bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penile Implant Utilization Following Treatment for Prostate Cancer: Analysis of the SEER-Medicare Database
Authors: Tal Raanan , Jacks Lindsay M. , Elkin Elena , Mulhall John P.
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Prostate cancer treatments, including radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiotherapy (RT), may adversely affect erectile function. Penile implant surgery is a well-recognized erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment for prostate cancer survivors who wish to remain sexually active and in whom nonsurgical treatments are ineffective or unpalatable.

Aim

To describe the utilization of penile implants after RP or RT for prostate cancer and to identify predictors of such use.

Methods

From Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results cancer registry data linked with Medicare claims, we identified men aged ≥66 years diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1998–2005 who were treated with RP or RT. Utilization of penile implants was identified in Medicare claims. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify demographic and clinical predictors of implant utilization.

Main Outcome Measures

Medicare claim for penile implant surgery, impact of demographic and clinical factors on penile implant surgery utilization.

Results

The study group comprised 68,558 subjects, including 52,747 who had RT and 15,811 who had RP as primary prostate cancer treatment. The penile implant utilization rate was 0.8% for the entire group, 0.3% for the RT group, and 2.3% for the RP group. Predictors of penile implant utilization were initial treatment modality, younger age, and African American or Hispanic race, being unmarried and residing in the South or West.

Conclusions

Penile implant utilization after prostate cancer treatment is relatively uncommon in men over 65. Men who are younger, African American or Hispanic, and those who have an RP are more likely than their peers to receive a penile implant after prostate cancer treatment.
Perceived Reduced Sleep-Related Erections in Subjects with Erectile Dysfunction: Psychobiological Correlates
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Rastrelli Giulia , Balercia Giancarlo , Sforza Alessandra , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Perceived reduced sleep-related erections (PR-SREs), along with erectile dysfunction (ED) and hypoactive sexual desire, have been recently recognized as the most important symptoms characterizing late-onset hypogonadism in community-dwelling European men. However, the clinical correlates of PR-SREs have not been thoroughly investigated.

Aim

To evaluate the psychobiological correlates of PR-SREs in a large series of subjects consulting for ED.

Methods

A consecutive series of 3,888 (mean age 51.6 ± 13.0 years) ED patients attending an outpatient ED clinic was retrospectively analyzed.

Main Outcome Measures

PR-SREs were investigated using validated question #13 of structured interview on ED, which showed an accuracy of approximately 70% in predicting Rigiscan™ (Dacomed Corp., Minneapolis, MN, USA) parameters in a consecutive subset of 199 subjects. Clinical, biochemical, hormonal, instrumental (penile color Doppler ultrasound; PCDU), and intrapsychic (Middlesex Health Questionnaire) correlates were also evaluated.

Results

PR-SREs were reported by 63.6% of patients. After adjustment for age, total, analog free, calculated free and calculated bioavailable testosterone (T) were significantly lower in subjects reporting more severe PR-SREs. After adjusting for T levels and other confounders, PR-SREs were still associated with higher body mass index, glucose, and triglyceride levels, as well as with an increased 10-year cardiovascular risk score. Accordingly, PR-SREs were more prevalent in subjects showing a reduced dynamic peak systolic velocity at PCDU or reporting severe ED. Among intrapsychic parameters, depressive and histrionic traits were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in subjects with any degree of PR-SREs.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that investigating PR-SREs represents an important step during the andrological consultation. In fact, reduced SREs might indicate an endocrine, organic, and/or psychiatric ED background that might help in directing further investigation.
Derived, still living cockroach genus Cariblattoides (Blattida: Blattellidae) from the Eocene sediments of Green River in Colorado, USA
Authors: Vršanský Peter , Vidlička L′ubomír , Čiampor Jr Fedor , Marsh Finnegan
Published: March 2011

Abstract  Cariblattoides labandeirai sp.n. from the Eocene sediments of Green River in Colorado, USA bear only two plesiomorphies, but also several significant autapomorphies within the advanced and highly derived living cockroach genus. Thus, Cariblattoides with extant occurrence in the Caribbean and South America was historically common in the Nearctic, and represents important evidence for the occurrence of derived living genera of cockroaches ∼50 Ma ago. Generally, the vast majority of living genera were absent during the Palaeocene, thus the diversification of most living cockroach lineages near the Palaeocene/Eocene boundary must have been extremely rapid. Females of living C. suave, the type species, have identical (sophisticated) coloration of pronotum, but the most related living taxa are C. piraiensis and C. fontesi from Brazil (supported by phylogenetical analysis).
A possible solution to the [α/Fe]-σ problem in early-type galaxies within a hierarchical galaxy formation model
Authors: Calura F. , Menci N.
Published: March 2011

The most massive elliptical galaxies apparently formed the fastest, because the ratio of α elements (such as oxygen) to iron is the smallest. In fact, iron is mainly produced from type Ia supernovae on a time-scale of ∼0.1–1 Byr, while the α elements come from massive stars on time-scales of a few tens of million years. Reproducing such a α/Fe correlation has long been a severe problem for cosmological theories of galaxy formation, which envisage massive galaxies to assemble gradually from smaller progenitors, and to be characterized by a star formation history too much extended towards late cosmic times. While it has recently become clear that feedback from Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) activity plays a role in the late quenching of star formation, and that early star formation history in the galaxy progenitors affect the α/Fe ratio, major mergers alone cannot enhance the star formation in the high-redshift progenitors to the levels required to match the steepness of the observed α/Fe correlation. Here we report that the inclusion of the effects of fly-by ‘harassments’, that trigger lower level starbursts, combined with the AGN quenching of the starburst activity, considerably enhances the capability to account for the observed α/Fe ratio in ellipticals within cosmological galaxy formation models. The critical difference between the earlier work and the present result is the effect of starbursts driven by fly-by encounters that would have been very common amongst the high-redshift progenitors of massive galaxies and which would have boosted star formation in the first 2 Byr after the big bang, combined with quenching of the burst activity within the first 3–4 Gyr.
An investigation into the Multiple Optimised Parameter Estimation and Data compression algorithm
Authors: Graff Philip , Hobson Michael P. , Lasenby Anthony
Published: March 2011

We investigate the use of the Multiple Optimised Parameter Estimation and Data compression (MOPED) algorithm for data compression and faster evaluation of likelihood functions. Since MOPED only guarantees maintaining the Fisher matrix of the likelihood at a chosen point, multimodal and some degenerate distributions will present a problem. We present not only examples of scenarios in which MOPED does faithfully represent the true likelihood, but also cases in which it does not. Through these examples, we aim to define a set of criteria for which MOPED will accurately represent the likelihood and hence may be used to obtain a significant reduction in the time needed to calculate it. These criteria may involve the evaluation of the full likelihood function for comparison.
IMPROVEMENT OF SHELF LIFE STABILITY OF CAKES
Authors: SOZER NESLI , BRUINS RIEKS , DIETZEL CHRISTIE , FRANKE WILLIAM , KOKINI JOZEF L.
Published: March 2011

The effects of new ingredient strategies to slow down starch retrogradation rate in cakes were investigated. In this study, devil's fudge cakes were formulated using gum, modified starch and enzyme technology. Cake samples that were prepared with combinations of gums, bacterial amylases and pregelatinized starch were found to have slower starch retrogradation rates. An accelerated shelf life protocol was followed to observe the effect of predescribed ingredients on slowing the starch retrogradation rate. The samples were evaluated for moisture content, water activity, texture and thermal properties, as well as morphological characteristics. The staling rate was found to be accelerated by the fluctuations in temperature from high to low temperatures. Modified starches, enzymes and gums were found to decrease the rate of staling and improve product quality. The formulated cakes were found to have 25% lower toughness and hardness values as compared with the control product. It was found that for all the cake formulations, there was a significant decrease in both hardness and toughness values, whereas springiness values did not change much. The basic differences within formulations were created by incorporation of gums, enzymes, soluble fibers, emulsifiers and modified flours in the cake.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Nutritional balance is quite important for each individual. For certain groups of people, based on their activity levels, high energy supplies are required to help them to achieve their optimal performance. Cakes, waffles and pancakes are in the group of breakfast bakery items that provide high energy for these groups of people. In bakery food products, staling reactions start before microbial deteriorations; as a result, they are the major factor in determining shelf life. Cakes that are acceptable to the consumers should be moist and soft in texture.

Starch retrogradation is the primary mechanism determining the shelf life of the product. Although the product is microbiologically safe, the adverse affects of starch crystals on textural properties is the main cause of product rejection by the consumer, which leads to huge economical losses. The current methods of controlling starch retrogradation lean on technologies of the 1980s. Despite several studies on bread staling, there is hardly any study on the staling mechanism of cakes and other bakery food items. This study provides information on how to retard staling in cakes by the use of an in‐house developed accelerated shelf life protocol.
SOURCE ROCK POTENTIAL OF THE UPPER JURASSIC – LOWER CRETACEOUS SUCCESSION IN THE SOUTHERN MESOPOTAMIAN BASIN, SOUTHERN IRAQ
Authors: Abeed Q. , Alkhafaji A. , Littke R.
Published: March 2011

This paper reports on the hydrocarbon potential of subsurface samples from the Upper Jurassic Lower Cretaceous succession at the Rumaila (North and South), Zubair, Subba and West Qurna oilfields in southern Iraq. A total of 37 fine‐grained core samples of the Sulaiy, Yamama, Ratawi and Zubair Formations from ten wells were analyzed. Contents of organic carbon and sulphur were measured; other analyses included Rock‐Eval pyrolysis, optical microscopy in incident light, solvent extraction and gas chromatography of non‐aromatic hydrocarbons. The results indicated that the samples from the Cretaceous succession (Yamama, Zubair and Ratawi Formations) are at moderate levels of thermal maturity, whereas samples from the Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous Sulaiy Formation are at a stage of thermal maturity beyond peak oil generation. According to the results of this study, the Sulaiy Formation is an excellent highly‐mature source rock and it is probably responsible for the generation of large quantities of oil in the study area. The samples differ with respect to their organic fades and biomarker distribution, indicating that palaeo depositional conditions varied significantly.
THE PETROLEUM PROSPECTIVITY OF LEBANON: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: Nader F.H.
Published: March 2011

This paper presents an updated review of the petroleum prospectivity of Lebanon. It is based on a re‐assessment of the tectono‐stratigraphic succession in Lebanon, correlation with nearby countries and the results of a recent offshore seismic survey. A generalized model illustrating potential petroleum system(s) in Lebanon is presented with data on Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic plays. Major lithological units are described with respect to their source, reservoir and cap‐rock potential.

Based on a general review of previous studies and existing data, Lebanese exploration prospects may comprise on‐ and offshore as well as coastal (margin) targets. They include potential Triassic reservoirs in onshore central‐northern Lebanon including those at the Qartaba structure. Offshore plays are discussed with reference to recent seismic profiles; potential offshore targets comprise Oligo‐Miocene reservoirs sealed by Messinian evaporites as well as deeper Mesozoic reservoirs.
LATE CRETACEOUS TECTONIC AND SEDIMENTARY EVOLUTION OF THE BANDAR ABBAS AREA, FARS REGION, SOUTHERN IRAN
Authors: Piryaei A. , Reijmer J.J.G. , Borgomano J. , van Buchem F.S.P.
Published: March 2011

The Upper Cretaceous succession in the SE Zagros (Bandar Abbas area) is characterized by marked changes in fades and thickness. These changes relate to sediment deposition in a foreland basin along the NE margin of the Arabian plate. The succession was measured at eight outcrop sections in the Khush, Faraghun, Gahkum, Genow and Khamir anticlines. The measured sections illustrate a transition from shallow‐water carbonate platform deposits (Cenomanian to Coniacian) to deep‐water fades (Santonian to Maastrichtian). Outcrop observations were compared to data from ten off‐ and onshore wells and to a series of seismic profiles.

Four cross‐sections were constructed using well and outcrop data and illustrate fades and thickness variations within the Upper Cretaceous. Based on these regional profiles, the Late Cretaceous depositional history of the Bandar Abbas area was reconstructed and can be divided into two tectono‐sedimentary phases suggesting a transition from a passive to an active margin. Sedimentation during Phase I (late Albion to Coniacian) took place in shallow‐water carbonate platform and intrashelf basin settings (Sarvak Formation), and four third‐order sequences can be recognised. The uppermost sequence is locally capped by fresh‐water, pisolith‐bearing carbonate sand and conglomerates with local laterite and palaeosols of the Coniacian Laffan Formation. Shallow‐water facies consist mainly of wackestone to packstones with abundant benthic foraminifera. Sediments deposited in intrashelf basins are dominated by oligosteginid‐bearing fades. Eustatic variations in sea level, the creation of a foreland basin and salt tectonics most probably controlled patterns of sedimentation during this phase.

During the second tectono‐sedimentary phase (Phase II: Santonian to Late Maastrichtian), sediments were dominated by pelagic marls and gravity flow deposits. Lateral thickness variations become more marked to the NE as a result of obduction processes and the creation of the foreland basin.

Allochthonous ophiolitic and radiolarite‐bearing units are common in the northern part of the Fars region but are restricted to a few localities in the Bandar Abbas area. Traces of allochthonous materials occur in the SE‐most part of the Khush anticline; thrust slices in offshore seismic profiles may link to the Hawasina nappes of Oman. At the top of the Phase II succession, pelagic facies locally interfinger with Omphalocyclus and Loftusia‐bearing fades (Tarbur Formation) and evaporites (Sachun Formation). These deposits are overlain by slumped and dolomitized shallow‐water carbonates of the Paleocene – Eocene Jahrum Formation.

The sedimentary sequence in the Bandar Abbas area illustrates a far‐field response to Late Cretaceous obduction processes and foreland basin development, as well as to halokinetic activity. Rapid variations in thickness and fades document the evolution of depositional processes in the foreland basin.
MASS BALANCE CALCULATIONS FOR DIFFERENT MODELS OF HYDROCARBON MIGRATION IN THE JEANNE D'ARC BASIN, OFFSHORE NEWFOUNDLAND
Authors: Baur F. , di Primio R. , Lampe C. , Littke R.
Published: March 2011

Basin and petroleum systems modelling is a powerful tool in petroleum exploration, but uncertainties remain in terms of the evaluation of a petroleum accumulation's size and quality, even when the petroleum system is well known and the latest modelling technology is applied. In order to interpret the results of a modelling exercise, it is necessary to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various possible approaches used to assess petroleum migration and accumulation. This paper attempts to compare the influence of different migration modelling techniques – the flowpath, Darcy “hybrid” and invasion percolation approaches – on basin‐wide mass balance calculations for a temperature‐ and pressure‐calibrated, numerical four‐dimensional basin model. The study was performed using PetroMod® software.

The study area is the well‐known Jeanne d'Arc Basin located offshore Newfoundland, eastern Canada. Model predictions were verified against pre‐existing data including the quantity and quality of discovered hydrocarbons in the basin. Modelling results showed that the Darcy method produced substantially different results compared to the other migration techniques and this was due to the high accumulation efficiency. The flowpath method, and a combination of flowpath and Darcy methods (referred to as the “hybrid” method) yielded similar results; furthermore, the hybrid method predicted the petroleum composition quite accurately. The invasion percolation method gave similar results to the hybrid approach, but little or no variation in API and GOR across the basin was predicted.

The adsorption model initially applied did not adequately reproduce the natural behaviour of source rocks with respect to petroleum expulsion efficiency. Therefore a revised model was implemented in which the adsorption capacity was reduced with increasing maturity. This revised adsorption model led to more realistic volumes of hydrocarbons being retained within the source rock. The application of this approach had only a minor impact on the volume and quality of the petroleum present in the reservoir units.
Development of aprepitant, the first neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist for the prevention of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting
Authors: Hargreaves Richard , Ferreira Juan Camilo Arjona , Hughes David , Brands Jos , Hale Jeff , Mattson Britta , Mills Sandy
Published: March 2011

Chemotherapy can be a life‐prolonging treatment for many cancer patients, but it is often associated with profound nausea and vomiting that is so distressing that patients may delay or decline treatment to avoid these side effects. EMEND™ (aprepitant) is the first and only neurokinin‐1 (NK‐1) receptor antagonist available on the market for the prevention of acute and delayed chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Aprepitant acts centrally at NK‐1 receptors in vomiting centers within the central nervous system to block their activation by substance P released as an unwanted consequence of chemotherapy. By controlling nausea and vomiting, EMEND helps improve patients’ daily living and their ability to complete multiple cycles of chemotherapy. The development of aprepitant included a novel nanoparticle formulation to optimize oral absorption and innovative chemistry to discover a prodrug form suitable for intravenous administration to improve compliance and convenience for healthcare professionals and cancer patients.
Linezolid, the first oxazolidinone antibacterial agent
Authors: Leach Karen L. , Brickner Steven J. , Noe Mark C. , Miller Paul F.
Published: March 2011

Linezolid (Zyvox™) is the first member of an entirely new class of antibiotics to reach the market in over 35 years; it was approved for use in 2000. A member of the oxazolidinone class of antibiotics, linezolid is highly effective for the treatment of serious Gram‐positive infections and has activity that compares favorably with vancomycin for most clinically relevant pathogens. Zyvox is approved for use against serious Gram‐positive infections, including those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the very challenging methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium organisms. Zyvox inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 23S rRNA in the catalytic site of the 50S ribosome. It can be administered both orally and intravenously and has good tissue distribution. Recent results have demonstrated that oxazolidinone analogs related to linezolid are effective in treating pulmonary tuberculosis caused by resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in animal infection models and suggest additional new therapeutic applications for these antibiotics.
Development of the IL‐12/23 antagonist ustekinumab in psoriasis: past, present, and future perspectives
Authors: Yeilding Newman , Szapary Philippe , Brodmerkel Carrie , Benson Jacqueline , Plotnick Michael , Zhou Honghui , Goyal Kavitha , Schenkel Brad , Giles‐Komar Jill , Mascelli Mary Ann , Guzzo Cynthia
Published: March 2011

The development of ustekinumab as a first‐in‐class anti‐interleukin (IL) 12/23p40 therapeutic agent for psoriasis represents an important example of modern and rational drug design and development. Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic, immune‐mediated skin disorder with considerable clinical, psychosocial, and economic burden. Ustekinumab is a human monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds the p40 subunit common to IL‐12 and IL‐23, key cytokines in psoriasis pathogenesis. The therapeutic mAb was developed using human gamma‐1 immunoglobulin (IgG)‐expressing transgenic mice, which created a molecule with endogenous IgG1 biologic properties and low immunogenicity. Ustekinumab was well tolerated in clinical studies and yielded rapid, significant, and sustained efficacy plus improved quality of life/work performance and reduced depression/anxiety. Its pharmacologic properties afford the most convenient dosing regimen among approved biologics, representing a significant advancement in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. Ustekinumab also holds promise for other immune‐mediated disorders with significant unmet need.
Development, clinical evaluation, and post‐licensure impact of RotaTeq, a pentavalent rotavirus vaccine
Authors: Goveia Michelle G. , Ciarlet Max , Owen Katey E. , Ranucci Colette S.
Published: March 2011

Rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children worldwide. This paper provides an overview of the development, clinical evaluation, and postlicensure impact of RotaTeq™(Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Oral, Pentavalent, Merck & Co., Inc.). RotaTeq, an oral vaccine, is uniquely designed to contain five human‐bovine reassortant rotavirus strains expressing the human serotypes G1, G2, G3, G4, and P1A[8], which represent the most common human rotavirus serotypes responsible for ∼85% of RVGE worldwide. The development required novel solutions for manufacturing, testing, and formulation for each of the reassortants. In one of the largest vaccine clinical trials conducted, the vaccine was shown to be well tolerated and highly efficacious against severe RVGE. Efficacy has also been demonstrated in lower‐income countries. In large U.S. postlicensure studies, there have been no safety signals identified, and RotaTeq has had a significant impact on reducing RVGE and its associated medical costs since licensure in 2006.
The development of romiplostim for patients with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Molineux Graham
Published: March 2011

Comprised of peptide and carrier components in an overall structure superficially resembling an antibody, romiplostim is the prototype of a new class of protein therapeutics called peptibodies. Romiplostim (AMG 531, Nplate™) was designed to evade the immune response to recombinant thrombopoietin and offer a new method of treatment for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an “orphan” disease. In contrast with agents designed to suppress immune function or hinder the processes of platelet destruction, romiplostim works by stimulating the production of new platelets. It was proven to increase platelet counts, reduce the need for other ITP therapies and emergency treatments, and demonstrate an acceptable safety profile. In addition, romiplostim improves patient‐reported outcomes and quality of life in those suffering from this rare disease.
Crawling Phagocytes Recruited in the Brain Vasculature after Pertussis Toxin Exposure through IL6, ICAM1 and ITGαM
Authors: Richard Jean‐François , Roy Monica , Audoy‐Rémus Julie , Tremblay Pierrot , Vallières Luc
Published: March 2011

The cerebral vasculature is constantly patrolled by rod‐shaped leukocytes crawling on the luminal endothelial surface. These cells are recruited in greater numbers after exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by a mechanism involving tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin‐1β (IL1β) and angiopoietin‐2 (Angpt2). Here, we report that the population of crawling leukocytes, consisting mainly of granulocytes, is also increased in the brains of mice suffering from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) or injected with pertussis toxin (PTX), which is commonly used to induce EAE. However, this recruitment occurs through an alternative mechanism, independent of Angpt2. In a series of experiments using DNA microarrays, knockout mice and neutralizing antibodies, we found that PTX acts indirectly on the endothelium in part through IL6, which is essential for the post‐transcriptional upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) in response to PTX but not to LPS. We also found that phagocytes adhere to brain capillaries through the interaction of integrin αM (ITGαM) with ICAM1 and an unidentified ligand. In conclusion, this study supports the concept that PTX promotes EAE, at least in part, by inducing vascular changes necessary for the recruitment of patrolling leukocytes.
Nutrigenomic approach to tackle the unpleasant journey to Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: WON Insik , KIM Yoon Jae , KIM Seong Jin , KIM Eun Hee , HAHM Ki Baik
Published: March 2011

While dietary habits or nutritional intake continue to rank as significant factors influencing the incidence of cancer, there have been considerable scientific uncertainties about who will benefit, but who about will not benefit from nutrition. This might be due to inadequate knowledge about an individual's genetic background, the cumulative effect of nutrients on genetic expression profiles, ambiguous clinical differences between beneficiaries and non‐beneficiaries and the lack of information about active protein induction. During the past 200 years of nutrition research, we have experienced revolutionary advances in both chemistry and genomics. According to the high expectations for tailored medicine, a nutrigenomic approach harboring tremendous potential to change the future of dietary guideline and personal recommendations will provide an essential basis for personalized dietary recommendations to prevent common multifactorial diseases decades before their overt clinical manifestation. In the current review, we introduce our efforts to discover Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐related disease biomarkers applicable for diagnostic, predictive and therapeutic purposes using several kinds of technology. For instance, based on publications showing the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of Korean red ginseng on mitigating H. pylori‐associated gastric atrophy, a nutrigenomic approach allows us to confirm that Korean red ginseng prevents H. pylori‐associated gastric cancer in predictable ways.
Efficacy and safety of adalimumab in Crohn's disease: Meta‐analysis of placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: HUANG Mei Lan , RAN Zhi Hua , SHEN Jun , LI Xiao Bo , XU Xi Tao , XIAO Shu Dong
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab in inducing and maintaining remission of Crohn's disease.

METHODS:  Electronic databases were searched. Placebo‐controlled trials of adalimumab used in patients with Crohn's disease were included. Data were analyzed with Review Manager 4.2.

RESULTS:  Four studies enrolling 1402 patients were confirmed as meeting our criteria. Remission rates of inducing and maintaining remission in patients with Crohn's disease were higher for adalimumab than placebo (P < 0.05). Adalimumab significantly improves the quality of life in patients with Crohn's disease. No significant difference in total adverse events was found in maintaining remission. Moreover, there were significantly less serious adverse events from taking adalimumab than from taking the placebo in long‐term treatment. Patients with increased baseline C‐reactive protein may benefit more from adalimumab therapy than those without.

CONCLUSIONS:  Adalimumab is effective and safe in Crohn's disease. However, studies of a larger number of patients are still required for better assessing the safety profile of adalimumab.
Clinical features and molecular alterations of traditional serrated adenoma in sporadic colorectal carcinogenesis
Authors: HAN Ying , ZHOU Zhi Yong
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:  To compare clinical features and molecular alterations between traditional serrated adenomas (TSA) & serrated carcinomas (SCa) and traditional adenomas (TA) & carcinomas (Ca) of the colorectum and to verify a traditional serrated pathway of sporadic colorectal carcinogenesis.

METHODS:  One thousand two hundred slides of colorectal polyps obtained from 1160 patients were collected and reviewed to define TSA and clinical and pathological features were analyzed and compared with TA. DNA was extracted from specimens of TSA, TA, SCa and Ca, v‐raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) V600E mutation and microsatellite instability (MSI) (assay for BAT25 and BAT26) were analyzed.

RESULTS:  Overall 29 TSA were confirmed (2.5%), and there was an age difference between patients with TSA and TA (56.0 vs 62.7, P < 0.05). Compared with TA, TSA was located more often in the rectosigmoid colon (TSA 62.1% vs TA 35.2%, P < 0.05), but occurred less in the descending colon (TSA 0% vs TA 25.35%, P = 0.0068). No difference was found in terms of gender and the size or pedicles of polyps (P > 0.05). The BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 36.3% of SCa and 26.7% of TSA patients, but it was not detected in TA and Ca patients; MSI‐H was noticed in 23% of SCa, 33.3% of TSA, 5.3% of Ca and 0% of TA patients, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:  There might be a traditional serrated pathway of sporadic colorectal carcinogenesis that is different from the conventional adenoma to carcinoma carcinogenesis pathway in the colorectum.
Characteristics of pancreatic diabetes in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: ITO Tetsuhide , NAKAMURA Taichi , FUJIMORI Nao , NIINA Yusuke , IGARASHI Hisato , OONO Takamasa , UCHIDA Masahiko , KAWABE Ken , TAKAYANAGI Ryoichi , NISHIMORI Isao , OTSUKI Makoto , SHIMOSEGAWA Tooru
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:  Although patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) tend to have concurrent diverse disorders, very few studies have focused on diabetes mellitus (DM) coexisting with AIP.

METHODS:  In total 102 AIP patients with DM were divided into three groups. Those with DM before the onset of AIP were labeled group A (n = 35), those who developed DM and AIP simultaneously were labeled group B (n = 58) and those who developed DM after steroid therapy for AIP were labeled group C (n = 9). The characteristics of DM among the three groups were evaluated.

RESULTS:  No significant differences were noted in the age of DM onset among the three groups. However, the mean duration of DM was significantly longer in group A (8.7 years) than in groups B and C. AIP developed 6.8 years after DM onset in group A, whereas it developed 1.8 years after steroid therapy in group C. Group A had the highest rate (25.7%) of family members with a history of AIP. Levels of serum albumin, total cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly lower in group A. No correlations were found between glycated hemoglobin and benzoyl‐tyrosyl para‐aminobenzoic acid. Hypoglycemia was observed in 20% of patients under insulin therapy. Most of them were habitual drinkers and received no pancreatic enzymes. Group A showed a high prevalence of retinopathy, nephropathy and macrovascular disorders than group B.

CONCLUSION:  Aspects of AIP‐associated pancreatic diabetes were clarified. AIP‐associated DM must be controlled by a full assessment of the pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function.
Marked discrepancy between coagulometric Protein C activity assays with the pro‐thrombotic Protein C Asn2Ile substitution
Authors: COOPER P. C. , SIDDIQ S. , MORSE C. , NIGHTINGALE J. , MUMFORD A. D.
Published: March 2011

Introduction:  Protein C (PC) Asn2Ile is a rare pro‐thrombotic variant in which loss of anticoagulant function in vivo is likely to result from defective PC binding to the endothelial PC receptor and phospholipid.

Methods:  To characterize the consequences of this functional defect on the diagnostic performance of commercial PC activity assays, we performed one antigen, three chromogenic and three coagulometric assays on plasma from a subject who was heterozygous for the PC Asn2Ile substitution.

Results:  As anticipated, the PC antigen (96.2 IU/dl) and chromogenic PC activity assays (98.4 IU/dl) were insensitive to PC Asn2Ile, which has intact enzymatic activity and is secreted normally. There was a marked reduction in apparent PC activity by STACLOT coagulometric assay (50.4 IU/dl). However, there was only a small reduction in apparent PC activity by CRYOcheck Clot C assay (69.5 IU/dl) and by HemosIL ProClot assay, the PC activity was within the laboratory reference range (91 IU/dl). This discrepancy between coagulometric assays could not be explained by lupus anticoagulant, activated PC resistance or elevated plasma factor VIII activity.

Conclusion:  We demonstrate that coagulometric assays are not equally sensitive to clinically important functional defects of PC and that multiple assays may be required to identify all variants.
Inflammation assessment after selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) treatment
Authors: Ayala Marcelo , Landau Högbeck Irène , Chen Enping
Published: March 2011

Purpose:  Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) appears to be a safe and effective method to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). The exact mechanism of action for reducing IOP and inflammation levels is not known.

The aim of this study was to assess inflammation after SLT treatment.

Methods:  Forty patients (80 eyes) were included in the study. Inclusion criteria: Glaucoma (pigmentary and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma)/ocular hypertension patients that will be treated with SLT in just one eye, both with and without eye‐drops. Exclusion criteria: patients suffering from ocular or systemic inflammatory diseases are treated with cortisone or immunosuppressive drugs. Inflammation was measured in two different ways: (i) clinically with a slit lamp and classified 0–4; (ii) objectively with a ‘Laser flare meter (Kowa FM 500)’. Measurements were taken before SLT, 2 hr, 1 week and 1 month after SLT treatment, both eyes were evaluated. IOP was also checked in the same way. SLT treatment was performed in 90°.

Results:  Inflammation before and after SLT showed no significant difference measured clinically with slit lamp and objectively with the laser flare meter among the groups. No inflammation or IOP reduction was found in the untreated eyes. No IOP spikes after SLT treatment were found.

Conclusion:  Selective laser trabeculoplasty treatment seems not to induce inflammation in the anterior chamber when 90° was treated. SLT effectively and safely lowers IOP and might be considered as primary therapy.
Role of the terrestrial subsurface in shaping geothermal spring microbial communities
Authors: Tin Sara , Bizzoco Richard W. , Kelley Scott T.
Published: March 2011

In this study, we explored the possibility that dispersal from terrestrial subsurface sources ‘seeds’ the development of geothermal spring microbial assemblages. We combined microscopy and culture‐independent molecular approaches to survey the bacterial diversity of spring source waters in Yellowstone National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Russia's Kamchatka peninsula. Microscopic analysis uncovered clear evidence of microbial cells from spring sources in all three regions. Analysis of source water phylogenetic diversity identified members of all bacteria groups found previously in downstream sediments, as well as many other phylogenetic groups. Closely related or identical 16S sequences were determined from the source waters of geographically distant, chemically distinct springs, and we found no association between spring water chemistry and microbial diversity. In the source waters of two different Yellowstone springs, we also discovered a phylogenetic group of uncultured Firmicutes never before reported in geothermal habitats that were closely related to uncultured bacteria found in the hyper‐arid Atacama Desert. Altogether, our results suggest geothermal features can be connected via the subsurface over long distances and that subsurface sources provide a potentially diverse source of microorganisms for downstream surface mat communities.
A Common Earth Religion: World Religions from an Ecological Perspective
Authors: Moltmann Jürgen
Published: March 2011

On the basis of a critical analysis of the place of world religions in an era of globalization, and drawing on the Gaia hypothesis of James Lovelock, this paper argues for the need for a shift in perspective from a world economy to an earth economy, and for world religions to become earth religions. Here the anthropocentrism of the modern world is overcome and humanity is viewed as an integrated element in planet earth as a whole. This view implies that the world religions need to give back to the earth the virtues they have projected onto the world beyond, and abandon their denial of life and their capacity for violence. In secular terms, this means that world religions need to engage with the ecological perspective and start by applying it to themselves. For if the earth can no longer support life, that means the end of the human world, and the end of world religions.
Clinical characterization of patients developing histologically‐proven fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis C post‐liver transplantation
Authors: Satapathy Sanjaya K. , Sclair Seth , Fiel M. Isabel , Del Rio Martin Juan , Schiano Thomas
Published: March 2011

Aim:  Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis C (FCH) post‐liver transplantation (LT) is an uncommon disorder with extremely poor outcome. Using stringent histological criteria, we sought to identify cases of FCH to better characterize its incidence, clinical features and outcomes.

Methods:  From January 1991 to December 2007, 973 LT for hepatitis C virus (HCV) were performed at our center. Using the pathology database, 51 cases with a provisional diagnosis of FCH were identified. FCH was diagnosed histologically by cholestasis accompanied by thin periportal fibrous septa, ductular reaction and mild inflammation.

Results:  FCH was reconfirmed in 24 recipients; seven had concurrent biliary problems. Twenty‐seven cases were excluded; biopsy was unavailable in nine cases, 15 did not meet the histological criteria of FCH and three had missing clinical information. All received deceased donors at a mean age of 64.4 years (15/17 aged >50 years). Mean time from LT to FCH was 7.6 months with 16 of 17 diagnosed within 1 year of LT. At diagnosis, mean viral load was 14.4 million IU/mL, bilirubin 16.2 mg/dL, aspartate aminotransferase 262 IU/mL, alanine aminotransferase 192 IU/mL and alkaline phosphatase 299 IU/mL. All 17 patients died or required re‐LT a mean of 7.8 months after the FCH diagnosis.

Conclusion:  FCH occurs infrequently and is typified by hyperbilirubinemia, donor age of more than 50 years, extremely high HCV RNA and specific histological changes occurring within the first several months post‐LT with extremely poor patient and graft survival. Histology alone is not reliable for the diagnosis of FCH, especially in the setting of recurrent HCV with concurrent biliary problems.
Clinical efficacy of i.v. doripenem, a new class of carbapenem, in patients with biliary tract infection: A multicenter trial
Authors: Tazuma Susumu , Igarashi Yoshinori , Inui Kazuo , Ohara Hirotaka , Tsuyuguchi Toshio , Ryozawa Shomei ,   and the BTI Therapy Research Group
Published: March 2011

Aim:  We conducted a multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of i.v. doripenem (DRPM), a new class of carbapenem, in patients with moderate to severe biliary tract infection based on severity assessment using the Guidelines for the Management of Acute Cholangitis and Cholecystitis (1st Edition).

Methods:  One hundred and nineteen patients with moderate to severe acute cholangitis and/or cholecystitis were subjected to this study. After the initial collection of bile, patients were administrated DRPM 0.5 g three times daily by i.v. drip infusion.

Results:  The characteristics of the 119 patients were well balanced, including 60 with cholangitis, 44 with cholecystitis and 15 with cholangitis complicated by cholecystitis; there were 88.2% (105/119) moderate cases and 11.8% (14/119) severe. Based upon the assumption of the use of bile drainage, the rate of response to DRPM was 92.4% (110/119) in the group of all patients. The clinical response rates were 95.0% (57/60) for cholangitis, 93.2% (41/44) for cholecystitis and 80% (12/15) for cholangitis complicated by cholecystitis. Also, the clinical response rate was 80% (8/10) in 10 patients without drainage. In contrast, bacteriological efficacy was assessed in 50 patients, and the response rates were 87.0% (20/23) in patients with cholangitis, 100% (20/20) in patients with cholecystitis and 85.7% (6/7) in patients with cholangitis complicated by cholecystitis. Adverse events were found in six patients (5.0%), but were not serious and disappeared after treatment.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that DPRM is useful as a new option for moderate to severe biliary tract infection.
DO ACCURATE STOCK ESTIMATES INCREASE HARVEST AND REDUCE VARIABILITY IN FISHERIES YIELDS?
Authors: MYRSETH JOHANNA , ENBERG KATJA , HEINO MIKKO , FIKSEN ØYVIND
Published: March 2011

Abstract Fisheries managers normally make decisions based on stock abundance estimates subject to process, observation, and model uncertainties. Considerable effort is invested in gathering information about stock size to decrease these uncertainties. However, few studies have evaluated benefits from collecting such information in terms of yield and stability of annual harvest. Here, we develop a strategic age‐structured population model for a long‐lived fish with stochastic recruitment, resembling the Norwegian spring‐spawning herring (NSSH, Clupea harengus L.). We evaluate how uncertainties in population estimates influence annual yield, spawning stock biomass (SSB), and variation in annual harvest, using both the proportional threshold harvesting (PTH) and the current harvest control rule for NSSH as harvest strategies. Results show that the consequences of a biased estimate are sensitive to the harvest strategy employed. If the harvest strategy is suitably chosen, the benefits of accurate information are low, and less information about the stock is necessary to maintain high average yield. Reduced harvest intensity effectively removes the need for accurate stock estimates. PTH (a variant of the constant escapement strategy) with low harvest ratio and the current NSSH harvest control rule both provide remarkable stability in yield and SSB. However, decreased uncertainty will often decrease year‐to‐year variation in harvest and the frequency of fishing moratoria.
Effect of non‐normality on test statistics for one‐way independent groups designs
Authors: Cribbie Robert A. , Fiksenbaum Lisa , Keselman H. J. , Wilcox Rand R.
Published: March 2011

The data obtained from one‐way independent groups designs is typically non‐normal in form and rarely equally variable across treatment populations (i.e. population variances are heterogeneous). Consequently, the classical test statistic that is used to assess statistical significance (i.e. the analysis of variance F test) typically provides invalid results (e.g. too many Type I errors, reduced power). For this reason, there has been considerable interest in finding a test statistic that is appropriate under conditions of non‐normality and variance heterogeneity. Previously recommended procedures for analysing such data include the James test, the Welch test applied either to the usual least squares estimators of central tendency and variability, or the Welch test with robust estimators (i.e. trimmed means and Winsorized variances). A new statistic proposed by Krishnamoorthy, Lu, and Mathew, intended to deal with heterogeneous variances, though not non‐normality, uses a parametric bootstrap procedure. In their investigation of the parametric bootstrap test, the authors examined its operating characteristics under limited conditions and did not compare it to the Welch test based on robust estimators. Thus, we investigated how the parametric bootstrap procedure and a modified parametric bootstrap procedure based on trimmed means perform relative to previously recommended procedures when data are non‐normal and heterogeneous. The results indicated that the tests based on trimmed means offer the best Type I error control and power when variances are unequal and at least some of the distribution shapes are non‐normal.
Triggers for alcohol‐related violence in young male offenders
Authors: McMurran Mary , Hoyte Hélène , Jinks Mary
Published: March 2011

Purpose. Improving the effectiveness of offender treatment programmes is important and one approach is to attend to their content. The aim here was to identify triggers to alcohol‐related violence to inform the development of programmes to treat this problem.

Method. Information from 149 young male offenders’ accounts of incidents of alcohol‐related violence was studied using thematic analysis.

Results. Sixteen triggers for violence were identified and these were organized into six themes: (1) being offended by someone, (2) seeing an opportunity for material gain, (3) seeing others in need of help, (4) perception of threat, (5) distress, and (6) wanting a fight.

Discussion. The implications of the results for developing treatments for alcohol‐related violence are presented. First, identifying triggers should be part of the treatment programme and ways of avoiding triggers should be addressed. Second, changing values, specifically hypermasculine and antisocial values, could attenuate the rewards signalled by the triggers. Third, methods of reducing the potency of triggers would be of value and would include addressing issues of need for respect and responses to perceived disrespect. Fourth, non‐violent ways of helping people who are in trouble need to be introduced. Fifth, coping with threat cues through distraction and increasing self‐awareness would reduce the effects of ‘alcohol myopia’. Sixth, seeking fights for excitement could be reduced by examining the costs through motivational procedures. Finally, and self‐evidently, a primary target of treatment programmes to reduce alcohol‐related violence should be to reduce the level and frequency of alcohol intoxication.