bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitoxantrone Inhibits HIF-1α Expression in a Topoisomerase II–Independent Pathway
Authors: Toh Yng-Miin , Li Tsai-Kun
Published: June 2011

Purpose: Solid tumors encounter a growth-limiting hypoxic microenvironment as they develop. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) play important roles in hypoxia-associated tumor development and therapeutic resistance. Targeting the HIF pathway (especially HIF-1α) represents a promising cancer treatment strategy. Here, we report a novel class of HIF-1α inhibitors and the possible molecular basis of inhibition.

Experimental Design: We analyzed the inhibitory effects of clinically used topoisomerase II (TOP2)–targeting drugs on HIF-1α expression with a primary focus on mitoxantrone. The potential role of TOP2 in mitoxantrone-inhibited HIF-1α expression was studied using pharmacologic inhibition, a knockdown approach, and TOP2 mutant cells. Moreover, involvement of mitoxantrone in proteasome-mediated degradation, transcription, and translation of HIF-1α was examined.

Results: The TOP2-targeting mitoxantrone, but neither doxorubicin nor etoposide (VP-16), strongly inhibited HIF-1α expression under hypoxic conditions in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Surprisingly, the mitoxantrone-mediated inhibition of HIF-1α expression was largely independent of two TOP2 isozymes, proteasomal degradation, and transcription. Furthermore, mitoxantrone inhibited HIF-1α expression and function in a similar fashion as cycloheximide, suggesting that mitoxantrone might inhibit HIF-1α via a blockage at its translation step. In vitro translation experiments using HIF-1α mRNA further confirmed inhibition of HIF-1α translation by mitoxantrone. Interestingly, levels of the polysome-bound HIF-1α and VEGF-A mRNA were elevated and decreased after mitoxantrone treatment, respectively.

Conclusions: We have identified the TOP2-targeting compound, mitoxantrone, as an HIF-1α inhibitor possibly through a translation inhibition mechanism, suggesting the possibility of an additional anticancer activity for mitoxantrone. Clin Cancer Res; 17(15); 5026–37. ©2011 AACR.
Magical Thinking in Somatoform Disorders: An Exploratory Study among Patients with Suspected Allergies
Authors: Hausteiner-Wiehle C. , Sokollu F.
Published: June 2011

Background: In order to reconceptualize somatoform disorders (SFDs), the psychological characteristics of SFD patients are increasingly investigated. The cognitive style of magical thinking (MT) has not been studied so far in patients with SFDs. Sampling and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 201 allergy workup patients were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV; they answered a set of self-report questionnaires including the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire subscale for MT and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). The expression of MT was explored in 61 patients with SFDs compared to 140 patients without SFDs. Results: Patients with SFDs reached higher scores of MT, also when controlled for gender, depression, and anxiety. In particular, they stated more frequently that they were believers in telepathy (64 vs. 44%) and clairvoyance (43 vs. 16%). MT correlated only weakly with somatization/somatic symptom severity, depression, and anxiety. Conclusions: Among allergy workup patients with SFDs we found considerable MT. This indicates that SFD patients may tend to mistake correlation for causality in a more general way, and not just in an illness-related context. The relation to indicators of illness severity (somatic symptom severity/somatization, depression, and anxiety) was relatively weak. Possible implications for research, diagnostics, and therapy are discussed.
Combining Self-Defeating and Depressive Personality Symptoms into One Construct
Authors: Huprich Steven K. , Schmitt Thomas , Zimmerman Mark , Chelminski Iwona
Published: June 2011

In the history of the DSM, two disorders have been proposed for consideration that shared much in common – self-defeating personality disorder (SDPD) and depressive personality disorder (DPD). In a previous paper, it was reported that SDPD (n = 34) and DPD (n = 240) shared a diagnostic overlap of 70%. It was concluded that SDPD could not be empirically supported as a diagnostic category. In this paper, the overlap of the two disorders was explored further in this same sample (n = 1,200) of psychiatric outpatients. We found that symptoms of the two disorders were positively correlated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided strong support for a model with two distinct, but very highly correlated constructs. Based on the hypothesis that SDPD and DPD are separate but related, a second-order CFA factor was fit to the data to further examine the strong association between the two disorders. Taken collectively, it is concluded that DPD and SDPD are components of the same construct, and that the current DPD and SDPD diagnoses as proposed in the DSM are actually subtypes of a common personality pathology (i.e. a second-order factor).
Evaluation of a New Polysulfone Hemofilter for Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Floris Matteo , Marchionna Nicola , Clementi Anna , Kim Jeong Chul , Cruz Dinna N. , Nalesso Federico , Zanella Monica , Garzotto Francesco , de Cal Massimo , Virzì Grazia Maria , Brendolan Alessandra , Ronco Claudio
Published: June 2011

New strategies using continuous renal replacement therapy as a tool to achieve immunomodulation in septic acute kidney injury have been proposed. The hypothesis is based on the possibility to remove inflammatory mediators and oxidants in a wide spectrum of molecular weights, thanks to new, highly permeable synthetic membranes. A new polysulfone hemofilter with high permeability and a sharp high cut-off membrane (CUREFLO™; Asahi Kasei Kuraray Medical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) has been evaluated in this study to assess IL-6 and advanced oxidation protein product removal in critically ill patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy. Unit performance, sieving coefficients and clearances were evaluated in fourteen patients undergoing continuous veno-venous hemofiltration and continuous veno-venous hemodialysis.
Chromosomal Variants in Klinefelter Syndrome
Authors: Frühmesser A. , Kotzot D.
Published: June 2011

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) describes the phenotype of the most common sex chromosome abnormality in humans and occurs in one of every 600 newborn males. The typical symptoms are a tall stature, narrow shoulders, broad hips, sparse body hair, gynecomastia, small testes, absent spermatogenesis, normal to moderately reduced Leydig cell function, increased secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone, androgen deficiency, and normal to slightly decreased verbal intelligence. Apart from that, amongst others, osteoporosis, varicose veins, thromboembolic disease, or diabetes mellitus are observed. Some of the typical features can be very weakly pronounced so that the affected men often receive the diagnosis only at the adulthood by their infertility. With a frequency of 4%, KS is described to be the most common genetic reason for male infertility. The most widespread karyotype in affected patients is 47,XXY. Apart from that, various other karyotypes have been described, including 46,XX in males, 47,XXY in females, 47,XX,der(Y), 47,X,der(X),Y, or other numeric sex chromosome abnormalities (48,XXXY, 48,XXYY, and 49,XXXXY). The focus of this review was to abstract the different phenotypes, which come about by the various karyotypes and to compare them to those with a ‘normal’ KS karyotype. For that the patients have been divided into 6 different groups: Klinefelter patients with an additional isochromosome Xq, with additional rearrangements on 1 of the 2 X chromosomes or accordingly on the Y chromosome, as well as XX males and true hermaphrodites, 47,XXY females and Klinefelter patients with other numeric sex chromosome abnormalities. In the latter, an almost linear increase in height and developmental delay was observed. Men with an additional isochromosome Xq show infertility and other minor features of ‘normal’ KS but not an increased height. Aside from the infertility, in male patients with other der(X) as well as der(Y) rearrangements and in XXY women no specific phenotype is recognizable amongst others due to the small number of cases. The phenotype of XX males depends on the presence of SRY (sex-determining region Y) and the level of X inactivation at which SRY-negative patients are generally rarely observed.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among Pathological and At-Risk Gamblers Seeking Treatment: A Hidden Disorder
Authors: Grall-Bronnec Marie , Wainstein Laura , Augy Jennyfer , Bouju Gaëlle , Feuillet Fanny , Vénisse Jean-Luc , Sébille-Rivain Véronique
Published: June 2011

Background: The links between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders have been the subject of numerous papers. Few studies, however, have focused specifically on the relationship between ADHD and behavioural addictions. The aim of this study was to (i) examine the frequency of pathological and at-risk gamblers having a previous history of ADHD; (ii) give details of the characteristics of this association, and (iii) identify risk factors for a history of ADHD. Methods: 84 pathological and at-risk gamblers were assessed about socio-demographic, gambling and clinical characteristics. Results: Over 25% of the subjects had a history of ADHD. They were characterized as having more severe gambling problems and a higher level of gambling-related cognitions, a higher frequency of psychiatric comorbidities and an elevated risk of suicide. Finally, they differed in their level and type of impulsivity. Among pathological and at-risk gamblers, a high level of impulsivity, or a history of anxiety disorders, constitute risk factors for a comorbidity with ADHD. Conclusion: The association ‘ADHD-problem gambling’ therefore appears to be not only frequent, but also linked to factors that are known to worsen the prognosis. Researching this relationship is therefore important to adapt strategies for effective future therapy.
Varicella Zoster Infection in Renal Transplant Recipients: Prevalence, Complications and Outcome
Authors: Mustapic Z. , Basic-Jukic N. , Kes P. , Lovcic V. , Bubic-Filipi Lj. , Mokos I. , Kastelan Z. , Zekan S.
Published: June 2011

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is an important pathogen after renal transplantation. In the present study, we examined the prevalence, clinical presentation and outcome of VZV infections in renal transplant recipients. Charts and medical records of adult renal allotransplant recipients were investigated to find patients with VZV infection. From December 1972 until July 2010, 1,139 patients received kidney allograft at our institution. VZV infection was diagnosed in 40 patients (3.51%). 28 patients (70%) had intensified immunosuppression prior to VZV infection occurrence. Median time of onset was 2.13 years after transplantation (range 9 days to 19.2 years). 35 patients developed VZV during the first post-transplant year (median 0.61 years). Four patients developed VZV infection more than 12 years after transplantation. 33 patients (82.5%) had dermatomal distribution, 5 (12.5%) disseminated herpes zoster (HZ), and 2 patients (5%) who were VZV IgG-negative before transplantation, developed chickenpox. Immunosuppression was reduced and patients received acyclovir. Cutaneous scarring was recorded in 7 cases (17.5%). Two patients developed post-herpetic neuralgia, which was accompanied by scarring and skin depigmentation in 1 of them. Five patients (12.5%) experienced relapse of HZ. Timely initiation of therapy may prevent development of complications and the visceral form of disease. Based on our experience with development of chickenpox, we suggest active immunization for all seronegative patients before organ transplantation.
Protein Expression Profile of Human Renal Mesangial Cells under High Glucose
Authors: Fan QiuLing , Du ShuYan , Yang Gang , Wang LiNing , Jiang Yi
Published: June 2011

Background: To understand the spectrum of proteins affected by diabetic nephropathy and to characterize the molecular functions and biological processes they control, the protein expression profile of human renal mesangial cells (HMCs) under high glucose was analyzed. Methods: HMCs were divided into a high glucose-cultured group (30 mmol/l) and a normal glucose-cultured group (5 mmol/l). The total proteins of the two groups were separated and analyzed by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE). Spots that were differentially expressed were picked and digested with trypsin and subjected to MALDI-TOF MS for protein identification. Results: 147 protein spots whose expression levels were significantly increased or decreased more than 1.5-fold in HMCs under high glucose culture were identified. 32 proteins were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. The protein spots of phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1, granulysin, ATP synthase, H+ transporter, mitochondrial F0 complex and subunit F2 were observed only in the high glucose group. The expression of 24 proteins was upregulated by high glucose, including eosinophil cationic protein and others. The expression of 5 proteins was downregulated by high glucose, including proteasome β6 subunit precursor, among others. Conclusion: 32 protein expressions of human glomerular mesangial cells were regulated by high glucose. In-depth analysis of these differentially expressed proteins’ function and crosstalk is expected to provide an experimental basis for clarifying the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
Platelet factor XIII gene expression and embolic propensity in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Gosk-Bierska Izabella , McBane Robert D. , Wu Yanhong , Mruk Jozef , Tafur Alfonso , McLeod Thomas , Wysokinski Waldemar E.
Published: June 2011

Nearly 15% of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) have left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and yet the annual stroke rate averages 5%. The aim of this study was to identify variables influencing embolic propensity of LAAT. Platelet RNA was extracted from platelet-rich regions within formalin- fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens obtained from NVAF patients during cardiac surgery (26 LAAT from 23 patients) or peripheral embolectomy (51 thrombi from 41 patients). Platelet RNA was also assessed from whole blood from 40 NVAF patients. Expression of six platelet- predominate genes: H2A histone family, A1 domain of factor XIII, integrin α2bβ3; glycoprotein IX, platelet factor 4, glycoprotein Ib, was performed using TaqMan MGB-probe based quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Platelet factor XIII subunit A gene expression was significantly lower in embolised compared to non-embolised thrombi as determined by normalised cycle threshold values (4.0 ± 1.2 v 2.8 ± 1.8, p=0.02). Expression of other genes did not differ by embolic status. In conclusion, RNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded platelet-rich tissues can be used for analysis of platelet- predominate gene expression. Variable factor XIII gene expression in thrombi generated during NVAF may in part explain the propensity to embolisation.
Longer legs are associated with greater risk of incident venous thromboembolism independent of total body height
Authors: Cushman Mary , Heckbert Susan R. , Tang Weihong , Folsom Aaron R. , Lutsey Pamela L.
Published: June 2011

Several studies have reported that taller individuals are at greater risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We hypothesised that longer leg length would be positively associated with incident VTE, and would explain the height association. LITE ascertained VTE in a prospective population-based sample of 21,860 individuals aged 45 and older. Leg length was measured as standing height minus torso length. Cox regression models were adjusted for age, race, sex, waist circumference, diabetes, and factor VIII. To evaluate whether leg length was associated with VTE risk independent of height, we standardised leg length and height per 1 standard deviation (SD), and then included them simultaneously in Cox regression models. A total of 641 incident VTE cases accrued over a median follow-up of 16 years. Participants in the highestquintile of leg length were at 59% (95% CI: 22%-108%) greater risk of VTE, relative to the lowest quintile. For height, risk was 45% (12%-88%) greater for those in the highest quintile, compared to the lowest. When leg length and height were modelled simultaneously leg length remained associated with VTE risk (HR per 1 SD: 1.21 (1.04–1.40) while height was unrelated (HR per 1 SD: 1.00 (0.86–1.16). To conclude, participants with longer legs were at greater risk of incident VTE, and leg length explained the relation of height to VTE. It remains to be established whether this finding is due to greater venous surface area, a larger number of venous valves, or greater hydrostatic pressure among individuals with longer legs.
Self-testing and self-management of oral anticoagulation therapy in children
Authors: Larsen Torben , Hjortdal Vibeke , Christensen Thomas
Published: June 2011

Children and adolescents on oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) present special challenges in terms of rapid fluctuations in International Normalised Ratio (INR) values, interruption in daily life due to frequent hospital/doctor visits, and difficulties and pain in the performance of venepuncture. Optimised management of OAT improves the quality of treatment, potentially accomplished by new methods such as patient self-testing (PST) and patient self-management (PSM). A review was performed, identifying 11 trials with children and adolescents. All studies had different methodological problems, predominantly by being non-randomised trials. A total of 284 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 22 months, finding a time within therapeutic INR target range between 63% and 84%. The coagulometers used for estimating the INR values were found to have sufficient precision and accuracy for clinical use, but external quality control is probably advisable. It can be concluded that PST and PSM are at least as good treatment options as conventional management in highly selected children. Larger studies, preferably randomised, controlled trials using clinical endpoints, are obviously needed in order to elucidate whether these new regimens of treatment are superior to conventional management of oral anticoagulation therapy.
Development and Validation of a Utility Weighting Function for the Patient-Oriented Prostate Utility Scale (PORPUS)
Authors: Tomlinson George , Bremner Karen E. , Ritvo Paul , Naglie Gary , Krahn Murray D.
Published: June 2011

Background. Previously, we developed a prostate cancer (PC)-specific health state classification system, the Patient Oriented Prostate Utility Scale (PORPUS). In this study, we developed a scoring system to allow indirect calculation of utilities from the PORPUS. Methods. We interviewed 234 PC outpatients, including those with newly diagnosed and metastatic disease, to obtain rating scale (RS) values on 4 to 6 levels of each of the 10 attributes of the PORPUS, and on 10 corner states (worst level on 1 attribute, best on 9). Patients also completed standard gamble (SG) and RS tasks on 4 multiattribute states (impotence and pain corner states, mild and severe PC symptoms). We used the RS and SG scores for multiattribute states to determine a risk aversion function for mapping values to utilities. We then tested 15 different strategies to estimate the multiattribute utility function (MAUF), using the single attribute disutilities for each level of the 10 PORPUS attributes, and the disutilities for the corner states. The root mean squared error (RMSE) of prediction of the SG on the 4 multiattribute states was used to identify the optimal strategy and scoring system. Results. The optimal strategy gave an RMSE of 0.06. Comparison of mean MAUF-predicted utilities to directly elicited SG utilities for the 2 multiattribute states from patients in 2 previously published studies ( n = 248 and n = 141) supported the validity of the MAUF. Conclusions. The scoring system together with the PORPUS comprise an indirect utility instrument, the PORPUS-U, which can be used in clinical and research settings.
Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the apocrine glands of the anal sac in a dog
Authors: Ogawa Bunichiro , Taniai Eriko , Hayashi Hitomi , Imaoka Masako , Machida Noboru , Mitsumori Kunitoshi , Shibutani Makoto
Published: June 2011

A perianal subcutaneous tumor involving the anal sac developed in an 8-year-old male mixed Labrador Retriever dog. Histologically, this tumor showed typical features of the solid-type carcinoma of the apocrine glands of the anal sac. However, neoplastic cells were immunoreactive for cytokeratin 8, chromogranin A, vasoactive intestinal peptide, neuron-specific enolase, and synaptophysin, and negative for S-100 protein, α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, carcinoembryonic antigen, serotonin, and parathyroid hormone–related protein. Considering the distribution of chromogranin A–positive cells within the anal sac apocrine glands, this tumor was diagnosed as neuroendocrine carcinoma originating from the apocrine glands of the anal sac.
Cutaneous invasive micropapillary carcinoma of probable apocrine sweat gland origin in a cat
Authors: Machida Yukino , Yoshimura Hisashi , Nakahira Rei , Michishita Masaki , Ohkusu-Tsukada Kozo , Takahashi Kimimasa
Published: June 2011

An invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMC) occurred in the buccal skin of an 18-year-old female cat. Histologically, the tumor had a honeycomb pattern characterized by clusters of neoplastic epithelial cells that were surrounded by empty clear spaces and lined with fibrocollagenous stroma. On immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin (clone CAM5.2; pancytokeratin, clone AE1/AE3) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) but negative for cytokeratin 14, vimentin, S100, smooth muscle actin, and p63. The CEA-positive staining reaction was present along the outermost rim of the neoplastic cell clusters consistent with an “inside-out” immunoreactivity pattern. Examination of the tumor cells by electron microscopy revealed microvilli on the outermost rim of neoplastic cells that were directed toward the surrounding vacant space. Based on histomorphological characteristics, the neoplasm was defined as an IMC of “pure-type.” The location site and immunohistochemical features suggest the tumor was most likely derived from the apocrine sweat glands in the buccal skin.
Finite element analysis of stiffness characteristics of an electromagnetic device
Authors: Han Qinkai , Wang Jianjun , Li Qihan
Published: June 2011

An electromagnetic device, consisting of a pair of permanent magnets and a non-magnetic coil, has shown its linear advantages for inducing parametric stiffness excitation in the laboratory. The electromagnetic device powered by a DC coil current acts like a mechanical spring with constant stiffness. The effects of design parameters upon the electromagnetic stiffness and its linear operating range (referred as the stiffness characteristics) are important and crucial for the design and usage of the device. Thus, a numerical method, based upon the commercial finite element method (FEM) package ANSYS/Emag, was presented for analyzing the stiffness characteristics of the device with DC coil current. The theory foundation for computing the electromagnetic force using FEM was derived and the program realization in ANSYS was introduced briefly. Two typical examples were chosen to verify the accuracy of the numerical analysis method. Based upon these, the restoring force characteristics of the electromagnetic device with various DC coil currents were obtained utilizing the numerical method. Two important indicators (proportional coefficient between linear stiffness and coil current and linear range of the stiffness) were defined for measuring the stiffness characteristics of the electromagnetic device. Then, the effects of the design parameters (both the electromagnetic and structural parameters) on the two indicators were investigated, respectively. The research results provide useful references for the stiffness design of the electromagnetic device in actual practice.
Managing dementia agitation in residential aged care
Authors: Bidewell John W. , Chang Esther
Published: June 2011

Agitation is a widespread and challenging problem among aged care residents with dementia. This article draws on empirical and theoretical literature to propose a model for preventing and treating agitation non-pharmacologically. A literature review finds agreed, coherent definition and measurement of agitation to be absent despite numerous agitation remedies having been suggested, yet sufficient material to support evidence-based care planning. Agitation is revealed as resulting from a resident’s interactions with the environment or their internal state, giving rise to unmet needs that attentive care can treat. Agitation treatments are reviewed to find no single effective remedy and a lack of quality evaluation. A higher-order, problem-solving approach is proposed. The described system consists of sequential diagnosis, decision making and treatment options, commencing with individualized and institutional preventative measures removing environmental triggers, followed by individual remediation, with residents’ unmet needs receiving priority consistent with patient-centred care.
Dynamics of chronic myeloid leukemia response to long-term targeted therapy reveal treatment effects on leukemic stem cells
Authors: Tang Min , Gonen Mithat , Quintas-Cardama Alfonso , Cortes Jorge , Kantarjian Hagop , Field Chani , Hughes Timothy P. , Branford Susan , Michor Franziska
Published: June 2011

Treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) imatinib mesylate and nilotinib represents a successful application of molecularly targeted anticancer therapy. However, the effect of TKIs on leukemic stem cells remains incompletely understood. On the basis of a statistical modeling approach that used the 10-year imatinib mesylate treatment response of patients with CML and a patient cohort receiving first-line nilotinib therapy, we found that successful long-term therapy results in a triphasic exponential decline of BCR-ABL1 transcripts in many patients. Within our framework, the first slope of −0.052 ± 0.018 (imatinib mesylate) and −0.042 ± 0.015 (nilotinib) per day represents the turnover rate of leukemic differentiated cells, whereas the second slope of −0.0057 ± 0.0038 (imatinib mesylate) and −0.0019 ± 0.0013 (nilotinib) per day represents the turnover rate of leukemic progenitor cells. The third slope allows an inference of the behavior of immature leukemic cells, potentially stem cells. This third slope is negative in most patients, positive in others, and not observable in some patients. This variability in response may be because of insufficient follow-up, missing data, disease heterogeneity, inconsistent compliance to drug, or acquired resistance. Our approach suggests that long-term TKI therapy may reduce the abundance of leukemic stem cells in some patients.
No relationship between the distribution of mast cells and the survival of stage IIIB colon cancer patients
Authors: Xia Qing , Wu Xiao-Jun , Zhou Qiang , Jing-Zeng  , Hou Jing-Hui , Pan Zhi-Zhong , Zhang Xiao-Shi
Published: June 2011

Background

Mast cells promote the progression of experimental tumors and might be a valuable therapeutic target. However, the relevant clinical evidence is still controversial. This study analyzed the relationship between the distribution of mast cells and the survival of patients with colon cancer to study whether mast cells contribute to tumor progression.

Materials and methods

Ninety-three cases of pathologically confirmed primary cancer tissues matched with adjacent normal mucosa, metastases of regional-draining lymph nodes and regional-draining lymph nodes without metastases were collected from stage IIIB colon carcinoma patients between January 1997 and July 2004 at the Cancer Center of Sun Yat-Sen University. Tryptase-positive mast cells were counted. The relationships of the distribution of mast cells with clinicopathologic parameters and 5-year survival were analyzed.

Results

Although the mast cell count in the mucosa adjacent to the primary colon cancer was significantly higher than that in the stroma of the primary colon cancer, no difference in mast cell counts was observed between the stroma in lymph node metastasis and the lymph tissue adjacent to the metastasis. Additionally, the mast cell count in the regional-draining lymph node without the invasion of cancer cells was significantly higher than that in the stroma of lymph node metastasis and adjacent lymph tissue. However, none of those mast cell counts was related to 5-year survival.

Conclusion

Although mast cell count varied with location, none of the mast cell counts was related to 5-year survival, suggesting that mast cells do not contribute to the progression of stage IIIB colon cancer.
tcf21+ epicardial cells adopt non-myocardial fates during zebrafish heart development and regeneration
Authors: Kikuchi Kazu , Gupta Vikas , Wang Jinhu , Holdway Jennifer E. , Wills Airon A. , Fang Yi , Poss Kenneth D.
Published: June 2011

Recent lineage-tracing studies have produced conflicting results about whether the epicardium is a source of cardiac muscle cells during heart development. Here, we examined the developmental potential of epicardial tissue in zebrafish during both embryonic development and injury-induced heart regeneration. We found that upstream sequences of the transcription factor gene tcf21 activated robust, epicardium-specific expression throughout development and regeneration. Cre recombinase-based, genetic fate-mapping of larval or adult tcf21+ cells revealed contributions to perivascular cells, but not cardiomyocytes, during each form of cardiogenesis. Our findings indicate that natural epicardial fates are limited to non-myocardial cell types in zebrafish.
Synthesis and Chiral Recognition Ability of a Poly(phenylenevinylene)-Encapsulated Amylose Derivative
Authors: Tamura Kazumi , Sam Nor Syahidah Md , Ikai Tomoyuki , Okamoto Yoshio , Yashima Eiji
Published: June 2011

Poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) was found to be encapsulated in amylose during the polymerization of the precursor monomer in an aqueous solution. The resulting amylose–PPV composite can be further chemically modified by introducing various substituents into the hydroxy groups of the amylose using isocyanates and acetic anhydride. Here we report on the chemical modification of the amylose–PPV composite with 3,5-dimethylphenyl isocyanate in order to obtain a novel chiral packing material for resolving enantiomers by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The obtained 3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamated amylose–PPV was soluble in pyridine and exhibited a lyotropic liquid crystalline phase in a concentrated pyridine solution. The chiral recognition ability of the 3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamated amylose–PPV was different from that of amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) having no PPV rods in the helical cavity of the amylose and can resolve many racemic compounds into enantiomers. Among racemic compounds, cyclic dibenzamide and dibenzanilide derivatives were resolved on the 3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamated amylose–PPV better than amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate). The difference in the enantioseparation abilities of these amylose-based chiral stationary phases for HPLC is discussed based on the difference in their helical structures.
Pregnancy-associated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome in the postpartum period: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Egbor M , Johnson A , Harris F , Makanjoula D , Shehata H
Published: June 2011

Pregnancy has been reported to be a trigger in about 10% of all patients with atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS). However, in contrast to pregnancy-associated thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura, the presentation of pregnancy-associated aHUS remains ill defined and can therefore be difficult to diagnose and manage appropriately. Here we report a case of pregnancy-associated relapse of aHUS in a patient with a previous medical history of aHUS prior to pregnancy.
Role of ATRX in chromatin structure and function: implications for chromosome instability and human disease
Authors: De La Fuente Rabindranath , Baumann Claudia , Viveiros Maria M
Published: June 2011

Functional differentiation of chromatin structure is essential for the control of gene expression, nuclear architecture, and chromosome stability. Compelling evidence indicates that alterations in chromatin remodeling proteins play an important role in the pathogenesis of human disease. Among these, α-thalassemia mental retardation X-linked protein (ATRX) has recently emerged as a critical factor involved in heterochromatin formation at mammalian centromeres and telomeres as well as facultative heterochromatin on the murine inactive X chromosome. Mutations in human ATRX result in an X-linked neurodevelopmental condition with various degrees of gonadal dysgenesis (ATRX syndrome). Patients with ATRX syndrome may exhibit skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) patterns, and ATRX-deficient mice exhibit abnormal imprinted XCI in the trophoblast cell line. Non-random or skewed XCI can potentially affect both the onset and severity of X-linked disease. Notably, failure to establish epigenetic modifications associated with the inactive X chromosome (Xi) results in several conditions that exhibit genomic and chromosome instability such as fragile X syndrome as well as cancer development. Insight into the molecular mechanisms of ATRX function and its interacting partners in different tissues will no doubt contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of ATRX syndrome as well as the epigenetic origins of aneuploidy. In turn, this knowledge will be essential for the identification of novel drug targets and diagnostic tools for cancer progression as well as the therapeutic management of global epigenetic changes commonly associated with malignant neoplastic transformation.
Symmetry or Dynamic Consistency?
Authors: Epstein Larry G , Seo Kyoungwon
Published: June 2011

In a setting with repeated experiments, where evidence about the experiments is symmetric, a decision-maker ranks bets (or acts) over their outcomes. We describe a stark modeling trade-off between symmetry of preference (indifference to permutations), dynamic consistency and ambiguity. Then, assuming that experiments are ordered in time, we outline an axiomatic model of preference that exhibits dynamic consistency and yet models learning under ambiguity.
Intertemporal Bounded Rationality as Consideration Sets with Contraction Consistency
Authors: Spears Dean
Published: June 2011

How would a boundedly rational agent react to a larger menu? I model choice from an unobservable, subjective consideration subset. Consideration sets satisfy Sen’s property alpha: larger objective choice sets can generate smaller consideration sets. The contribution of this paper is a representation of choice among menus: choice sets are only as valuable as the best item in their subjective subsets, so larger sets can be worse. Unlike people facing temptation, a boundedly rational decision maker can strictly prefer both of two choice sets to their union. This model of intertemporal choice reflects how an agent who satisfies Weak WARP would choose, if sophisticated about her bounded rationality.
Analyses of statistical transformations of row data describing free proline concentration in sugar beet exposed to drought
Authors: Putnik-Delic Marina , Maksimovic Ivana , Nikolic-Djoric Emilija , Nagl Nevena
Published: June 2011

Eleven sugar beet genotypes were tested for their capacity to tolerate
drought. Plants were grown in semi-controlled conditions, in the greenhouse,
and watered daily. After 90 days, water deficit was imposed by the cessation
of watering, while the control plants continued to be watered up to 80% of
FWC. Five days later concentration of free proline in leaves was determined.
Analysis was done in three replications. Statistical analysis was performed
using STATISTICA 9.0, Minitab 15, and R2.11.1. Differences between genotypes
were statistically processed by Duncan test. Because of nonormality of the
data distribution and heterogeneity of variances in different groups, two
types of transformations of row data were applied. For this type of data
more appropriate in eliminating nonormality was Johnson transformation, as
opposed to Box-Cox. Based on the both transformations it may be concluded
that in all genotypes except for 10, concentration of free proline differs
significantly between treatment (drought) and the control.
Heterogeneity and Competitiveness of Entrepreneurial Processes in the European Union with Special Attention on Croatia as Candidate Country
Authors: Pušnik Ksenja , Tajnikar Maks
Published: June 2011

Heterogeneity and Competitiveness of Entrepreneurial Processes in the European Union with Special Attention on Croatia as Candidate Country

The paper investigates the efficiency of entrepreneurial processes in European Union member states and Croatia as a European Union candidate country. The authors follow the model of Davidsson (2004), who argues that entrepreneurial activity originates in three waves: the wave of ability, need and opportunity for entrepreneurship; the wave of perceptive ability, perceptive need and perceptive opportunity for entrepreneurship; and entrepreneurial motivation and activity. The authors of the paper argue that the efficiency of the transformations of one entrepreneurship wave to another can be measured by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) on the basis of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor database, which is a new approach to the analysis of entrepreneurial processes. The results indicate high level of heterogeneity of entrepreneurial processes among European Union member states. The authors give special attention to Croatia and conclude that the membership of Croatia in European Union would not threaten the entrepreneurial processes of this European Union candidate country.
Contribution to the Quantitative Analysis of Ternary Alloys of Group III-Nitrides by Auger Spectroscopy
Authors: Liday Jozef , Ecke Gernod , Baumann Tim , Vogrinčič Peter , Breza Juraj
Published: June 2011

Contribution to the Quantitative Analysis of Ternary Alloys of Group III-Nitrides by Auger Spectroscopy

For correct quantitative interpretation of Auger spectra of group III-nitrides and their alloys it is necessary to have the relative sensitivity factors of elements and the sputtering yields measured for the material under analysis. These data are not available in the literature for those materials. In this work, the quantities have been determined experimentally that are needed for reliable and precise quantitative interpretation of Auger spectra of such materials, thus of AlN, GaN and their ternary alloys AlxGa1-xN. Measurements of reference AlN and GaN samples allowed to find the elemental sensitivity factors for these nitrides, and measurements on reference samples of ternary alloys AlxGa1-xN allowed to find the ratio of the component sputtering yields, YGa/YAl. It has been confirmed that if the relative sensitivity factors are obtained from measurements of reference samples of group III-nitrides, thus of compounds, and if in the alloys of such compounds no further change of the shapes of Auger peaks occurs, the both the areas below the Auger peaks in direct spectra and the Auger peak-to-peak heights in differentiated spectra can be used for quantitative analysis.
Considerations About Controlled Capacitors
Authors: Plesca Adrian
Published: June 2011

Considerations About Controlled Capacitors

A new type of thermal controlled capacitor has been developed and studied. The capacitor non-linearity depends on the control parameter — temperature. At constant temperatures, the charge versus voltage curve is non-linear and has thermal inertia. Actually, it is a new method to modify the capacitors' capacitance using the thermal field as a command parameter and brings new technical solutions for protection of electrical equipment.
Steady State and Dynamic Evaluation of Electrical Shaft System
Authors: Fellag Sid
Published: June 2011

Steady State and Dynamic Evaluation of Electrical Shaft System

In this paper a steady state and dynamic assessment of electrical shaft with common resistance are performed. New steady state formulae that take into account the stator resistances are developed. The system is presented in a full version similar to individual induction machine in the dq frame but without stator resistance simplifications. It is found that the stator resistance is worth-taking into account.
Optimal Seasonal Voltage Control in Rural Distribution Networks with Distributed Generators
Authors: Radosavljević Jordan , Jevtić Miroljub , Klimenta Dardan
Published: June 2011

Optimal Seasonal Voltage Control in Rural Distribution Networks with Distributed Generators

This paper proposes a procedure for determining the optimal tap changer positions of off-voltage tap changing transformers in radial rural distribution networks in presence of distributed generators (DGs). The procedure is based on spatial network decomposition and as well as bringing down a branchy LV network to an equivalent line. Optimal voltage module values of PV nodes in the optimal seasonal control plan are determined by the application of a genetic algorithm. The proposed procedure is examined in two real distribution networks: a radial 33-node network with 11 DGs modelled as PQ nodes and a radial 40-node network with three DGs in total, two of which are modelled as PV nodes and one modelled as a PQ node.
Effect of Gallium Focused Ion Beam Irradiation on Properties of YBa2Cu3Ox/La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 Heterostructures
Authors: Štrbík Vladimír , Beňačka Štefan , Gaži Štefan , Šmatko Vasilij , Chromik Štefan , Dujavová Agáta , Vávra Ivo
Published: June 2011

Effect of Gallium Focused Ion Beam Irradiation on Properties of YBa2Cu3Ox/La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 Heterostructures

We present initial investigation of the superconductor-ferromagnet-superconductor (SFS) heterostructures of nanometer dimensions prepared by the gallium focused ion beam (FIB) technology. The SFS heterostructures were realized on the basis of high-Tc superconducting YBa2Cu3Ox and ferromagnetic La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 thin films. SFS weak link junctions require dimensions of the weak link connection in the range of nanometer size realizable by FIB patterning. On the other side the gallium focused ion beam might bring about unacceptable degradation of the superconducting as well as ferromagnetic thin film properties. The presented results show that FIB offers a suitable procedure for realization of nanometer size devices but some degradation of the ferromagnetic and superconducting properties was observed. Solution of this problem will be achieved in the next stage of our investigations.
Investing in European market real property through reits
Authors: Adamuscin A.
Published: June 2011

Investing in European market real property through reits

For institutional and private investors, investing in real estate represents an attractive form of the consignment of their money. Real estate provides a regular source of income in the form of the rent from or interest on the credit provided. At the same time, real estate is a good investment instrument, because it provides diversified contributions and security against inflation for investors. In their efforts to diversify risk, investors are expressing growing interest in investing in the whole European Union. The success of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in the U.S. also opened the door for investing in this market for small investors, which is the reason for the development of this type of investment company in the European arena. One problem concerning the development of European real estate investment funds is the unsolved issue of the harmonization of the legislation and regulatory safety measures, which would enable the creation of a common market for new investment products in Europe.
Risk Factors for Isolated Left Main Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Taimur Syed Dawood Md , Haq M Maksumul , Ahmed Tamzeed , Karim Md Rezaul , Rashid MA , Khan Saidur Rahman , Mansur Mahbub , Chowdhury Mashhud Zia , Nasreen Shahela , Amin Md Nurul
Published: June 2011

Background & objective: Left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis (defined as 50 or > 50 percent narrowing of luminal diameter) usually has a bad prognosis unless revascularization done. Isolated left main coronary artery (ILMCA) disease is a rare clinical entity. Although it carries a grave prognosis, its etiology is not well-understood. Determining risk factors for ILMCA disease might be promising in the preventive strategy of ischemic heart diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and traditional risk factors for left main coronary artery disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on patients who underwent coronary angiogram (CAG) at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute from February 2005 to June 2009. Total number of procedures done in Cath Lab was 7103. Of them 6708(94%) cases underwent CAG. Only 18 of them (0.27%) had isolated left main lesion and were included as cases. Patients who did not have ILMCA were taken as controls. The number of controls selected was 8 times the number of cases (n = 144). Of them 3 were excluded because of incomplete data leaving 141 controls finally. Fifty or > 50% stenosis in the left main was considered as significant stenosis. Major demographic and clinical information of patients were collected from the database of the Institute and were compared between the case and control groups. Results: Of the 18 subjects who had ILMCA disease 44.4% exhibited stable angina, 27.8% had ACS. One third of these patients had normal ECG, ST-T changes in another one third of the patients and 11% had previous MI. 16.7% patients had wall motion abnormality in echocardiogram. Only 4 out of these 18 patients had ETT done before CAG and all were found positive. Patients with ILMCA disease were comparatively old (> 50 years) than the patients without ILMCA disease (p = 0.448). Females were more prevalent in the case group (27.8%) than that in the control group (22.2%) (p = 0.854). There was no significant difference between patients with or without ILMCA disease in terms of traditional risk factors for ischemic heart diseases like hypertension, diabetes, smoking habit, dyslipidemia and family history of ischemic heart diseases (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Isolated and significant LMCA disease is an unusual angiographic finding and presents most commonly as stable angina. A female preponderance is usually observed. The prevalence of atherosclerotic risk factors of these patients is similar to that of the general population undergoing coronary angiogram. Key words: Isolated left main disease; risk factors; coronary angiogram; significant lesion. Ibrahim Card Med J 2011; 1(1):17-21