bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality assessment of reporting of randomization, allocation concealment, and blinding in traditional chinese medicine RCTs: A review of 3159 RCTs identified from 260 systematic reviews
Authors: He Jia , Du Liang , Liu Guanjian , Fu Jin , He Xiangyu , Yu Jiayun , Shang Lili
Published: May 2011

Background

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which are of poor quality tend to exaggerate the effect estimate and lead to wrong or misleading conclusions. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of randomization methods, allocation concealment and blinding within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) RCTs, discuss issues identified for current TCM RCTs, and provide suggestions for quality improvement.

Methods

We searched Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM, 1978 to July 31, 2009) and the Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2009) to collect TCM systematic reviews and meta-analyses according to inclusion/exclusion criteria, from which RCTs could be identified. The quality assessment involved whether the randomization methods, allocation concealment and blinding were adequate or not based the study reported. Stratified analyses were conducted of different types of diseases published in different journals (both Chinese and foreign) using different interventions. SPSS 15.0 software was used for statistic analyses.

Results

A total of 3159 RCTs were included, of which 2580 were published in Chinese journals and 579 in foreign journals. There were 381 (12%) RCTs which used adequate randomization methods; 207 (7%) RCTs which used adequate allocation concealment and 601 (19%) which used adequate blinding; there were 130 (4%) RCTs which both used adequate randomization methods and allocation concealment; and there were only 100 (3%) RCTs which used adequate randomization methods, allocation concealment, as well as blinding. In the RCTs published in foreign journals, the adequate randomization methods, allocation concealment and blinding accounted for a relatively large proportion (25%, 26%, and 60%, respectively) and increased with years, while in the RCTs published in Chinese journals, only the adequate randomization methods improved over time. The quality of non-drug intervention (chiefly acupuncture) RCTs was higher than that of drug intervention RCTs. In drug intervention, the quality of listed drugs is higher than the others. The quality of all included RCTs of all types of diseases was generally poor and no studies that were large in size and of high quality were found.

Conclusion

The quality of the current TCM RCTs as judged by their publications is generally poor, especially those published in Chinese journals. In future, researchers of TCM RCTs should attach more importance to experimental design and methodological quality, receive relevant training, and improve reporting quality using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement, so as to improve the quality of TCM clinical research and ensure truth and reliability of conclusions.
Secondary omental and pectoralis major double flap reconstruction following aggressive sternectomy for deep sternal wound infections after cardiac surgery
Authors: Kobayashi Toshiro , Mikamo Akihito , Kurazumi Hiroshi , Suzuki Ryo , Shirasawa Bungo , Hamano Kimikazu
Published: May 2011

Background

Deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery carries high morbidity and mortality. Our strategy for deep sternal wound infection is aggressive strenal debridement followed by vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy and omental-muscle flap reconstrucion. We describe this strategy and examine the outcome and long-term quality of life (QOL) it achieves.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 16 patients treated for deep sternal wound infection between 2001 and 2007. The most recent nine patients were treated with total sternal resection followed by VAC therapy and secondary closure with omental-muscle flap reconstruction (recent group); whereas the former seven patients were treated with sternal preservation if possible, without VAC therapy, and four of these patients underwent primary closure (former group). We assessed long-term quality of life after DSWI by using the Short Form 36-Item Health Survey, Version 2 (SF36v2).

Results

One patient died and four required further surgery for recurrence of deep sternal wound infection in the former group. The duration of treatment for deep sternal wound infection in the recent group was significantly shorter than that in previous group (63.4 ± 54.1 days vs. 120.0 ± 31.8 days, respectively; p = 0.039). Despite aggressive sternal resection, the QOL of patients treated for DSWI was only minimally compromised compared with age-, sex-, surgical procedures-matched patients without deep sternal wound infection.

Conclusions

Aggressive sternal debridement followed by VAC therapy and secondary closure with an omental-muscle flap is effective for deep sternal wound infection. In this series, it resulted in a lower incidence of recurrent infection, shorter hospitalization, and it did not compromise long-term QOL greatly.
LimsPortal and BonsaiLIMS: development of a lab information management system for translational medicine
Authors: Bath Timothy G , Bozdag Selcuk , Afzal Vackar , Crowther Daniel
Published: May 2011

Background

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are an increasingly important part of modern laboratory infrastructure. As typically very sophisticated software products, LIMS often require considerable resources to select, deploy and maintain. Larger organisations may have access to specialist IT support to assist with requirements elicitation and software customisation, however smaller groups will often have limited IT support to perform the kind of iterative development that can resolve the difficulties that biologists often have when specifying requirements. Translational medicine aims to accelerate the process of treatment discovery by bringing together multiple disciplines to discover new approaches to treating disease, or novel applications of existing treatments. The diverse set of disciplines and complexity of processing procedures involved, especially with the use of high throughput technologies, bring difficulties in customizing a generic LIMS to provide a single system for managing sample related data within a translational medicine research setting, especially where limited IT support is available.

Results

We have designed and developed a LIMS, BonsaiLIMS, around a very simple data model that can be easily implemented using a variety of technologies, and can be easily extended as specific requirements dictate. A reference implementation using Oracle 11 g database and the Python framework, Django is presented.

Conclusions

By focusing on a minimal feature set and a modular design we have been able to deploy the BonsaiLIMS system very quickly. The benefits to our institute have been the avoidance of the prolonged implementation timescales, budget overruns, scope creep, off-specifications and user fatigue issues that typify many enterprise software implementations. The transition away from using local, uncontrolled records in spreadsheet and paper formats to a centrally held, secured and backed-up database brings the immediate benefits of improved data visibility, audit and overall data quality. The open-source availability of this software allows others to rapidly implement a LIMS which in itself might sufficiently address user requirements. In situations where this software does not meet requirements, it can serve to elicit more accurate specifications from end-users for a more heavyweight LIMS by acting as a demonstrable prototype.
Malignant catatonia due to anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis in a 17-year-old girl: case report
Authors: Consoli Angèle , Ronen Karine , An-Gourfinkel Isabelle , Barbeau Martine , Marra Donata , Costedoat-Chalumeau Nathalie , Montefiore Delphine , Maksud Philippe , Bonnot Olivier , Didelot Adrien , Amoura Zahir , Vidailhet Marie , Cohen David
Published: May 2011

Anti-NMDA-Receptor encephalitis is a severe form of encephalitis that was recently identified in the context of acute neuropsychiatric presentation. Here, we describe the case of a 17-year-old girl referred for an acute mania with psychotic features and a clinical picture deteriorated to a catatonic state. Positive diagnosis of anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis suggested specific treatment. She improved after plasma exchange and immunosuppressive therapy. Post-cognitive sequelae (memory impairment) disappeared within 2-year follow-up and intensive cognitive rehabilitation.
Identification of new autoantibody specificities directed at proteins involved in the transforming growth factor β pathway in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Bussone Guillaume , Dib Hanadi , Tamby Mathieu C , Broussard Cedric , Federici Christian , Woimant Geneviève , Camoin Luc , Guillevin Loïc , Mouthon Luc
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), usually detected by indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells, are identified in 90% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Thus, approximately 10% of SSc patients have no routinely detectable autoantibodies, and for 20% to 40% of those with detectable ANAs, the ANAs do not have identified specificity (unidentified ANAs). In this work, we aimed to identify new target autoantigens in SSc patients.

Methods

Using a proteomic approach combining two-dimensional electrophoresis and immunoblotting with HEp-2 cell total and enriched nuclear protein extracts as sources of autoantigens, we systematically analysed autoantibodies in SSc patients. Sera from 45 SSc patients were tested in 15 pools from groups of three patients with the same phenotype. A sera pool from 12 healthy individuals was used as a control. Proteins of interest were identified by mass spectrometry and analysed using Pathway Studio software.

Results

We identified 974 and 832 protein spots in HEp-2 cell total and enriched nuclear protein extracts, respectively. Interestingly, α-enolase was recognised by immunoglobulin G (IgG) from all pools of patients in both extracts. Fourteen and four proteins were recognised by IgG from at least 75% of the 15 pools in total and enriched nuclear protein extracts, respectively, whereas 15 protein spots were specifically recognised by IgG from at least four of the ten pools from patients with unidentified ANAs. The IgG intensity for a number of antigens was higher in sera from patients than in sera from healthy controls. These antigens included triosephosphate isomerase, superoxide dismutase mitochondrial precursor, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L and lamin A/C. In addition, peroxiredoxin 2, cofilin 1 and calreticulin were specifically recognised by sera from phenotypic subsets of patients with unidentified ANAs. Interestingly, several identified target antigens were involved in the transforming growth factor β pathway.

Conclusions

We identified several new target antigens shared among patients with SSc or specific to a given phenotype. The specification of new autoantibodies could help in understanding the pathophysiology of SSc. Moreover, these autoantibodies could represent new diagnostic and/or prognostic markers for SSc.
In silico tandem affinity purification refines an Oct4 interaction list
Authors: Cheong Clara Yujing , Lon Ng Patricia Miang , Ponnampalam Rhonda , Tsai Heng-Hang , Bourque Guillaume , Lufkin Thomas
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) is a master regulator of early mammalian development. Its expression begins from the oocyte stage, becomes restricted to the inner cell mass of the blastocyst and eventually remains only in primordial germ cells. Unearthing the interactions of Oct4 would provide insight into how this transcription factor is central to cell fate and stem cell pluripotency.

Methods

In the present study, affinity-tagged endogenous Oct4 cell lines were established via homologous recombination gene targeting in embryonic stem (ES) cells to express tagged Oct4. This allows tagged Oct4 to be expressed without altering the total Oct4 levels from their physiological levels.

Results

Modified ES cells remained pluripotent. However, when modified ES cells were tested for their functionality, cells with a large tag failed to produce viable homozygous mice. Use of a smaller tag resulted in mice with normal development, viability and fertility. This indicated that the choice of tags can affect the performance of Oct4. Also, different tags produce a different repertoire of Oct4 interactors.

Conclusions

Using a total of four different tags, we found 33 potential Oct4 interactors, of which 30 are novel. In addition to transcriptional regulation, the molecular function associated with these Oct4-associated proteins includes various other catalytic activities, suggesting that, aside from chromosome remodeling and transcriptional regulation, Oct4 function extends more widely to other essential cellular mechanisms. Our findings show that multiple purification approaches are needed to uncover a comprehensive Oct4 protein interaction network.
High-frequency anomalies in carbonate reservoir characterization using spectral decomposition
Authors: Li Yandong , Zheng Xiaodong , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2011

Low-frequency shadows have often been used as hydrocarbon indicators in the application of spectral decomposition. The reason behind the low-frequency anomaly has been explained as high-frequency energy attenuation caused by hydrocarbons. However, in our practice on carbonate reservoir characterization in two areas, Precaspian Basin and Central Tarim Basin, China, we encountered high-frequency anomalies, i.e., the isofrequency slices or sections at high frequencies exhibit anomalies associated with the good carbonate reservoir, particularly in the tight limestone background. We used the product of porosity and thickness as a parameter to measure the quality of the carbonate reservoir of each well and classified the 46 wells in our two studied areas into three types. Type I wells contain high-porosity thick reservoirs, type II wells contain reservoirs with moderate porosity and thickness, and type III wells contain only low-porosity thin reservoirs. The results were that 12 out of 13 type I wells exhibit high-frequency anomalies, and 30 out of 33 type II and type III wells do not exhibit high-frequency anomalies. We further validated the existence of this high-frequency anomaly by forward modeling analysis and fluid substitution experiments using the actual well-log curves measured in the carbonate reservoir. The results showed that in our two studied areas the high-frequency anomalies are more common than low-frequency shadows that can be observed only when the thickness of the reservoir is more than half of the wavelength or the reservoir rocks are extremely unconsolidated. Therefore, this high-frequency anomaly may be used as a more reliable indicator for a good carbonate reservoir than low-frequency shadows in real applications.
Lavender Lessons Learned; Or, What Sexuality Can Teach Us About Phonetic Variation
Authors: Munson Benjamin
Published: May 2011

This article examines four topics to consider in future research on sexuality and phonetic variation. First, it argues that new paradigms are needed for the measurement of the distinctive meanings associated with different phonetic variants associated with sexuality. Second, it advocates for new research designs and analysis regimens in studies of the perception of sexuality. Third, it advocates that studies should document and account for systematic differences among individuals in their perception and production of phonetic variation that conveys sexuality. Finally, it argues that research should focus on documenting how these forms are acquired.
The California Vowel Shift and Gay Identity
Authors: Podesva Robert J.
Published: May 2011

Research on the acoustic correlates of sounding gay has underexamined the role of regional accent features like vowel quality. This article explores the potential connection between the California Vowel Shift (CVS) and gay identity by investigating intraspeaker vowel variation in the speech of one gay man from California (Regan). An acoustic analysis reveals significantly more shifted variants of four components of the CVS (fronting of BOOT and BOAT, raising of BAN, and backing of BAT) when Regan is speaking with friends than when talking in other situations. Regan's use of advanced variants of the CVS furthermore correlates with nonheteronormative prosodic patterns in voice quality and intonation. Based on these patterns and an analysis of the contexts in which they are produced, it is argued that Regan is constructing a gay “partier” persona. One component of this persona is the set of social meanings indexed by the CVS (e.g., “laid-back,” “fun”), meanings that find roots in the stereotypical character types (e.g., surfer, valley girl) that led to the enregisterment of Californian speech styles. These meanings can be recruited in constructing particular brands of gay identity, such as Regan's “partier” persona. The analysis crucially leaves room for regional accent features to index identities, including sexual identities, which may have little to do with geographic region.
Intersecting Variables and Perceived Sexual Orientation in Men
Authors: Campbell-Kibler Kathryn
Published: May 2011

Sociolinguistic styles tie linguistic resources together into clusters and link them to social contexts of times, groups, places, and activities. Perceptions of masculinity and sexual orientation represent a well-studied area on sociolinguistic perception, offering many variables with potentially relevant social meanings. This study examines social perceptions of guises created by intersecting three masculinity-relevant variables: pitch, /s/-fronting or backing, and (ING). First, 110 online respondents provided descriptions and naturalness ratings of speech samples that were digitially modified to include the different variants; next, 175 respondents rated the speakers on six-point scales based on the terms “smart,” “knowledgeable,” “masculine,” “gay,” “friendly,” “laid-back,” “country,” “educated,” and “confident.” The results showed that /s/-fronting carries strong social meaning across multiple speakers and other linguistic cues, making speakers sound less masculine, more gay and less competent. As documented elsewhere, use of the (ING) variants -ing and -in made speakers sound more or less competent, respectively. The combination of /s/-fronting and (ING), and, independently, /s/-backing, showed more complex effects, shifting relationships between multiple percepts. Taken together, these results provide some support for style-based sociolinguistic models, but also underline the need for more sophisticated statistical treatments of covariation in social perception.
Teasing Apart to Bring Together: Gender and Sexuality in Variationist Research
Authors: Levon Erez
Published: May 2011

Sociolinguistics has long recognized the crucial interconnection between gender and sexuality. This article situates sociolinguists' concern with this topic within a larger discussion of intersectionality as a framework for theorizing identity. It argues that variationist methods provide a mechanism for redressing certain shortcomings of intersectional analysis that have been highlighted by scholars in other disciplines. To illustrate these points, pitch variation is analyzed among a cohort of Israeli lesbians. The author demonstrates how, despite the fact that gender and sexuality are tightly imbricated in the Israeli context, some speakers linguistically attend to these constructs in identifiably distinct ways. It closes by suggesting implications of this argument for the intersectional project more broadly.
Mammographic characteristics and vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) of non-palpable breast lesions
Authors: Ventrella Vincenzo , Tufaro Antonio , Zito Francesco A , Addante Maria , Stea Baldassarre , Dentamaro Rosalba , D'Amico Cosimo , Paradiso Angelo
Published: May 2011

Background

The new imaging technology made available today allows for an early detection of small subclinical breast lesions which frequently call for guided presurgical micro-histology.

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) histopathological diagnoses and mammographic findings in non-palpable breast lesions.

Material and Methods

The breast lesions of 1393 women who had received consecutive screening mammograms between 2001 and 2007 were assessed by VABB. The mammographic breast lesions, classified according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), were subjected to VABB only if rated as highly suspicious (2%), suspicious (64.5%) for malignancy, or probably benign (33.5%).

Results

VABB findings included 981 (70.5%) probably benign lesions, 407 (29.2%) suspicious/malignant lesions, and five (0.3%) cases which were considered as inappropriate for diagnostic purposes. At histology, 10.2% of the suspicious/malignant lesions were classified as proliferative lesions, 11.1% as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and 8% as invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). The positive predictive value (PPV) of BI-RADS assessment categories 3, 4 and 5 was 4.1%, 25.3% and 75%, respectively. The occurrence of obscured or spiculated masses was found to exhibit the highest PPV for malignancy (12.5% in BI-RADS 3 and 63% in BI-RADS 4), followed by microcalcifications which showed a malignancy rate of 6.4% in BI-RADS 3, and 20% in BI-RADS 4.

Conclusion

VABB turns out to be effective in the assessment of many malignant and benign preclinical tumour lesions thus allowing for a significant reduction of the number of surgical biopsies.
Detection of hypoplasia of bony cochlear nerve canal by virtual endoscopy: a pilot study
Authors: Quan Yong , Wu Lebin , Xu Zushan , Gong Wuxian , Gong Ruozhen
Published: May 2011

Background

Dimensions of the bony cochlear nerve canal (BCNC) have been proposed as a potential diagnostic standard for hypoplasia of BCNC, but the standard remains inconsistent. We have previously found that a helix-like shape appears in normal BCNCs at VE images, whereas, the sign does not appear in some hypoplastic BCNCs.

Purpose

To retrospectively examine the feasibility of computed tomographic (CT) virtual endoscopy (VE) in the evaluation of hypoplasia of BCNC on the basis of absence of a helix-like shape.

Material and Methods

Twenty ears in 14 consecutive patients (mean age 5.5 years, range 1–15 years, 6 boys, 8 girls) diagnosed with hypoplasia of BCNC were included in this work. One hundred ears in 50 gender- and age-matched individuals (mean age 6.6 years, range 1–15 years, 29 boys, 21 girls) without inner ear disease and internal auditory canal (IAC) malformations served as controls. The presence or absence of a helix-like shape was evaluated by two independent reviewers. The value of VE for the diagnosis of hypoplasia of BCNC was assessed with clinical results and routine radiologic evaluation as the reference standard. Inter-observer agreement was calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were selected to test the diagnostic ability of the VE.

Results

Absence of a helix-like shape was found in the cochlear area of 17 of 20 ears in patients with hypoplasia of BCNC but in none of the control subjects. Inter-observer agreement was substantial (к = 0.773). The diagnostic rates of absence of a helix-like shape for hypoplasia of BCNC in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 85%, 100%, and 98%, respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups with respect to VE findings for absence of a helix-like shape ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The absence of a helix-like shape at VE images may be used as a potentially useful sign in the diagnosis of hypoplasia of BCNC.
Genistein downregulates de novo lipid synthesis and impairs cell proliferation in human lung cancer cells
Authors: Hess Daniel , Igal R Ariel
Published: May 2011

Cancer cells require high levels of lipid synthesis to produce structural, signaling and energetic lipids to support continuous replication. We and others have reported that constitutively increased lipogenesis, mainly by the tandem activation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), is critical to sustain the biological features of cancer cells, making this metabolic pathway a potential anticancer target for nutritional and pharmacological interventions. Isoflavones are biologically potent botanical compounds that possess clear antilipogenic and anticancer properties; however, the regulatory effects of these nutraceutical agents on lipid biosynthesis in cancer cells are still not well understood. Here we show that genistein, an isoflavone abundant in soybeans, decreased the levels of SCD1 protein in H460 human lung adenocarcinoma cells, consequently reducing the rate of biosynthesis of oleic acid as well as its presence in cancer cell lipids. Moreover, genistein promoted a marked reduction in de novo synthesis of major phospholipids, triacylglycerol and cholesterolesters. Finally, cancer cells treated with genistein displayed a dramatic reduction in cell proliferation as a result of a blockade in cell cycle progression through G2/M phases. As a whole, our data suggest that, by globally downregulating lipid biosynthesis, genistein suppresses cancer cell growth, emphasizing the relevance of this botanical compound as a potential therapeutic agent against lung cancer, a disease for which therapeutic choices remain limited.
miR-615-3p promotes the phagocytic capacity of splenic macrophages by targeting ligand-dependent nuclear receptor corepressor in cirrhosis-related portal hypertension
Authors: Jiang An , Zhang Shu , Li Zongfang , Liang Rongrui , Ren Song , Li Jun , Pu Yansong , Yang Jun
Published: May 2011

Hypersplenism is a condition in which the spleen is overactive. It is common in patients with cirrhosis-related portal hypertension. The over-activated hemophagocytic splenic macrophages are an important cause of hypersplenism. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 21–22 nt single-stranded RNAs expressed endogenously, which play important roles in many diseases. We have found by microarray, previously, that miR-615-3p is highly expressed in splenic macrophages of hypersplenism. In this study, we found that miR-615-3p enhanced the phagocytic capacity of splenic macrophages. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that ligand-dependent nuclear receptor corepressor (LCoR) was a potential phagocytosis-related target of miR-615-3p. This was proved by dual luciferase assay and Western blot in THP-1 cells and normal/hypersplenisum splenic macrophages. Our results showed that the presence of miR-615-3p repressed the expression of LCoR, a derepressor of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ), which has been confirmed to be able to promote the phagocytic capacity of macrophages. In conclusion, high expression of miR-615-3p in over-activated splenic macrophages depresses LCoR expression, low level of LCoR derepresses the expression of PPAR γ and finally upregulated PPAR γ enhances the phagocytic capacity of splenic macrophages. This finding might be useful in the study of hypersplenism and other macrophage-associated diseases.
Biology and clinical relevance of chemokines and chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR5 in human diseases
Authors: Choi Won-Tak , An Jing
Published: May 2011

Chemokines and their receptors are implicated in a wide range of human diseases, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) into a cell is initiated by the interaction of the virus's surface envelope proteins with two cell surface components of the target cell, namely CD4 and a chemokine co-receptor, usually CXCR4 or CCR5. Typical anti-HIV-1 agents include protease and reverse transcriptase inhibitors, but the targets of these agents tend to show rapid mutation rates. As such, strategies based on HIV-1 co-receptors have appeal because they target invariant host determinants. Chemokines and their receptors are also of general interest since they play important roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes in addition to AIDS. Therefore, intensive basic and translational research is ongoing for the dissection of their structure − function relationships in an effort to understand the molecular mechanism of chemokine − receptor interactions and signal transductions across cellular membranes. This paper reviews and discusses recent advances and the translation of new knowledge and discoveries into novel interventional strategies for clinical application.
Role of nuclear factor-κB-mediated inflammatory pathways in cancer-related symptoms and their regulation by nutritional agents
Authors: Gupta Subash C , Kim Ji Hye , Kannappan Ramaswamy , Reuter Simone , Dougherty Patrick M , Aggarwal Bharat B
Published: May 2011

Cancer is a disease characterized by dysregulation of multiple genes and is associated with symptoms such as cachexia, anorexia, fatigue, depression, neuropathic pain, anxiety, cognitive impairment, sleep disorders and delirium (acute confusion state) in medically ill patients. These symptoms are caused by either the cancer itself or the cancer treatment. During the past decade, increasing evidence has shown that the dysregulation of inflammatory pathways contributes to the expression of these symptoms. Cancer patients have been found to have higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6. The nuclear factor (NF)- κB is a major mediator of inflammatory pathways. Therefore, anti-inflammatory agents that can modulate the NF- κB activation and inflammatory pathways may have potential in improving cancer-related symptoms in patients. Because of their multitargeting properties, low cost, low toxicity and immediate availability, natural agents have gained considerable attention for prevention and treatment of cancer-related symptoms. How NF- κB and inflammatory pathways contribute to cancer-related symptoms is the focus of this review. We will also discuss how nutritional agents such as curcumin, genistein, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate and lycopene can modulate inflammatory pathways and thereby reduce cancer-related symptoms in patients.
Pharmacokinetic profile in late pregnancy and cord blood concentration of tipranavir and enfuvirtide
Authors: Weizsaecker K , Kurowski M , Hoffmeister B , Schürmann D , Feiterna-Sperling C
Published: May 2011

The data on the use of tipranavir and enfuvirtide in pregnancy are very limited. We performed a pharmacokinetic profile in a pregnant woman with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection at 37 weeks gestation. Tipranavir levels were in the therapeutic range and the cord blood concentration at delivery was relatively high when compared with other protease inhibitors. No enfuvirtide was detected in the fetal compartment. Tipranavir and enfuvirtide were successfully used in pregnancy, but possible toxicities must be kept in mind.
The contribution of oral sex to male urethral Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in Tel-Aviv district, Israel
Authors: Mor Z , Gefen D , Linhart Y , Amitai Z S , Dan M , Shohat T
Published: May 2011

The incidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in Tel-Aviv district, Israel has increased since the mid-1990s. This study aimed to address behavioural attributes and identify the sources of NG infection. Of 1234 NG cases in men reported between 2000 and 2004, 379 (31 %) were interviewed. Most were single, heterosexual and Israeli-born. Insertive oral sex (OS) was reported by 77% patients and vaginal intercourse by 69%, where condoms were used by 4% and 40% for these practices, respectively. Unprotected OS was performed by 95% of the 151 men involved in protected vaginal sex. OS was the most common practice among the younger age group, and in sexual contacts with casual partners or commercial sex workers (CSWs): behaviours that were reported by 37% and 36% of patients, respectively. Unprotected OS is a common route for NG transmission, and it is suggested that the rise in NG may be attributed to unprotected OS with casual partners or CSWs.
Consent, confidentiality and curing sexually transmitted infection: an ethical trilemma
Authors: Dunphy K P
Published: May 2011

When treating contacts of patients with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), health professionals may face conflicting ethical imperatives. We surveyed middle grade doctors in genitourinary (GU) medicine and asked how they would manage a hypothetical clinical scenario. This was analysed on the basis of principles of respect for autonomy and beneficence/non-maleficence to assess how they weigh up duties of informed consent (autonomy of patient), partner confidentiality (autonomy of partner) and the need to achieve a good medical outcome. Responses indicated that the strategies that they employ in practice –what they actually say to patients (and what they leave unsaid) – balance the conflicting requirements of these ethical principles in quite different ways, some of which appear ethically problematic.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Blauwet Lori A , Sliwa Karen
Published: May 2011

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially devastating disease that affects women during the last months of pregnancy or the first months after delivery. The aetiology and pathogenesis of this disease remain unclear, but oxidative stress and the generation of a cardiotoxic fragment of prolactin may play key roles. Diagnosing PPCM remains a challenge, as symptoms may mimic those women experience during normal pregnancy and the peripartum period. A high index of suspicion is thus necessary to make the diagnosis. Patients with PPCM have a varied clinical course, as some patients achieve full recovery while others progress to end-stage heart failure and even death. Standard heart failure treatment is indicated, although special provisions are necessary in pregnant and lactating women. Additional research into the pathophysiology of this disease, including possible genetic contributions, may lead to novel treatment strategies that can improve outcomes.
A case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever successfully treated with therapeutic plasma exchange and ribavirin
Authors: Kurnaz Fatih , Metan Gokhan , Coskun Ramazan , Kaynar Leylagul , Eser Bulent , Doğanay Mehmet
Published: May 2011

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has become an important problem in certain parts of the world. Cytokine storm plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of CCHF. Early diagnosis, supportive therapy and invasive monitoring are the cornerstones of the management of CCHF. Ribavirin is active against CCHF virus in vitro, however, evidence of clinical efficacy is still conflicting. Here, we describe a patient successfully recovered from CCHF with a combination of plasma exchange and ribavirin therapy.
Development of All-Wood Connections with Plywood Flitch Plate and Oak Pegs
Authors: Chang Wen-Shao , Thomson Andrew , Harris Richard , Walker Peter , Shanks Jonathan
Published: May 2011

This paper proposes a new method for beam-beam connections, which include plywood as slot-in plates connected by oak pegs. A total of 96 specimens were fabricated for tests to explore the minimum required end distances and spacing between pegs parallel to the grain. A new failure mode, termed shear wedge that is different from those found in previous research, was found. A spring model was also proposed in this study to investigate the stiffness of the connections, and feasibility of EC5 to be applied on the new proposed connections was also examined. The effective number was discussed in this study and modified in accordance to the experimental results. The result of this study shows the new connections proposed do not lead to brittle failure unless failure in plywood occurred.
Effects of Various Parapets on Wind Loading on Porous Sunshade Roof Cover Sheets for a Low-Rise Building
Authors: Trung Vu Thanh , Tamura Yukio , Yoshida Akihito
Published: May 2011

Porous sunshade roof cover sheet is a new structure used for heat insulation on building roofs. This paper describes a wind tunnel study that investigated the effects of various parapets on wind loading on porous sunshade roof cover sheets for a low-rise building. The test model (200 mm high ( H), 470 mm wide ( B), 710 mm deep ( D)) at a length scale of 1:50 had sixteen porous sunshade roof cover sheets on the roof, four of which were equipped with pressure taps. Wind pressures were measured simultaneously at many pressure taps on both the upper and lower surfaces of the porous sunshade roof cover sheets. Perimeter parapets (solid parapet, porous parapet and wind spoiler) of different heights were used to investigate their effects on wind loading on porous sunshade roof cover sheets through results of wind pressure coefficients, wind force coefficients, cross-correlation coefficients between upper and lower surface pressures, and probability density functions.
Utilization of Particle Swarm Optimization in Equivalent Linearization Method Applied to Earthquake Engineering
Authors: Xiao Nan , Su Liang , Wang Yi
Published: May 2011

A new statistical approach utilizing the technique of particle swarm optimization (PSO) is developed to determine the parameters of equivalent linearization method. Six numerical experiments are conducted to investigate the validity and efficiency of four PSO algorithms. Analyses indicate that the PSO algorithms utilized improve the parameter solving efficiency to a great extent. With the similar evaluation precision, the computation demanding of PSO with the constriction factor is about 0.1% of that of the traditional procedure. As an application, equations of the equivalent system parameters of bilinear SDOF systems are deduced with the assumption of constant strength reduction ratio.
Wind Loads and Responses of Two Neighboring Dry Coal Sheds
Authors: Zhou Xuanyi , Huang Peng , Gu Ming , Mi Fusheng
Published: May 2011

This paper discusses an investigation into the interference effects on the wind-induced responses of a dry coal shed structure used for depositing coal stacks. Two interference factors, a nearby shed and coal stacks inside the shed, are considered. A wind tunnel test was conducted to obtain wind pressure distributions on the roof surface of the shed, and the results are briefly analyzed. The characteristics of the wind-induced responses of the structure and the effects of interference factors are then illustrated. The paper places emphasis on wind-induced responses and interference factors variations, and points out the situations when the maximum interference effects occur. The effects of an adjacent shed and incident wind direction are more pronounced than the spacing of adjacent sheds and coal stacks inside the shed. The most unfavorable results appear when an oblique wind blows at 45° span-wise with no interfering shed nearby, but when there is low coal stack inside. Values of the interference factor are also slightly higher than 1.0 for the maximum absolute peak responses in all cases investigated. This indicates that interference conditions magnify the peak responses of an isolated roof only minimally.
Experimental Study on Creep and Shrinkage of High-Strength Plain Concrete and Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Pan Zuanfeng , Lü Zhitao , Fu Chung C.
Published: May 2011

It is important to accurately estimate creep and shrinkage effects in long-span continuous box girder bridges. Based on the experiments on creep and shrinkage of the plain concrete used in the continuous rigid frame of Sutong Bridge, China, the applicability of ACI 209–82, JTG D62–2004, B3 and GL2000 prediction model for creep and shrinkage on the high-strength concrete is evaluated. Also, a modified model based upon JTG D62–2004 is presented. Results indicate that the accuracy of prediction of creep and shrinkage can be enhanced greatly by carrying out short-term creep and shrinkage measurements on the given concrete and modifying the prediction model parameters accordingly. Furthermore, the presence of steels can have an impact on the time-dependent deformations caused by creep and shrinkage, accordingly, the restraint influence of steels on creep and shrinkage is investigated through the reinforced specimens with different reinforcement ratio. Formulas of influence coefficients of steels on creep and shrinkage are derived, and a good agreement is observed between the calculated values of the influence coefficients of steels on creep and shrinkage and the measured data in each specimen. The reinforced specimens can be also used for calibrating the modified model.
Experimental Evaluation of the Shear Resistance of Corrugated Perfobond Rib Shear Connections
Authors: Kim Sang-Hyo , Ahn Jin-Hee , Choi Kyu-Tae , Jung Chi-Young
Published: May 2011

Push-out tests were carried out to examine the shear strength of corrugated perfobond rib shear connections. The corrugated perfobond rib shear connection, formed by folding the straight perfobond rib steel panel, can be expected to increase the shear capacity and ductility of a shear connector due to the shear resistance and deformation of the inclined rib panel. To examine the shear behaviour of the corrugated perfobond rib connection and compare it with that of the perfobond rib, the push-out specimens were fabricated to suit the shear corrugated rib resistance parameters of depth of rib, height of rib, holes in the corrugated rib and whether transverse rebar is placed in the corrugated rib holes. Results of the push-outs show that the failure of corrugated perfobond rib shear connection is determined by concrete bearing and small deformations of inclined perfobond rib panel. Specifically, the corrugated rib specimens showed different relative slips at each side of the composite interface owing to the stress flow along the inclined rib developed by inclined direction of the welded corrugated perfobond rib. The transverse rebar in the rib hole reduced the difference in relative slips. The shear strength of the corrugated connection is increased by about 198∼512% compared with the standard perfobond rib specimen connection with transverse rebars and without transverse rebars respectively. However, the contribution of other shear resistance parameters is found to be relatively small compared with the contribution provided by transverse rebars in the rib holes. In terms of the ductility of the shear connector, the relative slip of the corrugated rib connections increased after ultimate load, so it is evaluated to have a sufficient ductility.
Design Formulas for the Groups of Six Cylindrical Silos Due to Interstice Loadings
Authors: Yuksel S. Bahadir
Published: May 2011

Different and huge amounts of granular materials can be stored in and between the cells of the grouped reinforced concrete cylindrical silos. The determination of design forces acting on these grouped silos requires significant computational effort due to structural continuity and the force transfer between the adjacent silos. In this conjunction, the present study carried out a series of two-dimensional linear elastic analyses for various groups of six cylindrical silos to examine their behaviors against interstice loadings. A detailed parametric study was performed by varying the silo-wall thickness, intersection wall thickness and the intersection wall lengths of the groups of six cylindrical silos in order to confirm their effectiveness on the resultant design forces. Bending moments, hoop forces and shear forces occurring at the interstice walls due to interstice loadings were computed with finite element analyses. Based on the results of the present numerical analyses, the design formulas were introduced and the design coefficients were proposed to compute the design forces without necessitating any finite element analyses.
Effect of Spacing of Reinforcement on the Behaviour of Partially Grouted Masonry Shear Walls
Authors: Dhanasekar Manicka , Haider Waheed
Published: May 2011

Partially Grouted Reinforced Masonry (PGRM) shear walls perform well in places where the cyclonic wind pressure dominates the design. Their out-of-plane flexural performance is better understood than their inplane shear behaviour; in particular, it is not clear whether the PGRM shear walls act as unreinforced masonry (URM) walls embedded with discrete reinforced grouted cores or as integral systems of reinforced masonry (RM) with wider spacing of reinforcement. With a view to understanding the inplane response of PGRM shear walls, ten full scale single leaf, clay block walls were constructed and tested under monotonic and cyclic inplane loading cases. It has been shown that where the spacing of the vertical reinforcement is less than 2000 mm, the walls behave as an integral system of RM; for spacing greater than 2000 mm, the walls behave similar to URM with no significant benefit from the reinforced cores based on the displacement ductility and stiffness degradation factors derived from the complete lateral load – lateral displacement curves.
Analysis of Non-Prismatic Timoshenko Beams Using Basic Displacement Functions
Authors: Attarnejad Reza , Shahba Ahmad , Semnani Shabnam Jandaghi
Published: May 2011

Introducing the concept of Basic Displacement Functions (BDFs), an innovative method is presented which yields a mechanical based approach rather than a mathematical one for exact static analysis of arbitrarily tapered Timoshenko beams. Holding pure mechanical interpretations, BDFs are obtained using energy methods such as unit load method. It is shown that exact shape functions and consequently structural matrices could be derived in terms of BDFs. Unlike the most of finite element formulations which are based on prescribed displacement fields, the present finite element takes advantage of a flexibility basis which guarantees the exact interpolation of displacement field along the element and leads to fast convergence of the method in static analysis even with few elements. The method could be easily implemented into any standard displacement-based program. Carrying out numerical examples, the competency of the method in both static and free vibration is verified.
A Comparison of Equivocal Immunohistochemical Results With Anti-HER2/neu Antibodies A0485 and SP3 With Corresponding FISH Results in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Manion Elizabeth , Hornick Jason L. , Lester Susan C. , Brock Jane E.
Published: May 2011

HER2/neu status in breast cancer is determined by immunohistochemical analysis and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Previous studies have found widely varying sensitivities and specificities for anti-HER2/neu antibodies, including recently developed rabbit monoclonal antibodies. The current prospective study compared rabbit monoclonal antibody SP3 and rabbit polyclonal antibody A0485 immunostaining on routinely processed consecutive cases of breast carcinoma.

Of 1,610 cases tested, 261 (16.2%) equivocal (2+) cases were evaluated by FISH. Of 253 cases equivocal with A0485 results, 125 (49.4%) were negative with SP3. In 22 (8.7%) of 253 cases equivocal with A0485, there was amplification by FISH, and 3 of these cases were SP3– (0/1+). Of the 20 (14.8%) of 135 SP3-equivocal cases amplified by FISH, 1 case was A0485–.

The reported false-negative rate with A0485 is 2.8%, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines recommend a rate of less than 5%. Compared with A0485, the false-negative rate with SP3 is only 0.3% (3/1,156) higher, but it shows about a 50% reduction in equivocal scores, reducing the need for reflex FISH testing.
Diversity Counts
Authors: Langeveld Danielle , Jansen Marnix , Brosens Lodewijk , Morsink Folkert , Offerhaus G. Johan , de Leng Wendy
Published: May 2011

Tumor progression is critically dependent on the selection of genetic alterations. This clonal evolution can be traced to the stage preceding visible tumor formation called pretumor progression, in which genetic change occurs without visible change. Recently, the identification of intestinal stem cell markers in animal models has made visualization of stem cells possible in vivo. Translating this work to the clinical setting by visualizing stem cells in patient material may allow us to understand differences in patients’ vulnerability to cancer development and target preventive measures to high-risk groups. In this review article, we examine some of the analytic methods currently used in research settings tracing stem cell dynamics.