bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biologic Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Glucagon‐like Peptide‐2
Authors: Drucker Daniel J. , Boushey Robin P. , Feng Wang  , Hill Mary E. , Brubaker Patricia L. , Yusta Bernardo
Published: September 2009

Background: Glucagon‐like peptide‐2 (GLP‐2), a 33 amino acid, proglucagon‐derived peptide with intestinotrophic activity, is secreted from enteroendocrine cells in the small and large intestine. Methods: This review describes recent advances in our understanding of GLP‐2 physiology from rodent experiments in vivo. Results: GLP‐2 administration induces mucosal epithelial proliferation in small and large bowel and stomach. GLP‐2 is rapidly degraded by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) to produce the biologically inactive form GLP‐2(3–33), however, GLP‐2 analogs that confer resistance to DPP‐IV exhibit enhanced biologic activity in vivo. GLP‐2‐treated bowel retains normal to enhanced functional absorptive capacity. Furthermore, GLP‐2 infusion prevents total parenteral nutrition (TPN)‐associated intestinal hypoplasia, and enhances bowel adaptation and nutrient absorption in rats following small bowel resection. GLP‐2 also reverses weight loss and improves histologic and biochemical parameters of disease activity in mice with experimental colitis. Conclusions: GLP‐2 is an intestine‐derived peptide with intestinotrophic properties that may be therapeutically useful in diseases characterized by intestinal damage or insufficiency. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 23:S98‐S100, 1999)
Intestinal Transplantation in Children: Preliminary Experience in Paris
Authors: Goulet Olivier , Jan Dominique , Lacaille Florence , Colomb Virginie , Michel Jean‐Luc , Damotte Diane , Jouvet Philippe , Brousse Nicole , Faure Christophe , Cézard Jean‐Pierre , Sarnacki Sabine , Peuchmaur Michel , Hubert Philippe , Ricour Claude , Révillon Yann
Published: September 2009

From November 1994 to November 1998, 20 children (2.5 to 14 years) received a jejunoileal graft alone (SBTx; n = 10) or in combination with the liver (SBLTx; n = 10 and/or the right colon (5 SBTx). Indications were intractable diarrhea of infancy (n = 8), short bowel syndrome (n = 6), extensive Hirschsprung disease (n = 4), and chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction (n = 2). Immunosuppression included tacrolimus, methylprednisolone, and azathioprine. Current follow‐up ranges from 6 to 54 months. Five patients died (3 SBTx) within the first 2 months. Acute liver rejection occurred in 5 patients during the first 2 months. Sixteen episodes of intestinal rejection during the first 3 months in 11 patients (8 in 4 SBTx) were successfully treated in all but 3 by increasing tacrolimus dose and/or a 3‐day methyprednisolone bolus or required antilymphoglobulins in 3 cases. Surgical complications occurred 8 times after SBLTx and 3 after SBTx. Infectious complications were more frequent in SBLTx recipients. Reversible Epstein‐Barr virus‐related posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease occurred in 3 recipients. Five presented cytomegalovirus infection. The SB graft was removed in 5 recipients (3 chronic rejection). All patients were started with oral and/or enteral feeding from the 7th postoperative day by using either normal food or protein hydrolysate diet. Currently, 10 of 11 children (8 SBLTx) achieved digestive autonomy after 5 to 30 weeks. All recipients gained weight; however, growth velocity remained reduced during the first 6 months because of the steroid therapy. Overall graft and patient survival is higher after SBLTx. Intestinal transplantation is indicated for patients with permanent intestinal failure. However, because parenteral nutrition is generally well tolerated, even for long periods, each indication for transplantation must be weighed carefully in terms of risk and quality of life. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition23:S121‐S125, 1999)
Current Status of Anabolic Hormone Administration in Human Burn Injury
Authors: Ramzy Peter I. , Wolf Steven E. , Herndon David N.
Published: September 2009

Survival after massive burns has increased due to advances in critical care and wound closure techniques. Because of the ravages of hypermetabolism that is so prevalent in these patients, survivors are left with significant lean body mass losses that correspond to decreased strength with which to begin the rehabilitation phase. Efforts to decrease lean body mass catabolism by environmental regulation, early wound closure, and sufficient caloric provision modify the hypermetabolic response to an extent; however, further manipulations are required to optimize recovery fully. Pharmacologic intervention with hormone agonists and antagonists holds this promise. This article reviews some of the current investigations in this area and points out the future work that needs to be done to elucidate the field of anabolic hormones after severe injury. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition23:S190‐S194, 1999)
Can Androgen Therapy Replete Lean Body Mass and Improve Muscle Function in Wasting Associated With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection?
Authors: Bhasin Shalender , Javanbakht Marjan
Published: September 2009

A significant number of men who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have low testosterone levels. Androgen deficiency in HIV‐infected patients is associated with decreased muscle mass and function, and adverse disease outcome. Administration of replacement doses of testosterone to healthy hypogonadal men augments lean body mass, muscle size, and maximal voluntary strength. Recent studies have shown that physiologic testosterone replacement in HIV‐infected men with weight loss who have low testosterone levels can also increase muscle mass and effort‐dependent strength. However, further studies are needed to determine whether androgen therapy can improve physical function and health‐related outcomes in HIV‐infected men. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition23:S195‐S201, 1999)
Infants’ responses to real humans and representations of humans
Authors: Heron Michelle , Slaughter Virginia
Published: September 2009

Infants’ responses to typical and scrambled human body shapes were assessed in relation to the realism of the human body stimuli presented. In four separate experiments, infants were familiarized to typical human bodies and then shown a series of scrambled human bodies on the test. Looking behaviour was assessed in response to a range of different human body stimulus types including real people, mannequins, dolls and large human body photographs. Results were compared with previous experiments showing that when presented with small drawings, photographs or dolls, infants demonstrate knowledge about the whole human body shape only after their first birthday (Slaughter & Heron, 2004). In the current study, recognition of the typical human body shape was evident as early as 9 months of age when the stimuli were real humans, and infants’ responses to the various types of representations were linked to the realism of the portrayal. This pattern of findings indicates that even simple visual responses are not independent of the nature of the stimuli used to elicit them.
Ubiquitous city: Urban technologies, urban infrastructure and urban informatics
Authors: Shin Dong-Hee
Published: September 2009

South Korea continues to lead the way in digital opportunity with its recent, innovative and ubiquitous city projects. The u-city initiative in South Korea is a national urban development project that focuses on strengthening the role of information and communication technologies in civic planning and management. This study tracks the changing dynamics driving the information society initiative of South Korea to evaluate the process of design and development of u-city. This study reviews qualitative data related to the u-city projects, describes the transformations and translation of this data in the public, political, and social discourse, and discusses the prospectus of a ubiquitous information society environment. The findings raise fundamental, practical questions about the role of ubiquitous computing in shaping our future cities. The findings show that there are more challenges ahead than prospects, despite the fact that the u-city has all the advanced technological components for a positive development. The South Korean u-city is typically more prone to problems related to the lack of social infrastructure, market restrictions, political quagmires and vested financial interests. The paper discusses the deficiencies of the South Korean approach, namely a lack of holistic approach by integrating technological possibilities with social application needs.
Carcinogen Induced Unscheduled DNA Synthesis in Mouse Hepatocytes
Authors: Klaunig James E. , Goldblatt Peter J. , Hinton David E. , Lipsky Michael M. , Trump Benjamin F.
Published: September 2009

Mouse primary liver cell cultures were examined for evidence of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) following treatment with the carcinogens; dimethylnitrosamine (DMNA), diethylnitrosamine (DENA), 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF), N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), benzo(a)pyrene (BP), dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA), 1,1,-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane (DDT), safrole, diethylstilbestrol (DES), aflatoxin B1(AFB1), and dieldrin and the noncarcinogens; dimethylformamide (DMF), fluorene, and pyrene. Mouse hepatocyte cultures were simultaneously treated with three concentrations of each compound and3H-thymidine. After 24 hrs, cells were fixed and processed for autoradiography.3H-thymidine incorporation in both experimental and control cell nuclei, as evidenced by autoradiographic grains, was quantitated microscopically. DMNA, DENA, 2-AAF, MNNG, BP, AFB1and DMBA significantly increased UDS over untreated cells at all concentrations studied. DDT, DMF, fluorene, pyrene, safrole, DES, and dieldrin were negative for UDS in all concentrations examined. DMNA, 2-AAF and MNNG were also studied for UDS induction in 2 hr old, 1 day old and 4 day old cultures. A progressive decrease in UDS with increased time after plating was found in DMNA and 2-AAF treated cultures. After 4 days DMNA and 2-AAF induced UDS only at the highest concentrations examined (10-3M and 10-4M respectively). MNNG induced UDS at all time periods and concentrations sampled. An attempt to enhance the sensitivity of the UDS assay by inducing the mixed function oxidative enzyme activity in the hepatocytes with phenobarbital administered in vivo resulted in no statistically significant increase in UDS with DMNA, 2-AAF, MNNG, DDT, and dieldrin when compared with cells from non-induced animals.
The Covalent Binding of Bromobenzene with Nucleic Acids
Authors: Colacci Annamaria , Arfellini Giancarlo , Mazzullo Mario , Prodi Giorgio , Grilli Sandro
Published: September 2009

The hepatotoxic compound bromobenzene binds to DNA, RNA, and proteins of rat and mouse liver in vivo. Binding to a significant extent is also detected in mouse kidney. The covalent binding index (CBI) of bromobenzene is comparable to CBI values of moderately oncogenic substances. The enzyme-mediated in vitro interaction of bromobenzene with calf thyumus DNA and synthetic polyribonucleotides is effected only by microsomes, especially those from mouse and rat liver. Microsomes from mouse lung are also efficient in bioactivating bromobenzene to interact with DNA. Among polyribonucleotides, poly(G) and poly(A) are the most labeled substrates. The suppression of binding to DNA by SKF 525-A and the induction of microsomal activity by a pretreatment with phenobarbitone in vivo confirm that bromobenzene is bioactivated by a P-450 dependent-microsomal mixed function oxidase system. The covalent binding can be the main event to determine the possible carcinogenicity by genotoxic mechanisms. Bromobenzene is photoactivated by ultraviolet light (Λ = 254 nm) to forms capable of interacting with DNA in vitro; the binding is linear up to time.
Analysis of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid from Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Hamsters
Authors: Giri Shri N. , Hyde Dallas M. , Nakashima James M.
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study was to analyze the cellular and noncellular components of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) at varying times during the development of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin. Hamsters were killed and lavaged in situ following the administration of a single intratracheal injection of 1 unit of bleomycin or an equivalent volume of sterile isotonic saline. The results show that the total cell counts in the BALF of bleomycin-treated hamsters, as compared with controls, were increased 7.7, 4.4, 2.4, 1.6, and 1.9-fold at 2, 4, 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment, respectively. The predominant cell types in the BALF of control animals were macrophages which constituted 84% of the total cells, followed by lymphocytes, 11%. The predominant cell types in the BALF of bleomycin-treated animals were polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) which constituted 65% at two days and approximately 50% of the total at 4, 7, and 14 days; at 21 days macrophages were the predominant cell type constituting 50%, followed by lymphocytes at 30%. However, the total number of lymphocytes was not increased at 21 days compared to previous times. The noncellular protein content of BALF from bleomycin-treated hamsters, an index of pulmonary vascular permeability, was increased to 224, 559, 637, and 270% of control (2.7 mg/lung) at 2, 4, 7, and 14 days after treatment, respectively, and returned to control levels at 21 days. The acid phosphatase activity in the supernatant of BALF of bleomycin-treated animals was significantly increased to 181, 181, 199, 176, and 125% of control (258 units/lung) at 2, 4, 7, 14, and 21 days, respectively. β-Glucuronidase activity in the supernatant of BALF of control hamsters was 64 units/lung, whereas in bleomycin-treated animals the activity was significantly increased to 226 units/lung at two days and that 161 units/lung at four days after treatment. Histamine content in the supernatant of BALF of bleomycin-treated animals was increased from a control value of 28 ng/lung to 41, 41, 59, 45 ng/lung at 2, 4, 7, and 14 days after treatment, respectively. There was no difference in the total prostaglandin E (PGE) content of the BALF-supernatant between control and bleomycin-treated hamsters. The data presented in this report demonstrate that the release of lysosomal enzymes and histamine may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced lung damage.
Mechanisms of Immunomodulation by Drugs
Authors: Lebish Irwin J. , Moraski Raymond M.
Published: September 2009

Immunomodulators are those extrinsic or intrinsic substances which regulate or alter the scope, type, duration or competency of the immune response. This paper presents an overview of the mechanisms of immunomodulation, and discusses selected chemical and biologic substances which are capable of modifying the immune or biologic response of the organism. The immunopharmacology, including in vivo and in vitro assays, of a novel acridine immunomodulator is discussed. This low molecular weight compound is an immunomodulator and anti-cancer adjuvant, which has been shown to induce high levels of circulating interferon in mice, protect mice against lethal viral infection, stimulate macrophage and NK cell cytotoxicity for tumor cells, partially restore humoral and cellular immune responses in tumor bearing immunosuppressed mice, and augment the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response to syngeneic tumor cells. Tissue changes, consisting of presence of drug bound to lysosomal membranes, perivascular infiltrates in mouse liver, glomerular hyalinization in mouse kidney, and focal myocardial changes in mice are described. The compound persists intracellularly for extended periods of time in cells with high lysosomal activity. The tissue changes are interpreted to be a result of overloading of cellular mechanisms for elimination from the cells involved.
Mechanisms that Lead to Disease of the Endocrine System in Animals
Authors: Capen Charles C. , Martin Sharron L.
Published: September 2009

Endocrine glands are collections of specialized cells that synthesize, store, and release their secretions directly into the blood stream. They are sensing and signalling devices located in the extracellular fluid compartment and are capable of responding to changes in the internal and external environments to coordinate a multiplicity of activities that maintain homeostasis. Diseases of the endocrine system are encountered in many animal species and present challenging diagnostic problems. The major pathogenic mechanisms responsible for disturbances in endocrine function include: 1) primary hyperfunction of an endocrine gland; 2) secondary hyperfunction; 3) primary hypofunction of an endocrine gland; 4) secondary hypofunction; 5) endocrine hyperactivity secondary to diseases of other organs; 6) hypersecretion by nonendocrine tumors of hormone-like substances; 7) failure of fetal endocrine function; 8) endocrine dysfunction due to failure of target cell response; 9) endocrine dysfunction resulting from abnormal degradation of hormone; and 10) iatrogenic syndromes of hormone-excess. For each major category, several specific disease problems have been selected to illustrate the morphologic and functional changes that characterize the response of a particular endocrine gland to disruption of function.
Mechanistic Approaches in the Study of Testicular Toxicity: Toxicants that Affect the Endocrine Regulation of the Testis
Authors: Chapin Robert E. , Williams Jacqueline
Published: September 2009

This review will expand on the themes presented by Heindel and Treinen (1988). As a prelude to describing where selected compounds act on the endocrine regulation of the testis and the theories about their mechanisms, we will briefly review some of the central pathways that underlie this control. After reviewing some studies that define the site of action of lead on the reproductive system, we will discuss the “signature” lesion caused by androgen deficiency, and then move on to an evaluation of the effects of an antiandrogen (flutamide) on the male reproductive system. Finally, some consideration will be given to alterations in hepatic function which modify circulating levels of androgens.
Mechanistic Approaches in the Study of Testicular Toxicity: Agents that Directly Affect the Testis
Authors: Working Peter K.
Published: September 2009

Toxicants which affect the male reproductive system can act indirectly via alteration of the complex hormonal control of the testes, or directly by virtue of their chemical reactivity. Both categories of agents may require metabolic biotransformation to attain activity, and the site of activation may play a significant role in the modulation of testicular toxicity. The modes of action of 2 well known direct-acting male reproductive toxicants are discussed here. The use of a combination of in vivo and in vitro systems to distinguish the site and mechanism of action of these chemicals, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether and dinitrobenzene, is described. Because of the complexity of the reproductive process and of the interaction between gonadal and extragonadal metabolism, the use of multiple endpoints and multiple test systems can lend a greater degree of precision and confidence to our conclusions.
Understanding Renal Toxicity of Heavy Metals
Authors: Diamond Gary L. , Zalups Rudolfs K.
Published: September 2009

The mechanisms by which metals induce renal injury are, in general, poorly understood. Characteristic features of metal nephrotoxicity are lesions that tend to predominate in specific regions of the nephron within specific cell types. This suggests that certain regions of the nephron are selectively sensitive to specific metals. Regional variability in sensitivity could result from the localization of molecular targets in certain cell populations and/or the localization of transport and binding ligands that deliver metals to targets within the nephron. Significant progress has been made in identifying various extracellular, membrane, and intracellular ligands that are important in the expression of the nephrotoxicity of metals. As an example, mercuric chloride induces a nephropathy that, at the lowest effective doses, is restricted primarily to the S3segment of the proximal tubule, with involvement of the S2and S1segments at higher doses. This specificity appears to be derived, at least in part, from the distribution of enzymes and transport proteins important for the uptake of mercury into proximal tubule cells: apical γ-glutamyltranspeptidase and the basolateral organic anion transport system. Regional distributions of transport mechanisms for binding proteins appear to be important in the expression of nephrotoxicity of metals. These and other new research developments are reviewed.
Acute and Subacute Toxicity Study of Water-Soluble Polyalkylsulfonated C60in Rats
Authors: Chen Hans H. C. , Yu Chi , Ueng Tzuu H. , Chen Sanduo , Chen Bao J. , Huang Kuen J. , Chiang Long Y.
Published: September 2009

Polyalkylsulfonated C60, or FC4S, a highly water-soluble caged fullerene derivative, is believed to be a free radical remover or an antioxidant in biological systems. A 50 mg/ml aqueous solution was prepared as a master solution and administered to female Sprague-Dawley CD(Crl:CDR (SD)BR) rats in a single-dose acute toxicity study or a 12-day subacute toxicity study where rats were given the solution daily. In a study of the median lethal dose (LD50), no rats died after oral administration, and thus FC4S was considered to nontoxic if administered orally. In an LD50intraperitoneal injection study, rats died within 30 hr after injection; the LD50was determined to be approximately 600 mg per kilogram of body weight. Rats injected with the compound intraperitoneally or intravenously immediately eliminated the compound through the kidney; the kidney appeared to be the primary target organ. The compound induced a distinct lysosome-overload nephrosis, a phagolysosomal nephropathy characterized by a tinctorial difference between the outer cortex and the inner cortex and the medulla. The affected outer cortex showed a diffuse degeneration, with the presence of numerous large vacuoles and cytoplasmic aggregates in the tubular epithelium. The phagolysosomal nephropathy was detected in rats after acute exposure as well as in the surviving rats following 1 intraperitoneal injection of 500 mg/kg or intravenous injection of 100 mg/kg. Ultrastructural investigation revealed numerous membranous conglomerates characteristic of phagolysosomal and/or lysosomal inclusions in the cytoplasm of the renal tubular epithelium. These conglomerates were confined to the vacuole, electron-dense, and unevenly stained. They varied in size and shape and were fused or aggregated. Occasional phagolysosomes were also observed in the endothelial cells of the peritubular plexus. A preliminary study of microsomal enzyme activity analysis revealed a suppression effect of liver cytochrome P-450–dependent monooxygenase activities, including cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b5, and benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase, but an increased level of kidney cytochrome P-450–dependent monooxygenase activities, including NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase. The significance of these enzyme alterations was not well determined. Further study is needed to clarify the correlation between the alterations of microsomal enzyme activity and the nephropathy of lysosomal overload-induced changes. These changes may serve as a biological marker in toxicity screening tests for this class of compound.
Systemic Histopathology of Rats Treated with 6-Sulfanilamidoindazole, a Novel Arthritogenic Sulfonamide
Authors: Ohmachi Yasushi , Toriumi Wataru , Takashima Kohki , Doi Kunio
Published: September 2009

6-Sulfanilamidoindazole (6SAI) is a sulfonamide that induces acute, self-limiting arthritis in rats, and 6SAI-induced arthritis is thought to be a model for testing anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, in order to clarify the location of arthritis and relationships between arthritis and other changes in this model, we have investigated the detailed pathologic changes in rats administered orally with 6SAI (125, 250, 500 mg/kg) daily for 4 wk in a time-course experiment. Moderate to severe arthritis was observed in rats of middle- and high-dose groups. Histologically, in the affected ankle, exudative synovitis and periarthritis were observed at 1 wk, granulation tissue formation with angiogenesis and periosteal new bone formation at 2 wk, and marked fibrosis of affected area at 4 wk, respectively. In addition to these changes, in periarticular and periosteal tissues of affected ankles, subendothelial insudation of small-sized arteries and medial fibrinoid degeneration of medium-sized arteries were observed at 1 and 2 wk and intimal thickening and medial hypertrophy at 4 wk, respectively. No arterial changes were observed in the unaffected ankles. Similar arterial changes were often observed in the liver, thyroid glands, and lungs and rarely in various organs and tissues. Acute inflammation of serous tissues such as mesentery, mediastinum, and capsule of spleen or thymus were also present in 6SAI-treated groups, and it was sometimes accompanied by arteritis. In addition, in 6SAI-treated rats, follicular hyperplasia of thyroid glands and pituitary changes, which are thought to be related to depression of thyroid hormone production by 6SAI, were observed. These results show that 6SAI induces not only arthritis but also arteritis, serositis, and thyroid change, and it is necessary to take the interaction between these changes into consideration when anti-inflammatory agents are tested in this model.
Glycine Modulates the Toxicity of Benzyl Acetate in F344 Rats
Authors: Abdo Kamal M. , Wenk Martin L. , Harry G. Jean , Mahler Joel , Goehl Thomas J. , Irwin Richard D.
Published: September 2009

The influence of supplemental glycine on benzyl acetate (BA; a compound metabolized via the hippurate pathway)-induced toxicity was investigated. Groups of male F344 rats were fed NIH-07 diet containing 0, 20,000, 35,000, or 50,000 ppm BA for up to 28 days. Two additional groups were fed NIH-07 diet with 50,000 ppm BA and 27,000 ppm glycine or 50,000 ppm BA and 32,000 ppm L-alanine; supplemental glycine and L-alanine were equimolar. The L-alanine group served as an amino nitrogen control. A third group was fed NIH-07 diet with 32,000 ppm L-alanine and served as an untreated isonitrogenous control. BA caused increase in mortality, body weight loss, the incidence of abnormal neurobehavioral signs such as ataxia and convulsions, along with astrocyte hypertrophy and neuronal necrosis in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and pyriform cortex of the brain. These effects were reduced significantly by supplementation with glycine but not with L-alanine. These results suggest that the neurodegeneration induced by BA is mediated by a depletion of the glycine pool and the subsequent excitotoxicity.
Competition in the Wild
Authors: Zuiderent-Jerak Teun
Published: September 2009

Michel Callon’s work on ‘the performativity of economics’ raises interesting theoretical challenges for the social study of markets. Callon proposes that laws of markets do exist, but mainly because they are performed, shaped and formatted through the way economics develops ‘spaces of calculation’. The performativity thesis proposes that if markets are not natural entities, but are instead performed by economics, this may open up the reconfiguration of market practices to many previously excluded actors, including STS scholars. However, Callon’s focus on the role of materialities in performing spaces of calculation and the role of economics in creating these materialities, easily leads to over-enthusiasm for the potential of STS scholars to engage in reconfiguring markets. Based on an interventionist research project on performing healthcare markets as ‘value’-driven, rather than ‘cost-saving’driven, I argue that markets can ‘work’ despite the absence of well-functioning materialities. This problematizes the approach pursued by Callon, and I therefore propose to temper the ambitions of STS scholars involved in the reconfiguration of markets to direct them towards the analysis of historically grown prevailing market regimes and market practices as ‘forms of the probable’ for such reconfiguration. Analysing such probabilities may be fruitful for reflecting on the risks that such experimental interventions entail for reconfiguring markets.
What Happened in East European (Political) Economies?
Authors: Orenstein Mitchell A.
Published: September 2009

Assessing the results of neoliberal reform remains controversial even twenty years after 1989. While neoliberal reform programs appeared to have finally produced rapid economic growth in the 2000s after a long transitional recession, the 2008 global economic meltdown plunged Central and East European countries back into crisis. This article offers a mixed assessment of the results of neoliberal economic reforms and questions the easy compatibility of democracy and radical reform observed during the 1990s. Since the 2000s, both democratic and authoritarian countries in Eastern Europe have experienced rapid growth. Geopolitics, more than reform or democracy, seems to separate the winners from the losers. Successful countries are those that either joined the European Union or developed close political and economic relations with Russia. Those betwixt and between and those suffering internal strife (or both) still have not reached 1989 levels of economic production.
Transfer of Metyrapone and Its Metabolite, rac-Metyrapol, Into Breast Milk
Authors: Hotham Neil J. , Ilett Kenneth F. , Hackett L. Peter , Morton Mark R. , Muller Peter , Hague William M.
Published: September 2009

Metyrapone, an inhibitor of corticosteroid biosynthesis, is used in the diagnosis and treatment of adrenocortical hyperfunction. The authors describe the excretion of metyrapone and its metabolite, rac-metyrapol, in milk from a lactating woman requiring metyrapone treatment (250 mg 4 times daily). At steady state, the average concentrations in milk and absolute and relative infant doses were 11 µg/L, 1.7 µg/kg/d, and 0.02%, respectively, for metyrapone, and 48.5 µg/L, 7.3 µg/kg/d, and 0.08%, respectively, for rac- metyrapol . The findings suggest that maternal metyrapone use during breastfeeding is extremely unlikely to be a significant risk for the breastfed infant. J Hum Lact. 25(4):451-454.
Guidelines for Establishing a Donor Human Milk Depot
Authors: Geraghty Sheela R. , List Betsy A. , Morrow Georgia B.
Published: September 2009

Human milk is the preferred choice for infant feeding. When a sick or premature infant’s own mother’s milk is unavailable, donor human milk is becoming more widely used. Many potential milk donors do not live within close proximity to the 10 North American not-for-profit milk banks. Transporting milk via commercial carriers can be inconvenient and costly for recipient banks. A network of donor human milk depots is one practical way to increase the quantity of available donor human milk. This article provides guidelines and practical suggestions for establishing a donor human milk depot.
Glycidoxypropylsilane-functionalized Magnetite as Precursor for Polymer-covered Core-shell Magnetic Particles
Authors: Durdureanu-Angheluta Anamaria , Stoica Iuliana , Pinteala Mariana , Pricop Lucia , Doroftei Florica , Harabagiu Valeria , Simionescu Bogdan C. , Chiriac Horia
Published: September 2009

Surface-functionalized core-shell magnetic particles were obtained by reacting the hydroxyl groups on the surface of pre-prepared magnetite particles with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated that epoxy silane molecules were chemically bound onto the surface of magnetite particles through Fe—O—Si linkages. As proved by atomic force microscopy and environmental scanning microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, particles with average core diameter and shell width of about 700 and 70 nm, respectively, were obtained. The covered magnetite particles showed a lower saturation magnetization (46 emu g 1) as compared to the uncoated magnetite (64 emu g 1).
Deep-blue Electroluminescence of 9,9-Dialkyl-substituted Polyfluorene Copolymers Incorporating Diphenylsilane Units
Authors: Ishii Junichi , Sunaga Tomoyasu , Tsukioka Miyuki
Published: September 2009

Bis(7-bromo-9,9-dialkylfluorenyl)diphenylsilanes with different alkyl chain lengths ( Cn = 4 and 8) were synthesized in this work. Conventional 9,9-dialkyl-substituted polyfluorenes (PFs) were modified through copolymerization of the diphenylsilane-containing comonomers by the Suzuki coupling method to improve electroluminescence (EL) color purity. The PF copolymers possessed high molecular weights that were enough for film-forming ability and good solubility in various common organic solvents such as toluene. The incorporation of the diphenylsilane units suppressed effectively the PF-inherent green PL, which is undesirable for the present purpose, with a slight blue-shift of the interesting blue emission band. The results are closely related to a bent and bulky structure at the diphenylsilane units which disturb interchain stacking and a controlled conjugation length along the PF main chains. This effect was observed much more prominently in the EL spectra. Even in the di- n-butyl-substituted PF copolymer which tends to show a strong green excimer emission, the incorporation of the diphenylsilane units completely erased the green EL band. The results suggest that the PF copolymers can be a good candidate as a novel deep-blue emission layer material in EL devices.
Extracorporeal shockwave for hip necrosis in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wang CJ , Ko JY , Chan YS , Lee MS , Chen JM , Wang FS , Yang KD , Huang CC
Published: September 2009

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently received corticosteroid therapy, resulting in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Prior studies demonstrated the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave treatment (ESWT) for ONFH.. This study evaluated the effectiveness of ESWT for ONFH in patients with SLE. We studied 39 patients, including 15 patients with SLE (26 hips) and 24 controls (29 hips). To each affected hip we applied ESWT (6000 impulses at 28 kV in a single session). Patients were ambulated with partial weight bearing for 4–6 weeks. The primary endpoint was the need for hip replacement. The secondary endpoints were improvement in hip pain and function and image changes on X-ray and MRI. Patients received total hip replacement in 12% of patients with SLE and in 14% of controls ( P = 0.802). There was no statistically significant difference in pain scores (0.86 vs. 0.89; P = 0.467) and function scores (89% vs. 91%; P = 0.194) between patients with SLE and controls. SLE response to ESWT for ONFH is comparable with ONFH in patients without SLE.
The effects of previous hysterectomy on lupus
Authors: Namjou B , Scofield RH , Kelly JA , Goodmon EL , Aberle T , Bruner GR , Harley JB
Published: September 2009

Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in United States, and currently, one in three women in United States has had a hysterectomy by the age of 60 years. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease and especially targets women of childbearing age at least 10 times higher than men, which reflects the major role of female sex hormones. In this retrospective study, we evaluate the potential effects of previous hysterectomy in our lupus cohort. Data collected from study subject questionnaires were obtained from the Lupus Family Registry and Repository (LFRR) at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Hysterectomy data were available from 3389 subjects. SLE patients with a positive history of hysterectomy have been selected and compared with matched lupus patients with a negative history of hysterectomy and healthy controls. Association analyses were performed, and the P values and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. SLE patients with a negative history of hysterectomy more likely had kidney nephritis or positive anti-dsDNA than age-matched SLE patients with a history of hysterectomy before disease onset. This effect was independent of ethnicity with an OR of 6.66 (95% CI = 3.09–14.38, P = 1.00 × 10−8) in European patients and 2.74 (95% CI = 1.43–5.25, P = 0.001) in African-Americans. SLE patients with a positive history of hysterectomy before disease onset also had a later age of disease onset ( P = 0.0001) after adjustment for age and race. Our findings support the notion that the influence of female sex hormones in SLE and various clinical findings are tremendous and that surgical menopause such as this could significantly affect the outcome of disease and clinical manifestations.
Factors Associated with Arterial Vascular Events in PROFILE: A Multiethnic Lupus Cohort
Authors: Bertoli AM , Vilá LM , Alarcón GS , McGwin G , Edberg JC , Petri M , Ramsey-Goldman R , Reveille JD , Kimberly RP ,   for the PROFILE Study Group
Published: September 2009

The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with the occurrence of arterial vascular events in a multiethnic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cohort. The PROFILE cohort, comprised SLE patients ( n = 1333) of defined ethnicity from five different US institutions, was studied to determine demographic, clinical and biological variables associated with vascular events. An arterial vascular event (first episode) was either a myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and/or a vascular procedure for myocardial infarction, stroke, claudication and/or evidence of gangrene. Patient characteristics were analyzed by univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. One-hundred twenty-three (9.8%) patients had at least one incident arterial event. Age at cohort enrollment (HR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.03–1.06), smoking (HR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.40–3.46) and the CRP2* C alleles (HR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.04–3.49) were associated with a shorter time-to-the occurrence of arterial vascular events. Some clinical manifestations of disease activity were associated with a shorter time-to-occurrence [psychosis (HR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.10–4.44), seizures (HR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.00–3.24) and anaemia (HR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.02–3.31)], but others were not [arthritis (HR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.18–0.58)]. In conclusion, older patients, especially in the context of a predisposing environmental factor (smoking) and severe clinical manifestations, are at higher risk of having arterial vascular events. The genetic contribution of the variation at the CRP locus was not obscured by demographic or clinical variables. Awareness of these factors should lead to more effective management strategies of patients at risk for arterial vascular events.
Colour Doppler ultrasound of the ocular circulation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus identifies altered microcirculatory haemodynamics
Authors: Wright SA , O’Prey FM , Hamilton PK , Lockhart CJ , McCann A , McHenry MT , McGivern RC , Plumb R , Finch MB , Bell AL , McVeigh GE
Published: September 2009

We assessed whether quantitative analysis of Doppler flow velocity waveforms is able to identify subclinical microvascular abnormalities in SLE and whether eigenvector analysis can detect changes not detectable using the resistive index (RI). Fifty-four SLE patients with no conventional cardiovascular risk factors, major organ involvement or retinopathy were compared to 32 controls. Flow velocity waveforms were obtained from the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA) and common carotid artery (CA). The waveforms were analysed using eigenvector decomposition and compared between groups at each arterial site. The RI was also determined. The RI was comparable between groups. In the OA and CRA, there were significant differences in the lower frequency sinusoidal components ( P < 0.05 for each component). No differences were apparent in the CA between groups. Eigenvector analysis of Doppler flow waveforms, recorded in proximity of the terminal vascular bed, identified altered ocular microvascular haemodynamics in SLE. Altered waveform structure could not be identified by changes in RI, the traditional measure of downstream vascular resistance. This analytical approach to waveform analysis is more sensitive in detecting preclinical microvascular abnormalities in SLE. It may hold potential as a useful tool for assessing disease activity, response to treatment, and predicting future vascular complications.
Association of TNF-α gene polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus in Taiwanese patients
Authors: Lin Y-J , Chen R-H , Wan L , Sheu JJ-C , Huang C-M , Lin C-W , Chen S-Y , Lai C-H , Lan Y-C , Hsueh K-C , Tsai C-H , Lin T-H , Huang Y-M , Chao K , Chen D-Y , Tsai F-J
Published: September 2009

Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), an important proinflammatory cytokine, exerts a variety of physiological and pathogenic effects that lead to tissue destruction. Studies on the association of TNF-α genetic polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have yielded inconclusive results. We investigated the association of TNF-α genetic polymorphisms (−1031T/C, −863C/A, −857T/C, −308A/G and +489A/G) with SLE in Taiwanese patients and controls. Our results indicate that 1) the frequency of the A-allele at −863 position was significantly higher in SLE patients (odds ratio = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.02–2.08); 2) the frequency of the A-allele at +489 position was significantly higher in SLE patients (odds ratio = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.21–2.65); 3) the AA or GA genotype frequencies at +489 position were significantly increased in SLE patients (AA genotype: odds ratio = 11.20; 95% CI = 1.36–92.55; GA genotype: odds ratio = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.03–2.58); 4) no significant association of TNF-α haplotypic distributions was observed, except for the haplotypes TCCGA, CACGA and CCCGG; and 5) the genotype frequency of the polymorphisms at −1031 was significantly different in patients with antinuclear antibodies ( P = 0.022). The allele and genotype frequencies of the polymorphisms at −863 were not significantly different. The genotype frequency of the polymorphisms at −857 was significantly different in patients with haematological disorder ( P = 0.025). The frequency of A allele of the polymorphisms at −308 was significantly increased in patients with malar rash ( P = 0.033), discoid rash ( P = 0.023), photosensitivity ( P = 0.037), oral ulcers ( P = 0.002) and serositis ( P = 0.029). The genotype frequency of the polymorphisms at +489 was significantly different in patients with discoid rash and photosensitivity (data not shown; discoid rash, P = 0.031; photosensitivity, P = 0.044). These results suggest that TNF-α genetic polymorphisms contribute to SLE susceptibility in the Taiwanese population.
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in a patient with Down syndrome
Authors: Medina Gabriela , Calleja Consuelo , Morán Massiel , Vera-Lastra Olga , Jara Luis J
Published: September 2009

We report a patient with Down syndrome, under treatment with carbamazepine, levopromazine and clonazepam. After urinary infection he developed glans necrosis requiring excision of prepuce. Six hours post surgery he presented right-hand ischemia followed by arterial and venous thrombosis of the right thoracic extremity. Later, he progressed to a compartment syndrome and presented ischemia of toes. All the clinical manifestations developed over a week. Anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies, lupus anticoagulant and perinuclear antineutrophil antibodies were positive. Anticoagulant and immunosuppressive treatment were initiated. Owing to the failure of both treatments, the patient underwent amputation of right hand and a toe. Histopathology revealed recent and old thrombosis of medium- and small-sized vessels without vasculitis. Diagnosis of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) was made. At present, the patient continues on oral anticoagulants, IgG aCL remains positive, and no further episodes of thromboses have been observed after 4 years of follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case of CAPS in a patient with Down syndrome.
Ultraviolet B exposure of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus inhibits DNA methylation
Authors: Wang GS , Zhang M , Li XP , Zhang H , Chen W , Kan M , Wang YM
Published: September 2009

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease, in which sunlight (especially ultraviolet B (UVB) 290–320 nm) is known to induce exacerbation of disease. DNA methylation regulates gene expression, and hypomethylation is associated with abnormal cell function in SLE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of UVB on DNA methylation in SLE and its significance in the pathogenesis of SLE. Forty-five patients with SLE and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study, which involved the investigation of DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with UVB irradiation. Our results demonstrate the following: The level of DNA methylation in patients with SLE was lower than that in the control group. DNA methylation was decreased after UVB irradiation at different dosages especially in patients with marlar rashes and leucopenia, but no significant difference was observed in the DNMT1 mRNA expression. DNA methylation levels in patients with active SLE were more sensitive to UVB. In conclusion, UVB exposure is able to inhibit DNA methylation, which subsequently takes part in the pathogenesis of SLE.
Prevalence, risk factors and outcome of digital gangrene in 2684 lupus patients
Authors: Liu A , Zhang W , Tian X , Zhang X , Zhang F , Zeng X
Published: September 2009

The aim of the study is to assess the clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcome of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with digital gangrene. In all, 2684 consecutive SLE inpatients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from December 1997 to August 2007 were studied. Demographic data, clinical features, laboratory findings as well as therapeutic regimens were systematically reviewed and a database was established. Cases with digital gangrene were identified and followed up. 1) Eighteen patients with SLE were complicated with digital gangrene, the average age at event was 33.1 ± 11.8 years and the average disease duration was 99.1 ± 60.1 months. 2) Patients with SLE, with long disease duration (≥4 years), Raynaud’s phenomenon and elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were more likely to develop digital gangrene, P = 0.006, 0.001, and 0.031, respectively, OR = 1.03 (95% CI 1.01, 1.04), 35.76 (95% CI 4.67, 273.83) and 9.93 (95% CI 1.23, 80.30), respectively. 3) Fifteen gangrene patients started prednisone ≥1 mg/kg/d, and 18 were treated with cyclophosphamide, although 8 cases failed and ultimately received digital amputation. Prompt corticosteroid treatment (prednisone ≥1 mg/kg/d started within 3 weeks) decreased the hazard of amputation, P = 0.073, HR = 0.13 (95% CI 0.01, 1.21). Long disease duration, Raynaud’s phenomenon and elevated serum CRP were independent predictive factors for SLE to develop digital gangrene. Early and aggressive corticosteroid treatment prevented gangrene from progression and improved prognosis.