bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Musculoskeletal Pain on Sexual Function in Middle-aged and Elderly European Men: Results from the European Male Ageing Study
Authors: TAJAR ABDELOUAHID , O’NEILL TERENCE W. , LEE DAVID M. , O’CONNOR DARYL B. , CORONA GIOVANNI , FINN JOSEPH D. , BARTFAI GYORGY , BOONEN STEVEN , CASANUEVA FELIPE F. , FORTI GIANNI , GIWERCMAN ALEKSANDER , HAN THANG S. , HUHTANIEMI ILPO T. , KULA KRZYSZTOF , LEAN MICHAEL E.J. , PENDLETON NEIL , PUNAB MARGUS , PURANDARE NITIN , SILMAN ALAN J. , VANDERSCHUEREN DIRK , WU FREDERICK C.W. , McBETH JOHN
Published: December 2010

Objective.

To determine whether musculoskeletal pain was associated with impaired sexual function in a population sample of middle-aged and older men.

Methods.

The European Male Ageing Study (EMAS), a multicenter population-based study of men aged 40–79 years, was used to investigate this hypothesis. A questionnaire asked about the presence and duration of musculoskeletal pain, allowing subjects to be classified into 1 of 3 groups: those reporting chronic widespread pain (CWP), those reporting pain but not CWP (“some pain”), and those with no pain. Subjects completed a sexual function questionnaire from which 3 domains were considered: overall sexual functioning (OSF), sexual functioning-related distress (SFD), and change in sexual functioning compared to 1 year ago (CSF).

Results.

A total of 3206 men [mean age 60 (SD 11) yrs] had complete data on pain status. Of these, 8.7% had CWP and 50.34% had “some pain.” Pain was associated with lower OSF, and higher SFD and CSF scores. After adjustment for putative confounding factors, the associations became non-significant with OSF and CSF but persisted for SFD. Associations between pain status and some items within the sexual functioning domains, including frequency of sexual intercourse, frequency of morning erections, sexual desire, and orgasm were also significant, although these associations varied by pain status.

Conclusion.

Musculoskeletal pain is associated with several aspects of sexual functioning. These relationships differ depending on the extent of the pain (chronic or not) and are also largely confounded by other health-related factors, primarily depression.
L'offre de crédit dans les catalogues de vente par correspondance (1974-2001). De l'outil de gestion budgétaire à l'accompagnement des ménages dans leur carrière de consommateurs
Authors: Ducourant Hélène
Published: December 2010

Résumé L’évolution de l’activité de crédit revolving est appréhendée au travers des documents de communication, de publicité et de souscription de crédit qui ont été proposés aux client-e-s d’un catalogue de vente par correspondance de textile et d’équipements ménagers français entre 1974 et 2001. L’analyse que nous proposons est double. D’une part, nous mettons en évidence l’évolution des caractéristiques techniques des crédits et des discours par lesquels ils sont offerts. D’autre part, nous analysons les « hyper-ritualisations » du quotidien qui parcourent les documents. Nous montrons comment l’ensemble contribue à faire évoluer la définition du crédit revolving : de crédit au service de la gestion budgétaire des ménagères (des années 1970) à l’instrument d’accompagnement des ménages dans leur « consommation-plaisir » (promu dans les années 1990 et 2000).
Décider en temps réel : une activité située et distribuée mais aussi disloquée
Authors: Grosjean Sylvie , Robichaud Daniel
Published: December 2010

Dans cet article, nous analysons la manière dont des opérateurs d’urgence dans un centre de répartition des appels 911 prennent des décisions en temps réel. L’objectif poursuivi consiste en la description du processus de décision en train de se faire . Il s’agit alors de rendre compte de la génération de sens dans une situation où des individus parlent, confrontent leurs points de vue, mobilisent des objets, etc. C’est à partir d’un exemple concret que nous allons souligner les modes de pensée et d’action que construisent conjointement des individus amenés à travailler ensemble et devant prendre une décision en commun. Plus spécifiquement, nous montrons en quoi une décision est à la fois locale (inscrite dans l’ici et maintenant de l’interaction) et « disloquée ». C’est-à-dire comment des « actants hétérogènes » extérieurs à la scène interactionnelle (au local de l’interaction) y sont actualisés, présentifiés, et participent à l’interaction de telle sorte que ce qui s’y passe relève tout autant d’autres lieux dans le temps et dans l’espace que de l’ici et maintenant, d’où la dis location.
Regulation of Th17 cell differentiation by intestinal commensal bacteria
Authors: Atarashi K. , Tanoue T. , Umesaki Y. , Honda K.
Published: December 2010

Interleukin (IL)-17-producing CD4 T cells ('Th17 cells') are most abundant at the intestinal mucosa, and play a critical
role in the maintenance of mucosal barrier function. Recent studies indicate that accumulation of intestinal Th17
cells depends on stimulation by intestinal commensal bacteria – particularly by segmented filamentous bacterium.
In this review, we summarise recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of intestinal Th17 synthesis
in mice, and discuss their relevance to infectious and inflammatory diseases.
The interaction of short-chain fatty acids with adipose tissue: relevance for prevention of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Roelofsen H. , Priebe M. , Vonk R.
Published: December 2010

Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are the main bacterial metabolites of colonic fermentation processes. The physiological
relevance of the SCFA for the host outside the gastrointestinal tract is getting increased attention. In this review
we will focus on the effect of SCFA on inflammation processes in the host in relation to insulin resistance. Obesity
has been associated with a pro-inflammatory state of the adipose tissue that is associated with whole body insulin
resistance leading to type 2 diabetes. Recently, two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) for SCFA, GPCR 41 and
GPCR43, were described that are mainly expressed by immune cells but also by adipose tissue. Propionate can
induce the satiety hormone leptin and reduce expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines indicating that
SCFA have anti-inflammatory effects in human adipose tissue. In addition, in human nutritional experiments we
observed that whole grain products could counteract a glucose-induced tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin-6
increase which was associated with increased plasma butyrate concentrations. This suggests that dietary fibre can
produce a SCFA profile that could have anti-inflammatory effects in the body. The physiological relevance of these
observations especially in relation to obesity-associated inflammation and insulin resistance is discussed.
Beneficial microbes for premature infants, and children with malignancy undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Yamashiro Y. , Nagata S.
Published: December 2010

This review reports the beneficial effects, observed in our clinical studies, of Bifidobacterium breve for premature
infants, and children with cancers undergoing chemotherapy. To investigate the protective effects of B. breve (M-16V)
as a probiotic on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and infection in premature infants, we carried out a clinical study
in 338 very low birth weight infants over a five-year period. These patients were supplemented with B. breve starting
several hours after birth (Bifido group). 226 premature infants served as controls. Infants of the Bifido group were
administered B. breve in a daily dose of 1×109 cells/day. The incidence of NEC was significantly reduced in the
Bifido group (nil) compared with that in controls (6 cases, P<0.01). Infection also decreased significantly. Thus,
administration of B. breve as a probiotic looks to be a very effective treatment for preventing NEC and infection
in preterm infants. Mucositis, also referred to as mucosal barrier injury, is one of the most debilitating side effects
of chemotherapy treatment. To evaluate the effects of the administration of B. breve (BBG-01, another strain than
that used in the study of premature infants), a clinical study was performed to ascertain whether it attenuated
intestinal mucositis in children with cancers on chemotherapy. A placebo-controlled trial was performed in patients
with malignancies admitted for chemotherapy (n=42), who were randomised into two groups receiving probiotic
or placebo. The frequency of fever and the use of intravenous antibiotics were significantly lower in the Bifido
group than the placebo group. The B. breve administration enhanced the colonisation of anaerobes. Disruption of
the intestinal microbiota after chemotherapy, such as the increase in the population levels of Enterobacteriaceae,
was more pronounced in the placebo group. In conclusion, these data suggest that administration of B. breve is
an effective approach to attenuating chemotherapy-induced mucositis in children with cancers. The study results
strongly suggest that B. breve administration as a probiotic is an effective therapy for the prevention of NEC and
infection in premature infants, and also a promising treatment for attenuating chemotherapy-induced mucositis
in children with cancers.
New topics and limits related to the use of beneficial microbes in pig feeding
Authors: Bosi P. , Trevisi P.
Published: December 2010

Reports highlighting the positive effects of probiotics on the performance of pigs or on in vitro traits are now quite
frequent, but the use of probiotics in feed compounds has not been widespread. Prerequisites for the healthy and
efficient growth of young pigs are the rapid maturation of the gut mucosa and the mucosa-associated lymphoid
tissue, and the formation of a local stable and complex bacterial community. In neonatal pigs, suckling and the
maternal environment shape the gut microbiota. Later, when weaning stress causes a transient drop in favourable
bacteria, the oral supply of microbes could contribute to re-establish the microbiota balance. Some strains isolated
from piglets were tested for their ability to settle in the intestine. After weaning, piglets experience new and often
unfavourable bacteria. Probiotics have been investigated to contrast the enteropathogens, owing to their properties
(production of antibacterial molecules, competition on adhesion sites, stimulation of immune response, etc.). Data
in general show that their oral administration can be favourable or, at least, innocuous. However, two cases are
presented here, where a probiotic given to pigs already combating enteropathogens impaired pig health, and this
could be explained by their effect on the immune response. A more tolerogenic response of the host is expected
when beneficial bacteria directly contrast the pathogens, probiotics are claimed to directly modulate or even activate
the immune system. For one probiotic divergent effects on growth and health are presented, and these differences
may be due to different experimental details or different starting microbiological environments. Scarce data are
available on specific immune responses induced by commensal microbes in pigs, and on the interaction of resident
microbiota with orally supplied probiotics. Increased knowledge of the role of commensal microbiota in the gut and
in the pig metabolism, helps in selecting the best bacteria and in designing the best feeding strategies for improving
the efficacy and the reliability of their oral use.
Measuring non-steady-state metabolic fluxes in starch-converting faecal microbiota in vitro
Authors: Binsl T. , De Graaf A. , Venema K. , Heringa J. , Maathuis A. , De Waard P. , Van Beek J.H.
Published: December 2010

This paper explores human gut bacterial metabolism of starch using a combined analytical and computational
modelling approach for metabolite and flux analysis. Non-steady-state isotopic labelling experiments were performed
with human faecal microbiota in a well-established in vitro model of the human colon. After culture stabilisation,
[U-13C] starch was added and samples were taken at regular intervals. Metabolite concentrations and 13C isotopomeric
distributions were measured amongst other things for acetate, propionate and butyrate by mass spectrometry and
NMR. The vast majority of metabolic flux analysis methods based on isotopomer analysis published to date are not
applicable to metabolic non-steady-state experiments. We therefore developed a new ordinary differential equation-based
representation of a metabolic model of human faecal microbiota to determine eleven metabolic parameters
that characterised the metabolic flux distribution in the isotope labelling experiment. The feasibility of the model
parameter quantification was demonstrated on noisy in silico data using a downhill simplex optimisation, matching
simulated labelling patterns of isotopically labelled metabolites with measured metabolite and isotope labelling data.
Using the experimental data, we determined an increasing net label influx from starch during the experiment from
94±1 µmol/l/min to 133±3 µmol/l/min. Only about 12% of the total carbon flux from starch reached propionate.
Propionate production mainly proceeded via succinate with a small contribution via acrylate. The remaining flux
from starch yielded acetate (35%) and butyrate (53%). Interpretation of 13C NMR multiplet signals further revealed
that butyrate, valerate and caproate were mainly synthesised via cross-feeding, using acetate as a co-substrate. This
study demonstrates for the first time that the experimental design and the analysis of the results by computational
modelling allows the determination of time-resolved effects of nutrition on the flux distribution within human
faecal microbiota in metabolic non-steady-state.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species do not secrete protease that cleaves the MUC2 mucin which organises the colon mucus
Authors: Subramani D. , Johansson M. , Dahlén G. , Hansson G.
Published: December 2010

The colon epithelium is covered by two layers of mucus built around the MUC2 mucin. An inner dense and attached
mucus layer does not allow bacteria to penetrate, thus keeping the epithelial cell surface free from bacteria. An outer
loose mucus layer is the habitat for the commensal bacterial microbiota. The inner mucus layer is renewed from
the epithelial side and gets converted into the outer layer due to proteolytic cleavages by host proteases. We have
now analysed if potential probiotic bacteria, namely Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus
bulgaricus and Bifidobacterium lactis, can secrete protease that cleaves the MUC2 mucin. We found that none of
the potential probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium could cleave the MUC2 core protein in the form
of recombinant MUC2 N and C-termini although they secreted active proteases. This was in contrast to crude
mixtures of oral and faecal bacteria that cleaved the MUC2 mucin. This observation further supports the view that
these potential probiotic bacteria are of no harm to the host, as these bacteria cannot disrupt the mucin organised
mucus as long as they are covered by glycans.
Resistant starch, large bowel fermentation and a broader perspective of prebiotics and probiotics
Authors: Bird A. , Conlon M. , Christophersen C. , Topping D.
Published: December 2010

The metabolic end products of the large bowel microbiota contribute significantly to human health. After weaning to
solid foods, some of the most important of these are the short chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced by the fermentation
of undigested dietary components and endogenous secretions. The main SCFA are acetate, propionate and butyrate
which have numerous documented effects promoting large bowel function. Of the major acids, butyrate seems
especially important. It is a major metabolic fuel for colonocytes and promotes a normal phenotype in these cells,
potentially lowering the risk of diseases such as colo-rectal cancer. Imbalances in the microbiota are thought to
predispose to large bowel dysfunction and probiotics are being developed to correct this. However, most commercial
products contain bacteria (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) which are dominant species in milk-fed infants but have
limited roles in adults. Prebiosis is defined usually by the specific stimulation of these bacteria. However, the end
products of most probiotics do not include butyrate or propionate which raises questions about their effectiveness in
promoting bowel health in adults. Resistant starch (RS) is a dietary fibre component and its fermentation generally
favours butyrate production. Dietary RS intakes and faecal butyrate levels are high in populations at low risk of
diet-related large bowel diseases. Conversely, RS intakes and faecal butyrate levels are very low in high risk groups.
This raises the possibility that greater RS consumption could be of health benefit. RS is not regarded widely as a
prebiotic but (according to the accepted definition) most forms show the requisite features in stimulating specific
bacteria, giving raised total SCFA and butyrate levels and a consequent benefit to the host. Current efforts to improve
public health through increasing RS consumption could be facilitated by greater recognition of its prebiotic role.
La individualización de la relación de empleo en las grandes empresas en España. El caso de la industria del automóvil y el sector sanitario
Authors: Massó Matilde
Published: December 2010

La individualización de las relaciones de empleo constituye un proceso que, con distintas velocidades, viene desarrollándose en la mayor parte de los países europeos. En este contexto, la emergencia del concepto de “competencia” ha desempeñado un papel fundamental. Este artículo examina en qué medida los usos empre sariales de la competencia constituyen un punto de inflexión ascendente en el proceso de individualización de la relación de empleo. En la actualidad, la transformación del concepto de “cualificación” tiene que ver con los cambios en las condiciones de utilización de la fuerza de trabajo, esto es, la gestión de los mercados internos, los salarios y otras formas de control del trabajo y los trabajadores. Este artículo analiza, teórica y empíricamente, estas dimensiones “dinámicas” de la cualificación y explora el impacto de los usos de la competencia en la definición de la relación de empleo.
Therapeutic Options for the Management of the Cardiorenal Syndrome
Authors: Koniari Katerina , Nikolaou Marinos , Paraskevaidis Ioannis , Parissis John
Published: December 2010

Patients with heart failure often present with impaired renal function, which is a predictor of poor outcome. The cardiorenal syndrome is the worsening of renal function, which is accelerated by worsening of heart failure or acute decompensated heart failure. Although it is a frequent clinical entity due to the improved survival of heart failure patients, still its pathophysiology is not well understood, and thus its therapeutic approach remains controversial and sometimes ineffective. Established therapeutic strategies, such as diuretics and inotropes, are often associated with resistance and limited clinical success. That leads to an increasing concern about novel options, such as the use of vasopressin antagonists, adenosine A1 receptor antagonists, and renal-protective dopamine. Initial clinical trials have shown quite encouraging results in some heart failure subpopulations but have failed to demonstrate a clear beneficial role of these agents. On the other hand, ultrafiltration appears to be a more promising therapeutic procedure that will improve volume regulation, while preserving renal and cardiac function. Further clinical studies are required in order to determine their net effect on renal function and potential cardiovascular outcomes. Until then, management of the cardiorenal syndrome remains quite empirical.
Juvenile Bow Hunter's Stroke without Hemodynamic Changes
Authors: Saito Kozue , Hirano Makito , Taoka Toshiaki , Nakagawa Hiroyuki , Kitauchi Takanori , Ikeda Masanori , Tanizawa Emi , Kichikawa Kimihiko , Ueno Satoshi
Published: December 2010

Bow hunter's stroke (BHS) is a cerebrovascular disease caused by occlusion of the vertebral artery (VA) on head rotation. BHS is generally associated with hemodynamic changes, often leading to vertebrobasilar insufficiency symptoms, such as vertigo and faintness. Although artery-to-artery embolism has also been proposed as an underlying mechanism, it remains controversial. This report documents a case of BHS without hemodynamic changes. We describe a 26-year-old male patient who had VA occlusion on head rotation and repetitive infarction of thalami. He had an anomalous bypass of the VA and therefore no symptomatic hemodynamic changes. Thus, non-hemodynamic BHS should be considered in juvenile patients with vertebrobasilar stroke.
Co-existence of Ventricular Septal Defect and Bronchial Asthma in Two Nigerian Children
Authors: Bode-Thomas F. , Hyacinth IH. , Yilgwan CS.
Published: December 2010

Congenital heart diseases (CHD) often present with recurrent or chronic breathing difficulties, as do chronic airway diseases such as asthma. Both are relatively common, and may sometimes co-exist. However, there is a paucity of literature from developing countries to that effect. We present two children diagnosed with ventricular septal defect, later also found to have clinical features consistent with co-existing asthma. We highlight the diagnostic challenges we encountered as well as the crucial role of a careful family respiratory history in children with congenital heart disease.
Sarcoid Reactions after Chemotherapy for Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Wirk Baldeep
Published: December 2010

Introduction

There is a reported association between sarcoidosis and malignancy. This is particularly true for lymphomas and is known as the sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome.

Case report

A 49 year old Caucasian female presented with mediastinal and axillary lymphadenopathy. An excisional axillary lymph node biopsy showed classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, nodular sclerosis subtype. She received six cycles of conventional chemotherapy achieving a complete remission with no evidence of any lymphadenopathy on restaging imaging. However, one month after completion of chemotherapy, she developed new onset of progressive mediastinal lymphadenopathy. A mediastinoscopy and biopsy was performed showing noncaseating granulomata and the patient was diagnosed with a sarcoid reaction.

Conclusion

Sarcoidosis and sarcoid reactions must be considered in the differential diagnosis when assessing patients with persistent or enlargening masses after chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma, especially since this is associated with a better prognosis. A tissue biopsy is essential prior to starting chemotherapy for presumed relapsed malignancy or persistent disease so as to avoid inappropriate treatment.
A Case of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Bucillamine-Induced Yellow Nail Syndrome Initially Manifesting as Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Isozaki Takeo , Yajima Nobuyuki , Sato Michihito , Takahashi Ryo , Wakabayashi Kuninobu , Miwa Yusuke , Negishi Masao , Ide Hirotsugu , Kasama Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2010

We report a case of a 67-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis with yellow nail syndrome (YNS) that was caused by bucillamine. All three signs (yellow fingernails, lymphatic edema, and bronchiectasis) of YNS manifested, with characteristic timing, first with the nails turning yellow after when bronchiectasis was noticed. We reviewed 10 case reports from Japan and compared the periods until the appearance of yellow nails after starting bucillamine treatment, as well as those until lung disease and leg edema appeared.
Variability in Measures of Exhaled Breath Na+, Influence of pulmonary Blood Flow and salivary Na+
Authors: Wheatley Courtney M. , Cassuto Nicholas A. , Foxx-Lupo William T. , Snyder Eric M.
Published: December 2010

The assessment of inflammatory markers and ions in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is being utilized more frequently in diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis with marked variability in EBC measures, including those of exhaled Na+. We sought to determine if variability in exhaled Na+ was due to differences in pulmonary blood flow (PBF) or Na+ in the mouth (salivary Na+). We measured exhaled Na+ three times with coinciding sampling of salivary Na+ and assessment of PBF (using acetylene rebreathing) in 13 healthy subjects (54% female, age = 27 ± 7 yrs., ht. = 172 ± 10 cm, wt. = 70 ± 21 kg, BMI = 22 ± 7 kg/m2 mean ± SD). Exhaled Na+ averaged 2.7 ± 1.2 mmol/l, and salivary Na+ averaged 5.51 ± 4.58 mmol/l. The coefficients of variation across all three measures in all 13 subjects averaged 30% for exhaled Na+ and 83% for salivary Na+, within subjects the variability across the three measures averaged 30% for exhaled Na+ and 38% for salivary Na+. Across all three measures in all 13 subjects the relationship between PBF and exhaled Na+ averaged 0.027 ( P = 0.87), and the relationship between salivary Na+ and exhaled Na+ concentrations averaged 0.59 ( P = 0.001). Also, we sought to determine the relationship between exhaled Na+ and serum Na+ in an addition 20 subjects. There was a moderate and significant relationship between serum Na+ and exhaled Na+ (r = 0.37, P = 0.04). These findings suggest there that the variability in exhaled Na+ is caused, at least in part, by droplet formation from within the mouth as turbulent air passes through and that there is a flux of ions from the pulmonary blood into the airways.
Antibodies to Mutated Citrullinated Vimentin in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnostic Value, Association with Radiological Damage and Axial Skeleton Affection
Authors: Mansour Howaida E. , Metwaly Khaled M. , Hassan Iman A. , Elshamy Hebat-Allah A. , Elbeblawy Moataz M.S.
Published: December 2010

Background

Early definitive diagnosis and effective treatment are mandatory in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as it can halt the disease progression and subsequent joints destruction.

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) and its correlation with disease activity, peripheral and axial skeleton affection in RA patients.

Patients and Methods

A total of 123 patients with different rheumatic diseases were enrolled in a prospective-two year study at Ain Shams University hospital: 64 patients with RA and 59 patients with other rheumatic diseases as controls. RA patients were fulfilling the traditional and the new ACR/EULAR diagnostic criteria for RA. They have been followed up for two years. At baseline, all RA patients were subjected to: Clinical assessment of disease activity by taking full histories, general and local examination, measurement of 28 joint count of tender and swollen joints with calculation of disease activity score (DAS-28) for each patient. Complete blood count, erythrocytes sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor titers were performed. Anti-MCV IgG immunoglobulins’ assay was performed at the study endpoint by ELISA. RA patients were then classified into; anti-MCV positive and anti-MCV negative groups for statistical comparison. Plain X-ray was performed on the peripheral joints and scored by the Simple Erosion Narrowing score (SEN-score). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans were carried out to 22 RA patients on cervical and lumbosacral regions.

Results

Anti-MCV antibodies were found to be of high sensitivity (79.6%) and specificity (96.6%) in diagnosing RA. The area under the curve was 0.893 at 95% confidence interval (CI), confers an odds ratio of 23.5. Anti-MCV positive RA patients had significantly higher DAS-28 and SEN-scores than anti-MCV negative patients; who were found to have more benign disease with lower incidence of erosions ( P < 0.05). MRI scans revealed that; 17/22 (77%) had cervical joints involvement while, 8 (36%) had lumbo-sacral joint lesions ( P < 0.05), both were correlated significantly with aggressive peripheral joint disease.

Conclusion

Anti-MCV antibodies are promising diagnostic and prognostic marker in RA, with high sensitivity and specificity. They may identify a subset of RA patients with aggressive early erosive disease. The axial skeleton—especially the cervical spine—could be affected in RA and this was correlated with aggressive peripheral joints’ disease. MRI scanning is a sensitive method for detecting axial skeleton involvement in RA, in attempt for better disease control and outcomes.
Pattern of Young and Old Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis (YORA and EORA) among a Group of Egyptian Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: El-Labban Abdou S. , Omar Hanaa A.S. Abo , El-Shereif Rawhya R. , Ali Fatma , El-Mansoury Tarek M.
Published: December 2010

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differs depending on the age of disease onset. The differences between EORA and YORA are important because they have clinical and therapeutic implications.

Method

1185 patients were ranked after classification according to age at onset of the disease into YORA I (16–40 years), YORA II (41–60 years) and EORA >60 years. All patients groups were compared, based on disease duration, disease activity, severity parameters and drug history.

Results

YORA I included 298 patients, 28.85% were males, with mean age of 29.4 ± 6 years and disease duration 4 ± 3.3 y, YORA II included 539 patients, 33.77% males, age 49.7 ± 6.1 y and disease duration 6.5 ± 5.6 y. EORA included 348 RA patients 40.5% males, age 67.1 ± 6.6 y, disease duration 9.95 ± 7.2 y. Activity was increased in EORA compared to YORA I and YORA II, while severity decreased in EORA. ESR, CRP and degree of anemia were higher in EORA. RF titer was higher in YORA. Small joints of the hands and feet were more involved in YORA, while, large joints in EORA. Rheumatoid nodules were increased in YORA I than EORA P = 0.04. Polymyalgia rheumatica was exclusively present in EORA group 25 patients 7.2%. Methotrexate was used in both YORA and EORA, with a higher mean of dosage in YORA than EORA. Multiple DMARDs in EORA was 57.9%, and biologics in 0.8% was which was significantly lower compared with YORA I, 86.3% and 1.7%, with P = 0.001.

Conclusion

EORA has more active and less disabling and affects more males than YORA. The use of biologic therapy and combination DMARD therapy was less in EORA.
Valvular Aortic Stenosis: A Proteomic Insight
Authors: Gil-Dones Felix , Martin-Rojas Tatiana , Lopez-Almodovar Luis F. , De La Cuesta Fernando , Darde Veronica M. , Alvarez-Llamas Gloria , Juarez-Tosina Rocio , Barroso Gemma , Vivanco Fernando , Padial Luis R. , Barderas Maria G.
Published: December 2010

Calcified aortic valve disease is a slowly progressive disorder that ranges from mild valve thickening with no obstruction of blood flow, known as aortic sclerosis, to severe calcification with impaired leaflet motion or aortic stenosis. In the present work we describe a rapid, reproducible and effective method to carry out proteomic analysis of stenotic human valves by conventional 2-DE and 2D-DIGE, minimizing the interference due to high calcium concentrations. Furthermore, the protocol permits the aortic stenosis proteome to be analysed, advancing our knowledge in this area.

Until recently, aortic stenosis (AS) was considered a passive process secondary to calcium deposition in the aortic valves. However, it has recently been highlighted that the risk factors associated with the development of calcified AS in the elderly are similar to those of coronary artery disease. Furthermore, degenerative AS shares histological characteristics with atherosclerotic plaques, leading to the suggestion that calcified aortic valve disease is a chronic inflammatory process similar to atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, certain data does not fit with this theory making it necessary to further study this pathology. The aim of this study is to develop an effective protein extraction protocol for aortic stenosis valves such that proteomic analyses can be performed on these structures. In the present work we have defined a rapid, reproducible and effective method to extract proteins and that is compatible with 2-DE, 2D-DIGE and MS techniques. Defining the protein profile of this tissue is an important and challenging task that will help to understand the mechanisms of physiological/pathological processes in aortic stenosis valves.
The Liver and Right Atrium—Hepatic Cyst as a Cause of Arrhythmia
Authors: Ker James
Published: December 2010

Simple hepatic cysts are a relatively common radiological finding. These cysts may be classified as parasitic and non-parasitic. They are usually asymptomatic, but may cause symptoms due to local compression. These compressive complications include: portal hypertension, edema due to caval compression, extrinsic gastric compression and duodenal compression with obstruction.

However, no reports in the literature exist describing atrial compression by hepatic cysts.

In this case report a simple hepatic cyst causing slight right atrial compression is described. This slight compression is the cause of atrial premature beats.

It is proposed that simple hepatic cysts may be the cause of atrial premature beats.
Article Commentary: Fas and Cancer
Authors: Abou-Elhamd Kamal-Eldin Ahmed
Published: December 2010

Apoptosis is an active process of programmed cell death. Fas is a cell-surface protein which is expressed on activated lymphocytes and known as CD95, TNFRSF6 or APO-1. Fas-L is ligand of Fas and known as CD95 LG or TNFSF6. Apoptosis or cell death is a result of binding of Fas-L to Fas which is expressed on the surfaces of these cells. Cancer cells escape this binding by overexpression of Fas-L or down expression of Fas. Fas and Fas-L exist in membrane bound and soluble forms. The serum level of sFas and sFas-L can be evaluated by immunostaining, immunohistochemical methods, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and Western blotting. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis, staging and prognosis can be evaluated early and accurately by sFas and sFas-L expression levels detection.
Similar Results in Children with Asthma for Steady State Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Ciclesonide Inhaled with or without Spacer
Authors: Boss H. , Minic P. , Nave R.
Published: December 2010

Background

Ciclesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid administered by a metered dose inhaler (MDI) to treat bronchial asthma. After inhalation, the inactive ciclesonide is converted by esterases in the airways to active metabolite desisobutyryl-ciclesonide (des-CIC).

Aim

To compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of des-CIC in children after administration of therapeutic dose of ciclesonide with and without spacer (AeroChamber Plus™).

Methods

Open-label, 3 period, cross over, repeated dose, PK study in 37 children with mild to moderate stable asthma (age: 6–11 y; body weight: 20–53 kg). During each 7-day treatment period, ciclesonide was inhaled once in the morning: A) 160 μg MDI with spacer, B) 80 μg MDI with spacer, and C) 160 μg MDI without spacer. Serum PK parameters of ciclesonide and des-CIC were determined on Day 7 of each period. The primary PK parameters were the AUCτ and Cmax for des-CIC.

Results

Inhaling ciclesonide with spacer led to a dose proportional systemic exposure (AUCτ) of des-CIC (0.316 μg*h/L for 80 μg and 0.663 μg*h/L for 160 μg). The dose-normalized systemic exposure for des-CIC (based on AUCτ) was 27% higher after inhalation of ciclesonide 80 μg or 160 μg with spacer than without spacer; the corresponding Cmax values for des-CIC were, respectively, 63% and 55% higher with spacer. No clinically relevant abnormalities or adverse drug reactions were observed.

Conclusions

Inhalation of therapeutic ciclesonide dose with spacer led to a slight increase in the systemic exposure of des-CIC, which does not warrant dose adjustment.
Management of Fabry Disease with Agalsidase Treatment
Authors: Pintos-Morell Guillem , Lidove Olivier , Mehta Atul
Published: December 2010

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder that is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme α-galactosidase A. It results in a progressive multi systemic disorder with major organ involvement (principally renal, cardiac and cerebrovascular) as well as peripheral and autonomic nervous system leading to a poor quality of life, and early death. Enzyme replacement therapy with α-galactosidase A has been used to treat Fabry disease since 2001. Two preparations of the enzyme are available: agalsidase alfa, produced in a human cell line, and agalsidase beta, produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Both products have a similar composition, mechanism of action and pharmacokinetic profile however major differences exist in the recommended dose, immunogenicity and rate of adverse reactions. Several clinical trials with the two enzyme preparations have assessed clinical efficacy with respect to impact of treatment on kidney function, cardiomyopathy, pain control and quality of life. Both preparations appear to be broadly equivalent. It has not yet been established that early initiation of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) can prevent the emergence of disease manifestations. This review will cover the main aspects of clinical safety and efficacy of ERT for Fabry disease.
Hardness of embedding simplicial complexes in $\mathbb{R}^d$
Authors: Matoušek Jiří , Tancer Martin , Wagner Uli
Published: December 2010

Let

\mathrm{EMBED}_{k→d}

be the following algorithmic problem: Given a ﬁnite simplicial complex

K

of dimension at most

k

, does there exist a (piecewise linear) embedding of

K

into

ℝ^d

? Known results easily imply polynomiality of

\mathrm{EMBED}_{k→2}

(

k = 1, 2

; the case

k = 1

,

d = 2

is graph planarity) and of

\mathrm{EMBED}_{k→2k}

for all

k ≥ 3

. We show that the celebrated result of Novikov on the algorithmic unsolvability of recognizing the 5-sphere implies that

\mathrm{EMBED}_{d→d}

and

\mathrm{EMBED}_{(d-1)→d}

are undecidable for each

d ≥ 5

. Our main result is NP-hardness of

\mathrm{EMBED}_{2→4}

and, more generally, of

\mathrm{EMBED}_{k→d}

for all

k, d

with

d ≥ 4

and

d ≥ k ≥ (2d − 2)/3

. These dimensions fall outside the
metastable range
of a theorem of Haeﬂiger and Weber, which characterizes embeddability using the
deleted product obstruction
. Our reductions are based on examples, due to Segal, Spiez, Freedman, Krushkal, Teichner, and Skopenkov, showing that outz side the metastable range the deleted product obstruction is not suﬃcient to characterize embeddability.
Divisors in global analytic sets
Authors: Acquistapace Francesca , Díaz-Cano A.
Published: December 2010

We prove that any divisor

Y

of a global analytic set

X ⊂ ℝ^n

has a generic equation, that is, there is an analytic function vanishing on

Y

with multiplicity one along each irreducible component of

Y

. We also prove that there are functions with arbitrary multiplicities along

Y

. The main result states that if

X

is pure dimensional,

Y

is locally principal,

X\backslash Y

is not connected and

Y

represents the zero class in

H^∞_{q–1} (X,ℤ_2)

then the divisor

Y

is globally principal.
Uniform value in dynamic programming
Authors: Renault Jérôme
Published: December 2010

We consider dynamic programming problems with a large time horizon, and give sufﬁcient conditions for the existence of the uniform value. As a consequence, we obtain an existence result when the state space is precompact, payoffs are uniformly continuous and the transition correspondence is non expansive. In the same spirit, we give an existence result for the limit value. We also apply our results to Markov decision processes and obtain a few generalizations of existing results.
Justice and Fairness in the Dictator Game
Authors: Schurter Karl , Wilson Bart J.
Published: December 2010

This article uses a laboratory experiment to examine the question of whether justice and fairness are different motivational forces in the dictator game. “Justice” and “fairness” are often used interchangeably because their meanings and usages are so closely linked, despite their distinct connotations. Using four different treatments, our experimental design investigates the subtle differences between the two social concepts to explicate generosity in the dictator game. The results indicate that justice, not fairness, legitimizes property rights in the dictator game.
Reexamination of Real Business Cycles in a Small Open Economy
Authors: Guo Jang-Ting , Janko Zuzana
Published: December 2010

Standard dynamic small open economy models have predicted a counterfactual perfectly positive correlation between output and hours worked over the business cycle. In addition, this class of models exhibits a weak internal propagation mechanism. To address these anomalies, this paper incorporates intertemporally non‐separable labor supply and variable capital utilization into the canonical Mendoza (1991) model with adjustment costs of net investment. Our analysis shows that a dynamic, technology shock–driven small open economy model with internal habit formation in labor hours and endogenous capital utilization is able to account for the main real business cycle regularities of Canada after 1981.
Arbitration and Bargaining across the Pacific
Authors: Deck Cary , Farmer Amy , Zeng Dao-Zhi
Published: December 2010

This paper reports laboratory experiments comparing arbitration behavior between and across two countries with extensive trade relations, the United States and Japan. Besides comparing disputes in both locations, we evaluate disputes between them. While we find nominal differences between the countries, we observe significant changes in both groups' behavior when facing someone from the other country. Specifically, Americans seek larger profits when facing a Japanese counterpart and Japanese subjects settle more frequently with an American counterpart. Our results suggest that the literature on bargaining behavior across cultures paints an incomplete picture of international comparisons by failing to consider bargaining interactions.
Asymmetric Price Adjustment: Cross‐Industry Evidence
Authors: Gwin Carl R.
Published: December 2010

Several studies document asymmetric price adjustment in gasoline and agricultural markets. Do these results extend to other subsectors of the economy? This paper investigates the existence of asymmetric price adjustment in 269 6‐digit North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) industries using quarterly financial data from 1966–2006. Results, which are consistent with the previous literature, show that positive price asymmetry is frequent in nondurable goods and natural resource manufacturing. However, price asymmetry is not readily evident in mining, durable goods manufacturing, and service sectors. The differing results may best be explained by theoretical explanations of price asymmetry based on inventory management.
Do Adolescents with Emotional or Behavioral Problems Respond to Cigarette Prices?
Authors: Tekin Erdal , Mocan Naci , Liang Lan
Published: December 2010

Adolescents with mental health problems have much higher rates of smoking than those without such problems. Although a large body of evidence suggests that higher cigarette prices reduce smoking prevalence and the quantity smoked, little is known about the interaction between mental health or behavioral problems and tobacco consumption in the general population or among adolescents. Using a national representative sample of adolescents from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and employing validated psychiatric measures of emotional distress and behavioral problems, we estimate the price elasticity of cigarette demand for adolescents who have behavioral or emotional problems. The results indicate that these adolescents are at least as responsive to cigarette prices as adolescents with no emotional or behavioral problems.
Forced Saving, Redistribution, and Nonlinear Social Security Schemes
Authors: Cremer Helmuth , De Donder Philippe , Maldonado Dario , Pestieau Pierre
Published: December 2010

This paper studies the design of nonlinear social security schemes when individuals differ in productivity and in their degree of myopia. Myopic individuals may not save “enough” for their retirement. The welfare function is paternalistic: The rate of time preference of the farsighted is used for both types. We show that the solution does not necessarily imply forced savings for the myopics: Paternalistic considerations are mitigated by incentive effects. Numerical results suggest that as the proportion of myopic individuals increases, there is less redistribution and more forced saving, and the desirability of social security increases.
Did Leaving the Gold Standard Tame the Business Cycle? Evidence from NBER Reference Dates and Real GNP
Authors: Young Andrew T. , Du Shaoyin
Published: December 2010

Cover and Pecorino (2005) claim that the March 1933 departure from the gold standard is the most probable break point ushering in an era of longer U.S. expansions, both absolutely and relative to subsequent recessions. Their analysis is based on cycle durations as defined by National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) reference dates. However, much of macroeconomic analysis is based on (i) growth cycles (i.e., periods when the economy's production is above or below trend) rather than absolute increases or decreases in economic activity; and (ii) aggregate time series' volatility as the prime indicator of macroeconomic stability. In light of this, we reevaluate the March 1933 break point. First, using HP‐filtered quarterly gross national product (GNP), our analysis of growth cycle durations still implies a break point near 1933. Second, we test for structural breaks in the volatility of GNP growth rates and deviations from trends. These tests suggest a structural break considerably later than 1933, perhaps as late as the 1950s.
Social Welfare in Sports Leagues with Profit‐Maximizing and/or Win‐Maximizing Clubs
Authors: Dietl Helmut M. , Lang Markus , Werner Stephan
Published: December 2010

This article develops a contest model to compare social welfare in homogeneous leagues in which all clubs maximize identical objective functions with mixed leagues in which clubs maximize different objective functions. We show that homogeneous leagues in which all clubs are profit maximizers dominate all other leagues. Mixed leagues in which small‐market clubs are profit maximizers and large‐market clubs are win maximizers (type‐I mixed leagues) are dominated by all other leagues. From a welfare perspective, large‐market clubs win too often in (purely) win‐maximizing and type‐I mixed leagues; whereas, small‐market clubs win too many games in (purely) profit‐maximizing leagues and in mixed leagues in which large‐market clubs are profit maximizers and small‐market clubs are win maximizers (type‐II mixed leagues). These results have important policy implications: Social welfare will increase if clubs are reorganized from non‐profit member associations to profit‐maximizing corporations. Moreover, we show that revenue sharing decreases (increases) social welfare in mixed (homogeneous) leagues.
Persistence in U.S. State Unemployment Rates
Authors: Sephton Peter S.
Published: December 2010

Romero‐Ávila and Usabiaga (2007) find that many U.S. state unemployment rates are stationary, a result at odds with the traditional view that unemployment rates are path‐dependent and subject to shocks that have permanent effects. They base their results on multivariate unit root tests that provide for two breaks in mean. This note extends the analysis to directly examine whether the series were fractionally integrated. When no allowance is made for breaking means, the results suggest evidence in favor of hysteresis, an outcome that generally applies when one break in mean is considered. Allowing for two breaks demonstrates that the evidence in favor of the natural rate and the hysteresis hypotheses is temporally sensitive.
Tacit Collusion in Price‐Setting Duopoly Markets: Experimental Evidence with Complements and Substitutes
Authors: Anderson Lisa R. , Freeborn Beth A. , Holt Charles A.
Published: December 2010

We study the effect of demand structure on the ability of subjects to tacitly collude on prices by considering Bertrand substitutes and Bertrand complements. We find evidence of collusion in the complements treatment, but no such evidence is found in the substitutes treatment. This finding is somewhat in contrast with a previous study that observes tacit collusion in two treatments with similar underlying demand structures but with no market framing.