bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The growth rate of large renal masses opposes active surveillance
Authors: Staehler Michael , Haseke Nicolas , Stadler Thomas , Zilinberg Ekaterina , Nordhaus Cordula , Nuhn Philip , Khoder Wael Y. , Karl Alexander , Stief Christian G.
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively determine the growth rate of renal masses with a diameter of ≥4 cm at the time of surgery, as the average growth rate of untreated small (<4 cm) renal masses is assumed to be 0.1–0.7 cm/year, but little is known about the progression of large masses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 256 patients who had their renal tumour surgically removed between January and December 2008, we identified nine (five men and four women; median age 65.2 years, range 29.2–74.2) with solitary large renal masses (>4 cm) who had abdominal imaging with identification of renal masses >6 months before admission. In none of the patients had the initial imaging led to admission, either by accident or because the masses were overlooked. The tumour growth rate was calculated based on images taken ≥6 months before admission and actual imaging, as well as histological results.

RESULTS

All patients had surgical resection of their renal masses in 2008. The median (range) follow‐up from initial diagnosis to surgery was 14.6 (6.5–58.4) months. The median observed tumour growth rate was 6.41 (2.47–8.66) cm/year. The histological diagnosis was clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in seven patients, papillary in one and clear cell RCC with portions of sarcomatoid de‐differentiation in one; two patients had lymph node metastases and one had pulmonary metastases, and five had tumours of ≥T3.

CONCLUSIONS

The growth rate of large tumours is much higher than of small renal masses and most patients present with advanced disease. Thus, tumours of ≥4 cm seem not to be candidates for active surveillance but require immediate therapy. Further studies are warranted to determine the clinical relevance of progressive tumour growth and the underlying mechanisms.
Differences in histopathological and biochemical outcomes in patients with low Gleason score prostate cancer
Authors: Isbarn Hendrik , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Ahyai Sascha A. , Chun Felix K.H. , Jeldres Claudio , Haese Alexander , Heinzer Hans , Zacharias Mario , Heuer Roman , Eichelberg Christian , Steuber Thomas , Budäus Lars , Köllermann Jens , Salomon Georg , Schlomm Thorsten , Perrotte Paul , Fisch Margit , Huland Hartwig , Graefen Markus
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Diagnosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To test whether the number or percentage of positive biopsy cores can be used to discriminate between patients with prostate cancer of a favourable and less favourable Gleason score (GS) ≤3 + 3, as prognostically, not all GS 3 + 3 prostate cancers are the same.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 1106 consecutive patients with a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of ≤10 ng/mL and a biopsy GS of ≤3 + 3 or 3 + 4 had an open radical prostatectomy. The number of positive biopsy cores (≤2 vs ≥3) were stratified into low‐ vs high‐risk groups. Subsequently, we stratified patients according to the GS and the percentage of positive biopsy cores (<50% vs ≥50%). The pathological stage and the 5‐year biochemical recurrence (BCR)‐free survival rates were examined in univariable and multivariable models.

RESULTS

Based on the number of positive cores, the rate of extraprostatic disease was 11.7% and 23.3%, respectively, in the low‐and high‐risk GS ≤3 + 3 groups (P < 0.001). The 5‐year BCR‐free survival rates were 95.0%, 77.8%, 81.2% and 66.5% for, respectively, low‐ and high‐risk GS ≤3 + 3 and for low‐ and high‐risk GS 3 + 4 patients. Univariable and multivariable intergroup BCR rate differences were statistically significant between low‐ vs high‐risk GS 3 + 3 patients (P < 0.001), but not significant between high‐risk GS ≤3 + 3 vs low‐risk GS 3 + 4 patients (P = 0.6). Comparable results were obtained when comparisons were made according to the percentage of positive biopsy cores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results corroborate the finding that not all patients with a biopsy GS of ≤3 + 3 prostate cancer have low‐risk disease. High‐risk GS ≤3 + 3 patients have a similar risk profile as more favourable GS 3 + 4 patients. This finding warrants consideration when deciding on treatment.
Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis in a Danish population: a study using the 2008 criteria of the European Society for the Study of Interstitial Cystitis
Authors: Richter Benedikte , Hesse Ulrik , Hansen Alastair B. , Horn Thomas , Mortensen Svend O. , Nordling Jørgen
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To characterize and evaluate a Danish patient population with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC), using a working definition for BPS/IC incorporating six variables, and a set of criteria defined by the European Society for the Study of Interstitial Cystitis (ESSIC); to describe the clinical course and treatment intensity in relation to these variables.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical data were obtained retrospectively from medical records for 349 consecutive patients with IC referred to the Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Denmark between 1966 and 2008. The median (range) age at diagnosis was 53 (16–88) years; 64% were followed for at least 2 years. The outcome was expressed in terms of treatment intensity and was correlated with clinical data (pain, nocturnal frequency, bladder capacity, mucosal glomerulations, detrusor mastocytosis, detrusor intrafascicular fibrosis, IFF).

RESULTS

All patients had pain and 75% had nocturia at least twice. The bladder capacity estimated under general anaesthesia was <500 mL in 42%; 53% presented with detrusor mastocytosis (≥28 mast cells/mm2) and 50% with IFF. The detrusor mast cell count (P < 0.001), IFF (P = 0.004) and nocturnal frequency (P = 0.043) had statistically significant prognostic value for treatment intensity, whereas bladder capacity and glomerulations were not significant.

CONCLUSION

Nocturia, detrusor mastocytosis and IFF are associated with multiple treatments and presumed failure of standard urological therapy in patients with BPS/IC, while bladder capacity and glomerulations are not. Valid conclusions cannot be drawn because of numerous limitations to the study.
Systematic review of long‐term lifestyle interventions to prevent weight gain and morbidity in adults
Authors: Brown T. , Avenell A. , Edmunds L. D. , Moore H. , Whittaker V. , Avery L. , Summerbell C. ,   for the PROGRESS Team
Published: September 2009

The aim of this article is to determine the effectiveness of long‐term lifestyle interventions for the prevention of weight gain and morbidity in adults. Prevention of weight gain is important in adults who are of normal weight, overweight and obese. A systematic review of controlled trials of lifestyle interventions in adults with a body mass index of less than 35 kg m−2 with at least 2 years of follow‐up was carried out. Eleven of 39 comparisons produced significant improvement in weight between groups at 2 years or longer with mean difference weight change ranging from −0.5 to −11.5 kg. Effective interventions included a 600 kcal/day deficit diet deficit/low‐fat diet (with and without meal replacements), low‐calorie diet, Weight Watchers diet, low‐fat non‐reducing diet, diet with behaviour therapy, diet with exercise, diet with exercise and behaviour therapy. Adding meal replacements to a low‐fat diet (with and without exercise and behaviour therapy) produced significant improvement in weight. Head‐to‐head interventions failed to show significant effect on weight with the exception of a Mediterranean diet with behaviour therapy compared with low‐fat diet. Diet with exercise and/or behaviour therapy demonstrated significant reduction in hypertension and improvement in risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes compared with no treatment control. Lifestyle interventions demonstrated significant improvement in weight, reduction in hypertension and reduction in risk of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome.
Optimal Policy under Uncertainty and Learning about Climate Change: A Stochastic Dominance Approach
Authors: BAKER ERIN
Published: September 2009

Global climate change presents a classic problem of decision making under uncertainty with learning. We provide stochastic dominance theorems that provide new insights into when abatement and investment into low carbon technology should increase in risk. We show that R&D into low‐carbon technologies and near‐term abatement are in some sense opposites in terms of risk. Abatement provides insurance against the possibility of major catastrophes; R&D provides insurance against the possibility that climate change is marginally worse than average. We extend our results to the comparative statics of learning.
Up/Downward Preference Aggregation
Authors: QUESADA ANTONIO
Published: September 2009

Two strict preference aggregation mechanisms are suggested. One determines the collective preference from the most preferred to the least preferred alternative using as inputs the individuals' most preferred alternatives once the alternatives already assigned a position in the collective preference have been removed. The other mechanism does the same the other way around, constructing the preference starting from the least preferred alternative and using the least preferred remaining alternatives as inputs. It is shown that if both procedures are assumed to generate the same collective preference then the resulting aggregation rule must be dictatorial or constant. Weaker versions of these procedures also yield a dictatorial aggregation rule when combined with mild versions of unanimity or surjectivity.
IN (THE) PLACE OF THE SELF: A CRITICAL STUDY OF JEAN‐LUC MARION'S “AU LIEU DE SOI. L'APPROCHE DE SAINT AUGUSTIN”1
Authors: SCHRIJVERS JOERI
Published: September 2009

This review article discusses Jean‐Luc Marion's latest book Au lieu de soi. L'approche de Saint‐Augustin, in which Marion lets the theology and phenomenology of givenness interact with Augustine's œuvre. The article provides an extensive summary of Marion's book and offers a critical analysis by linking Au lieu de soi to Marion's earlier work. Apart from this, this review hopes to open some parallels with the work of Emmanuel Levinas and Jean‐Yves Lacoste if only to show how easily a certain strand of Augustinianism blends with contemporary thought.
Yorkshire and Lancashire ascendant: England's textile exports to New York and Philadelphia, 1750–1805
Authors: MAW PETER
Published: September 2009

This article uses American merchants' papers to identify the leading English textile exporters to New York and Philadelphia (1750–1805). It shows that Yorkshire and Lancashire took the initiative from London after 1783. The north's ascendancy stemmed from refinements to a well‐functioning trading system rather than from the creation of wholly new channels of trade. The emergent exporters of Leeds and Manchester were driven as much by the dictates of sales as of manufacturing; their factory investments were just one component of a series of connections with production. American importers retained their role as intermediaries between English exporters and backcountry retailers.
Preterm premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnion inflammatory scores and neonatal respiratory outcome
Authors: Zanardo V , Vedovato S , Cosmi E , Litta P , Cavallin F , Trevisanuto D , Chiarelli S
Published: September 2009

Objective  To evaluate whether histological chorioamnionitis (HCA), in the setting of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), affects infant respiratory outcome.

Design  A prospective histological study on 287 consecutive placentas was performed in preterm infants (≤32+6 weeks gestation), categorised into four groups: according to the presence or absence of HCA, in the setting or in absence of PPROM.

Setting  Neonatal intensive care unit, Department of Pediatrics, Padua University, Padua, Italy from January 2001 to December 2006.

Results  Among the 287 NICU admitted preterm infants, 68/287 (23.6%) presented with HCA, 16/68 (23.5%) with a coexisting fetal inflammatory response, and 74/287 (25.7%) with PPROM. HCA was associated with a greater frequency of vaginal delivery (P < 0.0001), lower gestational age (P < 0.0001) and lower birth weight (P < 0.01). HCA had no effect on fetal lung maturation, however, it was a significant risk factor for CLD (RR; 95% CI 2.08; 1.30–3.33). HCA and the fetal inflammatory response were also significant risk factors for PPROM (RR; 95% CI 2.07; 1.42–3.03 and 2.64; 1.71–4.09 respectively). Conversely, HCA in the setting of PPROM failed to reveal any RDS protection or subtype CLD risk. Multivariate analysis demonstrated significant independent effects of presence of maternal HCA (P = 0.04), gestational age (P < 0.0001) and interaction HCA‐gestational age (P = 0.04) on CLD development, regardless of the presence of fetal HCA or fetal HCA‐gestational age interaction, PPROM or PPROM‐gestational age interaction.

Conclusions  Histological chorioamnionitis is a significant PPROM and CLD risk factor, but it fails to provide any protection from RDS. HCA in the setting of PPROM also failed to reveal any RDS protection or subtype CLD risk.
Headache and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorder: An Epidemiological Study
Authors: Gonçalves Daniela A.G. , Bigal Marcelo E. , Jales Luciana C.F. , Camparis Cinara M. , Speciali José G.
Published: September 2009

(Headache 2010;50:231‐241)

Objectives.— A population‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of migraine, episodic tension‐type headaches (ETTH), and chronic daily headaches (CDH), as well as the presence of symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in the adult population.

Background.— The potential comorbidity of headache syndromes and TMD has been established mostly based on clinic‐based studies.

Methods.— A representative sample of 1230 inhabitants (51.5% women) was interviewed by a validated phone survey. TMD symptoms were assessed through 5 questions, as recommended by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, in an attempt to classify possible TMD. Primary headaches were diagnosed based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders.

Results.— When at least 1 TMD symptom was reported, any headache happened in 56.5% vs 31.9% (P < .0001) in those with no symptoms. For 2 symptoms, figures were 65.1% vs 36.3% (P < .0001); for 3 or more symptoms, the difference was even more pronounced: 72.8% vs 37.9%. (P < .0001). Taking individuals without headache as the reference, the prevalence of at least 1 TMD symptom was increased in ETTH (prevalence ratio = 1.48, 95% confidence interval = 1.20‐1.79), migraine (2.10, 1.80‐2.47) and CDH (2.41, 1.84‐3.17). At least 2 TMD symptoms also happened more frequently in migraine (4.4, 3.0‐6.3), CDH (3.4; 1.5‐7.6), and ETTH (2.1; 1.3‐3.2), relative to individuals with no headaches. Finally, 3 or more TMD symptoms were also more common in migraine (6.2; 3.8‐10.2) than in no headaches. Differences were significant for ETTH (2.7 1.5‐4.8), and were numerically but not significant for CDH (2.3; 0.66‐8.04).

Conclusion.— Temporomandibular disorder symptoms are more common in migraine, ETTH, and CDH relative to individuals without headache. Magnitude of association is higher for migraine. Future studies should clarify the nature of the relationship.
Measurement of Interfacial Porosity at the Acrylic Resin/Denture Tooth Interface
Authors: Pero Ana Carolina , Marra Juliê , Paleari André Gustavo , Pereira Wellington Roberto Fagundes , Barbosa Débora Barros , Compagnoni Marco Antonio
Published: September 2009

Purpose: Small pores of almost uniform shape and size are common in polymeric materials; however, significant porosity can weaken a denture base resin and promote staining, harboring of organisms such as Candida albicans, and bond failures between the artificial tooth and denture base resin. The aim of this study was to investigate the porosity at the interface of one artificial tooth acrylic resin (Trilux, copolymer of polymethyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and color pigments) and three denture base resins: Acron MC (microwave‐polymerized), Lucitone 550 (heat‐polymerized), and QC‐20 (heat‐polymerized).

Materials and Methods: Ten specimens of each denture base resin with artificial tooth were processed. After polymerization, specimens were polished and observed under a microscope at 80× magnification. The area of each pore present between artificial tooth and denture base resin was measured using computer software, and the total area of pores per surface was calculated in millimeter square. The Kruskal–Wallis test was performed to compare porosity data (α= 0.05).

Results: Porosity analysis revealed the average number of pores (n), area range (S, mm2), and diameter range (d, μm) for Acron MC (n = 23, S = 0.001 to 0.0056, d = 35 to 267), Lucitone 550 (n = 13, S = 0.001 to 0.005, d = 35 to 79), and QC‐20 (n = 19, S = 0.001 to 0.014, d = 35 to 133). The analyses showed that there were no statistically significant differences among the groups (p= 0.7904).

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it was concluded that the denture base resins evaluated did not affect porosity formation at the artificial tooth/denture base resin interface.
Genetic characterization of breast cancer and implications for clinical management
Authors: Geyer Felipe C. , Lopez‐Garcia Maria A. , Lambros Maryou B. , Reis‐Filho Jorge S.
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Contribution of gene expression analysis

High‐throughput genetic analysis

Phenotypic–genotypic correlations

Biomarkers and therapeutic targets

Conclusion and future perspectives

Breast cancer is a genetic disease caused by the accumulation of mutations in neoplastic cells. In the last few years, high‐throughput microarray‐based molecular analysis has provided increasingly more coherent information about the genetic aberrations in breast cancer. New biomarkers and molecular techniques are slowly becoming part of the diagnostic and prognostic armamentarium available for pathologists and oncologists to tailor the therapy for breast cancer patients. In this review, we will focus on the contribution of breast cancer somatic genetics to our understanding of breast cancer biology and its impact on breast cancer patient management.
Affinity pulldown of γ‐secretase and associated proteins from human and rat brain
Authors: Teranishi Yasuhiro , Hur Ji‐Yeun , Welander Hedvig , Frånberg Jenny , Aoki Mikio , Winblad Bengt , Frykman Susanne , Tjernberg Lars O.
Published: September 2009

γ‐Secretase is a transmembrane protease complex responsible for the processing of a multitude of type 1 transmembrane proteins, including amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Notch. A functional complex is dependent on the assembly of four proteins: presenilin (PS), nicastrin, Aph‐1 and Pen‐2. Little is known about how the substrates are selected by γ‐secretase, but it has been suggested that γ‐secretase associated proteins (GSAPs) could be of importance. For instance, it was recently reported from studies in cell lines that TMP21, a transmembrane protein involved in trafficking, binds to γ‐secretase and regulates the processing of APP‐derived substrates without affecting Notch cleavage. Here, we present an efficient and selective method for purification and analysis of γ‐secretase and GSAPs. Microsomal membranes were prepared from rat or human brain and incubated with a γ‐secretase inhibitor coupled to biotin via a long linker and a S‐S bridge. After pulldown using streptavidin beads, bound proteins were eluted under reducing conditions and digested by trypsin. The tryptic peptides were subjected to LC‐MS/MS analysis, and proteins were identified by sequence data from MS/MS spectra. All of the known γ‐secretase components were identified. Interestingly, TMP21 and the PS associated protein syntaxin1 were associated to γ‐secretase in rat brain. We suggest that the present method can be used for further studies on the composition of the γ‐secretase complex.
Oral lesions in lupus erythematosus–cytokines profiles of inflammatory infiltrate
Authors: Marques Elisa R. M. C. , Lourenço Silvia Vanessa , Lima Dirce M. , Nico Marcello Menta S.
Published: September 2009

Background: Lupus erythematosus (LE) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Presence of type 1 cytokines in cutaneous discoid lesions suggests that they may be critical for induction, development and maintenance of these manifestations. Type 2 cytokines in combination with local interferon gamma (INF‐γ) are thought to be related to the physiopathology of cutaneous LE. Cytokines profiles are still unknown in oral LE lesions.

Materials and Methods: Expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines (including IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and INF‐ γ was investigated and compared in 29 biopsies of intra‐oral (sun‐protected) and labial lesions (sun‐exposed) of LE using immunohistochemistry.

Results: Inflammatory infiltrate of LE lesions was strongly positive for IFN‐ γ (97%) and TNF‐α (90%), both Th1 type cytokines. Interleukin‐10, a Th2 cytokine was also strongly expressed. Other cytokines were only mildly positive. Cytokines patterns were similar in intra‐oral (sun‐covered) and labial (sun‐exposed) LE lesions.

Conclusions: Oral LE lesions are associated with both type 1 and type 2 cytokines, characterized by stronger expression of INF‐ γ, TNF‐ α and IL‐10. These findings suggest that although ultraviolet (UV) light is involved in the induction of LE lesions, mechanisms of lesions formation may be similar in sun‐exposed as well as sun‐covered areas.

Marques ERMC, Lourenço SV, Lima DM, Nico MMS. Oral lesions in lupus erythematosus–cytokines profiles of inflammatory infiltrate.
Hymenoptera venom allergy
Authors: Przybilla Bernhard , Ruëff Franziska
Published: September 2009

Allergic reactions to Hymenoptera stings usually present as large local reactions or systemic reactions with symptoms of immediate type allergy (anaphylaxis). In Central Europe they are predominantly elicited by stings of the honeybee or Vespula spp. Acute reactions are managed by symptomatic treatment. Long‐term care includes patient education (allergen avoidance, course of action at re‐sting) and prescription of an emergency kit for self‐treatment. Venom immunotherapy is established as specific treatment for Hymenoptera venom allergic patients. Diagnosis of Hymenoptera venom anaphylaxis is based on history, skin tests and measurement of venom‐specific serum IgE antibodies. “False negative” or “false positive” results are possible with all test methods. If standard tests are negative, additional tests using the patient's peripheral blood leucocytes can be useful. Venom immunotherapy is usually well tolerated. After reaching the maintenance dose, therapeutic efficacy should be assessed by a sting challenge test. If the patient again develops a systemic reaction, an increase of the maintenance dose (usually 200 μg are sufficient) nearly always induces protection. In most patients venom immunotherapy can be stopped after (3 to) 5 years. However, if there is an increased risk of sting anaphylaxis due to intense allergen exposure (e.g. in beekeepers) or if there are individual risk factors for particularly severe reactions (especially mastocytosis and/or elevated baseline serum tryptase concentration, severe cardiovascular disease), modifications of the standard venom immunotherapy are necessary.
Toxicity of citrus essential oils against Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) larvae
Authors: Papachristos D.P. , Kimbaris A.C. , Papadopoulos N.T. , Polissiou M.G.
Published: September 2009

Citrus peel essential oils are considered to constitute the most important resistance factor of citrus fruits against fruit flies. Essential oils were obtained from three sweet orange varieties, one bitter orange and one lemon variety. Yield, chemical composition and toxicity against neonates of the Mediterranean fruit fly were determined. Based on chemical analysis, the toxicity of commercially purchased major and minor components (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes) of essential oils was determined. In addition, fractions were prepared to evaluate the role of minor components in the toxicity of crude essential oils. Limonene was by far the most abundant ingredient (96.2–97.4%) in all sweet orange varieties and in bitter orange, while the concentration of limonene was much lower in lemon essential oils (74.3%). Orange and bitter orange essential oils were more toxic than lemon essential oils. The toxicity of orange and bitter orange essential oils was similar to that of their major component limonene. In tests of commercially purchased chemicals, the oxygenated components of essential oils were more toxic than hydrocarbons but their low concentration in citrus essential oils could not affect the toxic activity of essential oils. The presence of α‐pinene and β‐pinene seems to account for the lower toxicity of lemon essential oils in relation to other citrus essential oils. The importance of understanding the toxicity of essential oils in relation to their composition and their role regarding the resistance of citrus fruits to Ceratitis capitata infestation is discussed.
150 Years of Tree Establishment, Land Use and Climate Change in Montane Grasslands, Northwest Argentina
Authors: Carilla Julieta , Grau H. Ricardo
Published: September 2009

Degraded grasslands resulting from intensive land use appear to be highly resistant to tree invasion due to interactions between land use, climate, grazing and fire. We describe long‐term patterns of tropical montane forest regeneration into degraded grasslands and analyze their relationships with historical changes in rainfall, grazing and fire in Los Toldos valley (Northwest Argentina), cloud forest life zone (1600 m asl). We used dendrochronological techniques to reconstruct spatial and temporal patterns of Podocarpus parlatorei establishment (the dominant tree species in secondary forests) and grassland fires for the last 150 yr. We assessed current livestock spatial distribution along the valley through feces sampling. Inferred tree establishment patterns (i.e., considering age structure and mortality) were analyzed in relation to temporal and spatial patterns of grazing and fire derived from our own analyses and from government statistics, and to rainfall patterns derived from previous dendrochronological reconstructions. Current grazing intensity was higher close to the local township. Fire occurrence increased with periods of above‐average rainfall (higher fuel productivity), and tended to increase with distance to township (less grazing). Tree establishment in grasslands was spatially associated with high grazing intensity and low fire frequency, and temporally associated with periods of high grazing intensity and below‐average rainfall. Despite climatic and land‐use changes leading to conditions potentially favorable for trees (i.e., more rainfall, less grazing), grasslands persist in this study area, likely due to the direct (saplings burning) and indirect (soil degradation and desiccation) effects of recurrent fires, enhanced by decreasing grazing and increasing rainfall.
The influence of the C+N+O abundances on the determination of the relative ages of globular clusters: the case of NGC1851 and NGC6121 (M4)
Authors: D'Antona F. , Stetson P. B. , Ventura P. , Milone A. P. , Piotto G. , Caloi V.
Published: September 2009

The colour–magnitude diagram (CMD) of NGC 1851 presents two subgiant branches (SGBs), probably due to the presence of two populations differing in total C+N+O (carbon+nitrogen+oxygen) content. We test the idea that a difference in total C+N+O may simulate an age difference when comparing the CMD of clusters to derive relative ages. We compare NGC 1851 with NGC 6121 (M4), a cluster of very similar [Fe/H]. We find that, with a suitable shift of the CMDs that brings the two red horizontal branches at the same magnitude level, the unevolved main sequence and red giant branch match, but the SGB of NGC 6121 and its red giant branch ‘bump’ are fainter than in NGC 1851. In particular, the SGB of NGC 6121 is even slightly fainter than the faint SGB in NGC 1851. Both these features can be explained if the total C+N+O in NGC 6121 is larger than that in NGC 1851, even if the two clusters are coeval. We conclude by warning that different initial C+N+O abundances between two clusters, otherwise similar in metallicity and age, may lead to differences in the turnoff morphology that can be easily attributed to an age difference.
Strategies to Enhance the Therapeutic Activity of Cancer Vaccines: Using Melanoma as a Model
Authors: Berinstein Neil L.
Published: September 2009

Although there has been initial success with some types of immunotherapy, such as adoptive cellular therapy and monoclonal antibody therapy for cancer, the experience with therapeutic cancer vaccines has been much less encouraging. Almost all randomized phase III trials testing therapeutic cancer vaccines have failed to meet their end points. There are several potential explanations for this, ranging from factors related to the clinical trial design and the vaccine itself. Perhaps the most important are host‐related factors. Specifically, progression and metastases of many cancers are associated with induction of multiple cancer‐specific immune‐inhibitory pathways. These inhibitory pathways include induction of T‐cell anergy through dendritic cell dysfunction, release of immunosuppressive cytokines, T‐cell exhaustion through inhibitory T‐cell signaling and T regulatory cell‐mediated tumor‐specific immune suppression. All of these pathways have been shown to be operational in patients with melanoma. To enhance the activity of therapeutic cancer vaccines, these immunosupressive pathways need to be addressed and reversed. A number of new immunomodulatory reagents that are able to interfere with some of these pathways are now being assessed in the clinic. Sanofi Pasteur designed a clinical trial in patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma that is intended to both induce tumor‐specific T‐cell responses and modulate or reverse some of the immune suppression pathways that the melanoma has induced. To accomplish this, the recently optimized ALVAC melanoma multi‐antigen vaccine is administered with high doses of IFN‐α. Clinical trial parameters have also been optimized to enhance the likelihood of inducing and documenting antitumor activity. Success with other therapeutic cancer vaccine approaches will likely require similar approaches in which promising immunogenic vaccines are integrated with biologically and clinically active immunomodulatory reagents.
Harnessing Human Dendritic Cell Subsets to Design Novel Vaccines
Authors: Banchereau Jacques , Klechevsky Eynav , Schmitt Nathalie , Morita Rimpei , Palucka Karolina , Ueno Hideki
Published: September 2009

Dendritic cells (DCs) orchestrate a repertoire of immune responses that endow resistance to infection and tolerance to self. DC plasticity and subsets are prominent determinants of the quality of elicited immune responses. Different DC subsets display different receptors and surface molecules and express different sets of cytokines/chemokines, all of which lead to distinct immunological outcomes. Recent findings on human DC subsets and their functional specialization have provided insights for the design of novel human vaccines.
A Re‐evaluation of the Mechanisms Leading to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
Authors: Noisakran Sansanee , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Songprakhon Pucharee , Onlamoon Nattawat , Hsiao Hui‐Mien , Villinger Francois , Ansari Aftab , Perng Guey Chuen
Published: September 2009

Viremia is one of the features of dengue virus infection among the flaviviruses. Dengue virus infection results in a spectrum of clinical symptoms, ranging from undifferentiated flu‐like illness, mild dengue fever, to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)/dengue shock syndrome (DSS), a life‐threatening illness. Several mechanisms have been hypothesized based primarily on data collected from post‐acute clinical phase to account for DHF/DSS. Lack of a suitable animal model for DHF/DSS has hindered progress in defining the etiology of DHF/DSS. Levels of circulating dengue virus have been well‐correlated to severe dengue disease. However, the cell lineage(s) serving as a primary target for the source of viremia are largely unknown. Results from in vivo and in vitro pilot studies using molecular and more advanced technologies reveal that dengue virus appears to be associated with platelets and the megakaryocytic lineage. The observation may partially explain the dysfunction of platelets observed in dengue affected patients.
Diagnostics and Discovery in Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
Authors: Lipkin W. Ian , Palacios Gustavo , Briese Thomas
Published: September 2009

The rate of discovery of new microbes and of new associations of microbes with health and disease is accelerating. Many factors contribute to this phenomenon including those that favor the true emergence of new pathogens as well as new technologies and paradigms that enable their detection and characterization. This chapter reviews recent progress in the field of pathogen surveillance and discovery with a focus on viral hemorrhagic fevers.
Unusual extensions of the neural spines in two ichthyosaurs from the Lower Jurassic of Holzmaden
Authors: McGowan C.
Published: September 2009

Some unusual extensions of the neural spines are reported for two ichthyosaurs from the Lower Jurassic of Germany. These processes are similar to those recently reported for the enigmatic marine reptile Hupehsuchus, from the Middle Triassic of China. There are insufficient data to determine whether the ichthyosaurian processes are homologous with those of Hupehsuchus, nor whether they represent ancestral features that were normally suppressed during ontogeny. The possibility that the processes are artificial rather than natural cannot be discounted.
A NOVEL METHOD FOR PREPARING ZnSnO NANOFIBERS
Authors: ZENG JUN , TAO PENG , XU CHANGEN , WANG SEN , XU JINCHENG
Published: September 2009

This paper reports that ZnSnO nanofibers (ZSNFs) were synthesized by thermal oxidation of ZnSn alloys. ZnSn alloys were prepared by cold press and sintering (powder metallurgy). The structure and optical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-Raman scattering technology, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. The micro-Raman scattering spectra of ZSNFs show four Raman peaks at 574, 1156, 1729 and 2330 cm-1. The diameter and length of ZSNFs are about 50 nm and 60 μm, respectively. The room temperature PL spectra of ZSNFs shows the near-band-edge emission at ~391 nm and a broad green emission at ~493 nm.
BISTABILITY AND DYNAMICAL TRANSITIONS IN A PHASE-MODULATED DELAYED SYSTEM
Authors: ZHANG YONGXIANG , KONG GUIQIN , YU JIANNING
Published: September 2009

We study a delayed system with feedback modulation of the nonlinear parameter. Study of the system as a function of nonlinearity and modulation parameters reveals complex dynamical phenomena: different types of coexisting attractors, local or global bifurcations and transitions. Bistability and dynamical attractors can be distinguished in some parameter-space regions, which may be useful to drive chaotic dynamics, unstable attractors or bistability towards regular dynamics. At the bifurcation to bistability, two striking features are that they lead to fundamentally unpredictable behavior of orbits and crisis of attractors as system parameters are varied slowly through the critical curve. Unstable attractors are also investigated in bistable regions, which are easily mistaken for true multi-periodic orbits judging merely from zero measure local basins. Lyapunov exponents and basins of attraction are also used to characterize the phenomenon observed.
TSALLIS ENTROPY: AXIOMATIC CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATION
Authors: CHAKRABARTI C. G. , GHOSH KOYEL
Published: September 2009

In this paper we first present a simple axiomatic derivation of Tsallis entropy as an extension of Shannon entropy. As an application we have first study the importance of Tsallis entropy in the statistical characterization of diversity of a population ecosystem. We next study some characteristic properties of an age-structured population on the basis of the Tsallis entropy.
LASER-INDUCED MULTIPHOTON PHOTOCONDUCTIVITY IN DIRECT AND INDIRECT BAND GAP CRYSTALS USING Z-SCAN TECHNIQUE
Authors: GAUR ARUN , SHARMA D. K. , SINGH K. S. , SINGH NAGESHWAR
Published: September 2009

Nanosecond laser pulses have employed the photoconductive Z-scan technique. Photoconductivity traces measured by moving the sample across the laser beam waist were used for measuring two and three-photon absorption processes. The value of the three-photon absorption coefficient β3=9.6×10-10 cm 3/ GW 2 in the case of direct, and 8.96×10-12 cm 3/ GW 2 and 5.0×10-12 cm 3/ GW 2 in the case of indirect band gap crystals have been estimated from a comparison of traces measured by exciting the sample with the first and second harmonics of Nd : YAG laser. The low value of β3 in the case of indirect band gap crystals compared to direct band gap crystals is attributed to phonon-assisted transitions.
FACILE SYNTHESIS OF HYDROXYLAPATITE NANOSTRUCTURES WITH VARIOUS MORPHOLOGIES
Authors: HU XIAO-JUN , LIU JIN-KU , QIN XIAO-YAN , HUANG JIA , YI YI
Published: September 2009

The hydroxylapatite nanostructures with different morphologies have been synthesized by a facile solution approach. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technologies, and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The control mechanism of the hydroxylapatite with various morphologies nanostructures was investigated. Some practical experimental conclusions could be obtained, which were expected to have potential values in crystal engineering research and practical applications.
A Reconfigurable Systolic Array Architecture for Multicarrier Wireless and Multirate Applications
Authors: Ho H. , Szwarc V. , Kwasniewski T.
Published: September 2009

A reconfigurable systolic array (RSA) architecture that supports the realization of DSP functions for multicarrier wireless and
multirate applications is presented. The RSA consists of coarse‐grained processing elements that can be configured as complex
DSP functions that are the basic building blocks of Polyphase‐FIR filters, phase shifters, DFTs, and Polyphase‐DFT circuits. The
homogeneous characteristic of the RSA architecture, where each reconfigurable processing element (PE) cell is connected to its
nearest neighbors via configurable switch (SW) elements, enables array expansion for parallel processing and facilitates time
sharing computation of high‐throughput data by individual PEs. For DFT circuit configurations, an algorithmic optimization
technique has been employed to reduce the overall number of vector‐matrix products to be mapped on the RSA. The hardware
complexity and throughput of the RSA‐based DFT structures have been evaluated and compared against several conventional
modular FFT realizations. Designs and circuit implementations of the PE cell and several RSAs configured as DFT and Polyphase
filter circuits are also presented. The RSA architecture offers significant flexibility and computational
capacity for applications that require real time reconfiguration and high‐density computing.
Pursuit‐Evasion Differential Game with Many Inertial Players
Authors: Ibragimov Gafurjan I. , Salimi Mehdi
Published: September 2009

We consider pursuit‐evasion differential game of countable number inertial players in Hilbert space with integral constraints on the control functions of players. Duration of the game is fixed. The payoff functional is the greatest lower bound of distances between the pursuers and evader when the game is terminated. The pursuers try to minimize the functional, and the evader tries to maximize it. In this paper, we find the value of the game and construct optimal strategies of the players.
Impact of Papillary Muscle Relocation as Adjunct Procedure to Mitral Ring Annuloplasty in Functional Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Jensen Henrik , Jensen Morten O. , Smerup Morten H. , Vind-Kezunovic Stefan , Ringgaard Steffen , Andersen Niels T. , Vestergaard Rikke , Wierup Per , Hasenkam J. Michael , Nielsen Sten L.
Published: September 2009

Background—

The optimal surgical treatment in functional ischemic mitral regurgitation (FIMR) remains controversial. Recently, a posterior papillary muscle relocation (PMR) technique as adjunct procedure to ring annuloplasty has been proposed to prevent recurrent FIMR. In the present study, we used 3D cardiac MRI to assess the impact of relocating both papillary muscles as adjunct procedure to downsized ring annuloplasty on mitral leaflet coaptation geometry in FIMR pigs.

Methods and Results—

Eleven FIMR pigs were randomized to downsized ring annuloplasty (RA; n=6) or RA combined with PMR (RA+PMR, n=5). In the RA+PMR group, a 2–0 Gore-Tex suture was attached to each trigone, exteriorized through the corresponding papillary muscle, mounted on an epicardial pad, and tightened to relocate the myocardium adjacent to the anterior and posterior papillary muscles 5 and 15 mm, respectively. Using 3D MRI, the impact from these interventions on leaflet geometry was assessed. The distance from the posterior papillary muscle to the anterior trigone was reduced significantly more (median values) in the RA+PMR compared with RA animals at end-diastole (−7.9% versus 3.8%,
P
<0.01) and end-systole (−9.7% versus 2.5%,
P
=0.02). Accordingly, lateral tethering of the coaptation point (median values) was reduced significantly more in RA+PMR compared with RA animals (−42.8% versus −29.1%,
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—

Adding papillary muscle relocation to downsized ring annuloplasty reduced lateral leaflet tethering in a porcine experimental model of FIMR. Therefore, this technique holds promise for reducing persistent and recurrent FIMR in patients.
RING+STRING
Authors: Langer Frank , Kunihara Takashi , Hell Klaus , Schramm Rene , Schmidt Kathrin I. , Aicher Diana , Kindermann Michael , Schäfers Hans-Joachim
Published: September 2009

Background—

Residual/recurrent mitral valve regurgitation is observed in 30% after undersized ring annuloplasty (RING) for ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). RING addresses primarily annular dilatation but does not correct severe leaflet tethering attributable to papillary muscle (PM) displacement. We proposed adjunctive PM repositioning under transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance in the loaded beating heart using a transventricular suture (STRING).

Methods and Results—

Patients with tenting height ≥10 mm were identified as high-risk patients for repair failure. In these patients (n=30, age 68±11 years, ejection fraction 37±14%), RING (partial, median 29 mm) was combined with the adjunctive STRING-technique. A Teflon-pledgeted 3-0-polytetrafluoroethylene-suture was anchored in the posterior PM via horizontal aortotomy, exteriorized through the aorto-mitral continuity, and tied in the loaded beating heart under TEE guidance. Tenting height (14±2 mm versus 6±1 mm,
P
<0.001) and tenting area (3.9±0.9 cm
2
versus 1.0±0.2 cm
2
,
P
<0.001) decreased. The distance between pPM and aorto-mitral continuity decreased (44±4 mm versus 37±3 mm,
P
<0.001). Survival at 2 years was similar compared with a historical matched control-group (89% versus 73%,
P
=0.13), whereas freedom from MR>II was higher in the RING+STRING-group (94% versus 71%,
P
=0.01). End-diastolic (61.7±7.2 mm versus 54.8±9.2 mm,
P
<0.001) and end-systolic (48.5±8.5 mm versus 42.7±7.8 mm,
P
=0.002) ventricular diameters decreased in the RING+STRING-group but persisted in the control-group (60.4±7.8 mm versus 58.9±7.5 mm,
P
=0.38; 47.8±9.6 mm versus 48.3±9.5 mm,
P
=0.52). During follow-up (median 26 months) only 1 patient of the study-group required reoperation for degenerative MR, while 2 control-group patients underwent reoperation for recurrent functional MR.

Conclusions—

Our novel approach for IMR attenuates high risk of repair failure in patients with severe leaflet tethering and results in reverse remodeling.
Markers of Autophagy Are Downregulated in Failing Human Heart After Mechanical Unloading
Authors: Kassiotis Christos , Ballal Kalpana , Wellnitz Kari , Vela Deborah , Gong Mei , Salazar Rebecca , Frazier O. Howard , Taegtmeyer Heinrich
Published: September 2009

Background—

Autophagy is a molecular process that breaks down damaged cellular organelles and yields amino acids for de novo protein synthesis or energy provision. Mechanical unloading with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) decreases the energy demand of the failing human heart. We tested the hypothesis that LVAD support reverses activation of autophagy.

Methods and Results—

Paired biopsy samples of left ventricular myocardium were obtained from 9 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (mean duration of LVAD support, 214 days) at the time of implantation and explantation of the LVAD. Transcript and protein levels of markers and mediators of autophagy and apoptosis were measured by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. TUNEL assays, C9 immunohistochemistry, and 20S proteasome activity assays were also performed. Mechanical unloading significantly decreased mRNA transcript levels of
Beclin-1
, autophagy-related gene 5 (
Atg5
), and microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain-3 (
MAP1-LC3
or
LC3
;
P
<0.02). Protein levels of
Beclin-1
,
Atg5–Atg12
conjugate, and
LC3-II
were also significantly reduced after LVAD support (
P
<0.05). A significant increase in 20S proteasome activity was observed with unloading, in parallel to the decrease in autophagic markers. Although BNIP3 and the ratio of activated caspase 3 to procaspase 3 increased after LVAD support, Bcl-2 and TUNEL-positive nuclei were not significantly different between samples.

Conclusions—

Mechanical unloading of the failing human heart decreases markers of autophagy. These findings suggest that autophagy may be an adaptive mechanism in the failing heart, and this phenomenon is attenuated by LVAD support.