bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safer Sex as the Bolder Choice: Testosterone is Positively Correlated with Safer Sex Behaviorally Relevant Attitudes in Young Men
Authors: van Anders Sari M. , Goldey Katherine L. , Conley Terri D. , Snipes Daniel J. , Patel Divya A.
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Higher testosterone (T) is tied to risk-taking, especially in financial domains but also in health domains relevant to acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, safer sex constructs could themselves carry the possibility of “social risk” due to sexual stigma or embarrassment, or could involve boldness or confidence because they could represent status displays of frequent sexual activity.

Aim

To determine how T and behaviorally relevant attitudes about sexual risk-taking are linked, to better understand biopsychosocial aspects of sexual health related to STIs.

Methods

In 78 first-year male college students, we examined correlations between salivary T and behaviorally relevant safer sex attitudes assessed via questionnaires.

Main Outcome Measures

T, via saliva; safer sex attitudes, via a composite and the University of California, Los Angeles Multidimensional Condom Attitudes Scale (MCAS).

Results

Higher T was significantly correlated with higher scores on the following: safer sex likelihood composite, r(73) = 0.33, P = 0.003; the MCAS safer sex resilience, r(32) = 0.36, P = 0.037; and the MCAS condom purchase comfort, r(32) = 0.37, P = 0.031. Associations between T and safer sex likelihood and resilience were still robust after controlling for potential confounds, though the association between T and purchase comfort diminished to a trend.

Conclusions

Higher T was positively linked with safer sex attitudes, especially those most closely tied to STI risk avoidance. Thus, future research and interventions for STI prevention should address the possibility that safer sex may be paradoxically perceived as a “bold” or “risky” choice even as it decreases STI risk.
Falls prevention and support: translating research, integrating services and promoting the contribution of service users for quality and innovative programmes of care
Authors: Gormley Kevin J.
Published: November 2011

gormley k.j. (2011) Falls prevention and support: translating research, integrating services and promoting the contribution of service users for quality and innovative programmes of care. International Journal of Older People Nursing6, 307–314 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2011.00303.x

Falls are a significant threat to the safety, health and independence of older citizens. Despite the substantial evidence that is available around effective falls prevention programmes and interventions, their translation into falls reduction programmes and policies has yet to be fully realised. While hip fracture rates are decreasing, the number and incidence of fall‐related hospital admissions among older people continue to rise. Given the demographic trends that highlight increasing numbers of older people in the UK, which is broadly reflected internationally, there is a financial and social imperative to minimise the rate of falls and associated injuries. Falling is closely aligned to growing older (Slips, Trips and Falls Update: From Acute and Community Hospitals and Mental Health Units in England and Wales, Department of Health, HMSO, London, 2010). According to the World Health Organization, around 30% of older people aged over 65 and 50% of those over 80 will fall each year (Falls Fact Sheet Number 344, WHO, Geneva, 2010). Falls happen as a result of many reasons and can have harmful consequences, including loss of mobility and independence, confidence and in many cases even death (Cochrane Database Syst Rev 15, 2009, 146; Slips, Trips and Falls Update: From Acute and Community Hospitals and Mental Health Units in England and Wales, Department of Health, HMSO, London, 2010; Falling Standards, Broken Promises: Report of the National Audit of Falls and Bone Health in Older People 2010, Health Care Quality Improvement Partnership, London, 2011). What is neither fair nor correct is the common belief by old and young alike that falls are just another inconvenience to put up with. The available evidence justifiably supports the view that well‐organised services, based upon national standards and expert guidance, can prevent future falls among older people and reduce death and disability from fractures. This paper will draw from the UK, as an exemplar for policy and practice, to discuss the strategic direction of falls prevention programmes for older people and the partnerships that need to exist between researchers, service providers and users of services to translate evidence to the clinical setting. Second, it will propose some mechanisms for disseminating evidence to healthcare professionals and other stakeholders, to improve the quality and capacity of the clinical workforce.
Sclerostin is overexpressed by plasma cells from multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Brunetti Giacomina , Oranger Angela , Mori Giorgio , Specchia Giorgina , Rinaldi Erminia , Curci Paola , Zallone Alberta , Rizzi Rita , Grano Maria , Colucci Silvia
Published: November 2011

Sclerostin, an osteocyte‐expressed negative regulator of bone formation, is one of the inhibitors of Wnt signaling that is a critical pathway in the correct process of osteoblast differentiation. It has been demonstrated that Wnt signaling through the secretion of Wnt inhibitors, such as DKK1, sFRP‐2, and sFRP‐3, plays a key role in the decreased osteoblast activity associated with multiple myeloma (MM) bone disease. We provide evidence that sclerostin is expressed by myeloma cells that are human myeloma cell lines and plasma cells (CD138+ cells) obtained from the bone marrow (BM) of a large number of MM patients with bone disease. Moreover, we show that there are no differences in sclerostin serum levels between MM patients and controls. Thus, our data indicate that MM cells, as a sclerostin source in the BM, could create a microenvironment with high sclerostin concentration that could contribute toward inhibiting osteoblast differentiation.
Feedback inhibition of osteoclastogenesis during inflammation by IL‐10, M‐CSF receptor shedding, and induction of IRF8
Authors: Ivashkiv Lionel B. , Zhao Baohong , Park‐Min Kyung‐Hyun , Takami Masamichi
Published: November 2011

Inflammation plays a key role in excessive bone loss in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. An important paradigm in immunology is that inflammatory factors activate feedback inhibition mechanisms to restrain inflammation and limit associated tissue damage. We hypothesized that inflammatory factors would activate similar feedback mechanisms to restrain bone loss in inflammatory settings. We have identified three mechanisms that inhibit osteoclastogenesis and are induced by inflammatory factors such as toll‐like receptor ligands and cytokines; downregulation of expression of costimulatory molecules such as TREM‐2; induction of shedding, and thereby inactivation of the M‐CSF receptor c‐Fms, leading to decreased RANK transcription; and induction of transcriptional repressors such as interferon regulatory factor 8. It is likely that these mechanisms work in a complementary and cooperative manner to fine tune the extent of osteoclastogenesis in inflammatory settings, and their augmentation may represent an alternative therapeutic approach to suppress bone resorption.
Transcription factors in parathyroid development: lessons from hypoparathyroid disorders
Authors: Grigorieva Irina V. , Thakker Rajesh V.
Published: November 2011

Parathyroid developmental anomalies, which result in hypoparathyroidism, are common and may occur in one in 4,000 live births. Parathyroids, in man, develop from the endodermal cells of the third and fourth pharyngeal pouches, whereas, in the mouse they develop solely from the endoderm of the third pharyngeal pouches. In addition, neural crest cells that arise from the embryonic mid‐ and hindbrain also contribute to parathyroid gland development. The molecular signaling pathways that are involved in determining the differentiation of the pharyngeal pouch endoderm into parathyroid cells are being elucidated by studies of patients with hypoparathyroidism and appropriate mouse models. These studies have revealed important roles for a number of transcription factors, which include Tbx1, Gata3, Gcm2, Sox3, Aire1 and members of the homeobox (Hox) and paired box (Pax) families.
Immune regulation of the tumor/bone vicious cycle
Authors: Faccio Roberta
Published: November 2011

The bone destruction attending skeletal metastasis is mediated by tumor‐recruited osteoclasts (OCs). Hence, OCs are principal therapeutic targets in afflicted individuals. On the other hand, one‐third of patients develop further skeletal‐related events within two years of initiating antiresorptive therapies, suggesting that additional cells modulate bone tumor growth. Previous studies showing amelioration of bone metastases by targeting the OCs were performed in immune‐compromised animals injected with human breast cancer cells. Consequently, the contribution of the immune system to bone tumor growth was unclear. Using genetic models of immune and OC modulation (PLCγ2 and Lyn), as well as pharmacological inhibition of OCs and T cells, we now demonstrate that a condition of immune deficiency can interfere with the antitumor effects of OC blockade. Thus, our findings expand the current tumor/bone vicious cycle model to include T cells as additional regulators of bone tumor growth, regardless of the OC status.
Primary human sinonasal epithelial cell culture model for topical drug delivery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis
Authors: Bleier Benjamin S , Mulligan Ryan M , Schlosser Rodney J
Published: November 2011

Objectives

The primary human sinonasal epithelial cell culture (HSNEC) allows for in-vitro modelling of mucosal responses to topical therapy. Cultures grown from healthy donors may underestimate changes in individuals with chronic sinonasal disease thereby yielding inaccurate results with respect to this large patient population. The purpose of this study was to analyse HSNECs derived from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) to determine whether expected disease dependent variables salient to topical drug delivery persist in culture.

Methods

Cultures were grown from patients with CRSwNP. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) (basal and stimulated), permeability (trans and paracellular), inflammatory response, and glucocorticoid dose response were measured and compared with healthy controls.

Key findings

Methylcholine stimulated CBF was greater in CRSwNP versus controls (ΔCBF60min 7.25 ± 1.02 vs 0.89 ± 1.04 Hz, respectively). Paracellular permeability was greater in CRSwNP versus controls (basolateral dextran120min 18.97 ± 3.90 vs 11.31 ± 4.35 µg/ml, respectively). Lipopolysaccharide (0.1 mg/ml) stimulated interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 secretion was increased in CRSwNP versus controls (IL-6 Δbaseline 1738.72 ± 654.82 vs 1461.61 ± 533.51%, respectively; IL-8 Δbaseline 137.11 ± 0.83 vs 111.27 ± 0.67%, respectively). CRSwNP cultures were more sensitive than controls to dexamethasone (1 µg/ml) dependent IL-6 and IL-8 suppression.

Conclusions

HSNECs derived from patients with CRSwNP retained their primary phenotype with respect to ciliary function, epithelial permeability, irritant induced inflammatory cytokine secretion, and glucocorticoid dose response.
Is it time to regulate over-the-counter weight-loss formulations?
Authors: Hackett Alla , Krska Jane
Published: November 2011

Many products claiming to promote weight loss are freely available to purchase over the counter and are used by a substantial proportion of the population in many countries, who are often seeking rapid weight loss without long-term lifestyle changes. While there are multiple outlets for these products, surveys in England and Australia have found that at least 70% of community pharmacies stock these products and they are also available through internet pharmacies. Since the products are formulated as tablets and capsules, consumers may regard them as medicines, particularly when sold from a pharmacy. Manufacturers often make extravagant claims for their products, suggesting they suppress appetite, increase metabolism, block absorption of fat or carbohydrates and/or bring about diuresis, but there is little robust evidence of efficacy. Most products contain a variety of herbal ingredients and are not without adverse effects. Since very few of the hundreds of products sold in pharmacies are licensed medicines, they are not subject to the controls required for over-the-counter medicines, in terms of efficacy, safety, quality or provision of a standardised patient information leaflet. Pharmacists themselves perceive these products to be unsafe, but have little knowledge about them, other than that supplied by manufacturers. The role of community pharmacy in supporting effective weight management is increasingly important, given the rise in obesity. We question the widespread supply through pharmacies of ineffective products with extravagant claims and suggest that tighter regulation of their promotion and supply may be required.
Effect of Acupressure in Treating Urodynamic Stress Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chang Katherine K.P. , Wong Thomas K.S. , Wong Thomas H.K. , Leung Albert W.N. , Chung Joanne W.Y.
Published: November 2011

The efficacy of acupressure therapy in managing urodynamic stress incontinence has not been fully investigated. This study evaluates the effects of a validated acupressure protocol for treating women with urodynamic stress incontinence. A randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with a before-and-after study design was conducted. Eighty-one women aged between 18 and 60 were recruited at a urogynecology clinic in an acute hospital in Hong Kong. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention (acupressure) group, a sham group, or a usual care (control) group. A validated acupressure protocol was employed in the intervention group. The intervention comprised three weekly sessions of 30 minutes each for a total of thirty sessions. Outcome measures included pelvic floor muscle strength, number of episodes of urine leakage over four days, self-reported severity of urine leakage, and responses on the Chinese version of the King's Health Questionnaire. No adverse effects were reported. Five percent of the participants dropped out of the study. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted, the results indicated significant differences in pelvic floor muscle strength across the three groups (H =7.05, p =0.03) and in self-reported severity of urine leakage between the intervention and control groups (Z = -2.48, p = 0.01). Significant improvement in all domains of the Chinese version of the King's Health Questionnaire was evident in the intervention group. Acupressure is a simple and non-invasive intervention that appears to have positive physiological and psychological effects on women with urodynamic stress incontinence. The findings support acupressure as an intervention option for managing urodynamic stress incontinence in women.
Hot Water ExtractedLycium BarbarumandRehmannia GlutinosaInhibit Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Wu Po-Shan , Wu Shu-Ju , Tsai Ya-Hui , Lin Yun-Ho , Chao Jane C.-J.
Published: November 2011

Polysaccharide-rich Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa have been considered to have immune-modulating activity. This study investigated the effects of water extracted Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa (HE) on carbon tetrachloride ( CCl4)-induced liver injury in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into: normal diet + peritoneal injection of olive oil (control), normal diet + CCl4injection ( CCl4), 1 × HE (0.05% HE for each) + CCl4(1 × HE), and 3 × HE (0.15% HE for each) + CCl4(3 × HE) groups. Rats were injected with 40% CCl4at a dose of 0.75 ml/kg body weight once a week for seven weeks, one week after herbal extract treatment. After eight week herbal extract treatment, pathohistological examination showed that both 1× and 3 × HE treatments diminished necrotic hepatocytes, chemoattraction of inflammatory cells, and liver fibrosis. Both 1× and 3 × HE treatments decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, and reduced hepatic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines — tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β — compared to CCl4treatment alone. The 1 × HE treatment increased hepatic anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels. Both the 1× and 3 × HE treatments suppressed liver fibrosis biomarkers — transforming growth factor-β1 and hydroxyproline. Therefore, treatment with water extracted Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa (0.05% and 0.15% for each) for eight weeks protects against necrotic damage, indicated by decreases in plasma ALT and AST activities, and suppresses liver fibrosis by down-regulation of liver inflammation in rats with CCl4-induced liver injury.
The Chloroform Fraction ofSolanum nigrumSuppresses Nitric Oxide and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in LPS-Stimulated Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages Through Inhibition of p38, JNK and ERK1/2
Authors: Kang Hee , Jeong Ha-Deok , Choi Ho-Young
Published: November 2011

Solanum nigrum L., commonly known as black nightshade, is used worldwide for the treatment of skin and mucosal ulcers, liver cirrhosis and edema. We aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory active fraction of S. nigrum by serial extractions. S. nigrum was first extracted with methanol, then fractionated with chloroform and water. The effects of S. nigrum fractions, diosgenin and α-solanine on LPS/interferon-gamma-induced nitric oxide (NO) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS), or LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6, in mouse peritoneal macrophages were determined. Western blotting analysis was used to detect LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38, JNK and ERK1/2. The chloroform fraction of S. nigrum was cytotoxic in a time and concentration dependent manner; however, the methanol and water fractions were not. The chloroform fraction reduced NO through inhibition of iNOS synthesis and inhibited TNF-α and IL-6 at the level of protein secretion; the methanol and water fractions showed a weak or no effect. The chloroform fraction also suppressed p38, JNK and ERK1/2. Diosgenin and α-solanine were cytotoxic at a high concentration. In particular, diosgenin was able to inhibit TNF-α and IL-6, but both compounds did not affect LPS-induced iNOS expression. These results indicate that the anti-inflammatory compounds of S. nigrum exist preferentially in the nonpolar fraction, ruling out the possibility that diosgenin and α-solanine are the likely candidates. The inhibition of iNOS, TNF-α and IL-6 by the chloroform fraction may be partly due to the suppression of p38, JNK and ERK1/2. Further study is required to identify the active compounds of S. nigrum.
Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Antiproliferative Activities of Kalanchoe gracilis (L.) DC Stem
Authors: Lai Zhen-Rung , Ho Yu-Ling , Huang Shun-Chieh , Huang Tai-Hung , Lai Shang-Chih , Tsai Jen-Chieh , Wang Ching-Ying , Huang Guan-Jhong , Chang Yuan-Shiun
Published: November 2011

Oxidative stress and inflammation are related to several chronic diseases including cancer and atherosclerosis. Kalanchoe gracilis (L.) DC is a special folk medicinal plant in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities of the methanolic extract and fractions of the stem of K. gracilis. TEAC, total phenolic compound content, total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation were analyzed. Among all fractions, the chloroform fraction showed the highest TEAC and DPPH radical scavenging activities. The chloroform fraction also had the highest content of polyphenols and flavonoids. Chloroform fractions also decreased LPS-induced NO production and expressions of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells. The antiproliferative activities of the methanolic extract and fractions were studied in vitro using HepG2 cells, and the results were consistent with their antioxidant capacities. Chloroform fractions had the highest antiproliferative activity with an IC50 of 136.85 ± 2.32 μg/ml. Eupafolin also had good pharmacological activity in the antioxidant, anti-inflammation and antiproliferative. Eupafolin might be an important bioactive compound in the stem of K. gracilis. The above experimental data indicated that the stem of K. gracilis is a potent antioxidant medicinal plant, and such efficacy may be mainly attributed to its polyphenolic compounds.
LOW-FIRING SOL–GEL DERIVED Mn-DOPED 0.92(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3–0.08LiNbO3 LEAD-FREE CERAMICS WITH ENHANCED PIEZOELECTRIC PROPERTIES
Authors: HOU YUDONG , WANG CHAO , RONG JINGYANG , GE HAIYAN , ZHU MANKANG , YAN HUI
Published: November 2011

Mn -doped 0.92( K 0.5 Na 0.5) NbO 3–0.08 LiNbO 3 (0.92KNN–0.08LN) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have been prepared by a developed sol–gel routes using Nb2O5 as Nb source. Due to the high quality of gel precursor, Mn -doped 0.92KNN–0.08LN nanopowders with the mean particle size about 20 nm were obtained at 500°C. The addition of Mn can promote the densification of nanopowders effectively at 950°C, and also influences in a pronounced way both the crystal structure and microstructure of the materials. With the increase of the amount of Mn addition, 0.92KNN–0.08LN ceramics are transformed from dominant orthorhombic to coexistence of the orthorhombic and tetragonal phases, and the grain sizes are enhanced simultaneously. Optimized parameters, such as d33 = 212 pC/N and k p = 0.46, were achieved in 0.2 Mn -doped 0.92KNN–0.08LN systems, which are good candidate material for lead-free piezoelectric devices.
SINTERING BEHAVIOR AND MICROWAVE DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF NOVEL LOW TEMPERATURE FIRINGBi3FeMo2O12CERAMIC
Authors: ZHOU DI , PANG LI-XIA , GUO JING , WU YING , ZHANG GAO-QUN , WANG HONG , YAO XI
Published: November 2011

In the present work, a novel low temperature firing Bi3FeMo2O12ceramic was synthesized via the solid-state reaction method. The monoclinic Bi3FeMo2O12phase can be formed at a low temperature 670°C. A relative density above 96% can be obtained when sintering temperature is above 800°C. The Bi3FeMo2O12ceramic sintered at 845°C for 2 h shows high microwave dielectric performance with a permittivity ~27.2, a Qf value of 14,500 GHz and a temperature coefficient of -80 ppm/°C. It might be a candidate for low temperature co-fired ceramics technology.
DEVELOPMENT OF POLYMER-BASED 0–3 COMPOSITES WITH HIGH DIELECTRIC CONSTANT
Authors: ZHANG LIN , CHENG Z.-Y.
Published: November 2011

Composites have been extensively studied for dielectric and related applications. This is a review of polymer based 0–3 composites that exhibit a high dielectric constant. These composites are classified into two types: Dielectric–dielectric composite and conductor–dielectric composite. The physical principles and related models are presented with associated assumptions and approximations. In general, a dielectric–dielectric composite needs a higher concentration of the fillers to reach a high dielectric constant than a conductor–dielectric composite. The high dielectric constant observed in the conductor–dielectric composites is usually associated with a high dielectric loss and a low electric breakdown field. The experimental results are summarized to illustrate the principles for, and the achievements in, the development of these composites. The challenges facing the fundamental understanding and the further development of these composites for different applications are discussed.
DIELECTRIC AND FERROELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF (Li, Ce)-DOPED Sr2Bi4Ti5O18 LEAD-FREE CERAMICS
Authors: CHEN QIAN , XU ZHIJUN , CHU RUIQING , LIU YONG
Published: November 2011

The influence of (Li, Ce) doping on the electrical properties of bismuth layer Sr 2-x (Li, Ce) x/2 Bi4Ti5O18 [abbreviated to SBTi-(Li, Ce) X/2] ceramics was investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that all the ceramic samples were single-phase compounds. The (Li, Ce) modification significantly decreased the dielectric loss of Sr2Bi4Ti5O18 ceramics and greatly improved the piezoelectric activity. At x/2 = 0.0125, the SBTi-(Li, Ce) x/2 ceramics exhibited the excellent properties with high remnant polarization (P r = 9.3 μC/cm2) and high Curie temperature (T c = 299°C). Meanwhile, the SBTi-(Li, Ce)0.0125 ceramics had the largest piezoelectric constant (d33 = 26 pC/N). The results showed that the SBTi-(Li, Ce) x/2 ceramic was a promising lead-free piezoelectric material.
A Finite Element Mesh Aggregating Approach to Multiple-Source Reconstruction in Bioluminescence Tomography
Authors: Yu Jingjing , Liu Fang , Jiao L. C. , Yang Shuyuan , He Xiaowei
Published: November 2011

A finite element mesh aggregating approach is presented to reconstruct images of multiple internal bioluminescence sources. Rather than assuming independence between mesh nodes, the proposed reconstruction strategy exploits spatial structure of nodes and aggregation feature of density distribution on the finite element mesh to adaptively determine the number of sources and to improve the quality of reconstructed images. With the proposed strategy integrated in the regularization-based reconstruction process, reconstruction algorithms need no a priori knowledge of source number; even more importantly, they can automatically reconstruct multiple sources that differ greatly in density or power.
Univalent Functions in the Möbius Invariant QK Space
Authors: Pérez-González Fernando , Rättyä Jouni
Published: November 2011

It is shown that a univalent function f belongs to QK if and only if , where , provided K satisfies certain regularity conditions. It is also shown that under these conditions QK contains all univalent Bloch functions if and only if .
An Assessment of the Cariogenicity of Commonly Used Infant Milk Formulae Using Microbiological and Biochemical Methods
Authors: Chaudhary Shweta Dixit , Chaudhary Mayur , Singh Asha , Kunte Sanket
Published: November 2011

Dental caries is an important dental public health problem and is the most prevalent oral disease among children in the world. The present study was undertaken to evaluate and comparatively assess the change in plaque and salivary pH after ingestion of various commercially available infant milk formulae, and also to evaluate and comparatively assess plaque and salivary samples for change in colony-forming units ofStreptococcus mutanscaused due to their ingestion. 36 children in the age group of 1-2 years were fed with infant milk formulae three times a day for 21 days and results quantified. The present study revealed a highly significant increase in the levels of colony-forming units ofStreptococcus mutansin both the plaque and salivary samples when assessed at baseline and after a period of 21 days, with thetvalue being 11.92 for the plaque samples and 11.66 for the salivary samples. It was also observed that all the test samples produced significantly lower plaque pH values than pre-feed pH. Based upon this study, further evaluation of the cariogenicity of infant milk formulae is recommended.
HIV-Associated Burkitt Lymphoma: Good Efficacy and Tolerance of Intensive Chemotherapy Including CODOX-M/IVAC with or without Rituximab in the HAART Era
Authors: Rodrigo J. A. , Hicks L. K. , Cheung M. C. , Song K. W. , Ezzat H. , Leger C. S. , Boro J. , Montaner J. S. G. , Harris M. , Leitch H. A.
Published: November 2011

Background. The outcome of HIV-associated non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has improved substantially in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. However, HIV-Burkitt lymphoma (BL), which accounts for up to 20% of HIV-NHL, has poor outcome with standard chemotherapy.Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed HIV-BL treated in the HAART era with the Magrath regimen (CODOX-M/IVAC±R) at four Canadian centres.Results. Fourteen patients with HIV-BL received at least one CODOX-M/IVAC±R treatment. Median age at BL diagnosis was 45.5 years, CD4 count 375 cells/mL and HIV viral load (VL) <50 copies/mL. Patients received PCP prophylaxis and G-CSF, 13 received HAART with chemotherapy and 10 rituximab. There were 63 episodes of toxicity, none fatal, including: bacterial infection,n=20; grade 3-4 hematologic toxicity,n=14; febrile neutropenia,n=7; oral thrush; and ifosfamide neurological toxicity,n=1each. At a median followup of 11.7 months, 12 (86%) patients are alive and in remission. All 10 patients who received HAART, chemotherapy, and rituximab are alive. CD4 counts and HIV VL 6 months following BL therapy completion (n=5patients) were >250 cells/mL and undetectable, respectively, in 4.Conclusion. Intensive chemotherapy with CODOX-M/IVAC±R yielded acceptable toxicity and good survival rates in patients with HIV-associated Burkitt lymphoma receiving HAART.
Lactate: A Metabolic Key Player in Cancer
Authors: Hirschhaeuser Franziska , Sattler Ulrike G.A. , Mueller-Klieser Wolfgang
Published: November 2011

Increased glucose uptake and accumulation of lactate, even under normoxic conditions (i.e., aerobic glycolysis or the Warburg Effect), is a common feature of cancer cells. This phenomenon clearly indicates that lactate is not a surrogate of tumor hypoxia. Tumor lactate can predict for metastases and overall survival of patients, as shown by several studies of different entities. Metastasis of tumors is promoted by lactate-induced secretion of hyaluronan by tumor-associated fibroblasts that create a milieu favorable for migration. Lactate itself has been found to induce the migration of cells and cell clusters. Furthermore, radioresistance has been positively correlated with lactate concentrations, suggesting an antioxidative capacity of lactate. Findings on interactions of tumor metabolites with immune cells indicate a contribution of lactate to the immune escape. Furthermore, lactate bridges the gap between high lactate levels in wound healing, chronic inflammation, and cancer development. Tumor cells ensure sufficient oxygen and nutrient supply for proliferation through lactate-induced secretion of VEGF, resulting in the formation of new vessels. In summary, accumulation of lactate in solid tumors is a pivotal and early event in the development of malignancies. The determination of lactate should enter further clinical trials to confirm its relevance in cancer biology. Cancer Res; 71(22); 6921–5. ©2011 AACR.
Efficacy and Safety of a Tight Glucose Control Protocol in Critically Ill Term Neonates
Authors: Verbruggen Sascha C. , Landzaat Lonneke J. , Reiss Irwin K.M. , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Joosten Koen F.M.
Published: November 2011

Background: A large single-center randomized trial showed that treating hyperglycemia in critically ill children improved outcome, despite an increased incidence of hypoglycemia, especially in infants. Objectives: We evaluated the efficacy and incidence of hypoglycemia using a tight glucose protocol in critically ill term neonates. Methods: Term hyperglycemic (>8 mmol·l–1; >144 mg·dl–1) neonates treated with a tight glucose protocol during a 3.5-year period in a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Seventy-three term hyperglycemic neonates [age 0 days (0–6), weight 3.2 ± 0.8 kg, PRISM 16 (11–20)] were included for analysis. Eighteen neonates died (25%). The initial mean (range) glucose level was 11.1 mmol·l–1 [9.6–15.2; 200 mg·dl–1 (173–274)], and normoglycemia (<8 mmol·l–1; <144 mg·dl–1) was reached within 5.3 h (1–25) with an overall treatment duration of 27 h (10–57). Seven hypoglycemic incidents (5 times ≤2.2 mmol·l–1; 40 mg·dl–1, and 2 times <1.7 mmol·l–1; 31 mg·dl–1) occurred in 5 (6.7%) infants, without severe clinical signs. Three hypoglycemic incidents were directly explained due to a protocol violation. One hypoglycemic incident occurred with the onset of sepsis, while no apparent cause was identified for three hypoglycemic incidents. Conclusions: Our glucose protocol was effective, but hypoglycemia occurred more frequently than in older children reported previously. Potential differences in glucose and insulin metabolism in term neonates appear to justify additional safety approaches, while awaiting further studies assessing the benefits of tight glucose protocols in this population. Meanwhile, we have decreased the initial insulin starting doses in our protocol.
Detailed Analysis of Specific Nail Psoriasis Features and Their Correlations with Clinical Parameters: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kyriakou Aikaterini , Patsatsi Aikaterini , Sotiriadis Dimitrios
Published: November 2011

Background:Occurrence rates of specific features of psoriatic nails, as well as the influence of variable clinical parameters on nail involvement in psoriasis, are not determined. Objective:To evaluate the frequency and characteristics of nail involvement in patients with psoriasis and determine the relationship between nail psoriasis and clinical parameters (age, gender, family history, clinical type, age of onset, duration, joint involvement). Methods: 228 psoriatic patients, who had not received any systematic or topical antipsoriatic treatment for at least a year, were consecutively selected to participate in this cross-sectional study. Results: 66.7% of patients had nail psoriasis. A logistic regression model showed that none of the clinical covariates were statistically significant in predicting nail psoriasis. Conclusion: The majority of psoriatic patients presented nail psoriasis. The most common feature was oil drop. There was a difference in the prevalence of each feature between fingernails and toenails. In correlation with clinical parameters, nail psoriasis evolves independently.
Novel Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Repaglinide in Rodent Models of Inflammation
Authors: Tung David , Cheung Peter H. , Ciallella John , Saha Saurabh
Published: November 2011

Background: Repaglinide is an FDA-approved treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The anti-inflammatory effect of repaglinide in the absence of diabetes has not been reported previously. It is the objective of this set of studies to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effects of repaglinide. Method: The in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of repaglinide were studied in two different models of delay type hyperreactivity (DTH) response induced by sheep red blood cells (sRBC) and 2,5′-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), and in two different rodent models of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Results: In mice systemically sensitized with sRBC, which subsequently received a local injection of sRBC in the footpad, local swelling occurred within 24 h after challenge. Repaglinide was efficacious in attenuating this response. In an orthogonal DTH model using DNFB as the antigen, the animals received topical sensitization with DNFB on their shaved backs, followed by topical challenge on the left ears. Repaglinide efficaciously downregulated the resulting ear swelling response. In mice challenged systemically or intratracheally with LPS, repaglinide significantly decreased serum tumor necrosis factor α level and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid MCP-1 levels, respectively. Conclusion: This set of data suggests novel anti-inflammatory effects of repaglinide in nondiabetic animals. However, the high dose required for an efficacious effect would make this application impractical in the clinic.
Disentangling the Myriad Genomics of Complex Disorders, Specifically Focusing on Autism, Epilepsy, and Schizophrenia
Authors: Poot M. , van der Smagt J.J. , Brilstra E.H. , Bourgeron T.
Published: November 2011

Analyses of structural genome variation by array-CGH have dramatically enhanced our ability to detect copy number variations (CNVs). De novo CNVs and those co-segregating with disease in a family are generally interpreted as pathogenic. Yet, often CNVs, such as recurrent microdeletions in region 15q13.3, are not so clearly pathogenic. Here we discuss potential confounding mechanisms that may lead to the phenotypic pleiotropy of CNVs, such as unmasking of recessive alleles by hemizygous deletions, interaction of CNVs with other loci and genes, genetic epistasis, allelic exclusion, and somatic mosaicism. We illustrate some of these mechanisms with a detailed analysis of recent studies of CNVs involving MCPH1, AUTS2, CNTNAP2, and mutations in GRIN2B. Next we discuss the clinical ramifications of these findings and urge workers to avoid ‘diagnostic fatalism’ (i.e., halting all genetic investigation after the detection of a single CNV) and address some of the future challenges likely to result from implementations of next generation sequencing techniques.
From Karyotyping to Array-CGH in Prenatal Diagnosis
Authors: Lichtenbelt K.D. , Knoers N.V.A.M. , Schuring-Blom G.H.
Published: November 2011

Conventional karyotyping detects chromosomal anomalies in up to 35% of pregnancies with fetal ultrasound anomalies, depending on the number and type of these anomalies. Extensive experience gained in the past decades has shown that prenatal karyotyping is a robust technique which can detect the majority of germline chromosomal anomalies. For most of these anomalies the phenotype is known. In postnatal diagnosis of patients with congenital anomalies and intellectual disability, array-CGH/SNP array has become the first-tier investigation. The higher abnormality detection yield and its amenability to automation renders array-CGH also suitable for prenatal diagnosis. As both findings of unclear significance and unexpected findings may be detected, studies on the outcome of array-CGH in prenatal diagnosis were initially performed retrospectively. Recently, prospective application of array-CGH in pregnancies with ultrasound anomalies, and to a lesser extent in pregnancies referred for other reasons, was studied. Array-CGH showed an increased diagnostic yield compared to karyotyping, varying from 1–5%, depending on the reason for referral. Knowledge of the spectrum of array-CGH anomalies detected in the prenatal setting will increase rapidly in the years to come, thus facilitating pre- and posttest counseling. Meanwhile, new techniques like non-invasive prenatal diagnosis are emerging and will claim their place. In this review, we summarize the outcome of studies on prenatal array-CGH, the clinical relevance of differences in detection rate and range as compared to standard karyotyping, and reflect on the future integration of new molecular techniques in the workflow of prenatal diagnosis.
Using Previous Models to Bias Structural Learning in the Hierarchical BOA
Authors: Hauschild M. W. , Pelikan M. , Sastry K. , Goldberg D. E.
Published: November 2011

Estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) are stochastic optimization techniques that explore the space of potential solutions by building and sampling explicit probabilistic models of promising candidate solutions. While the primary goal of applying EDAs is to discover the global optimum or at least its accurate approximation, besides this, any EDA provides us with a sequence of probabilistic models, which in most cases hold a great deal of information about the problem. Although using problem-specific knowledge has been shown to significantly improve performance of EDAs and other evolutionary algorithms, this readily available source of problem-specific information has been practically ignored by the EDA community. This paper takes the first step toward the use of probabilistic models obtained by EDAs to speed up the solution of similar problems in the future. More specifically, we propose two approaches to biasing model building in the hierarchical Bayesian optimization algorithm (hBOA) based on knowledge automatically learned from previous hBOA runs on similar problems. We show that the proposed methods lead to substantial speedups and argue that the methods should work well in other applications that require solving a large number of problems with similar structure.
James Bowdoin: Philosopher And Politician
Authors: Hardy Rob
Published: November 2011

Like his fellow revolutionaries, Governor James Bowdoin II (1726–90) struggled to reconcile a cyclical view of history with the need to establish a stable republic. Drawing inspiration from the closed, self-renewing systems of Newtonian mechanics and Vergilian poetics, he constructed a philosophical solution more elegant than it was pragmatic.
The Phoenix that Could Not Rise: Politics and Rock Culture in Romania, 1960–1989
Authors: Dobrescu Caius
Published: November 2011

The article addresses the emergence and development of the rock scene under the very specifi c circumstances of Romanian communism. While pointing to the extension and complexity of this social-musical phenomenon, it tries to explain the paradox that the rock scene could coexist with what is currently perceived as one of the most repressive and unreformed social systems in communist Eastern Europe. The analytical part of the paper is centered around two case studies: 1) the artistic and intellectual evolution of the rock band Phoenix, from its 1962 beginnings to the 1977 spectacular escape to the West of most of its lineup, 2) and the strange combination of nationalist-Stalinist mobilizationism and flower power Woodstock-like poetry of the cultural activist Adrian Păunescu and his Flacăra Cénacle of the Revolutionary Youth, from the mid-1970s to the last part of the 1980s. Alluding to the name of the cult act Phoenix, the title of the paper suggests that, once dissipated under the impact of repressive and manipulative cultural policies, the overwhelming creative energies manifested in the Romanian youth culture of the second half of the 1960s were almost completely lost to the cause of a gradual, peaceful opening of the Romanian society.
The Long Road to Treatment
Authors: Belenko Steven , Fabrikant Nicole , Wolff Nancy
Published: November 2011

Drug courts are quite popular but admit relatively small percentages of eligible offenders. Some participants may also not be appropriate for available treatment, further affecting the validity of evaluation findings. The authors used qualitative data from six representative drug courts to examine screening and admission processes in detail. Two distinct screening models were identified: (a) the prosecutor as key initial gatekeeper in diversion drug courts and (b) drug court staff as gatekeeper in postplea courts. Each had three stages: initial eligibility screening using formal eligibility criteria, evidence-based eligibility assessment incorporating clinical assessments and other screening, and judicial and client approval. Drug court admission is complex, with many decision points, gatekeepers, formal and informal criteria, and opportunities for rejection or refusal. The findings help explain drug courts’ low population penetration and suggest the importance of documenting admission processes to identify selection effects in evaluations and inform strategies to improve targeting and admissions.
Responsibility and the Diversionary Use of Force
Authors: Johnson Jesse C. , Barnes Tiffany D.
Published: November 2011

Do state leaders use force abroad to divert supporters’ attention from domestic economic problems? Many studies in international relations attempt to provide an answer to this question but the empirical findings are inconsistent. In this article we argue that it is necessary to consider variations in supporters’ perceptions of leaders’ control of the economy to understand leaders’ incentives to engage in the diversionary use of force. Leaders that are perceived to have high levels of responsibility for the economy will be more likely to use force abroad in the presence of domestic economic problems than leaders that are perceived to have lower levels of responsibility. When leaders are not perceived to have high levels of responsibility they do not have an incentive to use force abroad in the presence of domestic economic problems because the economic problems will not affect the probability that they will retain power. A directed dyad analysis of conflict initiation from 1950 to 1998 supports this hypothesis. This study improves our understanding of patterns of international conflict and, more specifically, the diversionary use of force, by demonstrating the contexts in which diversionary incentives will be strongest.
Private Health Insurance in India
Authors: K.T. Thomas , Sakthi Vel R.
Published: November 2011

Health care in India is severely underfunded and neither the Government nor the common citizen has the financial ability to pay for quality medical care. Given this situation, private health insurance should have a wide acceptance in the market and play a significant role in meeting the health care funding shortfalls. But in reality, the sector has been mired in restrictive regulations and outdated business models and continues to operate under losses, in an unsustainable mode. Consequently, the health insurance industry needs to relook their business models and evaluate emerging concepts in health care that can help correct the imbalance and help the industry operate in an effective manner. Some of the models which the health insurers need to evaluate are the managed care model, integrated model and the accountable care model (ACM). These models will help the health insurers address the core issues of health care costs and quality management and help the sector respond to the industry challenges. Although, these models have been in use in other countries, Indian health insurers need to factor in the local con-text and ensure that models work effectively for all stake holders and successfully meet the country’s health care challenges.
Awareness and Attitude of Parents towards Adolescence Education in Secondary Schools
Authors: Rout Gyanendra Kumar
Published: November 2011

The present study seeks to examine to what extent parents inhibit the institutionalization of Adolescence Education in secondary schools of Orissa. The teachers’ awareness and attitude towards the subject in relation to their gender, area, faculty and qualification have been examined in this study along with the inter-correlation between awareness and attitude in respect of teachers by gender, area, age and qualification. The participants in this descriptive survey consisted of 210 parents drawn by following stratified random sampling procedure. The findings of the study are: Fathers are better aware compared to mothers and rural parents are better aware compared to their urban counterparts in terms of Adolescence Education. Parents with graduation and post-graduation distinguish themselves in terms of awareness compared to parents having below higher secondary certificate (H.S.C.) and above H.S.C. qualification. The distinction between parents with below H.S.C. qualification and above H.S.C. qualification is negligent. Fathers and mothers do not differ in their attitude towards Adolescence Education and urban parents demonstrate superior attitude towards Adolescence Education compared to their rural counterparts. Parents with graduation and post-graduation qualification demonstrate better attitudinal dis-position compared to the parents with lower qualification. Urban parents show better attitude and higher the qualification of parents, higher is their awareness as well as attitude towards Adolescence Education.
An Interim Arrangement towards Monetary Unification in the West African Monetary Zone
Authors: Asenso Joseph K.
Published: November 2011

The study seeks to establish the presence, or otherwise, of real exchange rate, demand and supply shocks synchronicity in the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) and to suggest alternative exchange rate arrangements, other than a monetary union, in case these shocks do not co-move. On the whole, the study finds that the countries experience asymmetric demand, supply and real exchange rate shocks leading to the conclusion that the planned monetary union objective must be put on hold until they achieve shocks co-movement. To this end, the study recommends that the WAMZ operates an exchange rate mechanism (ERM) with the euro as the anchor currency, in the intervening period, to help stabilise the macroeconomic environment since the euro performs better in explaining its business cycles than the United States dollar. This is in view of the fact that the WAMZ preferred the dollar as the anchor currency in its originally proposed ERM.