bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Where is Criminology?
Authors: Triplett Ruth Ann , Monk Turner Elizabeth
Published: November 2009

This article examines the institutional placement of graduate programs in criminology. Using Peterson’s Guide to Graduate Programs in the Humanities and Social Sciences for 2004, 1994, and 1984, a sampling frame of programs that had "criminology" in the department/program or degree title was constructed. Data show that criminology was most commonly located in combined criminal justice/criminology departments, not in departments of sociology. Between 1984 and 2004, there was an increase in the number of criminology programs. An examination of seven departments, for which detailed information was available, offers insight into the decisions that shaped the institutional placement of the program as well as what the program or degree would be called.
Measuring Electoral Systems
Authors: Teorell Jan , Lindstedt Catharina
Published: November 2009

This article compares and assesses four freely available cross-sectional time-series data sets in terms of their information on ballot structure, district structure, and formula of the electoral system in use for lower house and, if relevant, upper house and presidential elections. The authors find that the choice of data source matters for conclusions drawn on the consequences of electoral systems for both party systems and corruption, but that no source can be given prominence over the other on methodological grounds. Students of electoral systems must thus, in the future, make their results sensitive to the choice of data source.
Differential Effects of Oral β Blockade on Cardiovascular and Sympathetic Regulation
Authors: Beloka S.P. , Gouveia S. , Gujic M. , Naeije R. , Rocha A.P. , van de Borne P.
Published: November 2009

In patients with hypertension, β blockade decreases muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; micrographic technique) expressed in burst frequency (burst/min) but does not affect MSNA expressed in burst incidence (burst/100 heart beats), because reductions in blood pressure (BP) upon each diastole continue to deactivate the arterial baroreceptors, but at a slower heart rate (HR). We studied the effects of oral β blockade on MSNA and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in normal participants. Bisoprolol (5 mg, 1 week) was administered in 10 healthy young adults, using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over study design. The beat-to-beat mean RR interval (RR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) series were analyzed by power spectral analysis and power computation over the very low frequency (VLF), low frequency, and high frequency (HF) bands. Baroreflex sensitivity was computed from SBP and RR cross-analysis, using time and frequency domain methods.

Bisoprolol increased RR (P < .0005), decreased mean SBP and diastolic blood pressure values (P < .01), did not change the SBP and RR powers, except for RR power in VLF (P < .02) and SBP power in HF (P < .03). The MSNA variability (P > .13) and respiratory pattern (P = .84) did not change from placebo to bisoprolol condition. The bisoprolol-induced bradycardia was associated with higher burst/100 heart beats (P < .05) and bisoprolol did not affect burst/min (P = .80). Time domain BRS estimates were increased after bisoprolol (P < .05), while frequency domain ones did not change (P > .1).

Oral bisoprolol induces differential effects on sympathetic burst frequency and incidence in normal participants. Peripheral sympathetic outflow over time is preserved as a result of an increased burst incidence, in the presence of a slower HR. Unchanged BP and HR and MSNA variability suggests that the larger burst incidence is not due to sympathetic activation.
Human Platelet Aggregation and Degranulation Is Induced In Vitro by L-Thyroxine, but Not by 3,5,3′-Triiodo-L-Thyronine or Diiodothyropropionic Acid (DITPA)
Authors: Mousa Shaymaa S. , Davis Faith B. , Davis Paul J. , Mousa Shaker A.
Published: November 2009

The endogenous thyroid hormones L-thyroxine (T4) and 3,5,3′-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) induce angiogenesis via an endothelial cell iodothyronine receptor on integrin αVβ3. This receptor also exists on platelets. Diiodothyropropionic acid (DITPA) and GC-1, a noniodinated thyroid hormone analog, also induce angiogenesis. Here we examined the effects of iodothyronines (L-T4 vs L-T3) and analogs DITPA and GC-1 on human platelet function. Subthreshold aggregation of platelets obtained from healthy human donors was induced with collagen. Platelet activation (proaggregation) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) secretion (degranulation) induced by L-T 4, L-T4-agarose, L-T3, DITPA, or GC-1 were determined simultaneously. Platelet aggregation and ATP secretion induced by a subthreshold level of collagen were enhanced 3-fold by either L-T4 or L-T 4-agarose (0.01 μmol/L) as compared to control, whereas, L-T 3, DITPA, or GC-1 had no effect under the same conditions. The platelet proaggregatory and degranulation effects of L-T4 were blocked by the αvβ3 antagonist XT199 (0.1 μmol/ L) and by tetraiodothyroacetic acid (tetrac; 0.1 μmol/L). Tetrac inhibits binding of thyroid hormone analogs to the receptor on αvβ3 and lacks thyromimetic activity at this site; thus, the proaggregatory action of L-T4 likely involves the cell surface receptor on integrin αvβ3. The thyroid hormone receptor (TR) on human platelets but not endothelial cells distinguishes among iodothyronines, reflecting quantitative differences in integrin sites on endothelial cells and platelets or qualitative differences in the phospholipids/protein microenvironment of endothelial and platelet membranes that can affect integrin function. Additional studies in different populations with larger sample sizes are warranted to determine the impact of the current findings on clinical interventions.
Effective Utilization and Future Directions for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Guide for Psychiatric Nurses
Authors: Fitzsimons Linda , Disner Seth G. , Bress Jennifer N.
Published: November 2009

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and magnetic seizure therapy (MST) represent new and promising avenues for treating mild and severe treatment-resistant depression, respectively. A further understanding of these modalities and the contribution of psychiatric nurses in the emerging field of brain stimulation would be of great use to the nursing community. This article serves as a primer for those who are interested in participating in or referring patients for research or treatment with rTMS or MST. Of particular emphasis is the role of certified psychiatric nurses as clinical rater, patient liaison, and evidence-based practitioner:
A Psychiatric Nurse’s Perspective
Authors: Bernard Susan , Westman Greta , Dutton Pat Ristaino , Lanocha Karl
Published: November 2009

With the October 2008 Food and Drug Administration approval of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for depression treatment, the establishment and administration of rTMS clinical treatment programs are critically important and emerging areas for psychiatric nursing leadership. There is growing recognition that many patients are unable to tolerate antidepressant medications and require alternative antidepressant treatment approaches. The enormous growth in the field of brain stimulation creates exciting new therapeutic options for patients with treatment-resistant depression. As with any clinical breakthrough, new treatments offer exciting possibilities but also require growth in psychiatric nursing knowledge, different practice competencies, and new ways of organizing care. This article discusses current practice guidelines, psychiatric nursing qualifications, and essential details about developing an rTMS clinical service. This is the first article to describe the role of a psychiatric nurse establishing a clinical rTMS service, administering rTMS, and helping patients undergo the treatment. The authors share the progress made and the lessons learned.
A Nonphysics-based Approach for Vibration-based Structural Health Monitoring under Changing Environmental Conditions
Authors: Kamrujjaman Serker N.H.M. , Zhishen Wu  , Suzhen Li
Published: November 2009

In this article, a technique is proposed to detect damage in structures from measurements taken under different environmental and operational conditions. The method is based on the regression analysis of the features extracted from the vibration measurement. Macro strain was chosen as the selected feature to be measured using the long-gage distributed fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. Features extracted from the measurements on an intact structure were used to construct a reference model for damage identification. Damage was identified by comparing the slope of the regression line of the subsequent measurements to its counterpart of the reference model. Experimental results show that the extracted features were very consistent. The proposed method was demonstrated and validated using noise-polluted numerical simulation data from two different types of structures, a bridge girder and a plane frame, as well as experimental results from a steel beam with different damage scenarios under changing environmental conditions. Different levels of damage were easily identified from the change in slope of the regression lines. The proposed technique is also applicable to statically measured data.
Corruption in Professional Sumo: An Update on the Study of Duggan and Levitt
Authors: Dietl Helmut M. , Lang Markus , Werner Stephan
Published: November 2009

In the December 2002 issue of the American Economic Review, Mark Duggan and Steven D. Levitt published an article on corruption in professional sumo. In the present article, the authors update the study of Duggan and Levitt to take into account changes since January 2000. The authors find strong statistical evidence that corruption is reduced after January 2000 but reappears in the period from 2003 to 2006. In addition, they can show that the nonlinearity in the incentive structure disappears from 2000 to 2003 and reappears after 2003. These results confirm the findings of Duggan and Levitt, who suggest that the structure of promotion in rankings gives incentives to the sumo wrestlers to rig matches.
Development of surface engineering in China
Authors: Xu B.-S.
Published: November 2009

Professor Tom Bell dedicated himself to the establishment of the discipline of surface engineering and contributed greatly to the development of surface engineering in China. This paper briefly overviews the four important stages in the development of surface engineering in China, i.e. single surface engineering, duplex surface engineering, nanosurface engineering and automation.
Feasibility study of active screen plasma nitriding of titanium alloy
Authors: Nishimoto A. , Bell T. E. , Bell T.
Published: November 2009

A feasibility study of active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy was conducted using a CP-Ti cage as the active screen under various process conditions. The process variables included active screen setup parameters (two different potentials of 0%-bias and 100%-bias), treatment temperature (750 and 850°C), gas mixture (10/90, 25/75, 50/50 and 100/0 of N2/H2) and treatment time (10 h) under 1·5 mbar pressure. The samples were characterised by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, microhardness and surface roughness tests. The experimental results have demonstrated that Ti–6Al–4V alloy can be treated by ASPN using a Ti screen. A Ti nitride compound layer consisting of TiN followed by Ti2N was formed on top of the surface and an Al rich layer was formed between the Ti nitride layer and the α-Ti case. The surface hardness of the samples nitrided at 750 and 850°C was 800 and 1400 HV respectively.
Corrosion and passivation of plasma nitrided stainless steels
Authors: Flis J.
Published: November 2009

Corrosion behaviour of nitrided steels was examined in chloride free and chloride containing sulphate solutions acidified to pH 3·0. Conventional nitriding (550–600°C) strongly deteriorates the corrosion resistance, however, high reactivity of nitrided layers enables the formation of thick conversion coatings to protect against corrosion (oxidation and phosphating) or to improve lubrication (phosphating). Low-temperature nitriding (380–450°C) produces thin layers of a supersaturated solid solution of nitrogen in austenite (S phase) of high resistance to pitting corrosion in chloride containing solutions. After nitriding at 450°C for 30 h, the near-surface parts of layers with >7 wt-%N have a deteriorated resistance to general corrosion in the acidified solution, but deeper parts with lower nitrogen contents have the resistance comparable with that of untreated steels. It is proposed that the improved pitting resistance is due mainly to the accumulation on corroding surface of large amounts of passivating products and of Cr–N species.
Active screen plasma nitriding – an overview
Authors: Li C. X.
Published: November 2009

Extensive researches carried out over the past few years have shown that the novel active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) technique can be used to treat low alloy steels, stainless steels, tool steels and other steels to achieve identical nitriding effects as the conventional DC plasma nitriding technology. Importantly, the ASPN technique provides the possibilities of treating non-electrical conducting materials such as steel with an oxidised surface and polymeric materials which are unattainable with a conventional DC plasma system. Experimental results presented in this overview further demonstrate that sputtering and deposition play important roles in nitrogen mass transfer in ASPN. In order to achieve a desirable metallurgical response, materials for the active screen and the amount of bias applied to the component have to be considered in applications of active screen plasma processing. The distance between the screen and the component surface also needs to be considered if the components to be treated are placed in a floating potential.
Improved nanomechanical test techniques for surface engineered materials
Authors: Beake B. D. , Bell G. A. , Goodes S. R. , Pickford N. J. , Smith J. F.
Published: November 2009

The development and implementation of a wide range of innovative nanomechanical test techniques to solve tribological problems in surface engineered systems are described in this review. By combining results with several different nanomechanical techniques, predictive design rules based on the elastic and plastic deformation energies involved in contact are proposed to optimise mechanical properties in the various contact situations that occur for different applications. Results are presented with the NanoTest platform for applications in biomedical devices, surface engineering of lightweight alloys, wear resistance of physical vapour deposition and chemical vapour deposition coatings as well as fracture fatigue resistance of diamond-like carbon coatings. Surface engineering to increase the ratio of hardness to elastic modulus ( H/E) can be beneficial in a range of applications but care should be taken that, first, it be done without introducing too large intrinsic stress or stress discontinuities in mechanical contact loading, second, the severity of the contact results in high stresses and there is a requirement for some plasticity in contact to avoid fracture.
Surface engineering of aluminium and titanium alloys: An overview
Authors: Spies H.-J.
Published: November 2009

The ever-increasing demands for higher performance, weight reduction and more challenging application conditions have been the main driver for substituting steel and cast iron components with those made from light metals. However, aluminium and titanium alloys are characterised by a poor tribological behaviour, which has been a severe barrier to tribological applications. This shortcoming can be overcome by means of load, material and component specific surface engineering. This paper overviews surface engineering processes currently used for protection of aluminium and titanium components against wear including nitriding, laser gas alloying, electron beam surface alloying and duplex surface engineering.
Surface engineering in motorsport for improved tribological performance
Authors: Bloyce A.
Published: November 2009

This paper describes duplex surface engineering applied to steels and surface engineering of titanium alloys, and their origins with the research group led by Tom Bell. It outlines the developments of the technologies from areas of research through to real solutions for real applications in motorsport components.
The effect of prolonged administration of hydroxyurea on morbidity and mortality in adult patients with sickle cell syndromes: results of a 17-year, single-center trial (LaSHS)
Authors: Voskaridou Ersi , Christoulas Dimitrios , Bilalis Antonios , Plata Eleni , Varvagiannis Konstantinos , Stamatopoulos George , Sinopoulou Klio , Balassopoulou Aggeliki , Loukopoulos Dimitris , Terpos Evangelos
Published: November 2009

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of hydroxyurea (HU) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Thirty-four patients with sickle cell anemia (hemoglobin S [HbS]/HbS), 131 with HbS/β0-thal, and 165 with HbS/β+-thal participated in this trial. HU was administered to 131 patients, whereas 199 patients were conventionally treated. The median follow-up period was 8 years for HU patients and 5 years for non-HU patients. HU produced a dramatic reduction in the frequency of severe painful crises, transfusion requirements, hospital admissions, and incidence of acute chest syndrome. The probability of 10-year survival was 86% and 65% for HU and non-HU patients, respectively (P = .001), although HU patients had more severe forms of SCD. The 10-year probability of survival for HbS/HbS, HbS/β 0-thal, and HbS/IVSI-110 patients was 100%, 87%, and 82%, respectively, for HU patients and 10%, 54%, and 66%, for non-HU patients. The multivariate analysis showed that fetal hemoglobin values at baseline and percentage change of lactate dehydrogenase between baseline and 6 months were independently predicted for survival in the HU group. These results highlight the beneficial effect of HU, which seems to modify the natural history of SCD and raise the issue of expanding its use in all SCD patients.
Memories that last forever: strategies for optimizing vaccine T-cell memory
Authors: Ahlers Jeffrey D. , Belyakov Igor M.
Published: November 2009

For acute self-limiting infections a vaccine is successful if it elicits memory at least as good as the natural experience; however, for persistent and chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and human herpes viruses, this paradigm is not applicable. At best, during persistent virus infection the person must be able to maintain the integrity of the immune system in equilibrium with controlling replicating virus. New vaccine strategies are required that elicit both potent high-avidity CD8+ T-cell effector/memory and central memory responses that can clear the nidus of initial virus-infected cells at mucosal surfaces to prevent mucosal transmission or significantly curtail development of disease. The objective of an HIV-1 T-cell vaccine is to generate functional CD8+ effector memory cells at mucosal portals of virus entry to prevent viral transmission. In addition, long-lived CD8+ and CD4+ central memory cells circulating through secondary lymphoid organs and resident in bone marrow, respectively, are needed to provide a concerted second wave of defense that can contain virus at mucosal surfaces and prevent systemic dissemination. Further understanding of factors which can influence long-lived effector and central memory cell differentiation will significantly contribute to development of effective T-cell vaccines. In this review we will focus on discussing mechanisms involved in T-cell memory and provide promising new approaches toward expanding current vaccine strategies to enhance antiviral memory.
ALK1 signaling regulates early postnatal lymphatic vessel development
Authors: Niessen Kyle , Zhang Gu , Ridgway John Brady , Chen Hao , Yan Minhong
Published: November 2009

In vertebrates, endothelial cells form 2 hierarchical tubular networks, the blood vessels and the lymphatic vessels. Despite the difference in their structure and function and genetic programs that dictate their morphogenesis, common signaling pathways have been recognized that regulate both vascular systems. ALK1 is a member of the transforming growth factor-β type I family of receptors, and compelling genetic evidence suggests its essential role in regulating blood vascular development. Here we report that ALK1 signaling is intimately involved in lymphatic development. Lymphatic endothelial cells express key components of the ALK1 pathway and respond robustly to ALK1 ligand stimulation in vitro. Blockade of ALK1 signaling results in defective lymphatic development in multiple organs of neonatal mice. We find that ALK1 signaling regulates the differentiation of lymphatic endothelial cells to influence the lymphatic vascular development and remodeling. Furthermore, simultaneous inhibition of ALK1 pathway increases apoptosis in lymphatic vessels caused by blockade of VEGFR3 signaling. Thus, our study reveals a novel aspect of ALK1 signaling in regulating lymphatic development and suggests that targeting ALK1 pathway might provide additional control of lymphangiogenesis in human diseases.
A balanced t(5;17) (p15;q22-23) in chondroblastoma: frequency of the re-arrangement and analysis of the candidate genes
Authors: Romeo Salvatore , Szuhai Karoly , Nishimori Isao , Ijszenga Marije , Wijers-Koster Pauline , Taminiau Antonie HM , Hogendoorn Pancras CW
Published: November 2009

Background

Chondroblastoma is a benign cartilaginous tumour of bone that predominantly affects the epiphysis of long bones in young males. No recurrent chromosomal re-arrangements have so far been observed. Methods: We identified an index case with a balanced translocation by Combined Binary Ratio-Fluorescent in situ Hybridisation (COBRA-FISH) karyotyping followed by breakpoint FISH mapping and array-Comparative Genomic Hybridisation (aCGH). Candidate region re-arrangement and candidate gene expression were subsequently investigated by interphase FISH and immunohistochemistry in another 14 cases.

Results

A balanced t(5;17)(p15;q22-23) was identified. In the index case, interphase FISH showed that the translocation was present only in mononucleated cells and was absent in the characteristic multinucleated giant cells. The t(5;17) translocation was not observed in the other cases studied. The breakpoint in 5p15 occurred close to the steroid reductase 5α1 (SRD5A1) gene. Expression of the protein was found in all cases tested. Similar expression was found for the sex steroid signalling-related molecules oestrogen receptor alpha and aromatase, while androgen receptors were only found in isolated cells in a few cases. The breakpoint in 17q22-23 was upstream of the carbonic anhydrase × (CA10) gene region and possibly involved gene-regulatory elements, which was indicated by the lack of CA10 protein expression in the index case. All other cases showed variable levels of CA10 expression, with low expression in three cases.

Conclusion

We report a novel t(5;17)(p15;q22-23) translocation in chondroblastoma without involvement of any of the two chromosomal regions in other cases studied. Our results indicate that the characteristic multinucleated giant cells in chondroblastoma do not have the same clonal origin as the mononuclear population, as they do not harbour the same translocation. We therefore hypothesise that they might be either reactive or originate from a distinct neoplastic clone, although the occurrence of two distinct clones is unlikely. Impairment of theCA10gene might be pathogenetically relevant, as low expression was found in four cases. Diffuse expression of SRD5A1 and sex steroid signalling-related molecules confirms their role in neoplastic chondrogenesis.
B7-H4gene polymorphisms are associated with sporadic breast cancer in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhang Mingyan , Jiang Wei , Wang Lihong , Fu Zhenkun , Li Dalin , Pang Da , Li Dianjun
Published: November 2009

Background

B7-H4, a co-inhibitory molecule of the B7 family, can restrain T cell proliferation, cytokine secretion and the development of cytotoxicity. B7-H4 is expressed in tumor tissues at a higher level than in normal tissues, and has a potential effect to protect tumors from anti-tumor immune responses. This case-control study was carried out to determine the potential influences of B7-H4 gene polymorphisms on the susceptibility and progression of breast cancer in Han women of Northeast China.

Methods

We genotyped three B7-H4 variants (rs10754339, rs10801935 and rs3738414) and tagged all common haplotypes (frequency greater than or equal to 1%) in a Chinese population consisting of 500 breast cancer cases and 504 control individuals matched for age. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used to determine the genotypes.

Results

Our data indicated that, compared with the common genotype and allele of each SNP, the rs10754339 AG genotype and G allele showed a significantly increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.455, 95% CI 1.119-1.892; OR = 1.325, 95% CI 1.073-1.637, respectively). The rs10801935 CC genotype, the rs3738414 AA genotype and the rs3738414 A allele were associated with a significantly decreased risk of breast cancer (OR = 0.328, 95% CI 0.145-0.739; OR = 0.412, 95% CI 0.203-0.835; OR = 0.698, 95% CI 0.564-0.864, respectively). Additionally, the rs10754339 GG genotype was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and PR status, and the G allele and the AG genotype were respectively associated with lymph node metastasis and ER status. In haplotype analysis, we observed that compared with the AAG haplotype, the AAA haplotype showed a significantly decreased risk of breast cancer (OR = 0.689, 95% CI 0.539-0.881), but the GAG haplotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.511, 95% CI 1.125-2.031). And the AAA and the GCG haplotypes also respectively have significant influences on tumor size and ER status.

Conclusion

These results suggest that B7-H4 gene polymorphism may contribute to the sporadic breast cancer risk and prognosis in Chinese Han women.
Pharmacologic attenuation of pelvic pain in a murine model of interstitial cystitis
Authors: Rudick Charles N , Schaeffer Anthony J , Klumpp David J
Published: November 2009

Background

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is a bladder disease that causes debilitating pelvic pain of unknown origin, and IC/PBS symptoms correlate with elevated bladder lamina propria mast cell counts. Similar to IC/PBS patients, pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection in mice induces a neurogenic cystitis associated with bladder lamina propria mast cell accumulation and pelvic pain. We evaluated several drugs to determine the effectiveness of reducing PRV-induced pelvic pain.

Methods

Neurogenic cystitis was induced by the injection of Bartha's strain of PRV into the abductor caudalis dorsalis tail base muscle of female C57BL/6 mice. Therapeutic modulation of pelvic pain was assessed daily for five days using von Frey filament stimulation to the pelvic region to quantify tactile allodynia.

Results

Significant reduction of PRV-induced pelvic pain was observed for animals treated with antagonists of neurokinin receptor 1 (NK1R) and histamine receptors. In contrast, the H1R antagonist hydroxyzine, proton pump inhibitors, a histamine receptor 3 agonist, and gabapentin had little or no effect on PRV-induced pelvic pain.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that bladder-associated pelvic pain is attenuated by antagonists of NK1R and H2R. Therefore, NK1R and H2Rrepresent direct therapeutic targets for pain in IC/PBS and potentially other chronic pain conditions.
Attitudes of dermatologists in the southeastern United States regarding treatment of alopecia areata: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Mukherjee Niyati , Morrell Dean S , Duvic Madeleine , Stewart Paul W , Goldsmith Lowell A
Published: November 2009

Background

Little evidence exists to guide treatment of alopecia areata (AA). The current practices in treatment of children compared to adults and of progressive stages of hair loss are unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the current practices of southeastern United States dermatologists for the treatment of AA.

Methods

Dermatologists were sent anonymous questionnaires regarding their treatment practices by mail. Respondents' frequencies of treatment in children compared to adults and in patchy hair loss compared to widespread hair loss were compared with Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests and Friedman tests. As a secondary source, the National Alopecia Areata Registry (NAAR) database was analyzed for patients' treatment histories.

Results

Survey results suggested that dermatologists recommend treatment less frequently for children than adults and for more advanced hair loss. NAAR data confirmed that offering no treatment for AA is relatively common.

Conclusion

Dermatologists' treatment of AA is inconsistent. A stronger evidence base will provide more consistent treatment options.
Elevated plasma levels of TNF-alpha and Interleukin-6 in patients with diastolic dysfunction and glucose metabolism disorders
Authors: Dinh Wilfried , Füth Reiner , Nickl Werner , Krahn Thomas , Ellinghaus Peter , Scheffold Thomas , Bansemir Lars , Bufe Alexander , Barroso Michael Coll , Lankisch Mark
Published: November 2009

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has reached epidemic proportions and is an important risk factor for heart failure (HF). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is recognized as the earliest manifestation of DM-induced LV dysfunction, but its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. We sought to evaluate the relationship between proinflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-alpha, IL-6) and tissue Doppler derived indices of LVDD in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Methods

We enrolled 41 consecutive patients (mean age 65+/-10 years) submitted for coronary angiography. Echocardiographic assessment was performed in all patients. Pulsed tissue Doppler imaging was performed at the mitral annulus and was characterized by the diastolic early relaxation velocity Em. Conventional transmitral flow was measured with pw-doppler. Early (E) transmitral flow velocity was measured. LVDD was defined as E/Em ratio ≥ 15, E/Em 8-14 was classified as borderline. Plasma levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were determined in all patients. A standardized oral glucose tolerance test was performed in subjects without diabetes.

Results

Patients with E/Em ratio ≥ 15, classified as LVDD and those with E/Em ratio 8-14 (classified as borderline) had significantly higher IL-6 (P = 0,001), TNF-alpha (P < 0,001) and NT-pro- BNP (P = 0,001) plasma levels compared to those with normal diastolic function. TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels remains significantly elevated after adjustment for sex, age, left ventricular ejection function, body mass index, coronary heart disease, smoking, hypertension and diabetes mellitus with linear regression analysis. Furthermore, in subjects LVDD or borderline LV diastolic function, 75% had diabetes or IGT, respectively. When subjects without diabetes were excluded, both IL-6 (P = 0,006) and TNF-alpha (P = 0,002) remained significantly elevated in subjects with E/Em ratio ≥ 15.

Conclusion

This study reveals that increased plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were associated with LVDD. These findings suggest a link between low-grade inflammation and the presence of LVDD. An active proinflammatory process may be of importance in the pathogenesis of diastolic dysfunction.
Influence of cytokine inhibitors on concentration and activity of MMP-1 and MMP-3 in disc herniation
Authors: Genevay Stéphane , Finckh Axel , Mezin Françoise , Tessitore Enrico , Guerne Pierre-André
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Spontaneous resorption of disc herniation (DH) after sciatica is well documented. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1 and MMP-3 are enzymes potentially involved in this process. Glucocorticoid injections are commonly used for treatment, and other anti-inflammatory molecules like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are under clinical investigation. However, little is known about the effect of these molecules on DH resorption.

Methods

DH tissue was harvested from patients undergoing surgery for sciatica. Samples were thoroughly washed. Diced explants were cultured ex-vivo in 1) 0.5 ml Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), (controls), 2) recombinant interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), (100 ng/ml), 3) dexamethasone (10E-5 M), or 4) TNF inhibitor monoclonal antibody (10 μg/ml). Supernatants were harvested at 48 hours and frozen. Immunocapture activity assays determined total MMP activity, active MMP levels and pro-MMP levels.

Results

Fourteen DH tissue samples were analysed. Levels of all forms of MMP-3 were higher than the respective levels of MMP-1(P< 0.01). In particular, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) total MMP-3 level was 0.97 (0.47 - 2.19) ng/mg of tissue compared to 0.024 (0.01 - 0.07) ng/mg of total MMP-1 level (P< 0.01). Incubation with IL-1Ra, dexamethasone, or TNF inhibitors significantly decreased levels of all forms of MMP-3 (P< 0.05). Dexamethasone significantly decreased the ratio of active MMP-3 to total MMP-3 activity. A significant inhibitory effect of dexamethasone was observed only on active MMP-1, while IL-1 and TNF inhibitor had no significant effect on any form.

Conclusions

MMP-3 appears to play a greater role than MMP-1 in DH resorption. Dexamethasone, IL-1-Ra and TNF inhibitor decreased active MMP-3, indicating that the clinical use of these drugs may affect the resorption of DH under certain conditions.
Tissue-Selective Regulation of Aromatase Expression by Calcitriol: Implications for Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Krishnan Aruna V. , Swami Srilatha , Peng Lihong , Wang Jining , Moreno Jacqueline , Feldman David
Published: November 2009

Aromatase, the enzyme that catalyzes estrogen synthesis, is critical for the progression of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (BCa) in postmenopausal women. We show that calcitriol, the hormonally active form of vitamin D, regulates the expression of aromatase in a tissue-selective manner. Calcitriol significantly decreased aromatase expression in human BCa cells and adipocytes and caused substantial increases in human osteosarcoma cells (a bone cell model exhibiting osteoblast phenotype in culture) and modest increases in ovarian cancer cells. Calcitriol administration to immunocompromised mice bearing human BCa xenografts decreased aromatase mRNA levels in the tumors and the surrounding mammary adipose tissue but did not alter ovarian aromatase expression. In BCa cells, calcitriol also reduced the levels of prostaglandins (PGs), major stimulators of aromatase transcription, by suppressing the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (which catalyzes PG synthesis) and increasing that of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (which catalyzes PG degradation). The mechanism of aromatase down-regulation by calcitriol in BCa cells is therefore 2-fold: a direct repression of aromatase transcription via promoter II through the vitamin D-response elements identified in this promoter and an indirect suppression by reducing the levels of PGs. Combinations of calcitriol with three different aromatase inhibitors (AIs) caused enhanced inhibition of BCa cell growth. The combination of calcitriol and an AI may have potential benefits for BCa therapy. In addition to augmenting the ability of AIs to inhibit BCa growth, calcitriol acting as a selective aromatase modulator that increases aromatase expression in bone would reduce the estrogen deprivation in bone caused by the AIs, thus ameliorating the AI-induced side effect of osteoporosis.
A Taste of Class: Manuals for Becoming Woman
Authors: Donald Stephanie Hemelryk , Zheng Yi
Published: November 2009

This discussion addresses the making of woman as postsocialist class-object, developing our core notions of class-making and spiritual homelessness through an exploration of the forms of the feminine in the taste structures in contemporary urban China. The key observation is that beautification, sexual styling, and spiritual/cultural cultivation are consistently linked in narratives of “becoming-woman” in a newly successful genre of aspirational literature, which we are calling “manuals of elite civility.” We argue that these narratives may be understood in reference to catachresis (Tani Barlow, 2005), in the sense that we engage it as a descriptor both to the underlying term of analysis middle-class (which has several translations but no absolute referent) and to the middle-class nuren (feminine person) of our attention here. The second, related point is that the construction of the “new” modern woman in China, as made-to-be-looked-at in these manuals, betrays a fascination with class that responds to the emerging masses who aspire to, or have achieved, middle-class levels of wealth. Such fascination reinscribes women with a sexual ontology (as in nuxing) as well as an evacuated, reformed historicity (as in the exit of funu and the reentry of nuren). These manuals of elite civility on bookshop shelves hint at the effort of becoming that characterizes contemporary Chinese identity. Place, gender, beauty, consumption, and memory are brought into a relation with one another as they service the emergence of a self-identifying middle class. Becoming woman and becoming class is possibly twee in these coffee-table iterations but is never ultimately a cozy story. Performative female narcissism will conflict with the agency of women in Reform China as they go about the business of making class work for them in their everyday lives. The market is itself an ambivalent master, complicated yet further under the encouraging gaze of the Party-State. While the books perform a perfected loop of timely nostalgia and aspiration, the boundaries of class and taste will remain contentious in practice, and the search for distinctive femininity with its more unabashed dreams and longings may well exceed the “safe cool.'”
Cultivating Citizens: Suzhi (Quality) Discourse in the PRC
Authors: Jacka Tamara
Published: November 2009

In contemporary China, concerns about the suzhi, or “quality,” of individuals, groups, and populations pervade the social imagination and inform a wide spectrum of discourses and debates. Suzhi is of critical importance to contemporary China's booming, globally oriented market economy, to new, “postsocialist” forms of state governance and social control, and to contemporary processes of citizenship. This essay first provides some background discussion of the historical development and contemporary significance of suzhi discourse in China and briefly reviews existing literature relating to it. It then introduces each of the subsequent essays in this special issue on suzhi and explains the connections between them.
Suzhi, the Body, and the Fortunes of Technoscientific Reasoning in Contemporary China
Authors: Sigley Gary
Published: November 2009

This essay examines how the human body has been variously imagined and acted upon in twentieth-century China. It does so by focusing on one particularly prominent feature of Chinese discourse concerned with the calculation, measurement, and shaping of the human body and human conduct: the notion of suzhi (quality). By examining the position of suzhi in a broader discourse concerning the population and its attributes (which also intersects with key notions of nation, class, ethnicity, gender, and citizenship) I shed light on the fortunes of what I refer to as “technoscientific reasoning” in contemporary China. The essay is divided into three sections. In the first section I ground the problem of suzhi and technoscientific reasoning in the emergence of population discourse in early modern China. The second section examines suzhi and its relation to subjectivity under the auspices of a socialist planning mentality, especially as it emerges after a hiatus of several decades toward the end of the 1970s. The final section then traces the subtle but important shifts in suzhi, technoscientific reasoning, and population discourse in China's move toward a “socialist market economy” in the 1990s. I conclude by arguing that the significance of research on suzhi lies in the way it supplements our understanding of Chinese political and social life.
Of Quality, Harmony, and Community: Civilization and the Middle Class in Urban China
Authors: Tomba Luigi
Published: November 2009

This article discusses the rhetoric and practices of China's middle-class “community building” (shequ jianshe, as the campaign to reorganize urban residential communities that started in the late 1990s is called), and the role of suzhi (quality) in building models of “harmonious” (hexie) coexistence through new forms of community governance. By investigating the official discourse on community and harmony and the self-representation of middle-class community activists, I will argue that assumptions about middle-class suzhi are essential to three governmental objectives associated with the new forms of community governance: (1) the making of new subjects who are autonomous enough to choose what to consume (and therefore stimulate the market) but also responsible enough not to challenge social order; (2) the creation of subjects who will govern themselves at the level of their residential communities without the need for government intervention; and (3) the benchmarking of social aspirations and behaviors, with the creation of models for individual self-improvement. This article is part of a larger project on community building in urban China and is based on materials and interviews collected over three years in Beijing, Chengdu, and Shenyang.
Secreted Frizzled-related proteins enhance the diffusion of Wnt ligands and expand their signalling range
Authors: Mii Yusuke , Taira Masanori
Published: November 2009

Secreted Frizzled-related proteins (sFRPs) are thought to negatively modulate Wnt signalling. Although Wnt proteins are thought to diffuse extracellularly and act as morphogens, little is known about the diffusibility of either Wnts or sFRPs. Here we show that Frzb and Crescent (Cres), which are members of the sFRP family, have the ability to regulate the diffusibility and signalling areas of the Wnt ligands Wnt8 and Wnt11. We found, using the Xenopus embryo, that Wnts do not diffuse effectively, whereas Frzb and Cres spread very widely. Interestingly, Frzb and Cres substantially promoted the diffusion of Wnt8 and Wnt11 through extracellular interactions. Importantly, we show that Wnt8 conveyed by sFRPs can activate canonical Wnt signalling despite the function of sFRPs as Wnt inhibitors, suggesting a novel regulatory system for Wnts by sFRPs.
Reversal of left-right asymmetry induced by aberrant Nodal signaling in the node of mouse embryos
Authors: Oki Shinya , Kitajima Keiko , Marques Sara , Belo José António , Yokoyama Takahiko , Hamada Hiroshi , Meno Chikara
Published: November 2009

The node at the anterior tip of the primitive streak serves as an initial generator of the left-right (L-R) axis in mammalian embryos. We now show that a small disturbance in molecular signaling at the node is responsible for the L-R reversal of visceral organs in the inv mutant mouse. In the node of wild-type embryos, the expression of Nodal and Cerl2 (Dand5), which encodes an inhibitor of Nodal, is asymmetric, with the level of Nodal expression being higher on the left side and that of Cerl2 expression higher on the right. In inv/inv embryos, however, a localized reduction in the level of Cerl2 expression results in upregulation of the Nodal signal and a consequent induction of Lefty expression in the node. The ectopic expression of Lefty1 delays the onset of Nodal expression in the lateral plate mesoderm. L-R asymmetry of Cerl2 expression in the node also becomes reversed in a manner dependent on the Nodal signal. Nodal expression in the lateral plate mesoderm then appears on the right side, probably reflecting the balance between Nodal and Cerl2 in the node. The inhibition of Cerl2 expression by the Nodal signal suggests a mechanism for amplification of the cue for L-R asymmetry provided by nodal flow and for stabilization of asymmetric gene expression around the node. In inv/inv embryos, this system may function in reverse as a result of ectopic production of Lefty, which inhibits the Nodal signal on the left side in a manner dependent on leftward nodal flow.
Drosophilalaminins act as key regulators of basement membrane assembly and morphogenesis
Authors: Urbano Jose M. , Torgler Catherine N. , Molnar Cristina , Tepass Ulrich , López-Varea Ana , Brown Nicholas H. , de Celis Jose F. , Martín-Bermudo Maria D.
Published: November 2009

Laminins are heterotrimeric molecules found in all basement membranes. In mammals, they have been involved in diverse developmental processes, from gastrulation to tissue maintenance. The Drosophila genome encodes two laminin α chains, one β and one Γ, which form two distinct laminin trimers. So far, only mutations affecting one or other trimer have been analysed. In order to study embryonic development in the complete absence of laminins, we mutated the gene encoding the sole laminin β chain in Drosophila, LanB1, so that no trimers can be made. We show that LanB1 mutant embryos develop until the end of embryogenesis. Electron microscopy analysis of mutant embryos reveals that the basement membranes are absent and the remaining extracellular material appears disorganised and diffuse. Accordingly, abnormal accumulation of major basement membrane components, such as Collagen IV and Perlecan, is observed in mutant tissues. In addition, we show that elimination of LanB1 prevents the normal morphogenesis of most organs and tissues, including the gut, trachea, muscles and nervous system. In spite of the above structural roles for laminins, our results unravel novel functions in cell adhesion, migration and rearrangement. We propose that while an early function of laminins in gastrulation is not conserved in Drosophila and mammals, their function in basement membrane assembly and organogenesis seems to be maintained throughout evolution.
VAMP3, syntaxin-13 and SNAP23 are involved in secretion of matrix metalloproteinases, degradation of the extracellular matrix and cell invasion
Authors: Kean Michelle J. , Williams Karla C. , Skalski Michael , Myers Dennis , Burtnik Angela , Foster David , Coppolino Marc G.
Published: November 2009

Cellular remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), an essential component of many physiological and pathological processes, is dependent on the trafficking and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-mediated membrane traffic has documented roles in cell-ECM interactions and the present study specifically examines SNARE function in the trafficking of MMPs during ECM degradation. Using the invasive human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080, we demonstrate that a plasma membrane SNARE, SNAP23, and an endosomal v-SNARE, VAMP3 (also known as cellubrevin), partly colocalize with MMP2 and MMP9, and that inhibition of these SNAREs using dominant-negative SNARE mutants impaired secretion of the MMPs. Inhibition of VAMP3, SNAP23 or syntaxin-13 using dominant-negative SNARES, RNA interference or tetanus toxin impaired trafficking of membrane type 1 MMP to the cell surface. Consistent with these observations, we found that blocking the function of these SNAREs reduced the ability of HT-1080 cells to degrade a gelatin substrate in situ and impaired invasion of HT-1080 cells in vitro. The results reveal the importance of VAMP3, syntaxin-13 and SNAP23 in the trafficking of MMP during degradation of ECM substrates and subsequent cellular invasion.