study, we did not find a significant association between Mn-SOD Ala16Val, CAT C–262T and asthma. The level of SOD activity in new-onset asthma patients was significantly lower than in control subjects (p < 0.0005). The level of CAT activity in new-onset asthma patients was significantly higher than in control subjects (p < 0.0005). Conclusions: The levels of SOD and CAT activity were significantly related to adult asthma. SOD and CAT activity may be good tools to differentiate potential asthma sufferers. This would enable us to further investigate the mechanism of defective antioxidant enzymes in the context of asthma pathogenesis.
Arg16Gly β2-Adrenergic Receptor Gene Polymorphism in Japanese Patients with Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease
Authors: Kohyama Kenya , Abe Shyuzo , Kodaira Kazumi , Yukawa Tatsuo , Hozawa Soichiro , Morioka Junichiro , Inamura Hiroaki , Ota Mayumi , Sagara Hironori , Schwartz Lawrence B. , Kurosawa Motohiro
Published: August 2011

Background: There has been no report that investigated β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene polymorphism in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Methods: DNA in the specimens in three groups of study subjects classified patients with AERD, patients with aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA) and normal controls was extracted, and the target DNA sequence of the ADRB2 was amplified using a set of primers to generate an amplicon of 219 bp in length. Allelic discrimination assay for single nucleotide polymorphisms relating to the ADRB2 gene expression was carried out by using a previously described single nucleotide polymorphism detective system, sequence-specific thermal-elution chromatography. Results: The frequency of the Gly variant allele in patients with AERD was significantly lower than that in patients with ATA (p = 0.007), and the odds ratio (OR) of AERD to ATA associated with wild-type ArgArg homozygote was 3.300. Frequencies of wild-type ArgArg homozygote are significantly higher than those of variant-type ArgGly/GlyGly genotype in patients with AERD compared with those with ATA (p < 0.001, OR = 3.153). In patients with AERD, frequencies of wild-type ArgArg homozygote in both female and male patients are significantly higher than those of variant-type ArgGly/GlyGly genotype in male patients compared with those with ATA (p < 0.001, OR = 5.128 and p = 0.007, OR = 4.367, respectively). Also, in patients with AERD, frequencies of wild-type ArgArg homozygote in female patients are significantly higher than those of variant-type ArgGly/GlyGly genotype in female patients compared with those with ATA (p = 0.002, OR = 2.825). Conclusions: We were the first to analyze Arg16Gly ADRB2 gene polymorphism in Japanese patients with AERD, and showed that Arg16Gly ADRB2 gene polymorphism in Japanese patients with AERD is different from that in the patients with ATA.
Prenatally Evolving Ectopia Cordis with Successful Surgical Treatment
Authors: Sadłecki Paweł , Krekora Michał , Krasomski Grzegorz , Walentowicz-Sadłecka Małgorzata , Grabiec Marek , Moll Jacek , Respondek-Liberska Maria
Published: August 2011

Ectopia cordis (EC) is a rare malformation due to failure of maturation of the midline mesodermal components of the chest and abdomen. It can be defined as a complete or partial displacement of the heart outside the thoracic cavity. It comprises 0.1% of congenital heart diseases. Common cardiac anomalies associated with EC are ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, and tetralogy of Fallot. EC and additional anomalies usually lead to intrauterine death. The possibility and efficacy of surgery in a surviving neonate depends on the degree of EC, coexisting congenital heart defects and extracardiac malformations. We present a case of prenatally diagnosed isolated EC diagnosed in the first half of pregnancy. After counseling, the patient decided to continue her pregnancy which ended with a newborn baby discharged from the hospital after cardiac surgery performed just after elective cesarean section.
Molecular Targeted Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Bench to Bedside
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi
Published: August 2011

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, approximately 670,000 new cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in 2005, making it the fifth most common cancer and third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. HCC is a complex and heterogeneous tumor with several genomic alterations. There is evidence of aberrant activation of several signaling cascades such as EGFR, Ras/Raf/MEK, PI3K/mTOR, HGF/MET, Wnt, Hedgehog and apoptotic signaling pathway. Recently a multikinase inhibitor, sorafenib, has shown survival benefits in patients with advanced HCC. It has been proposed that signaling pathway disruption in cancer can be grouped in six function capabilities, some of which need to be altered for cancer development: self-sufficiency in growth signals, insensitivity to anti-growth signals, evading apoptosis, limitless replicative potential, sustained angiogenesis and tumor invasion and metastases. The aim is to integrate these concepts into the molecular pathogenesis of HCC. It has also been proposed that there are common disturbances universal to all liver cancers on top of the more specific mechanisms. Based on this basic research, a molecular targeted agent has recently been developed. There have been no effective chemotherapeutic agents for advanced HCC. Sorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, has set a milestone in the management of HCC in that it is the first agent to significantly improve the overall survival in patients with advanced HCC in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study. Clinical trials testing new agents for first- and second-line agents, as well as in combination with existing treatment options such as transarterial chemoembolization or arterial infusion chemotherapy, are ongoing. The results of these trials are therefore eagerly awaited.
Pseudo-Meigs’ Syndrome Caused by a Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: A New Clinical Condition
Authors: Marci Roberto , Giugliano Emilio , Carboni Simona , Martinello Ruby , Patella Alfredo
Published: August 2011

Introduction: Pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome is a rare condition characterized by female genital cancer, ascites, hydrothorax and tumors other than benign ovarian tumors. Case report: A 30-year-old woman arrived at our clinic with pelvic pain and dyspnea. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy for a large pelvic mass complicated by ascites and hydrothorax. Cytological examination of the effusions was negative for malignant cells. Histological analysis of the tumor mass revealed a uterine epithelioid leiomyosarcoma. After surgery, we observed resolution of the effusions. Conclusion: Uterine leiomyosarcoma and pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome are two rare entities. To our knowledge, there are no similar reports in the literature, and therefore we present this new clinical condition due to its high scientific evidence.
Renal Anemia of Inflammation: The Name Is Self-Explanatory
Authors: Yilmaz Mahmut Ilker , Solak Yalcin , Covic Adrian , Goldsmith David , Kanbay Mehmet
Published: August 2011

Background: Anemia is inevitable as chronic kidney disease (CKD) advances. With the advent of erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs), considerable improvement has been achieved in the management of anemia. However, some patients show a reduced response to ESAs. Methods: Many factors affect the response to ESA treatment. CKD is now considered as an inflammatory disorder and this understanding led to the recognition of the central role of inflammation in ESA resistance. Inflammation is related to untoward outcomes, including atherosclerosis and anemia, in the CKD population. Furthermore, recognition of deleterious effects of proinflammatory markers at different levels of erythropoiesis led to a change in the name of ‘anemia of chronic disease’ to anemia of inflammation. Results: The discovery of hepcidin as the major controller of iron metabolism in anemia of inflammation answered many questions regarding the interaction of erythropoietin, iron and bone marrow. Hepcidin production in the liver is driven by three major factors: inflammation, iron overload and anemia/hypoxia. Hepcidin levels are increased in patients with CKD due to the interaction of many factors; a comprehensive understanding of these pathways is thus critical in the effort to alleviate anemia of inflammation and ESA resistance. Conclusion: In this review, we discussed the epidemiology, determinants and consequences of anemia of inflammation in CKD patients with special emphasis on the central role of hepcidin along with molecular pathways driving its production.
Auxological Evaluation in Patients with a 22q11.2 Microdeletion Syndrome: Normal Prevalence of Obesity and Neonatal Length and Gender Influence on Body Mass Index Evolution
Authors: Reynaud R. , Derain-Court J. , Braunstein D. , Veyrat M. , Gaudart J. , Giuliano F. , Philip N.
Published: August 2011

Aims: To evaluate auxological parameters in children and adults with a 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11.2 DS) and to compare prevalence of obesity to that in the French general population. Methods: 102 patients with 22q11.2 DS (49 males, 53 females) were recruited from birth to adulthood through a reference center in southern France. Results: Mean BMI Z score and mean height were normal (0.07 ± 1.49 SD, –0.87 ± 1.36 SDS, respectively). 16.1% of patients were overweight (including obese), 57% out of them being born small for gestational age for length versus 25% of non-overweight patients. During infancy, BMI increased in girls (+0.89 SD Z score). Childhood: 14.7% were overweight, prevalence similar to that of the in French children population. Adulthood: 19.2% were overweight. BMI Z scores were inversely correlated with neonatal length (p = 0.026) and female sex (p = 0.032) but positively associated with neonatal weight (p = 0.036). From analysis of neonatal data, 22q11.2 DS newborns were significantly shorter with regard to their weight (p < 0.01), even though mean neonatal measures were above –2 SDS. Conclusions: Our study did not find a higher prevalence of overweight in 22q11.2 DS to that in the French population. The BMI Z score was inversely correlated with neonatal length and female gender but positively associated with neonatal weight.
Low-Dose Heparin Retention in Temporary Hemodialysis Double-Lumen Catheter Does Not Increase Catheter Occlusion and Might Reduce Risk of Bleeding
Authors: Hu Hao-Huan , Hsu Chih-Yang , Fang Hua-Chang , Lee Po-Tsang , Chen Chien-Liang , Chang Tsu-Yuan , Huang Wei-Chieh , Chung Hsiao-Min , Chou Kang-Ju
Published: August 2011

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of heparin concentration retained in temporary double-lumen catheters on bleeding risk. Methods: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was measured in patients hemodialyzed via double-lumen catheters. Heparin solutions of 5,000 U/ml (group 1, n = 95) and 1,000 U/ml (group 2, n = 89) were randomly retained in catheters after placement and each hemodialysis (HD) session. Blood transfusion, bleeding episodes, and changes of hematocrit were recorded. Results: The aPTT at the beginning of HD or 10 min after heparin lock was significantly prolonged, which was more prominent in the 5,000 U/ml group, whereas the aPTT declined to baseline values at the end of HD or before the next dialysis session in both groups. Infection and occlusion rates were similar in both groups. More patients suffered from major bleeding and prominent decline of hematocrit in the 5,000 U/ml group. Conclusions: Low-dose heparin (1,000 U/ml) retention in double-lumen catheters for temporary HD maintains comparable catheter patency and might reduce the bleeding risk.
Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid Induces the Expression of Interferon-Stimulated Gene 20 in Mesangial Cells
Authors: Imaizumi Tadaatsu , Tanaka Hiroshi , Mechti Nadir , Matsumiya Tomoh , Yoshida Hidemi , Sato Fuyuki , Aizawa-Yashiro Tomomi , Tsuruga Kazushi , Hayakari Ryo , Satoh Kei
Published: August 2011

Background/Aims: Interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene 20 (ISG20) is a 3′-to-5′ exonuclease specific for single-stranded RNA and involved in host defense reactions against RNA viruses. The expression and the role of ISG20 in mesangial cells have not been reported. Methods: Normal human mesangial cells were cultured and treated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)), an authentic double-stranded RNA which mimics viral infection to cells. The effect of RNA interference of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) or IFN-β on the ISG20 expression was examined. The effect of a blocking antibody against the receptor for IFN-β or anti-inflammatory steroid dexamethasone was also examined. Results: Treatment of cells with poly (I:C) induced the expression of ISG20. The poly (I:C)-induced expression of ISG20 was inhibited by knockdown of TLR3, IFN regulatery factor 3 (IRF3) or IFN-β. Blocking of the receptor for IFN-β suppressed and overexpression of IFN-β enhanced ISG20 expression. The poly (I:C)-induced expressions of IFN-β and ISG20 were inhibited by dexamethasone. Transfection of mesangial cells with poly (I:C) or 5′-triphosphate single-stranded RNA as a complex with cationic lipid also induced the expression of ISG20, and this was inhibited by knockdown of retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I). Conclusion: Poly (I:C) induces the expression of ISG20 in mesangial cells. ISG20 may be involved in anti-viral reactions in renal mesangial cells. TLR3, IRF3 and de novo synthesized IFN-β may mediate the poly (I:C)-induced expression of ISG20, and RIG-I may mediate ISG20 expression induced by poly (I:C)/cationic lipid complex.
Subtypes of Dementia: A Study from a Memory Clinic in India
Authors: Alladi Suvarna , Mekala Shailaja , Chadalawada Santhoshi Kumari , Jala Sireesha , Mridula Rukmini , Kaul Subhash
Published: August 2011

Background: The clinical syndrome of dementia consists of several subtypes that are distinct in their etiology, clinical profile, management, and outcome. Limited specialized services are available for dementia patients in India. We report the profile of dementia subtypes from a clinic-based dementia registry in India. Methods: Consecutive dementia patients were investigated with clinical evaluation, neuropsychological tests modified for local use, and brain imaging. Results: In 347 consecutive dementia patients, Alzheimer’s disease was the most common subtype of dementia (38.3%), followed by a high proportion of vascular dementia (25.4%). Frontotemporal dementia syndromes were not uncommon (18.7%). Dementia with Lewy bodies was encountered in 8.9% of the patients, and mixed dementia was found in 8.6%. The mean age of the group at presentation was 66.3 years, nearly a decade younger than in developed countries. The proportion of patients with early-onset dementia was high (49.9%). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the clinical profiles of dementia subtypes in a clinic population are influenced by the population’s demographic profile, cardiovascular risk factor burden, sociocultural attitudes about cognitive impairment, and possibly genetic factors.
Striking In Vivo Phenotype of a Disease-Associated Human
SCN5A
Mutation Producing Minimal Changes in Vitro
Authors: Watanabe Hiroshi , Yang Tao , Stroud Dina Myers , Lowe John S. , Harris Louise , Atack Thomas C. , Wang Dao W. , Hipkens Susan B. , Leake Brenda , Hall Lynn , Kupershmidt Sabina , Chopra Nagesh , Magnuson Mark A. , Tanabe Naohito , Knollmann Björn C. , George Alfred L. , Roden Dan M.
Published: August 2011

Background—

The D1275N
SCN5A
mutation has been associated with a range of unusual phenotypes, including conduction disease and dilated cardiomyopathy, as well as atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. However, when D1275N is studied in heterologous expression systems, most studies show near-normal sodium channel function. Thus, the relationship of the variant to the clinical phenotypes remains uncertain.

Methods and Results—

We identified D1275N in a patient with atrial flutter, atrial standstill, conduction disease, and sinus node dysfunction. There was no major difference in biophysical properties between wild-type and D1275N channels expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells or tsA201 cells in the absence or presence of β1 subunits. To determine D1275N function in vivo, the
Scn5a
locus was modified to knock out the mouse gene, and the full-length wild-type (H) or D1275N (DN) human
SCN5A
cDNAs were then inserted at the modified locus by recombinase mediated cassette exchange. Mice carrying the DN allele displayed slow conduction, heart block, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and a dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype, with no significant fibrosis or myocyte disarray on histological examination. The DN allele conferred gene-dose–dependent increases in
SCN5A
mRNA abundance but reduced sodium channel protein abundance and peak sodium current amplitudes (H/H, 41.0±2.9 pA/pF at −30 mV; DN/H, 19.2±3.1 pA/pF,
P
<0.001 vs H/H; DN/DN, 9.3±1.1 pA/pF,
P
<0.001 versus H/H).

Conclusions—

Although D1275N produces near-normal currents in multiple heterologous expression experiments, our data establish this variant as a pathological mutation that generates conduction slowing, arrhythmias, and a dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype by reducing cardiac sodium current.
Participation in a Clinical Trial Enhances Adherence and Persistence to Treatment
Authors: van Onzenoort Hein A.W. , Menger Frederique E. , Neef Cees , Verberk Willem J. , Kroon Abraham A. , de Leeuw Peter W. , van der Kuy Paul-Hugo M.
Published: August 2011

Poor adherence to treatment is one of the major determinants of an uncontrolled blood pressure. Participation in a clinical trial may increase patient's adherence to treatment. This prompted us to investigate adherence and persistence profiles in patients with hypertension who had participated in a clinical trial, by collecting pharmacy refill data before, during, and after participation in the trial. Pharmacy refill data of 182 patients with hypertension who participated in the Home Versus Office Blood Pressure Measurements: Reduction of Unnecessary Treatment Study between 2001 and 2005 were obtained from 1999 until 2010. Refill adherence to treatment was compared for the periods before, during, and after this trial. Persistence to medication was investigated for the period after termination of the trial. Refill data were available for 22 600 prescriptions. Participation into the trial significantly increased refill adherence, from 90.6% to 95.6% (
P
<0.001). After the trial period, refill adherence decreased again to 91.8% (
P
<0.001), which did not differ from the adherence before the start of the trial (
P
=0.45). Except for adherence to trial medication, adherence to nontrial-related drugs also increased as a consequence of trial participation, from 77.6% to 89.6% (
P
<0.001). After termination of the trial, median persistence was 1424 days. Participants classified as adherent (adherence: >90%) were less likely to discontinue treatment compared with nonadherent participants (odds ratio: 0.66 [95% CI: 0.45 to 0.98]). Participation in a clinical trial significantly increases adherence to both trial-related and nontrial-related treatment, suggesting that participants in a trial are more involved with their conditions and treatments.
Phylogeny and reclassification of Laelius (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) and description of four new species
Authors: Azevedo Celso , Barbosa Diego
Published: August 2011

As currently recognised, Laelius Ashmead contains 47 known species worldwide and is found on all continents except Australia (until this study). In this paper, we examined the taxonomic limits of this genus and tested whether species of the genera Laelius and Prolaelius Kieffer constitute a monophyletic group. We also tested whether the junior synonyms Allepyris Kieffer and Paralaelius Kieffer are supported by cladistic analyses. Our initial analysis indicated that these genera form a single clade. Cladistic analyses were based on 108 female structural characters. The data set was analyzed under equal-weights parsimony and implied weighting. In both analyses, Laelius was retrieved as a polyphyletic group because Prolaelius Kieffer was always nested within Laelius and Allepyris berlandi Benoit always remained in the outgroup and was retrieved as the sister group of Disepyris sp. Based on our analyses, we propose nine nomenclatural acts and recognise 52 valid species of Laelius. The following four new species are described: Laelius haplos sp.n. and L. quadrangulus sp.n. from Australia and L. ogmos sp.n. and L. titanokkos sp.n. from ailand. The following new generic synonym is proposed: Prolaelius Kieffer syn.n. of Laelius Ashmead. The following three new combinations are proposed: Disepyris berlandi (Benoit) comb.n. from Laelius, Laelius firmipennis (Cameron) comb.n. and Laelius glossinae (Turner & Waterston) comb.n. from Prolaelius. Additionally, a lectotype is designated for Laelius fulvipes Kieffer.
Mesoscale Surface Analysis System for the Australian Domain: Design Issues, Development Status, and System Validation
Authors: Glowacki Tomasz J. , Xiao Yi , Steinle Peter
Published: August 2011

An operational surface analysis system for the continent of Australia is presented. The system is specifically designed to mitigate problems that arise when analyzing surface data with a highly inhomogeneous distribution. Hourly analyses of atmospheric pressure at mean sea level, potential temperature, 2-m dewpoint temperature, and 10-m wind components are generated on a ~4-km grid. The system employs a statistical interpolation technique using observations of pressure, temperature, dewpoint, and wind data. The problem of data gaps in space and time is addressed by introducing pseudo-observations. For stations missing a report at analysis time, estimates are reconstructed by interpolating off-time reports. Underobserved areas in the network are identified from precalculated, gridded observation densities for each analysis time, which also yield weights to combine preliminary analysis and first-guess data into pseudo-observations. A regression-based pressure reduction technique, consistent with local reductions at observing sites and devised specifically for this system, is used for accurate and fast conversion of pressure and, indirectly, temperature variables within the system. Analysis accuracy is verified by withholding observations for specific periods. Analyzed fields are shown to be significantly more accurate than the current operational numerical model fields used as a first guess for the high-resolution surface analysis. The system design and analysis accuracies are also assessed within this context and compared with similar overseas developments.
Show Me the Money
Authors: Toson Amy L.-M.
Published: August 2011

The continued presence of educational management organizations (EMO) is explained as an inevitable and continued component of the public school landscape. This article discusses both why EMOs are here to stay and the benefits of EMOs in public education. Statistics are shared showing a 420% increase in the number of EMOs over the past 11 years as well as the Obama administration’s commitment to choice and entrepreneurship in education. EMOs’ role of providing a quality education option for students living in low-income urban neighborhoods and students of color was discussed using evidence and research showing that EMOs serve students of color in the urban centers of districts. In addition, the benefit of being free from the bureaucratic control of traditional public school districts is examined. Last, research findings that suggest significant academic gains for students attending EMO-run schools are presented. Together, these findings suggest that EMO-run schools are a beneficial component to the educational landscape.
“Early Republican Ankara”
Authors: Batuman Bülent
Published: August 2011

This article discusses the emergence of a particular historical representation: that of “early republican Ankara.” Becoming the capital of the newly born Turkish nation-state in 1923, Ankara was conceived as the symbolic locus of Turkish modernization. The old Ottoman town was rapidly transformed into a modern capital. However, “early republican Ankara” as a historiographic category is a product of the 1990s. In this period, two distinct representations of the city surfaced. One was the outcome of the incorporation of the postmodern critique of modernization into Turkish political history and was supported by the growing interest in urban studies. The other was a direct product of the nationalist call of the Turkish political establishment in the face of pressure from Kurdish nationalism and political Islam. Within this context, the notion of “early republican Ankara” emerged as a nostalgic image to promote national unity.
Lack of Association between Eotaxin‐1 Gene Polymorphisms and Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Ekinci Suna , Erbek Selim S. , Yurtcu Erkan , Sahin Feride I.
Published: August 2011

Objective

To examine whether there is an association of eotaxin‐1 gene polymorphisms with nasal polyposis (NP).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

The study group included 85 patients with NP and 93 controls without sinonasal disease. Genotypes of eotaxin‐1 (−384 A>G and +67 G>A) were identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses after polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The −384 A>G and +67 G>A single nucleotide polymorphisms were higher in patients with NP than in controls (P =. 044 and P =. 019, respectively). However, their relation was statistically poor (association coefficient = 0.18). Consistent with this result, comparisons of allele frequencies for both single nucleotide polymorphisms were not significantly different (−384 A>G, P =. 164; +67 G>A, P =. 144).

Conclusion

In this study, eotaxin‐1 −384 A>G or 67 G>A genotypes were not associated with susceptibility to NP.
The role of the endocannabinoid system in the neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance
Authors: Bermudez-Silva Francisco Javier , Cardinal Pierre , Cota Daniela
Published: August 2011

Animal and human studies carried out so far have established a role for the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the regulation of energy balance. Here we critically discuss the role of the endocannabinoid signalling in brain structures, such as the hypothalamus and reward-related areas, and its interaction with neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems involved in the regulation of food intake and body weight. The ECS has been found to interact with peripheral signals, like leptin, insulin, ghrelin and satiety hormones and the resulting effects on both central and peripheral mechanisms affecting energy balance and adiposity will be described. Furthermore, ECS dysregulation has been associated with the development of dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance and obesity; phenomena that are often accompanied by a plethora of neuroendocrine alterations which might play a causal role in determining ECS dysregulation.

Despite the withdrawal of the first generation of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) antagonists from the pharmaceutical market due to the occurrence of psychiatric adverse events, new evidence suggests that peripherally restricted CB1 antagonists might be efficacious for the treatment of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. Thus, a perspective on new promising strategies to selectively target the ECS in the context of energy balance regulation is given.
Tolerability profile of aripiprazole in patients with Tourette syndrome
Authors: Cavanna Andrea E , Selvini Claudia , Termine Cristiano , Luoni Chiara , Eddy Clare M , Rickards Hugh
Published: August 2011

Over the last few years, aripiprazole has been proposed as a potentially useful medication for tics in patients with Tourette syndrome (TS). Aripiprazole has been associated with fewer adverse effects compared with other atypicals; however, little is known about its tolerability profile in the TS population. This study assessed the prevalence and characteristics of adverse effects resulting from the use of aripiprazole in a retrospective chart review of 29 patients with TS. Six patients (20.7%) discontinued aripiprazole because of the severity of specific adverse effects. The most commonly reported adverse effects were sedation ( n = 9, 30%) and sleep problems ( n = 5, 17%). In the majority of cases, adverse effects were not severe. There were no differences in demographic or clinical variables between the patients who did or did not experience adverse effects. The discontinuation rate of 20.7% suggests that aripiprazole is safe and reasonably well tolerated for use in TS. The prevalence of adverse effects appears to increase with treatment duration.
Preventive Effect of Eccentric Training on Acute Hamstring Injuries in Men’s Soccer
Authors: Petersen Jesper , Thorborg Kristian , Nielsen Michael Bachmann , Budtz-Jørgensen Esben , Hölmich Per
Published: August 2011

Background: The incidence of acute hamstring injuries is high in several sports, including the different forms of football.

Purpose: The authors investigated the preventive effect of eccentric strengthening of the hamstring muscles using the Nordic hamstring exercise compared with no additional hamstring exercise on the rate of acute hamstring injuries in male soccer players.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods: Fifty Danish male professional and amateur soccer teams (942 players) were allocated to an intervention group (461 players) or a control group (481 players). Players in the intervention group conducted a 10-week progressive eccentric training program followed by a weekly seasonal program, whereas players in the control group followed their usual training program. The main outcome measures were numbers of overall, new, and recurrent acute hamstring injuries during 1 full soccer season.

Results: Fifty-two acute hamstring injuries in the control group compared with 15 injuries in the intervention group were registered. Comparing intervention versus the control group, overall acute hamstring injury rates per 100 player seasons were 3.8 versus 13.1 (adjusted rate ratio [RR], 0.293; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.150-0.572; P < .001). New injury rates per 100 player seasons were 3.1 versus 8.1 (RR, 0.410; 95% CI, 0.180-0.933; P = .034), whereas recurrent injury rates per 100 player seasons were 7.1 versus 45.8 (RR, 0.137; 95% CI, 0.037-0.509; P = .003). Number needed to treat [NNT] to prevent 1 acute hamstring injury (new or recurrent) is 13 (95% CI, 9-23) players. The NNT to prevent 1 new injury is 25 (95% CI, 15-72) players, and NNT to prevent 1 recurrent injury is 3 (95% CI, 2-6) players.

Conclusion: In male professional and amateur soccer players, additional eccentric hamstring exercise decreased the rate of overall, new, and recurrent acute hamstring injuries.
Life cycle assessment of a household solid waste source separation programme: a Swedish case study
Authors: Bernstad Anna , la Cour Jansen Jes , Aspegren Henrik
Published: August 2011

The environmental impact of an extended property close source-separation system for solid household waste (i.e. a systems for collection of recyclables from domestic properties) is investigated in a residential area in southern Sweden. Since 2001, households have been able to source-separate waste into six fractions of dry recyclables and food waste sorting. The current system was evaluated using the EASEWASTE life cycle assessment tool. Current status is compared with an ideal scenario in which households display perfect source-separation behaviour and a scenario without any material recycling. Results show that current recycling provides substantial environmental benefits compared to a non-recycling alternative. The environmental benefit varies greatly between recyclable fractions, and the recyclables currently most frequently source-separated by households are often not the most beneficial from an environmental perspective. With optimal source-separation of all recyclables, the current net contribution to global warming could be changed to a net-avoidance while current avoidance of nutrient enrichment, acidification and photochemical ozone formation could be doubled. Sensitivity analyses show that thetype of energy substituted by incineration of non-recycled waste, as well as energy used in recycling processes and in the production of materials substituted by waste recycling, is of high relevance for the attained results.
Examining the information and communication technologies enabling servitized manufacture
Authors: Lightfoot H W , Baines T , Smart P
Published: August 2011

Services-led competitive strategies are critically important to Western manufacturers. This paper contributes to our basic knowledge of such strategies by examining the enabling information and communication technologies that successfully servitized manufacturers appear to be adopting. Although these are preliminary findings from a longer-term research programme, through this paper we seek to offer immediate assistance to manufacturers who wish to understand how they might exploit the servitization movement.
Multi-objective optimization of selective laser sintering processes for surface quality and energy saving
Authors: Strano G , Hao L , Everson R M , Evans K E
Published: August 2011

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is one of the most widely used additive manufacturing technologies and represents a valuable manufacturing process in the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. Owing to the preheating requirement for the SLS of polymer materials, one of the main challenges is to reduce the energy required for the part-building process and at the same time maintain the surface quality of the parts, represented by surface roughness, as this has aesthetic and functional importance for industrial applications. These objectives are competing criteria and are significantly influenced by the build orientation of the parts in the SLS process. This study investigates a computational methodology for the simultaneous minimization of surface roughness and energy consumption in the SLS process, to locate the optimal trade-off set between these objectives, known as the Pareto set; thus, it provides a consistent decision support system for the identification of optimal build orientations for SLS.
A study on the diamond grinding of ultra-thin silicon wafers
Authors: Zhou L , Tian Y B , Huang H , Sato H , Shimizu J
Published: August 2011

The demand for ultra-thin silicon wafers has escalated in recent years with the rapid development of miniaturized electronic devices. In this work, diamond grinding for thinning silicon wafers was carried out on an ultra-precision grinding machine. The thinning performance and the minimum wafer thickness were investigated under different grinding conditions. It was found that the grain depth of cut that was used to characterize the overall grinding conditions played an important role in the determination of the final grinding performance. The relationship between the subsurface damage of the ground wafer and the minimum wafer thickness achieved was also revealed.
Evolutionary optimization of interplanetary trajectories: improvements from initial diversification
Authors: Simeoni F , Casalino L
Published: August 2011

A diversification phase based on tabu search is introduced to improve the performance of an evolutionary algorithm, which runs a genetic algorithm, differential evolution, and particle swarm optimization in parallel, according to the island model. Two problems concerning space trajectory optimization (Cassini mission and a round trip mission to near-Earth asteroids) are considered. These problems present different peculiarities which make the search of the global optimum difficult. It is shown that the probability of success may be, in some cases, quite low, due to the presence of many local optima and/or the existence of a bias towards suboptimal solution. The addition of an initial diversification phase in most cases improves the algorithm capability of finding the global optimum, without significantly increasing (and sometimes even decreasing) the number of function evaluations required to attain the optimum and thus reducing the required computational effort.
Native Forests and Agriculture in Salta (Argentina)
Authors: Seghezzo Lucas , Volante José N. , Paruelo José M. , Somma Daniel J. , Buliubasich E. Catalina , Rodríguez Héctor E. , Gagnon Sandra , Hufty Marc
Published: August 2011

Despite much deforestation in the past, the northwestern Argentinean province of Salta still has more than 6 million hectares of native forests. Land use conversion for agriculture is threatening these forests and the survival of indigenous populations and small-scale farmers. In November 2007, Argentina’s National Congress passed a law to regulate the management and conservation of native forests. This “Forest Law” required provincial governments to implement comprehensive and participatory Land Use Planning Processes (LUPPs). In this article, we describe and analyze, within a political ecology framework, the LUPP carried out in Salta. We focus on the conflicts derived from the different visions of development held by the interest groups involved, and we highlight some contradictions between their discourses and practices. We argue that “development” or “progress,” understood as a process of wealth and power accumulation linked to the possession of land and the production of agricultural commodities, was the leading ideology of political and economic elites in Salta during the LUPP. This ideology, and the established institutional power system behind it, was challenged when the National Supreme Court of Justice decided to suspend logging and deforestation activities on land claimed by marginalized ethnic and socioeconomic groups. We assess the implications of this ruling for the conservation of native forests and local livelihoods. As the final outcome of this case is still uncertain, a number of possible scenarios are presented and discussed.
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty: Association between depressive symptoms and diminished health status benefits
Authors: Smolderen Kim G , Safley David M , House John A , Spertus John A , Marso Steven P
Published: August 2011

Depressive symptoms are known to compromise health status in cardiac disease, but this relationship has not been described in peripheral artery disease (PAD). Depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) and disease-specific health status (Peripheral Artery Questionnaire, PAQ) were assessed in 242 PAD patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) at baseline and 1 year. Patients were classified by baseline and follow-up depression status (moderate–severe depressive symptoms = PHQ ≥ 10). Changes were categorized as no depression/improvement of depression versus persistent/worsened depression. At baseline, 20% of patients were depressed; at 1 year, 17% of patients experienced persistent/worsened depression. Although this group improved on most PAQ subscales, they improved to a significantly lesser degree than those without depressive symptoms or those who improved by 1 year ( p-values < 0.05). Baseline depressive symptoms (Bper 5-point increment = −11.9, 95% CI −15.3, −8.5, p < 0.0001) and changes in depression were independently associated with a decrease in 1-year health status (Bper 5-point increment = −11.7, 95% CI −14.3, −9.2, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, depressive symptoms are associated with less improvement in health status 1 year after undergoing a peripheral endovascular revascularization (PER) as compared with those having no depression or whose depressive symptoms improve. Efforts to improve depression detection and treatment among patients with PAD may improve the health status outcomes of these patients.