bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatherhood in British Evangelical Christianity: Negotiating with Mainstream Culture
Authors: Aune Kristin
Published: December 2010

This article explores fatherhood in evangelical Christianity in the United Kingdom, using a case study of the evangelical movement Newfrontiers, a network with nearly 200 U.K. churches that has been relatively successful against a backdrop of declining church attendance in Britain. Material from the movement’s public discourse and participant observation and interviews in a local congregation are examined to explore how these Christians understand and practice fatherhood. Like evangelicals in the United States, Newfrontiers combine older ideas about responsible, breadwinner fatherhood with new concepts of emotionally involved fathering. Like American evangelicals, they aim to maintain biblical values while embracing contemporary culture in order to be relevant to society. What is noticeable is that despite the more traditional ideals their leaders advocate, evangelical congregations’ fatherhood ideals and practices are very similar to those of mainstream U.K. society. Thus, the article concludes that mainstream culture is exercising a greater influence on British evangelicals than theology.
Mind-Body Interventions to Reduce Risk for Health Disparities Related to Stress and Strength Among African American Women: The Potential of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Loving-Kindness, and the NTU Therapeutic Framework
Authors: Woods-Giscombé Cheryl L. , Black Angela R.
Published: December 2010

In the current article, the authors examine the potential role of mind-body interventions for preventing or reducing health disparities in a specific group—African American women. The authors first discuss how health disparities affect this group, including empirical evidence regarding the influence of biopsychosocial processes (e.g., psychological stress and social context) on disparate health outcomes. They also detail how African American women’s unique stress experiences as a result of distinct sociohistorical and cultural experiences related to race and gender potentially widen exposure to stressors and influence stress responses and coping behaviors. Using two independent, but related, frameworks (Superwoman Schema [SWS] and the Strong Black Woman Script [SBW-S]), they discuss how, for African American women, stress is affected by ‘‘strength’’ (vis-à-vis resilience, fortitude, and self-sufficiency) and the emergent health-compromising behaviors related to strength (e.g., emotional suppression, extraordinary caregiving, and self-care postponement). The authors then describe the potential utility of three mind-body interventions—mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), loving-kindness meditation (LKM), and NTU psychotherapy—for specifically targeting the stress-, strength-, and contextually related factors that are thought to influence disparate outcomes for African American women. Self-awareness, self-care, inter- and intrapersonal restorative healing and a redefinition of inner strength may manifest through developing a mindfulness practice to decrease stress-related responses; using LKM to cultivate compassion and forgiveness for self and others; and the balance of independence and interdependence as a grounding NTU principle for redefining strength. The authors conclude with a discussion of potential benefits for integrating key aspects of the interventions with recommendations for future research.
Repeat Concussions in the National Football League
Authors: Casson Ira R. , Viano David C. , Powell John W. , Pellman Elliot J.
Published: December 2010

Background:

Repeat concussion is an important issue in the National Football League (NFL). An initial description of repeat injuries was published for 6 years (1996-2001).

Hypothesis:

The characteristics and frequency of repeat concussion in the NFL have not changed in the subsequent 6 years (2002-2007).

Study Design:

Case control.

Methods:

From 1996 to 2007, concussions were reported using a standardized form documenting signs and symptoms, loss of consciousness and medical action taken. Data on repeat concussions were analyzed for the 12 years and compared between the 2 periods.

Results:

In 2002-2007, 152 players had repeat concussions (vs 160 in 1996-2001); 44 had 3+ head injuries (vs 52). The positions most often associated with repeat concussion in 2002-2007 were the defensive secondary, kick unit, running back, and linebacker. The odds for repeat concussion were elevated for wide receivers, tight ends, and linebackers but lower than in the earlier period. During 2002-2007, over half of players with repeat concussion were removed from play, and fewer immediately returned (vs 1996-2001). The average duration between concussions was 1.25 years for 2002-2007 and 1.65 years for the 12-year period. Over 12 years, 7.6% of all repeat concussions occurred within 2 weeks of the prior concussion.

Conclusions:

The defensive secondary, kick unit, running back, and linebacker have the highest incidence of repeat concussion. During 2002-2007, more than half of players with repeat concussion were removed from play, and only a fraction immediately returned. Although concussion was managed more conservatively by team physicians in the recent 6 years, repeat concussions occurred at similar rates during both periods.
Mutated RAS and constitutively activated Akt delineate distinct oncogenic pathways, which independently contribute to multiple myeloma cell survival
Authors: Steinbrunn Torsten , Stühmer Thorsten , Gattenlöhner Stefan , Rosenwald Andreas , Mottok Anja , Unzicker Christian , Einsele Hermann , Chatterjee Manik , Bargou Ralf C.
Published: December 2010

We have recently shown that approximately half of primary multiple myeloma (MM) samples display constitutive Akt activity, which disposes them for sensitivity to Akt inhibition. The Akt pathway counts among the signaling conduits for oncogenic RAS and activating mutations of K- and N-RAS frequently occur in MM. We therefore analyzed the relation between RAS mutation and Akt dependency in biopsies and CD138-purified cells from MM patients (n = 65) and the function of oncogenic RAS for MM cell survival in a range of MM cell lines with differing RAS status. Whereas RAS mutations do not predict Akt dependency, oncogenic RAS retains an important role for MM cell survival. Knockdown of either K- or N-RAS strongly decreased the viability of MM cells that harbored the respective oncogenic isoform, whereas ablation of wild-type RAS isoforms had little or no effect. Silencing of oncogenic RAS did not affect the Akt pathway, again indicating lack of a direct link. Combined inhibition of RAS and Akt strongly enhanced MM cell death. These data suggest that oncogenic RAS and Akt may independently contribute to MM cell survival. Targeting of both pathways could provide an attractive therapeutic strategy for patients with oncogenic RAS and dysregulated Akt signaling.
HIV-1 Vif promotes the G1- to S-phase cell-cycle transition
Authors: Wang Jiangfang , Reuschel Emma L. , Shackelford Jason M. , Jeang Lauren , Shivers Debra K. , Diehl J. Alan , Yu Xiao-Fang , Finkel Terri H.
Published: December 2010

HIV-1 depends on host-cell resources for replication, access to which may be limited to a particular phase of the cell cycle. The HIV-encoded proteins Vpr (viral protein R) and Vif (viral infectivity factor) arrest cells in the G2 phase; however, alteration of other cell-cycle phases has not been reported. We show that Vif drives cells out of G1 and into the S phase. The effect of Vif on the G1-to-S transition is distinct from its effect on G2, because G2 arrest is Cullin5-dependent, whereas the G1-to-S progression is Cullin5-independent. Using mass spectrometry, we identified 2 novel cellular partners of Vif, Brd4 and Cdk9, both of which are known to regulate cell-cycle progression. We confirmed the interaction of Vif and Cdk9 by immunoprecipitation and Western blot, and showed that small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) specific for Cdk9 inhibit the Vif-mediated G1-to-S transition. These data suggest that Vif regulates early cell-cycle progression, with implications for infection and latency.
Decrease in Depression Symptoms Is Associated With Longer Survival in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Secondary Analysis
Authors: Giese-Davis Janine , Collie Kate , Rancourt Kate M.S. , Neri Eric , Kraemer Helena C. , Spiegel David
Published: December 2010

Purpose

Numerous studies have examined the comorbidity of depression with cancer, and some have indicated that depression may be associated with cancer progression or survival. However, few studies have assessed whether changes in depression symptoms are associated with survival.

Methods

In a secondary analysis of a randomized trial of supportive-expressive group therapy, 125 women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) completed a depression symptom measure (Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression Scale [CES-D]) at baseline and were randomly assigned to a treatment group or to a control group that received educational materials. At baseline and three follow-up points, 101 of 125 women completed a depression symptom measure. We used these data in a Cox proportional hazards analysis to examine whether decreasing depression symptoms over the first year of the study (the length of the intervention) would be associated with longer survival.

Results

Median survival time was 53.6 months for women with decreasing CES-D scores over 1 year and 25.1 months for women with increasing CES-D scores. There was a significant effect of change in CES-D over the first year on survival out to 14 years (P = .007) but no significant interaction between treatment condition and CES-D change on survival. Neither demographic nor medical variables explained this association.

Conclusion

Decreasing depression symptoms over the first year were associated with longer subsequent survival for women with MBC in this sample. Further research is necessary to confirm this hypothesis in other samples, and causation cannot be assumed based on this analysis.
Phase I Trial of a Personalized Peptide Vaccine for Patients Positive for Human Leukocyte Antigen–A24 With Recurrent or Progressive Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Terasaki Mizuhiko , Shibui Soichiro , Narita Yoshitaka , Fujimaki Takamitsu , Aoki Tomokazu , Kajiwara Koji , Sawamura Yutaka , Kurisu Kaoru , Mineta Toshihiro , Yamada Akira , Itoh Kyogo
Published: December 2010

Purpose

Personalized selection of suitable peptides for patients could offer a novel approach to developing cancer vaccines that boost anticancer immunity. We present the results of a phase I trial of 14 kinds of vaccine candidates (ITK-1) in patients with recurrent or progressive glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Patients and Methods

From January 2006 to January 2008, 12 patients from eight Japanese hospitals who were positive for human leukocyte antigen–A24, including 10 patients refractory to temozolomide (TMZ), were enrolled. The dose escalation trial included three dose groups (1, 3, and 5 mg) to determine the safety and tolerability of ITK-1 peptides. Immunologic response was monitored by measuring levels of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursors and peptide-specific immunoglobulin G. In another ITK-1 phase I trial for advanced prostate cancer, the vaccination schedule was skipped or discontinued in all three patients receiving the highest dose (5 mg/peptide) because of injection site reactions. This trial was therefore ended without enrollment for the highest dose, and data were analyzed by intention to treat.

Results

No serious adverse drug reactions were encountered, and treatment was well tolerated. The vaccine induced dose-dependent immune boosting. The recommended dose of ITK-1 peptides is 3 mg/peptide.

Conclusion

Personalized vaccination with ITK-1 peptides could be recommended in further stages of clinical trials. The safety and increased frequency of immune boosting offers potential clinical benefits in cases of recurrent or progressive GBM, even in TMZ-refractory settings.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Immunomodulatory Effects of Lenalidomide in Children and Adolescents With Relapsed/Refractory Solid Tumors or Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Children's Oncology Group Phase I Consortium Report
Authors: Berg Stacey L. , Cairo Mitchell S. , Russell Heidi , Ayello Janet , Ingle Ashish Mark , Lau Henry , Chen Nianhang , Adamson Peter C. , Blaney Susan M.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

To determine the maximum-tolerated or recommended phase II dose, dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), pharmacokinetics (PK), and immunomodulatory effects of lenalidomide in children with recurrent or refractory solid tumors or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Patients and Methods

Cohorts of children with solid tumors received lenalidomide once daily for 21 days, every 28 days at dose levels of 15 to 70 mg/m2/dose. Children with MDS received a fixed dose of 5 mg/m2/dose. Specimens for PK and immune modulation were obtained in the first cycle.

Results

Forty-nine patients (46 solid tumor, three MDS), median age 16 years (range, 1 to 21 years), were enrolled, and 42 were fully assessable for toxicity. One patient had a cerebrovascular ischemic event of uncertain relationship to lenalidomide. DLTs included hypercalcemia at 15 mg/m2; hypophosphatemia/hypokalemia, neutropenia, and somnolence at 40 mg/m2; and urticaria at 55 mg/m2. At the highest dose level evaluated (70 mg/m2), zero of six patients had DLT. A maximum-tolerated dose was not reached. No objective responses were observed. PK studies (n = 29) showed that clearance is faster in children younger than 12 years of age. Immunomodulatory studies (n = 26) showed a significant increase in serum interleukin (IL) -2, IL-15, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, natural killer (NK) cells, NK cytotoxicity, and lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cytoxicity, and a significant decrease in CD4+/CD25+regulatory T cells.

Conclusion

Lenalidomide is well-tolerated at doses up to 70 mg/m2/d for 21 days in children with solid tumors. Drug clearance in children younger than 12 years is faster than in adolescents and young adults. Lenalidomide significantly upregulates cellular immunity, including NK and LAK activity.
Phase I Trial of Lenalidomide in Pediatric Patients With Recurrent, Refractory, or Progressive Primary CNS Tumors: Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium Study PBTC-018
Authors: Warren Katherine E. , Goldman Stewart , Pollack Ian F. , Fangusaro Jason , Schaiquevich Paula , Stewart Clinton F. , Wallace Dana , Blaney Susan M. , Packer Roger , MacDonald Tobey , Jakacki Regina , Boyett James M. , Kun Larry E.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

A phase I trial of lenalidomide was performed in children with recurrent, refractory, or progressive primary CNS tumors to estimate the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and to describe the toxicity profile and pharmacokinetics.

Patients and Methods

Lenalidomide was administered by mouth daily for 21 days, repeated every 28 days. The starting dose was 15 mg/m2/d orally, and the dose was escalated according to a modified continuous reassessment method. Correlative studies included pharmacokinetics obtained from consenting patients on course 1, day 1, and at steady-state (between days 7 and 21).

Results

Fifty-one patients (median age, 10 years; range, 2 to 21 years) were enrolled. Forty-four patients were evaluable for dose finding, and 49 patients were evaluable for toxicity. The primary toxicity was myelosuppression, but the MTD was not defined because doses up to 116 mg/m2/d were well-tolerated during the dose-finding period. Two objective responses were observed (one in thalamic juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma and one in optic pathway glioma) at dose levels of 88 and 116 mg/m2/d. Twenty-three patients, representing all dose levels, received ≥ six cycles of therapy. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated that the lenalidomide area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 hours and maximum plasma concentration increased with dosage over the range studied.

Conclusion

Lenalidomide was tolerable in children with CNS tumors at doses of 116 mg/m2/d during the initial dose-finding period. The primary toxicity is myelosuppression. Antitumor activity, defined by both objective responses and long-term stable disease, was observed, primarily in patients with low-grade gliomas.
DIPSS Plus: A Refined Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System for Primary Myelofibrosis That Incorporates Prognostic Information From Karyotype, Platelet Count, and Transfusion Status
Authors: Gangat Naseema , Caramazza Domenica , Vaidya Rakhee , George Geeta , Begna Kebede , Schwager Susan , Van Dyke Daniel , Hanson Curtis , Wu Wenting , Pardanani Animesh , Cervantes Francisco , Passamonti Francesco , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS) for primary myelofibrosis (PMF) uses five risk factors to predict survival: age older than 65 years, hemoglobin lower than 10 g/dL, leukocytes higher than 25 × 109/L, circulating blasts ≥ 1%, and constitutional symptoms. The main objective of this study was to refine DIPSS by incorporating prognostic information from karyotype, platelet count, and transfusion status.

Patients and Methods

Mayo Clinic databases for PMF were used to identify patients with available bone marrow histologic and cytogenetic information.

Results

Seven hundred ninety-three consecutive patients were selected and divided into two groups based on whether or not their referral occurred within (n = 428; training set) or after (n = 365; test set) 1 year of diagnosis. Multivariable analysis identified DIPSS, unfavorable karyotype, platelets lower than 100 × 109/L, and transfusion need as independent predictors of inferior survival. Hazard ratio (HR) –weighted adverse points were assigned to these variables to develop a composite prognostic model using the training set. The model was subsequently validated in the test set, and its application to all 793 patients resulted in median survivals of 185, 78, 35, and 16 months for low, intermediate-1 (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4 to 3.6), intermediate-2 (HR, 4.9; 95% CI, 3.2 to 7.7), and high-risk groups (HR, 10.7; 95% CI, 6.8 to 16.9), respectively (P < .001). Leukemia-free survival was predicted by the presence of thrombocytopenia or unfavorable karyotype (10-year risk of 31% v 12%; HR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.9 to 5.6).

Conclusion

DIPSS plus effectively combines prognostic information from DIPSS, karyotype, platelet count, and transfusion status to predict overall survival in PMF. In addition, unfavorable karyotype or thrombocytopenia predicts inferior leukemia-free survival.
DISABLING SEX
Authors: McRuer Robert
Published: December 2010

This article attempts to “think disability” using the theoretical framework laid out by Gayle Rubin in her 1984 essay “Thinking Sex: Notes for a Radical Theory of the Politics of Sexuality.” After considering how Rubin's essay was already arguably engaged with a disability politics (or, more broadly, a politics of embodiment), it reads “Thinking Sex” alongside another 1984 text, Deborah A. Stone's book The Disabled State, arguing that Stone's text, like Rubin's, is concerned with how capitalism sorts bodies and behaviors into dominant and subordinated categories. The Disabled State, however, can also be read as anticipating, from a disability studies perspective, queer analyses (such as Licia Fiol-Matta's book A Queer Mother for the Nation or Jasbir K. Puar's Terrorist Assemblages) that do not emerge until much later—analyses stressing the uneven biopolitical incorporation of seemingly marginalized subjects into the contemporary state. The article concludes with reflections on sex surrogacy and the Netherlands, using that location as an exemplary site for examining the complex and contradictory position of disability and sex in relation to the contemporary state.
TβRI/Alk5-independent TβRII signaling to ERK1/2 in human skin cells according to distinct levels of TβRII expression
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Balaji , Han Arum , Dai Jinyao , Fan Jianhua , Li Yong , Chen Mei , Woodley David T. , Li Wei
Published: December 2010

TGFβ binding to the TGFβ receptor (TβR) activates R-Smad-dependent pathways, such as Smad2/3, and R-Smad-independent pathways, such as ERK1/2. The mechanism of the TGFβ–TβRII–TβRI–Smad2/3 pathway is established; however, it is not known how TGFβ activates ERK1/2. We show here that although TGFβ equally activated Smad2/3 in all cells, it selectively activated ERK1/2 in dermal cells and inhibited ERK1/2 in epidermal cells. These opposite effects correlated with the distinct expression levels of TβRII, which are 7- to 18-fold higher in dermal cells than in epidermal cells. Reduction of TβRII expression in dermal cells abolished TGFβ-stimulated ERK1/2 activation. Upregulation of TβRII expression in epidermal cells to a similar level as that in dermal cells switched TGFβ-induced ERK1/2 inhibition to ERK1/2 activation. More intriguingly, in contrast to the equal importance of TβRII in mediating TGFβ signaling to both Smad2/3 and ERK1/2, knockdown of TβRI/Alk5 blocked activation of only Smad2/3, not ERK1/2, in dermal cells. Similarly, expression of the constitutively activated TβRI-TD kinase activated only Smad2/3 and not ERK1/2 in epidermal cells. This study provides an explanation for why TGFβ selectively activates ERK1/2 in certain cell types and direct evidence for TβRI-independent TβRII signaling to a R-Smad-independent pathway.
Asian study of effects of premenstrual symptoms on activities of daily life
Authors: Dennerstein Lorraine , Lehert Philippe , Keung Lam Siu , Pal Sadiah Ahsan , Choi Dooseok
Published: December 2010

Objective

The aim of this paper is to assess the effects of premenstrual symptoms on quality of life as measured by the impact symptoms have on women's activities of daily life (ADL).

Study design

Cross-sectional survey. Population-based, face-to-face interview with 1202 women aged 15–49 years recruited by random sampling in cities of Hong Kong, Pakistan and Thailand.

Main outcome measures

Checklist of 23 premenstrual symptoms, sociodemographic and lifestyle variables, ADL: overall impact of premenstrual symptoms on ADL and impact on each of six ADL areas. Regression analysis measured the impact of premenstrual symptoms and sociodemographic factors on ADL.

Results

Premenstrual physical and mental symptom domains had similar negative effects on ADL. Seventy-four percent of women were not affected or minimally affected in ADL, 17% had a clinically significant effect on ADL and 9% were severely affected in ADL. ADL were predominantly affected by premenstrual symptom severity. Oral contraceptive pill users and women living in Pakistan reported less impact on ADL, while married women report more impact of symptoms on ADL.

Conclusions

The severity of premenstrual symptoms was found to have a significant impact on ADLs with the type of activity affected, reflecting how women predominantly spend their time in the different cultures studied.
Structural and functional evidence of high specificity of Cbf5 for ACA trinucleotide
Authors: Zhou Jing , Liang Bo , Li Hong
Published: December 2010

Cbf5 is the catalytic subunit of the H/ACA small nucleolar/Cajal body ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) responsible for site specific isomerization of uridine in ribosomal and small nuclear RNA. Recent evidence from studies on archaeal Cbf5 suggests its second functional role in modifying tRNA U55 independent of guide RNA. In order to act both as a stand-alone and a RNP pseudouridine synthase, Cbf5 must differentiate features in H/ACA RNA from those in tRNA or rRNA. Most H/ACA RNAs contain a hallmark ACA trinucleotide downstream of the H/ACA motif. Here we challenged an archaeal Cbf5 (in the form of a ternary complex with its accessory proteins Nop10 and Gar1) with T-stem–loop RNAs with or without ACA trinucleotide in the stem. Although these substrates were previously shown to be substrates for the bacterial stand-alone pseudouridine synthase TruB, the Cbf5-Nop10-Gar1 complex was only able to modify those without ACA trinucleotide. A crystal structure of Cbf5-Nop10-Gar1 trimer bound with an ACA-containing T-stem–loop revealed that the ACA trinucleotide detracted Cbf5 from the stand-alone binding mode, thereby suggesting that the H/ACA RNP-associated function of Cbf5 likely supersedes its stand-alone function.
Decreased serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with post-stroke depression but not withBDNFgene Val66Met polymorphism
Authors: Zhou Zhiming , Lu Tingting , Xu Gelin , Yue Xuanye , Zhu Wusheng , Ma Minmin , Liu Wenhua , Zhu Shuanggen , Liu Xinfeng
Published: December 2010

Background:Decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been demonstrated in animal models and patients with depression. However, little is known about changes in BDNF in post-stroke depression (PSD). This study investigated the changes in serum BDNF in patients with PSD, and evaluated whether serum concentrations of BDNF were associated with BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism.

Methods:PSD patients were diagnosed in accordance with DSM-IV criteria, and the severity of depression was evaluated with the Hamilton Rating Scale for depression. Serum BDNF was measured twice, first at 7 days after the onset of stroke and then at 3–6 months after stroke. Val66Met polymorphisms of the BDNF gene were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. BDNF concentrations and Val66Met polymorphisms were also measured in 30 healthly controls.

Results:A total of 93 patients admitted as a result of first time acute ischemic stroke were included. During the 6-month follow-up, 35 patients (37.6%) were diagnosed with PSD. Serum BDNF concentrations were decreased in PSD patients at 3–6 months after stroke (p<0.05). The serum BDNF concentrations were not associated with BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphisms in either patients or healthy controls.

Conclusions:Serum concentrations of BDNF decrease in PSD patients and BDNF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PSD. However, Val66Met polymorphisms are not associated with serum concentrations of BDNF. The mechanism of decreased serum BDNF requires further study.
High-performance metabolic marker assessment in breast cancer tissue by mass spectrometry
Authors: Mimmi Maria Chiara , Picotti Paola , Corazza Alessandra , Betto Elena , Pucillo Carlo E. , Cesaratto Laura , Cedolini Carla , Londero Viviana , Zuiani Chiara , Bazzocchi Massimo , Esposito Gennaro
Published: December 2010

Background: The identification of reliable markers for diagnosis of breast cancer has been thoroughly addressed by metabolic profiling using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy or imaging. Several clear diagnostic indicators have emerged using either in vitro analysis of tissue extracts, ex vivo analysis of biopsies or in vivo direct spectral observations. Most of the breast cancer characteristic metabolites could be assayed by mass spectrometry (MS) to exploit the superior sensitivity of this technique and therefore reduce the traumatic impact of current biopsy procedures.

Methods: Following extraction, aqueous metabolite mixtures were obtained that were submitted to liquid-chromatography, electrospray-ionization, mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) analysis to estimate the content of choline (Cho) and its phosphorylated derivatives, phosphocholine (PCho) and glycerophosphocholine (GPCho). The determinations were performed using 10 samples from breast tissue biopsies, surgical specimens and one single sample of a hepatic metastasis. In addition, some measurements were also repeated using high-resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy to complement the mass spectrometry results.

Results: The contents of Cho, PCho and GPCho in breast tissue extracts were estimated by LC/ESI-MS based on standard compound calibration curves. Sharply increased ratios of phosphorylated-to-unphosphorylated metabolites, PCho/ Cho and (PCho+GPCho)/Cho, were observed in all tumor samples, although without discrimination between benign and malignant lesions, contrary to samples from healthy individuals and from those with fibrocystic disease.

Conclusions: The assessment of breast cancer markers by LC/ESI-MS is feasible and diagnostically valuable. In addition to high sensitivity, the approach also shows a resolution advantage for assaying choline derivatives compared to NMR, and could complement the latter.
Effect of cigarette smoking on plasma homocysteine concentrations
Authors: Mouhamed Dhouha Haj , Ezzaher Asma , Neffati Fadoua , Douki Wahiba , Najjar Mohamed Fadhel
Published: December 2010

Background: Cigarette smoking has been recognized as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, while the role of homocysteine is still not clear. This study investigated the effects of smoking on plasma homocysteine concentration and determined the correlation between this parameter and biological markers of tobacco use, such as plasma thiocyanate and urine cotinine.

Methods: Folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine were measured in 300 subjects: 138 non-smokers and 162 smokers using immunoassay methods. Cotinine was measured using an enzymatic colorimetric method and thiocyanate by a selective electrode.

Results: In smokers, we found a significant increase in homocysteine and a decrease in folate and vitamin B12 levels compared to non-smokers. Homocysteine was strongly correlated with the duration of use and the number of cigarettes consumed. Folate and vitamin B12 were significantly reduced in subjects smoking for more than 20 years compared to those who smoked less than 5 years. Among smokers, we noted a positive correlation between homocysteine and both plasma thiocyanates and cotininuria, and a negative-correlation between cotininuria and plasma folate.

Conclusions: Cigarette smoking increases homocysteine, which is strongly correlated with cotininuria and plasma thiocyanates. Moreover, smokers had tendency to develop hypofolatemia and hypovitamin B12, particularly when the duration of consumption exceeded 20 years.
ZR Das System der Beweislast im Zivilprozess – insbesondere für Sachmängel bei Kauf, Miete und Werkvertrag
Authors: Nierwetberg Rüdiger
Published: December 2010

Der Aufsatz behandelt die Verteilung der materiellen Beweislast zwischen den Parteien des Zivilprozesses. Einleitend werden zunächst praktische Bedeutung, Begriff und Grundregel der Beweislast im System von Anspruchsgrundlage und Einwendung dargestellt. Im Hauptteil geht es sodann um die Verfolgung dieser Grundregel und ihrer Modifikationen beim Tatsachenstreit um das Vorliegen eines Sachmangels bei Kauf, Miete und Werkvertrag. Dabei werden die diesbezüglichen Gemeinsamkeiten und insbesondere die bislang häufig vernachlässigte Differenzierung nach Soll- und Istbeschaffenheit der geschuldeten Sache hervorgehoben.
Informations- und Medienrecht Einführung in das Recht der Informations-Technologie (IT-Recht) – Das Leben in parallelen Welten
Authors: Söbbing Thomas
Published: December 2010

Durch die hohe Bedeutung der Informations-Technologie wird eine Vielzahl von rechtlichen Fragen aufgeworfen, die unter dem Begriff des IT-Rechts zusammen gefasst werden. Der Zugang zum IT Recht gestaltet sich für Einsteiger recht schwierig. Dies liegt zum einen daran, dass der zu beurteilende Sachverhalt für Theoretiker nur sehr schwer zugänglich ist, insbesondere wenn es z. B. um komplexe rechtliche Fragen wie bei Einführung einer Enterprise Software oder bei weltweiten Computernetzwerk wie beim Cloud Computing geht. Zum anderen ist das Rechtsgebiet des IT Rechts kein eigenständiges Rechtsgebiet, auch wenn es schon in 7. Auflage einen Becktext zum IT- und Computerrecht und einen Fachanwaltslehrgang für IT Recht gibt. IT Recht ist vielmehr ein Rechtsgebiet welches eine Schnittmenge vieler anderer Rechtsgebiete darstellt (Schuldrecht, Urheberrecht, Datenschutzrecht, etc.). In folgenden wird die Historie, die Positionierung und wesentliche rechtliche Entwicklungen in IT Recht dargestellt.
Ein wortnetzbasierter Ansatz für die korpusgestützte Modellierung von Fachterminologie. Ein Beitrag zur digitalen Fachlexikographie
Authors: Beisswenger Michael
Published: December 2010

This article describes an approach for modelling domain-specific terminology in a wordnet-style representation. It uses the fundamental entities and relations introduced for the Princeton WordNet (Fellbaum 1998) and expands upon these in a way that fits for the representation of technical terms that are given in a corpus with scientific texts.

The article starts with an overview on some essential semantic and lexical features of technical terms and terminological systems from the perspective of LSP research and formulates a set of requirements that derive from these characteristics for a modelling of domain-specific terminology which also aims to include terminological diversity (i.e. the existence of several terminological systems competing within the same special-field domain).

Subsequently, the modelling approach with its fundamental modelling units will be introduced and the essential modelling decisions made with regard to the previously formulated requirements will be illuminated.

In closing, two applications based on the modelling approach will be introduced: on the one hand a hypertext glossary of the domains “hypermedia research and text technology” which has been built in the context of the DFG-funded project “Text-grammatical foundations of text-to-hypertext conversion” at TU Dortmund University, and on the other hand the component “Grammatische Ontologie” of the grammatical online information system “Grammis” at the Institute for German Language (IDS), Mannheim.
Sol–gel Synthesis and Characterization of Nanostructured ZnO Obtained in the Ionic Liquid [BMP]TFSA and in Isopropanol
Authors: Farag Hala K.
Published: December 2010

Zinc oxide nanostructures were synthesized via sol–gel methods in the ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) amide and in isopropanol, respectively, using zinc acetate dihydrate as a precursor. The synthesized ZnO powders were characterized by means of XRD, SEM-EDX, TGA-DTA and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The XRD results of the ZnO powders obtained in either the ionic liquid or in isopropanol exhibit a wurtzite structure with a high degree of crystallinity. The sol–gel growth of ZnO particles in [BMP]TFSA produces a significantly different crystal structure compared with ZnO particles obtained using isopropanol. Hexagonal ZnO nanorods were obtained using isopropanol. However, spherical ZnO nanoparticles were obtained using the ionic liquid. The UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra show a slight increase in the band gap of the ZnO powder synthesized using the ionic liquid compared with that of the ZnO prepared using isopropanol. Furthermore, the specific surface area of ZnO prepared using [BMP]TFSA (14.5m2 g-1) is higher than that of ZnO prepared using isopropanol (6.5m2 g-1).
Gendered Disparities in Take-ups of Employee Health Benefits
Authors: Keene Jennifer Reid , Prokos Anastasia H.
Published: December 2010

Using a sample of 2,271 workers from the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce whose employers offered personal health insurance, this article investigates the gendered nature of health insurance benefit take-ups. These analyses include family and employment characteristics in addition to employers' contributions to health insurance premiums, a measure that is unexamined in sociological analyses of health benefits. Progressive logistic regression models predict the effects of gender and family characteristics. Results indicate that women with employed spouses are less likely to take up their own health benefits than are comparable men, net of basic employment characteristics. Gender differences disappear, however, when controlling for the level of employer contributions: women and men are equally likely to draw on their own employer's health benefits once we account for their out-of-pocket expense. The authors conclude that family contexts and employment structures jointly influence individuals' choices about their health benefits. The gendered structure of employment and, specifically, gendered patterns in employer contributions to health benefits are a better explanation for women's lower chances of benefit take-ups than gender relations within families.
Coadministration of lanreotide Autogel and pegvisomant normalizes IGF1 levels and is well tolerated in patients with acromegaly partially controlled by somatostatin analogs alone
Authors: van der Lely Aart-Jan , Bernabeu Ignacio , Cap Jan , Caron Philippe , Colao Annamaria , Marek Josef , Neggers Sebastian , Birman Pascal
Published: December 2010

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of coadministered lanreotide Autogel (LA; 120 mg/month) and pegvisomant (40–120 mg/week) in acromegaly.

Design

This is a 28-week, multicenter, open-label, single-arm sequential study.

Methods

Patients (n=92) biochemically uncontrolled, on somatostatin analogs (SSAs) or using pegvisomant monotherapy entered a 4-month run-in taking LA (120 mg/month). Patients uncontrolled after the run-in period (n=57) entered a 28-week coadministration period, receiving LA 120 mg/month plus pegvisomant (60 mg once weekly, adapted every 8 weeks based on IGF1 levels to 40–80 mg once weekly or 40 or 60 mg twice weekly).

Results

In total, 33 (57.9%) patients had normalized IGF1 following coadministration (P<0.0001 versus 30% minimum clinically relevant); median pegvisomant dose in normalized patients was 60 mg/week. IGF1 normalized at any time during coadministration in 45 (78.9%) patients (P<0.0001) with median pegvisomant dose at 60 mg/week. Being nondiabetic (odds ratio (OR): 4.65) and older (OR, upper versus lower quartile: 3.40) showed increased likelihood of normalization. Symptom reduction was greatest for arthralgia (−0.6±1.6) and soft tissue swelling (−0.6±1.8). Five patients reported treatment-emergent adverse events causing treatment withdrawal: three serious (treatment related – thrombocytopenia, urticaria; not treatment related – abdominal pain/vomiting) and two nonserious (hepatotoxicity and cytolytic hepatitis, both elevating alanine aminotransferase to >5×upper limit of normal with normalization after withdrawal).

Conclusions

In patients partially controlled by SSAs, LA (120 mg/month) plus pegvisomant normalized IGF1 in 57.9% of patients after 7 months, at a median effective pegvisomant dose of 60 mg/week, and 78.9% at any time. In these patients, results suggest a pegvisomant-sparing effect versus daily pegvisomant monotherapy.
Arrhytmogenic right ventricle – prognostic significance of exercise test
Authors: Jánosi András , Vágó Hajnalka , Hubay Márta
Published: December 2010

A szerzők áttekintik az arrhythmogen jobb kamrai cardiomyopathia/dysplasia témakörével kapcsolatos legfontosabb ismereteket. Igazolt arrhythmogen jobb kamrai cardiomyopathia/dysplasia esetén – tünetmentes egyénekben – a terheléses vizsgálat során észlelt kamrai tachycardia prognosztikus jelentőségéről nem rendelkezünk adatokkal. A szerzők közleményükben egy 25 éves nőbeteg esetét ismertetik, akinél bokasérülés ellátása kapcsán észleltek kóros EKG-t és emiatt küldték kardiológiai vizsgálatra. A fizikális vizsgálat kóros eltérést nem mutatott, az EKG-felvételen normális sinusrhythmus és bal tengelyállás mellett a II, III, aVF- és V2-V6 elvezetésekben negatív T-hullám látszott. A mellkasröntgen és a laboratóriumi vizsgálatok kóros eltérést nem igazoltak. Az echokardiográfia normális bal kamrai ejekciós frakció mellett inferior akinesist és tágabb jobb kamrát igazolt. A terheléses vizsgálat során a beteg 9 MET-et teljesített, a terhelés során előbb sporadikus kamrai extrasystolia, majd 3 percig tartó kamrai tachycardia jelentkezett, amely a terhelés megszakítása és hasprés alkalmazására megszűnt. A szív-MR-vizsgálat normális balkamra-méreteket, falmozgást és ejekciós frakciót igazolt. Az emelkedett jobb kamrai végszisztolés és végdiasztolés volumen mellett a jobb kamrai ejekciós frakció jelentősen csökkent (31,6%), és a jobb kamrának megfelelően akinetikus területek ábrázolódtak. Késői típusú kontraszthalmozódás a bal kamrában nem igazolódott, a vékony falú jobb kamra fala e tekintetben pontosan nem volt megítélhető. Az EKG- és a CMR-eltérések alapján arrhythmogen jobb kamrai cardiomyopathia/dysplasia diagnózisát állították fel. Tekintettel arra, hogy a beteg panaszmentes volt és a családban hirtelen halál nem fordult elő, preventív célzattal gyógyszeres kezelés és/vagy ICD-implantáció nem történt. Három hónappal később a beteg hirtelen meghalt. A sectio jelentősen tág jobb kamrát igazolt, a jobb kamra fala elvékonyodott, amelyben jellegzetes lokalizációban (beáramlási és kiáramlási traktus, valamint a csúcs) az izomszövet helyett felszaporodott zsírszövet volt látható. Az érintett jobb kamra falában a Mallory-féle foszfor-volfrám savas hematoxilinfestéssel fibrosist is igazolni lehetett. A szerzők azt a következtetést vonják le, hogy tünetmentes betegben, igazolt arrhythmogen jobb kamrai cardiomyopathia/dysplasia esetén a terheléses EKG-vizsgálat során provokált kamrai tachycardia rossz prognosztikai jel, és ilyen esetben ICD-implantáció indokolt lehet. Orv. Hetil., 2010,151,2145–2149.
Conceituando e medindo segurança alimentar e nutricional
Authors: Kepple Anne Walleser , Segall-Corrêa Ana Maria
Published: December 2010

Apresenta-se um marco conceitual interdisciplinar de segurança alimentar e nutricional no qual identificam-se determinantes nos níveis macrossocioeconômico, regional-local e domiciliar. Insegurança alimentar e nutricional é vista como tendo consequências para a saúde e o bem-estar, que podem expressar-se ou não em consequências físico-biológicas, como por exemplo baixo peso e/ou carências nutricionais. As implicações de tal perspectiva para questões de mensuração são abordadas. É apresentado um resumo comparativo de indicadores frequentemente usados para mensuração de segurança alimentar, com enfoque especial na Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar, que foi usada na Pesquisa Nacional de Amostras por Domicílio - 2004. A história do desenvolvimento da escala nos Estados Unidos e a sua validação no Brasil estão descritas. Caracterizada como uma medida direta de insegurança alimentar em nível domiciliar, esta escala psicométrica pode ser usada em conjunto com indicadores e instrumentos de mensuração de diversas áreas, para aprofundar a compreensão desse fenômeno complexo.
A construção do cuidado pela equipe de saúde e o cuidador em um programa de atenção domiciliar ao acamado em Porto Alegre (RS, Brasil)
Authors: Freitas Ivani Bueno de Almeida , Meneghel Stela Nazareth , Selli Lucilda
Published: December 2010

Este artigo é um estudo de caso cujo objetivo principal foi compreender a construção do cuidado no Programa de Atendimento Domiciliar ao Acamado (PADA) de uma unidade básica de saúde (UBS) em Porto Alegre, RS. Os dados foram obtidos em 13 grupos de cuidadores na UBS e em observação participante registrada em diário de campo nos domicílios. Foi realizada análise das práticas discursivas, inspirada nos conceitos de discurso de Foucault e nos estudos sobre ética e cuidado de si. No transcurso dos grupos, os cuidadores ocuparam um espaço que chamamos metaforicamente de Oráculo de Delfos, lócus de acolhimento, escuta e de suporte. Escutar os diálogos travados entre equipe e cuidadores defrontou-nos com a contradição presente no discurso institucional que ao mesmo tempo que estimula o cuidado de si impõe normas, deveres e fazeres. O cuidado como direito de cidadania em contraposição ao cuidado como submissão e assujeitamento tensionou o grupo em vários momentos. A noção foucaultiana de cuidado compreende uma síntese entre o exercício de uma pessoa sobre ela mesma, tornando-a melhor como ser humano e, ao mesmo tempo, capacitando-a a se tornar melhor como cidadão
Avaliação de risco dos organismos geneticamente modificados
Authors: Costa Thadeu Estevam Moreira Maramaldo , Dias Aline Peçanha Muzy , Scheidegger Érica Miranda Damasio , Marin Victor Augustus
Published: December 2010

Desde o começo de sua comercialização, em 1996, a área global de plantações transgênicas aumentou mais de cinquenta vezes. Nas duas últimas décadas, organizações governamentais e intergovernamentais têm planejado estratégias e protocolos para o estudo da segurança de alimentos derivados de cultivos geneticamente modificados. Os testes de segurança são realizados caso a caso e conduzidos de acordo com as características específicas das culturas modificadas e as mudanças introduzidas através da modificação genética, levando em conta o conceito de equivalência substancial. No presente trabalho, estão relatadas algumas abordagens de avaliação de risco de alimentos geneticamente modificados, assim como alguns problemas relacionados à construção genética ou mesmo à expressão do gene inserido
Adaptação dos critérios de avaliação de eventos adversos a medicamentos para uso em um hospital público no Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Roque Keroulay Estebanez , Melo Enirtes Caetano Prates
Published: December 2010

OBJETIVOS: Adaptar a metodologia, os critérios e os instrumentos de rastreamento de eventos adversos a medicamentos propostos pelo Institute for Healthcare Improvement e avaliar a ocorrência de eventos adversos a medicamentos em um hospital especializado. METODOLOGIA: O método selecionado para identificação de eventos adversos a medicamentos foi uma adaptação proposta pelo Institute for Healthcare Improvement, e é baseado na revisão retrospectiva de prontuários orientada por critérios explícitos de rastreamento. O processo de adaptação de critérios de rastreamento de eventos adversos a medicamentos foi realizado por meio de um painel de especialistas com base na análise dos aspectos relacionados à validade, viabilidade e relevância. Essa análise foi realizada em uma amostra de 112 pacientes. RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados 21 critérios de rastreamento para a detecção de eventos adversos a medicamentos. A incidência de eventos adversos a medicamentos no hospital analisado foi de 14,3%. Em 25% dos casos houve necessidade de intervenção para o suporte de vida. CONCLUSÃO: Os critérios de rastreamento de eventos adversos a medicamentos possibilitam um monitoramento dos eventos ao longo do tempo, permitindo avaliar se as estratégias implementadas no sistema de medicação resultaram em melhoria na qualidade da assistência.
Influência de fatores socioeconômicos, comportamentais e nutricionais na insatisfação com a imagem corporal de universitárias em Florianópolis, SC
Authors: Costa Larissa da Cunha Feio , Vasconcelos Francisco de Assis Guedes de
Published: December 2010

Este estudo objetivou estimar a prevalência de insatisfação com a imagem corporal e testar a associação com fatores socioeconômicos, comportamentais e nutricionais em universitárias ingressantes de uma universidade pública em Florianópolis, SC. A insatisfação com a imagem corporal foi investigada por meio do Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-34), em uma amostra de 220 estudantes. O estado nutricional foi investigado por meio do índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência da cintura (CC) e percentual de gordura corporal (%GC). As características socioeconômicas (idade, renda familiar mensal e escolaridade dos pais), bem como consumo energético e prática de regimes para emagrecer também foram investigados. Os fatores associados à insatisfação com a imagem corporal foram testados pela regressão de Poisson. A prevalência de insatisfação com a imagem corporal foi de 47,3% (IC 95% 40,7; 53,9). O estado nutricional segundo IMC e a prática de regimes para emagrecer foram as variáveis que se mostraram associadas à insatisfação corporal. Os resultados apontam indicadores de uma elevada prevalência de rejeição da própria forma física entre as universitárias, o que sinaliza a necessidade de ações nutricionais nas universidades, a fim de esclarecer e prevenir atitudes alimentares anormais entre os estudantes.