bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jüdische oder römische Perspektive? Neue Studien zum römisch dominierten Judäa – Ein kritischer Literaturbericht
Authors: Bormann Lukas
Published: March 2009

This article reports on the most important results of recent studies published in German that deal with Roman-dominated Judea/Palestine and contextualizes them within international research. Publications by Monika Bernett, Werner Eck, Linda-Marie Günther, Achim Lichtenberger and Julia Wilker offer an equally intense examination of the sources, but significantly differ in their perspectives. The question behind the examination asks whether this region has developed in a particular manner that has been shaped and created by Jewish religion and culture, or whether it was a "normal" Roman province with a history shaped by the same circumstances and events as other parts of the Roman Empire. In the case of Judea, the findings of historical research are simultaneously at the center of contemporary legitimizing discourses. The discussion pleads for a cultural comparative historical investigation that critically questions the binary opposition of Jewish versus pagan.
Diaspora ohne Religion? Zur Konjunktur des Diaspora-Konzepts in den Sozialwissenschaften
Authors: Tiesler Nina Clara
Published: March 2009

Taking a critical perspective on the loss of analytical categories, this article discusses the enormous proliferation of Diaspora concepts in social sciences at large, and in particular with regard to discourses on Muslims in Europe. In the era of international migration, the experience of homelessness, deriving from the loss of the myth of religio-cultural and ethno-linguistically singularity in contemporary societies, seems to become an universal phenomenon. Questions of home and belonging are key issues in the current discourses on Diaspora which, since the turning point of 1989, developed aggressively beyond those academic disciplines concerned with religion.
Krieg und Glaube. Die Revue Spirite 1870/1871
Authors: Souza Gregório
Published: March 2009

In 1870, the most important journal of Allan Kardec's spiritist school, the "Revue Spirite", ascribes a superlative role to France in the intellectual world and encourages soldiers to defend their fatherland. The defeat against Prussia is interpreted as a punishment for crimes of the Premier Empire. The journal recognizes the necessity of reforms, but it does not support the Commune in 1871.
Numerical Simulation of Hurricane Bonnie (1998). Part III: Energetics
Authors: Hogsett Wallace , Zhang Da-Lin
Published: March 2009

Despite considerable research on tropical cyclones (TCs), few studies have been performed to examine inner-core energy conversions because of the lack of high-resolution data. In this study, the TC energetic characteristics in relation to intensity and structural changes under different sheared environments are investigated using a 5-day cloud-resolving simulation of Hurricane Bonnie (1998). Results show that in the presence of intense vertical shear Bonnie undergoes high-frequency fluctuations in intensity and energy conversions (at a time scale of 3 h) during the partial eyewall stage. The fluctuations are closely related to the life cycle of individual convective elements that propagate cyclonically around the downshear portion of the eyewall. The energy conversions are shown to be maximized in the vicinity of the radius of maximum wind (RMW), thus affecting strongly TC intensity. On average, about 2% of latent energy can be converted to kinetic energy to increase TC intensity. After the vertical shear subsides below a threshold, intensity fluctuations become small as convective elements reorganize into an axisymmetric eyewall in which energy conversions are more evenly distributed.

Fourier decomposition is conducted to separate the wavenumber-0, -1, and -2 components of inner-core energetics. Whereas wavenumber-1 perturbations dominate the partial eyewall stage, the propagation of wavenumber-2 perturbations is shown to be closely related to individual convective elements during both the partial eyewall and axisymmetric stages. The wavenumber-2 perturbations can be traced as they move around the eyewall in the form of vortex–Rossby waves, and they play a role in determining the large intensity fluctuations during the partial eyewall stage and the formation of an outer eyewall to replace the partial inner eyewall at the later stage.
Evaluation of Hydrometeor Occurrence Profiles in the Multiscale Modeling Framework Climate Model Using Atmospheric Classification
Authors: Marchand Roger , Beagley Nathaniel , Ackerman Thomas P.
Published: March 2009

Vertical profiles of hydrometeor occurrence from the multiscale modeling framework (MMF) climate model are compared with profiles observed by a vertically pointing millimeter wavelength cloud radar (located in the U.S. southern Great Plains) as a function of the large-scale atmospheric state. The atmospheric state is determined by classifying (or clustering) the large-scale (synoptic) fields produced by the MMF and a numerical weather prediction model using a neural network approach. The comparison shows that for cold-frontal and post-cold-frontal conditions the MMF produces profiles of hydrometeor occurrence that compare favorably with radar observations, while for warm-frontal conditions the model tends to produce hydrometeor fractions that are too large with too much cloud (nonprecipitating hydrometeors) above 7 km and too much precipitating hydrometeor coverage below 7 km. It is also found that the MMF has difficulty capturing the formation of low clouds and that, for all atmospheric states that occur during June, July, and August, the MMF produces too much high and thin cloud, especially above 10 km.
Estimation of the Surface Water Budget of the La Plata Basin
Authors: Su Fengge , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: March 2009

The Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) land surface hydrology model forced by gridded observed precipitation and temperature for the period 1979–99 is used to simulate the land surface water balance of the La Plata basin (LPB). The modeled water balance is evaluated with streamflow observations from the major tributaries of the LPB. The spatiotemporal variability of the water balance terms of the LPB are then evaluated using offline VIC model simulations, the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis (ERA-40), and inferences obtained from a combination of these two. The seasonality and interannual variability of the water balance terms vary across the basin. Over the Uruguay River basin and the entire LPB, precipitation (P) exceeds evapotranspiration (E) and the basins act as a moisture sink. However, the Paraguay River basin acts as a net source of moisture in dry seasons (strong negative P − E). The annual means and monthly time series of ERA-40 P are in good agreement with gauge observations over the entire LPB and its subbasins, except for the Uruguay basin. The E estimates from VIC and inferred from the ERA-40 atmospheric moisture budget are consistent in both seasonal and interannual variations over the entire LPB, but large discrepancies exist between the two E estimates over the subbasins. The long-term mean of atmospheric moisture convergence P − E agrees well with observed runoff R for the upper Paraná River basin, whereas the imbalance is large (28%) for the Uruguay basin—possibly because of its small size. Major problems appear over the Paraguay basin with negative long-term mean of atmospheric moisture convergence P − E, which is not physically realistic. The computed precipitation recycling in the LPB (for L = 500 km) exhibits strong seasonal and spatial variations with ratios of 0%–3% during the cold season and 5%–7% during the warm season.
Three-Dimensional Evolution of Large-Amplitude Internal Waves in the Strait of Gibraltar
Authors: Vlasenko Vasiliy , Sanchez Garrido Jose C. , Stashchuk Nataliya , Garcia Lafuente Jesus , Losada Miguel
Published: March 2009

The modeling of large-amplitude internal waves (LAIWs) propagating in the Strait of Gibraltar is carried out using a fully nonlinear nonhydrostatic numerical model. The focus of the modeling efforts was on three-dimensional peculiarities of LAIW evolution, namely, cross-strait variability, interaction with lateral boundaries (including wave breaking and water mixing), radiation of secondary waves from orographic features, and interaction of secondary scattered internal waves.

The along-channel propagation of packets of LAIWs reveals remarkable three-dimensional behavior. Due to the Coriolis force and multiple reflections from the lateral boundaries, the largest leading LAIW loses its energy much faster than that in the packet tail, which captures the scattered energy from the leading wave as it propagates and grows in amplitude. As a result of the energy transfer, the initially rank-ordered wave packet loses its regular structure to evolve into a non-rank-ordered wave train. In situ data collected in the eastern part of the Strait of Gibraltar confirm the idea that the non-rank-ordered structure is a common feature of internal wave packets emerging from the strait into the Alboran Sea.
Hidden Profiles and Concealed Information: Strategic Information Sharing and Use in Group Decision Making
Authors: Toma Claudia , Butera Fabrizio
Published: March 2009

Two experiments investigated the differential impact of cooperation and competition on strategic information sharing and use in a three-person group decision-making task. Information was distributed in order to create a hidden profile so that disconfirmation of group members' initial preferences was required to solve the task. Experiment 1 revealed that competition, compared to cooperation, led group members to withhold unshared information, a difference that was not significant for shared information. In competition, compared to cooperation, group members were also more reluctant to disconfirm their initial preferences. Decision quality was lower in competition than in cooperation, this effect being mediated by disconfirmation use and not by information sharing. Experiment 2 replicated these findings and revealed the role of mistrust in predicting strategic information sharing and use in competition. These results support a motivated information processing approach of group decision making.
Mapping City Crime and the New Aesthetic of Danger
Authors: Wallace Aurora
Published: March 2009

This article investigates the recent proliferation of crime-mapping software applications provided by police departments in dozens of US cities. In these maps, urban space is rendered according to prevailing notions of criminality, constructing a landscape of danger that borrows from and contributes to the wider visual culture of crime. In the aesthetic rendering of illegality, place is represented with the aim of revealing information with a social purpose, and in so doing it re-imagines real space according to dominant values about the nature of crime, criminals, and urban space. While the adoption of such mapping programs is justified using the rhetoric of community empowerment, their design supports a neo-liberal agenda of individual responsibility over safety in the context of outsourced security.
Effects of Namaste Care on Residents Who Do Not Benefit From Usual Activities
Authors: Simard Joyce , Volicer Ladislav
Published: March 2009

Namaste Care is a program designed to offer meaningful activities to nursing home residents with advanced dementia or those who cannot be engaged in traditional activities. This 7-day-a-week program is staffed by specially trained nursing assistants who provide activities of daily living in an unhurried manner, with a ‘‘loving touch’’ approach to care. The program takes place in a room with lowered lighting, soft music playing, and the scent of lavender. Analyses of Minimum Data Set data before the program were implemented and after residents were involved in the program for at least 30 days showed a decrease in residents’ withdrawal, social interaction, delirium indicators, and trend for decreased agitation. Namaste Care helps families feel that in spite of the many losses experienced because of the disease process, something special can still help their loved one to feel comforted, cared for, and cared about in a unique loving environment.
Long-term polyclonal and multilineage engraftment of methylguanine methyltransferase P140K gene-modified dog hematopoietic cells in primary and secondary recipients
Authors: Beard Brian C. , Sud Reeteka , Keyser Kirsten A. , Ironside Christina , Neff Tobias , Gerull Sabine , Trobridge Grant D. , Kiem Hans-Peter
Published: March 2009

Overexpression of methylguanine methyltransferase P140K (MGMTP140K) has been successfully used for in vivo selection and chemoprotection in mouse and large animal studies, and has promise for autologous and allogeneic gene therapy. We examined the long-term safety of MGMTP140K selection in a clinically relevant dog model. Based on the association of provirus integration and proto-oncogene activation leading to leukemia in the X-linked immunodeficiency trial, we focused our analysis on the distribution of retrovirus integration sites (RIS) relative to proto-oncogene transcription start sites (TSS). We analyzed RIS near proto-oncogene TSS before (n = 157) and after (n = 129) chemotherapy in dogs that received MGMTP140K gene-modified cells and identified no overall increase of RIS near proto-oncogene TSS after chemotherapy. We also wanted to determine whether in vivo selected cells retained fundamental characteristics of hematopoietic stem cells. To that end, we performed secondary transplantation of MGMTP140K gene-modified cells after in vivo selection in dog leukocyte antigen (DLA)–matched dogs. Gene-modified cells achieved multilineage repopulation, and we identified the same gene-modified clone in both dogs more than 800 and 900 days after transplantation. These data suggest that MGMTP140K selection is well tolerated and should allow clinically for selection of gene-corrected cells in genetic or infectious diseases or chemoprotection for treatment of malignancy.
Circulating KL-6, a biomarker of lung injury, in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Lederer D. J. , Jelic S. , Basner R. C. , Ishizaka A. , Bhattacharya J.
Published: March 2009

In obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), oxidative stress contributes to endothelial dysfunction in the peripheral circulation. In the lung, oxidative stress can lead to alveolar injury. The present authors hypothesised that patients with OSA would have biomarker evidence of increased alveolar wall permeability.

Sleep characteristics, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and plasma KL-6 levels were observed in 11 otherwise healthy patients with OSA and 10 controls.

Median (interquartile range) plasma KL-6 levels were higher in patients with OSA compared with controls: 317 (232–506) U·mL−1versus226 (179–257) U·mL−1, respectively. Higher plasma KL-6 levels were associated with greater time spent asleep with an oxyhaemoglobin saturation <90%, lower nadir saturation, more frequent desaturation of >4% during sleep and lower brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. Adjustment for nadir saturation or flow-mediated dilation attenuated the association between plasma KL-6 levels and OSA.

Circulating KL-6 levels are elevated in some patients with obstructive sleep apnoea, possibly reflecting increased alveolar wall permeability.
Pivotal clinical dilemmas in collagen vascular diseases associated with interstitial lung involvement: Table 1—
Authors: Antoniou K. M. , Margaritopoulos G. , Economidou F. , Siafakas N. M.
Published: March 2009

The connective tissue disorders (CTDs), also called collagen vascular diseases (CVDs), represent a heterogeneous group of immunologically mediated inflammatory disorders with a large variety of affected organs. Individuals with a CTD (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren's syndrome, polymyositis/dermatomyositis and mixed connective tissue disease) are susceptible to respiratory involvement. When the lungs are affected, an increasing mortality and morbidity in CVDs occurs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is established as a clinical corollary across the spectrum of CTDs, with an overall incidence estimated at 15%.

Therefore, pivotal clinical dilemmas remain in the evaluation and management of ILD involvement in CVDs. Critical questions are the presence of fibrosis and whether the disease is clinically significant. Moreover, the clinician has to decide if treatment is warranted and which is the best therapeutic approach. The use of additional tests, such as pulmonary function tests, high-resolution computed tomography scan, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and surgical lung biopsy, deserves better discussion. The present review focuses on establishing the diagnosis of ILD in CTD, and on evaluating disease activity and prognosis. This will provide the basis for therapeutic decisions that will be discussed, including an overview of recent advances.
Epidemiology of sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome and sleep-disordered breathing
Authors: Jennum P. , Riha R. L.
Published: March 2009

Epidemiological studies have revealed a high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in the community (up to 20%). A subset of these patients has concurrent symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness attributable to their nocturnal breathing disorder and is classified as having obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (4–5% of the middle-aged population). There is strong evidence for an association of sleep apnoea with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity, as well as adverse public health consequences. Treatment and diagnosis have remained largely unchanged over the past 25 yrs. In moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome, treatment with continuous positive airway pressure has been shown to be effective. Questions remain as to how to screen patients with sleep-disordered breathing. Should time-consuming diagnostic procedures with high sensitivity and specificity be employed, or should simpler methods be applied for screening populations at risk,e.g.in the primary care sector?
Characterisation of the paralytic shellfish toxin biosynthesis gene clusters in Anabaena circinalis AWQC131C and Aphanizomenon sp. NH-5
Authors: Mihali Troco K , Kellmann Ralf , Neilan Brett A
Published: March 2009

Background

Saxitoxin and its analogues collectively known as the paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) are neurotoxic alkaloids and are the cause of the syndrome named paralytic shellfish poisoning. PSTs are produced by a unique biosynthetic pathway, which involves reactions that are rare in microbial metabolic pathways. Nevertheless, distantly related organisms such as dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria appear to produce these toxins using the same pathway. Hypothesised explanations for such an unusual phylogenetic distribution of this shared uncommon metabolic pathway, include a polyphyletic origin, an involvement of symbiotic bacteria, and horizontal gene transfer.

Results

We describe the identification, annotation and bioinformatic characterisation of the putative paralytic shellfish toxin biosynthesis clusters in an Australian isolate of Anabaena circinalis and an American isolate of Aphanizomenon sp., both members of the Nostocales. These putative PST gene clusters span approximately 28 kb and contain genes coding for the biosynthesis and export of the toxin. A putative insertion/excision site in the Australian Anabaena circinalis AWQC131C was identified, and the organization and evolution of the gene clusters are discussed. A biosynthetic pathway leading to the formation of saxitoxin and its analogues in these organisms is proposed.

Conclusion

The PST biosynthesis gene cluster presents a mosaic structure, whereby genes have apparently transposed in segments of varying size, resulting in different gene arrangements in all three sxt clusters sequenced so far. The gene cluster organizational structure and sequence similarity seems to reflect the phylogeny of the producer organisms, indicating that the gene clusters have an ancient origin, or that their lateral transfer was also an ancient event. The knowledge we gain from the characterisation of the PST biosynthesis gene clusters, including the identity and sequence of the genes involved in the biosynthesis, may also afford the identification of these gene clusters in dinoflagellates, the cause of human mortalities and significant financial loss to the tourism and shellfish industries.
Gene expression signature of cerebellar hypoplasia in a mouse model of Down syndrome during postnatal development
Authors: Laffaire Julien , Rivals Isabelle , Dauphinot Luce , Pasteau Fabien , Wehrle Rosine , Larrat Benoit , Vitalis Tania , Moldrich Randal X , Rossier Jean , Sinkus Ralph , Herault Yann , Dusart Isabelle , Potier Marie-Claude
Published: March 2009

Background

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of three copies of chromosome 21. The mechanisms by which this aneuploidy produces the complex and variable phenotype observed in people with Down syndrome are still under discussion. Recent studies have demonstrated an increased transcript level of the three-copy genes with some dosage compensation or amplification for a subset of them. The impact of this gene dosage effect on the whole transcriptome is still debated and longitudinal studies assessing the variability among samples, tissues and developmental stages are needed.

Results

We thus designed a large scale gene expression study in mice (the Ts1Cje Down syndrome mouse model) in which we could measure the effects of trisomy 21 on a large number of samples (74 in total) in a tissue that is affected in Down syndrome (the cerebellum) and where we could quantify the defect during postnatal development in order to correlate gene expression changes to the phenotype observed. Statistical analysis of microarray data revealed a major gene dosage effect: for the three-copy genes as well as for a 2 Mb segment from mouse chromosome 12 that we show for the first time as being deleted in the Ts1Cje mice. This gene dosage effect impacts moderately on the expression of euploid genes (2.4 to 7.5% differentially expressed). Only 13 genes were significantly dysregulated in Ts1Cje mice at all four postnatal development stages studied from birth to 10 days after birth, and among them are 6 three-copy genes. The decrease in granule cell proliferation demonstrated in newborn Ts1Cje cerebellum was correlated with a major gene dosage effect on the transcriptome in dissected cerebellar external granule cell layer.

Conclusion

High throughput gene expression analysis in the cerebellum of a large number of samples of Ts1Cje and euploid mice has revealed a prevailing gene dosage effect on triplicated genes. Moreover using an enriched cell population that is thought responsible for the cerebellar hypoplasia in Down syndrome, a global destabilization of gene expression was not detected. Altogether these results strongly suggest that the three-copy genes are directly responsible for the phenotype present in cerebellum. We provide here a short list of candidate genes.
Nonlinear modeling of venous leg ulcer healing rates
Authors: Cardinal Matthew , Phillips Tania , Eisenbud David E , Harding Keith , Mansbridge Jonathan , Armstrong David G
Published: March 2009

Background

The purpose of this manuscript was to determine whether the change in wound surface area over time could be described through nonlinear mathematics.

Methods

We studied 3,588 serial wound tracings of 338 venous leg ulcers (VLUs) that had been followed during a controlled, prospective, randomized trial of two topical wound treatments.

Results

A majority (72%) of VLUs exhibited surface area reduction via an exponential decay model, particularly during the early stages of healing. These results were consistent with the mechanics of wound contraction and epithelial cell proliferation, supported by the higher frequency at which exponential surface area reduction associated with full wound closure (35% of wounds that fit the exponential model healed vs. 21% of wounds that did not fit the exponential model completely healed during the study period, p = 0.018). Goodness-of-fit statistics suggested that much of the individual variation in healing could be described as nonlinear variation from the exponential model.

Conclusion

We believe that parameter estimates from a mathematical model may provide a more accurate quantification of wound healing rates, and that similar models may someday reach routine use in comparing the efficacy of various treatments in routine practice and in product registration trials.
Different skeletal effects of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)α agonist fenofibrate and the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone
Authors: Syversen Unni , Stunes Astrid K , Gustafsson Björn I , Obrant Karl J , Nordsletten Lars , Berge Rolf , Thommesen Liv , Reseland Janne E
Published: March 2009

Background

All the peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are found to be expressed in bone cells. The PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone has been shown to decrease bone mass in mice and thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have recently been found to increase bone loss and fracture risk in humans treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of the PPARα agonist fenofibrate (FENO) and the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone (PIO) on bone in intact female rats.

Methods

Rats were given methylcellulose (vehicle), fenofibrate or pioglitazone (35 mg/kg body weight/day) by gavage for 4 months. BMC, BMD, and body composition were measured by DXA. Histomorphometry and biomechanical testing of excised femurs were performed. Effects of the compounds on bone cells were studied.

Results

The FENO group had higher femoral BMD and smaller medullary area at the distal femur; while trabecular bone volume was similar to controls. Whole body BMD, BMC, and trabecular bone volume were lower, while medullary area was increased in PIO rats compared to controls. Ultimate bending moment and energy absorption of the femoral shafts were reduced in the PIO group, while similar to controls in the FENO group. Plasma osteocalcin was higher in the FENO group than in the other groups. FENO stimulated proliferation and differentiation of, and OPG release from, the preosteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1.

Conclusion

We show opposite skeletal effects of PPARα and γ agonists in intact female rats. FENO resulted in significantly higher femoral BMD and lower medullary area, while PIO induced bone loss and impairment of the mechanical strength. This represents a novel effect of PPARα activation.
Expression of TRPM8 in the distal cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons in the brain mesencephalon of rats
Authors: Du Jing , Yang Xinwei , Zhang Licai , Zeng Yin-ming
Published: March 2009

Background

It has been shown that distal cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons (dCSF-CNs) exist near the ventral midline of the midbrain aqueduct and also in the grey matter of the inferior third ventricle and the fourth ventricle floor in the superior segment of the pons. The dCSF-CNs communicate between the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the brain parenchyma and may participate in the transduction and regulation of pain signals. The cold sensation receptor channel, TRPM8 is involved in analgesia for neuropathic pain, but whether the TRPM8 receptor exists on dCSF-CNs remains unknown. However, there is preliminary evidence that TRPM8 is expressed in dCSF-CNs and may participate in the transmission and regulation of sensory information between brain parenchyma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in rats.

Methods

Retrograde tracing of the cholera toxin subunit B labeled with horseradish peroxidase (CB-HRP) injected into the lateral ventricle was used to identify dCSF-CNs. A double-labeled immunofluorescent technique and laser scanning confocal microscopy were used to identify the expression of TRPM8 in dCSF-CNs. Software Image-Pro Plus was used to count the number of neurons in three sections where CB-HRP positive neurons were located in the mesencephalon of six rats.

Results

The cell bodies of CB-HRP-positive dCSF-CNs were found in the brain parenchyma near the midline of the ventral Aq, also in the grey of the 3V, and the 4V floor in the superior segment of the pons. In the mesencephalon their processes extended into the CSF. TRPM8 labeled neurons were also found in the same area as were CB-HRP/TRPM8 double-labeled neurons. CB-HRP/TRPM8 double-labeled neurons were found in 42.9 ± 2.3% of neurons labeled by TRPM8, and all CB-HRP-labeled neurons were also labeled with TPRM8.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated that the cold sensation receptor channel, TRPM8, is localised within the dCSF-CNs of the mesencephalon. TRPM8 acts as receptor of dCSF-CNs for sensation transmission and pain regulation.
The second Symptom Management Research Trial in Oncology (SMaRT Oncology-2): a randomised trial to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of adding a complex intervention for major depressive disorder to usual care for cancer patients
Authors: Walker Jane , Cassidy Jim , Sharpe Michael ,   the SMaRT Oncology-2 Trialists*
Published: March 2009

Background

Depression Care for People with Cancer is a complex intervention delivered by specially trained cancer nurses, under the supervision of a psychiatrist. It is given as a supplement to the usual care for depression, which patients receive from their general practitioner and cancer service. In a 'proof of concept' trial (Symptom Management Research Trials in Oncology-1) Depression Care for People with Cancer improved depression more than usual care alone. The second Symptom Management Research Trial in Oncology (SMaRT Oncology-2 Trial) will test its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in a 'real world' setting.

Design

A two arm parallel group multi-centre randomised controlled trial.

Trial Procedures

500 patients will be recruited through established systematic Symptom Monitoring Services, which screen patients for depression. Patients will have: a diagnosis of cancer (of various types); an estimated life expectancy of twelve months or more and a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. Patients will be randomised to usual care or usual care plus Depression Care for People with Cancer. Randomisation will be carried out by telephoning a secure computerised central randomisation system or by using a secure web interface. The primary outcome measure is 'treatment response' measured at 24 week outcome data collection. 'Treatment response' will be defined as a reduction of 50% or more in the patient's baseline depression score, measured using the 20-item Symptom Checklist (SCL-20D). Secondary outcomes include remission of major depressive disorder, depression severity and patients' self-rated improvement of depression.

Trial Registration

Current controlled trials ISRCTN40568538

Trial Hypotheses

(1) Depression Care for People with Cancer as a supplement to usual care will be more effective than usual care alone in achieving a 50% reduction in baseline SCL-20D score at 24 weeks. (2) Depression Care for People with Cancer as a supplement to usual care will cost more than usual care alone but will be more cost effective in achieving improvements in patients' depression and quality of life.
A novel and stable "two-hit" acute lung injury model induced by oleic acid in piglets
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Liu Yinglong , Wang Qiang , Zhu Yaobin , Lv Xiaodong , Liu Jinping
Published: March 2009

Background

Children are susceptible to pulmonary injury, and acute lung injury (ALI) often results in a high mortality and financial cost in pediatric patients. Evidence has showed that oleic acid (OA) plays an important role in ALI. Therefore, it has special significance to study ALI in pediatric patients by using OA-induced animal models. Unfortunately, the animal model hs a high mortality due to hemodynamic instability. The aim of this study was to establish a novel hemodynamically stable OA-induced ALI model in piglets with two hits.

Methods

18 Chinese mini-piglets were randomized into three groups: group C (received saline-ethanol solution), group T (received OA-ethanol solution in routine administration manner) and group H (received OA-ethanol solution in two-hit manner). Hemodynamic and pulmonary function data were measured. Histopathological assessments were performed.

Results

Two piglets in group T died of radical decline of systemic blood pressure. Group T showed more drastic hemodynamic changes than group H especially during the period of 5 to 30 minutes after OA administration. Both Group T and group H all produced severe lung injury, while group C had no significant pathologic changes. OA-induced hypotension might be caused by pulmonary hypertension rather than comprised left ventricular function.

Conclusion

OA leads to severe pulmonary hypertension which results in hemodynamic fluctuation in OA-induced ALI model. It is the first report on hemodynamic stable ALI animal model in piglets using two-hit method. The two-hit ALI animal model fulfils the ALI criteria and has the following characteristics: hemodynamic stability, stable damage to gas exchange and comparability with pediatric patients in body weight and corresponding age. The two-hit ALI animal model can be used to study the basic mechanism and the therapeutic strategies for pediatric ALI.
Requirement of the immediate early gene vesl-1S/homer-1a for fear memory formation
Authors: Inoue Naoko , Nakao Harumi , Migishima Rika , Hino Toshiaki , Matsui Minoru , Hayashi Fumihiko , Nakao Kazuki , Manabe Toshiya , Aiba Atsu , Inokuchi Kaoru
Published: March 2009

Background

The formation of long-term memory (LTM) and the late phase of long-term potentiation (L-LTP) depend on macromolecule synthesis, translation, and transcription in neurons. vesl-1S (V ASP/E na-related gene upregulated during s eizure and L TP, also known as homer-1a) is an LTP-induced immediate early gene. The short form of Vesl (Vesl-1S) is an alternatively spliced isoform of the vesl-1 gene, which also encodes the long form of the Vesl protein (Vesl-1L). Vesl-1L is a postsynaptic scaffolding protein that binds to and modulates the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1/5 (mGluR1/5), the IP3 receptor, and the ryanodine receptor. Vesl-1 null mutant mice show abnormal behavior, which includes anxiety- and depression-related behaviors, and an increase in cocaine-induced locomotion; however, the function of the short form of Vesl in behavior is poorly understood because of the lack of short-form-specific knockout mice.

Results

In this study, we generated short-form-specific gene targeting (KO) mice by knocking in part of vesl-1L/homer-1c cDNA. Homozygous KO mice exhibited normal spine number and morphology. Using the contextual fear conditioning test, we demonstrated that memory acquisition and short-term memory were normal in homozygous KO mice. In contrast, these mice showed impairment in fear memory consolidation. Furthermore, the process from recent to remote memory was affected in homozygous KO mice. Interestingly, reactivation of previously consolidated fear memory attenuated the conditioning-induced freezing response in homozygous KO mice, which suggests that the short form plays a role in fear memory reconsolidation. General activity, emotional performance, and sensitivity to electrofootshock were normal in homozygous KO mice.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the short form of the Vesl family of proteins plays a role in multiple steps of long-term, but not short-term, fear memory formation.
Brain serotonin transporter binding in former users of MDMA (‘ecstasy’)
Authors: Selvaraj Sudhakar , Hoshi Rosa , Bhagwagar Zubin , Murthy Naga Venkatesha , Hinz Rainer , Cowen Philip , Curran H. Valerie , Grasby Paul
Published: March 2009

Background

Animal experimental studies have prompted concerns that widespread use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ‘ecstasy’) by young people may pose a major public health problem in terms of persistent serotonin neurotoxicity.

Aims

To determine the status of brain serotonin neurons in a group of abstinent MDMA users.

Method

We assessed the integrity of brain serotonin neurons by measuring serotonin transporter (SERT) binding using positron emission tomography (PET) and [11C]DASB in 12 former MDMA users, 9 polydrug users who had never taken MDMA and 19 controls who reported no history of illicit drug use.

Results

There was no significant difference in the binding potential of [11C]DASB between the groups in any of the brain regions examined.

Conclusions

To the extent that [11C]DASB binding provides an index of the integrity of serotonin neurons, our findings suggest that MDMA use may not result in long-term damage to serotonin neurons when used recreationally in humans.
Phase II Evaluation of Pemetrexed in the Treatment of Recurrent or Persistent Platinum-Resistant Ovarian or Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma: A Study of the Gynecologic Oncology Group
Authors: Miller David S. , Blessing John A. , Krasner Carolyn N. , Mannel Robert S. , Hanjani Parviz , Pearl Michael L. , Waggoner Steven E. , Boardman Cecelia H.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

To estimate the antitumor activity of pemetrexed in patients with persistent or recurrent platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer and to determine the nature and degree of toxicities.

Patients and Methods

A phase II trial was conducted by the Gynecologic Oncology Group. Patients must have had cancer that had progressed on platinum-based primary chemotherapy or recurred within 6 months. Pemetrexed at a dose of 900 mg/m2 was to be administered as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes every 21 days. Dose delay and adjustment was permitted for toxicity. Treatment was continued until disease progression or unacceptable adverse effects.

Results

From July 6, 2004, to August 23, 2006, 51 patients were entered. A total of 259 cycles (median, four; range one to 19 cycles) of pemetrexed were administered, with 40% of patients receiving six or more cycles. Overall, the treatment was well tolerated. More serious toxicities (grade 3 and 4) included neutropenia in 42%, leukopenia in 25%, anemia in 15%, and constitutional in 15% of patients. No treatment-related deaths were reported. One patient (2%) had a complete and nine patients (19%) had partial responses, with a median duration response of 8.4 months. Seventeen patients (35%) had stable disease for a median of 4.1 months. Eighteen patients (38%) had increasing disease. Three patients (6%) were not assessable. Median progression-free survival was 2.9 months, and overall survival was 11.4 months.

Conclusion

Pemetrexed has sufficient activity in the treatment of recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer at the dose and schedule tested to warrant further investigation.
Protocols with No Acknowledgment
Authors: Rosenberg Dinah , Solan Eilon , Vieille Nicolas
Published: March 2009

We study a simple protocol for communication networks, in which users get no receipt acknowledgment of their requests. As a result, users hold partial and differential information over the state of the protocol. We characterize optimal behavior by viewing the protocol as a stochastic game with partial observation. We also study two classes of protocols that generalize this protocol.
Isolated pseudogout diagnosed on hip arthroscopy
Authors: Hamilton L. C. , Biant L. C. , Temple L. N. , Field R. E.
Published: March 2009

Idiopathic calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (pseudogout) has a variable presentation. Many joints are usually affected; single joint disease is uncommon. We present a case report of primary monoarticular pseudogout affecting the hip. The diagnosis was made on the appearance and analysis of specimens obtained at arthroscopy. Monoarticular pseudogout is rare, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any presentation of joint pain.
The prediction of outcome in somatised patients undergoing elective lumbar surgery
Authors: Okoro T. , Sell P.
Published: March 2009

We compared a group of 46 somatised patients with a control group of 41 non-somatised patients who had undergone elective surgery to the lumbar spine in an attempt to identify pre-operative factors which could predict the outcome. In a prospective single-centre study, the Distress and Risk Assessment method consisting of a modified somatic perception questionnaire and modified Zung depression index was used pre-operatively to identify somatised patients. The type and number of consultations were correlated with functional indicators of outcome, such as the Oswestry disability index and a visual analogue score for pain in the leg after follow-up for six and 12 months.

Similar improvements in the Oswestry disability index were found in the somatised and non-somatised groups. Somatised patients who had a good outcome on the Oswestry disability index had an increased number of orthopaedic consultations (50 of 83 patients (60%) vs 29 of 73 patients (39.7%); p = 0.16) and waited less time for their surgery (5.5 months) (sd 5.26) vs 10.1 months (sd 6.29); p = 0.026). No other identifiable factors were found. A shorter wait for surgery appeared to predict a good outcome. Early review by a spinal surgeon and a reduced waiting time to surgery appear to be of particular benefit to somatised patients.
Targeted Disruption of the CXCL12/CXCR4 Axis Inhibits Osteolysis in a Murine Model of Myeloma-Associated Bone Loss
Authors: Diamond Peter , Labrinidis Agatha , Martin Sally K , Farrugia Amanda N , Gronthos Stan , To L Bik , Fujii Nobutaka , O'Loughlin Peter D , Evdokiou Andreas , Zannettino Andrew CW
Published: March 2009

The plasma cell (PC) malignancy, multiple myeloma (MM), is unique among hematological malignancies in its capacity to cause osteoclast (OC)-mediated skeletal destruction. We have previously shown that elevated plasma levels of PC-derived CXCL12 are associated with presence of X-ray detectable osteolytic lesions in MM patients. To further investigate this relationship, plasma levels of CXCL12 and βCrossLaps, a marker of bone loss, were measured. A strong correlation between levels of CXCL12 and OC-mediated bone resorption was identified. To confirm the OC-activating potential of MM PC-derived CXCL12 in vivo, we established a model of MM-mediated focal osteolysis, wherein MM PC lines, such as RPMI-8226, were injected into the tibias of nude mice. Implanting RPMI-8226 gave rise to osteolytic lesions proximal to the tumor, resulting in a 5% decrease in bone volume (BV) compared with vehicle control. Importantly, bone loss was significantly inhibited with systemic administration of the CXCL12/CXCR4 antagonist T140. Furthermore, implanting CXCL12-overexpressing RPMI-8226 cells resulted in a 13% decrease in BV and was associated with increased OC recruitment proximal to the tumor, increased serum matrix metalloproteinase activity, and increased levels of collagen I degradation products. These findings confirm our hypothesis that MM PC-derived CXCL12 stimulates the recruitment and activity of OC, thereby contributing to the formation of MM osteolytic lesions.
Childhood Fractures Do Not Predict Future Fractures: Results From the European Prospective Osteoporosis Study
Authors: Pye Stephen R , Tobias Jon , Silman Alan J , Reeve Jonathan , O'Neill Terence W
Published: March 2009

Childhood fractures are common. Their clinical relevance to osteoporosis and fractures in later life is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive risk of childhood fracture on the risk of fracture in later life. Men and women ≥50 yr of age were recruited from population registers for participation in the European Prospective Osteoporosis Study (EPOS). Subjects completed an interviewer administered questionnaire that included questions about previous fractures and the age at which the first of these fractures occurred. Lateral spine radiographs were performed to ascertain prevalent vertebral deformities. Subjects were followed prospectively by postal questionnaire to determine the occurrence of clinical fractures. A subsample of subjects had BMD measurements performed. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the predictive risk of childhood fracture between the ages of 8 and 18 yr on the risk of future limb fracture and logistic regression was used to determine the association between reported childhood fractures and prevalent vertebral deformity. A total of 6451 men (mean age, 63.8 yr) and 6936 women (mean age, 63.1 yr) were included in the analysis. Mean follow-up time was 3 yr. Of these, 574 (8.9%) men and 313 (4.5%) women reported a first fracture (any site) between the ages of 8 and 18 yr. A recalled history of any childhood fracture or forearm fracture was not associated with an increased risk of future limb fracture or prevalent vertebral deformity in either men or women. Among the 4807 subjects who had DXA measurements, there was no difference in bone mass among those subjects who had reported a childhood fracture and those who did not. Our data suggest that self-reported previous childhood fracture is not associated with an increased risk of future fracture in men or women.
Insoluble, Speckled Cytosolic Distribution of Retinoic Acid Receptor Alpha Protein as a Marker of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation In Vitro
Authors: Mezaki Yoshihiro , Yamaguchi Noriko , Yoshikawa Kiwamu , Miura Mitsutaka , Imai Katsuyuki , Itoh Hideaki , Senoo Haruki
Published: March 2009

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major site of retinoid storage, and their activation is a key process in liver fibrogenesis. We have previously shown that expression of the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) is upregulated in activated rat HSCs at a post-transcriptional level and that these RARα proteins showed a speckled distribution in the cytosol, despite their possession of a nuclear localization signal (NLS). In this report, we further characterize these cytosolic RARα proteins by using exogenously expressed RARα protein fragments or mutants tagged with a green fluorescent protein. Substitution of four amino acids, 161–164 from lysine to alanine, abolished the NLS. Exogenously expressed RARα protein fragments containing an NLS were localized exclusively in the nuclei of activated rat HSCs and never colocalized with the endogenous RARα proteins in the cytosol, suggesting that the NLS of endogenous RARα proteins is masked. Biochemical analysis showed that 65% of RARα proteins in activated HSCs were insoluble in a mixture of detergents. The insolubility of RARα proteins makes it difficult to identify RARα proteins in activated HSCs. Therefore, we propose that insoluble, speckled cytosolic distribution of RARα proteins represents a new marker of HSC activation. (J Histochem Cytochem 57:687–699, 2009)
Mistaken Identity: Results and Repercussions / Twin Research Reviews: Ovarian Transplants; Kidney Donation; False Beliefs and Emotion Understanding / In the News: Surfing Twins; Driving Twins / Tribute: Daniel G. Freedman
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: March 2009

Mistaken identity does not just affect identical twins, it can also affect the lives of unrelated individuals. The present article reviews several compelling cases in which confusion by others significantly altered the life circumstances of twins and non-twins. Next, current research on ovarian transplants, kidney donation, false beliefs and emotion understanding are reviewed. The concluding sections survey some unusual twin pairs — and pay tribute to the late Dr. Daniel G. Freedman, known for his landmark studies of fear of strangers in infant twins.