bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extra- and intracellular innate immune recognition in endothelial cells
Authors: Hippenstiel Stefan , Eitel Julia , Suttorp Norbert , Opitz Bastian
Published: July 2007

The innate immune system represents the principal sensor of infections in multicellular organisms and might also mediate responses to some endogenous molecules. In this context, endothelial cells are among the first cells coming into contact with microbial or endogenous (danger-associated) molecules or whole pathogens entering the bloodstream. Since many bacteria and viruses invade the endothelium, endothelial cells are equipped with both extracellular and cytosolic surveillance systems capable of sensing microbial components, and endogenous danger-associated molecules. The receptor molecules, called pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), are classified as transmembrane or cytosolic molecules. While the transmembrane PRRs recognize extracellular and membrane-enclosed foreign organisms, the cytosolic PRRs appear to sense intracellular infections. Here we focus on both PRR classes in general, and outline the current knowledge of extra- and intracellular pattern recognition in endothelial cells and its potential role in vascular diseases and sepsis.
The risk of venous and arterial thrombosis in hyperhomocysteinaemia is low and mainly depends on concomitant thrombophilic defects
Authors: Coppens Michiel , van de Poel Marlène , Middeldorp Saskia , Hamulyák Karly , Bank Ivan , Veeger Nic , Prins Martin , Büller Harry , van der Meer Jan , Lijfering Willem
Published: July 2007

As homocysteine-lowering treatment has not reduced the risk of recurrent thrombosis in recent clinical trials, we hypothesized that mild hyperhomocysteinaemia is an epiphenomenon or associated with a low absolute risk of thrombosis. In this retrospective study, we enrolled 478 evaluable first-degree relatives of consecutive patients with venous thrombosis or premature atherosclerosis, and hyperhomocysteinemia. Absolute risks of thrombosis and effects of concomitant thrombophilic defects were compared. Relative risks were adjusted for clustering in families, age, sex, and atherosclerotic risk factors, where appropriate. Annual incidence of venous thrombosis was 0.16% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08–0.30) in hyperhomocysteinemic relatives versus 0.11% (CI, 0.05–0.20) in normohomocysteinemic relatives; adjusted relative risk 1.6 (CI, 0.6–4.5). Annual incidences of arterial thrombosis were 0.34% (CI, 0.21–0.52) and 0.24% (CI, 0.15–0.37) in hyperhomocysteinemic and normohomocysteinemic relatives, respectively; adjusted relative risk 1.5 (CI, 0.6–3.5). Concomitance of multiple thrombophilic risk factors increased the risk of venous thrombosis in hyperhomocysteinemic relatives 20 fold, but a comparable effect was demonstrated in normohomocysteinemic relatives. We conclude that hyperhomocysteinaemia is associated with a low absolute risk of venous and arterial thrombosis. Concomitant thrombophilic defects are probably main determinants on the risk of venous thrombosis, rather than hyperhomocysteinaemia itself.
CREB binding to the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 responsive elements in the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 promoter mediates the glucagon effect
Authors: Dimova Elitsa , Jakubowska Malgorzata , Kietzmann Thomas
Published: July 2007

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) controls the regulation of the fibrinolytic system in blood by inhibiting both urokinase-type and tissue-type plasminogen activators. Enhanced levels of PAI-1 are related to pathological conditions associated with hypoxia or hyperinsulinemia. In this study, we investigated the regulation of PAI-1 expression by glucagon and the cAMP/ PKA/CREB signalling pathway in the liver. Stimulation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB signalling cascade by starvation in vivo or glucagon in vitro induced PAI-1 gene expression in liver. Furthermore, this response was associated with enhanced phosphorylation of CREB. By using EMSAs we found that three promoter elements, the HRE2, E-box 4 and E-box 5, were able to bind CREB but only the HRE2 and E5 appeared to be functionally active. Reporter gene assays confirmed that cAMP induced PAI-1 gene transcription via the same element in both human and rat promoters. Interestingly, although the HRE2 was involved, the glucagon/cAMP pathway had no influence on hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) mRNA and protein levels. Thus, CREB binding to the HIF-1 responsive elements in PAI-1 promoter mediates the glucagon effect in the liver.
Attenuated Expression of Profilin-1 Confers Protection From Atherosclerosis in the LDL Receptor–Null Mouse
Authors: Romeo Giulio R. , Moulton Karen S. , Kazlauskas Andrius
Published: July 2007

Atherosclerosis-related events are a major cause of morbidity and death worldwide, but the mechanisms underlying atherogenesis are not fully understood. We showed in previous studies that the actin-binding protein profilin-1 (pfn) was upregulated in atherosclerotic plaques and in endothelial cells (ECs) treated with oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL). The present study addressed the role of pfn in atheroma formation. To this end, mice with heterozygous deficiency of pfn,
Pfn
+/−
, were crossed with
Ldlr
−/−
mice. After 2 months under a 1.25% cholesterol atherogenic diet,
Pfn
+/−
Ldlr
−/−
(PfnHet) exhibited a significant reduction in lesion burden compared with
Ldlr
−/−
control mice (PfnWT), whereas total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were similar in the 2 groups. Relevant atheroprotective changes were identified in PfnHet. When compared with PfnWT, aortas from PfnHet mice showed preserved endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent signaling, and reduced vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 expression and macrophage accumulation at lesion-prone sites. Similarly, knockdown of pfn in cultured aortic ECs was protective against endothelial dysfunction triggered by oxLDL. Finally, bone marrow–derived macrophages from PfnHet showed blunted internalization of oxLDL and oxLDL-induced inflammation. These studies demonstrate that pfn levels modulate processes critical for early atheroma formation and suggest that pfn heterozygosity confers atheroprotection through combined endothelial- and macrophage-dependent mechanisms.
The Settlement of Disputes Concerning States Arising From the Application of the Statute of the International Criminal Court: Balancing Sovereignty and the Need for an Effective and Independent ICC
Authors: Ochoa S. Juan Carlos
Published: July 2007

The tension between State sovereignty and the need of international criminal tribunals to have sufficient powers for functioning effectively and independently permeates the provisions on the settlement of disputes contained within the ICC Statute. In contrast to the Statutes and the case-law of the ad hoc international criminal tribunals, the ICC Statute gives considerable weight to States Party's sovereignty. In particular, the power of the ICC to settle any dispute concerning its judicial functions under Article 119, paragraph 1, of its Statute is weakened in the area of States Party's cooperation where the provisions of Part 9 of the Statute of that court, in addition to grant those States several possibilities for denying requests for cooperation, remain to a large extent ambiguous as to whether the ICC can scrutinise the grounds for such denials. Yet, it is submitted that the ICC Statute as a whole provides the ICC with sufficient bases to assert such a power. This contribution also casts some light on the relationship between the ICC and States non-party to its Statute from the perspective of the rules on dispute settlement laid down in that international instrument and general international law.
A Hope for the Future? Prosecuting Crimes Against Humanity in Russia's Courts
Authors: Orlova Alexandra
Published: July 2007

The abuses of Chechen civilians by Russian federal forces and pro-Kremlin Chechen security forces have once again attracted international attention. This article discusses some of the legal and social difficulties that make the prosecution of disappearances and other abuses against Chechen civilians virtually impossible under the rubric of crimes against humanity in Russian domestic courts. Such prosecutions are imperative, however, if the goal is to truly "normalize" the situation in Chechnya and to prevent the spread of terrorist activity within and outside of the Chechen borders.
Huguenots, Jesuits and Tyrants: Notes on the Vindiciae contra Tyrannos in Early Modern England
Authors: Tutino Stefania
Published: July 2007

The first edition of the Vindiciae contra Tyrannos was published in 1579. In 1690 a pamphlet entitled Political Aphorisms was printed: this work, constructed by mixing entire passages from the Huguenot text and John Locke's first and second Treatise of government, presented a radical and secular theory of government as a contract between governors and governed. In this essay I want to explain the genesis of Political Aphorisms, or, in other words, I seek to elucidate part of the story of the Vindiciae contra Tyrannos in early modern England. More specifically, I argue that in order to understand the complexity and the problematic character of the French text in the English context scholars need to take into account the role of Catholic political thought. Catholic political theorists, in fact, appropriated for themselves many of the arguments put forward by the Huguenot author, and used them to undermine, in theory as well as in practice, the authority of the English sovereign. Understanding the role of English and European Catholic political thought can offer important insight into the current historiographical debate over the secular character of the theory of contract expressed in the Huguenot pamphlet.
Renal Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Ibandronate in Multiple Myeloma Patients With or Without Impaired Renal Function
Authors: Bergner Raoul , Henrich Dirk M. , Hoffmann Martin , Honecker Andrea , Mikus Gerd , Nauth Bettina , Nagel Dietmar , Uppenkamp Michael
Published: July 2007

In this open‐label study, the authors assessed the pharmacokinetics and safety of ibandronate in patients with multiple myeloma and varying renal function. Renal deterioration was graded at baseline depending on creatinine clearance in 4 stages (0: >80; 1: 50–79; 2: 30–49, and 3: <30 mL/min). Patients (n = 40) received intravenous ibandronate 6 mg (30‐minute infusion). Ibandronate excretion and serum levels were measured over 24 hours. Serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and markers of tubular damage were monitored before ibandronate infusion and at 24 and 72 hours following ibandronate infusion. Ibandronate clearance, AUC0‐24, AUC0‐∞, serum t1/2, and Cmax were calculated. There was a significant positive correlation between ibandronate clearance and creatinine clearance (r = 0.858; P < .00001). The AUC for grade 3 renal insufficiency increased by ∼60% versus grade 0 (P < .01) but was not significantly different between other grades of renal function. The t1/2 did not increase significantly, and peak serum levels of ibandronate were similar for the 4 grades of renal function. Serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and markers of tubular damage did not change significantly within 72 hours of ibandronate infusion. Despite renal function already being compromised in this patient group, there was no evidence of acute nephrotoxicity with ibandronate.
The City as a Chemical System? The Chemist as Urban Environmental Professional in France and Britain, 1780—1880
Authors: Hamlin Christopher
Published: July 2007

Drawing on recent interest in the environmental impacts of cities, and in the urban metabolism, this article examines efforts in late-eighteenth-century France and mid-nineteenth-century Britain to understand cities primarily as chemical systems, and accordingly, to see urban management as properly the province of the chemist. Drawing on historical-sociological studies of professionalization, the article also contrasts the failure of chemists to acquire cognitive authority over the city with the greater degrees of success of other professions: architecture; engineering; medicine; and the practitioners of the new entity, “urban planning,” which came into existence at the end of the nineteenth century.
Reducing Out-of-Community Placement and Recidivism
Authors: Sullivan Christopher J. , Veysey Bonita M. , Hamilton Zachary K. , Grillo Michele
Published: July 2007

For a number of reasons, researchers and policy makers are now focusing on diversion of youth from the juvenile justice system. This study examines New York State's diversion efforts focused on youth with mental health and substance abuse problems who are at risk of out-of-community placement ( N = 2,309). Twelve counties participated in the Mental Health Juvenile Justice (MH/JJ) Diversion Project. Overall, the initiative was successful in reducing out-of-community placement and recidivism for diverted youth. In regression analysis site, services received, and problem-profile variables were important predictors of out-of-community placement. Prior record, prior placement, and significant mental health problems were statistically significant predictors of recidivism. This suggests some contrasts in explaining the results of two important goals of the MH/JJ project. Study results and implications for future research and intervention are discussed.
Sociolinguistic and Psycholinguistic Indications of Behavior Disorders
Authors: Timor Uri , Weiss Joshua M.
Published: July 2007

Human verbal language communicates both manifest and latent messages concerning the speaker's world and behavior. To understand his world and analyze his problems,1 it is important to decode the latent messages as they may hint at the root causes. The authors present a discourse analysis of a prisoner's text and a semantic and morphological analysis of it. This text reflects contempt for the law and its representatives, together with a weak attachment to legitimate society, neutralization of personal responsibility, denial of guilt, and low self-esteem. Sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic analysis points toward a more profound evaluation of the perceptions and world of the speaker. It seems that he yearns for attachment, for understanding and social acceptance, and perhaps even to abandon crime. The prisoner's latent feelings of helplessness and fear of humiliation may help the therapist establish a therapeutic relationship and help him change his perceptions and behavior.
A Comparative Analysis of Media Reports of U.S. Parricide Cases With Officially Reported National Crime Data and the Psychiatric and Psychological Literature
Authors: Heide Kathleen M. , Boots Denise Paquette
Published: July 2007

This article is a content analysis of 150 unique cases of children killing parents in the United States as reported in the electronic news media. The accuracy of online coverage of U.S. parricide incidents is assessed using two types of resources: officially reported national statistics on known parricidal incidents and the psychological and psychiatric literature on matricide and patricide. Comparisons of news accounts of media-reported U.S. parricide cases with Supplementary Homicide Report data indicate that electronic media coverage of parricide cases focused on the more sensational and unusual parricides. Analyses of these media accounts by offender age found 13 significant differences between juvenile and adult offenders. Ten of these 13 differences related to motive and Heide's parricide offender types (severely abused, severely mentally ill, and dangerously antisocial) and were consistent with the mental health—related literature in this area. The limitations and directions for future research are discussed at length.
We Are Who We Teach
Authors: Pearce Jone L.
Published: July 2007

It is argued that teaching is more important to shared understanding of management and organizations than scholars acknowledge. Teaching has been ignored in discussions of scholars' intellectual enterprise, in part, because of a practicality that violates Romantic Era ideals of intellectuals as otherworldly and pure. Yet teachers in conversation with their students have always been central to how students learn and develop their ideas. In the case of management professors, who they teach (students with management experience), the institutional context in which they teach them (tuition-dependent and rankings-focused university business schools), and the publishing industry (increasingly focused on lower-division books for teenagers) are as much causes of the fractured visage of management scholarship as are any actions of the field's elites. Implications for action include more open conversations about how MBA teaching influences our intellectual work and the development of coherent books for experienced adult students.
Don't Move Until You See It
Authors: Cowan David A.
Published: July 2007

Searching for Bobby Fischer is an exemplary film for showcasing multiple kinds of learning, ways of knowing, and levels of excellence. Key players in the film engage in lively interplay among analytical, practical, and creative streams of intelligence. Using examples and analogies from the film, the author distinguishes between the relatively focused prowess of intellectual mastery, and the more inclusive, enriched perspective of intellectual maturity. Together these align to support the film's keynote advice, “Don't move until you see it.” By discussing this advice in relation to various professional experiences and observations, the author argues for the importance of intellectual maturity as a vital component of professional development. To help clarify the argument, he includes metaphorical support from the art of warfare. The resultant message signifies the importance of both intellectual mastery and maturity, but suggests that intellectual maturity is frequently marginalized or excluded.
Buffering or Strengthening: The Moderating Effect of Self-Efficacy on Stressor—Strain Relationship
Authors: Dong Xie
Published: July 2007

This study investigated the moderating effect of self-efficacy on stressor—strain relationship among 30 telephone interviewers in an academic survey research center. Participants filled out measures of the Skills Confidence Inventory and the Scale of Perceived Social Self-Efficacy. They reported their state anxiety and recorded the number of refusals at the middle and the end of a 4-hr work shift. Significant relationships were found between the number of refusals and interviewer-reported state anxiety at the middle and the end of the shift. Results suggested that perceived social self-efficacy tended to buffer such a relationship at the middle of the shift but strengthen the relationship at the end of the shift. Enterprising confidence also tended to strengthen the relationship at the end of shift. Results were discussed in terms of outcome expectancy and cognitive dissonance. Direction for future research was also discussed.
Assessing Research Self-Efficacy in Physician-Scientists: The Clinical Research APPraisal Inventory
Authors: Mullikin Elizabeth A. , Bakken Lori L. , Betz Nancy E.
Published: July 2007

Between 1980 and 1993, only 19% of medical school graduates chose faculty appointments with research responsibilities. Women and minorities represent only a small fraction of these, despite their growing numbers. The authors' goal is to study the effects of human agency, particularly self-efficacy, on the career development of physician researchers, especially women and people of color; therefore, we developed a reliable and valid inventory for assessing clinical research self-efficacy in a population of physicians training for clinical research careers. Scale items were pooled from expert knowledge, relevant literature, and existing inventories to create a 92-item Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory that was factor analyzed and refined to include 88 items. Although instruments have been developed to successfully assess research self-efficacy, this is the first instrument designed to assess self-efficacy in the clinical research domain using a population of academic physicians.
The Spectacularized Penis
Authors: Stephens Elizabeth
Published: July 2007

Feminist critics have often remarked on the striptease of appearance and disappearance by which the phallus both determines dominant cultural assumptions about sexuality and corporeality while simultaneously effacing the specificity of the penis. Through an examination of contemporary representations of the penis in the popular media—such as the media coverage of the Bobbitt trial, The Puppetry of the Penis stage show, the freak-show performer Mr Lifto, and the work of Cynthia Plastercaster—this article elucidates the mechanisms of effacement by which the specificity of the physical penis is obscured by a phallic ideal. In bringing the relationship between phallus and penis into focus, this article aims to challenge a number of important critical assumptions about the structure and operation of phallocentrism. Contrary to the widespread assumption that the phallic male body represents a rigidly stable and self-contained corporeality, in this paper I will argue that it is precisely the phallic penis which opens the male body to the possibility of transformation and otherness.
Modeling the Determinants of a Professional Golfer's Tournament Earnings
Authors: Callan Scott J. , Thomas Janet M.
Published: July 2007

Studies examining the determinants of success in professional golf constitute a relatively new and growing literature. Based on the consistency of empirical findings, there is little debate that certain shot-making skills influence a golfer's score and hence tournament earnings. However, the theoretical development of a player's production function in support of empirical specifications is lacking in the literature. Moreover, virtually all studies specify single-equation models that assume a direct relationship between performance and skill, an approach recently questioned in the literature. In response, this research develops a structural model of a professional golfer's tournament success and uses a multiequation framework to estimate the determinants of a player's season-ending earnings. Using this framework, estimates of the value of the marginal product for each shot-making skill are determined and found to be markedly different from those derived from single-equation models.
Sir William Osler, the Bibliotheca Osleriana and the creation of a history of medicine collection
Authors: McNally Peter F. , Brown Glenn , Savard Nicolas
Published: July 2007

In addition to being the most famous English-speaking physician of his time, Sir William Osler (1849–1919) was an important bookman. After completing an illustrious medical career in Canada and the United States, he became Regius Professor at Oxford University where he formed an outstanding History of Medicine collection, bequeathed to McGill University, Montreal, Canada. This study considers Osler's qualities as a collector and bibliographer. Also considered is the role of his bibliographic executors in successfully completing the compilation and publication of the collection's catalogue, Bibliotheca Osleriana.
Glutathione S-transferase omega in the lung and sputum supernatants of COPD patients
Authors: Harju Terttu H , Peltoniemi Mirva J , Rytilä Paula H , Soini Ylermi , Salmenkivi Kaisa M , Board Philip G , Ruddock Lloyd W , Kinnula Vuokko L
Published: July 2007

Background

The major contribution to oxidant related lung damage in COPD is from the oxidant/antioxidant imbalance and possibly impaired antioxidant defence. Glutathione (GSH) is one of the most important antioxidants in human lung and lung secretions, but the mechanisms participating in its homeostasis are partly unclear. Glutathione-S-transferase omega (GSTO) is a recently characterized cysteine containing enzyme with the capability to bind and release GSH in vitro. GSTO has not been investigated in human lung or lung diseases.

Methods

GSTO1-1 was investigated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis in 72 lung tissue specimens and 40 sputum specimens from non-smokers, smokers and COPD, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in plasma from healthy non-smokers and smokers. It was also examined in human monocytes and bronchial epithelial cells and their culture mediums in vitro.

Results

GSTO1-1 was mainly expressed in alveolar macrophages, but it was also found in airway and alveolar epithelium and in extracellular fluids including sputum supernatants, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, plasma and cell culture mediums. The levels of GSTO1-1 were significantly lower in the sputum supernatants (p = 0.023) and lung homogenates (p = 0.003) of COPD patients than in non-smokers.

Conclusion

GSTO1-1 is abundant in the alveolar macrophages, but it is also present in extracellular fluids and in airway secretions, the levels being decreased in COPD. The clinical significance of GSTO1-1 and its role in regulating GSH homeostasis in airway secretions, however, needs further investigations.
Improving gene set analysis of microarray data by SAM-GS
Authors: Dinu Irina , Potter John D , Mueller Thomas , Liu Qi , Adewale Adeniyi J , Jhangri Gian S , Einecke Gunilla , Famulski Konrad S , Halloran Philip , Yasui Yutaka
Published: July 2007

Background

Gene-set analysis evaluates the expression of biological pathways, or a priori defined gene sets, rather than that of individual genes, in association with a binary phenotype, and is of great biologic interest in many DNA microarray studies. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) has been applied widely as a tool for gene-set analyses. We describe here some critical problems with GSEA and propose an alternative method by extending the individual-gene analysis method, Significance Analysis of Microarray (SAM), to gene-set analyses (SAM-GS).

Results

Using a mouse microarray dataset with simulated gene sets, we illustrate that GSEA gives statistical significance to gene sets that have no gene associated with the phenotype (null gene sets), and has very low power to detect gene sets in which half the genes are moderately or strongly associated with the phenotype (truly-associated gene sets). SAM-GS, on the other hand, performs very well. The two methods are also compared in the analyses of three real microarray datasets and relevant pathways, the diverging results of which clearly show advantages of SAM-GS over GSEA, both statistically and biologically. In a microarray study for identifying biological pathways whose gene expressions are associated with p53 mutation in cancer cell lines, we found biologically relevant performance differences between the two methods. Specifically, there are 31 additional pathways identified as significant by SAM-GS over GSEA, that are associated with the presence vs. absence of p53. Of the 31 gene sets, 11 actually involve p53 directly as a member. A further 6 gene sets directly involve the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, 3 involve the cell-cycle machinery, and 3 involve cytokines and/or JAK/STAT signaling. Each of these 12 gene sets, then, is in a direct, well-established relationship with aspects of p53 signaling. Of the remaining 8 gene sets, 6 have plausible, if less well established, links with p53.

Conclusion

We conclude that GSEA has important limitations as a gene-set analysis approach for microarray experiments for identifying biological pathways associated with a binary phenotype. As an alternative statistically-sound method, we propose SAM-GS. A free Excel Add-In for performing SAM-GS is available for public use.
Effect of antioxidants on knee cartilage and bone in healthy, middle-aged subjects: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Hodge Allison M , Wluka Anita E , English Dallas R , Giles Graham G , O'Sullivan Richard , Forbes Andrew , Cicuttini Flavia M
Published: July 2007

The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of dietary antioxidants on knee structure in a cohort of healthy, middle-aged subjects with no clinical knee osteoarthritis.

Two hundred and ninety-three healthy adults (mean age = 58.0 years, standard deviation = 5.5) without knee pain or knee injury were selected from an existing community-based cohort. The intake of antioxidant vitamins and food sources by these individuals was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. The cartilage volume, bone area, cartilage defects and bone marrow lesions were assessed approximately 10 years later using magnetic resonance imaging.

In multivariate analyses, higher vitamin C intake was associated with a reduced risk of bone marrow lesions (odds ratio = 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.29–0.87, P = 0.01) and with a reduction in the tibial plateau bone area (β = -35.5, 95% CI = -68.8 to -2.3, P = 0.04). There was an inverse association between fruit intake and the tibial plateau bone area (β = -27.8, 95% CI = -54.9 to -0.7, P = 0.04) and between fruit intake and the risk of bone marrow lesions (odds ratio = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.52–0.99, P = 0.05). Neither fruit intake nor vitamin C intake was significantly associated with the cartilage volume or cartilage defects. Lutein and zeaxanthin intake was associated with a decreased risk of cartilage defects (odds ratio = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.51–0.99, P = 0.04), and vitamin E intake tended to be positively associated with the tibial plateau bone area (β = 33.7, 95% CI = -3.1 to 70.4, P = 0.07) only after adjusting for vitamin C intake. The β-cryptoxanthin intake was inversely associated with the tibial plateau bone area after adjusting for vitamin E intake (β = -33.2, 95% CI = -63.1 to -3.4, P = 0.03). Intake of vegetables and other carotenoids was not significantly associated with cartilage or bone measures.

The present study suggests a beneficial effect of fruit consumption and vitamin C intake as they are associated with a reduction in bone size and the number of bone marrow lesions, both of which are important in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis. While our findings need to be confirmed by longitudinal studies, they highlight the potential of the diet to modify the risk of osteoarthritis.
Accuracy of computed tomography perfusion in assessing metastatic involvement of enlarged axillary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Liu Yun , Bellomi Massimo , Gatti Giovanna , Ping Xuejun
Published: July 2007

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT) perfusion in differentiating metastatic from inflammatory enlarged axillary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

Twenty-five patients with 26 locally advanced breast tumors and clinically palpable axillary lymph nodes underwent dynamic multi-detector CT (LightSpeed 16; General Electric Company) at one scan per second for 150 seconds at the same table position after 40 ml intravenous contrast injection at 4.0 ml/second. Semi-automatic calculation of values of perfusion parameters – blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT), and permeability surface (PS) – was performed. Results were compared with pathology and with Her-2/neu and Ki-67 levels in a surgical specimen of the primary tumor.

Results

Examined lymph nodes were inflammatory in 8 cases and metastatic in 18. Mean values of perfusion parameters in inflammatory and metastatic nodes, respectively, were BF of 76.18 (confidence interval [CI], 31.53) and 161.60 (CI, 40.94) ml/100 mg per minute (p < 0.05), BV of 5.81 (CI, 2.50) and 9.15 (CI, 3.02) ml/100 mg (not significant [n.s.]), MTT of 6.80 (CI, 1.55) and 5.50 (CI, 1.84) seconds (p = 0.07), and PS of 25.82 (CI, 4.62) and 25.96 (CI, 7.47) ml/100 mg per minute (n.s.). Size of nodes, stage of breast cancer, Ki-67 and Her-2/neu levels in breast cancer, and expression of primary tumor activity were not correlated to any perfusion parameter in metastatic nodes.

Conclusion

CT perfusion might be an effective tool for studying enlarged axillary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer. It gives information on vascularization of lymph nodes, helping to understand the changes occurring when neoplastic cells implant in lymph nodes.
Seismostratigraphic inversion: Appraisal, ambiguity, and uncertainty
Authors: Imhof Matthias G. , Sharma Arvind K.
Published: July 2007

Geologic process models predict the geometry of geologic strata and their petrophysical properties, based on mathematical models of geological processes that affect the formation and evolution of geologic strata. Such processes include erosion, sediment transport, and deposition. The resulting forward model is typically nonlinear. Given observations and a misfit measure, one may attempt inversion of these models to estimate process parameters that yield compatible predictions. For seismostratigraphic inversion, seismic data are used as observations. We tested such an algorithm in a prograding-delta environment to examine the effect of using different seismic attributes as observations and, thus, different choices of misfit measures. The first measure,based on the degree of parallelism between seismic reflectors and modeled geologic strata, demonstrated a trade-off between geologic time and the sediment-influx rate used to parameterize the model. A second misfit measure used unwrapped seismic instantaneous phase as a crude proxy to relative geologic time, which regularized the model parameters. Then last, we combined the two measures to take advantage of their individual characteristics. For most of these inversion experiments, we obtained results that capture the geometry of the geologic strata as observed on the seismic data. With the exception of the depositional time-rate trade-off, where the same strata can be obtained in a shorter geologic interval when rates are increased, we found the inversion to be surprisingly stable, with a unique cluster of acceptable parameters, despite the nonlinearity of the geologic forward model.
The solution of nonlinear inverse problems and the Levenberg-Marquardt method
Authors: Pujol Jose
Published: July 2007

Although the Levenberg-Marquardt damped least-squares method is an extremely powerful tool for the iterative solution of nonlinear problems, its theoretical basis has not been described adequately in the literature. This is unfortunate, because Levenberg and Marquardt approached the solution of nonlinear problems in different ways and presented results that go far beyond the simple equation that characterizes the method. The idea of damping the solution was introduced by Levenberg, who also showed that it is possible to do that while at the same time reducing the value of a function that must be minimized iteratively. This result is not obvious, although it is taken for granted. Moreover, Levenberg derived a solution more general than the one currently used. Marquardt started with the current equation and showed that it interpolates between the ordinary least-squares-method and the steepest-descent method. In this tutorial, the two papers are combined into a unified presentation, which will help the reader gain a better understanding of what happens when solving nonlinear problems. Because the damped least-squares and steepest-descent methods are intimately related, the latter is also discussed, in particular in its relation to the gradient. When the inversion parameters have the same dimensions (and units), the direction of steepest descent is equal to the direction of minus the gradient. In other cases, it is necessary to introduce a metric (i.e., a definition of distance) in the parameter space to establish a relation between the two directions. Although neither Levenberg nor Marquardt discussed these matters, their results imply the introduction of a metric. Some of the concepts presented here are illustrated with the inversion of synthetic gravity data corresponding to a buried sphere of unknown radius and depth. Finally, the work done by early researchers that rediscovered the damped least-squares method is put into a historical context.
A borehole-model-derived algorithm for estimating QP logs from full-waveform sonic logs
Authors: Parra Jorge O. , Xu Pei-cheng , Hackert Chris L.
Published: July 2007

We develop a processing algorithm to estimate the intrinsic seismic attenuation [Formula: see text] from P head waves of full-waveform sonic logs. The algorithm, based on an extended version of the amplitude spectral ratio (ASR) method, corrects the apparent attenuation for the effects of multiple raypaths within the borehole, geometric spreading of head waves, and formation inhomogeneity. The algorithm is derived from two ray models. The first model simulates the interaction among rays reflected within the borehole and rays reflected from layer interfaces. This model removes these reflections and extracts the leading borehole wavelet. The second model uses a single-ray model for the borehole head wave in layered formations. This model provides the transmission coefficients across the layer interfaces between the source depth and the receiver depth with sectional geometric spreading within these layers. We use these two models to simultaneously separate, correct for, and normalize the effects of the borehole, geometric spreading, and layering. Then we test the accuracy and limits of the models using the finite-difference solution of a point source in a fluid-filled borehole surrounded by uniform and layered formations. In 255 tested cases, the absolute difference between the estimated and exact divided by the exact [Formula: see text] is within 3% for more than half of the cases and 5% for more than two-thirds of the cases. The lower accuracy in the remaining cases is associated mainly with certain receiver locations with regard to the layer interfaces and is caused by the limitations of the ray models.
Wide-angle phase-slowness approximations in VTI media
Authors: Pedersen Ørjan , Ursin Bjørn , Stovas Alexey
Published: July 2007

An anisotropic medium with vertical symmetry axis (VTI) often presents a good model for describing real rocks. Propagation of quasi-P- and quasi-SV-waves in such media requires an expression of the vertical phase slowness, a complicated function of the horizontal phase slowness and the medium parameters. For converted-wave phase-shift migration methods, it is desired to have slowness expressions that are simple and accurate at wide angles of propagation. Taylor-series representations of the squared vertical slowness for quasi-P- and quasi-SV-waves result in new wide-angle phase-slowness approximations based on truncated series and continued-fraction representations. Slowness approximations that are exact for both vertical propagation and at a horizontal slowness corresponding to horizontally traveling qP-waves are derived. The approximation for quasi-SV-waves can be used in phase-shift migration in media where the quasi-SV wavefront contains triplications. These approximations are tested on several models and compared to previously published approximations. The numerical tests suggest that the new continued-fraction approximations are more accurate. They can be used in phase-shift migration algorithms, which are more efficient for large angles than the existing approximations.
Attenuation of seismic water-column noise, tested on seismic data from the Grane field
Authors: Landrø M.
Published: July 2007

Seismic analysis of long-offset data is gaining increased attention for several purposes: constraining three-parameter amplitude variation with offset (AVO) methods, 4D analysis, and imaging below salt and basalt. A major challenge for exploiting long-offset seismic data is that the water-column noise mixes with and distorts the reflected seismic signal from interfaces at the target level. Traditional processing methods such as [Formula: see text] filtering often reduce this distortion problem. This article offers an alternative to conventional processing methods. The alternative exploits the difference in water depth and reservoir depth to subtract water-column noise. The proposed subtraction method works well where water depth is constant. The method was tested on a multicomponent seismic data set from the Grane field (North Sea). In this location, the water depth is fairly constant over the field. The fieldwise similarity level of water-column noise is high. A comparison of the water-column noise from various locations shows that the similarity is 10%, measured in normalized root mean squared error. The fact that the water-column noise is highly repeatable is a strong indication that the major part of it is harmonic waves that propagate in the water layer.
Impact of the Human Papilloma Vaccine on Cervical Cancer
Authors: Chan John K. , Berek Jonathan S.
Published: July 2007

During the last decade, research progress on cervical cancer has elucidated the role of human papilloma virus (HPV) in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. Clinical trials on the viral-like particle HPV vaccines have good safety profiles and promising efficacy in preventing genital warts, cervical neoplasia, and cervical cancer. The implementation of the HPV vaccine is a tremendous milestone in our effort toward preventing cervical cancers. However, screening programs will continue to serve as a critical component in prevention due to the limitations of the current vaccines. The greatest impact in cervical cancer incidence worldwide requires improved health care access to underserved areas. Advances are needed to develop single-dose, heat-stable, needle-free, and affordable formulations of the HPV vaccine to overcome the socioeconomic barriers associated with this disease.
Experience With Bevacizumab in the Management of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Burger Robert A.
Published: July 2007

Müllerian duct adenocarcinomas, in particular epithelial ovarian cancers, continue to represent a major source of female cancer-related morbidity and mortality, despite advances in surgical management and innovations in cytotoxic chemotherapy. Angiogenesis-targeted therapy seems to be appropriate for exploration in these disease processes based on a wealth of evidence from preclinical and molecular epidemiology studies. Bevacizumab is a prototypical agent neutralizing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a critical angiogenic promoter related to tumor progression, malignant effusions, and prognosis in ovarian cancer. Phase II trials have demonstrated the activity of bevacizumab as a single agent and in combination with other modalities such as low-dose metronomic cyclophosphamide. Historical studies have supported these observations. Unique toxicities have been ascribed to the administration of bevacizumab and other anti-VEGF molecules for patients with this disease and other solid tumors. Although most of these toxicities (such as proteinuria, hypertension, and bleeding) are generally mild, and are either self-limiting or controllable, other adverse effects, though uncommon, may be serious (these include arterial thromboembolism, wound healing complications, and GI perforation or fistulae). Phase III trials are now in progress to determine the role of this drug in primary therapy as an adjunct to platinum-taxane chemotherapy. This article reviews the background and rationale for anti-VEGF therapy of ovarian cancer, summarizes efficacy and safety data from phase II trials and historical studies of bevacizumab in this disease, introduces the implementation of bevacizumab in phase III front-line trials, examines controversial aspects related to anti-VEGF therapy, and proposes future directions regarding bevacizumab and other angiogenic growth factor–targeted therapeutics.
Is it time for the virtual chaperone in genitourinary medicine clinics?
Authors: Jones R S , Barton S E , Mclean K A , Mandalia S , Pickett J , Cohen C E
Published: July 2007

The General Medical Council recommends that chaperones must be offered during intimate examinations. Implementation of these guidelines may serve to protect both patients and staff within the genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic, but is likely to have major ramifications from a practical, financial and staffing perspective. The Virtual Chaperone (VC) is an objective device making audio and visual recordings of patients' consultations and examinations. Information cannot be manipulated and is encrypted for security. It would not replace the human chaperone. This study investigated the attitudes of GU medicine staff and patients to the VC in an inner city sexual health clinic. Voluntary, anonymized questionnaires were distributed to all members of the multidisciplinary team and 200 patients. The patient response rate was 90% ( n = 180). Only 40% of respondents felt the VC was acceptable in GU medicine clinics. Two-thirds felt unsure or were against the VC recording during consultations, and fewer wished the examination to be recorded. Most opted to switch off the video entirely. Almost 50% of respondents felt that the VC was designed to protect staff, whereas only 41% thought it would protect patients. The staff response rate was 69% ( n = 35). Almost three-quarters of respondents were unsure or felt the device was unacceptable. Less than half would feel comfortable with the VC recording during consults. Overall, three-quarters of respondents were either unsure or did not support the introduction of the VC. There was a clear feeling (>80%) that the VC would protect staff and patients, 71% indicating that the trust would also benefit. Despite its success in other outpatient specialties, GU medicine staff and patients do not favour the introduction of the VC.
HIV-associated early gastric adenocarcinoma successfully cured with surgery, and followed over eight years
Authors: Manfredi Roberto , Sabbatani Sergio ,   GiovanniMD
Published: July 2007

An extremely rare case report of HIV-associated gastric adenocarcinoma surgically treated in the year 1998 in a 37-year-old male patient already HIV positive for 10 years, with a complete post-surgery disease-free follow-up of eight years, is described. An international literature search allowed us to report the available details of the only nine cases of HIV-associated gastric cancer yet published. Seven occurred prior to the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and were burdened by a rapid disease evolution, while only two patients were reported after the introduction of HAART (like ours) and obtained surgical cure. Detailed data regarding complications, sequelae and overall survival are not given. Notably, even four of the nine published reports came from Japan, and an early disease development was usual (37–50 years of age at diagnosis). Due to its relevant differential diagnosis implications with many other HIV-related gastrointestinal disturbances caused by functional and organic diseases (drug-related disturbances, HIV infection itself, opportunistic infections, and Kaposi's sarcoma and malignant lymphomas being the most frequent disorders) and the possibility of maintaining an adequate life-expectancy when diagnosis and aggressive treatment are not delayed, gastric cancer should be considered carefully by all clinicians dealing with HIV disease.
Does obesity influence the outcome after the operative treatment of ankle fractures?
Authors: Strauss E. J. , Frank J. B. , Walsh M. , Koval K. J. , Egol K. A.
Published: July 2007

Many orthopaedic surgeons believe that obese patients have a higher rate of peri-operative complications and a worse functional outcome than non-obese patients. There is, however, inconsistency in the literature supporting this notion.

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on injury characteristics, the incidence of complications, and the functional outcome after the operative management of unstable ankle fractures.

We retrospectively reviewed 279 patients (99 obese (BMI ≥ 30) and 180 non-obese (BMI < 30) patients who underwent surgical fixation of an unstable fracture of the ankle. We found that obese patients had a higher number of medical co-morbidities, and more Orthopaedic Trauma Association type B and C fracture types than non-obese patients. At two years from the time of injury, however, the presence of obesity did not affect the incidence of complications, the time to fracture union or the level of function.

These findings suggest that obese patients should be treated in line with standard procedures, keeping in mind any known associated medical co-morbidities.