bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (Mirena®) and Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depoprovera) as long‐term maintenance therapy for patients with moderate and severe endometriosis: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: WONG Alice Yuen Kwan , TANG Lawrence Chang Hung , CHIN Robert Kien Howe
Published: May 2010

Background:  Progestogen therapy has been found to be useful in controlling endometriosis. For patients after conservative surgery, long‐term medical maintenance therapy should be sought to prevent recurrence and control symptoms. Levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) may be a useful form of prolonged progestogen therapy for endometriosis.

Aims:  To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of LNG‐IUS to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for patients with moderate or severe endometriosis following conservative surgery, in terms of symptoms control, recurrence prevention and patients’ acceptance.

Methods:  A total of 30 patients after conservative surgery for endometriosis underwent randomisation. Of these patients, 15 received LNG‐IUS and 15 had three‐monthly depot MPA for three years. Their symptom control, recurrence, compliance and change in bone mineral density (BMD) were compared. The data were analysed using student’s t‐test and chi‐square test.

Results:  Symptoms and recurrence were controlled by both therapies. The compliance was better in LNG‐IUS Group with 13 patients staying on their therapy versus seven patients in Depot MPA Group. LNG‐IUS users had a significantly better change in BMD (+0.023, +0.071 g/cm2) than Depot MPA users (−0.030, −0.017 g/cm2) in both hip and lumbar regions.

Conclusions:  Levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system was effective in symptom control and prevention of recurrence. LNG‐IUS users showed a better compliance. After three years, bone gain was noted with LNG‐IUS, but bone loss with depot MPA.
Granulosa cell tumours of the ovary
Authors: GEETHA Puliyath , NAIR M. Krishnan
Published: May 2010

Granulosa cell tumours are rare, potentially malignant sex cord stromal tumours of the ovary. They are unique in their presentation and histological features. Many of them are hormone‐producing and this property helps them to present early unlike other epithelial ovarian cancers. As a result, most of them will be in an early stage at the time of initial diagnosis. The tumour can manifest in young girls as a juvenile form and conservative management with unilateral salpingo‐opherectomy may be an option in them as 95% are unilateral. Surgery is the treatment of choice and initial staging laparatomy a determinant recurrence. Advance stage of the tumour, its size (>5 cm), mitotic figures (>10/hpf), nuclear atypia and absence of call‐exner bodies are poor prognostic factors. Such tumours are characterised by late recurrences and this necessitates a prolonged follow‐up. Tumour markers such as inhibin and estradiol are useful in follow‐up. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone replacement therapy have very little role in the initial treatment and may be suggested in case of recurrences. With appropriate treatment, a better survival rate can be achieved as against other ovarian malignancies.

Methods used for locating, selecting and synthesising data:  A search of Medline and Cochrane data base for the period from 1999 to 2010 was carried out to include relevant systematic reviews, meta‐analysis, randomised controlled and other clinical and rare case reports. The date of the last search was January 2010.
Lateglacial and early Holocene vegetation and climate gradients in the Nordfjord–Ålesund area, western Norway
Authors: BIRKS HILARY H. , VAN DINTER MARIEKE
Published: May 2010

Birks, H. H. & van Dinter, M. 2010: Lateglacial and early Holocene vegetation and climate gradients in the Nordfjord–Ålesund area, western Norway. Boreas, Vol. 39, pp. 783–798. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2010.00161.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.

Modern climate in western Norway shows a strong west–east gradient in oceanicity–continentality (coast to inner fjord) and altitudinal temperature gradients that control the regional and altitudinal zonation of vegetation. To discover if similar gradients existed during the Lateglacial and early Holocene, plant‐macrofossil analyses were made from five lacustrine sediment sequences in the Nordfjord–Ålesund region selected to sample the present climatic gradients. The macrofossil assemblages could be interpreted as analogues of the present vegetation, thus allowing reconstruction of past vegetation and climates. When the five sites were compared, climatic gradients could be detected. During the Lateglacial interstadial, mid‐alpine assemblages with Salix herbacea and S. polaris occurred at the lowland coast and upland inland sites, whereas the inland lowland site had low‐alpine dwarf‐shrub heath dominated by Betula nana, demonstrating a strong west–east gradient in temperature and precipitation and an altitudinal gradient inland. During the Younger Dryas stadial, assemblages at the lowland coast and upland inland sites resembled high‐alpine vegetation, whereas the inland lowland site was warmer with mid‐alpine vegetation, demonstrating west–east and altitudinal temperature gradients. Gradients became less pronounced in the Holocene. The early abundance of Betula nana in the inner fjord sites but its rarity at the coast is striking and reflects the oceanicity gradient. All sites became forested with Betula pubescens a few centuries into the Holocene. This forest was probably close to tree line at 370 m a.s.l. at the coast. Inland, there was no detectable altitudinal gradient, with the tree line well above 400 m a.s.l. reflecting the present pattern of tree‐line elevation.
Optimizing the Response From a Passively Controlled Biventricular Assist Device
Authors: Gaddum Nicholas Richard , Timms Daniel L. , Pearcy Mark John
Published: May 2010

Recent studies into rotary biventricular support have indicated that inadequate left/right flow balancing may lead to vascular congestion and/or ventricular suckdown. The implementation of a passive controller that automatically adjusts left/right flow during total and partial cardiac support would improve physiological interaction. This has encouraged the development of a biventricular assist device (BiVAD) prototype that achieves passive control of the two rotary pumps' hydraulic output by way of a nonrotating double pressure plate configuration, the hub, suspended between the ventricular assist device (VAD) impellers. Fluctuations in either the VAD's inlet or outlet pressure will cause the hub to translate, and in doing so, affect each pump's hydraulic outputs. In order to achieve partial support, the floating assembly needed to respond to pathologic blood pressure signals while being insensitive to residual ventricular function. An incorporated mechanical spring–mass–damper assembly affects the passive response to optimize the dynamic interaction between the prototype and the supported cardiovascular system. It was found that increasing the damping from a medium to a high level was effective in filtering out the higher frequency ventricular pressure signals, reducing a modified amplitude ratio by up to 72%. A spring response was also identified as being inherent in the passive response and was characterized as being highly nonlinear at the extremes of the floating assembly's translation range. The results from this study introduce a new means of BiVAD control as well as the characterization of a fully passive mechanical physiological controller.
Enhanced Chondrogenic Responses of Human Articular Chondrocytes Onto Silk Fibroin/Wool Keratose Scaffolds Treated With Microwave‐Induced Argon Plasma
Authors: Cheon Young Woo , Lee Won Jai , Baek Hyun Sook , Lee Young Dae , Park Jong‐Chul , Park Young Hwan , Ki Chang Seok , Chung Kie‐Hyung , Rah Dong Kyun
Published: May 2010

Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural, degradable, fibrous protein that is biocompatible, is easily processed, and possesses unique mechanical properties. Another natural material, wool keratose (WK), is a soluble derivative of wool keratin, containing amino acid sequences that induce cell adhesion. Here, we blended SF and WK to improve the poor electrospinability of WK and increase the adhesiveness of SF. We hypothesized that microwave‐induced argon plasma treatment would improve chondrogenic cell growth and cartilage‐specific extracellular matrix formation on a three‐dimensional SF/WK scaffold. After argon plasma treatment, static water contact angle measurement revealed increased hydrophilicity of the SF/WK scaffold, and scanning electron microscopy showed that treated SF/WK scaffolds had deeper and more cylindrical pores than nontreated scaffolds. Attachment and proliferation of neonatal human knee articular chondrocytes on treated SF/WK scaffolds increased significantly, followed by increased glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Our results suggest that microwave‐induced, plasma‐treated SF/WK scaffolds have potential in cartilage tissue engineering.
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Hemodialysis, Hemodiafiltration, and Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Eiselt Jaromír , Rajdl Daniel , Racek Jaroslav , Široká Romana , Trefil Ladislav , Opatrná Sylvie
Published: May 2010

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a mediator of endothelial dysfunction. Production and elimination of ADMA may be affected by the type of renal replacement therapy used and oxidative stress. Plasma ADMA, advanced glycation end products (AGE), and homocysteine were assessed in 59 subjects: 20 hemodialysis (HD) patients, 19 patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD), and 20 controls. Results were compared between the groups. The effect of 8 weeks of HD and high‐volume predilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) was compared in a randomized study. HD patients showed higher ADMA (1.20 [0.90–1.39 µmol/L]) compared to controls (0.89 [0.77–0.98], P < 0.01), while ADMA in PD did not differ from controls (0.96 [0.88–1.28]). AGE and homocysteine were highest in HD, lower in PD (P < 0.01 vs. HD), and lowest in controls (P < 0.001 vs. HD and PD). PD patients had higher residual renal function than HD (P < 0.01). The decrease in ADMA at the end of HD (from 1.25 [0.97–1.33] to 0.66 [0.57–0.73], P < 0.001) was comparable to that of HDF. Switching from HD to HDF led to a decrease in predialysis homocysteine level in 8 weeks (P < 0.05), while ADMA and AGE did not change. Increased ADMA levels in patients undergoing HD, as compared to PD, may be caused by higher oxidative stress and lower residual renal function in HD. Other factors, such as diabetes and statin therapy, may also be at play. The decrease in ADMA at the end of HD and HDF is comparable. Switching from HD to HDF decreases in 8 weeks the predialysis levels of homocysteine without affecting ADMA.
Metaphyseal‐Loading Anterolaterally‐Flared Femoral Stem in Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty: Five‐ to Eleven‐Year Follow‐Up Evaluation
Authors: Kawahara Hideo , Kokubo Yasuo , Yayama Takafumi , Uchida Kenzo , Kobayashi Shigeru , Nakajima Hideaki , Oki Hisashi , Negoro Kohei , Mwaka Erisa S. , Orwotho Norbert T. , Baba Hisatoshi
Published: May 2010

Using a nonlinear three‐dimensional finite element analysis simulating loading conditions, we designed a new type of proximal‐fitting, anterolaterally‐flared, arc‐deposit hydroxyapatite‐coated anatomical femoral stem (FMS‐anatomic stem; Japan Medical Materials, Osaka, Japan) for cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) for Japanese patients with dysplastic hip osteoarthritis. The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the new stem. We reviewed 143 consecutive patients (164 hips; 13 men, 14 hips; 130 women, 150 hips; age at surgery, 56.6 ± 7.6 years, mean ± SD, range, 30–74) who underwent cementless THA using the FMS‐anatomic stem at a single institution, with a follow‐up period of 7.6 ± 1.6 years (range, 5.3–11.0). Harris Hip score improved from 46.1 ± 12.6 before surgery to 90.0 ± 8.9 points post‐THA. The 7.6‐year survival rate of the stem was 99.0% after revision for aseptic loosening. Radiographs at follow‐up confirmed the stability of the femoral stems within the femoral canal in all cases, with sufficient bone ingrowth. None of the patients had subsidence of the stem exceeding 2.0 mm within the femoral canal or changes in varus or valgus position of more than 2.0°. The FMS‐anatomic stem provided excellent results in patients with dysplastic hip osteoarthritis. Our analysis confirmed reduced radiolucency around the stem in Gruen zones, minimal subsidence, appropriate stress shielding, and promising medium‐term stability within the femoral canal in our patients.
Hemocompatibility Assessment of Carbonic Anhydrase Modified Hollow Fiber Membranes for Artificial Lungs
Authors: Oh Heung‐Il , Ye Sang‐Ho , Johnson Jr Carl A. , Woolley Joshua R. , Federspiel William J. , Wagner William R.
Published: May 2010

Hollow fiber membrane (HFM)‐based artificial lungs can require a large blood‐contacting membrane surface area to provide adequate gas exchange. However, such a large surface area presents significant challenges to hemocompatibility. One method to improve carbon dioxide (CO2) transfer efficiency might be to immobilize carbonic anhydrase (CA) onto the surface of conventional HFMs. By catalyzing the dehydration of bicarbonate in blood, CA has been shown to facilitate diffusion of CO2 toward the fiber membranes. This study evaluated the impact of surface modifying a commercially available microporous HFM‐based artificial lung on fiber blood biocompatibility. A commercial poly(propylene) Celgard HFM surface was coated with a siloxane, grafted with amine groups, and then attached with CA which has been shown to facilitate diffusion of CO2 toward the fiber membranes. Results following acute ovine blood contact indicated no significant reduction in platelet deposition or activation with the siloxane coating or the siloxane coating with grafted amines relative to base HFMs. However, HFMs with attached CA showed a significant reduction in both platelet deposition and activation compared with all other fiber types. These findings, along with the improved CO2 transfer observed in CA modified fibers, suggest that its incorporation into HFM design may potentiate the design of a smaller, more biocompatible HFM‐based artificial lung.
Novel Strategy to Engineer Trachea Cartilage Graft With Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Macroaggregate and Hydrolyzable Scaffold
Authors: Liu Liangqi , Wu Wei , Tuo Xiaoye , Geng Wenxin , Zhao Jie , Wei Jing , Yan Xingrong , Yang Wei , Li Liwen , Chen Fulin
Published: May 2010

Limited donor sites of cartilage and dedifferentiation of chondrocytes during expansion, low tissue reconstruction efficiency, and uncontrollable immune reactions to foreign materials are the main obstacles to overcome before cartilage tissue engineering can be widely used in the clinic. In the current study, we developed a novel strategy to fabricate tissue‐engineered trachea cartilage grafts using marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) macroaggregates and hydrolyzable scaffold of polylactic acid–polyglycolic acid copolymer (PLGA). Rabbit MSCs were continuously cultured to prepare macroaggregates in sheet form. The macroaggregates were studied for their potential for chondrogenesis. The macroaggregates were wrapped against the PLGA scaffold to make a tubular composite. The composites were incubated in spinner flasks for 4 weeks to fabricate trachea cartilage grafts. Histological observation and polymerase chain reaction array showed that MSC macroaggregates could obtain the optimal chondrogenic capacity under the induction of transforming growth factor‐β. Engineered trachea cartilage consisted of evenly spaced lacunae embedded in a matrix rich in proteoglycans. PLGA scaffold degraded totally during in vitro incubation and the engineered cartilage graft was composed of autologous tissue. Based on this novel, MSC macroaggregate and hydrolyzable scaffold composite strategy, ready‐to‐implant autologous trachea cartilage grafts could be successfully fabricated. The strategy also had the advantages of high efficiency in cell seeding and tissue regeneration, and could possibly be used in future in vivo experiments.
Biocompatibility and Calcification of Bovine Pericardium Employed for the Construction of Cardiac Bioprostheses Treated With Different Chemical Crosslink Methods
Authors: Jorge‐Herrero Eduardo , Fonseca Carlos , Barge Alexandra P. , Turnay Javier , Olmo Nieves , Fernández Pilar , Lizarbe María A. , García Páez José M.
Published: May 2010

The use of biological materials in the construction of bioprostheses requires the application of different chemical procedures to improve the durability of the material without producing any undesirable effects. A number of crosslinking methods have been tested in biological tissues composed mainly of collagen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility, the mechanical properties, and in vivo calcification of chemically modified bovine pericardium using glutaraldehyde acetals (GAAs) in comparison with glutaraldehyde (GA) treatment. Homsy's tests showed that the most cytotoxic treatment is GA whereas GAA treatments showed lower cytotoxicity. Regarding the mechanical properties of the modified materials, no significant differences in stress at rupture were detected among the different treatments. Zeta‐Potential showed higher negative values for GA treatment (−4.9 ±  0.6 mV) compared with GAA‐0.625% (−2.2 ± 0.5 mV) and GAA‐1% (−2.2 ± 0.4 mV), which presented values similar to native tissue. Similar results were obtained for calcium permeability coefficients which showed the highest values for GA treatment (0.12 ± 0.02 mm2/min), being significantly lower for GAA treatments or non‐crosslinked pericardium. These results confirmed the higher propensity of the GA‐treated tissues for attraction of calcium cations and were in good agreement with the calcification degree obtained after 60 days implantation into young rats, which was significantly higher for the GA group (22.70 ± 20.80 mg/g dry tissue) compared with GAA‐0.625% and GAA‐1% groups (0.49 ± 0.28 mg/g dry tissue and 3.51 ± 3.27 mg/g dry tissue, respectively;P < 0.001). In conclusion, GAA treatments can be considered a promising alternative to GA treatment.
DUI Offenders Delay License Reinstatement: A Problem?
Authors: Voas Robert B. , Tippetts A. Scott , McKnight A. Scott
Published: May 2010

Background:  We examined the extent to which driving under the influence (DUI) offenders delay reinstatement, the reasons for that delay, and the relationship of the delay to recidivism. Analyzed were the driving records of 40 million drivers (3 million convicted of DUI) from 7 of the largest states spanning 7 to 14 years. License suspension effectively reduces, but does not eliminate, impaired driving. Apparently, many feel they can avoid apprehension for unlicensed driving; the limited research to date suggests that up to 75% of convicted offenders continue to drive and up to 84% delay reinstatement for 3 or more years.

Methods:  ANOVA and regression procedures were used to determine the relationship of prior driving record and sentence length to the DUI offender’s delay in reinstatement. Meta‐analysis was used to summarize results across the 7 states and survival analysis to determine the effect of the delay on recidivism.

Results:  Forty‐two percent of first offenders and 55% of multiple offenders convicted for DUI delay reinstatement for more than a year. For a third of the offenders, there were no records of their having reinstated within 5 years of becoming eligible. Both factors—more than one prior offense and the length of suspension imposed—were related to delay in reinstatement. Offenders who delayed reinstatement were more likely to recidivate both while they delayed before reinstating and after they reinstated.

Conclusions:  DUI offenders who delay reinstatement after they become eligible are high‐risk drivers. Offenders who reinstate, however, have lower recidivism rates than those who do not. This suggests that encouraging reinstatement but with continued controls, as some states have provided through laws requiring interlocks as a condition of reinstatement, may be effective if they do not motivate extended delays.
Life Cycle Assessment of Frozen Tilapia Fillets From Indonesian Lake‐Based and Pond‐Based Intensive Aquaculture Systems
Authors: Pelletier Nathan , Tyedmers Peter
Published: May 2010

We used life cycle assessment to evaluate a subset of the cradle‐to‐destination‐port environmental impacts associated with the production, processing, and transportation of frozen, packaged Indonesian tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets to ports in Chicago and Rotterdam. Specifically, we evaluated the cumulative energy use; biotic resource use; and global warming, acidifying, and eutrophying emissions at each life cycle stage and in aggregate. We identify the importance of least environmental cost feed sourcing for reducing supply chain environmental impacts. We also highlight the need for more effective nutrient cycling in intensive aquaculture. The environmental trade‐offs inherent in substituting technological inputs for ecosystem services in intensive pond‐based versus lake‐based production systems are discussed. We further call for more nuanced considerations of comparative environmental advantage in the production and interregional trade of food commodities than has been characteristic of historic food miles discussions. Significant opportunities exist for improving environmental performance in tilapia aquaculture. This product compares favorably, however, with several other fishery, aquaculture, and animal husbandry products, according to the suite of impact categories considered in this study.
Pitfalls of Programming Sensing Polarities Using the Coronary Sinus Lead in Biventricular Pacemakers
Authors: MANSOUR FADI , ARNAU ANA MARTIN , TOLOSANA JOSE MARIA , MONT LLUIS
Published: May 2010

Knowledge of the available sensing polarities in biventricular pacemakers is necessary for appropriate troubleshooting and avoiding possible pitfalls of cardiac resynchronization therapy programming, as illustrated through this case presentation. (PACE 2011; 34:e22–e25)
An Assessment of the Utility of Universal and Specific Genetic Markers for Opium Poppy Identification
Authors: Lee Eun J. , Hwang In K. , Kim Nam Y. , Lee Kyung L. , Han Myun S. , Lee Yang H. , Kim Mu Y. , Yang Moon S.
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  The proper identification of illicit plants such as Papaver somniferum L (opium poppy) is important for law enforcement agencies. The identification of opium poppy was presently tested using 10 genetic markers that are universal for all plants or specific to a few poppy plants. The genetic distances of universal markers such as nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 18S rRNA, plastid rbcL, and trnL‐trnF intergenic spacer (IGS) of 14 species included in the Papaveraceae and Fumariaceae family were acquired by sequence comparisons. Both the ITS region and trnL‐trnF IGS showed high levels of interspecific divergence. Six Papaver genera‐specific markers were developed from coding regions involved in morphine biosynthesis. Three markers (TYDC, NCS, and BBE) produced amplicons only in opium poppy, providing a presence/absence test for opium poppy, while three additional markers (CYP80B1, SAT, and COR) were genus specific. These 10 markers might be useful for the forensic DNA analysis of opium poppy.
The geographic and seasonal dimensions of habitat use in Galerida larks: implications for species coexistence and range limits
Authors: Guillaumet Alban , Gonin Julien , Prodon Roger , Crochet Pierre‐André
Published: May 2010

In this paper, we investigated the patterns of habitat use in three sibling species of larks: the Thekla lark Galerida theklae which is sympatric with either of two parapatric species of crested larks (G. macrorhyncha replacing G. cristata in arid areas of Morocco). Specifically, we addressed the following questions: 1) do species show niche conservatism in space (France vs Morocco) and time (breeding vs winter period)? 2) Does habitat use change at different interspecific densities? 3) Which factors drive the narrow range limit between G. cristata and G. macrorhyncha? We found that G. theklae was strongly associated with sloping and rocky (rugged) habitats in comparison with crested larks, but habitat use was not entirely consistent in space and time. Evidences for ecological displacement were mitigated. In the only habitat shared by G. cristata and G. theklae in France (vineyards surrounded by low shrubland), we observed a one‐third increase of G. theklae from nearby garrigues in winter, which coincided with a significant decrease of G. cristata after we controlled for density changes in non‐shared habitats. However, in Morocco, the use of rugged habitats by G. theklae was not affected by the prevalence of G. cristata or G. macrorhyncha in surrounding areas, at least at the spatial scales investigated. Our results suggest that interspecific competition plays a role in the parapatric distribution of G. cristata and G. macrorhyncha, because: 1) the alternative of a recent contact receives little support; 2) transition between species coincides with aridity gradients but not with topographic barriers or a sharp ecotone; 3) G. cristata also occurs in arid areas wherein G. macrorhyncha is rare or absent. Overall, our results add support to the view that a better integration of biotic interactions and spatio‐temporal variations in ecological niches might increase the predictive power of ecological niche models.
Assessing the relationship between forest types and canopy tree beta diversity in Amazonia
Authors: Emilio Thaise , Nelson Bruce Walker , Schietti Juliana , Desmoulière Sylvain J.‐M. , Espírito Santo Helder M. V. , Costa Flávia R. C.
Published: May 2010

Planning of conservation priorities has often taken mapped forest types as surrogates for biological complementarity. In the Brazilian Amazon, these exercises have given equal weight to each forest type as if they were all equally distinct. Here, we examine floristic similarity between forest types to assess the reliability of vegetation maps as a surrogate for canopy tree‐community composition. We analyzed floristic differences at the genus level between twelve Amazonian forest types using 1184 one‐hectare inventories of large trees with three complementary approaches. First, we compared a map of floristic composition, from a uni‐dimensional NMDS ordination of the inventories, with a map of coarser‐level forest types commonly recognized as distinct by classification systems across Amazonia. Using Mantel and means‐difference tests, we next examined the distance‐decay of floristic similarity for all paired samples and for the pairs drawn from within and between twelve more finely divided forest types. Finally, we examined the degree of floristic separation of each pair of the twelve forest types using non‐parametric analysis of variance. Maps of floristic composition and coarse‐level forest types were highly congruent. At the finer level of classification, similarity was only slightly higher when pairs were drawn from the same versus from different forest types. This was true for all geographic distances. Nonetheless, eighty percent of the 66 paired combinations of forest types were significantly different in the unreduced genus‐space and nearly half showed little or no overlap in a two‐dimensional ordination. Three types were most distinct from all others: white sand, seasonally dry, and bamboo‐dominated forests. Here, we show that forest types exhibit variable degrees of separation. For this reason, treating all fine‐level forest types as equally distinct results in poor representation of canopy tree beta diversity. We recommend explicitly considering the degree of floristic separation between all forest types – as presented here for Amazonian flora – as a way to improve the use of this biodiversity surrogate.
Zeaxanthin inhibits PDGF‐BB‐induced migration in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Wu Nan‐Lin , Chiang Yuh‐Chiau , Huang Chieh‐Chen , Fang Jia‐You , Chen Der‐Fang , Hung Chi‐Feng
Published: May 2010

Please cite this paper as: Zeaxanthin inhibits PDGF‐BB‐induced migration in human dermal fibroblasts. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e173–e181.

Abstract:  Zeaxanthin is the dihydroxy carotenoid and is distributed in our daily foods. Various natural carotenoids, including zeaxanthin, have been shown to inhibit proliferation of several types of cancer cells, but available data on the effect of zeaxanthin on skin fibroblasts and melanoma cells are limited. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) functions as a chemotactic factor for dermal fibroblasts and plays an important role in the progression of melanoma. In this study, we investigated the effects of zeaxanthin on the migration of skin fibroblasts induced by PDGF‐BB and melanoma cells. We demonstrated that zeaxanthin inhibited PDGF‐BB‐induced skin fibroblast migration on collagen and gelatin by a modified Boyden chamber system. The electric cell‐substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) method also showed similar inhibitory effects of zeaxanthin on the migration of fibroblasts. In functional studies, zeaxanthin decreased melanoma‐induced fibroblast migration in a non‐contact coculture system and also the migration stimulated by melanoma‐derived conditioned medium. Further analysis showed that zeaxanthin attenuated PDGF‐BB and melanoma‐conditioned medium induced phosphorylation of PDGFR‐β and MAP kinase in a concentration‐dependent manner in human skin fibroblasts. However, these effects did not result from direct interaction of zeaxanthin with PDGF‐BB. Thus, our results provide the first evidence showing that zeaxanthin is an effective inhibitor of migration of stromal fibroblasts induced by PDGF‐BB and melanoma cells and this effect may further support its antitumor potential.
Trait impulsivity in female patients with borderline personality disorder and matched controls
Authors: Mortensen Jørgen Assar , Rasmussen Lnge Andre , Håberg Asta
Published: May 2010

Mortensen JA, Rasmussen IA, Håberg A. Trait impulsivity in female patients with borderline personality disorder and matched controls.

Objective:

Impulsivity has been shown to load on two separate factors, rash impulsivity and sensitivity to reward (SR) in several factor analytic studies. The aims of the current study were to explore the nature of impulsivity in women with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and matched controls, and the underlying neuronal correlates for rash impulsivity and SR.

Methods:

Fifteen females diagnosed with BPD and 15 matched controls were recruited. All completed the impulsiveness-venturesomeness scale (I7), the sensitivity to punishment (SP) - sensitivity to reward (SR) questionnaire, and performed a Go-NoGo block-design functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm at 3T. Correlation analyses were done with I7, SP and SR scores with the level of activation in different brain areas in the whole group. An independent group t-test was used to explore any differences between the BPD group and the matched controls.

Results:

I7 scores correlated negatively with activity in the left orbitofrontal cortex, amygdala and precuneus, and bilaterally in the cingulate cortices during response inhibition for the entire sample. SP yielded negative correlations in the right superior frontal gyrus and parahippocampal gyrus. No activity related to response inhibition correlated to SR. The Go-NoGo task gave similar brain activity in BPD and matched controls, but behaviourally the BPD group had significantly more commission errors in the NoGo blocks. The BPD group had increased I7 and SP scores indicating rash impulsiveness combined with heightened SP.

Conclusion:

These results imply that successful impulse inhibition involves interaction between the impulsive and the emotional systems. Furthermore, impulsivity in BPD is described as rash impulsivity, coexisting with increased SP.
Evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in obese adolescents
Authors: Wilms L , Larsen J , Pedersen PL , Kvetny J
Published: May 2010

Aim:  Although obesity and weight gain generally are anticipated to be caused by an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, the significance of thyroid hormones (TH) remains unclear. Examination of mitochondrial function may reflect intracellular thyroid hormone effect and elucidate whether a lower metabolic rate is present.

Methods:  In a group of 34 obese adolescents (age <16 years and body mass index above the age‐related 95th percentile), and an age‐ and gender‐matched group of 32 lean adolescent, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and basal oxygen consumption were measured and mitochondrial function in peripheral blood monocytes was determined by flow cytometry.

Results:  Significant increase in TSH (3.06 ± 1.56 mU/L vs. 2.33 ± 0.91 mU/L, p < 0.05) and a decrease in VO2 (129 ± 16 mL O2/m2*min vs. 146 ± 15 mL O2/m2*min, p < 0.05) were observed in obese adolescents compared with lean adolescents. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated a lower mitochondrial mass (6385 ± 1962 a.u. vs. 7608 ± 2328 a.u., p < 0.05) and mitochondrial membrane potential (11426 ± 3861 a.u. vs. 14017 ± 5536 a.u., p < 0.05) in obese adolescents compared with lean adolescents. These results are even more pronounced in adolescents with obese mothers.

Conclusion:  In obese adolescents, the increased TSH and lowered VO2 propose a lowered basal metabolic rate and the impaired mitochondrial function suggests a decreased thyroid hormone stimulation of mitochondrial energy production. The maternal in‐heritage is suggestive of a basal metabolic defect or mitochondrial resistance for TH.
Foreign devaluation as a coordinating device of heterogeneous investors: A game‐theoretic analysis of financial contagion
Authors: Savtchenko Lioudmila
Published: May 2010

This paper investigates financial contagion by extending the Morris–Shin (1998) model of financial crises. It is assumed that before a devaluation in a foreign country, home investors have only private information on the state of the home country. It is demonstrated that the occurrence of a currency crisis in the foreign country may trigger a similar crisis in the home country by coordinating heterogeneous beliefs of home investors. The model is designed to describe the Asian currency crisis of 1997.
Risk attitude in lotteries offering real products and monetary outcomes
Authors: Tal Shavit , Uri Benzion , Shosh Shahrabani
Published: May 2010

Using two auction mechanisms, the second price auction and the Becker, DeGroot, and Marschak mechanism, we examined individuals’ buying and selling bidding patterns in three types of binary lotteries: a lottery offering only real products, a lottery offering only monetary outcomes and mixed lotteries offering both real products and monetary value outcomes. Participants’ willingness to pay and willingness to accept for the product lottery suggest risk neutrality. In contrast, participants’ bidding prices for the monetary and mixed lotteries suggest risk aversion. These findings suggest that an individual's risk attitude depends upon the type of lottery, perhaps indicating a “product illusion.”
Complete solution of the integrability problem for homothetic demand functions
Authors: Alcantud José C. R. , Palmero Carlos R.
Published: May 2010

For any Walrasian demand function, the Strong Axiom implies (and is implied by) rationalizability by a complete preorder. However, these equivalent conditions do not ensure the existence of a continuous utility function or complete preorder giving raise to the primitive demand. We here propose a self‐contained proof of a related fact: if the demand is homothetic and continuous, the Strong Axiom characterizes the existence of a continuous and homogeneous of degree one subjective utility function (or a continuous and homothetic complete preorder) representing the demand. Our contruction depends upon standard tools and overturns the need for ad‐hoc axioms that were used in prior published literature on the topic.
Relationship between the length of hospital stay after hip fracture surgery and ambulatory ability or mortality after discharge in Japan
Authors: KONDO Akiko , ZIERLER Brenda K. , HAGINO Hiroshi
Published: May 2010

Aim:  To examine whether the length of hospital stay after hip fracture surgery is related to patients' ambulatory ability or mortality after discharge.

Methods:  This is a retrospective observational study of patients who had undergone hip fracture surgery at one of three hospitals in Japan. The medical records of patients who were ≥65 years and who had hip fracture surgery within the past 2.5 years were reviewed regarding the demographics, treatments, and health outcomes during the hospital stay. A mail survey, asking about health outcomes after discharge, was sent to the study participants and/or their family members. The response rate of the survey was 70% (n = 149).

Results:  The patients who were discharged between 30 and 39 days after surgery had significantly lower current ambulatory ability, compared to the patients who stayed for ≥40 days, after adjusting for patient characteristics, treatments, and hospital. The patients who were discharged within 2 weeks after surgery and the patients who were discharged between 30 and 39 days after surgery had a significantly higher risk of mortality, compared to the patients who stayed in the hospital for ≥40 days, after adjustments were made.

Conclusions:  If patients are discharged to a rehabilitation hospital before they are totally recovered from surgery, the emphasis might be on their rehabilitation without adequate management of their comorbidities. Additional prospective studies are needed to determine the effects of a shorter length of hospital stay after hip fracture surgery on patient outcomes.
Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction and Impact of Contraception in Female German Medical Students
Authors: Wallwiener Christian W. , Wallwiener Lisa-Maria , Seeger Harald , Mück Alfred O. , Bitzer Johannes , Wallwiener Markus
Published: May 2010

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a very common disorder, with an estimated prevalence of having at least one sexual dysfunction of about 40%.

Aim

To investigate the prevalence and types of FSD and the relationship between hormonal contraception (HC) and FSD in female German medical students.

Main Outcome Measures

Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) with additional questions on contraception, sexual activity, and other factors that may influence sexual function.

Methods

An online questionnaire based on the FSFI was completed by students from six medical schools. Obtained data were screened for inconsistencies by programmed algorithms.

Results

A total of 1,219 completed questionnaires were received, and 1,086 were included in the analyses after screening. The mean total FSFI score was 28.6 +/− 4.5. 32.4% of women were at risk for FSD according to FSFI definitions. Based on domain scores, 8.7% for were at risk for FSD concerning orgasm, 5.8% for desire, 2.6% for satisfaction, 1.2% for lubrication, 1.1% for pain and 1.0% for arousal. The method of contraception and smoking were factors with significant effect on the total FSFI score whereby hormonal contraception was associated with lower total FSFI scores and lower desire and arousal scores than no contraception and non-hormonal contraception only. Other variables such as stress, pregnancy, smoking, relationship and wish for children had an important impact on sexual function as expected according to earlier studies.

Conclusions

The prevalence of students at high risk for FSD was consistent with the literature although domain subscores differed from samples previously described. The contraception method has a significant effect on the sexual functioning score and women using contraception, especially hormonal contraception, had lower sexual functioning scores. Stress and relationship among other variables were found to be associated with sexual function and may thus provide insight into the etiology of sexual disorders.
Diagnostic Tests for Male Erectile Dysfunction Revisited
Authors: Meuleman Eric J.H. , Hatzichristou Dimitrios , Rosen Raymond C. , Sadovsky Richard
Published: May 2010

Introduction

The Committee on “Clinical Evaluation and Scales in Sexual Medicine” of the third International Consultation in Sexual Medicine reviewed current practice and new developments in the field of physiological testing in male erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

To provide an overview of current practice and new developments in the field of diagnostic testing in male ED.

Methods

The Pubmed literature was reviewed.

Results

Since the 1980s of the last century, a broad array of specialized physiological tests has been used for assessing ED. The notion that ED often is an (early) symptom of generalized cardiovascular disease and the introduction of oral pharmacological therapies that are effective irrespective of etiology has reduced the application of the “classical” tests to a minimum and has shifted the scope toward tests with demonstrated reliability in cardiovascular medicine.

Conclusions

(i) The clinical utility of specialized tests in the evaluation of male ED is limited to a small minority of men; (ii) the scope of physiological testing has shifted toward tests with demonstrated reliability in cardiovascular medicine.
Characterization and Expression Analysis of Medicago truncatula ROP GTPase Family during the Early Stage of Symbiosis
Authors: Liu Wei , Chen Ai‐Min , Luo Li , Sun Jie , Cao Lian‐Pu , Yu Guan‐Qiao , Zhu Jia‐Bi , Wang Yan‐Zhang
Published: May 2010

ROPs (Rho‐related GTPases of plants) are small GTPases that are plant‐specific signaling proteins. They act as molecular switches in a variety of developmental processes. In this study, seven cDNA clones coding for ROP GTPases have been isolated in Medicago truncatula, and conserved and divergent domains are identified in these predicted MtROP proteins. Phylogenetic analysis has indicated that MtROPs are distributed into groups II, III, IV but group I. MtROP genes are expressed in various tissues at different levels. A quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis indicated that these MtROP genes have different expression profiles in the roots in response to infection with rhizobia. The expression of MtROP3, MtROP5 and MtROP6 are increased, as the expression of Nod factor or rhizobial‐induced marker genes—NFP, Rip1 and Enod11; MtROP10 has showed enhanced expression at a certain post‐inoculation time point. No significant changes in MtROP7 and MtROP9 expression have been detected and MtROP8 expression is dramatically decreased by about 80%–90%. Additionally, ROP promoter‐GUS analysis has showed that MtROP3, MtROP5 and MtROP6 have elevated expression in transgenic root hairs after rhizobial inoculation. These results might suggest a role for some ROP GTPases in the regulation of early stages during rhizobial infection in symbiosis.
Synthesis, Cytotoxicity and Antileishmanial Activity of SomeN‐(2‐(indol‐3‐yl)ethyl)‐7‐chloroquinolin‐4‐amines
Authors: Coimbra Elaine S. , Carvalhaes Rafael , Grazul Richard M. , Machado Patricia A. , De Souza Marcos V. N. , Da Silva Adilson D.
Published: May 2010

We report herein the condensation of 4,7‐dichloroquinoline(1)with tryptamine(2)and D‐tryptophan methyl ester(3). Hydrolysis of the methyl ester adduct(5)yielded the free acid(6). The compounds were evaluatedin vitrofor activity against four different species ofLeishmaniapromastigote forms and for cytotoxic activity against Kb and Vero cells. Compound(5)showed good activity against theLeishmaniaspecies tested, while all three compounds displayed moderate activity in both Kb and Vero cells.
The Influence of Chromatin Structure on DNA Damage Induced by Nitrogen Mustard and Cisplatin Analogues
Authors: Galea Anne M. , Murray Vincent
Published: May 2010

The interaction of anti‐tumour drugs with reconstituted chromatin has been investigated using defined nucleosomal complexes. This allowed the effect of nucleosome cores on drug‐induced DNA damage to be assessed for four nitrogen mustard analogues, dimethylsulphate and three cisplatin analogues. A defined nucleosomal complex was employed that contained two precisely positioned nucleosome cores. The construct was then subjected to drug treatment, and the resulting DNA damage was quantitatively analysed using a Taq DNA polymerase stop assay. At the sites of damage, densitometric comparisons between purified and reconstituted DNA were used to evaluate the influence of nucleosomal core proteins on specific drug–DNA interactions. Results were combined with previous data obtained for other DNA‐damaging drugs investigated using the same nucleosomal construct. For most of the DNA‐damaging agents studied, this method revealed protection at the positioned nucleosome cores and indicated that the preferred site of DNA binding for these compounds was in the linker region of the construct. Statistical analyses confirmed the significant level of damage protection conferred by the nucleosome cores and revealed differences between the examined compounds. Larger compounds generally displayed a greater tendency to target the linker region of the nucleosomal DNA and were impeded from damaging nucleosomal core DNA. In contrast, smaller molecules had greater access to nucleosomal core DNA.
Computational Design and Biological Testing of Highly Cytotoxic Colchicine Ring A Modifications
Authors: Torin Huzil John , Winter Philip , Johnson Lorelei , Weis Alexander L. , Bakos Tamas , Banerjee Asok , Luduena Richard F. , Damaraju Sambasivarao , Tuszynski Jack A.
Published: May 2010

Microtubules are the primary target for many anti‐cancer drugs, the majority of which bind specifically to β‐tubulin. The existence of several β‐tubulin isotypes, coupled with their varied expression in normal and cancerous cells provides a platform upon which to construct selective chemotherapeutic agents. We have examined five prevalent human β‐tubulin isotypes and identified the colchicine‐binding site as the most promising for drug design based on specificity. Using this binding site as a template, we have designed several colchicine derivatives and computationally probed them for affinity to the β‐tubulin isotypes. These compounds were synthesized and subjected to cytotoxicity assays to determine their effectiveness against several cancerous cell lines. We observed a correlation between computational‐binding predictions and experimentally determined IC50 values, demonstrating the utility of computational screening in the design of more effective colchicine derivatives. The most promising derivative exhibited an IC50 approximately threefold lower than values previously reported for either colchicine or paclitaxel, demonstrating the utility of computational design and assessment of binding to tubulin.
Non‐Competitive Inhibition by Active Site Binders
Authors: Blat Yuval
Published: May 2010

Classical enzymology has been used for generations to understand the interactions of inhibitors with their enzyme targets. Enzymology tools enabled prediction of the biological impact of inhibitors as well as the development of novel, more potent, ones. Experiments designed to examine the competition between the tested inhibitor and the enzyme substrate(s) are the tool of choice to identify inhibitors that bind in the active site. Competition between an inhibitor and a substrate is considered a strong evidence for binding of the inhibitor in the active site, while the lack of competition suggests binding to an alternative site. Nevertheless, exceptions to this notion do exist. Active site–binding inhibitors can display non‐competitive inhibition patterns. This unusual behavior has been observed with enzymes utilizing an exosite for substrate binding, isomechanism enzymes, enzymes with multiple substrates and/or products and two‐step binding inhibitors. In many of these cases, the mechanisms underlying the lack of competition between the substrate and the inhibitor are well understood. Tools like alternative substrates, testing the enzyme reaction in the reverse direction and monitoring inhibition time dependence can be applied to enable distinction between ‘badly behaving’ active site binders and true exosite inhibitors.