bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-synonymous sequence variants within the oxygen-dependent degradation domain of the HIF1Agene are not associated with pre-eclampsia in the Finnish population
Authors: Heino Sanna , Kaare Milja , Andersson Sture , Laivuori Hannele
Published: November 2008

Background

Reduced placental perfusion predisposes to the maternal syndrome pre-eclampsia characterized by systemically reduced perfusion. Considerable data support the role of angiogenic factors in the development of the maternal syndrome. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1) mediates the cellular responses to hypoxia e.g. by promoting angiogenesis.

Methods

Here we studied whether two single nucleotide sequence variants, c.1744 C>T that changes residue 582 of HIF-1α from proline to serine (P582S) and c.1762 G>A that changes residue 588 of HIF-1α from alanine to threonine (A588T) in the exon 12 of the HIF1A gene, are associated with pre-eclampsia. We studied 108 women with pre-eclampsia in their first pregnancy, and 101 controls with normotensive pregnancies. Pre-eclampsia was defined as a blood pressure level of at least 140/90 mmHg in a woman who was normotensive before 20 weeks of gestation, and proteinuria at least of 0.3 g per 24-hour urine collection. The patients and controls were genotyped for variations in the exon 12 of HIF1A gene by sequencing

Results

The frequencies of the c.1744 C>T and c.1762G>A sequence variants were not significantly different between women with pre-eclamptic first pregnancies and women with normotensive pregnancies. In addition, two synonymous variants (c.1740G>A and c.1800A>T) were detected at comparable levels in the two groups. All variants were identified in the heterozygous form.

Conclusion

The sequence variants in the exon 12 of the HIF1A gene were not associated with pre-eclampsia in the Finnish population.
Deregulation of histone lysine methyltransferases contributes to oncogenic transformation of human bronchoepithelial cells
Authors: Watanabe Hideo , Soejima Kenzo , Yasuda Hiroyuki , Kawada Ichiro , Nakachi Ichiro , Yoda Satoshi , Naoki Katsuhiko , Ishizaka Akitoshi
Published: November 2008

Background

Alterations in the processing of the genetic information in carcinogenesis result from stable genetic mutations or epigenetic modifications. It is becoming clear that nucleosomal histones are central to proper gene expression and that aberrant DNA methylation of genes and histone methylation plays important roles in tumor progression. To date, several histone lysine methyltransferases (HKMTs) have been identified and histone lysine methylation is now considered to be a critical regulator of transcription. However, still relatively little is known about the role of HKMTs in tumorigenesis.

Results

We observed differential HKMT expression in a lung cancer model in which normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells expressing telomerase, SV40 large T antigen, and Ras were immortal, formed colonies in soft agar, and expressed specific HKMTs for H3 lysine 9 and 27 residues but not for H3 lysine 4 residue. Modifications in the H3 tails affect the binding of proteins to the histone tails and regulate protein function and the position of lysine methylation marks a gene to be either activated or repressed. In the present study, suppression by siRNA of HKMTs (EZH2, G9A, SETDB1 and SUV39H1) that are over-expressed in immortalized and transformed cells lead to reduced cell proliferation and much less anchorage-independent colony growth. We also found that the suppression of H3-K9, G9A and SUV39H1 induced apoptosis and the suppression of H3-K27, EZH2 caused G1 arrest.

Conclusion

Our results indicate the potential of these HKMTs in addition to the other targets for epigenetics such as DNMTs and HDACs to be interesting therapeutic targets.
Bone marrow ectopic expression of a non-coding RNA in childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a novel t(2;11)(q11.2;p15.1) translocation
Authors: Guastadisegni Maria Corsignano , Lonoce Angelo , Impera Luciana , Albano Francesco , D'Addabbo Pietro , Caruso Sebastiano , Vasta Isabella , Panagopoulos Ioannis , Leszl Anna , Basso Giuseppe , Rocchi Mariano , Storlazzi Clelia Tiziana
Published: November 2008

Chromosomal translocations play a crucial role in tumorigenesis, often resulting in the formation of chimeric genes or in gene deregulation through position effects. T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is associated with a large number of such rearrangements. We report the ectopic expression of the 3' portion of EST DA926692 in the bone marrow of a childhood T-ALL case showing a t(2;11)(q11.2;p15.1) translocation as the sole chromosome abnormality. The breakpoints, defined at the sequence level, mapped within HPS5 (Hermansky Pudlak syndrome 5) intron 1 at 11p15.1, and DA926692 exon 2 at 2q11.2. The translocation was accompanied by a submicroscopic inversion that brought the two genes into the same transcriptional orientation. No chimeric trancript was detected. Interestingly, Real-Time Quantitative (RQ)-PCR detected, in the patient's bone marrow, expression of a 173 bp product corresponding to the 3' portion of DA926692. Samples from four T-ALL cases with a normal karyotype and normal bone marrow used as controls were negative. It might be speculated that the juxtaposition of this genomic segment to the CpG island located upstream HPS5 activated DA92669 expression. RQ-PCR analysis showed expression positivity in 6 of 23 human tissues examined. Bioinformatic analysis excluded that this small non-coding RNA is a precursor of micro-RNA, although it is conceivable that it has a different, yet unknown, functional role. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report, in cancer, of the activation of a small non-coding RNA as a result of a chromosomal translocation.
Alterations in candidate genes PHF2, FANCC, PTCH1 and XPA at chromosomal 9q22.3 region: Pathological significance in early- and late-onset breast carcinoma
Authors: Sinha Satyabrata , Singh Ratnesh K , Alam Neyaz , Roy Anup , Roychoudhury Susanta , Panda Chinmay Kumar
Published: November 2008

Introduction

Younger women with breast carcinoma (BC) exhibits more aggressive pathologic features compared to older women; young age could be an independent predictor of adverse prognosis. To find any existing differences in the molecular pathogenesis of BC in both younger and older women, alterations at chromosomal (chr.) 9q22.32-22.33 region were studied owing to its association in wide variety of tumors. Present work focuses on comparative analysis of alterations of four candidate genes; PHF2, FANCC, PTCH1 and XPA located within 4.4 Mb region of the afore-said locus in two age groups of BC, as well as the interrelation and prognostic significance of alterations of these genes.

Methods

Deletion analysis of PHF2, FANCC, PTCH1 and XPA were examined in a subset of 47 early-onset (group-A: ≤ 40 years) and 59 late-onset (group-B: > 40 years) breast carcinomas using both microsatellite and exonic markers. Methylation Sensitive Restriction analysis (MSRA) was done to check for promoter methylation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) and immunohistochemisty (IHC) was done in some genes to see their relative mRNA and protein expressions respectively. Clinico-pathological correlation of different parameters as well as patient survival was calculated using different statistical softwares like EpiInfo 6.04b, SPSS 10.0 etc.

Results

Either age group exhibited high frequency of overall alterations in PHF2, FANCC and PTCH1 compared to XPA. Samples with alteration (deletion/methylation) in these genes showed reduced level of mRNA expression as seen by Q-PCR. Immunohistochemical analysis of FANCC and PTCH1 also supported this observation. Poor patient survival was noted in both age groups having alterations in FANCC. Similar result was also seen with PTCH1 and XPA alterations in group-A and PHF2 alterations in group-B. This reflected their roles as prognostic tools in the respective groups in which they were altered.

Conclusion

Overall alterations of PHF2, FANCC and PTCH1 were comparatively higher than XPA. Differential association of alterations in FANCC and PTCH1 with that of PHF2, XPA and two breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1/BRCA2) in the two age groups suggests differences in their molecular pathogenesis and dysregulation of multiple DNA repair pathways as well as hedgehog dependent stem cell renewal pathway.
The role of leadership in HRH development in challenging public health settings
Authors: Schiffbauer Judith , O'Brien Julie Barrett , Timmons Barbara K , Kiarie William N
Published: November 2008

As part of the special feature on leadership and human resources (HR), Management Sciences for Health profiles three leaders who have made a significance difference in the HR situation in their countries. By taking a comprehensive approach and working in partnership with stakeholders, these leaders demonstrate that strengthening health workforce planning, management, and training can have a positive effect on the performance of the health sector.

Three profiles are presented, from Afghanistan, South Africa, and Southern Sudan, revealing common approaches and leadership traits while demonstrating the specificity of local contexts.
Valvular regurgitation and surgery associated with fenfluramine use: an analysis of 5743 individuals
Authors: Dahl Charles F , Allen Marvin R , Urie Paul M , Hopkins Paul N
Published: November 2008

Background

Use of fenfluramines for weight loss has been associated with the development of characteristic plaques on cardiac valves causing regurgitation. However, previously published studies of exposure to fenfluramines have been limited by relatively small sample size, short duration of follow-up, and the lack of any estimate of the frequency of subsequent valvular surgery. We performed an observational study of 5743 users of fenfluramines examined by echocardiography between July 1997 and February 2004 in a single large cardiology clinic.

Results

The prevalence of at least mild aortic regurgitation (AR) or moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) was 19.6% in women and 11.8% in men (p < 0.0001 for gender difference). Duration of use was strongly predictive of mild or greater AR (p < 0.0001 for trend), MR (p = 0.002), and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) (p < 0.0001), as was earlier scan date (p < 0.0001 for those scanned prior to 1 January 2000 versus later). Increasing age was also independently associated with increased risk of AR and MR (both p < 0.0001). With mean follow-up of 30.3 months, AR worsened in 15.2%, remained the same in 63.1%, and improved in 21.7%. Corresponding values for MR were 24.8%, 47.4% and 27.9%. Pulmonary hypertension was strongly associated with MR but not AR. Valve surgery was performed on 38 patients (0.66% of 5743), 25 (0.44%) with clear evidence of fenfluramine-related etiology.

Conclusion

Regurgitant valvulopathy was common in individuals exposed to fenfluramines, more frequent in females, and associated with duration of use in all valves assessed. Valve surgery was performed as frequently for aortic as mitral valves and some tricuspid valve surgeries were also performed. The incidence of surgery appeared to be substantially increased compared with limited general population data.
Quantitative Real-Time PCR Detection of TRPV1–4 Gene Expression in Human Leukocytes from Healthy and Hyposensitive Subjects
Authors: Spinsanti Giacomo , Zannolli Raffaella , Panti Cristina , Ceccarelli Ilaria , Marsili Letizia , Bachiocco Valeria , Frati Francesco , Aloisi Anna Maria
Published: November 2008

Background:

Besides functioning as chemosensors for a broad range of endogenous and synthetic ligands, transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 1–4 channels have also been related to capsaicin (TRPV1), pain, and thermal stimuli perception, and itching sensation (TRPV1–4). While the expression of the TRPV1–4 genes has been adequately proved in skin, sensory fibres and keratinocytes, less is known about TRPV3 and TRPV4 expression in human blood cells.

Results:

To study the gene expression of TRPV1–4 genes in human leukocytes, a quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) method, based on the calculation of their relative expression, has been developed and validated. The four commonly used house-keeping genes (HKGs), β-Actin (Act-B), glyceraldehyde-3P-dehydrogenase (GAPDH), hypoxanthine ribosyltransferase (HPRT1), and cyclophilin B (hCyPB), were tested for the stability of their expression in several human leukocyte samples, and used in the normalization procedure to determine the mRNA levels of the TRPV 1–4 genes in 30 healthy subjects. cDNAs belonging to all the TRPV1–4 genes were detected in leukocytes but the genes appear to be expressed at different levels. Our analysis did not show significant sex differences in TRPV1–4 cDNA levels in the 30 healthy subjects. The same qRT-PCR assay was used to compare TRPV1–4 expression between healthy controls and patients hyposensitive to capsaicin, pain and thermal stimuli: an almost doubled up-regulation of the TRPV1 gene was found in the pathological subjects.

Conclusion:

The qRT-PCR assay developed and tested in this study allowed us to determine the relative expression of TRPV1–4 genes in human leukocytes: TRPV3 is the least expressed gene of this pool, followed by TRPV4, TRPV1 and TRPV2. The comparison of TRPV1–4 gene expression between two groups of healthy and hyposensitive subjects highlighted the evident up-regulation of TRPV1, which was almost doubly expressed (1.9x normalized fold induction) in the latter group. All the four house-keeping genes tested in this work (Act-B, GAPDH, hCyPB, HPRT1) were classified as optimal controls and showed a constant expression in human leukocytes samples. We recommend the use of these genes in similar qRT-PCR studies on human blood cells.
Integrated Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis with an Application to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Presson Angela P , Sobel Eric M , Papp Jeanette C , Suarez Charlyn J , Whistler Toni , Rajeevan Mangalathu S , Vernon Suzanne D , Horvath Steve
Published: November 2008

Background

Systems biologic approaches such as Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) can effectively integrate gene expression and trait data to identify pathways and candidate biomarkers. Here we show that the additional inclusion of genetic marker data allows one to characterize network relationships as causal or reactive in a chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) data set.

Results

We combine WGCNA with genetic marker data to identify a disease-related pathway and its causal drivers, an analysis which we refer to as "Integrated WGCNA" or IWGCNA. Specifically, we present the following IWGCNA approach: 1) construct a co-expression network, 2) identify trait-related modules within the network, 3) use a trait-related genetic marker to prioritize genes within the module, 4) apply an integrated gene screening strategy to identify candidate genes and 5) carry out causality testing to verify and/or prioritize results. By applying this strategy to a CFS data set consisting of microarray, SNP and clinical trait data, we identify a module of 299 highly correlated genes that is associated with CFS severity. Our integrated gene screening strategy results in 20 candidate genes. We show that our approach yields biologically interesting genes that function in the same pathway and are causal drivers for their parent module. We use a separate data set to replicate findings and use Ingenuity Pathways Analysis software to functionally annotate the candidate gene pathways.

Conclusion

We show how WGCNA can be combined with genetic marker data to identify disease-related pathways and the causal drivers within them. The systems genetics approach described here can easily be used to generate testable genetic hypotheses in other complex disease studies.
Endostatin and anastellin inhibit distinct aspects of the angiogenic process
Authors: Neskey David M , Ambesi Anthony , Pumiglia Kevin M , McKeown-Longo Paula J
Published: November 2008

Background

Endostatin and anastellin, fragments of collagen type XVIII and fibronectin, respectively, belong to a family of endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis which inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in a number of mouse models of human cancer. The mechanism of action of these inhibitors is not well understood, but they have great potential usefulness as non-toxic long-term therapy for cancer treatment.

Methods

In this study, we compare the anti-angiogenic properties of endostatin and anastellin using cell proliferation and transwell migration assays.

Results

Anastellin but not endostatin completely inhibited human dermal microvessel endothelial cell proliferation in response to serum stimulation. Both anastellin and endostatin additively inhibited endothelial cell migration in response to VEGF. Anastellin but not endostatin lowered basal levels of active ERK.

Conclusion

These data indicate that anastellin and endostatin exert their anti-angiogenic effects by modulating distinct steps in the angiogenic pathway and suggest that matrix-derived inhibitors of angiogenesis may exhibit higher efficacy when used in combination.
Impact of Molecular Staging Methods in Primary Melanoma: Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) of Ultrasound-Guided Aspirate of the Sentinel Node Does Not Improve Diagnostic Accuracy, But RT-PCR of Peripheral Blood Does Predict Survival
Authors: Voit Christiane A. , Schäfer-Hesterberg Gregor , Kron Martina , van Akkooi Alexander C.J. , Rademaker Juergen , Lukowsky Ansgar , Schoengen Alfred , Schwürzer-Voit Markus , Sterry Wolfram , Krause Markus , Röwert-Huber Joachim , Eggermont Alexander M.M.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

This study analyzes (1) the value of tyrosinase reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of aspirates obtained by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (US-FNAC) of sentinel nodes (SNs) in patients with melanoma before sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and (2) the value of RT-PCR of blood samples of all SLNB patients.

Patients and Methods

Between 2001 and 2003, 127 patients with melanoma (median Breslow depth, 2.1 mm) underwent SLNB. FNAC was performed in all SNs of all patients pre- and post-SLNB. The aspirates were partly shock-frozen for RT-PCR and were partly used for standard cytology. Peripheral blood was collected at the time of SLNB and at every outpatient visit thereafter.

Results

Thirty-four (23%) of 120 SNs were positive for melanoma. SN involvement was predicted by US-FNAC with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 72%. Additional tyrosinase RT-PCR revealed the same sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 72%. At a median follow-up time of 40 months from first blood sample, peripheral-blood RT-PCR was a significant independent predictor of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS; P < .001).

Conclusion

US-FNAC is highly accurate and eliminates the need for SLNB in 16% of all SLNB patients. RT-PCR of the aspirate or excised SN does not improve sensitivity or specificity. RT-PCR of blood samples predicts DFS and OS.
Temporal requirement of the alternative-splicing factor Sfrs1for the survival of retinal neurons
Authors: Kanadia Rahul N. , Clark Victoria E. , Punzo Claudio , Trimarchi Jeffrey M. , Cepko Constance L.
Published: November 2008

Alternative splicing is the primary mechanism by which a limited number of protein-coding genes can generate proteome diversity. We have investigated the role of the alternative-splicing factor Sfrs1, an arginine/serine-rich (SR)protein family member, during mouse retinal development. Loss of Sfrs1 function during embryonic retinal development had a profound effect, leading to a small retina at birth. In addition, the retina underwent further degeneration in the postnatal period. Loss of Sfrs1 function resulted in the death of retinal neurons that were born during early to mid-embryonic development. Ganglion cells, cone photoreceptors, horizontal cells and amacrine cells were produced and initiated differentiation. However,these neurons subsequently underwent cell death through apoptosis. By contrast, Sfrs1 was not required for the survival of the neurons generated later, including later-born amacrine cells, rod photoreceptors,bipolar cells and Müller glia. Our results highlight the requirement of Sfrs1-mediated alternative splicing for the survival of retinal neurons, with sensitivity defined by the window of time in which the neuron was generated.
Notch signalling coordinates tissue growth and wing fate specification inDrosophila
Authors: Rafel Neus , Milán Marco
Published: November 2008

During the development of a given organ, tissue growth and fate specification are simultaneously controlled by the activity of a discrete number of signalling molecules. Here, we report that these two processes are extraordinarily coordinated in the Drosophila wing primordium, which extensively proliferates during larval development to give rise to the dorsal thoracic body wall and the adult wing. The developmental decision between wing and body wall is defined by the opposing activities of two secreted signalling molecules, Wingless and the EGF receptor ligand Vein. Notch signalling is involved in the determination of a variety of cell fates, including growth and cell survival. We present evidence that growth of the wing primordium mediated by the activity of Notch is required for wing fate specification. Our data indicate that tissue size modulates the activity range of the signalling molecules Wingless and Vein. These results highlight a crucial role of Notch in linking proliferation and fate specification in the developing wing primordium.
Algorithms for exact multi-object muscle wrapping and application to the deltoid muscle wrapping around the humerus
Authors: Marsden S P , Swailes D C , Johnson G R
Published: November 2008

Lines of action of muscle forces imply the function and performance of muscles acting around joints. It is not always possible to determine muscle force lines of action in vivo, and so computational techniques are often used to predict them. It is common to model a muscle as a taut elastic string that follows the shortest geodesic path between attachments over the wrapping geometry. A number of studies have been concerned with wrapping paths over single wrapping objects, and those that have considered more objects have applied the single-object solutions with iterative approaches to the search for a solution. This study presents a more efficient methodology for finding the exact solutions to a certain class of wrapping problems in which the path is constrained by multiple surfaces. It also introduces a more general wrapping technique based on the idea of energy minimization, which has been successfully validated against the exact solution. These methods are applied to the case of an element of the deltoid wrapping around the humerus modelled as a composite sphere—cylinder. Comparison of results with those obtained from approximated single-object solutions demonstrates the need to include correct multi-object wrapping algorithms in biomechanical models.
Vibration exercise for treatment of osteoporosis: A theoretical model
Authors: Aleyaasin M , Harrigan J J
Published: November 2008

Orthopaedic rehabilitation of osteoporosis by muscle vibration exercise is investigated theoretically using Wolff's theory of strain-induced bone ‘remodelling’. The remodelling equation for finite amplitude vibration to be transmitted to the bone via muscle corresponds to a slowly time-varying non-linear dynamic system. This slowly time-varying system is governed by a Riccatti equation with rapidly varying coefficients that oscillate with the frequency of the applied vibration. An averaging technique is used to determine the effective force transmitted to the bone. This force is expressed in terms of the stiffness and damping parameters of the connected muscle. The analytical result predicts that, in order to obtain bone reinforcement, the frequency and amplitude of vibration should not exceed specified levels. Furthermore, low-frequency vibration does not stimulate the bone sufficiently to cause significant remodelling. The theoretical model herein confirms the clinical recommendations regarding vibration exercise and its effects on rehabilitation. In a numerical example, the model predicts that a femur with reduced bone mass as a result of bed rest will be healed completely by vibration consisting of an acceleration of 2 g applied at a frequency of 30 Hz over a period of 250 days.
Thermodynamic requirements for maximum internal combustion engine cycle efficiency. Part 2: Work extraction and reactant preparation strategies
Authors: Teh K-Y , Miller S L , Edwards C F
Published: November 2008

This is the second of a two-part study that examines, from the exergy management standpoint, the fundamental thermodynamic requirements for maximizing internal combustion (IC) engine cycle efficiency. In Part 1, it is shown that the strategy to minimize exergy destroyed due to combustion reduces to carrying out combustion at the highest possible internal energy state. Based on this optimal strategy, the present paper examines the remaining elements of IC engine architecture — reactant preparation and product expansion (work extraction) — from the standpoint of managing the associated exergy flows to improve overall engine efficiency. When considered on its own, work extraction is maximized when the combustion products expand to the environmental dead state, with zero exergy left in the exhaust. However, this optimality condition is mismatched to post-combustion conditions for most fuel—air systems, and manifests as hot exhaust with high exergy even upon expansion to ambient pressure. Several strategies to alleviate the mismatch, via preparation of the fuel—air mixture before combustion commences, are considered: reactant compression, dilution with exhaust or excess air, and heating or cooling. These strategies entail trade-offs between exergy destruction due to combustion, and exergy transfers in the form of work (compression), matter (dilution), or heat transfer. The consequent effects on optimal IC engine cycle efficiency are systematically analysed and catalogued.
An offshore safety system optimization using an SPEA2-based approach
Authors: Riauke J , Bartlett L M
Published: November 2008

A safety system is an essential part of any industrial system as it operates to prevent the occurrence of certain conditions and their future development into a hazardous situation. Failure of such systems may have catastrophic consequences, from small injuries to even death of members of the workforce and public. Therefore, it is imperative to minimize safety system unavailability and also find the balance between its unavailability and other limitations on its operation, e.g. life cycle cost and spurious trip frequency. Hence, a multiobjective optimization of the system design is required. This paper describes a design optimization scheme using multiobjective genetic algorithms (MOGAs) applied to a firewater deluge system (FDS) on an offshore platform, which works to supply water and foam on demand at a controlled pressure to a specific area on the platform, protected by the deluge system.
Optimal protection of complex networks exposed to a terrorist hazard: A multi-objective evolutionary approach
Authors: Salazar A D E , Rocco S C M , Zio E
Published: November 2008

The present paper proposes an approach for prioritizing the protection of a network system exposed to a terrorist attack. The approach is based on a multi-objective optimization (MO) formulation for finding Pareto optimal solutions with respect to two indicators measuring the damage that the attack may cause: the time to reach all network destination nodes (TTRAD) and the average number of persons affected (ANPA). The MO is tackled by means of a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) that combines the basic concepts of dominance with the general characteristics of evolutionary algorithms. Within this optimization scheme, the goodness of each alternative protection scheme is quantified by a combination of cellular automata (CA) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. Numerical examples illustrate how the approach is capable of identifying effective protection schemes.
Efficient extraction of the structure formula from reliability block diagrams with dependent basic events
Authors: Pock M , Walter M
Published: November 2008

Traditional solution methods for fault trees or reliability block diagrams can only be applied as long as the failure and repair events of all components of the system are stochastically independent. In this paper, an efficient algorithm is presented based on binary decision diagram-like data structures that are able to evaluate systems including intercomponent dependencies between arbitrary components. The algorithm, which was integrated into the software package OpenSESAME, is shown to be as good as traditional algorithms for the special case of independent components. The performance of the algorithm in the more general case was empirically analysed using some real-world examples. Very short running times and a moderate memory consumption were observed.
Importance measure on finite time horizon and application to Markovian multistate production systems
Authors: Van P Do , Barros A , Berenguer C
Published: November 2008

The sensitivity analysis or the reliability importance analysis of complex industrial systems aims to identify, in a multiunit structure, which components contribute the most to a variation of the performance criterion. In this paper an importance measure, called the multidirectional sensitivity measure, is considered; it is defined as the derivative of the performance in the direction of one parameter in the direction of a group of parameters (failure and repair rates of components, for example), or in any direction of the transition rates of a Markovian system. It is really a directional derivative in the direction of a vector in the appropriate space. There is a homotopy on the matrices that acts on the parameter space. This contrasts with the approach through components, and is less dependent on the structure or interaction of components than classical Birnbaum importance factors. This importance measure proposed for sensitivity analysis of steady state reliability is developed herein for the transient state. It is also extended and applied to the study of the production capacity of multistate production systems such as manufacturing, production lines, and power generation, which exhibit performances that can settle on different levels depending on the operative conditions of the constitutive components. A simple numerical example is introduced to show why this measure provides an efficient tool to investigate not only the importance of a given component, but also the importance of a class of components, the importance of the maintenance and, more generally, the effect of the simultaneous change of several design parameters.
A Comparison of Two Probability Encoding Methods: Fixed Probability vs. Fixed Variable Values
Authors: Abbas Ali E. , Budescu David V. , Yu Hsiu-Ting , Haggerty Ryan
Published: November 2008

We present the results of an experiment comparing two popular methods for encoding probability distributions of continuous variables in decision analysis: eliciting values of a variable, X, through comparisons with a fixed probability wheel and eliciting the percentiles of the cumulative distribution, F(X), through comparisons with fixed values of the variable. We show slight but consistent superiority for the fixed variable method along several dimensions such as monotonicity, accuracy, and precision of the estimated fractiles. The fixed variable elicitation method was also slightly faster and preferred by most participants. We discuss the reasons for its superiority and conclude with several recommendations for the practice of probability assessment.
Metastable Equilibria
Authors: Govindan Srihari , Wilson Robert
Published: November 2008

Metastability is a refinement of the Nash equilibria of a game derived from two conditions: embedding combines behavioral axioms called invariance and small-worlds, and continuity requires games with nearby best replies to have nearby equilibria. These conditions imply that a connected set of Nash equilibria is metastable if it is arbitrarily close to an equilibrium of every sufficiently small perturbation of the best-reply correspondence of every game in which the given game is embedded as an independent subgame. Metastability satisfies the same decision-theoretic properties as Mertens' stronger refinement called stability. Metastability is characterized by a strong form of homotopic essentiality of the projection map from a neighborhood in the graph of equilibria over the space of strategy perturbations. Mertens' definition differs by imposing homological essentiality, which implies a version of small-worlds satisfying a stronger decomposition property. Mertens' stability and metastability select the same outcomes of generic extensive-form games.
Cranial Nerve Injuries and the Retrojugular Approach in Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Beasley William D , Gibbons Christopher P
Published: November 2008

INTRODUCTION

This is a retrospective case series analysis to compare the incidence of cranial nerve injuries in carotid endarterectomy by the retrojugular and anteromedial approaches.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were extracted from a prospectively collected database. Ninety-one retrojugular carotid endarterectomies were compared with 145 anteromedial carotid endarterectomies. All were performed under local anaesthesia and used the eversion technique. Data were analysed using the chi-squared test.

RESULTS

Nine (3.8%) cases were complicated by cranial nerve injuries. In four cases, multiple nerves were involved. In total, 13 (5.5%) cranial nerves were injured. The affected nerves were: two (0.8%) marginal mandibular, two (0.8%) laryngeal, three (1.2%) accessory and six (2.5%) hypoglossal. There was no statistically significant difference in total or specific cranial nerve injuries between the two surgical approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of cranial nerve injuries was similar following either the retrojugular or anteromedial approach. Accessory nerve injuries were only seen in the retrojugular approach but this did not reach statistical significance.
Interprofessional Relationships between Orthopaedic and Podiatric Surgeons in the UK
Authors: Isaac A , Gwilym SE , Reilly IN , Kilmartin TE , Ribbans WJ
Published: November 2008

INTRODUCTION

The first comprehensive report on the interprofessional relationships between foot and ankle surgeons in the UK is presented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to orthopaedic surgeons with membership of the British Foot and Ankle Surgery Society (BOFAS), orthopaedic surgeons not affiliated to the specialist BOFAS and podiatrists specialising in foot surgery. The questionnaire was returned by 77 (49%) of the BOFAS orthopaedic consultant surgeons, 66 (26%) of non-foot and ankle orthopaedic consultant surgeons and 99 (73%) of the podiatric surgeons.

RESULTS

While most respondents have experience of surgeons working in the other specialty in close geographical proximity, the majority do not believe that this has adversely affected their referral base. The experience of podiatrists of the outcomes of orthopaedic surgery has been more positive than orthopaedic surgeons of podiatric interventions. Podiatrists are more welcoming of future orthopaedic involvement in future foot and ankle services than in reverse. However, there are a sizeable number of surgeons in both professions who would like to see closer professional liaisons. The study has identified clear divisions between the professions but has highlighted areas where there is a desire from many clinicians to work more harmoniously together, such as in education, training and research.

CONCLUSIONS

While major concerns exist over issues such as surgery by non-registered medical practitioners and the suitable spectrum of surgery for each profession, many surgeons, in both professions, are willing to provide training for juniors in both specialties and there is a wish to have closer working relationships and common educational and research opportunities than exists at present.
Patterns of Referral for Fractured Nose During Major Sporting Events
Authors: Rollin Matthew
Published: November 2008

INTRODUCTION

Fractured nose is a common acute ENT diagnosis, most often sustained in adults as a result of violent trauma. Patients will commonly present within 24 h of injury, and attend the out-patient clinic 7 days later for assessment. An unusual pattern of referrals began to emerge during 2006.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Referral patterns covering the period 2003–2006 were analysed for two London ENT centres.

RESULTS

The data show a statistically-unusual peak of referral for fractured nose intensity coinciding with the FIFA World Cup 2006.

CONCLUSIONS

If a causal link is to be suggested between the sociological aspects of major international sporting contests and violent injury, it will be interesting to repeat the analysis in subsequent years, to gain an insight into whether 2006 was an isolated example, or part of a wider trend.
Totally Implantable Venous Access Devices – 20 Years' Experience of Implantation in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Royle T James , Davies Ruth E , Gannon Mark X
Published: November 2008

INTRODUCTION

Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are widely used to provide long-term, central venous access for antibiotic delivery in cystic fibrosis patients. However, few studies have demonstrated long-term follow-up with large cohorts.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective review of TIVADs implanted in cystic fibrosis patients by vascular surgeons at a tertiary referral centre, using an open venous cut-down technique, from March 1986 to July 2006. The cephalic vein was preferentially chosen for line placement, in the deltopectoral groove, under fluoroscopic control. TIVAD performance (life-span or survival) and complications were evaluated. Data were extracted by review of a local database (data collated prospectively since 1986), with supplementation from electronic patient records and medical notes.

RESULTS

In total 165 TIVADs in 109 patients (34 males, 75 females) were reviewed. Median survival was 1441 days (range, 6–4440 days). Cumulative patency was 146,072 catheter-days. No immediate intrathoracic complications (pneumothorax, haemothorax, nerve injury) occurred. There were 3 early and 82 late complications, namely: occlusion (33 TIVADs; median age 510 days), infection (23 TIVADs; median 376 days), leakage (16; median 283 days), pain or discomfort (6), venous thrombosis (5), extravasation/skin necrosis (1), vegetation in right atrium (1). Overall incidence of complications was 0.58 per 1000 catheter-days.

CONCLUSIONS

This study concurs with others that TIVADs are safe and effective, with a favourable life-span in cystic fibrosis patients if well looked after in a specialist centre. Complications of infection, leakage and occlusion do occur. Using an open, venous cut-down technique with fluoroscopic control avoids any immediate intrathoracic complications.
Fact or Infection: Do Surgical Trainees Know Enough About Infection Control?
Authors: Brady RRW , McDermott C , Gibb AP , Paterson-Brown S
Published: November 2008

INTRODUCTION

There exists a high level of non-compliance with basic infection control measures by medical staff. One explanation may be a lack of familiarity with contemporary infection control guidelines. As surgical trainees represent a key group of stakeholders responsible for the delivery of recommended infection control practice, we assessed knowledge of infection control guidelines amongst current UK surgical trainees.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Without warning, during the annual meeting of the UK Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT), participating surgical trainees were asked to complete a questionnaire examining their basic knowledge of infection control and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) based on recently published guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 52 trainees (13 higher surgical trainees [HSTs]; 39 basic surgical trainees [BSTs]) returned completed questionnaires in the study. BSTs demonstrated a higher level of knowledge of infection control, outperforming the HSTs in 7 out of 11 questions. Of surgical trainees, 61.5% were misinformed regarding the prevalence of MRSA blood-stream infections and 69% were unaware of policies for transfer of MRSA-positive patients. Analysis revealed areas of concern in regards to an adequate general level of knowledge of infection control in surgical trainees, particularly in some key areas.

CONCLUSIONS

To ensure patient safety and reduce hospital-acquired infections, it is vital that focused, co-ordinated programmes of education, in this rapidly changing field, are prioritised and formalised into surgical training, selection and assessment.
Reproduction of Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome in Pigs by Prenatal Porcine Circovirus 2 Infection and Postnatal Porcine Parvovirus Infection or Immunostimulation
Authors: Ha Y. , Lee Y. H. , Ahn K.-K. , Kim B. , Chae C.
Published: November 2008

Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) was reproduced in prenatally porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2)-infected pigs by either postnatal infection with porcine parvovirus (PPV) or by immunostimulation. Twenty-four randomly selected piglets from 3 sows, which had been experimentally infected during gestation with PCV2, were randomly divided into 3 groups; group 1 (prenatal PCV2 infection, with postnatal PPV infection), group 2 (prenatal PCV2 infection, with postnatal keyhole limpet hemocyanin, emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant [KLH/ICFA] injection), and group 3 (prenatal PCV2 infection only). Twenty-four randomly selected piglets from 3 uninfected sows were randomly divided into 3 groups; group 4 (no prenatal infection, with postnatal PCV2 and PPV infection), group 5 (no prenatal infection, with postnatal PCV2 infection), and group 6 (negative control pigs). Body weight in negative control pigs (group 6) was increased significantly compared with pigs in groups 1, 2, and 4 at 49, 52, 56, 59, and 63 days of age. The granulomatous inflammatory reaction and lymphoid depletion that are typical lesions in pigs with PMWS were observed in the lymph node of piglets in groups 1, 2, and 4 at 63 days of age. Pigs in group 3 had significantly fewer PCV2-positive cells than those from groups 1,2,4, or 5. When the prenatally PCV2-infected pigs were infected with PPV or injected with immunostimulant in the postnatal period, they developed PMWS. Thus, factors that potentiate the progression of prenatal PCV2 infection to PMWS are postnatal infection with PPV or immune stimulation.
Cutaneous Rhabdoid Tumor in a Cat
Authors: Izawa T. , Yamate J. , Takeda S. , Kumagai D. , Kuwamura M.
Published: November 2008

Rhabdoid tumor is a highly aggressive neoplasm of unknown cellular origin in humans, usually occurring in the kidney and central nervous system of infants or children. In older patients, it occurs rarely in other organs, including the skin and soft tissues. A subcutaneous mass in a 13-year-old male mixed-breed cat was composed of nests or sheets of round to polygonal cells with glassy eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions. Immunohistochemically, many neoplastic cells expressed vimentin, localized to the cytoplasmic inclusions, whereas the cytoplasm of some neoplastic cells was diffusely positive for neuron-specific enolase, neurofilament, or S-100 protein. By electron microscopy, the cytoplasmic inclusions were found to be composed of aggregates of intermediate filaments. These findings are quite similar to the histologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of human rhabdoid tumors and the few rhabdoid tumors reported in animals.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Efficacy of Disgust Exposure Techniques in a Subclinical Population With Blood and Injection Fears
Authors: Hirai Michiyo , Cochran Heather M. , Meyer Jennifer S. , Butcher Jennifer L. , Vernon Laura L. , Meadows Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2008

The current study examined whether a traditional exposure-based treatment for blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia would be effective at reducing disgust responses to BII stimuli and whether the addition of modules targeting disgust would provide incremental efficacy. Participants, many of whom reported subclinical BII phobia symptoms, underwent one of two single-session exposure protocols, one targeting fear alone, and the other targeting both fear and disgust. Both treatments consisted of education components (fear-only or fear-disgust) and in vivo exposure (fear-only or fear-disgust). Both the fear-only and the fear-disgust treatment groups significantly decreased fear and avoidance behaviour toward BII stimuli over time. The two groups also experienced similar reductions in disgust responses to BII-related stimuli and global as well as domain-specific disgust sensitivity. The effect sizes indicated that the fear-disgust group evidenced greater reduction in symptoms than did the fear-only group. The implications of the results for models of phobia maintenance and treatment are discussed.
The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation: Changes in Emotional States of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Authors: Schreiner Istvan , Malcolm James P.
Published: November 2008

The research investigated the effect of mindfulness meditation on the emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, we explored whether people with varying severity of depression, anxiety, and stress responded differently to mindfulness training. In order to investigate these questions, participants (n = 50) completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, 21-item version (DASS-21) before and after a 10-week mindfulness meditation program. As predicted, the severity levels of all affective measures have decreased by the end of the meditation course. Participants with severe emotional difficulties at the time of commencing the meditation course demonstrated the most notable improvement over time. These results suggest that mindfulness training is beneficial in reducing the symptoms of subclinical depression and anxiety and can substantially reduce stress. Attentional retraining and self-management aspects of mindfulness meditation, as well as relevant methodological issues are discussed.
Book Reviews
Authors: Irving Adam , Curtis Jack , Dillon Mike , Larke-Walsh Dr G.S , Andersson Lars Gustaf , Starkman Ruth , Wiatr Elizabeth
Published: November 2008

Action Speaks Louder: Violence, Spectacle, and the American Action Movie, Eric Lichtenfeld, (2007) Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press, 400 pp., ISBN 0819568015 (pbk), $24.95; ISBN 0275980545 (hbk), $43.95

Erich Wolfgang Korngold's The
Adventures of Robin Hood: A Film Score Guide, Ben Winters, (2007) Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 208 pp., ISBN 13-978-0-8108-5888-6 (pbk), $27.95

The Matrix Trilogy: Cyberpunk Reloaded, Stacy Gillis (ed.), (2005) London and New York: Wallflower Press, 195 pp.,
ISBN 1904764320 (pbk), $25.00; ISBN 1904764339 (hbk), $75.00

Feminist Auteurs: Reading Women's Films, Geetha Ramanathan, (2006) London: Wallflower Press, 239 pp., ISBN 1904764699 (pbk), $25.00; ISBN 1904764703 (hbk), $80.00

The Unsilvered
Screen: Surrealism on Film, Graeme Harper and Rob Stone (eds), (2007) London: Wallflower Press, 256 pp., ISBN 978-1-904764-86-1 (pbk), 16.99; ISBN 978-1-904764-87-8 (hbk), 45.00

Leni: The Life and Work of Leni Riefenstahl, Steven Bach, (2007) New York: Knopf, 400 pp.,
ISBN-10: 0375404007 (hbk), $30.00

F is for Phony: Fake Documentary and Truth's Undoing, Alexandra Juhasz and Jesse Lerner (eds), (2006) Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, Visible Evidence Series, vol. 17, 244 pp., ISBN 08116642516 (pbk), $20.00, ISBN
0816642508 (hbk), $60.00