bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of cytomegalovirus serostatus on outcome of unrelated cord blood transplantation for adults: a single‐institute experience in Japan
Authors: Tomonari Akira , Takahashi Satoshi , Ooi Jun , Tsukada Nobuhiro , Konuma Takaaki , Kato Seiko , Kasahara Senji , Iseki Tohru , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Tojo Arinobu , Asano Shigetaka
Published: February 2008

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is one of the major infectious complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Several studies have shown that CMV‐seropositive patients have a substantial survival disadvantage after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or peripheral blood SCT (PBSCT). Between August 1998 and February 2006, 101 adult patients underwent myeloablative cord blood transplantation (CBT) from unrelated donors at our institution. Sixteen and 85 patients were CMV‐seronegative and CMV‐seropositive, respectively, prior to CBT. Outcomes of CBT were compared between CMV‐seronegative and CMV‐seropositive patients. The cumulative incidences of neutrophil engraftment at 60 d after CBT did not differ between CMV‐seronegative and CMV‐seropositive patients (100% and 94%, P = 0.09); however, the cumulative incidence of platelet engraftment at 100 d was higher in CMV‐seronegative patients than CMV‐seropositive patients (100% vs. 86%, P < 0.005). The cumulative incidence of CMV antigenemia at 100 d was lower in CMV‐seronegative patients than CMV‐seropositive patients (0% vs. 77%, P < 0.001); however, the cumulative incidences of CMV disease did not differ between CMV‐seronegative and CMV‐seropositive patients (0% vs. 1%, P = 0.84). The probabilities of disease‐free survival at 2 yr also did not differ between CMV‐seronegative and CMV‐seropositive patients (92% vs. 72%, P = 0.16). The outcomes of CBT for CMV‐seropositive patients as well as CMV‐seronegative patients in our series were favorable. This might be due to effective antiviral therapy for CMV infection. Large‐scale studies are needed to determine the impact of recipient CMV serostatus on the outcome of CBT for adults.
A clinicopathological study of 13 cases of intravascular lymphoma: experience in a single institution over a 9‐yr period
Authors: Matsue Kosei , Asada Noboru , Takeuchi Masami , Yamakura Masayuki , Kimura Shun‐ichi , Odawara Jun , Aoki Takatoshi
Published: February 2008

Intravascular lymphoma (IVL) is a rare type of extranodal lymphoma in which the lymphoma cells proliferate exclusively in lumina of small vessels. Here, we report a clinicopathological study of 13 cases IVL diagnosed at our institution between March 1999 and July 2007, and evaluated the clinical characteristics, usefulness of random skin biopsy and response to chemotherapy containing rituximab. Three of 13 patients were diagnosed at autopsy. The most common clinical features were unexplained fever, neurological deterioration, respiratory failure, and poor performance status. Thrombocytopenia, high serum lactate dehydrogenase and soluble interleukin2 receptor levels were the most common laboratory abnormalities. Adrenal tumor was detected in four cases and pituitary involvement was seen in all three autopsied cases and in two surviving patient by brain magnetic resonance imaging. Bone marrow invasion was seen in all 13 cases by bone marrow smear, and it was subtle in trephine biopsy. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that CD5 was positive in one‐third of the cases. Most of the cases were positive for MUM1/IRF, Bcl‐2 and negative for CD10 and BCL‐6 indicating the postgerminal center cell origin of this peculiar type of lymphoma. On random skin biopsy, the most recent seven patients were diagnosed promptly and chemotherapy containing rituximab was successfully administered. Patients with IVL exhibit the characteristic clinical and immunophenotypic features cited above and the use of random skin biopsy facilitates prompt diagnosis. Early commencement of chemotherapy containing rituximab appears promising for this peculiar lymphoma. As the recent seven patients were diagnosed by random skin biopsy over the past 13 months, the incidence of IVL is thought to be much higher than generally accepted.
Wilms tumour gene 1 overexpression in bone marrow as a marker for minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Hämäläinen Mauri M. , Kairisto Veli , Juvonen Vesa , Johansson Janita , Aurén Jukka , Kohonen Kati , Remes Kari , Salmi Toivo T. , Helenius Hans , Pelliniemi Tarja‐Terttu
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  Wilms tumour gene 1 (WT1) is overexpressed in leucocytes of most acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients. However, the clinical relevance of WT1 gene expression as minimal residual disease (MRD) marker in AML has been questioned.

Methods:  We determined the expression of WT1 gene in bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells of 100 AML patients at diagnosis and compared it with other MRD markers during follow up in 16 patients using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  The median WT1 gene expression was 9.7% of K562 cell line WT1 expression (lower quartile 1.5%, upper quartile 29.9%, n = 100) at diagnosis and, 0.053% (lower quartile 0.022%, upper quartile 0.125%, n = 87) in molecular or immunophenotypic remission. Median WT1 expression in control BM was 0.029% (lower quartile 0.013%, upper quartile 0.061%, n = 22). The upper 99% percentile of remission samples was 0.3%, which was regarded as the cut‐off of increased WT1 gene expression in AML and was exceeded in 87% of all AML patients at diagnosis. WT1 and the other MRD markers showed only minor differences in profiles during follow‐up. WT1 expression at diagnosis with median value 9.7% as the cut‐off level or as a continuous variable had no prognostic significance for 2‐yr survival.

Conclusions:  The sensitivity of WT1 as a MRD marker was low due to the relatively high background WT1 gene expression in BM cells at remission and in subjects without haematological malignancies. Therefore, WT1 gene expression analysis would be beneficial only in those patients who do not have a more specific and sensitive MRD marker.
Treatment of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma: past, present, and future
Authors: Ishitsuka Kenji , Tamura Kazuo
Published: February 2008

Adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a peripheral T‐cell malignancy caused by human T‐cell lymphotrophic virus type I. Clinical manifestations of ATLL range from smoldering to chronic, lymphoma and acute. Patients with acute and lymphoma type ATLL require therapeutic intervention. Conventional chemotherapeutic regimens used against other malignant lymphoma have been administered to ATLL patients, but the therapeutic outcomes of acute and lymphoma type ATLL remain very poor. Promising results of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for ATLL patients have recently been reported and the treatment outcome might be improved for some ATLL patients. Besides conventional chemotherapy and SCT, interferon, zidovudine, arsenic trioxide, targeted therapy against surface molecule on ATLL cells, retinoid derivatives, and bortezomib have been administered to ATLL patients in pilot or phase I/II studies. Further studies are required to confirm the clinical benefits of these novel therapeutics. This article reviews the current status and future directions of ATLL treatment.
Clinical impact of nucleophosmin mutations and Flt3 internal tandem duplications in patients older than 60 yr with acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Scholl Sebastian , Theuer Claudia , Scheble Veit , Kunert Christa , Heller Anita , Mügge Lars‐Olof , Fricke Hans‐Joerg , Höffken Klaus , Wedding Ulrich
Published: February 2008

Background:  Nucleophosmin (NPM1) and Flt3 internal tandem duplications (Flt3‐ITD mutations) represent the most frequent molecular aberrations in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). While NPM1 mutations are associated with favourable prognosis in younger AML patients, Flt3‐ITD mutations reflect an unfavourable prognostic factor in these patients. So far, especially NPM1 mutations have not yet been evaluated exclusively in older patients.

Patients and methods:  We retrospectively analysed the prevalence of NPM1 and Flt3‐ITD mutations and its association with complete remission (CR), and survival in 99 elderly patients (median age 71 yr, range 60–85 yr) newly diagnosed for AML. Primary treatment approach was curative in 54, and palliative in 38 patients, while seven patients received best supportive care only. The mean follow‐up of surviving patients was 600 d.

Results:  Sixty‐seven patients were tested negative for NPM1 and Flt3‐ITD mutations (group 1), 16 patients carried only a NPM1 mutation (group 2) and nine patients had only a Flt3‐ITD mutation (group 3) while additional seven patients were positive for both aberrations (group 4). We can demonstrate a significant higher rate of CR comparing wildtype vs. NPM1 positive patients (40.5% for group 1 vs. 80.0% for group 2, P = 0.03) for patients receiving curative therapy. Interestingly, there is no significant difference in overall survival between group 1 and group 2 (Log‐rank test P = 0.22, median 440 d vs. 1125 d). In contrast, patients carrying a Flt3‐ITD mutation had a significant worse overall survival compared to wildtype patients (P = 0.03, median 210 d for group 3 + 4 vs. 634 d for group 1 + 2) while no difference of CR rate could be observed (42.8% vs. 48.9%, P = 0.91).

Conclusion:  As elderly but medically fit patients with AML carrying a NPM1 mutation have a high CR rate, age itself should not be a barrier for induction treatment. However, new therapeutic concepts of postremission therapy (e.g. allogeneic stem cell transplantation after dose‐reduced conditioning) should be considered for these patients in first CR.
Leukemia‐associated antigens as target structures for a specific immunotherapy in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Greiner Jochen , Schmitt Michael
Published: February 2008

Specific immunotherapies for CML patients targeting T cell antigens might eliminate residual CML cells after chemotherapy, in combination with imatinib or other tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and might enhance a specific graft versus leukemia effect after allogeneic stem cell transplantation without aggravating the graft versus host disease. For an effective specific immunotherapy in CML, the use of leukemia‐associated antigens (LAAs) with an optimal expression pattern is required. In this work, we review known LAAs which are able to induce specific CD8 positive T cell responses and which are appropriate target structures for immunological targeting of CML cells. Moreover, an overview on LAA‐targeted immunotherapeutic approaches for CML patients are given.
Detection of alpha‐thalassemia‐1 Southeast Asian type using real‐time gap‐PCR with SYBR Green1 and high resolution melting analysis
Authors: Pornprasert Sakorn , Phusua Arunee , Suanta Sudjai , Saetung Rattika , Sanguansermsri Torpong
Published: February 2008

α‐Thalassemia‐1 Southeast Asian (SEA) type is the most common genetic disorder in the Asian population. Couples who are both carriers have a 25% chance of conceiving Bart’s hydrops fetalis. Therefore, results from carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis frequently need to be available rapidly. A rapid technique for diagnosis of α‐thalassemia‐1 SEA type was implemented. The technique used is based on real‐time gap‐PCR and high resolution melting (HRM) analysis of the amplified fragment using the Rotor‐Gene 6000™. The DNA samples used for amplification were obtained from whole blood, cord blood, and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). With this method, the α‐thalassemia‐1 SEA allele can be easily distinguished from wild type α‐globin gene allele. The real‐time gap‐PCR and HRM analysis offers additional benefits including minimal labor, rapid turnaround time, and a decreased risk of PCR carryover contamination. It is cost‐effective and safe, does not require fluorescently labeled probe and hazardous chemicals. Moreover, it is accurate showing 100% concordance with conventional gap‐PCR analysis.
Aortas Isolated from Sinoaortic‐Denervated Rats Exhibit Rhythmic Contractions That Are Regulated by Pharmacologically Distinct Calcium Sources
Authors: Rocha Matheus L. , Bendhack Lusiane M.
Published: February 2008

Abstract: Sinoaortic denervation is characterized by arterial pressure lability, without sustained hypertension. Aortas isolated from rats with sinoaortic denervation present rhythmic contractions. We studied the participation of distinct Ca2+sources in the maintenance of the oscillations. Three days after the surgeries, aortic rings were placed in an organ chamber, and the incidence of aortas presenting rhythmic contractions was measured. Specific drugs were employed to analyse the participation of the Ca2+released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum [2‐APB (diphenylborinic acid 2‐aminoethyl ester), thapsigargin and ryanodine] and external Ca2+entry [Bay K 8644, verapamil and DMB (dimethylbenzyl amiloride)] on the rhythmic contractions. Additionally, we verified the effects of chloride channel blocker NPPB [5‐nitro‐2‐(3‐phenylpropylamino)‐benzoic acid] on the maintenance of the rhythmic contractions. Under phenylephrine stimulus, sinoaortic‐denervated rat aortas exhibited rhythmic contractions in the frequency of 4.5 ± 0.50 cycles/min. and an amplitude of 0.465 ± 0.05 g. 2‐APB, thapsigargin and ryanodine inhibited the rhythmic contractions. Bay K 8644 increased the oscillations, reaching maximum values with a concentration of 50 nM (18.5 ± 2.5 cycles/min.). The rhythmic contractions were inhibiting by verapamil and Ca2+‐free solution. DMB and NPPB did not alter the oscillations. In conclusion, we observed that aorta isolated from sinoaortic‐denervated rats present rhythmic contractions. Moreover, drugs that impaired intracellular Ca2+release from sarcoplasmic reticulum interrupted the oscillations. The oscillations also depend on the extracellular Ca2+entry through L‐type Ca2+.
Importance of and Satisfaction with Sex Among Men and Women Worldwide: Results of the Global Better Sex Survey
Authors: Mulhall John , King Rosie , Glina Sidney , Hvidsten Kyle
Published: February 2008

Introduction

It is now increasingly recognized that sexual health is important to overall good health and well-being.

Aim

The Global Better Sex Survey (GBSS) explored the sexual aspirations and unmet needs of men and women worldwide.

Main Outcome Measures

Participant responses to survey questions.

Methods

Data were collected during 2005 in 27 countries by phone, door-to-door, and street-intercept interview. Data were weighted by demographic characteristics to accurately reflect the general population of each country.

Results

Of the 12,563 respondents (men=6,291, women=6,272), 46% of men and 48% of women were younger than 40 years, 41% were 40–59 years, and 11% were 60 years or older. Nearly all men (91%) and women (94%) were married, living with a partner, or in a relationship. All aspects of sex (intercourse, foreplay, orgasm, attraction to partner) were important to men and women. Nearly half (48%) of men surveyed reported some degree of erectile dysfunction (ED). A significant proportion of men (65%) were not very satisfied with their erection hardness (63% of women were not very satisfied with their partner's erection hardness). An association existed between satisfaction with erection hardness and satisfaction with sex life, love and romance, and overall health. Only 7% of men reported using a prescription medication for ED. However, 74% of men were willing to take medication to improve their erections if they thought they had ED; 64% of women would support such a decision.

Conclusions

The GBSS reports the sexual needs and desires of men and women worldwide. Erectile function and the effect of ED on aspects of the sexual experience emerged as the most pressing concerns among male participants.
Association of vitamin D receptor gene 3′‐variants with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in the Croatian population
Authors: Štefanić M. , Papić S. , Suver M. , Glavaš‐Obrovac L. , Karner I.
Published: February 2008

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most frequent autoimmune thyroid disease with strong genetic background. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) endocrine system affects immunosuppressive, regulatory and tolerogenic decisions required for induction and maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance. With respect to the biological function of the VDR and functionally plausible gene‐expression data, we sought to test whether particular 3′‐restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) and haplotypes previously directly or indirectly associated with VDR mRNA 3′‐allelic imbalance phenotype and differences in total VDR mRNA expression are implicated in HT susceptibility. Thus, 145 Croatian HT patients and 145 age‐, sex‐ and ethnically matched euthyroid controls were genotyped for VDR rs1544410 (BsmI), rs7975232 (ApaI) and rs731236 (TaqI) polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction‐RFLP method. Covariate‐adjusted single‐locus and haplotype–phenotype regression analyses were performed. Permutation corrections (Pc) and Akaike Information Criteria were used for model comparisons. The best‐fit [global Pc = 7.2 × 10−4]BsmI‐TaqI BT haplotype was found significantly more often in subjects without HT [12.2% vs. 3.7%; odds ratio (OR, 95% confidence intervals) = 0.28 (0.14–0.56), Pc = 8 × 10−4], whereas the bT haplotype was significantly more frequent in individuals with HT [45.7% vs. 61.8%; OR = 1.91 (1.37–2.65), Pc = 4 × 10−4]. Two extended BsmI‐ApaI‐TaqI RFLP haplotypes, the common baT [35.7 vs. 47.3%, OR = 1.63 (1.17–2.27), Pc = 0.012] and rare BaT variants [6.5 vs. 1.2%, OR = 0.17 (0.06–0.55), Pc = 1.2 × 10−3] were associated with HT, representing predisposing and protective haplotypes, respectively. In single‐RFLP association analyses, only rs1544410 polymorphism was associated with HT phenotype (allelic Pc = 0.0078) and appeared to function under the recessive model, with decreased risk of HT among the BB homozygotes [OR = 0.39 (0.21–0.7), Pc = 0.0052] when compared to the reference b+‐genotypes. These data suggest that common haplotypic variants within the VDR gene 3′‐region previously linked to VDR mRNA expression and allelic imbalance could be associated with HT in the general population, and thus, may be involved in the pathogenesis of HT.
A possible mechanism for non‐replication of allelic association between a single nucleotide polymorphism of the human beta T‐cell receptor and autoimmune diseases
Authors: Tripputi P. , Bianchi S. , Fedele L.
Published: February 2008

Gene polymorphisms, in particular single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), have been associated to multifactorial diseases such as cancer, inflammation and autoimmunity. Indeed for some autoimmune diseases, it has been possible to identify critical residues that play a major role in susceptibility to diseases. The association of a common T/C polymorphism in the promoter region of the beta 2 constant chain of the T‐cell receptor with autoimmune diseases, such as insulin‐dependent diabetes, autoimmune hepatitis, IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, Graves’ disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, was described in the 1990s. These reports have not been confirmed in the last few years. We also failed in a previous study to detect any difference between 70 normal subjects and 70 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis; however, we found a difference in allelic frequency between males and females. This finding led us to make an allele frequency study of this single nucleotide polymorphism between sexes in a new series of patients. We studied 165 subjects, 80 males and 85 females, and we found a significant difference between sexes especially for the CC homozygous genotype: 34% of females vs. 14% of males (P = 0.008). If the higher frequency of CC homozygous genotype (that is associated with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases) in females would be confirmed in normal population, this could be an explanation of the controversial results obtained by association studies made between this SNP and autoimmune diseases.
The genetic differences with whole genome linkage disequilibrium mapping between responder and non‐responder in interferon‐α and ribavirin combined therapy for chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Chen P.‐J. , Hwang Y. , Lin C. G.‐J. , Wu Y.‐J. , Wu L. S.‐H.
Published: February 2008

Interferon‐α and ribavirin combined therapy has been a mainstream treatment for hepatitis C infection. The efficacy of this combined treatment is around 30% to 60%, and the factors affecting the responsiveness are still poorly defined. Our study is intended to investigate the genetic differences between responder and non‐responder patients. The genome‐wide linkage disequilibrium screening for loci associated with genetic difference between two patient groups was conducted by using 382 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) markers involving 92 patients. We have identified 19 STR markers displaying different allele frequencies between the two patient groups. In addition, based on their genomic location and biological function, we selected the CD81 and IL15 genes to perform single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping. In conclusion, this study may provide a new approach for identifying the associated polymorphisms and the susceptible loci for interferon‐α and ribavirin combined therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Mapping Nursing Intervention Data Into the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC): Process and Rules
Authors: Moorhead Sue , Delaney Connie
Published: February 2008

TOPIC. Uniform language in nursing is needed to clearly depict the contributions of nursing in the healthcare arena but little data related to nursing interventions and patient outcomes are standardized.

PURPOSE. To investigate the feasibility of mapping nonstandardized nursing interventions into standardized language using the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC).

SOURCE. Data from a Midwest community hospital's Computerized information system.

CONCLUSIONS. Results demonstrate that nonstandardized nursing orders can be mapped into standardized language using the NIC.
Binding Site of Loperamide: Automated Docking of Loperamide in Human μ‐ and δ‐Opioid Receptors
Authors: Di Bosco Antonio Mazzella , Grieco Paolo , Diurno Maria Vittoria , Campiglia Pietro , Novellino Ettore , Mazzoni Orazio
Published: February 2008

Loperamide is a piperidine analogue, acting as agonist on peripheral opioid receptors, exhibiting affinity and selectivity for the cloned μ human opioid receptor compared with the δ human opioid receptor. Automatic docking studies of loperamide, using AutoDock, on human μ‐ and δ‐opioid receptors is described. Whilst no meaningful difference was detected concerning the docking of the arylpiperidine moiety, μ/δ selectivity could be explained as a different accommodation of the two phenyl groups in two lipophylic pockets of receptors.
Effects of combined strength and sprint training on regulation of muscle contraction at the whole‐muscle and single‐fibre levels in elite master sprinters
Authors: Cristea A. , Korhonen M. T. , Häkkinen K. , Mero A. , Alén M. , Sipilä S. , Viitasalo J. T. , Koljonen M. J. , Suominen H. , Larsson L.
Published: February 2008

Aim:  This study aims at examining the effects of progressive strength and sprint training on regulation of muscle contraction at the whole‐muscle and single‐fibre levels in older sprint‐trained athletes.

Methods:  Eleven men (52–78 years) were randomized to a training (EX, n = 7) or control (CTRL, n = 4) group. EX participated in a 20‐week programme that combined sprint training with heavy and explosive strength exercises, while CTRL maintained their usual run‐based training schedules.

Results:  EX improved maximal isometric and dynamic leg strength, explosive jump performance and force production in running. Specific tension and maximum shortening velocity of single fibres from the vastus lateralis were not altered in EX or CTRL. Fibre type and myosin heavy chain isoform distributions remained unchanged in the two groups. There was a general increase in fibre areas in EX, but this was significant only in IIa fibres. The 10% increase in squat jump in EX was accompanied by a 9% increase in the integrated EMG (iEMG) of the leg extensors but the 21–40% increases in isometric and dynamic strength were not paralleled by changes in iEMG.

Conclusion:  Adding strength training stimulus to the training programme improved maximal, explosive and sport‐specific force production in elite master sprinters. These improvements were primarily related to hypertrophic muscular adaptations.
Has Fiscal Federalism Worked for Macroeconomic Purposes? The Chinese Experience 1994–2003
Authors: He Liping
Published: February 2008

China's central government undertook major tax regime reform in 1994 that was characterized by fiscal federalism. In hindsight, this reform might be viewed as being more emphatic towards the revenue side than the expenditure side. The reform has resulted in certain success both for revenue shifting and inflation fighting purposes. However, the reform and its subsequent follow‐ups have not addressed some fundamental issues pertaining to China's government finance system, such as the overhauling of the function of government finance and redrawing lines between the central and regional governments with regard to their fiscal responsibilities and duties. Moreover, fiscal federalism might have actually increased fiscal burden on the economy, especially on domestic sectors of the economy. However, coupled with enhanced policy support for China's external development, fiscal federalism might have helped to further accelerate resource shifts toward the external sector, thus resulting in an unprecedented rapid expansion in China's exports since the mid‐1990s.
A Counterfactual Analysis on Unlimited Surplus Labor in Rural China
Authors: Cai Fang , Wang Meiyan
Published: February 2008

Using a counterfactual analysis approach, the present paper examines a host of conventional wisdoms relating to issues of farmer, the countryside and agriculture, which are believed to be all originated from the existence of mass surplus laborers in China. When analyzing various sources of statistics, evidence shows that there is no longer a large pool of surplus laborers in rural China as most people believe. Based on this counterfactual result, all related events, such as the direction of agricultural technological changes, the level of comparative productivity of agricultural labor, and the degree of rural‐urban income gap must be reconsidered.
Is China's Economic Growth Extraordinar or Mediocre? The Role of the Exchange Rate
Authors: Feng Yun , Wu Chongfeng
Published: February 2008

Results derived from evaluations using different measures for China's economic growth are divergent, especially when the RMB exchange rate has experienced large depreciation. Focusing on the changes in the RMB exchange rate matching the demands of economic development, we offer some plausible explanations for the variations in the evaluation results. The significant gaps between different economic performance evaluation results before the mid‐1990s, and evidence from international comparisons of factor productivity indicate that the quality of economic growth in China is different from that of other economies. Evaluation of economic development should take into account both quantitative expansion and qualitative improvement. From this perspective, evaluation results indicate qualitative improvement in the Chinese economy after the mid‐1990s.
Caspase‐3 Activation and DNA Damage in Pig Skin Organ Culture After Solar Irradiation
Authors: Bacqueville Daniel , Mavon Alain
Published: February 2008

In the present study, a convenient and easy‐to‐handle skin organ culture was developed from domestic pig ears using polycarbonate Transwell® culture inserts in 12‐well plate. This alternative model was then tested for its suitability in analyzing the short‐term effects of a single solar radiation dose (from 55 to 275 kJ·m−2). Differentiation of the pig skin was maintained for up to 48 h in culture, and its morphology was similar to that of fresh human skin. Solar irradiation induced a significant release of the cytosolic enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and extracellular signal‐related kinase 2 protein in the culture medium 24 h after exposure. These photocytotoxic effects were associated with the formation of sunburn cells, thymine dimers and DNA strand breaks in both the epidermis and dermis. Interestingly, cell death was dose dependent and associated with p53 protein upregulation and strong caspase‐3 activation in the basal epidermis. None of these cellular responses was observed in non‐irradiated skin. Finally, topical application of a broad‐spectrum UVB + A sunfilter formulation afforded efficient photoprotection in irradiated explants. Thus, the ex vivo pig ear skin culture may be a useful tool in the assessment of solar radiation‐induced DNA damage and apoptosis, and for evaluating the efficacy of sunscreen formulations.
Experience with sodium fluorescein flow cytometry in the determination of red cell volume
Authors: SLIGHT R. D. , FERGUSON R. , STIRLING D. , McCLELLAND D. B. L. , MANKAD P. S.
Published: February 2008

Sodium fluorescein flow cytometry for the calculation of red cell volume is an exciting proposition in that the repeatability of the technique in a short time frame should allow for applications such as the measurement of surgical red cell volume loss. Our results found that the rapid decay in fluorescence negated the usefulness of this technique as currently described. However, further investigation into the behaviour of the sodium fluorescein labelled red blood cells may allow for the mathematical correction of the fluorescent red cell population prior to red cell volume calculation.
Geochronology of the pre-KBS Tuff sequence, Omo Group, Turkana Basin
Authors: McDOUGALL IAN , BROWN FRANCIS H.
Published: February 2008

The Omo–Turkana Basin of northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia developed in the northern Kenya Rift about 4.3 Ma ago in the Early Pliocene. Nearly 800 m of sediments, included within the Omo Group, crop out in the basin. Numerous rhyolitic tuffs in the sequence not only have facilitated secure correlations between the formations of the Omo Group but also have provided material for precise
40
Ar/
39
Ar age measurements. Here we report ages on alkali feldspar crystals from pumice clasts within tuffs in the lower part of the Omo Group up to the level of the KBS Tuff, which has previously been dated at 1.87 ± 0.02 Ma. The results from 17 stratigraphic levels encompassing the 2.4 Ma time interval from the base of the group to the KBS Tuff provide a numerical time framework for the geological history of the lower part of the Pliocene sequence. The new ages, which have a precision of the order of 1%, are all consistent with the stratigraphic order, providing confidence that they accurately record the ages of the volcanic eruptions, with deposition of the tuffs and pumices occurring shortly thereafter.
Electron microprobe monazite geochronological constraints on the Late Palaeozoic tectonothermal evolution in the Chinese Tianshan
Authors: LI QIUGEN , LIU SHUWEN , WANG ZONGQI , HAN BAOFU , SHU GUIMING , WANG TAO
Published: February 2008

Electron microprobe monazite data from the early Palaeozoic granitoid gneisses in the Central Tianshan Tectonic Zone provide two main ages: (1) an age of 355 ± 12 Ma obtained on the chemically complex grains, which is good agreement with the high-pressure metamorphic age obtained on eclogite and blueschist rocks from the south Tianshan Tectonic Zone; (2) an age of 323 ± 7 Ma obtained on the complex and the monogenetic grains, which is also closely consistent with the age for a major episode of cooling–recrystallization of these high-pressure rocks. Monazite from the schist of the Xingxingxia complex yields a younger Th/Pb–U/Pb centroid age of 282 ± 9 Ma. This younger age is interpreted as being linked to a magmatic episode, possibly related to underplating–extension, and/or shear activities. These data provide timing constraints on the episodes of metamorphism and high-pressure metamorphism and evidence for transition from compression to extension during the Carboniferous to early Permian, for the Chinese Tianshan region. Moreover, this study shows that electron microprobe dating of monazite, together with recent statistical treatment, can provide a reliable method to reveal a sequence of events within an orogenic cycle.
Estrogen Signaling through the Transmembrane G Protein–Coupled Receptor GPR30
Authors: Prossnitz Eric R. , Arterburn Jeffrey B. , Smith Harriet O. , Oprea Tudor I. , Sklar Larry A. , Hathaway Helen J.
Published: February 2008

Steroids play an important role in the regulation of normal physiology and the treatment of disease. Steroid receptors have classically been described as ligand-activated transcription factors mediating long-term genomic effects in hormonally regulated tissues. It is now clear that steroids also mediate rapid signaling events traditionally associated with growth factor receptors and G protein–coupled receptors. Although evidence suggests that the classical steroid receptors are capable of mediating many of these events, more recent discoveries reveal the existence of transmembrane receptors capable of responding to steroids with cellular activation. One such receptor, GPR30, is a member of the G protein–coupled receptor superfamily and mediates estrogen-dependent kinase activation as well as transcriptional responses. In this review, we provide an overview of the evidence for the cellular and physiological actions of GPR30 in estrogen-dependent processes and discuss the relationship of GPR30 with classical estrogen receptors.
The Mobilization of Opposition to Economic Liberalization
Authors: Roberts Kenneth M.
Published: February 2008

Opposition to economic liberalization has intensified since the late 1990s, with Latin America often standing at the forefront of new social and political movements that challenge market globalization. The revival of social protest and populist or leftist political alternatives has shattered the technocratic consensus around neoliberal policies in the region. By demanding an expanded set of social citizenship rights, these movements are also contesting the terms under which popular sectors were reincorporated politically under the new democratic regimes of the 1980s. This “second” historical process of mass political incorporation differs in fundamental ways from that associated with the process of labor incorporation in the first half of the twentieth century. It is marked by a more pluralistic set of social subjects, a more decentralized organizational structure, and more fluid patterns of institutional development. Existing scholarship often fails to explain variation in the patterns of social and political mobilization, due to both methodological and theoretical limitations—in particular, a tendency to focus on outcomes with little variation on the dependent variable, and a failure to engage theoretically with the literature on social fragmentation and demobilization. There is thus a need to problematize the process of mobilization by conducting more rigorous comparative research on a broader range of social responses to market liberalization.
What Have We Learned About Generalized Trust, If Anything?
Authors: Nannestad Peter
Published: February 2008

After discussing issues related to the conceptualization, measurement, and statistical analysis of data on generalized trust, I survey recent empirical work (mainly from about 2000–2007) on this topic. First, results concerning cross-country differences in the level of generalized trust and the dynamics of these levels are presented. Then comes an investigation of empirical work on the determinants of generalized trust, covering contributions focusing on the impact of civic society, quality of institutions, culture and values, and ethnic heterogeneity. In these studies, generalized trust is treated as the dependent variable. After that, I survey recent empirical work on societal impacts of generalized trust, covering research on the impact of generalized trust on economic outcomes, on politics and “good government,” and on the welfare state. Here, generalized trust is treated as an independent variable. I conclude with a short assessment of where we stand and how research on generalized trust may proceed from here.
Hepatic overexpression of a dominant negative form of raptor enhances Akt phosphorylation and restores insulin sensitivity in K/KAy mice
Authors: Koketsu Yuko , Sakoda Hideyuki , Fujishiro Midori , Kushiyama Akifumi , Fukushima Yasushi , Ono Hiraku , Anai Motonobu , Kikuchi Takako , Fukuda Takeshi , Kamata Hideaki , Horike Nanao , Uchijima Yasunobu , Kurihara Hiroki , Asano Tomoichiro
Published: February 2008

Several serine/threonine kinases reportedly phosphorylate serine residues of IRS-1 and thereby induce insulin resistance. In this study, to investigate the effect of mTOR/raptor on insulin signaling and metabolism in K/KAy mice with genetic obesity-associated insulin resistance, a dominant negative raptor, COOH-terminally deleted raptor (raptor-ΔCT), was overexpressed in the liver via injection of its adenovirus into the circulation. Hepatic raptor-ΔCT expression levels were 1.5- to 4-fold that of endogenously expressed raptor. Glucose tolerance in raptor-ΔCT-overexpressing mice improved significantly compared with that of LacZ-overexpressing mice. Insulin-induced activation of p70S6 kinase (p70S6k) was significantly suppressed in the livers of raptor-ΔCT overexpressing mice. In addition, insulin-induced IRS-1, Ser307, and Ser636/639 phosphorylations were significantly suppressed in the raptor-ΔCT-overexpressing liver, whereas tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 was increased. PI 3-kinase activation in response to insulin stimulation was increased approximately twofold, and Akt phosphorylation was clearly enhanced under both basal and insulin-stimulated conditions in the livers of raptor-ΔCT mice. Thus, our data indicate that suppression of the mTOR/p70S6k pathway leads to improved glucose tolerance in K/KAy mice. These observations may contribute to the development of novel antidiabetic agents.
Facilitation of Cortico–Amygdala Synapses by Nicotine: Activity-Dependent Modulation of Glutamatergic Transmission
Authors: Jiang Li , Role Lorna W.
Published: February 2008

The basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) receives cholinergic innervation from the basal forebrain and nicotine, via activation of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), can improve performance in amygdala-based learning tasks. We tested the hypothesis that acute and prenatal nicotine exposure modulates cortico–amygdala synaptic transmission. We found that low-dose, single-trial exposures to nicotine can elicit lasting facilitation, the extent of which is dependent on the level of stimulation of the cortical inputs to the BLA. In addition, sustained facilitation is ablated by prenatal exposure to nicotine. This study examined synaptic transmission in 238 patch-clamp recordings from BLA neurons in acute slice from mouse brain. Pharmacological studies in wild-type and nAChR subunit knock-out mice reveal that activation of presynaptic α7, containing (α7*) and non-α7* nAChRs, facilitates glutamatergic transmission in an activity-dependent manner. Without prior stimulation, application of nicotine elicits modest and transient facilitation of glutamatergic postsynaptic currents (PSCs) in about 40% of BLA neurons. With low-frequency stimulation of cortical inputs nicotine elicits robust facilitation of transmission at about 60% of cortico–BLA synapses and synaptic strength remains elevated at about 40% of these connections for >15 min after nicotine washout. Following paired-pulse stimulation nicotine elicits long-lasting facilitation of glutamatergic transmission at about 70% of cortico–BLA connections. Nicotine reduces the threshold for activation of long-term potentiation of cortico–BLA synapses evoked by patterned stimulation. Prenatal exposure to nicotine reduced subsequent modulatory responses to acute nicotine application.
Altered neuronal gene expression in brain regions differentially affected by Alzheimer's disease: a reference data set
Authors: Liang Winnie S. , Dunckley Travis , Beach Thomas G. , Grover Andrew , Mastroeni Diego , Ramsey Keri , Caselli Richard J. , Kukull Walter A. , McKeel Daniel , Morris John C. , Hulette Christine M. , Schmechel Donald , Reiman Eric M. , Rogers Joseph , Stephan Dietrich A.
Published: February 2008

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most widespread form of dementia during the later stages of life. If improved therapeutics are not developed, the prevalence of AD will drastically increase in the coming years as the world's population ages. By identifying differences in neuronal gene expression profiles between healthy elderly persons and individuals diagnosed with AD, we may be able to better understand the molecular mechanisms that drive AD pathogenesis, including the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. In this study, we expression profiled histopathologically normal cortical neurons collected with laser capture microdissection (LCM) from six anatomically and functionally discrete postmortem brain regions in 34 AD-afflicted individuals, using Affymetrix Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 microarrays. These regions include the entorhinal cortex, hippocampus, middle temporal gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex, superior frontal gyrus, and primary visual cortex. This study is predicated on previous parallel research on the postmortem brains of the same six regions in 14 healthy elderly individuals, for which LCM neurons were similarly processed for expression analysis. We identified significant regional differential expression in AD brains compared with control brains including expression changes of genes previously implicated in AD pathogenesis, particularly with regard to tangle and plaque formation. Pinpointing the expression of factors that may play a role in AD pathogenesis provides a foundation for future identification of new targets for improved AD therapeutics. We provide this carefully phenotyped, laser capture microdissected intraindividual brain region expression data set to the community as a public resource.
Validation of the 7-Minute Screen for the Detection of Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ijuin Mutsuo , Homma Akira , Mimura Masaru , Kitamura Shin , Kawai Yoshiko , Imai Yukimichi , Gondo Yasuyuki
Published: February 2008

Background/Aims: The 7-Minute Screen (7MS) is a screening battery to identify individuals with a high probability of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The 7MS consists of four subtests (Temporal Orientation, Enhanced Cued Recall, Clock Drawing, and Verbal Fluency), each measuring a different aspect of cognition. The present study is designed to examine the predictive validity of the 7MS to distinguish between patients with early-stage AD and healthy control subjects. Methods: Sixty-three patients who were diagnosed as having probable or possible AD and 91 community-dwelling elderly individuals of comparable age, sex distribution, and education were administered the 7MS (paper-and-pencil version) and other screening batteries. All patients were rated Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) 0.5–1, categorized as early-stage AD, and all participants obtained a score of less than 6 for the Geriatric Depression Scale (15-item version). Results: Mean scores for patients and controls on all the four subtests were significantly different. When using the total score of the 7MS, which was calculated by the original logistic regression formula based on all of the four subtests, the sensitivity for early-stage AD was 90.5% with a specificity of 92.3%. Correlation analysis indicated high concurrent validity between the 7MS and existing standard cognitive screening batteries (e.g., MMSE, HDS-R). In correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis, demographic effects (age, sex, and education) were not significantly associated with the total score of the 7MS in controls. Conclusions: The results showed that the 7MS had a high level of sensitivity and specificity. We also found that the 7MS was not affected by demographic characteristics. These findings demonstrated that the 7MS is a useful screening tool for discriminating patients with early-stage AD from intact individuals.
Skin Erosion over Implants in Deep Brain Stimulation Patients
Authors: Peña Esteban , Pastor Jesus , Hernando Virgilio , Gallego Isabel , Pedrosa Manuel , Carrasco Rodrigo , Sola Rafael G.
Published: February 2008

We analyzed factors associated with skin erosion in 55 patients treated with deep brain stimulation (Kinetra or Soletra) for Parkinson’s (PD) or other diseases. Nine of 55 patients developed erosion, all of whom were PD patients who had been fitted with a Kinetra device (r = 0.9292; p < 0.005). Erosions may be due to an increased pressure over the skin resulting from the larger size and weight of the Kinetra device. Alternatively, erosions in patients with the Kinetra device and bilateral leads may arise from the larger size of the 2 extension wires into the same subcutaneous tunnel and from the larger size of the 2 close parieto-occipital connections on the same cranial side. In PD patients, erosions were not related to age, immobility or PD severity. Specific studies examining the role of the skin of PD patients in erosion development and the use of smaller stimulation systems may help minimize the erosion rate.
Ultrasound Patterns of Parathyroid Glands in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Vulpio Carlo , Bossola Maurizio , De Gaetano Annamaria , Maresca Giulia , Di Stasio Enrico , Spada Pier Luigi , Romitelli Federica , Luciani Giovanna , Castagneto Marco
Published: February 2008

Background: The role ofparathyroid glands (PTG) ultrasonography (US) in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is still controversial. The present study aimed at evaluating the relationship between US findings and SHPT degree as well as therapeutic outcome. Methods: Twenty hemodialysis patients with moderate SHPT and 15 with severe SHPT underwent US to assess the PTG number, maximum longitudinal diameter (MLD), structural (1 – hypoechoic, 2 – slight heterogeneous, 3 – high heterogeneous, 4 – nodular) and vascular patterns (1 – slight, 2 – medium and 3 – high). Results: PTG number, MLD and US patterns were correlated with iPTH levels. MLD of patients with moderate or severe SHPT was 7.2 ± 2.3 and 15 ± 5.1 mm (p < 0.001). Most patients with moderate SHPT showed a single PTG with an MLD <9 mm associated with 1–2 structural and vascular pattern, whereas patients with severe SHPT exhibited more than one PTG with MLD >9 mm and 3–4 structural and vascular patterns. Thirteen patients were responders to treatment and 22 nonresponders. In nonresponders, a higher number of PTG was observed as well as higher echostructural and vascular patterns. In 14 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy, no differences were found between PTG US MLD and pathology diameter. All PTG with evidence of 3–4 structural and vascular score at ultrasound showed nodular hyperplasia at pathological examination. Conclusions: The adopted classification of US findings is correlated with SHPT degree and therapeutic outcome and might be an adjunctive predictive method useful to assess the SHPT severity and to plan the therapeutic strategy.