bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory Effects of Glycyrrhetinic Acid on DNA Polymerase and Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Ishida Tsukasa , Mizushina Yoshiyuki , Yagi Saori , Irino Yasuhiro , Nishiumi Shin , Miki Ikuya , Kondo Yasuyuki , Mizuno Shigeto , Yoshida Hiromi , Azuma Takeshi , Yoshida Masaru
Published: July 2011

We investigated the inhibitory effect of three glycyrrhizin derivatives, such as Glycyrrhizin (compound1), dipotassium glycyrrhizate (compound2) and glycyrrhetinic acid (compound3), on the activity of mammalian pols. Among these derivatives, compound3was the strongest inhibitor of mammalian polsα,β,κ, andλ, which belong to the B, A, Y, and X families of pols, respectively, whereas compounds1and2showed moderate inhibition. Among the these derivatives tested, compound3displayed strongest suppression of the production of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a cell-culture system using mouse macrophages RAW264.7 and peritoneal macrophages derived from mice. Moreover, compound3was found to inhibit the action of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in engineered human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. In addition, compound3caused greater reduction of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-(TPA-) induced acute inflammation in mouse ear than compounds1and2. In conclusion, this study has identified compound3, which is the aglycone of compounds1and2, as a promising anti-inflammatory candidate based on mammalian pol inhibition.
Clinical Behavior in Metastatic Brain Disease Is Not Influenced by the Immunological Defense Mediated by CD57+NK-Cells
Authors: Vaquero J. , Zurita M. , Coca S.
Published: July 2011

Objectives. The purpose of the present study is to verify if the degree of immunological response against metastatic tumors, measured by the number of CD57+NK-cells in the tissue of a brain metastasis, influences the later development of new brain metastases or tumor recurrence.Patients and Methods. CD57+NK-cells were immunohistochemically identified in the resected tumor, in a series of twenty patients operated on by a single brain metastasis secondary to lung adenocarcinoma. In each case, the degree of CD57+NK-cells infiltration within the tumor tissue and the period free of new intracranial disease after brain surgery were recorded.Results. All the studied tumors showed variable number of CD57+NK-cells (mean ± standard deviation:8.4±4.8per microscopical field, at 200x). The period free of intracranial disease ranged between 10 and 52 weeks (mean ± standard deviation:22.7±11.9). Statistical analysis showed that there was no correlation between the degree of NK-cells infiltration within the resected tumor and the period free of intracranial disease after surgery (P>0.05).Conclusion. This finding supports that clinical behavior in metastatic brain disease is not influenced by the immunological response mediated by CD57+NK-cells.
Telomere Attrition and Decreased Fetuin-A Levels Indicate Accelerated Biological Aging and Are Implicated in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Maxwell Fraser , McGlynn Liane M. , Muir Hannah C. , Talwar Dinesh , Benzeval Michaela , Robertson Tony , Roxburgh Campbell S. , McMillan Donald C. , Horgan Paul G. , Shiels Paul G.
Published: July 2011

Purpose: Increasing chronological age is a risk factor for many types of cancer including colorectal. An understanding of the biology of aging and factors which regulate it may provide insight into cancer pathogenesis. The role of telomere biology in both the cancer and aging process could prove useful in this regard.

Experimental Design: Using quantitative PCR, we determined telomere length in the peripheral blood leukocytes of 64 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and 1,348 controls. We also measured telomere length in 32 colorectal tumor samples and matched normal tissue. We aimed to assess whether telomere lengths were reflected in circulating mediators of inflammation and redox control factors, including fetuin-A, a circulating modulator of calcium homeostasis.

Results: CRC patients had shorter telomeres [adjusted mean ratio of relative telomere repeat copy number to single-copy gene number (RelT/S) = 0.61] compared with chronologically older controls (mean age = 75, adjusted mean RelT/S = 0.70; ANCOVA, P = 0.004). Telomere length in tumor tissue [median = 0.43, interquartile range (IQR) = 0.40] was significantly shorter than adjacent normal tissue (median = 0.65, IQR = 0.28; P = 0.004). Patients with low fetuin-A levels were shown to have significantly shorter telomeres (P = 0.041). Patients with rectal tumors had significantly higher levels of fetuin-A than those with colonic tumors (P = 0.045).

Conclusions: We have observed that patients with CRC display clear evidence of telomere attrition compared with controls. This is congruent with accelerated biological aging in the pathogenesis of CRC. An imbalance in redox control mechanisms and calcium homeostasis may be a contributing factor to telomere dynamics in our patients. Furthermore, fetuin-A levels can be used to distinguish between colon and rectal cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 17(17); 5573–81. ©2011 AACR.
Cell Surface Delivery of TRAIL Strongly Augments the Tumoricidal Activity of T Cells
Authors: de Bruyn Marco , Wei Yunwei , Wiersma Valerie R. , Samplonius Douwe F. , Klip Harry G. , van der Zee Ate G.J. , Yang Baofeng , Helfrich Wijnand , Bremer Edwin
Published: July 2011

Purpose: Adoptive T-cell therapy generally fails to induce meaningful anticancer responses in patients with solid tumors. Here, we present a novel strategy designed to selectively enhance the tumoricidal activity of T cells by targeted delivery of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) to the T-cell surface.

Experimental Design: We constructed two recombinant fusion proteins, anti-CD3:TRAIL and K12:TRAIL. Tumoricidal activity of T cells in the presence of these fusion proteins was assessed in solid tumor cell lines, primary patient-derived malignant cells, and in a murine xenograft model.

Results: When added to T cells, K12:TRAIL and anti-CD3:TRAIL selectively bind to the T-cell surface antigens CD3 and CD7, respectively, leading to cell surface accretion of TRAIL. Subsequently, anti-CD3:TRAIL and K12:TRAIL increased the tumoricidal activity of T cells toward cancer cell lines and primary patient-derived malignant cells by more than 500-fold. Furthermore, T-cell surface delivery of TRAIL strongly inhibited tumor growth and increased survival time of xenografted mice more than 6-fold.

Conclusions: Targeted delivery of TRAIL to cell surface antigens of T cells potently enhances the tumoricidal activity of T cells. This approach may be generally applicable to enhance the efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 17(17); 5626–37. ©2011 AACR.
Frequent Occurrence of the Triphasic Response (Diabetes Insipidus/Hyponatremia/Diabetes Insipidus) after Surgery for Craniopharyngioma in Childhood
Authors: Finken Martijn J.J. , Zwaveling-Soonawala Nitash , Walenkamp Marie J.E. , Vulsma Thomas , van Trotsenburg A.S. Paul , Rotteveel Joost
Published: July 2011

Background/Aims: It is not exactly known how many children develop the triphasic response (diabetes insipidus (DI)/hyponatremia/DI) immediately after surgery for childhood craniopharyngioma; neither is it known which factors predict this. We studied the occurrence of the triphasic response after primary surgery for craniopharyngioma in children, and aimed to identify possible predictors. Methods: Patients <18 years old who had undergone a primary craniopharyngioma resection between January 1990 and February 2010 in either of the 2 academic centers in Amsterdam were studied retrospectively. Results: Twenty-one patients (5 males) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Median age at surgery was 9.1 (range: 4.0–15.1) years. Six patients developed a triphasic response (29%). Of all factors, only the duration of surgery was found to be a predictor of a triphasic response: 8.5 (6.0–11.0) versus 4.6 (3.5–11.5) h in patients who did not develop a triphasic response (p = 0.03). Conclusion: After primary surgery for a craniopharyngioma, a considerable number of patients develop a triphasic response in the regulation of the sodium and water balance. This is predicted by (factors associated with) a longer duration of surgery. Other predictors could not be identified, which may be due to the small sample size.
Evaluation of Long-Term Clarithromycin Treatment in Adult Chinese Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Nasal Polyps
Authors: Luo Qing , Chen Fenghong , Liu Wenlong , Li Zuwang , Xu Rui , Fan Yunping , Chen Rong , Xu Yu , Liu Zheng , Xu Geng , Fu Qingling , Zuo Kejun , Shi Jianbo , Li Huabin ,   on behalf of the Nasal Health Group, China (NHGC)
Published: July 2011

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of long-term clarithromycin (CAM) treatment in adult Chinese patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSnNP). Methods: Thirty-three CRSnNP patients were enrolled and subjected to CAM treatment for 12 weeks (250 mg daily). The total nasal symptom scores (TNSS), nasal resistance and inflammatory mediators including interleukin (IL)-8 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were evaluated at weeks 0 and 12. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed in all patients by using the Sinonasal Outcome Test 20 and Short Form 36 questionnaires. Results: CAM treatment significantly improved TNSS, nasal resistance and QoL, and it inhibited IL-8 and MPO production in CRSnNP patients (p < 0.05). CAM treatment was more effective for IL-8high CRSnNP patients than for IL-8low CRSnNP patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Long-term, low-dose CAM treatment is effective and safe for the treatment of CRSnNP in Chinese patients.
Catamenially Recurring Pneumothorax with Partial Liver Herniation: A Particular View
Authors: Sanna S. , Taurchini M. , Monteverde M. , Agnoletti V. , Casoni G.L.
Published: July 2011

Few cases of catamenial pneumothorax with complete or partial diaphragmatic hernias are reported in the literature. We present herein the case of a 38-year-old woman affected by recurrent right-sided spontaneous pneumothorax during menstrual periods. CT scan revealed normal lung parenchyma and multiple diaphragmatic nodes suspected for endometrial implants. The patient underwent right thoracoscopy and the presence of multiple diaphragmatic perforations of the tendinous part was observed as well as partial hepatic hernia. Through a video-assisted procedure, pleural biopsies and diaphragmatic plication containing the tendinous part with total pleural abrasion and talc pleurodesis were performed. No endometrial implants were found on histologic examination of pleural biopsies. The surgical procedure was uneventful and totally successful. On the basis of the clinical data and endoscopic view, we consider our case as catamenially recurring pneumothorax.
Pharmacokinetics of Fluoxetine in Rhesus Macaques following Multiple Routes of Administration
Authors: Sawyer E.K. , Howell L.L.
Published: July 2011

Background/Aims: Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor currently used to treat depression and mood disorders. It has been widely studied clinically and preclinically, yet there is limited knowledge of its pharmacokinetics in nonhuman primates. Methods: The present study characterized the pharmacokinetics of fluoxetine and its active metabolite norfluoxetine in rhesus macaques following both acute (1, 3, 5.6 and 10 mg/kg) and chronic doses (5.6 and 10 mg/kg/day) via different routes of administration (intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and oral). Blood samples were collected at multiple time points following administration and analyzed using mass spectrometry. Results: Fluoxetine had a half-life of 11–16 h and norfluoxetine had a half-life of 21–29 h. Potentially functionally significant serum concentrations of norfluoxetine were present at 24 h even after a single administration of fluoxetine. Similar to observations in humans under steady state conditions, norfluoxetine accounted for the greater percentage of active drug in the blood stream. Conclusion: A daily dose of 10 mg/kg administered orally maintained serum concentrations in the human clinical range over the course of 6 weeks. Given the long half-lives of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine observed in this study, precautions should be taken when designing preclinical studies to prevent accumulation of drug serum concentrations.
Elevated Myocardial Enzymes and Natriuretic Peptides in Anorexia Nervosa: Prototypic Condition for the Pathophysiology of Cachexia?
Authors: Zastrow Arne , Wolf Johanna , Giannitsis Evangelos , Katus Hugo , Herzog Wolfgang , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Mussler Christina
Published: July 2011

We report on a patient suffering from chronic anorexia nervosa who in the course of treatment showed elevated high-sensitive troponin T, creatine kinase and most markedly N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Elevated enzymes improved significantly throughout the course of treatment without cardiac specific medication but exceeded the normal range for weeks. Abnormally high myocardial enzymes and NT-proBNP in cachectic anorectic patients might resemble conditions of cardiac cachexia. A review of the available literature is provided. Further research is required to explain the pathophysiological meaning of the abnormal laboratory findings.
Levenshtein Distances Fail to Identify Language Relationships Accurately
Authors: Greenhill Simon J.
Published: July 2011

The Levenshtein distance is a simple distance metric derived from the number of edit operations needed to transform one string into another. This metric has received recent attention as a means of automatically classifying languages into genealogical subgroups. In this article I test the performance of the Levenshtein distance for classifying languages by subsampling three language subsets from a large database of Austronesian languages. Comparing the classification proposed by the Levenshtein distance to that of the comparative method shows that the Levenshtein classification is correct only 40% of time. Standardizing the orthography increases the performance, but only to a maximum of 65% accuracy within language subgroups. The accuracy of the Levenshtein classification decreases rapidly with phylogenetic distance, failing to discriminate homology and chance similarity across distantly related languages.This poor performance suggests the need for more linguistically nuanced methods for automated language classification tasks.
What Determines Inter-Coder Agreement in Manual Annotations? A Meta-Analytic Investigation
Authors: Bayerl Petra Saskia , Paul Karsten Ingmar
Published: July 2011

Recent discussions of annotator agreement have mostly centered around its calculation and interpretation, and the correct choice of indices. Although these discussions are important, they only consider the “back-end” of the story, namely, what to do once the data are collected. Just as important in our opinion is to know how agreement is reached in the first place and what factors influence coder agreement as part of the annotation process or setting, as this knowledge can provide concrete guidelines for the planning and set-up of annotation projects. To investigate whether there are factors that consistently impact annotator agreement we conducted a meta-analytic investigation of annotation studies reporting agreement percentages. Our meta-analysis synthesized factors reported in 96 annotation studies from three domains (word-sense disambiguation, prosodic transcriptions, and phonetic transcriptions) and was based on a total of 346 agreement indices. Our analysis identified seven factors that influence reported agreement values: annotation domain, number of categories in a coding scheme, number of annotators in a project, whether annotators received training, the intensity of annotator training, the annotation purpose, and the method used for the calculation of percentage agreements. Based on our results we develop practical recommendations for the assessment, interpretation, calculation, and reporting of coder agreement. We also briefly discuss theoretical implications for the concept of annotation quality.
Shared Knowledge About Emotion Among Vietnamese and English Bilingual and Monolingual Speakers
Authors: Alvarado Nancy , Jameson Kimberly A.
Published: July 2011

Recent empirical findings show strong similarity in the structure of emotion space across highly diverse cultures. Previous researchers believe this demonstrates shared conceptual understanding of emotion. However, similarity may emerge from sources such as similar language structure operated upon by pan-human categorization processes. Thus, existence of a superordinate concept of emotion may be prerequisite to similar categorization of emotion terms. Within a broader emotion category, cultural differences may be strongest for subordinate terms that convey contextualized information. To explore this, the authors replicated studies of Chinese and Japanese, comparing emotion term similarity judgments for monolingual and bilingual Vietnamese and English speakers in the United States and Saigon, Vietnam. Participants showed strong consensus about meanings of 15 emotion terms, with differences for two subordinate-level terms, “shame” and “anguish.” Judgments for bilingual participants mirrored those of monolinguals in each language, indicating code switching. The Interpoint Distance Model was applied to interpret the results.
Culture and Probability Judgment Accuracy
Authors: Lechuga Julia , Wiebe John S.
Published: July 2011

A well-established phenomenon in the judgment and decision-making tradition is the overconfidence one places in the amount of knowledge that one possesses. Overconfidence or probability judgment accuracy varies not only individually but also across cultures. However, research efforts to explain cross-cultural variations in the overconfidence phenomenon have seldom been made. In Study 1, the authors compared the probability judgment accuracy of U.S. Americans ( N = 108) and Mexican participants ( N = 100). In Study 2, they experimentally primed culture by randomly assigning English/Spanish bilingual Mexican Americans ( N = 195) to response language. Results of both studies replicated the cross-cultural variation of probability judgment accuracy previously observed in other cultural groups. U.S. Americans displayed less overconfidence when compared to Mexicans. These results were then replicated in bilingual participants, when culture was experimentally manipulated with language priming. Holistic reasoning did not account for the cross-cultural variation of overconfidence. Suggestions for future studies are discussed.
Determinants of Analysts’ Cash Flow Forecast Accuracy
Authors: Pae Jinhan , Yoon Sung-Soo
Published: July 2011

This article examines factors affecting the accuracy of cash flow forecasts issued by financial analysts. Consistent with previous findings on earnings forecast accuracy, analyst and forecast characteristics—including cash flow forecasting frequency, cash flow forecasting experience, the number of companies followed, forecast horizon, and past cash flow forecasting performance—determine cash flow forecast accuracy. The authors find that forecasting cash flows is distinct from forecasting earnings. Compared with earnings forecasting experience and past earnings forecast accuracy, cash flow–specific forecasting experience and past cash flow accuracy better explain current cash flow forecast accuracy. The authors also find that individual cash flow forecasts are unlikely to be naïve extensions of earnings forecasts. Investors may utilize the present findings to identify more accurate cash flow forecasters.
The Utility of Vulnerability and Social Capital Theories in Studying the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on the Elderly
Authors: Durant Thomas J.
Published: July 2011

The definition of a disaster is followed by an explanation of vulnerability and social capital theories. The importance of using a sound theoretical framework and the utility and efficacy of vulnerability and social capital theories in studying the impact of natural disasters on the elderly population are emphasized and discussed. The conclusion is that an integrated vulnerability and social capital framework has much merit and potential in studying the impact of natural disasters on the elderly and other populations.
The Impact of Child-Related Stressors on the Psychological Functioning of Lower-Income Mothers After Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Lowe Sarah R. , Chan Christian S. , Rhodes Jean E.
Published: July 2011

In the present study, the authors examined the role of child-related stressors in the psychological adjustment of lower-income, primarily unmarried and African American, mothers ( N = 386). All participants lived in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, and about a third were also exposed to Hurricane Rita (30.3%, n = 117). Lacking knowledge of a child’s safety during the hurricanes was a significant predictor of heightened postdisaster psychological distress and posttraumatic stress, even after controlling for demographic variables, predisaster psychological distress, evacuation timing, and bereavement. From interviews with a subset of the participants ( n = 57), we found that mothers consistently put their own needs behind those of their children. The authors recommend policies that promptly reunite mothers with missing children and support lower-income mothers in caring for their children during natural disasters and the aftermath.
Stress and Support in Family Relationships After Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Reid Megan , Reczek Corinne
Published: July 2011

In this article, the authors merge the study of support, strain, and ambivalence in family relationships with the study of stress to explore the ways family members provide support or contribute to strain in the disaster recovery process. The authors analyze interviews with 71 displaced Hurricane Katrina survivors, and identify three family relationships that were especially important to postdisplacement experiences: marital or intimate partner, parent–adult child, and fictive kin. These relationships provided support, contributed to strain, or did both, highlighting the complexity of such relationships in the postdisaster context. Women tended to provide more support to and receive more support from family relationships than did men, especially through mother–adult daughter relationships.
Salvage Surgery following Radiation Failure for Laryngeal Cancer in Elderly Patients
Authors: Lusardi Jonathan J. , Buchanan Paula M. , Christopher Kara M. , Varvares Mark A.
Published: July 2011

Objective

To find the survival rate of patients ≥80 years old who undergo salvage surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

Study Design

National data registry analysis.

Setting

Seventeen population‐based registries comprising the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.

Subjects and Methods

Overall, cancer‐specific, and relative survival rates were calculated from 1418 patients, stratified into 3 age cohorts, who underwent surgery following radiation therapy for treatment of laryngeal cancer.

Results

The 1‐year overall survival of patients ≥80 years old (n = 57) was 76.1%. The cancer‐specific survival at 1 year was 86.4%. These survival rates were significantly less than those of patients <65 years old (n = 869), who had a 1‐year overall survival of 88.1% (P =. 006) and cancer‐specific survival of 90.5% (P =. 029). Patients aged between 65 and 79 years old (n = 492) displayed 1‐year overall survival of 80.7% (P =. 426) and cancer‐specific survival of 85.1% (P =. 711), which were not significantly different from the ≥80 year cohort. When comparing relative survival at 5 years, the ≥80‐year‐old cohort’s survival trended the highest (≥80 years, 62.8%; 65‐79 years, 51.3%; 20‐64 years, 56.2%).

Conclusion

While patients ≥80 years old have a less favorable prognosis than patients <65 years old, the survival rates of patients ≥80 years old are not significantly different from the 65‐ to 79‐year‐old cohort. After controlling for non‐cancer‐related death, patients ≥80 years old appear to have similar 5‐year survival outcomes compared with other patients.
Low‐Dose D‐Methionine and N‐Acetyl‐L‐Cysteine for Protection from Permanent Noise‐Induced Hearing Loss in Chinchillas
Authors: Clifford Royce E. , Coleman John K. M. , Balough Ben J. , Liu Jianzhong , Kopke Richard D. , Jackson Ronald L.
Published: July 2011

Objective

Despite efforts at public health awareness and stringent industrial standards for hearing protection, noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains a formidable public health concern. Although many antioxidants have proven to be beneficial in the laboratory for prevention of permanent NIHL, low‐dose combinations of compounds with different biochemical mechanisms of action may allow long‐term administration with fewer side effects and equal efficacy. The mixture of D‐methionine and N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine administered at levels less than 10% of standard dosing has not been previously reported.

Study Design

Twenty‐six female adult Chinchilla laniger were placed in 4 study groups, consisting of (1) a group receiving combination 12.5 mg/kg each D‐methionine and N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (DMET/NAC group), (2) a group receiving 12.5 mg/kg D‐methionine (DMET‐only group), (3) a group receiving 12.5 mg/kg N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC‐only group), and (4) saline controls.

Setting

Laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

All groups received twice‐daily intraperitoneal injections 2 days prior to noise exposure, 1 hour before and after exposure on day 3, and for 2 days subsequently, totaling 10 doses of 125 mg/kg for each antioxidant over 5 days.

Results

Although NAC‐only animals paralleled saline control recovery during 3 weeks, the DMET‐only group revealed gradual improvement with statistically significant recovery in the middle frequencies. The DMET/NAC group showed significant improvement at most frequencies compared with controls (P <. 001 and P <. 05).

Conclusion

Significant recovery of hearing was observed following continuous noise exposure with either DMET only or a combination of low‐dose DMET/NAC, demonstrating a considerably lower dose of antioxidants required than previously reported for hearing recovery following acoustic trauma.
Etiologic Factors in Sialolithiasis
Authors: Huoh Kevin C. , Eisele David W.
Published: July 2011

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate etiologic factors for sialolithiasis in a population of patients from the United States.

Study Design

Retrospective, cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary university.

Materials and Methods

Charts for all patients diagnosed with sialolithiasis between January 2001 and February 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic factors, smoking history, comorbid medical conditions, and medication history were recorded. Statistical analyses were then performed on the collected data. Population prevalences of smoking, diuretic usage, cholelithiasis, and nephrolithiasis were obtained through literature review.

Results

A total of 153 patients with sialolithiasis were identified. Of these patients, 125 (82%) had submandibular sialolithiasis, and 28 (18%) had parotid sialolithiasis. Positive smoking histories were present in 67 individuals (44%). Both the current rate of smoking and the rate of a history of smoking were higher in our cohort when compared with the general population, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. Smoking history did not correlate with the size of the primary sialolith. Diuretic usage in the cohort was observed at a rate of 20%, higher than reported population rates of diuretic use of 8.7%. The prevalences of cholelithiasis and nephrolithiasis were not different from observed population rates.

Conclusions

Sialolithiasis is an uncommon condition of unclear etiology. This study represents an initial attempt to quantify the prevalence of smoking and diuretic therapy in a population of patients with sialolithiasis.
Western Blot Confirmation of the H+/K+‐ATPase Proton Pump in the Human Larynx and Submandibular Gland
Authors: Altman Kenneth W. , Kinoshita Yayoi , Tan Melin , Burstein David , Radosevich James A.
Published: July 2011

Objective

The authors have previously demonstrated the H+/K+‐ATPase (proton pump) in human larynx and lung glands via immunohistochemistry (IHC). The present hypothesis is that the proton pump is expressed in other seromucinous glands of the digestive tract that can be confirmed by IHC and Western blot analysis.

Study Design

Prospective controlled tissue analysis study.

Setting

Academic medical institution.

Methods

Ten anonymous fresh‐frozen donor specimens were obtained, comprising 3 submandibular glands, 4 larynges, and 3 normal stomach specimens for control. Submandibular gland sections were immunostained with 2 monoclonal antibodies selectively reactive with α or β subunits of the H+/K+‐ATPase. Western blot analysis was performed on all specimens.

Results

Consistent IHC staining was observed in the submandibular gland specimens for both α and β subunits. Western blot analysis revealed very strong expression for the stomach at 100 kDa, corresponding to the α protein, and weak but notable banding for all larynx and submandibular gland specimens. Similar findings were noted for the 60‐ to 80‐kDa glycosylated β subunit protein, as well as the 52‐kDa β subunit precursor for all specimens.

Conclusion

The H+/K+‐ATPase (proton) pump is present in the human larynx and submandibular gland although in much lower concentrations than in the stomach. Proton pump involvement in human aerodigestive seromucinous glands may have a role in protecting mucosa from acid environments (local or systemic), explain heightened laryngeal sensitivity in those patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux, and be a site of action for proton pump inhibitor pharmacotherapy.
Dysphagia Evaluation and Care in the Hospital Setting
Authors: Altman Kenneth W.
Published: July 2011

Dysphagia accounts for a small portion of hospital admissions but is associated with severe complications. This has been shown to result in longer hospital length of stay and increased risk of mortality with certain other diagnoses. Although there has been much research on causes and interventions for dysphagia, there has been variable impact in actual hospital practice. Also, nonuniform approaches to evaluating patients, such as screening high‐risk populations, makes it difficult to measure outcomes of care. This commentary advises a more systematic approach that includes standardized protocols, risk stratification, and screening high‐risk patients; makes the case for broadening the classification of dysphagia; and suggests a growing role for adjunctive enteral nutrition in patients with some compromise to swallowing.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Amir Alexander , Payne Richard , Richardson Keith , Hier Michael , Mlynarek Alex , Caglar Derin
Published: July 2011

Objective

The aim of this study is to retrospectively assess the specific perils associated with conducting sentinel lymph node biopsies to determine whether a central compartment neck dissection (CCND) is necessary in well‐differentiated thyroid cancer. The goal was to assess the specific reasons for a false negative in 3 specific patients among a large population of thyroidectomy patients.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Three McGill University teaching hospitals that are part of the McGill University Thyroid Cancer Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Subjects

Patients undergoing thyroidectomy and CCND for nodules suspicious for thyroid cancer (June 2009 to May 2010).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 157 patients who underwent thyroidectomy and analysis of CCND as a function of sentinel lymph node status on frozen section as determined by a pathologist at one of the participating centers.

Results

Three patients were considered true failures or false negatives of the original protocol. These 3 patients were deemed to have benign lymph node status intraoperatively but were found postoperatively to harbor malignancy and therefore should have undergone CCND. The critical reasons for the imperfect false‐negative rate are believed to be secondary to samples falsely deemed benign as well as multinodular disease.

Conclusion

The value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in thyroid cancer, although largely debated, appears to be strong. If caution is taken in using dedicated head and neck pathologists for sentinel lymph node cases, as well as properly addressing multinodular malignancy, clinical decision making can be rendered more objective.
Postoperative complications following the Fontan procedure: the role of aprotinin
Authors: Klugman D , Donofrio MT , Zurakowski D , Jonas RA
Published: July 2011

Objective: To determine how the anti-inflammatory properties of aprotinin impact on postoperative complications in children undergoing the Fontan procedure.

Methods: We included all patients between 14 months and 18 years (n=56) undergoing a Fontan operation at our institution between January 2005 and June 2009. The study group (n=29) included patients from January 2005 through December 2007 all of whom received aprotinin. The control group (n=27) included all patients from January 2008 through June 2009 who did not receive aprotinin. We reviewed all medical records and collected preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data. Duration and volume of chest tube drainage were the primary outcome measures.

Results: Of the 20% of patients who had postoperative arrhythmias, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated only aprotinin was associated with significantly decreased postoperative arrhythmias ( P=0.01). Renal function and fenestration or Fontan thrombosis did not differ significantly; there was no statistically significant difference in volume or duration of chest tube drainage. Median duration of chest tube drainage was 7 days in the aprotinin group and 8 days for patients who did not receive aprotinin ( P=0.36).

Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory properties of aprotinin may be protective against postoperative arrhythmias. Aprotinin does not confer increased risks of prolonged chest tube drainage, renal dysfunction or thrombosis in patients undergoing the Fontan procedure.
Mapping of Purkinje Neuron Loss and Polyglucosan Body Accumulation in Hereditary Cerebellar Degeneration in Scottish Terriers
Authors: Urkasemsin G. , Linder K. E. , Bell J. S. , de Lahunta A. , Olby N. J.
Published: July 2011

A hereditary cerebellar degenerative disorder has emerged in Scottish Terriers. The aims of this study were to describe and quantify polyglucosan body accumulation and quantify Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum of affected and control dogs. The brains of 6 affected Scottish Terriers ranging in age from 8 to 15 years and 8 age-matched control dogs were examined histopathologically. Counts of Purkinje neurons and polyglucosan bodies were performed in control and affected dogs on cerebellar sections stained with periodic acid–Schiff. Affected dogs showed a significant loss of Purkinje neurons compared with control dogs (vermis: P < .0001; hemisphere: P = .0104). The degeneration was significantly more pronounced dorsally than ventrally ( P < .0001). There were significantly more polyglucosan bodies in the ventral half of the vermis when compared with the dorsal half ( P < .0001) in affected dogs. In addition, there were more polyglucosan bodies in the ventral half of the vermis in affected dogs than in control dogs ( P = .0005). Polyglucosan bodies in all affected dogs stained positively with toluidine blue and alcian blue. Immunohistochemically, polyglucosan bodies in affected dogs were positive for neurofilament 200 kD and ubiquitin and negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein, synaptophysin, neurospecific enolase, vimentin, and S100; the bodies were negative for all antigens in control dogs. Ultrastructurally, polyglucosan bodies in 1 affected dog were non–membrane-bound, amorphous structures with a dense core. This study demonstrates significant Purkinje cell loss and increased polyglucosan bodies in the cerebellum of affected Scottish Terriers.
Embodied cognitive geographies
Authors: Butcher Stephen
Published: July 2011

Recent articles in this journal advocated a cognitive poststructuralism as progress for human geography. This research has two flaws. The first is in the epistemological differences between poststructuralism and cognitive semantics, the field from which the authors were informed on embodied cognition. The second problem arises from the contradictions a cognitive poststructuralism would have to other embodied geographies espousing non-representational theory (NRT). This article details and then resolves these two problems in several discussions and relevant examples involving cognitive semantics, embodied realism, embodiment. The product is a non-contradictory poststructural cognitive semantic perspective that provides a possible future path for NRT.
The Knowledge-Shaping Process: Elite Mobilization and Environmental Policy
Authors: Bonds Eric
Published: July 2011

Both using and contributing to power structure research, this article presents evidence that corporate and military elites form networks and mobilize resources to influence the development of environmental policy. This influence may be achieved when elites form and utilize knowledge-shaping processes, which involve four principle exercises of power. First, elites suppress information that may threaten their interests. Second, elites organize and fund institutions to produce and promote research that may be useful in efforts to secure their goals. Third, elites fund experts willing to attack and discredit potentially damaging research. Finally, they attempt to exert influence in knowledge administration, or in selecting what information counts as knowledge and what does not. Archival evidence is used to construct a case study of a knowledge-shaping process created to influence the national policy debate over ammonium perchlorate, the primary constituent of solid rocket fuel and a widespread water contaminant in the USA.
Methods for improving transient response of diesel engines – influences of different electrically assisted turbocharging topologies
Authors: Tavčar G , Bizjan F , Katrašnik T
Published: July 2011

The paper presents a comprehensive study on engine performance improvement attributable to application of different electrically assisted turbocharger topologies. Performance of a baseline turbocharged high-speed direct-injection (HSDI) diesel engine is compared to the performance of an engine utilizing an electrically assisted turbocharger, an engine utilizing a turbocharger with an additional electrically driven compressor, and an engine utilizing an electrically split turbocharger. Analyses are performed based on a validated physically based engine and vehicle model comprising detailed models of all vehicle components, thus ensuring adequacy of results. Analyses are performed for various driving conditions, including tip-in in the fixed gears and the new European drive cycle (NEDC). Results reveal that electrically assisted turbocharger topologies improve transient response of the engine and thus driveability of the vehicle. Additionally, over a limited period of time, electrically assisted turbocharger topologies are able to improve steady-state torque output of the engine with retained fuelling, which is made possible by the availability of energy in electric storage devices. It was also revealed that the utilization of electrically split turbocharger enables considerable reduction in fuel consumption when driven according to urban drive cycles.
The dark side of social capital: An ethnography of sport governance
Authors: Numerato Dino , Baglioni Simone
Published: July 2011

This article extends the discussion on the ‘dark side’ of social capital in sport which has recently been increasingly conceptualized in civil society studies. We define the dark side of social capital as situations in which trust, social ties and shared beliefs and norms that may be beneficial to some persons are detrimental to other individuals, sport movements, or for society at large. Furthermore, we understand the dark side of social capital as attempts to manipulate and misuse trust to achieve a particular interest. We argue that the majority of studies using the notion of the dark side have investigated primarily sport practice rather than sport governance and have focused on either the macro- or micro-level, neglecting the meso-level. Additionally, previous studies have focused primarily on the exclusive role of bonding social networks at the expense of linking social capital and manipulation of trust. To contribute to reducing these gaps, our analysis draws on evidence gathered during a multi-sited ethnographic study of Czech and Italian sport associations governing football, handball and sailing.
The Inclusive World of Music
Authors: Knapp David H.
Published: July 2011

The Tanglewood and Housewright Symposia concluded that music programs should include music from other cultures, as well as teach students of all abilities. Yet teachers sometimes feel uncomfortable attending to both of these values. Some music teachers have found creative solutions to incorporating world music into their curriculum for students with disabilities. Two case studies regarding steel band and taiko drumming are discussed. Advice for teachers of students with disabilities is also included.
A numerical study on nonlinear vibration of an inclined cable coupled with the deck in cable-stayed bridges
Authors: Kang Zhan , Xu Kesheng , Luo Zhen
Published: July 2011

The mechanism and the characteristics of the cable-deck coupled nonlinear vibration in a cable-stayed bridge are studied using numerical methods. A simple three-degrees-of-freedom (d.f.) model, with one independent d.f. for modeling the bridge deck movement, is proposed for describing the nonlinear interactions between the in-plane/out-of-plane vibration of the cable and the oscillation of the bridge deck. The governing equations are discretized with the Galerkin method and then solved with a numerical time integration algorithm. It is pointed out that the periodic variation of cable tension caused by vibration of a bridge deck will lead to the parametric resonance of the stay cable under certain tuning conditions. Numerical results also confirm that energy transfer between different vibration modes and beating phenomenon of the cable-deck vibration may be exhibited in the case of parametric resonance.
Edge waves and resonance on elastic structures: An overview
Authors: Lawrie Jane B , Kaplunov Julius
Published: July 2011

Over 50 years have elapsed since the first experimental observations of dynamic edge phenomena on elastic structures, yet the topic remains a diverse and vibrant source of research activity. This article provides a focused history and overview of such phenomena with a particular emphasis on structures such as strips, rods, plates and shells. Within this context, some of the recent research highlights are discussed and the contents of this special issue of Mathematics and Mechanics of Solids on dynamical edge phenomena are introduced.
Influence of dynamic behaviour on elastohydrodynamic lubrication of spur gears
Authors: Li S , Kahraman A
Published: July 2011

In this study, the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) behaviour of high-speed spur gear contacts is investigated under dynamic conditions. A non-linear time-varying vibratory model of spur gear pairs is introduced to predict the instantaneous tooth forces under dynamic conditions within both the linear and non-linear operating regimes. In this model, the periodically time-varying gear mesh stiffness and the motion transmission error are used as excitations and a constant damping ratio is employed. This model allows the prediction of steady-state non-linear response in the form of tooth separation (contact loss). An earlier gear mixed EHL model [ 1 ] is adapted to simulate the lubrication behaviour of spur gear contacts under these dynamic loading conditions, considering the variations of the basic contact parameters, such as radii of curvature, sliding and rolling velocities, and measured roughness profiles, as the contact moves along the tooth from the start of active profile to the tip. The EHL predictions under dynamic loading conditions are compared to those assuming quasi-static contact loads for gear sets having smooth and rough surfaces to demonstrate the important influence of dynamic loading on gear lubrication. The unique, transient EHL behaviour under the non-linear (intermittent contact loss) condition is also illustrated.
Bearing fault diagnosis based on the dimension–temporal information
Authors: Zhang D D
Published: July 2011

This article presents a procedure for bearing fault diagnosis through incorporation of the dimension–temporal information of bearing vibration signals. By analysing bearing dynamic response to damage and the resulting vibration pattern, the procedure proposes a set of vibration features in a mutually complementary fashion. Then, the temporal information capturing the change of the bearing vibration pattern with bearing damage progression is obtained by trending analysis from a proposed vibration feature – the energy index, and combined for bearing health assessment with the dimension information of other proposed vibration features. The bearing fault progression data from motor bearing experiments validate that the procedure is effective to indicate the type and severity of bearing damage.
Lay Theories toward Cancer and Myocardial Infarction: A Trans-cultural Comparison of Germans and Spaniards
Authors: Bermejo Isaac , Kriston Levente , Muthny Fritz A.
Published: July 2011

The objective of this study was a transcultural comparison regarding illness-related causal and control attributes using a survey of healthy Germans in Germany, Spaniards in Spain and Spaniards in Germany. Each group contained 100 persons, matched according to sex, age and education. Germans showed more pronounced internal causal as well as control beliefs while Spaniards in Germany showed fatalistic attribution and Spaniards in Spain placed more emphasis on social aspects. It was possible to correctly assign over 75 percent of persons to a group depending on their characteristics in terms of causal and control attributions. Considerations of cultural and migration-related factors regarding public health appear especially promising.
Facilitating Sunscreen Use in Women by a Theory-Based Online Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Craciun Catrinel , Schüz Natalie , Lippke Sonia , Schwarzer Ralf
Published: July 2011

This study compares a motivational skin cancer prevention approach with a volitional planning and self-efficacy intervention to enhance regular sunscreen use. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 205 women (mean age 25 years) in three groups: motivational; volitional; and control. Sunscreen use, action planning, coping planning and coping self-efficacy were assessed at three points in time. The volitional intervention improved sunscreen use. Coping planning emerged as the only mediator between the intervention and sunscreen use at Time 3. Findings point to the role played by coping planning as an ingredient of sun protection interventions.