bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability in Estrogen‐Metabolizing Genes and Their Associationwith Genomic Instability in Untreated Breast Cancer Patients and Healthy Women
Authors: Alves dos Santos Raquel , Teixeira Ana Cláudia , Mayorano Mônica Beatriz , Carrara Hélio Humberto Angotti , Moreira de Andrade Jurandyr , Takahashi Catarina Satie
Published: June 2011

In the present study, we investigated the relationship between polymorphisms in the estrogen‐metabolizing genes CYP17, CYP1B1, CYP1A1, and COMT and genomic instability in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 62 BC patients and 62 controls considering that increased or prolonged exposure to estrogen can damage the DNA molecule and increase the genomic instability process in breast tissue. Our data demonstrated increased genomic instability in BC patients and that individuals with higher frequencies of MN exhibited higher risk to BC when belonging Val/Met genotype of the COMT gene. We also observed that CYP17 and CYP1A1 polymorphisms can modify the risk to BC depending on the menopause status. We can conclude that the genetic background in estrogen metabolism pathway can modulate chromosome damage in healthy controls and patients and thereby influence the risk to BC. These findings suggest the importance to ally biomarkers of susceptibility and effects to estimate risk groups.
Utility of N-Bromosuccinimide for the Titrimetric and Spectrophotometric Determination of Famotidine in Pharmaceutical Formulations
Authors: Zenita O. , Basavaiah K.
Published: June 2011

Two titrimetric and two spectrophotometric methods are described for the assay of famotidine (FMT) in tablets using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS). The first titrimetric method is direct in which FMT is titrated directly with NBS in HCl medium using methyl orange as indicator (method A). The remaining three methods are indirect in which the unreacted NBS is determined after the complete reaction between FMT and NBS by iodometric back titration (method B) or by reacting with a fixed amount of either indigo carmine (method C) or neutral red (method D). The method A and method B are applicable over the range of 2–9 mg and 1–7 mg, respectively. In spectrophotometric methods, Beer's law is obeyed over the concentration ranges of 0.75–6.0 μg mL-1(method C) and 0.3–3.0 μg mL-1(method D). The applicability of the developed methods was demonstrated by the determination of FMT in pure drug as well as in tablets.
Modelling and Predicting the Breaking Strength and Mass Irregularity of Cotton Rotor‐Spun Yarns Containing Cotton Fiber Recovered from Ginning Process by Using Artificial Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Shanbeh Mohsen , Hasani Hossein , Akhavan Tabatabaei Somayeh
Published: June 2011

One of the main methods to reduce the production costs is waste recycling which is the most important challenge for the future. Cotton wastes collected from ginning process have desirable properties which could be used during spinning process. The purpose of this study was to develop predictive models of breaking strength and mass irregularity (CVm%) of cotton waste rotor‐spun yarns containing cotton waste collected from ginning process by using the artificial neural network trained with backpropagation algorithm. Artificial neural network models have been developed based on rotor diameter, rotor speed, navel type, opener roller speed, ginning waste proportion and yarn linear density as input parameters. The parameters of artificial neural network model, namely, learning, and momentum rate, number of hidden layers and number of hidden processing elements (neurons) were optimized to get the best predictive models. The findings showed that the breaking strength and mass irregularity of rotor spun yarns could be predicted satisfactorily by artificial neural network. The maximum error in predicting the breaking strength and mass irregularity of testing data was 8.34% and 6.65%, respectively.
Quasi‐Non‐Destructive Evaluation of Yield Strength Using Neural Networks
Authors: Partheepan G. , Sehgal D. K. , Pandey R. K.
Published: June 2011

The objective of this paper is to delineate a method for determining the yield strength of a material in a virtually nondestructive manner. Conventional test methods for predicting the yield strength require the removal of large material samples from the in‐service component, which is impractical. In this paper, the power of neural networks in predicting the yield strength from the data obtained by conducting tension test on newly developed dumb‐bell‐shaped miniature specimen is demonstrated using the self‐organizing capabilities of the ANN. The input to the neural network is the breakaway load obtained from the miniature test, and the output obtained from the model is yield strength value. The value of the yield strength estimated by neural network is found to be in good agreement (<5% error) with that of the actual value from the standard test. The neural network models are convenient and powerful tools for practical applications in solving various problems in engineering.
Asymptotic Behaviour of the Iterates of Positive Linear Operators
Authors: Gavrea Ioan , Ivan Mircea
Published: June 2011

We present a general result concerning the limit of the iterates of positive linear operators acting on continuous functions defined on a compact set. As applications, we deduce the asymptotic
behaviour of the iterates of almost all classic and new positive linear operators.
Dysfunction of Immune Systems and Host Genetic Factors in Hepatitis C Virus Infection with Persistent Normal ALT
Authors: Kondo Yasuteru , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Shimosegawa Tooru
Published: June 2011

Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection who have persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels (PNALT) have mild inflammation and fibrosis in comparison to those with elevated ALT levels. The cellular immune responses to HCV are mainly responsible for viral clearance and the disease pathogenesis during infection. However, since the innate and adaptive immune systems are suppressed by various kinds of mechanisms in CHC patients, the immunopathogenesis of CHC patients with PNALT is still unclear. In this review, we summarize the representative reports about the immune suppression in CHC to better understand the immunopathogenesis of PNALT. Then, we summarize and speculate on the immunological aspects of PNALT including innate and adaptive immune systems and genetic polymorphisms of HLA and cytokines.
Lymph Node Dissection in Curative Gastrectomy for Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Tamura Shigeyuki , Takeno Atsushi , Miki Hirofumi
Published: June 2011

Gastric cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Surgical resection with lymph node dissection is the only potentially curative therapy for gastric cancer. However, the appropriate extent of lymph node dissection accompanied by gastrectomy for cancer remains controversial. In East Asian countries, especially in Japan and Korea, D2 lymph node dissection has been regularly performed as a standard procedure. In Western countries, surgeons perform gastrectomy with D1 dissection only because D2 is associated with high mortality and morbidity compared to those associated with D1 alone but does not improve the 5-year survival rate. However, more recent studies have demonstrated that western surgeons can be trained to perform D2 lymphadenectomies on western patients with a lower morbidity and mortality. When extensive D2 lymph node dissection is preformed safely, there may be some benefit to D2 dissection even in western countries. In this paper, we present an update on the current literature regarding the extent of lymphadenectomy for advanced gastric cancer.
Role of Common‐Gamma Chain Cytokines in NK Cell Development and Function: Perspectives for Immunotherapy
Authors: Meazza Raffaella , Azzarone Bruno , Orengo Anna Maria , Ferrini Silvano
Published: June 2011

NK cells are components of the innate immunity system and play an important role as a first‐line defense mechanism against viral infections and in tumor immune surveillance. Their development and their functional activities are controlled by several factors among which cytokines sharing the usage of the common cytokine‐receptor gamma chain play a pivotal role. In particular, IL‐2, IL‐7, IL‐15, and IL‐21 are the members of this family predominantly involved in NK cell biology. In this paper, we will address their role in NK cell ontogeny, regulation of functional activities, development of specialized cell subsets, and acquisition of memory‐like functions. Finally, the potential application of these cytokines as recombinant molecules to NK cell‐based immunotherapy approaches will be discussed.
The Role of Molecular Microtubule Motors and the Microtubule Cytoskeleton in Stress Granule Dynamics
Authors: Bartoli Kristen M. , Bishop Darryl L. , Saunders William S.
Published: June 2011

Stress granules (SGs) are cytoplasmic foci that appear in cells exposed to stress-induced translational inhibition. SGs function as a triage center, where mRNAs are sorted for storage, degradation, and translation reinitiation. The underlying mechanisms of SGs dynamics are still being characterized, although many key players have been identified. The main components of SGs are stalled 48S preinitiation complexes. To date, many other proteins have also been found to localize in SGs and are hypothesized to function in SG dynamics. Most recently, the microtubule cytoskeleton and associated motor proteins have been demonstrated to function in SG dynamics. In this paper, we will discuss current literature examining the function of microtubules and the molecular microtubule motors in SG assembly, coalescence, movement, composition, organization, and disassembly.
Comparative Study of the Photocatalytic Activity of Semiconductor Nanostructures and Their Hybrid Metal Nanocomposites on the Photodegradation of Malathion
Authors: Fouad Dina Mamdouh , Mohamed Mona Bakr
Published: June 2011

This work is devoted to synthesize different semiconductor nanoparticles and their metal‐hybrid nanocomposites such as TiO2, Au/TiO2, ZnO, and Au/ZnO. The morphology and crystal structure of the prepared nanomaterials are characterized by the TEM and XRD, respectively. These materials are used as catalysts for the photodegradation of Malathion which is one of the most commonly used pesticides in the developing countries. The degradation of 10 ppm Malathion under ultraviolet (UV) and visible light in the presence of the different synthesized nanocomposites was analyzed with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV‐Visible Spectra. A comprehensive study is carried out for the catalytic efficiency of the prepared nanoparticles. Different factors influencing the catalytic photodegradation are investigated, as different light source, surface coverage, and nature of the organic contaminants. The results indicate that hybrid nanocomposite of the semiconductor‐metal hybrid serves as a better catalytic system compared with semiconductor nanoparticles themselves.
Exosome Targeting of Tumor Antigens Expressed by Cancer Vaccines Can Improve Antigen Immunogenicity and Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Rountree Ryan B. , Mandl Stefanie J. , Nachtwey James M. , Dalpozzo Katie , Do Lisa , Lombardo John R. , Schoonmaker Peter L. , Brinkmann Kay , Dirmeier Ulrike , Laus Reiner , Delcayre Alain
Published: June 2011

MVA-BN-PRO (BN ImmunoTherapeutics) is a candidate immunotherapy product for the treatment of prostate cancer. It encodes 2 tumor-associated antigens, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), and is derived from the highly attenuated modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus stock known as MVA-BN. Past work has shown that the immunogenicity of antigens can be improved by targeting their localization to exosomes, which are small, 50- to 100–nm diameter vesicles secreted by most cell types. Exosome targeting is achieved by fusing the antigen to the C1C2 domain of the lactadherin protein. To test whether exosome targeting would improve the immunogenicity of PSA and PAP, 2 additional versions of MVA-BN-PRO were produced, targeting either PSA (MVA-BN-PSA-C1C2) or PAP (MVA-BN-PAP-C1C2) to exosomes, while leaving the second transgene untargeted. Treatment of mice with MVA-BN-PAP-C1C2 led to a striking increase in the immune response against PAP. Anti-PAP antibody titers developed more rapidly and reached levels that were 10- to 100-fold higher than those for mice treated with MVA-BN-PRO. Furthermore, treatment with MVA-BN-PAP-C1C2 increased the frequency of PAP-specific T cells 5-fold compared with mice treated with MVA-BN-PRO. These improvements translated into a greater frequency of tumor rejection in a PAP-expressing solid tumor model. Likewise, treatment with MVA-BN-PSA-C1C2 increased the antigenicity of PSA compared with treatment with MVA-BN-PRO and resulted in a trend of improved antitumor efficacy in a PSA-expressing tumor model. These experiments confirm that targeting antigen localization to exosomes is a viable approach for improving the therapeutic potential of MVA-BN-PRO in humans. Cancer Res; 71(15); 5235–44. ©2011 AACR.
Abnormal Expression of the ERG Transcription Factor in Prostate Cancer Cells Activates Osteopontin
Authors: Flajollet Sébastien , Tian Tian V. , Flourens Anne , Tomavo Nathalie , Villers Arnauld , Bonnelye Edith , Aubert Sébastien , Leroy Xavier , Duterque-Coquillaud Martine
Published: June 2011

Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix glycophosphoprotein that plays a key role in the metastasis of a wide variety of cancers. The high level of OPN expression in prostate cells is associated with malignancy and reduced survival of the patient. Recent studies on prostate cancer (PCa) tissue have revealed recurrent genomic rearrangements involving the fusion of the 5′ untranslated region of a prostate-specific androgen-responsive gene with a gene coding for transcription factors from the ETS family. The most frequently identified fusion gene is TMPRSS2:ERG, which causes ERG protein overexpression in PCa cells. ERG is a transcription factor linked to skeletogenesis. This study was designed to test whether ERG and the product of the TMPRSS2:ERG fusion gene modulate OPN gene expression in PCa cells. To characterize ERG and TMPRSS2:ERG transcriptional activity of OPN, we focused on ETS binding sites (EBS) localized in conserved regions of the promoter. Using in vitro and in vivo molecular assays, we showed that ERG increases OPN expression and binds to an EBS (nt −115 to −118) in the OPN promoter. Moreover, stable transfection of prostate tumor cell lines by TMPRSS2:ERG upregulates endogenous OPN expression. Finally, in human prostate tumor samples, detection of the TMPRSS2:ERG fusion gene was significantly associated with OPN overexpression. Taken together, these data suggest that OPN is an ERG-target gene in PCa where the abnormal expression of the transcription factor ERG, due to the TMPRSS2:ERG fusion, disturbs the expression of genes that play an important role in PCa cells and associated metastases. Mol Cancer Res; 9(7); 914–24. ©2011 AACR.
Overexpression of HOXB5, Cyclin D1 and PCNA in Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation
Authors: Wang Xiangyuan , Wolgemuth Debra J. , Baxi Laxmi V.
Published: June 2011

Objective: We investigated the patterns of expression of HOXB5, cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) proteins in human congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) to establish the molecular basis of its etiology. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed on frozen archival specimens of CCAM and normal lung tissue as controls using antibodies against HOXB5, cyclin D1 and PCNA proteins. Results: Immunohistochemistry revealed a higher level of expression of HOXB5, cyclin D1 and PCNA predominantly in mesenchymal cells of the CCAM tissues as compared to normal adjacent control lung tissues. Conclusion: Elevated levels of immunohistochemical detection of HOXB5, cyclin D1 and PCNA were characteristic properties of lung tissue cells in CCAM. This elevated HOXB5 expression may correlate with the aberrant cellular differentiation observed in the CCAM disorder. Elevated expression of cyclin D1 and PCNA further suggests that increased cellular proliferation contributes to the overgrowth of lung tissue in CCAM.
Fetal RHD Genotyping in Maternal Plasma at 11–13 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Akolekar Ranjit , Finning Kirstin , Kuppusamy Ramesh , Daniels Geoff , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: June 2011

Objective: To examine the feasibility of fetal RHD genotyping at 11–13 weeks’ gestation from analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA (ccffDNA) in the plasma of RhD negative pregnant women using a high-throughput robotic technique. Methods: Stored plasma (0.5 ml) from 591 RhD negative women was used for extraction of ccffDNA by a robotic technique. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with probes for exons 5 and 7 of the RHD gene was then used to determine the fetal RHD genotype, which was compared to the neonatal RhD phenotype. Results: In total there were 502 (85.7%) cases with a conclusive result and 84 (14.3%) with an inconclusive result. The prenatal test predicted that the fetus was RhD positive in 332 cases and in all of these the prediction was correct, giving a positive predictive value of 100% (95% CI 96.8–100). The test predicted that the fetus was RhD negative in 170 cases and in 164 of these the prediction was correct, giving a negative predictive value for RhD positive fetuses of 96.5% (95% CI 93.7–99.2). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of non-invasive fetal RHD genotyping at 11–13 weeks with a high-throughput technique.
Regimen Complexity and Prescription Adherence in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Neri Luca , Martini Alma , Andreucci Vittorio E. , Gallieni Maurizio , Rocca Rey Lisa Allegra , Brancaccio Diego ,   and the MigliorDialisi Study Group
Published: June 2011

Objectives: Poor medication adherence is common in end-stage renal disease and may cause suboptimal outcomes and increased healthcare costs. We assessed the association between regimen complexity, perceived burden of oral therapy (BOT) and medication adherence in a large sample of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: 1,238 HD patients in 54 Italian centers participated. Data were collected on patients’ socio-demographic characteristics, perceived BOT, quality of life, healthcare satisfaction, social support and medication adherence with a self-administered questionnaire. Data on medication regimen, comorbidities, hospitalizations, and transplant listing status were provided by the nursing staff. We estimated the adjusted association of regimen complexity, BOT and medication adherence with logistic regression. Results: There were 789 (64%) men and the median age was 67 years. Mean daily burden was 9.7 tablets and 48% of patients were adherent to medication prescriptions. The number of tablets prescribed in the medication regimen was associated to adherence likelihood after adjustment for possible confounders. Perceived BOT moderated the association between tablet count and self-reported adherence. Conclusion: Poor adherence was very common in our sample. Reducing tablet burden might help patients be adherent. However, our results suggest that modulating regimen complexity might be ineffective if patients’ negative attitudes toward medications are not addressed concurrently.
FOLFOX as Adjuvant Chemotherapy after Curative Resection of Distant Metastases in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Nozawa Hiroaki , Kitayama Joji , Sunami Eiji , Saito Shinsuke , Kanazawa Takamitsu , Kazama Shinsuke , Yazawa Kentaro , Kawai Kazushige , Mori Ken , Nagawa Hirokazu
Published: June 2011

Objectives: The prophylactic effect of FOLFOX regimen, a standard regimen for unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC), was investigated in the adjuvant setting of CRC cases with distant metastases. Methods: The study population included 116 CRC patients with synchronous metastases and 91 patients with metachronous metastases who had undergone curative operation in our hospital between 2000 and 2009. Clinicopathological parameters of CRC, postoperative chemotherapeutic regimen, recurrence rate, and relapse-free survival (RFS) were analyzed retrospectively. Results: After resection of CRC and synchronous metastases, 53 (84%) out of 63 patients without chemotherapy, and 38 (83%) out of 46 that received 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) alone or with leucovorin (LV) developed recurrent tumors. By contrast, only 1 (17%) among 6 patients who underwent FOLFOX treatment showed recurrence. The FOLFOX group exhibited significantly improved RFS as compared to the 5-FU (+ LV) or surgery-alone group (p = 0.03, p = 0.007, respectively). On the other hand, in patients with metachronous metastases, tumor-relapse rate and RFS were not significantly influenced by post-metastasectomy therapies. Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis, the adjuvant administration of FOLFOX appeared to reduce the risk of relapse in a small group of CRC patients with synchronous metastases. Prospective randomized trials will be required to confirm the benefits of this management strategy.
Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin Combination Chemotherapy for Patients with Refractory Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Isayama Hiroyuki , Nakai Yousuke , Yamamoto Keisuke , Sasaki Takashi , Mizuno Suguru , Yagioka Hiroshi , Yashima Yoko , Kawakubo Kazumichi , Kogure Hirofumi , Arizumi Toshihiko , Togawa Osamu , Ito Yukiko , Matsubara Saburo , Yamamoto Natsuyo , Sasahira Naoki , Hirano Kenji , Tsujino Takeshi , Tada Minoru , Omata Masao , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: June 2011

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin combination chemotherapy on refractory pancreatic cancer. Methods: Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer refractory to gemcitabine and S-1 were treated with gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 over 30 min and oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 over 120 min on days 1 and 15. Treatment was repeated every 4 weeks and tumor response was assessed every two cycles by RECIST version 1.0. Results: Twenty-two patients with pathologically confirmed pancreatic cancer were enrolled. The treatment was administered as a second-line chemotherapy in eighteen patients (82%) and as a third-line chemotherapy in four patients (18%). Tumor response did not occur in any of the cases. Thirteen patients demonstrated stable diseases, and the disease control rate was 59%. Median overall survival and time to progression were 6.8 months (95% CI, 2.8–11.5) and 2.6 months (95% CI, 1.5–3.8), respectively. Median overall survival from the first-line chemotherapy was 22.7 months (95% CI, 14.8–24.4). The major grade 3/4 adverse events included neutropenia (14%), anorexia (23%), and peripheral neuropathy (14%). Conclusions: Gemcitabine and oxaliplatin combination chemotherapy was tolerable but had limited activity in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer in a refractory setting.
Stabilisation of atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Bentzon Jacob Fog , Daemen Mat , Falk Erling , Garcia-Garcia Hector M. , Herrmann Joerg , Hoefer Imo , Jukema J. Wouter , Krams Rob , Kwak Brenda R. , Marx Nikolaus , Naruszewicz Marek , Newby Andrew , Pasterkamp Gerard , Serruys Patrick W. J. C. , Waltenberger Johannes , Weber Christian , Tokgözoglu Lale , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo
Published: June 2011

Plaque rupture and subsequent thrombotic occlusion of the coronary artery account for as many as three quarters of myocardial infarctions. The concept of plaque stabilisation emerged about 20 years ago to explain the discrepancy between the reduction of cardiovascular events in patients receiving lipid lowering therapy and the small decrease seen in angiographic evaluation of atherosclerosis. Since then, the concept of a vulnerable plaque has received a lot of attention in basic and clinical research leading to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the vulnerable plaque and acute coronary syndromes. From pathological and clinical observations, plaques that have recently ruptured have thin fibrous caps, large lipid cores, exhibit outward remodelling and invasion by vasa vasorum. Ruptured plaques are also focally inflamed and this may be a common denominator of the other pathological features. Plaques with similar characteristics, but which have not yet ruptured, are believed to be vulnerable to rupture. Experimental studies strongly support the validity of anti-inflammatory approaches to promote plaque stability. Unfortunately, reliable non-invasive methods for imaging and detection of such plaques are not yet readily available. There is a strong biological basis and supportive clinical evidence that low-density lipoprotein lowering with statins is useful for the stabilisation of vulnerable plaques. There is also some clinical evidence for the usefulness of antiplatelet agents, beta blockers and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors for plaque stabilisation. Determining the causes of plaque rupture and designing diagnostics and interventions to prevent them are urgent priorities for current basic and clinical research in cardiovascular area.
Puma Deletion Delays Cardiac Dysfunction in Murine Heart Failure Models Through Attenuation of Apoptosis
Authors: Mandl Adel , Huong Pham Ly , Toth Kalman , Zambetti Gerald , Erhardt Peter
Published: June 2011

Background—

Puma (p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis) is a proapoptotic Bcl-2 family protein that serves as a general sensor in response to pathological apoptotic stimuli. In previous work, we demonstrated that
puma
ablation protects the heart from reperfusion injury in a Langendorff setting. Consistent with this, downregulation of Puma in isolated cardiac myocytes prevented apoptosis induced by different proapoptotic agents. Here, we extended our research to investigate the role of Puma, a downstream mediator of p53, in the development of heart failure using
Puma
−/−
mice.

Methods and Results—

Mice underwent transverse aortic constriction, and the characteristics of cardiac remodeling were analyzed by echocardiography, histology, and gene expression at multiple time points after surgery. Four weeks after the operation,
puma
deletion attenuated pressure overload–induced apoptosis and fibrosis; however, it did not affect hypertrophy and angiogenesis and maintained functional performance (fractional shortening, 39% versus 25.2% in
Puma
−/−
versus WT mice, respectively). Even at 12 weeks after transverse aortic constriction,
Puma
−/−
mice displayed only slightly reduced contractility. In addition, transverse aortic constriction induced
puma
expression in a partially p53-dependent manner. To corroborate these findings, we studied another heart failure model in which heart-specific
mdm4
deletion leads to p53 activation and dilated cardiomyopathy. In these mice, Puma was upregulated and its deletion rescued the cardiomyopathy phenotype.

Conclusions—

Our data indicate that Puma might be a critical component of the apoptotic signaling pathways that contribute to ventricular remodeling and heart failure. Therefore, Puma inactivation may serve as a preferential target to prevent heart failure induced by cellular stress.
Increased Adipose Tissue Oxygen Tension in Obese Compared With Lean Men Is Accompanied by Insulin Resistance, Impaired Adipose Tissue Capillarization, and Inflammation
Authors: Goossens Gijs H. , Bizzarri Alessandro , Venteclef Nicolas , Essers Yvonne , Cleutjens Jack P. , Konings Ellen , Jocken Johan W.E. , Čajlaković Merima , Ribitsch Volker , Clément Karine , Blaak Ellen E.
Published: June 2011

Background—

Adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction in obesity contributes to chronic, low-grade inflammation that predisposes to type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Recent in vitro studies suggest that AT hypoxia may induce inflammation. We hypothesized that adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF) regulates AT oxygen partial pressure (AT P
o
2
), thereby affecting AT inflammation and insulin sensitivity.

Methods and Results—

We developed an optochemical measurement system for continuous monitoring of AT P
o
2
using microdialysis. The effect of alterations in ATBF on AT P
o
2
was investigated in lean and obese subjects with both pharmacological and physiological approaches to manipulate ATBF. Local administration of angiotensin II (vasoconstrictor) in abdominal subcutaneous AT decreased ATBF and AT P
o
2
, whereas infusion of isoprenaline (vasodilator) evoked opposite effects. Ingestion of a glucose drink increased ATBF and AT P
o
2
in lean subjects, but these responses were blunted in obese individuals. However, AT P
o
2
was higher (hyperoxia) in obese subjects despite lower ATBF, which appears to be explained by lower AT oxygen consumption. This was accompanied by insulin resistance, lower AT capillarization, lower AT expression of genes encoding proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function, and higher AT gene expression of macrophage infiltration and inflammatory markers.

Conclusions—

Our findings establish ATBF as an important regulator of AT P
o
2
. Nevertheless, obese individuals exhibit AT hyperoxia despite lower ATBF, which seems to be explained by lower AT oxygen consumption. This is accompanied by insulin resistance, impaired AT capillarization, and higher AT gene expression of inflammatory cell markers.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.trialregister.nl
. Unique identifier: NTR2451.
Relationship Between Urinary Angiotensinogen and Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure in Patients With IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Konishi Yoshio , Nishiyama Akira , Morikawa Takashi , Kitabayashi Chizuko , Shibata Mikiko , Hamada Masahiro , Kishida Masatsugu , Hitomi Hirofumi , Kiyomoto Hideyasu , Miyashita Takenori , Mori Nozomu , Urushihara Maki , Kobori Hiroyuki , Imanishi Masahito
Published: June 2011

We demonstrated previously that the blood pressure of patients with IgA nephropathy becomes salt sensitive as renal damage progresses. We also showed that increased urinary angiotensinogen levels in such patients closely correlate with augmented renal tissue angiotensinogen gene expression and angiotensin II levels. Here, we investigated the relationship between urinary angiotensinogen and salt sensitivity of blood pressure in patients with IgA nephropathy. Forty-one patients with IgA nephropathy consumed an ordinary salt diet (12 g/d of NaCl) for 1 week and a low-salt diet (5 g/d of NaCl) for 1 week in random order. The salt-sensitivity index was calculated as the reciprocal of the slope of the pressure-natriuresis curve drawn by linking 2 data points obtained during consumption of each diet. The urinary angiotensinogen:creatinine ratio was significantly higher in patients who consumed the ordinary salt diet compared with the low-salt diet (17.5 μg/g [range: 7.3 to 35.6 μg/g] versus 7.9 μg/g [range: 3.1 to 14.2 μg/g] of creatinine, respectively;
P
<0.001). The sodium sensitivity index in our patients positively correlated with the glomerulosclerosis score (
r
=0.43;
P
=0.008) and changes in logarithmic urinary angiotensinogen:creatinine ratio (
r
=0.37;
P
=0.017) but not with changes in urinary protein excretion (
r
=0.18;
P
=0.49). In contrast, changes in sodium intake did not alter the urinary angiotensinogen:creatinine ratio in patients with Ménière disease and normal renal function (n=9). These data suggest that the inappropriate augmentation of intrarenal angiotensinogen induced by salt and associated renal damage contribute to the development of salt-sensitive hypertension in patients with IgA nephropathy.
The ‘Tractate’ of Conversion—BT Yeb. 46‐48 and the Evolution of Conversion Procedure
Authors: Lavee Moshe
Published: June 2011

Tractate Yebamoth of the Babylonian Talmud contains a long unit devoted to the procedure of conversion (Yeb 46a‐48b). Form analysis of the unit reveals its design as a ‘tractate within a tractate.’ The unit is a collection of discussions on baraitas. It follows various literary conventions, such as placing a full description of the procedure towards the end and concluding with haggadic material and a verse of comfort. A variety of methods are applied in order to identify the unique Babylonian tendencies documented in this unit. Synoptic comparison to tannaitic parallels demonstrates the growing stringency and institutionalization of the rabbinic conversion procedure. A common structural feature of each discussion is the ending with an amoraic statement that reassure the halakhic validation of the stringent views. Stammaitic comments and the overall literary structure of the unit also seem to confirm this tendency.This unit demonstrates Babylonian efforts to further reinforce the boundaries of Jewish identity. The traditions as preserved in this unit show that Babylonian proclivities were gradually attributed to earlier Palestinian authorities. The most prominent example is the institution of the court for conversion. This is a Babylonian construct, systematically presented in places where it is missing in Palestinian rabbinic sources. In our unit it is also attributed to early Palestinain amora’im, and even to a tanna. Not only did the Babylonian sages change the model of conversion from witnessed circumcision (and later immersion) to court controlled procedure, they also projected their innovations onto earlier generations.
One or Three? Exploring the Scholarly Conflict over the Question of Triple riple Talāq (Divorce) in Islamic Law with Particular Emphasis on Oman
Authors: al-Azri Khalid
Published: June 2011

This article explores

Talāq

, which refers to the right of men in Islam to divorce their wives, with particular emphasis upon triple

Talāq

. This article seeks to answer the question of how triple

Talāq

at one time is applied in modern-day Muslim societies, in light of contemporary socio-economic conditions. The historical events surrounding the emergence of triple

Talāq

in Islam demonstrates the possibility of its renewal in Islamic law. This is significant because it demonstrates that, contrary to the teaching of many Muslim scholars including contemporary Ibadī scholars in Oman, change and renewal are not inimical to Islam but rather intrinsic to it. I argue here that the inflexibility of Ibadī scholars regarding triple

Talāq

at one time promotes gender inequality and discriminatory practices in Oman, especially towards women. This article begins by exploring the different methods of

Talāq

in Islamic law. It then focuses on triple

Talāq

at one time (in one event). The discussion of triple

Talāq

at one time aims to explore the interaction between legal, economic and social factors, on one hand, and how these factors have affected the law of triple

Talāq

during both pre-modern and contemporary Muslim societies. Subsequently, the article will examine how contemporary Muslim scholars react to the new social and economic factors associated with triple

Talāq

at one time.
Conceptualizing Economic Diplomacy:The Crossroads of International Relations, Economics, IPE and Diplomatic Studies
Authors: Okano-Heijmans Maaike
Published: June 2011

This article introduces both a conceptual and an analytical framework of economic diplomacy so as to contribute to sounder understanding of economic diplomacy’s activities, tools and goals. While the state is not regarded as the only player, or as a coherent entity, it is assumed that the state is the primary actor in economic diplomacy. The conceptual framework discerns five strands of economic diplomacy, which involve tools and purposes that are relatively more commercial/economic or political in character and are thereby closer to the ‘business end’ or ‘power-play end’ of economic diplomacy. The analytical framework identifies four essential dimensions of economic diplomacy within which historically contingent change may occur: the context; tools; theatres; and processes. Interaction between these dimensions takes place in multiple ways. Building on the insights provided by these frameworks, the article analyses the foci, assumptions and methodologies of the research fields that are concerned with economic diplomacy, and discusses the strategic and ideological considerations that underpin it.
Reappraising the Effects of Language Contact in the Torres Strait
Authors: Round Erich , Hunter Jessica , Bowern Claire
Published: June 2011

The contact history of the languages of the Eastern and Western Torres Strait has been claimed (e.g. by Dixon 2002, Wurm 1972, and others) to have been sufficiently intense as to obscure the genetic relationship of the Western Torres Strait language. Some have argued that it is an Australian (Pama-Nyungan) language, though with considerable influence from the Papuan language Meryam Mir (the Eastern Torres Strait language). Others have claimed that the Western Torres language is, in fact, a genetically Papuan language, though with substantial Australian substrate or adstrate influence. Much has been made of phonological structures which have been viewed as unusual for Australian languages. In this paper we examine the evidence for contact claims in the region. We review aspects of the phonology, morphology, syntax and lexicon of the Eastern and Western Torres Strait languages with an eye to identifying areal influence. This larger data pool shows that the case for intense contact has been vastly overstated. Beyond some phonological features and some loan words, there is no linguistic evidence for intense contact; moreover, the phonological features adduced to be evidence of contact are also found to be not specifically Papuan, but part of a wider set of features in Australian languages.
The Effect of Hawai’i’s Big Island on Track and Structure of Tropical Cyclones Passing to the South and West*
Authors: Chambers Christopher R. S. , Li Tim
Published: June 2011

The effect of the Big Island of Hawai’i on tropical cyclone (TC) track and structure is investigated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The high (~4000 m) mountains of the Big Island modulate lower-tropospheric flow in such a way that it can influence TCs hundreds of kilometers away from the island. When a TC approaches from the east, the blocking of lower-tropospheric flow leads to a slowing of the TC’s movement. As a TC passes close to the south side of the Big Island, it deviates southward. The TC core convection and winds can become axisymmetric because of the blocking of the stronger northeasterly flow to the north of the storm. The authors hypothesize that this axisymmetrization led to the unexpected eye formation of Hurricane Flossie (2007) just southeast of the Big Island. As a TC moves into the lee (southwest side) of the Big Island, the flow associated with the island wake leads to a track deviated to the right. The Hurricane Dot (1959) simulations suggest that this effect contributed to an observed deviation to the north, which led to eventual Kauai landfall. A greater TC intensity is found in the lee of the Big Island compared to the case without the island, which is primarily attributed to a weakened vertical wind shear associated with the island blocking.
Islamic Adaptations to Western Europe and North America
Authors: Bowen John R.
Published: June 2011

The article examines the ways Islamic leaders have adapted to conditions in Britain, France, and the United States by taking one problem—how a Muslim woman can obtain a religious divorce—and identifying contrasts across those three countries. It emphasizes two contrasts among the three countries: the degree of residential concentration of Muslims and the social effects such concentration may have, and the legal legitimacy of religion in civil courts. Muslim leaders have crafted institutions accordingly: in Britain, shariah councils emerging from tight-knit communities and regarded by jurists as relatively benign; in France, Islamic leaders constrained to emphasize the Islamic legitimacy of civil institutions; and in the United States, leaders developing contractual instruments in response to relatively favorable judicial reactions.
Declining Counseling Research in Counseling Psychology Journals: Is the Sky Falling?
Authors: Lichtenberg James W.
Published: June 2011

Scheel et al. note a rather precipitous decline over the past 30 years in the number and proportion of counseling-related research articles appearing in Journal of Counseling Psychology ( JCP) and The Counseling Psychologist ( TCP ). Certainly, counseling psychology as a field has changed over its 65-year history, and a great deal of that change has occurred during the past 30 years. But whether the frequency and proportion of counseling-related research in JCP and TCP provide an adequate picture of that change and whether that change is somehow fundamental to our field would be difficult to discern from these data. Although the reasons behind the decline in counseling-related research being published in JCP and TCP may be difficult to determine, there may be real consequences for the prestige of the journals and the field.
Examining the Associations Among Home–School Dissonance, Amotivation, and Classroom Disruptive Behavior for Urban High School Students
Authors: Brown-Wright Lynda , Tyler Kenneth M. , Graves Scott L. , Thomas Deneia , Stevens-Watkins Danelle , Mulder Shambra
Published: June 2011

The current study examined the association among home–school dissonance, amotivation, and classroom disruptive behavior among 309 high school juniors and seniors at two urban high schools in the Southern region of the country. Students completed two subscales of the Patterns of Learning Activities Scales (PALS) and one subscale of the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS). ANCOVA analyses revealed significant differences in classroom disruptive behaviors for the gender independent variable. Controlling for gender in the multiple hierarchical regression analyses, it was revealed that home–school dissonance significantly predicted both amotivation and classroom disruptive behavior. In addition, a Sobel mediation analysis showed that amotivation was a significant mediator of the association between home–school dissonance and classroom disruptive behavior. Findings and limitations are discussed.
The Role of Sensory Fiber Demography in Trigeminal and Postherpetic Neuralgias
Authors: DaSilva A.F. , DosSantos M.F.
Published: June 2011

In this study, we systematically investigated fiber demography, based on function and distribution, from the periphery to their destinations in the various central (sub) nuclei in the trigeminal brainstem nuclear sensory complex. Conventional and novel compelling information is provided, demonstrating that the ratio and somatotopy of types A and C sensory fibers at the site of a lesion can elucidate important puzzles in TNP disorders. For instance, we explain how of a major shift in the fibers’ direction and ratio at the level of the trigeminal root entry zone (REZ) influences the pathophysiology of pre- and typical trigeminal neuralgia. As a result, there is a high A/C ratio of oral and peri-oral fibers in the supero-medial region of the REZ, which is mostly susceptible to vascular compression. However, this A/C ratio varies considerably at lower proportions in other areas along the peripheral trigeminal pathway, where an injury (viral, vessel compression, or trauma) can lead to a broader spectrum of fiber involvement and, consequently, pain outcome. In summary, we explain how fiber demography can influence pain quality, location, temporal features, progress, and treatment prognosis of TNP in those patients who develop it.
French Destination Efficiency
Authors: Botti Laurent , Goncalves Olga , Ratsimbanierana Hermann
Published: June 2011

The main aim of this article is to elevate the accuracy in reflecting the efficiency of tourism destinations. A mean–variance shortage function approach is applied to help destination management organizations (DMOs) minimize the instability and maximize the return of their inbound tourism. This approach seeks to identify tourists’ origins on which destination managers must allocate additional resources in order to ensure growth and stability of their destination. Empirical analysis is implemented in the case of France, which faces increasing competition. The results indicate that there is room for improvement for the French DMO to achieve the best performing strategy. But the main contribution of this article is methodological: the framework of this article offers tourism policy makers explicit and innovative guidelines for risk and performance management.
Maintaining Close Relationships
Authors: Kubacka Kaska E. , Finkenauer Catrin , Rusbult Caryl E. , Keijsers Loes
Published: June 2011

This research examined the dual function of gratitude for relationship maintenance in close relationships. In a longitudinal study among married couples, the authors tested the dyadic effects of gratitude over three time points for approximately 4 years following marriage. They found that feelings of gratitude toward a partner stem from the partner’s relationship maintenance behaviors, partly because such behaviors create the perception of responsiveness to one’s needs. In turn, gratitude motivates partners to engage in relationship maintenance. Hence, the present model emphasizes that gratitude between close partners (a) originates from partners’ relationship maintenance behaviors and the perception of a partner’s responsiveness and (b) promotes a partner’s reciprocal maintenance behaviors. Thus, the authors’ findings add credence to their model, in that gratitude contributes to a reciprocal process of relationship maintenance, whereby each partner’s maintenance behaviors, perceptions of responsiveness, and feelings of gratitude feed back on and influence the other’s behaviors, perceptions, and feelings.
“He Really Leant on Me a Lot”
Authors: Timonen Virpi , Doyle Martha , O’Dwyer Ciara
Published: June 2011

The literature on intergenerational transfers and divorce has paid little attention to the experiences of older adults whose son or daughter has divorced or separated. The authors conducted 31 qualitative interviews to explore support provision from the perspective of older adults with divorced or separated adult children. All respondents were also grandparents. Older adults whose sons and daughters have experienced divorce or separation seek to accomplish two main aims, namely (a) compensating for the perceived losses that their adult children (and grandchildren) have experienced and (b) drawing boundaries around the support that they channel to compensate for the losses. The findings support the relevance of both the solidarity and ambivalence paradigms in seeking to understand postseparation intergenerational relationships and transfers, and hence the argument that these frameworks are compatible and complementary.
Well-Differentiated Teratoma in a Mouse Uterus
Authors: Ogata Keiko , Kushida Masahiko , Miyata Kaori , Sukata Tokuo , Yamada Tomoya , Uwagawa Satoshi , Kawamura Satoshi
Published: June 2011

Teratomas commonly occur in the testis and ovary, whereas in the uterus they are rare. The authors report findings for a mass detected in the uterus of a 26-week-old mouse in a colony of C57BL/6 bred in their laboratory. The mass was located in the endometrium and protruded into the lumen. Histopathologically, it consisted of abnormal diploblastic or triploblastic tissues. Bone with a growth plate and myeloid cells, as well as cartilage, was mainly observed. It also included melanocytes, exocrine gland-like cells, striated muscle, and neuron-like cells. While these tissues were accompanied by extensive necrosis, all of them were well differentiated and lacked features of malignancy, such as invasion and metastasis. This mouse had experienced parturition, but fetal tissue was not observed in the lesion. Therefore, the lesion was diagnosed as a benign teratoma, which was spontaneously developed in the uterus.