bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Consistency Between Team Decisions and Reading Assessment Data Within an RTI Model
Authors: Shapiro Edward S. , Hilt-Panahon Alexandra , Gischlar Karen L. , Semeniak Kathleen , Leichman Erin , Bowles Shelly
Published: February 2011

Data-based decision making by teams is central to implementation of response to intervention (RTI) models. Few studies have examined the actual decision-making process within RTI systems of service delivery. The purpose of this study was to examine the tier assignment decisions for students across grade-level teams in three K–5 elementary schools implementing identical RTI models for reading. Decisions of grade-level teams primarily composed of teachers were compared against the recommendation made by the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) universal screening measure during fall and winter assessments across a 2-year period. Results showed teams had high overall levels of agreement with the DIBELS recommendations, especially after Grade 1 and during the winter of each year. When teams initially disagreed with the DIBELS recommendations, increased agreement in the use of data-based decisions was present over time. Implications for the data decision-making process within an RTI model are discussed.
Generalized Periodic Epileptiform Discharges in a Child With Dravet Syndrome
Authors: Moseley Brian D. , Wirrell Elaine C. , Nickels Katherine
Published: February 2011

Generalized periodic epileptiform discharges can occur in a variety of epileptic syndromes and herald impending seizures. Such discharges are also extremely rare in children. Cerebral visual impairment can be associated with generalized and partial onset seizures, particularly those involving the occipital lobe. The authors present a case of a 10-month-old boy whose electroencephalogram revealed generalized periodic epileptiform discharges following resolution of status epilepticus. Such discharges warranted further monitoring, during which he experienced 2 additional seizures. He also was discovered to have cerebral visual impairment, which slowly resolved following termination of seizure activity. The child was subsequently found to have a de novo mutation of the sodium channel, voltage-gated, type I, alpha subunit (SCN1A) gene consistent with Dravet syndrome.
Novel peptides as potential treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Shapira E , Proscura E , Brodsky B , Wormser U
Published: February 2011

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a loss of immunologic tolerance, production of auto-antibodies, and inflammatory damage in multiple organs. We have tested the effect of anti-inflammatory peptide, a H2A histone fragment, termed IIIM1, on MRL/lpr mice, animal model of SLE. Oral administration of IIIM1 at early stage of disease caused reduction in proteinuria and serum anti-dsDNA antibodies. Starting the treatment at advanced stage of disease resulted in prolonged animal survival, decreased lymphadenosis and reduced levels of pathogenic or abnormal double negative CD4−CD8− cells and B220+ cells in lymph nodes and spleen. We discovered that IIIM1 induces the production of an additional peptide, a fragment of alpha-1-antitrypsin, termed UBE. A relatively low dose (1 µg/kg) of UBE reduced proteinuria and hematuria in MRL/lpr mice. The beneficial effect of the peptide was corroborated by histological examination. Furthermore a significant reduction in serum IL17, IL12 and anti dsDNA antibodies was observed in the UBE-treated mice. Isolated CD4 cells incubated with the peptide showed a similar cytokine profile. Decreased levels of double negative CD4−CD8− and B220+ cells were determined in lymph organs of UBE-treated animals. The beneficial effects of both UBE and IIIM1 suggest these peptides as potential drugs for SLE.
Memory impairment associated with neurometabolic abnormalities of the hippocampus in patients with non-neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kozora E , Brown MS , Filley CM , Zhang L , Miller DE , West SG , Pelzman J , Arciniegas DB
Published: February 2011

Objective: Memory impairment is common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study examined hippocampal volumes and neurometabolic alterations in relation to memory function in SLE patients without a history of neuropsychiatric syndromes (nonNPSLE).

Methods: Subjects included 81 nonNPSLE patients and 34 healthy controls. Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the right and left hippocampal areas (RH, LH) were performed. Verbal and visual memory tests were administered and a Memory Impairment Index (MII) was derived from standardized tests.

Results: Higher memory impairment (MII) was correlated with lower RH glutamate + glutamine/creatine ( p = 0.009) and lower RH N-acetylaspartic acid/creatine ( p = 0.012) in nonNPSLE patients. A trend for a negative correlation between RH and LH volumes and MII was evident for absolute hippocampal volumes. Lower RH glutamate + glutamine/creatine was also correlated with worse performance in a mean visual memory index ( p = 0.017).

Conclusions: An association between reduced memory and lower N-acetylaspartic acid/creatine in the RH suggests neuronal damage in nonNPSLE patients with very mild and early disease. Alterations in glutamate + glutamine/creatine further indicate early metabolic changes in nonNPSLE are related to memory impairment, a finding that might suggest that memory impairment relates to presynaptic glutamatergic dysfunction in the hippocampus.
Exact Analysis of 0-3 Cement-based Piezoelectric Composites
Authors: Rong Han , Zhifei Shi
Published: February 2011

Exact static and dynamic analysis of 0-3 cement-based piezoelectric composites is presented based on the theory of piezoelasticity. Displacement method is used and the solutions of four different kinds of piezoelectric composites under different loading cases are obtained. The effects of volume fraction of piezoelectric powder and piezoelectric parameters on the performance of this kind of devices are simulated and discussed. The solutions are compared with both the numerical and experimental results, and good agreements are found. The results obtained in this article are beneficial to the design of this kind of smart devices.
Prognostic Implications of Diuretic Dose in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Martins João , Lourenço Patrícia , Araújo José Paulo , Mascarenhas Joana , Lopes Ricardo , Azevedo Ana , Bettencourt Paulo
Published: February 2011

Background: Prognostic implications of diuretics dose are not completely understood. We aim to study the association between diuretic doses and long-term prognosis in patients with chronic stable heart failure (HF). Methods and Results: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 244 patients followed at an outpatient HF clinic. Admission criteria were clinical stability in the previous 3 months and optimized medical therapy. Demographic characteristics, clinical, and laboratory parameters were recorded. Patients were followed for 2 years and the outcome was defined as all-cause death or hospital admission due to HF worsening. Patients on ≤80 mg furosemide were compared with those on higher doses. Patients were grouped according to furosemide dose (≤80 mg and >80 mg/d) and according to volemia as assessed by the sodium retention score: <3 (euvolemia) versus ≥3 (hypervolemia). Patients on higher diuretic doses (n = 79) were older, more hypervolemic, and more symptomatic. Patients on >80 mg furosemide had a higher risk of death or hospital admission (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-3.1). For each 40-mg furosemide tablet, there was a 67% increase in risk of an adverse outcome within 2 years. The increase in risk was independent of other variables crudely associated with prognosis. Among euvolemic patients, those on ≤80 mg/d furosemide performed better than those on higher doses. Among hypervolemic patients, the diuretic dose had no prognostic implications. Conclusions: Higher diuretic doses associated strongly and independently with adverse long-term outcome in chronic HF. Possibly, in euvolemic patients, efforts should be made to reduce diuretic dose.
Cardiovascular Outcomes Using Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump in High-Risk Acute Myocardial Infarction With or Without Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Bahekar Amol , Singh Mukesh , Singh Sarabjeet , Bhuriya Rohit , Ahmad Khraisat , Khosla Sandeep , Arora Rohit
Published: February 2011

Background: Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been widely used ever since it was first developed in 1962 and became part of clinical practice in 1968. It is used to treat patients with complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) such as cardiogenic shock, refractory left ventricular failure, and for high-risk patients undergoing angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting. However, current literature demonstrates a significant variance in terms of indications for using IABP and its outcomes. The aim of this study is to review the existing literature to analyze whether the use of IABP offers any cardiovascular benefit to the patients with AMI and the complications associated with the use of IABP. Material and Methods: A systematic review of literature identified 16 studies. We analyzed the primary endpoint (in-hospital mortality, reinfarction, recurrent ischemia) and secondary endpoint (incidence of moderate and severe bleeding during hospitalization at 7 days). We estimated the proportion of between-study inconsistency (heterogeneity) due to true differences between studies (rather than differences due to random error or chance) using the I2 statistic. Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effect model was used to calculate the combined relative risks (RRs) when studies were homogenous, and the random effect model was used when studies were heterogenic. A 2-sided α error <.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Meta-analysis revealed that in-hospital mortality of patients with AMI with and without cardiogenic shock did not differ between IABP group as compared to no IABP group (RR: 1.11; confidence interval [CI]: 0.69-1.78; P = .67). However, analysis of patients with AMI with cardiogenic shock showed statistically significant improvement in mortality (RR: 0.72; CI: 0.60-0.86; P < .0004). There was no significant reduction in the rate of reinfarction (RR: 0.81; CI: 0.30-2.17; P = .67) or recurrent ischemia (RR: 0.78; CI: 0.34-1.78; P = .55) using IABP. Intra-aortic balloon pump was found to significantly increase the risk of moderate bleeding (RR: 1.71; CI: 1.03-2.85; P = .04) and major bleeding (RR: 4.01; CI: 2.66-6.06; P < .0001). Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggests that patients with high-risk AMI without cardiogenic shock do not seem to benefit from the use of IABP as measured by in-hospital mortality, rate of reinfarction, and recurrent angina. However, in patients with AMI with cardiogenic shock (systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 90), there was significant reduction in mortality using IABP. The use of IABP is associated with increase in the rate of both moderate and severe bleeding.
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors
Authors: O’Brien P. Joshua , Mureebe Leila
Published: February 2011

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and pathologic coagulation plays an integral role in the development, propagation, and intervention of cardiovascular disease. The 2 classic anticoagulants, heparin and vitamin K antagonists, though having served humanity for nearly a century, are both inconvenient and nonspecific. Through both direct and indirect roles, thrombin is essential to coagulation, and makes for a very attractive target in medical intervention of pathologic thrombosis. This article will review the nature of direct thrombin inhibitors, current indications, and ongoing trials.
Control-based continuation for investigating nonlinear experiments
Authors: Barton David AW , Mann Brian P , Burrow Stephen G
Published: February 2011

In this paper we present a systematic experimental study of two one-degree-of-freedom nonlinear devices using the newly introduced control-based continuation method of Sieber and Krauskopf. By considering hardening, softening and bistable spring characteristics, we demonstrate the versatility and power of the control-based continuation method for investigating nonlinear experiments. We show that, using this method, it is possible to track the stable orbits of the devices through a saddle-node bifurcation (fold) where they lose stability and continue them up to the resonance peak where they undergo a second saddle-node bifurcation. For the bistable case, a bifurcation diagram is produced that is strongly reminiscent of the bifurcation diagram produced using the classical harmonic balance solution. A detailed introduction to general continuation methods is included to enable implementation by other experimentalists.
Jo Spence’s auto-therapeutic survival strategies
Authors: Dennett Terry
Published: February 2011

The use of the camera as a therapeutic tool is now being increasingly applied within clinical practice (photo-therapy) and, by the public, is being used as a form of non-clinical therapeutic photography. The subject of the present article, the late Jo Spence, was a pioneer and advocate of this approach and worked out a number of strategies that might usefully be passed on to a younger generation. Jo Spence’s work is complex and multi-sided. For this reason, this article expands on some of the categories discussed in earlier publications, placing them in their historical context, as well as adding key photographic illustrations.
A way into empathy: A ‘case’ of photo-elicitation in illness research
Authors: Lorenz Laura S.
Published: February 2011

Brain injury patients often face a lack of empathy that leads to feelings of being disrespected and powerless. This article explores the use of photo-elicitation as one way to generate empathy in research (and clinical) relationships with acquired brain injury survivors through a re-examination of the process and products of photo-elicitation research conducted several years ago. The ‘case’ starkly illustrates the limits of researcher empathy and analysis even as the ethics of visual methods create opportunities for participants to share research power, contest research analyses, and present an alternate view that displays health and strength as well as illness. The ‘case’ prompts us to remain vigilant of the ways in which our personal lenses and histories affect what we see and shape our production of knowledge. Practicing empathy by using photos to create discursive spaces in research relationships may help us to learn about ourselves as we learn with patients.
Claiming justice: Knowing mental illness in the public art of Anna Schuleit’s ‘Habeas Corpus’ and ‘Bloom’
Authors: Bell Susan E.
Published: February 2011

This study investigates two public art performances by artist Anna Schuleit in the early 2000s commemorating the life and history of two state hospitals (‘asylums’) in Massachusetts and the people who built, worked, and were patients in them. Public art is made for and sited in the public domain, outside, freely accessible, frequently collaborative, and often ephemeral. This study addresses a series of questions: What can public art ‘do’ for understanding mental illness? What use is a public art project for those living with (and caring for those who live with) mental illness? How can a public work of art sustain and portray meaning in an expressive way, open up a shared discursive space, and demand witness through embodiment?
The ‘most twisted and unaccountable force in the state’? Newspaper accounts of social work in the Republic of Ireland in troubled times
Authors: Gaughan Lorraine , Garrett Paul Michael
Published: February 2011

•  Summary: This article investigates how newspapers in the Republic of Ireland are delivering ‘social work news’ during a period of professional flux and evolving economic crisis.

•  Findings: Many citizens in the Republic are currently experiencing serious economic hardship partly related to the global recession. It is important to understand the shape which the crisis is taking and to try to ascertain how this is impacting on social work. The article refers to an unpublished study of newspaper coverage of social work between January 2006 and January 2008. In this context, in the second part of discussion, particular attention will be devoted to the interventions of The Irish Times columnist, John Waters. Also, to accounts of ‘high profile cases’, particularly those appearing to highlight the urgent need to establish a national emergency or ‘out-of-hours’ social work service. Here, the work of the social affairs correspondent, Carl O’Brien, will be discussed.

•  Applications: Social workers and social work academics need to strive to understand, and politically situate, newspaper accounts of social work and related forms of activity. Moreover, social workers should seek to intervene and shape newspaper accounts of their work. The article suggests that a recent report produced in England may aid social workers deliberations and actions in this respect ( Social Work Task Force, 2009 ).
HIV Testing as a Standard of Care for Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Owczarzak Jill , Lechuga Julia , Petroll Andrew
Published: February 2011

In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its HIV testing recommendations in health care settings. Current guidelines recommend that all patients aged 13 to 64 years be screened for HIV as part of routine medical care. Additionally, the CDC recommends that persons at high risk for HIV infection should be screened for HIV at least annually. Primary care providers in clinical settings are seen as important providers of HIV prevention services and will be critical to expand HIV testing rates, particularly among populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM). This article reports on results from a multifaceted study that combined qualitative and quantitative methods and targeted both MSM and primary care providers. Through a quantitative survey with 709 MSM in Wisconsin, we explored the relationship between having a primary care provider, risk behavior, and HIV testing patterns. In the qualitative portion of the study, we conducted structured interviews with 7 clinic medical directors to explore the acceptability and feasibility of increased HIV testing in clinical setting strategy among primary care providers. Consistent with previous research, the results of this study indicate that primary care providers can play a significant role in encouraging and facilitating annual routine testing as a standard of care for high-risk MSM. This article offers policy and practice recommendations based on these findings.
Effects of resistance spot welding parameters on microstructures and mechanical properties of dissimilar material joints of galvanised high strength steel and aluminium alloy
Authors: Zhang W H , Qiu X M , Sun D Q , Han L J
Published: February 2011

Intermediate frequency resistance spot welding has been adopted to join dissimilar materials of H220YD galvanised high strength steel and 6008 aluminium alloy. The effects of welding current and welding time on microstructures and mechanical properties of the welded joints were investigated. A thin intermetallic compound layer composed of Fe2Al5 phase and Fe4Al13 phase formed at the steel/aluminium interface. The interfacial intermetallic compound layer has higher nanohardness compared with the aluminium alloy nugget and galvanised steel. With increasing welding current (4–11 kA) and welding time (50–300 ms), the nugget diameter increased, the interfacial layer structure became coarser and the tensile shear load of the welded joints had an increased tendency. The maximum tensile shear load reached 3309 N at 9 kA for 250 ms. Crack initiated at the interfacial intermetallic compound layer of the tensile shear specimens, then propagated through the interfacial layer principally, and meantime through the aluminium alloy fusion zone near the interface partially.
Toxoplasma gondii infection in slaughter pigs in Serbia: seroprevalence and demonstration of parasites in blood
Authors: Klun Ivana , Vujanić Marija , Yera Hélène , Nikolić Aleksandra , Ivović Vladimir , Bobić Branko , Bradonjić Siniša , Dupouy-Camet Jean , Djurković-­Djaković Olgica
Published: February 2011

A seroepizootiological study ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection involving a total of 488 slaughter pigs (468 market-weight pigs and 20 sows) in the Belgrade area, also included examination of the presence ofT. gondiiin the blood. Blood sampled at the slaughter line was examined for specific antibodies by modified direct agglutination, and blood clots of those seropositive at titres of 1:50-1:12800 were bioassayed in mice. The overall seroprevalence was 9.2%, significantly higher (p= 0.0063) in sows (30.0%) than in market-weight pigs (8.3%). Amongst the 22 bioassays performed, a total of 16 (72.7%) were positive, by observation ofT. gondiicysts (12), seropositivity (7, including 3 in which cysts were not detected), and/or detection ofT. gondiiDNA by real-time PCR (12, including one otherwise negative). The positive bioassays originated from the blood of 12 market-weight pigs and 4 sows. Despite a general increase in the rate of demonstration ofT. gondiiwith the increase in the specific antibody level, the association was not significant (p= 0.101). The risk of infection was 41-fold increased in sows vs market-weight pigs, and 15-fold in pigs from smallholders' finishing type farms vs those from large farrow-to-finish farms. The presence of viableT. gondiiin a proportion of the samples indicates that some of the pigs had an active parasitaemia at the time of slaughter, which, along with the seroprevalence established, points to a potential source of human infection in Serbia. This is the first report on parasitaemia in naturally infected swine.
Genome-wide expression patterns associated with oncogenesis and sarcomatous transdifferentation of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Seol Min-A , Chu In-Sun , Lee Mi-Jin , Yu Goung-Ran , Cui Xiang-Dan , Cho Baik-Hwan , Ahn Eun-Kyung , Leem Sun-Hee , Kim In-Hee , Kim Dae-Ghon
Published: February 2011

Background

The molecular mechanisms of CC (cholangiocarcinoma) oncogenesis and progression are poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the genome-wide expression of genes related to CC oncogenesis and sarcomatous transdifferentiation.

Methods

Genes that were differentially expressed between CC cell lines or tissues and cultured normal biliary epithelial (NBE) cells were identified using DNA microarray technology. Expressions were validated in human CC tissues and cells.

Results

Using unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis of the cell line and tissue samples, we identified a set of 342 commonly regulated (>2-fold change) genes. Of these, 53, including tumor-related genes, were upregulated, and 289, including tumor suppressor genes, were downregulated (<0.5 fold change). Expression of SPP1, EFNB2, E2F2, IRX3, PTTG1, PPARγ, KRT17, UCHL1, IGFBP7 and SPARC proteins was immunohistochemically verified in human and hamster CC tissues. Additional unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis of sarcomatoid CC cells compared to three adenocarcinomatous CC cell lines revealed 292 differentially upregulated genes (>4-fold change), and 267 differentially downregulated genes (<0.25 fold change). The expression of 12 proteins was validated in the CC cell lines by immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Of the proteins analyzed, we found upregulation of the expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins VIM and TWIST1, and restoration of the methylation-silenced proteins LDHB, BNIP3, UCHL1, and NPTX2 during sarcomatoid transdifferentiation of CC.

Conclusion

The deregulation of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and methylation-related genes may be useful in identifying molecular targets for CC diagnosis and prognosis.
West End Walkers 65+: A randomised controlled trial of a primary care-based walking intervention for older adults: Study rationale and design
Authors: MacMillan Freya , Fitzsimons Claire , Black Karen , Granat Malcolm H , Grant Margaret P , Grealy Madeleine , Macdonald Hazel , McConnachie Alex , Rowe David A , Shaw Rebecca , Skelton Dawn A , Mutrie Nanette
Published: February 2011

Background

In Scotland, older adults are a key target group for physical activity intervention due to the large proportion who are inactive. The health benefits of an active lifestyle are well established but more research is required on the most effective interventions to increase activity in older adults. The 'West End Walkers 65+' randomised controlled trial aims to examine the feasibility of delivering a pedometer-based walking intervention to adults aged ≥65 years through a primary care setting and to determine the efficacy of this pilot. The study rationale, protocol and recruitment process are discussed in this paper.

Methods/Design

The intervention consisted of a 12-week pedometer-based graduated walking programme and physical activity consultations. Participants were randomised into an immediate intervention group (immediate group) or a 12-week waiting list control group (delayed group) who then received the intervention. For the pilot element of this study, the primary outcome measure was pedometer step counts. Secondary outcome measures of sedentary time and physical activity (time spent lying/sitting, standing or walking; activPAL™ monitor), mood (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), functional ability (Perceived Motor-Efficacy Scale for Older Adults), quality of life (Short-Form (36) Health Survey version 2) and loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) were assessed. Focus groups with participants and semi-structured interviews with the research team captured their experiences of the intervention. The feasibility component of this trial examined recruitment via primary care and retention of participants, appropriateness of the intervention for older adults and the delivery of the intervention by a practice nurse.

Discussion

West End Walkers 65+ will determine the feasibility and pilot the efficacy of delivering a pedometer-based walking intervention through primary care to Scottish adults aged ≥65 years. The study will also examine the effect of the intervention on the well-being of participants and gain an insight into both participant and research team member experiences of the intervention.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN: ISRCTN70658148
Malignant PEComa: a case report with emphasis on clinical and morphological criteria
Authors: Selvaggi Federico , Risio Domenico , Claudi Roberta , Cianci Roberta , Angelucci Domenico , Pulcini Daniela , D'Aulerio Alberto , Legnini Margherita , Cotellese Roberto , Innocenti Paolo
Published: February 2011

Background

Malignant perivascular epitheliod cell tumor (PEComa) is a very rare entity composed of distinctive perivascular epitheliod cells with variable immunoreactivity for melanocytic and muscle markers. At present this neoplasm does not have a known normal cellular counterpart and the natural history is often unpredictable. Up to now, few cases of PEComa have been described and treatment modalities are still controversial, particularly in advanced conditions.

Case presentation

We handled the case of a 42-year-old man with unresectable PEComa of the abdomen. A 7 cm hepatic hypodense lesion between segment V and VIII of the liver and diffuse intraperitoneal nodules of 0,3-3,5 cm along the right subcapsular hepatic region, were documented by a CT scan. Radiological images showed abnormal lymph nodes of the right internal mammary chain and anterior mediastinum. The patient underwent an explorative laparotomy for uncontrolled intrabdominal hemorrhage without a well-defined preoperative tumor diagnosis. At surgery, multiple lobulated nodules containing hemorrhagic fluid on the liver surface, peritoneum and omentum were confirmed. The procedure had a palliative intent and consisted of hemostasis, hematomas evacuation and omentectomy. The diagnosis of PEComa was made after surgery on the basis of morphological and immunohystochemical criteria. Radiological and intra operative findings suggest that the mass has an hepatic origin with diffuse involvement of hepatic capsule and suspensory ligaments. The patient received medical support care with blood and plasma transfusions. In our experience, PEComa was clinically malignant, leading to a fatal outcome 25 days after hospital admission of patient.

Conclusions

Here we report and discuss the peculiar clinical, radiological and morphological presentation of unresectable PEComa. Although in the majority of the reported series, PEComas show a more better prognosis, our case presents with a particular aggressive biological behaviour. The importance of a correct preoperative diagnosis, the need for more effective targeted therapies based on tumor molecular knowledge and evidence-based clinical studies are emphasized together with a revision of the concerning scientific literature.
Discrepancy between radiological and pathological size of renal masses
Authors: Jeffery Nicola N , Douek Norbert , Guo Ding Y , Patel Manish I
Published: February 2011

Background

Tumor size is a critical variable in staging for renal cell carcinoma. Clinicians rely on radiological estimates of pathological tumor size to guide patient counseling regarding prognosis, choice of treatment strategy and entry into clinical trials. If there is a discrepancy between radiological and pathological measurements of renal tumor size, this could have implications for clinical practice. Our study aimed to compare the radiological size of solid renal tumors on computed tomography (CT) to the pathological size in an Australian population.

Methods

We identified 157 patients in the Westmead Renal Tumor Database, for whom data was available for both radiological tumor size on CT and pathological tumor size. The paired Student'st-test was used to compare the mean radiological tumor size and the mean pathological tumor size. Statistical significance was defined asP< 0.05. We also identified all cases in which post-operative down-staging or up-staging occurred due to discrepancy between radiological and pathological tumor sizes. Additionally, we examined the relationship between Fuhrman grade and radiological tumor size and pathological T stage.

Results

Overall, the mean radiological tumor size on CT was 58.3 mm and the mean pathological size was 55.2 mm. On average, CT overestimated pathological size by 3.1 mm (P= 0.012). CT overestimated pathological tumor size in 92 (58.6%) patients, underestimated in 44 (28.0%) patients and equaled pathological size in 21 (31.4%) patients. Among the 122 patients with pT1 or pT2 tumors, there was a discrepancy between clinical and pathological staging in 35 (29%) patients. Of these, 21 (17%) patients were down-staged post-operatively and 14 (11.5%) were up-staged. Fuhrman grade correlated positively with radiological tumor size (P= 0.039) and pathological tumor stage (P= 0.003).

Conclusions

There was a statistically significant but small difference (3.1 mm) between mean radiological and mean pathological tumor size, but this is of uncertain clinical significance. For some patients, the difference leads to a discrepancy between clinical and pathological staging, which may have implications for pre-operative patient counseling regarding prognosis and management.
Plasma fatty acids and the risk of metabolic syndrome in ethnic Chinese adults in Taiwan
Authors: Chien Kuo-Liong , Chao Chia-Lun , Kuo Chen-Hong , Lin Hung-Ju , Liu Pi-Hua , Chen Pei-Rony , Hsu Hsiu-Ching , Lee Bai-Chin , Lee Yuan-Teh , Chen Ming-Fong
Published: February 2011

Background

Evidence of predictive power of various fatty acids on the risk of metabolic syndrome was scanty. We evaluated the role of various fatty acids, including saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, transfat, n-6 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for the risk of the metabolic syndrome in Taiwan.

Results

A nested case-control study based on 1000 cases of metabolic syndrome and 1:1 matched control subjects. For saturated fat, monounsaturated fat and transfat, the higher the concentration the higher the risk for metabolic syndrome: participants in the highest quintile had a 2.22-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66 to 2.97) higher risk of metabolic syndrome. In addition, the participants in higher EPA quintiles were less likely to have the risk of metabolic syndrome (adjusted risk, 0.46 [0.34 to 0.61] for the fifth quintile). Participants in the highest risk group (low EPA and high transfat) had a 2.36-fold higher risk of metabolic syndrome (95% CI, 1.38 to 4.03), compared with those in the lowest risk group (high EPA and low transfat). For prediction power, the area under ROC curves increased from 0.926 in the baseline model to 0.928 after adding fatty acids. The net reclassification improvement for metabolic syndrome risk was substantial for saturated fat (2.1%, P = 0.05).

Conclusions

Plasma fatty acid components improved the prediction of the metabolic syndrome risk in Taiwan.
Nanoscale electro-structural characterisation of ohmic contacts formed on p-type implanted 4H-SiC
Authors: Frazzetto Alessia , Giannazzo Filippo , Lo Nigro Raffaella , Di Franco Salvatore , Bongiorno Corrado , Saggio Mario , Zanetti Edoardo , Raineri Vito , Roccaforte Fabrizio
Published: February 2011

This work reports a nanoscale electro-structural characterisation of Ti/Al ohmic contacts formed on p-type Al-implanted silicon carbide (4H-SiC). The morphological and the electrical properties of the Al-implanted layer, annealed at 1700°C with or without a protective capping layer, and of the ohmic contacts were studied using atomic force microscopy [AFM], transmission line model measurements and local current measurements performed with conductive AFM.

The characteristics of the contacts were significantly affected by the roughness of the underlying SiC. In particular, the surface roughness of the Al-implanted SiC regions annealed at 1700°C could be strongly reduced using a protective carbon capping layer during annealing. This latter resulted in an improved surface morphology and specific contact resistance of the Ti/Al ohmic contacts formed on these regions. The microstructure of the contacts was monitored by X-ray diffraction analysis and a cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, and correlated with the electrical results.
Effect of the Nd content on the structural and photoluminescence properties of silicon-rich silicon dioxide thin films
Authors: Debieu Olivier , Cardin Julien , Portier Xavier , Gourbilleau Fabrice
Published: February 2011

In this article, the microstructure and photoluminescence (PL) properties of Nd-doped silicon-rich silicon oxide (SRSO) are reported as a function of the annealing temperature and the Nd concentration. The thin films, which were grown on Si substrates by reactive magnetron co-sputtering, contain the same Si excess as determined by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra show that a phase separation occurs during the annealing because of the condensation of the Si excess resulting in the formation of silicon nanoparticles (Si-np) as detected by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Under non-resonant excitation at 488 nm, our Nd-doped SRSO films simultaneously exhibited PL from Si-np and Nd3+ demonstrating the efficient energy transfer between Si-np and Nd3+ and the sensitizing effect of Si-np. Upon increasing the Nd concentration from 0.08 to 4.9 at.%, our samples revealed a progressive quenching of the Nd3+ PL which can be correlated with the concomitant increase of disorder within the host matrix as shown by FTIR experiments. Moreover, the presence of Nd-oxide nanocrystals in the highest Nd-doped sample was established by XRD. It is, therefore, suggested that the Nd clustering, as well as disorder, are responsible for the concentration quenching of the PL of Nd3+.
Polymorphic genetic characterization of the ORF7 gene of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in China
Authors: Hao Xiaofang , Lu Zengjun , Kuang Wendong , Sun Pu , Fu Yu , Wu Lei , Zhao Qing , Bao Huifang , Fu Yuanfang , Cao Yimei , Li Pinghua , Bai Xingwen , Li Dong , Liu Zaixin
Published: February 2011

Background

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) exhibits extensive genetic variation. The outbreak of a highly pathogenic PRRS in 2006 led us to investigate the extent of PRRSV genetic diversity in China. To this end, we analyzed the Nsp2 and ORF7 gene sequences of 98 Chinese PRRSV isolates.

Results

Preliminary analysis indicated that highly pathogenic PRRSV strains with a 30-amino acid deletion in the Nsp2 protein are the dominant viruses circulating in China. Further analysis based on ORF7 sequences revealed that all Chinese isolates were divided into 5 subgroups, and that the highly pathogenic PRRSVs were distantly related to the MLV or CH-1R vaccine, raising doubts about the efficacy of these vaccines. The ORF7 sequence data also showed no apparent associations between geographic or temporal origin and heterogeneity of PRRSV in China.

Conclusion

These findings enhance our knowledge of the genetic characteristics of Chinese PRRSV isolates, and may facilitate the development of effective strategies for monitoring and controlling PRRSV in China.
Double suicide genes selectively kill human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Jia Weiguo , Mei Longyong , Wang Yanping , Liu Lunxu , Che Guowei
Published: February 2011

Background

To construct a recombinant adenovirus containing CDglyTK double suicide genes and evaluate the killing effect of the double suicide genes driven by kinase domain insert containing receptor (KDR) promoter on human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Methods

Human KDR promoter, Escherichia coli (E. coli) cytosine deaminase (CD) gene and the herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (TK) gene were cloned using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Plasmid pKDR-CDglyTK was constructed with the KDR promoter and CDglyTK genes. A recombinant adenoviral plasmid AdKDR-CDglyTK was then constructed and transfected into 293 packaging cells to grow and harvest adenoviruses. KDR-expressing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECV304) and KDR-negative liver cancer cell line (HepG2) were infected with the recombinant adenoviruses at different multiplicity of infection (MOI). The infection rate was measured by green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression. The infected cells were cultured in culture media containing different concentrations of prodrugs ganciclovir (GCV) and/or 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). The killing effects were measured using two different methods, i.e. annexin V-FITC staining and terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining.

Results

Recombinant adenoviruses AdKDR-CDglyTK were successfully constructed and they infected ECV304 and HepG2 cells efficiently. The infection rate was dependent on MOI of recombinant adenoviruses. ECV304 cells infected with AdKDR-CDglyTK were highly sensitive to GCV and 5-FC. The cell survival rate was dependent on both the concentration of the prodrugs and the MOI of recombinant adenoviruses. In contrast, there were no killing effects in the HepG2 cells. The combination of two prodrugs was much more effective in killing ECV304 cells than GCV or 5-FC alone. The growth of transgenic ECV304 cells was suppressed in the presence of prodrugs.

Conclusion

AdKDR-CDglyTK/double prodrog system may be a useful method for suppressing tumor angiogenesis.
Fibroblasts derived from human embryonic stem cells direct development and repair of 3D human skin equivalents
Authors: Shamis Yulia , Hewitt Kyle J , Carlson Mark W , Margvelashvilli Mariam , Dong Shumin , Kuo Catherine K , Daheron Laurence , Egles Christophe , Garlick Jonathan A
Published: February 2011

Introduction

Pluripotent, human stem cells hold tremendous promise as a source of progenitor and terminally differentiated cells for application in future regenerative therapies. However, such therapies will be dependent upon the development of novel approaches that can best assess tissue outcomes of pluripotent stem cell-derived cells and will be essential to better predict their safety and stability following in vivo transplantation.

Methods

In this study we used engineered, human skin equivalents (HSEs) as a platform to characterize fibroblasts that have been derived from human embryonic stem (hES) cell. We characterized the phenotype and the secretion profile of two distinct hES-derived cell lines with properties of mesenchymal cells (EDK and H9-MSC) and compared their biological potential upon induction of differentiation to bone and fat and following their incorporation into the stromal compartment of engineered, HSEs.

Results

While both EDK and H9-MSC cell lines exhibited similar morphology and mesenchymal cell marker expression, they demonstrated distinct functional properties when incorporated into the stromal compartment of HSEs. EDK cells displayed characteristics of dermal fibroblasts that could support epithelial tissue development and enable re-epithelialization of wounds generated using a 3D tissue model of cutaneous wound healing, which was linked to elevated production of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Lentiviral shRNA-mediated knockdown of HGF resulted in a dramatic decrease of HGF secretion from EDK cells that led to a marked reduction in their ability to promote keratinocyte proliferation and re-epithelialization of cutaneous wounds. In contrast, H9-MSCs demonstrated features of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) but not those of dermal fibroblasts, as they underwent multilineage differentiation in monolayer culture, but were unable to support epithelial tissue development and repair and produced significantly lower levels of HGF.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that hES-derived cells could be directed to specified and alternative mesenchymal cell fates whose function could be distinguished in engineered HSEs. Characterization of hES-derived mesenchymal cells in 3D, engineered HSEs demonstrates the utility of this tissue platform to predict the functional properties of hES-derived fibroblasts before their therapeutic transplantation.
The female-specific Doublesex isoform regulates pleiotropic transcription factors to pattern genital development inDrosophila
Authors: Chatterjee Sujash S. , Uppendahl Locke D. , Chowdhury Moinuddin A. , Ip Pui-Leng , Siegal Mark L.
Published: February 2011

Regulatory networks driving morphogenesis of animal genitalia must integrate sexual identity and positional information. Although the genetic hierarchy that controls somatic sexual identity in the fly Drosophila melanogaster is well understood, there are very few cases in which the mechanism by which it controls tissue-specific gene activity is known. In flies, the sex-determination hierarchy terminates in the doublesex (dsx) gene, which produces sex-specific transcription factors via alternative splicing of its transcripts. To identify sex-specifically expressed genes downstream of dsx that drive the sexually dimorphic development of the genitalia, we performed genome-wide transcriptional profiling of dissected genital imaginal discs of each sex at three time points during early morphogenesis. Using a stringent statistical threshold, we identified 23 genes that have sex-differential transcript levels at all three time points, of which 13 encode transcription factors, a significant enrichment. We focus here on three sex-specifically expressed transcription factors encoded by lozenge (lz), Drop (Dr) and AP-2. We show that, in female genital discs, Dsx activates lz and represses Dr and AP-2. We further show that the regulation of Dr by Dsx mediates the previously identified expression of the fibroblast growth factor Branchless in male genital discs. The phenotypes we observe upon loss of lz or Dr function in genital discs explain the presence or absence of particular structures in dsx mutant flies and thereby clarify previously puzzling observations. Our time course of expression data also lays the foundation for elucidating the regulatory networks downstream of the sex-specifically deployed transcription factors.
Involvement of Hedgehog and FGF signalling in the lamprey telencephalon: evolution of regionalization and dorsoventral patterning of the vertebrate forebrain
Authors: Sugahara Fumiaki , Aota Shin-ichi , Kuraku Shigehiro , Murakami Yasunori , Takio-Ogawa Yoko , Hirano Shigeki , Kuratani Shigeru
Published: February 2011

Dorsoventral (DV) specification is a crucial step for the development of the vertebrate telencephalon. Clarifying the origin of this mechanism will lead to a better understanding of vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) evolution. Based on the lamprey, a sister group of the gnathostomes (jawed vertebrates), we identified three lamprey Hedgehog (Hh) homologues, which are thought to play central signalling roles in telencephalon patterning. However, unlike in gnathostomes, none of these genes, nor Lhx6/7/8, a marker for the migrating interneuron subtype, was expressed in the ventral telencephalon, consistent with the reported absence of the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) in this animal. Homologues of Gsh2, Isl1/2 and Sp8, which are involved in the patterning of the lateral ganglionic eminence (LGE) of gnathostomes, were expressed in the lamprey subpallium, as in gnathostomes. Hh signalling is necessary for induction of the subpallium identity in the gnathostome telencephalon. When Hh signalling was inhibited, the ventral identity was disrupted in the lamprey, suggesting that prechordal mesoderm-derived Hh signalling might be involved in the DV patterning of the telencephalon. By blocking fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling, the ventral telencephalon was suppressed in the lamprey, as in gnathostomes. We conclude that Hh- and FGF-dependent DV patterning, together with the resultant LGE identity, are likely to have been established in a common ancestor before the divergence of cyclostomes and gnathostomes. Later, gnathostomes would have acquired a novel Hh expression domain corresponding to the MGE, leading to the obtainment of cortical interneurons.
Optimal Procurement Design in the Presence of Supply Risk
Authors: Chaturvedi Aadhaar , Martínez-de-Albéniz Victor
Published: February 2011

This paper analyzes optimal auction design when delivery of supply is uncertain. We consider a buyer facing multiple potential suppliers, each having an associated (exogenous) reliability that quantifies its risk of supply failure. We design optimal mechanisms that depend on the buyer's level of information regarding the suppliers' cost of production and reliability. When supplier reliability is known, we find that the optimal allocation resembles the allocation under full information, but with inflated production costs. When it is unknown, the same result is true when cost and reliability of a supplier are independent. Furthermore, the buyer does not have to pay any rent for information on suppliers' reliability. Moreover, we assess the benefits of the optimal mechanism compared to traditional auctions that ignore supply risk.