bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comment décrire les liens entre mobilité « objective » et mobilité « subjective » ? Retour sur la proposition de D. Merllié
Authors: Dalud-Vincent Monique
Published: October 2012

How to Describe Links between “Objective” Mobility and “Subjective” Mobility? Back to D. Merllié’s Proposal: We propose, like D. Merllié, to study the links between “objective” mobility and “subjective” mobility without constructing an a priori hierarchy of all socio-professional groups or categories. But to avoid the risks of over-interpretation of mean scores, we construct the cross-tabulation between these two mobility variables to analyze it with well known methods such as factorial correspondence analysis, calculations of percentages of optimistic pessimistic optimistic/pessimistic opinions, and even graphic representations.
Paul Felix Lazarsfeld His Methodological Inspirations and Networking Activities in the Field of Social Research, Prague, 25 - 27 September 2011
Authors: Balazova Eva , Marsalek Jan
Published: October 2012

This short text informs about the international conference dedicated to the life and work of Paul F. Lazarsfeld which was held in Prague, September 2011. It organizes the conference presentations into three blocks: 1) Critical analyses of social research methods that Lazarsfeld propagated; 2) Commemorations of his personality and intellectual style; 3) Studies of Lazarsfeld’s posterity and of his presence in current social research.
The Optic Disc Is Minimal in Children With Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Dai Shuan , Trimboli Carmelina , Buncic J. Raymond
Published: October 2012

This study sought to characterize the optic disc morphology, particularly the cup-to-disc ratio of the optic nerve head in children with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The medical charts and digital optic disc photos of children with confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension were reviewed retrospectively. The optic disc area, cup area, and cup-to-disc ratio were measured digitally using VISUPAC software, and the mean values of those parameters were compared to the published norms. Of children with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, 83% had absence of the physiological cup of the optic disc, compared to 10% of children in the general population of the same age. The median disc area was 2.2 mm2, and median cup area was 0.0mm2, compared to the published norms of 2.69 mm2 and 0.44 mm2, respectively. There is very significantly high prevalence of small optic disc cups in children with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, with the cup being absent on majority of cases in our patient cohort. This may signal an underlying systemic predisposition to the development of intracranial hypertension.
Seizure Occurrence Following Nonoptimal Anticonvulsant Medication Management During the Transition Into the Hospital
Authors: Jones Charlotte , Kaffka Jaimee , Missanelli Megan , Dure Leon , Ness Jayne , Funkhouser Ellen , Kilgore Meredith , Yu Feliciano , Safford Monika M. , Saag Kenneth
Published: October 2012

Previous work has shown that medication errors related to anticonvulsants are common during the transition into the hospital for pediatric patients. The purpose of this work was to evaluate whether children with epilepsy admitted for reasons other than epilepsy experience nonoptimal care in anticonvulsant medication management preceding the occurrence of seizures. Using a retrospective cohort of children with epilepsy admitted for reasons other than epilepsy, we created timelines from data in the medical record for the children who experienced seizures. These timelines included the timing and concentration of anticonvulsant administration and seizure occurrence. Three child neurologists independently identified whether nonoptimal care preceded the occurrence of seizures and potentially contributed to the occurrence of the seizure. Of 120 children, 18 experienced seizures and 12 experienced nonoptimal care in anticonvulsant management preceding seizure occurrence. Nonoptimal care that occurred during the transition into the hospital included missed doses of anticonvulsants, delays in administration during which seizures occurred, and patients inadvertently not receiving their home dosing of medication. Anticonvulsant medication errors are known to occur during the transition into the hospital. Here we present a case series of children who experienced nonoptimal care in anticonvulsant medication management who subsequently experienced seizures. Further work to identify how likely the outcome of seizures is following anticonvulsant medication errors, specifically focusing on timing as well as interventions to change the system issues that lead to these errors, is indicated.
An Unusual Presentation of Chiari I Malformation
Authors: Scheidler Capi Seeger , Golomb Meredith R.
Published: October 2012

The most typical symptom of Chiari malformation type I in children is headache. The authors describe a 14-year-old girl who presented with a 3-year history of gait decline and no headache, which is very unusual. After surgery to correct the Chiari I malformation, the patient’s gait improved; however, she went on to develop decreased hand use with joint deformities. She was diagnosed with a probable connective tissue disorder. Patients with connective tissue disorders are at increased risk for developing Chiari I malformation. The authors discuss the possible reasons for the unusual presentation of the Chiari I malformation and possible mechanisms. The unusual presentation of Chiari I delayed this young patient’s diagnosis and treatment.
Case Report of Subacute Cerebellar Ataxia of Adolescence With Long-Term Sequelae
Authors: Stowe Robert C. , Karkare Shefali , Puri Vinay
Published: October 2012

Acute ataxia is not an uncommon childhood complaint. It most commonly occurs in young patients secondary to a postinfectious cerebellitis, which is typically associated with a very good prognosis and recovery. In adolescence, acute cerebellar ataxia is more often the product of an etiology likely to progress into a chronic disorder without recovery to preillness baseline. In the present case, the authors describe a 15-year-old girl with subacute cerebellar ataxia of presumed immune-mediated etiology that advanced into a chronic cerebellar ataxia. Due to a family history, celiac disease was suspected as the origin of the ataxia; biopsy ruled out enteropathy, and the severe, abrupt radiological changes to the patient’s cerebellum are inconsistent with the reported sequelae of gluten ataxia. This case serves as a discussion for diagnostic challenges in adolescent patients with acute cerebellar ataxia with long-term sequelae as well as providing an adjunct discussion on the neurological complications of celiac disease.
A generalized space curve meshing equation for arbitrary intersecting gear
Authors: Chen Z , Chen YZ , Ding J
Published: October 2012

This article derives the space curve meshing equations for arbitrary intersecting gear mechanism, which could achieve continuous and smooth transmission between arbitrary angle intersecting axes, and then establishes the central curves equations of the driving and driven tines on the basis of space curve meshing equations. According to the equations, a calculation example is given and material prototype samples are made to experimentally validate the kinematic performance. The result shows that if the central curve of the driving tine is a circular helix, the central curve of the driven tine is close to a conical helix. This article will supply a basic theory for the application of the arbitrary intersecting gear mechanism in various areas.
Numerical and experimental study of combustion and emission characteristics in gasoline direct-injection compression ignition engines using intake preheating
Authors: Choi Mingi , Cha Junepyo , Kwon Seokjoo , Park Sungwook
Published: October 2012

This paper presents a numerical and experimental study of the combustion and emission characteristics of a gasoline direct-injection compression ignition engine using intake preheating. The gasoline direct-injection compression ignition engine was predicted to reduce emissions compared with the emissions from a conventional diesel engine. To compare the combustion and emission characteristics of the gasoline direct-injection compression ignition and diesel engines, numerical modelling was conducted using the KIVA-3V release 2 code, which is integrated with the Chemkin chemistry solver II. Numerical simulations were performed under a variety of conditions to determine the optimal conditions for gasoline direct-injection compression ignition engine operation. In order to achieve the gas pressure in the cylinder and the emission characteristics, experiments were performed using a single-cylinder engine. The simulation results agreed well with the experimental data. The gasoline autoignition was in the parcels with a lower equivalence ratio of 0.6–0.8 as opposed to the diesel autoignition parcels with a high equivalence ratio of greater than 1. The ignition delay of gasoline was longer than that of diesel; therefore, the gasoline direct-injection compression ignition engine could reduce the soot emissions. The nitrogen oxide emission levels for gasoline direct-injection compression ignition were increased because of the intake preheating.
Multiple-Choice Tests Exonerated, at Least of Some Charges
Authors: Little Jeri L. , Bjork Elizabeth Ligon , Bjork Robert A. , Angello Genna
Published: October 2012

Among the criticisms of multiple-choice tests is that—by exposing the correct answer as one of the alternatives—such tests engage recognition processes rather than the productive retrieval processes known to enhance later recall. We tested whether multiple-choice tests could trigger productive retrieval processes—provided the alternatives were made plausible enough to enable test takers to retrieve both why the correct alternatives were correct and why the incorrect alternatives were incorrect. In two experiments, we found not only that properly constructed multiple-choice tests can indeed trigger productive retrieval processes, but also that they had one potentially important advantage over cued-recall tests. Both testing formats fostered retention of previously tested information, but multiple-choice tests also facilitated recall of information pertaining to incorrect alternatives, whereas cued-recall tests did not. Thus, multiple-choice tests can be constructed so that they exercise the very retrieval processes they have been accused of bypassing.
The eventification of place: Urban development and experience consumption in Berlin and New York City
Authors: Jakob Doreen
Published: October 2012

Recent urban and economic development policies put much emphasis on the promotion of experiences. Within the experience economy, the production and consumption of products and places is transformed into “theater.” The organization of international festivals highlights that trend. However, festivalization has also infiltrated urban and economic development on a much smaller scale and turned into an overall eventification. In addition, producers and marketers of cultural products simultaneously apply this concept to advance their market positions. Hence, eventification provides shared interests for local stakeholders and producers and marketers of cultural products and opportunities to further include the latter in urban growth coalitions. This paper demonstrates how eventification fosters new relationships between local urban developers and individual artists in Berlin-Wedding and the South Bronx, New York City. It explores the benefits and disadvantages of experience planning through eventification including social exclusion and arts-led revitalization. Ultimately, eventification not only embraces an accelerating logic of ever more experience schemes and thus raises questions about its sustainability, but also features a process in which urban space, itself, is transformed into staged experiences of event consumption.
What Do Psychotic Experiences Mean to Chinese Schizophrenia Patients?
Authors: Liu Liang , Ma Xiquan , Zhao Xudong
Published: October 2012

In this study we explored the perceptions of Chinese patients with schizophrenia about their treatment, mental state, social relationships, and daily life throughout the psychotic episodes. A purposive sample of 16 schizophrenia patients with heterogeneous demographic backgrounds was recruited. We collected data through face-to-face semistructured interviews. We conducted a qualitative data analysis and identified three central themes inductively: (a) negative experiences, (b) sense of powerlessness, and (c) ambivalent therapeutic relationship. Several subthemes were derived under each central theme. The participants’ narratives revealed a complex picture of disadvantage and difficulties throughout their psychotic episodes and rehabilitation processes. The themes identified are explored in detail, and their links with existing research and potential clinical implications are considered.
Clinical Interventions With Adolescents Using a Family Systems Approach
Authors: Kolbert Jered B. , Crothers Laura M. , Field Julaine E.
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this article is to identify how Bowen family systems theory may be incorporated into individual counseling with adolescents when family involvement is not possible or contraindicated. Outcome and basic research supporting the application of Bowen family systems theory is reviewed. Specific clinical interventions for counseling adolescents that derive from Bowen family systems theory are provided, and a case study demonstrating these clinical interventions is presented.
A retrospective review of antiemetic use for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric oncology patients at a tertiary care center
Authors: Aseeri Mohammed , Mukhtar Amnah , Khansa Sara Al , Elimam Nagla , Jastaniah Wasil
Published: October 2012

Background

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting are the most dreaded and distressing side effects for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. These side effects have a significant impact on the patients’ quality of life and can interfere with their ability to receive intensive chemotherapy regimens. With the recent advances in antiemetic pharmacotherapy and supportive care, the current treatments for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, when used appropriately, have become highly effective in mitigating these adverse effects.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current practice involving antiemetic treatment in newly diagnosed pediatric oncology patients at our center.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of newly diagnosed pediatric oncology patients who were less than 14 years of age receiving their first cycle of inpatient chemotherapy. The data abstracted included the following: age, gender, type of cancer, chemotherapy regimen, emetogenic risk and level, prescribed prophylactic antiemetic regimen, incidence of breakthrough emesis, and breakthrough antiemetic medications used. Emetogenic risk was classified based on published guidelines into low, moderate, or high emetogenic chemotherapy, and a scoring system to determine the emetogenic level of combined chemotherapy agents was followed to monitor the efficacy of the antiemetic regimens. Clinical effectiveness was assessed based on breakthrough emesis.

Results

A total of 49 patients were eligible for the study. High emetogenic chemotherapy was administered in 28/49 (57.1%) and moderate emetogenic chemotherapy was administered in 21/49 (42.9%) patients. Only 10/49 (20.4%) received appropriate antiemetic prophylaxis, whereas 39/49 (79.6%) received inadequate antiemetic prophylaxis; 14/49 (28.6%) patients experienced breakthrough emesis. Breakthrough emesis occurred in 11/28 (39.3%) patients receiving high emetogenic chemotherapy and 3/21 (14.3%) patients receiving moderate emetogenic chemotherapy. The use of an inadequate antiemetic regimen was found in 14/14 (100%) patients with breakthrough emesis. Thus, inadequate prophylaxis resulted in a 35.9% (14/39) risk of breakthrough emesis. This risk was higher in patients receiving high emetogenic chemotherapy versus those receiving moderate emetogenic chemotherapy (39.3% versus 14.3%).

Conclusion

Inadequate antiemetic prophylaxis is associated with a high risk of breakthrough emesis particularly with high emetogenic chemotherapy regimens. Standardizing antiemetic prophylaxis based on emetogenic level could reduce breakthrough emesis and improve the quality of life in pediatric oncology patients.
Is there still a role for mitomycin-based combination chemotherapy in treating patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer? A single institution experience
Authors: Vitale Felice V , Malaponte Emilia , Calì Stefania , Antonelli Giovanna , Panebianco Vincenzo , Blandino Rosario , Ferraù Francesco
Published: October 2012

Background:

Mitomycin and irinotecan are widely used in the treatment of colorectal cancer, furthermore both of these drugs are active agents against nonsmall cell lung cancer and their combination has shown synergism in preclinical studies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mitomycin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy combination in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer progressing after previous antineoplastic therapies.

Methods:

Thirty-one consecutive patients suffering from nonsmall cell lung cancer, who underwent mitomycin- plus irinotecan-based chemotherapy as salvage treatment after failure of at least two previous systemic treatments, were retrospectively identified in our database. Between September 2003 and March 2011, 31 patients with histologically proven stage IIIB or IV nonsmall cell lung cancer, received mitomycin 5 mg/m2 on day 1 followed by irinotecan 150 mg/m2 on day 2. Cycles were repeated at 2-week interval.

Results:

A total of 164 cycles of treatment were given with a median of five per patient (range 1–10). The objective responses included partial response in 6 patients (19.3%), stable disease in 4 (13%), and progressive disease in 21 (67.7%). Median time to disease progression was 4 months, and median survival was 9+ months. Twelve patients (38%) reached 1-year survival. Grade 3–4 toxicities occurred in seven patients (22.5%), mainly myelosuppression (neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia), mucositis, and diarrhea. No treatment-related death was recorded.

Conclusion:

The mitomycin- and irinotecan-based combination chemotherapy seems to be tolerated and active in this subset of heavily pretreated patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer. However, evaluation or recruitment of a larger number of patients would be needed to provide more adequate data on safety and activity of the described combination.
Heat treatment effect on the resistivity of polycrystalline silicon films
Authors: Yousfi S , Hadjoudja B , Chouial B , Djedid N , Chibani A
Published: October 2012

In this work, we are interested in the heat treatment effects on the resistivity variations of the polycrystalline silicon films. The obtained results have shown that the resistivity of the neutral regions varies with the temperature, and its contribution to the global resistivity becomes more and more important with the increase of the heat treatment temperature. On the other hand, it was found that, for the polycrystalline silicon films thermally treated before implantation, the resistivity remains invariable and varies only for high heat treatment temperatures.
Studying effect of various stabilisers on sol electrophoretic deposition of titania
Authors: Karimi I , Hashemi B , Javidi M , Azadani S N
Published: October 2012

In this work, titanium dioxide was coated on a metallic substrate using sol electrophoretic technique. Titanium dioxide particles were synthesised by hydrolysis and condensation of a precursor in a colloidal solution. The particles were suspended in the solution using electrostatic [hydrochloric acid (HCl)], steric [polyvinyl butyral (PVB)] and electrosteric [polyethyleneimine (PEI)] stabilisers and were coated on an electrode using an external direct electrical field. The pH, conduction and stability of the suspensions, deposition rate and the current versus time changes were monitored for suspensions containing different stabilisers. Low surface potential of the steric stabilisation and low conduction of the solution led to no film formation for solutions containing PVB. The highest zeta potential was achieved by addition of PEI as the stabiliser. The optimum applied voltage for pure, uniform and crack free titanium dioxide films was 6 V for suspensions containing PEI and 3 V for those containing HCl.
Effect of zirconium addition in HVOF sprayed Ni–20Cr coating
Authors: Kaushal G , Kaur N , Singh H , Prakash S
Published: October 2012

High velocity oxyfuel spraying was used to deposit Ni–20Cr coating on an ASTM-SA213-T22 boiler steel with and without 1%Zr addition. High temperature oxidation behaviour of both coatings was evaluated under cyclic thermal loading conditions at an elevated temperature of 900°C. Mass change data were measured to formulate the kinetics of oxidation for the specimens. The exposed specimens were characterised by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy. It was observed that mass loss was reduced by 46% after the Zr addition in the commercially available Ni–20Cr coating. The formation of Zr rich pegs in the blended coating might have resulted in beneficial results.
Electrodeposition of copper coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Zhu P , Wang L Y , Chen Y , Zhou M , Zhou J
Published: October 2012

Magnesium and its alloys have limited wide applications due to their poor corrosion resistance. In this study, copper coating used as a plating nickel substrate was directly electrodeposited on AZ31 magnesium alloy from copper hydroxide and citrate bath with the addition of fluorine ion and additives using direct current. Copper coating was characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for observing surface and cross-section morphology of copper coating, by using scratched grid test for examining adhesion strength, by using immersion test for examining corrosion resistance. Observation by SEM showed that copper coating was the typical spherical nodular structure, thus providing uniform and dense appearance of copper coating. Adhesion strength test showed that copper coating was not peeled from AZ31 magnesium alloy when copper coating scratched to form grid was pulled using adhesive tape. Immersion test in 5% (m/v) NaCl solution revealed that copper coating is a protective layer on the AZ31 magnesium alloy.
Quantum mechanical approach for electroless plating process
Authors: Karthikeyan S , Jeeva P A , Narayanan S , Srinivasan K N , Hu X
Published: October 2012

A high speed electroless nickel plating bath has been developed with p-tolyl thiourea and diphenyl thiourea as accelerators for electroless nickel plating process. The acceleration effect of the compounds was determined by weight gain and electrochemical method. Both compounds improved the rate of deposition to considerable extent by adsorbing strongly on the steel surface. The adsorption of the accelerators was found to obey Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The Arrhenius plot and quantum mechanical parameters further justified the impressive performance of accelerators through their effective adsorption on metal surface.
Chemically deposited magnesium hydroxide thin film
Authors: Das P S , Dey A , Chaudhuri M R , Roy S , Dey N , Mandal A K , Mukhopadhyay A K
Published: October 2012

Here we report for the first time to the best of our knowledge the processing techniques, nucleation kinetics and the nanoindentation behaviour of a 1·5 μm magnesium hydroxide thin film chemically deposited on a commercially available soda lime silica glass substrate at room temperature. The phase and microstructure of the films were analysed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy as well as transmission electron microscopy. An exponential nucleation kinetics was identified for the growth of the thin films. The nanomechanical properties, e.g. nanohardness and Young's modulus of the films were measured by the nanoindentation technique at ultralow loads of 50, 70 and 100 μN. Finally, the nature of deformation of the thin film was analysed in terms of the energetics of the nanoindentation process and the microstructure.
Thiazolidinediones inhibit airway smooth muscle release of the chemokine CXCL10: in vitro comparison with current asthma therapies
Authors: Seidel Petra , Alkhouri Hatem , Lalor Daniel J , Burgess Janette K , Armour Carol L , Hughes J Margaret
Published: October 2012

Background

Activated mast cells are present within airway smooth muscle (ASM) bundles in eosinophilic asthma. ASM production of the chemokine CXCL10 plays a role in their recruitment. Thus the effects of glucocorticoids (fluticasone, budesonide), long-acting β2-agonists (salmeterol, formoterol) and thiazolidinediones (ciglitazone, rosiglitazone) on CXCL10 production by ASM cells (ASMC) from people with and without asthma were investigated in vitro.

Methods

Confluent serum-deprived cells were treated with the agents before and during cytokine stimulation for 0-24 h. CXCL10 protein/mRNA, IκB-α levels and p65 activity were measured using ELISA, RT PCR, immunoblotting and p65 activity assays respectively. Data were analysed using ANOVA followed by Fisher’s post-hoc test.

Results

Fluticasone and/or salmeterol at 1 and 100 nM inhibited CXCL10 release induced by IL-1β and TNF-α, but not IFNγ or all three cytokines (cytomix). The latter was also not affected by budesonide and formoterol. In asthmatic ASMC low salmeterol, but not formoterol, concentrations increased cytomix-induced CXCL10 release and at 0.01 nM enhanced NF-κB activity. Salmeterol 0.1nM together with fluticasone 0.1 and 10 nM still increased CXCL10 release. The thiazolidinediones ciglitazone and rosiglitazone (at 25 and 100 μM) inhibited cytomix-induced CXCL10 release but these inhibitory effects were not prevented by the PPAR-g antagonist GW9662. Ciglitazone did not affect early NF-κB activity and CXCL10 mRNA production.

Conclusions

Thus the thiazolidinediones inhibited asthmatic ASMC CXCL10 release under conditions when common asthma therapies were ineffective or enhanced it. They may provide an alternative strategy to reduce mast cell-ASM interactions and restore normal airway physiology in asthma.
LRpath analysis reveals common pathways dysregulated via DNA methylation across cancer types
Authors: Kim Jung H , Karnovsky Alla , Mahavisno Vasudeva , Weymouth Terry , Pande Manjusha , Dolinoy Dana C , Rozek Laura S , Sartor Maureen A
Published: October 2012

Background

The relative contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to carcinogenesis is not well understood, including the extent to which epigenetic dysregulation and somatic mutations target similar genes and pathways. We hypothesize that during carcinogenesis, certain pathways or biological gene sets are commonly dysregulated via DNA methylation across cancer types. The ability of our logistic regression-based gene set enrichment method to implicate important biological pathways in high-throughput data is well established.

Results

We developed a web-based gene set enrichment application called LRpath with clustering functionality that allows for identification and comparison of pathway signatures across multiple studies. Here, we employed LRpath analysis to unravel the commonly altered pathways and other gene sets across ten cancer studies employing DNA methylation data profiled with the Illumina HumanMethylation27 BeadChip. We observed a surprising level of concordance in differential methylation across multiple cancer types. For example, among commonly hypomethylated groups, we identified immune-related functions, peptidase activity, and epidermis/keratinocyte development and differentiation. Commonly hypermethylated groups included homeobox and other DNA-binding genes, nervous system and embryonic development, and voltage-gated potassium channels. For many gene sets, we observed significant overlap in the specific subset of differentially methylated genes. Interestingly, fewer DNA repair genes were differentially methylated than expected by chance.

Conclusions

Clustering analysis performed with LRpath revealed tightly clustered concepts enriched for differential methylation. Several well-known cancer-related pathways were significantly affected, while others were depleted in differential methylation. We conclude that DNA methylation changes in cancer tend to target a subset of the known cancer pathways affected by genetic aberrations.
Cardiac structure and function in relation to cardiovascular risk factors in Chinese
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Yan , Liu Ming , Sheng Chang-Sheng , Huang Qi-Fang , Wang Ji-Guang
Published: October 2012

Background

Cardiac structure and function are well-studied in Western countries. However, epidemiological data is still scarce in China.

Methods

Our study was conducted in the framework of cardiovascular health examinations for the current and retired employees of a factory and their family members. According to the American Society of Echocardiography recommendations, we performed echocardiography to evaluate cardiac structure and function, including left atrial volume, left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction.

Results

The 843 participants (43.0 years) included 288 (34.2%) women, and 191 (22.7%) hypertensive patients, of whom 82 (42.9%) took antihypertensive drugs. The prevalence of left atrial enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy and concentric remodeling was 2.4%, 5.0% and 12.7%, respectively. The prevalence of mild and moderate-to-severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was 14.2% and 3.3%, respectively. The prevalence of these cardiac abnormalities significantly (P ≤ 0.002) increased with age, except for the moderate-to-severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. After adjustment for age, gender, body height and body weight, left atrial enlargement was associated with plasma glucose (P = 0.009), and left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction were significantly associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P ≤ 0.03), respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of cardiac structural and functional abnormalities increased with age in this Chinese population. Current drinking and plasma glucose had an impact on left atrial enlargement, whereas systolic and diastolic blood pressures were major correlates for left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, respectively.
Hepatitis C virus E2 protein involve in insulin resistance through an impairment of Akt/PKB and GSK3β signaling in hepatocytes
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Ju , Lan Kuang-Ping , Liu Hao-Yu , Zhang Xiao-Zong , Lin Yaw-Feng , Chen Tzy-Yen , Chiou Hui-Ling
Published: October 2012

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may cause liver diseases of various severities ranging from primary acute infection to life-threatening diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma with poor prognosis. According to clinical findings, HCV infection may also lead to some extra-hepatic symptoms, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Since insulin resistance is the major etiology for type 2 DM and numerous evidences showed that HCV infection associated with insulin resistance, the involvement of E2 in the pathogenesis of type 2 DM and underlying mechanisms were investigated in this study.

Methods

Reverse transcription and real-time PCR, Western blot assay, Immunoprecipitation, Glucose uptake assay and analysis of cellular glycogen content.

Results

Results showed that E2 influenced on protein levels of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and impaired insulin-induced Ser308 phosphorylation of Akt/PKB and Ser9 phosphorylation of GSK3β in Huh7 cells, leading to an inhibition of glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis, respectively, and eventually insulin resistance.

Conclusions

Therefore, HCV E2 protein indeed involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 DM by inducing insulin resistance.
Body composition, dietary composition, and components of metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese adults after a 12-week trial on dietary treatments focused on portion control, energy density, or glycemic index
Authors: Melanson Kathleen J , Summers Amber , Nguyen Von , Brosnahan Jen , Lowndes Joshua , Angelopoulos Theodore J , Rippe James M
Published: October 2012

Background

Given the rise in obesity and associated chronic diseases, it is critical to determine optimal weight management approaches that will also improve dietary composition and chronic disease risk factors. Few studies have examined all these weight, diet, and disease risk variables in subjects participating in recommended multi-disciplinary weight loss programs using different dietary strategies.

Methods

This study compared effects of three dietary approaches to weight loss on body composition, dietary composition and risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS). In a 12-week trial,sedentary but otherwise healthy overweight and obese adults (19 M & 138 F; 38.7 ± 6.7 y; BMI 31.8 ± 2.2) who were attending weekly group sessions for weight loss followed either portion control, low energy density, or low glycemic index diet plans. At baseline and 12 weeks, measures included anthropometrics, body composition, 3-day food diaries, blood pressure, total lipid profile, HOMA, C-reactive protein, and fasting blood glucose and insulin. Data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

All groups significantly reduced body weight and showed significant improvements in body composition (p < 0.001), and components of metabolic syndrome (p < 0.027 to 0.002), although HDL decreased (p < 0.001). Dietary energy, %fat and %saturated fat decreased while protein intake increased significantly (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences among the three groups in any variable related to body composition, dietary composition, or MetS components.

Conclusion

Different dietary approaches based on portion control, low energy density, or low glycemic index produced similar, significant short-term improvements in body composition, diet compositin, and MetS components in overweight and obese adults undergoing weekly weight loss meetings. This may allow for flexibility in options for dietary counseling based on patient preference.
Prognostic significance of solitary lymph node metastasis in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of middle thoracic esophagus
Authors: Wu Jie , Chen Qi-Xun , Zhou Xing-Ming , Mao Wei-Ming , Krasna Mark J. , Teng Li-Song
Published: October 2012

Background

The aim of this study is to compare clinical outcomes between patients with solitary lymph node metastasis and node-negative (N0) patients in squamous cell carcinoma of the middle thoracic esophagus.

Methods

A series of 135 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the middle thoracic esophagus were retrospectively investigated. There were 33 patients with solitary lymph node metastasis and 102 N0 patients. Skip metastasis in 33 patients with solitary lymph node metastasis was defined according to three criteria: Japanese Society for Esophageal Disease (JSED), American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC), and the anatomical compartment.

Results

In 33 patients with solitary lymph node metastasis, skip metastasis was shown in 13, 23, and 8 patients according JSED, AJCC and anatomical compartment respectively. The 5-year survival rates for N0 patients and patients with solitary lymph node metastasis were 58% and 32% respectively (
P
=0.008). Multivariate analysis revealed that skip metastasis was not an independent prognostic factor.

Conclusions

For patients with middle thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, solitary lymph node metastasis has a negative impact on survival compared with N0 disease; skip metastasis, however, is comparable to N0 diseases in predicting prognosis.
Evaluation of age-related changes in translocator protein (TSPO) in human brain using 11C-[R]-PK11195 PET
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Muzik Otto , Shandal Varun , Chugani Diane , Chakraborty Pulak , Chugani Harry T
Published: October 2012

Background

We studied the distribution and expression of translocator protein in the human brain using 11C-[R]-PK-11195 positron emission tomography (PK11195 PET) and evaluated age-related changes.

Methods

A dynamic PK11195 PET scan was performed in 15 normal healthy adults (mean age: 29 ±8.5 years (range: 20 to 49); 7 males) and 10 children (mean age: 8.8 ±5.2 years (range: 1.2 to 17); 5 males), who were studied for potential neuroinflammation but showed no focally increased PK11195 binding. The PET images were evaluated by calculating standard uptake values and regional binding potential, based on a simplified reference region model, as well as with a voxel-wise analysis using statistical parametric mapping.

Results

PK11195 uptake in the brain is relatively low, compared with the subcortical structures, and symmetrical. The overall pattern of PK11195 distribution in the brain does not change with age. PK11195 uptake was lowest in the frontal-parietal-temporal cortex and highest in the pituitary gland, midbrain, thalamus, basal ganglia, occipital cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum, in descending order. White matter showed negligible PK11195 uptake. Overall, brain PK11195 uptake increased with age, with midbrain and thalamus showing relatively higher increases with age compared with other brain regions.

Conclusions

The brain shows low PK11195 uptake, which is lower in the cortex and cerebellum compared with subcortical structures, suggesting a low level of translocator protein expression. There is no hemispheric asymmetry in PK11195 uptake and the overall pattern of PK11195 distribution in the brain does not change with age. However, brain PK11195 uptake increases with age, with the thalamus and midbrain showing relatively higher increases compared with other brain regions. This increase in uptake suggests an age-related increase in translocator protein expression or the number of cells expressing these receptors or both.
Upper extremity rehabilitation of stroke: Facilitation of corticospinal excitability using virtual mirror paradigm
Authors: Kang Youn Joo , Park Hae Kyung , Kim Hyun Jung , Lim Taeo , Ku Jeonghun , Cho Sangwoo , Kim Sun I , Park Eun Sook
Published: October 2012

Background

Several experimental studies in stroke patients suggest that mirror therapy and various virtual reality programs facilitate motor rehabilitation. However, the underlying mechanisms for these therapeutic effects have not been previously described.

Objectives

We attempted to delineate the changes in corticospinal excitability when individuals were asked to exercise their upper extremity using a real mirror and virtual mirror. Moreover, we attempted to delineate the role of visual modulation within the virtual environment that affected corticospinal excitability in healthy subjects and stroke patients.

Methods

A total of 18 healthy subjects and 18 hemiplegic patients were enrolled into the study. Motor evoked potential (MEP)s from transcranial magnetic stimulation were recorded in the flexor carpi radialis of the non-dominant or affected upper extremity using three different conditions: (A) relaxation; (B) real mirror; and (C) virtual mirror. Moreover, we compared the MEPs from the virtual mirror paradigm using continuous visual feedback or intermittent visual feedback.

Results

The rates of amplitude increment and latency decrement of MEPs in both groups were higher during the virtual mirror task than during the real mirror. In healthy subjects and stroke patients, the virtual mirror task with intermittent visual feedback significantly facilitated corticospinal excitability of MEPs compared with continuous visual feedback.

Conclusion

Corticospinal excitability was facilitated to a greater extent in the virtual mirror paradigm than in the real mirror and in intermittent visual feedback than in the continuous visual feedback, in both groups. This provides neurophysiological evidence supporting the application of the virtual mirror paradigm using various visual modulation technologies to upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients.
PAM50 Breast Cancer Subtyping by RT-qPCR and Concordance with Standard Clinical Molecular Markers
Authors: Bastien Roy RL , Rodríguez-Lescure Álvaro , Ebbert Mark TW , Prat Aleix , Munárriz Blanca , Rowe Leslie , Miller Patricia , Ruiz-Borrego Manuel , Anderson Daniel , Lyons Bradley , Álvarez Isabel , Dowell Tracy , Wall David , Seguí Miguel Ángel , Barley Lee , Boucher Kenneth M , Alba Emilio , Pappas Lisa , Davis Carole A , Aranda Ignacio , Fauron Christiane , Stijleman Inge J , Palacios José , Antón Antonio , Carrasco Eva , Caballero Rosalía , Ellis Matthew J , Nielsen Torsten O , Perou Charles M , Astill Mark , Bernard Philip S , Martín Miguel
Published: October 2012

Background

Many methodologies have been used in research to identify the “intrinsic” subtypes of breast cancer commonly known as Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-Enriched (HER2-E) and Basal-like. The PAM50 gene set is often used for gene expression-based subtyping; however, surrogate subtyping using panels of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers are still widely used clinically. Discrepancies between these methods may lead to different treatment decisions.

Methods

We used the PAM50 RT-qPCR assay to expression profile 814 tumors from the GEICAM/9906 phase III clinical trial that enrolled women with locally advanced primary invasive breast cancer. All samples were scored at a single site by IHC for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and Her2/neu (HER2) protein expression. Equivocal HER2 cases were confirmed by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). Single gene scores by IHC/CISH were compared with RT-qPCR continuous gene expression values and “intrinsic” subtype assignment by the PAM50. High, medium, and low expression for ESR1, PGR, ERBB2, and proliferation were selected using quartile cut-points from the continuous RT-qPCR data across the PAM50 subtype assignments.

Results

ESR1, PGR, and ERBB2 gene expression had high agreement with established binary IHC cut-points (area under the curve (AUC) ≥ 0.9). Estrogen receptor positivity by IHC was strongly associated with Luminal (A and B) subtypes (92%), but only 75% of ER negative tumors were classified into the HER2-E and Basal-like subtypes. Luminal A tumors more frequently expressed PR than Luminal B (94% vs 74%) and Luminal A tumors were less likely to have high proliferation (11% vs 77%). Seventy-seven percent (30/39) of ER-/HER2+ tumors by IHC were classified as the HER2-E subtype. Triple negative tumors were mainly comprised of Basal-like (57%) and HER2-E (30%) subtypes. Single gene scoring for ESR1, PGR, and ERBB2 was more prognostic than the corresponding IHC markers as shown in a multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

The standard immunohistochemical panel for breast cancer (ER, PR, and HER2) does not adequately identify the PAM50 gene expression subtypes. Although there is high agreement between biomarker scoring by protein immunohistochemistry and gene expression, the gene expression determinations for ESR1 and ERBB2 status was more prognostic.
Screening for foot problems in children: is this practice justifiable?
Authors: Evans Angela Margaret
Published: October 2012

Podiatry screening of children is a common practice, which occurs largely without adequate data to support the need for such activity. Such programs may be either formalised, or more ad hoc in nature, depending upon the use of guidelines or existing models. Although often not used, the well‐established criteria for assessing the merits of screening programs can greatly increase the understanding as to whether such practices are actually worthwhile. This review examines the purpose of community health screening in the Australian context, as occurs for tuberculosis, breast, cervical and prostate cancers, and then examines podiatry screening practices for children with reference to the criteria of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Topically, the issue of paediatric foot posture forms the focus of this review, as it presents with great frequency to a range of clinicians. Comparison is made with developmental dysplasia of the hip, in which instance the WHO criteria are well met. Considering that the burden of the condition being screened for must be demonstrable, and that early identification must be found to be beneficial, in order to justify a screening program, there is no sound support for either continuing or establishing podiatry screenings for children.
Synthesis, in vitro antifungal evaluation and in silico study of 3-azolyl-4-chromanone phenylhydrazones
Authors: Ayati Adile , Falahati Mehraban , Irannejad Hamid , Emami Saeed
Published: October 2012

Background

The currently available antifungal drugs suffer from toxicity, greatest potential drug interactions with other drugs, insufficient pharmacokinetics properties, and development of resistance. Thus, development of new antifungal agents with optimum pharmacokinetics and less toxicity is urgent task. In the search for new azole antifungals, we have been previously described azolylchromanone oxime ethers as rigid analogs of oxiconazole. In continuation of our work, we incorporated phenylhydrazone moiety instead of oxime ether fragment in azolylchromanone derivatives.

Methods

The 3-azolyl-4-chromanone phenylhydrazones were synthesized via ring closure of 2-azolyl-2'-hydroxyacetophenones and subsequent reaction with phenylhydrazine. The biological activity of title compounds was evaluated against different pathogenic fungi including Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, and Microsporum gypseum. Docking study, in silico toxicity risks and drug-likeness predictions were used to better define of title compounds as antifungal agents.

Results

The in vitro antifungal activity of compounds based on MIC values revealed that all compounds showed good antifungal activity against C. albicans, S. cerevisiae and M. gypseum at concentrations less than 16 μg/mL. Among the test compounds, 2-methyl-3-imidazolyl derivative 3b showed the highest values of drug-likeness and drug-score.

Conclusion

The 3-azolyl-4-chromanone phenylhydrazones considered as analogs of 3-azolyl-4-chromanone oxime ethers basically designed as antifungal agents. The antifungal activity of title compounds was comparable to that of standard drug fluconazole. The drug-likeness data of synthesized compounds make them promising leads for future development of antifungal agents.