bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of spironolactone upon corticosteroid hormone metabolism in patients with early stage chronic kidney disease
Authors: Hammer Fabian , Edwards Nicola C. , Hughes Beverly A. , Steeds Richard P. , Ferro Charles J. , Townend Jonathan N. , Stewart Paul M.
Published: June 2010

Context Aldosterone has emerged as an important mediator of disease progression and mortality in patients with chronic heart and kidney disease (CKD). Despite the increasing use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in these patients, little is known about the effects on corticosteroid hormone secretion and metabolism.

Objective To assess corticosteroid hormone secretion and metabolism in patients with early stage CKD before and after spironolactone (Spiro).

Design Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled interventional study.

Setting Single tertiary referral centre.

Patients A total of 112 patients with stable stage 2/3 CKD.

Interventions Patients were randomized to receive either Spiro 25 mg once daily or placebo for 36 weeks.

Main outcome measures Plasma renin activity (PRA), angiotensin II (AngII) and steroid hormones were analysed by standard assays; urinary corticosteroid hormone metabolites (5α+5β‐tetrahydro‐cortisol (5α+5β‐THF), TH–cortisone (THE), 3α5β‐TH‐aldosterone (TH‐Aldo), 5α+5β‐TH‐deoxycorticosterone (5α+5β‐TH‐DOC), TH‐11‐desoxycortisol (THS)) were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Results Plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) was inversely correlated with eGFR (r = −0·331,P < 0·001). Urinary 24‐h excretion of TH‐Aldo was correlated with PAC (r = 0·214,P < 0·05) and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (r = 0·212,P = <0·05), whereas total 24‐h urinary cortisol metabolite excretion was correlated with systolic BP (r = 0·316,P < 0·01). In addition, 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β‐HSD) type 1 activity (urinary 5α+5β‐THF)/THE) ratio) was correlated with PRA (r = 0·277,P < 0·01). Spiro treatment significantly reduced BP (123 ± 11/76 ± 7vs119 ± 11/73 ± 8 mmHg,P < 0·01) despite renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system induction, reflected by increased urinary 24‐h TH‐Aldo excretion (17·6 (12, 86)vs26 (18, 80) μg/24 h,P < 0·05). By contrast, Spiro had no effect on total urinary cortisol metabolite excretion, 11β‐hydroxylase, 11β‐HSD type 1 and 2 activity.

Conclusions Aldo and cortisol are positively associated with BP suggesting that adrenal hyperactivity may in part explain the increased cardiovascular risk in patients with early end‐stage CKD. Addition of Spiro had no effect on glucocorticoid metabolism or total 24‐h corticosteroid production.
Risk of early progression to prediabetes or diabetes in women with recent gestational dysglycaemia but normal glucose tolerance at 3‐month postpartum
Authors: Retnakaran Ravi , Qi Ying , Connelly Philip W. , Sermer Mathew , Hanley Anthony J. , Zinman Bernard
Published: June 2010

Objective  Both gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and milder glucose intolerance in pregnancy identify women who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While some of these women will have prediabetes or diabetes in the early postpartum, most will have normal glucose tolerance (NGT), despite their future diabetic risk. In this context, we sought to evaluate the risk of early progression to dysglycaemia in women with NGT at 3‐month postpartum and identify predictors thereof.

Methods  Three hundred and twenty‐five women with varying degrees of gestational dysglycaemia but NGT on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 3‐month postpartum underwent repeat OGTT at 12‐month postpartum.

Results  By 12‐month postpartum, 10% of the study population and 17·1% of those with recent GDM had progressed to dysglycaemia (primarily impaired glucose tolerance). At 3‐month postpartum, compared to nonprogressors, the progressors had (i) higher BMI (P = 0·0023), LDL (P = 0·0017), triglycerides (P = 0·0002), leptin (P = 0·0021) and C‐reactive protein (P = 0·043), and (ii) lower HDL (P = 0·0026) and adiponectin (P = 0·045). Notably, although all women had NGT at the time, each of the following glucose‐related parameters from the OGTT at 3‐month postpartum emerged as a significant independent predictor of progression on logistic regression analyses: area‐under‐the‐glucose‐curve (OR = 1·37, 95%CI: 1·13–1·65; P = 0·0012); sum of the glucose values (OR = 1·16, 95%CI: 1·05–1·29; P = 0·0042); and having a delayed blood glucose peak (occurring >30 min postload) (OR = 2·89, 95%CI: 1·29–6·45; P = 0·0097).

Conclusions  A normal OGTT at 3‐month postpartum does not necessarily provide assurance of a low risk of progression to prediabetes. Glucose‐related measures during this OGTT may identify those women at highest risk for early progression.
Dynamics of GH secretion during incremental exercise in obesity, before and after a short period of training at different work‐loads
Authors: Salvadori Alberto , Fanari Paolo , Marzullo Paolo , Codecasa Franco , Tovaglieri Ilaria , Cornacchia Mauro , Walker Gillian , Brunani Amelia , Longhini Erminio
Published: June 2010

Background  Growth hormone (GH) secretion is normally sensitive to physical exercise. Intensity and duration of exercise, fitness and age can all influence the GH response to exercise. In obesity, GH secretion is decreased both in basal conditions and in response to exercise.

Objective  To analyse the dynamics of GH response to a progressive cycloergometric test, conducted up to exhaustion, in adult normal subjects and obese patients, after a reconditioning program at different workloads.

Design and methods  We studied eight lean subjects (four men, mean age 34·3 years, range 26–47 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 22·1 kg/m2). GH was sampled at baseline and during the last 30 s of each power output increase. Anaerobic threshold (AT) was detected by the V‐slope method. The same test was carried out in 16 obese subjects (seven men, mean age 39·1 years, range 20–59 years, mean BMI 35·8 kg/m2) and repeated after a 4‐week reconditioning program consisting of aerobic workout (Group A, eight subjects, three men, mean age 40·5 years, range 22–59 years, mean BMI 33·6 kg/m2), and aerobic plus anaerobic work (group B, eight subjects, four men, mean age 37·6 years, range 20–56 years, mean BMI 38·0 kg/m2) for 6 days/week, with no dietary restrictions.

Results  Mean exercise peak occurred at higher intensity in controls (140 vs 110 W, P < 0·05), and AT exceeded at higher work outputs than in obese subjects (102 vs 74 W, P < 0·05). In controls, GH response to exercise was prompt and further sustained after AT; in obese subjects, GH increased slowly and insignificantly before AT, thereafter it increased to lower levels than in controls (P < 0·001). Following the reconditioning period, both Group A and Group B of obese subjects failed to improve exercise performance as well as GH response to exercise before AT; beyond AT, a greater GH response to exercise occurred in Group B than Group A (7·59 ± 0·32 μg/l at peak of exercise) with significantly different Delta AUCs (Area Under the Curves) following AT: 30·5 ± 12 μg.min/l in Group A vs 124·2 ± 38 μg.min/l in Group B, P < 0·05.

Conclusions  Our results confirm the blunted GH response to exercise in obese adults when compared to lean counterparts. With obesity, aerobic training poorly increases the GH response beyond AT, while supplemental anaerobic workload appears to increase GH response beyond AT. These observations may have implications for the prescription of physical exercise, which is one of the recommendations in the management of obesity.
Designing a conservation area network that supports the representation and persistence of freshwater biodiversity
Authors: NEL JEANNE L. , REYERS BELINDA , ROUX DIRK J. , DEAN IMPSON N. , COWLING RICHARD M.
Published: June 2010

1. The progression of approaches in systematic conservation planning from representation to representation and persistence has greatly enhanced its potential applicability to freshwaters. However, conceptual frameworks that consolidate principles for incorporating persistence into freshwater conservation planning are still lacking.

2. We present four key principles to consider when planning for the persistence of freshwater biodiversity: selecting ecosystems of high ecological integrity; incorporating connectivity; incorporating areas important to population persistence; and identifying additional natural processes that can be mapped.

3. The practicalities of gathering data and conducting the conservation plan to address these principles are explored here using a case study in the Olifants/Doorn Water Management Area, South Africa. Spatial layers are developed for depicting ecological integrity, sub‐catchment boundaries, riparian zones and wetlands, high water‐yield areas and patterns of groundwater discharge and recharge.

4. These data are used to develop a conservation area network that supports both representation and persistence of freshwater biodiversity. Although the planning region is relatively data rich by global standards, several data deficiencies were identified. We suggest ways of using environmental surrogates to address data deficiencies, improving confidence in these surrogates by combining them wherever possible with existing field data and expert knowledge.

5. We also recommend methods to achieve spatial efficiency by simultaneously designing for representation and persistence of freshwater biodiversity. Spatial efficiency can be achieved in different ways when using a conservation planning algorithm and a multiple‐use zoning strategy.

6. The allocation of multiple‐use zones aligns closely with the objectives of integrated water resources management and land use planning. Given the practicalities at local levels of planning, we recommend using multiple‐use zones in the design phase, rather than merely at the end once the design is complete.
Vigilance and the functional response of granivorous foragers
Authors: Baker David J. , Stillman Richard A. , Smith Barbara M. , Bullock James M. , Norris Ken J.
Published: June 2010

1. Functional response models that predict the relationship between feeding rate and food density often include only two behavioural parameters, handling time and searching rate. However, vigilance can occupy a large proportion of foraging time and, consequently, may affect the functional response. Previous functional response models of granivorous birds showed no effect of vigilance on predicted feeding rates; these models assumed that all of handling time is compatible with vigilance and, therefore, overestimated the potential time for cost free vigilance to occur.

2. Here we have derived a new functional response model that incorporates the proportion of time spent vigilant (v) and the proportion of handling time that is compatible with vigilance (p). This model allows for the relationship between vigilance and handling to vary from completely compatible to mutually exclusive, and degrees in between.

3. To determine whether vigilance can affect the functional response of a granivorous bird, grey partridge Perdix perdix L, we measured the functional response and associated behavioural parameters, and used the behavioural estimates to parameterize the model. Any deviation from the feeding rates predicted using a model without vigilance indicates that vigilance is affecting the predicted functional response.

4. We found that vigilance only affected the predicted functional response at very low food densities (<3 seeds m−2). Simulations show how the potential for vigilance to affect feeding rate (i.e. the values of p given v) increases as v increases. We parameterized the model using data from chaffinches Fringilla coelebs, which were shown to spend >50% of their foraging time vigilant, and found that even with a high value of p vigilance reduced feeding rates at higher seed densities.

5. This study shows that vigilance can affect the feeding rate of a granivorous bird when either the proportion of time spent vigilant is high or the proportion of compatible handling time is low. This may affect larger scale ecological processes, i.e. spatial distribution of foragers and patterns of resource depletion, as individuals try to mitigate the effects of vigilance by maximizing their feeding rate whilst minimizing their predation risk.
Dual‐channel heterodyne microscope: new functions
Authors: PROTOPOPOV V.
Published: June 2010

Quantitative assessment of critical dimensions of sub‐wavelength structures, dark‐field and bright‐field modes of operation, recognition of nonpatterned anisotropic surfaces, and three‐dimensional profiling of opaque and transparent samples are the new features of a super‐resolution dual‐channel heterodyne microscope that was introduced in a previous publication in this journal. The aforementioned modes of operation can be activated by simple rotation of a polarizer or insertion of a polarization‐separating prism. Various experimental results are presented, demonstrating new performance capabilities of the heterodyne microscope.
Identification of the Global Transcriptomic Response of the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus to Fasting and Leptin
Authors: Jovanovic Z. , Tung Y. C. L. , Lam B. Y. H. , O’Rahilly S. , Yeo G. S. H.
Published: June 2010

Leptin plays a major role in coordinating the integrated response of the brain to changes in nutritional state. Leptin receptor expressing neurones within the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus sense circulating leptin and densely innervate other regions of the hypothalamus, including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). In the ARC, leptin is known to alter the expression of genes with important roles in the control of energy balance, and the aim of the present study was to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the action of leptin in these nuclei. Mice were ad libitum fed, or fasted for 48 h when receiving either sham or i.p. leptin treatment. We used laser capture microdissection and microarrays to identify leptin‐regulated transcripts within the ARC. Expression of 639 genes are increased and 452 decreased within the fasted ARC. Leptin regulates 15% and 20% of these genes, respectively. In addition to expected changes in Pomc, Agrp, Npy and Cart, pathway analysis indicated that leptin regulated other genes concerned with energy homeostasis and endocrine function. As previously reported for the PVN, leptin also altered the expression of genes involved in nervous system development and synaptic function. However, aside from a small number of such genes (e.g. Gap43), leptin influenced the expression of different sets of neuronal developmental genes in the ARC and PVN. In conclusion, the present study identifies a set of genes that are regulated, at least in part, by leptin in the ARC, highlighting these as candidates for possible roles in leptin action and resistance.
Ectopic expression of hetP can partially bypass the need for hetR in heterocyst differentiation by Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120
Authors: Higa Kelly C. , Callahan Sean M.
Published: June 2010

Differentiation of nitrogen‐fixing cells, called heterocysts, by the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 requires HetR, which is considered the master regulator of heterocyst differentiation. In this study, ectopic expression of hetP from an inducible promoter was shown to partially bypass the need for hetR in heterocyst differentiation. A hetR‐deletion strain with hetP expressed ectopically produced cells morphologically similar to heterocysts that produced exopolysaccharide and glycolipids specific to heterocysts, and nitrogenase activity was present under anaerobic conditions, as indicated by an acetylene reduction assay. Five potential transcription start points or transcript processing sites located at positions −727, −545, −208, −177 and −12 bp relative to the putative translational start site were identified in the promoter region of hetP. Relative levels of transcription and their location in filaments resembled that previously reported for HetR protein in various genetic backgrounds, and an inverted repeat sequence in the promoter of hetP was necessary for binding of HetR. Two of the three identified homologues of hetP found in PCC 7120 partially complemented a hetP‐null mutant. Taken together, these results suggest that HetP functions directly downstream of HetR in the regulatory network responsible for heterocyst differentiation.
On the ropivacaine‐reducing effect of low‐dose sufentanil in intrathecal labor analgesia
Authors: ORTNER C. M. , POSCH M. , ROESSLER B. , FAYBIK P. , RÜTZLER K. , GRABOVICA J. , KIMBERGER O. , GUSTORFF B.
Published: June 2010

Background:Combining ropivacaine with sufentanil for intrathecal (i.t.) analgesia in labor is well recognized, but information on dosing is limited. This study aimed to determine the ED 50 of i.t. ropivacaine and to assess the effect of adding defined low doses of sufentanil.

Methods:This was a two‐phase, double‐blind, randomized and prospective study. One hundred and fifteen parturients receiving combined spinal epidural analgesia were allocated to one of four groups to receive ropivacaine or sufentanil alone or in combination. In phase one, sufentanil dose–response was calculated using logistic regression. In phase two, ED 50 of ropivacaine and of the combination with a fixed dosage of sufentanil at ED 20 and ED 40 was evaluated using the technique of up–down sequential allocation. Analgesic effectiveness was assessed 15 min after injection using a 100 mm visual analog scale, with <10 mm lasting for 45 min defined as effective. Furthermore, side effects and duration were recorded.

Results:The ED 50 of i.t. ropivacaine was 4.6 mg [95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 4.28, 5.31]. Adding sufentanil at ED 20 significantly decreased the ED 50 of i.t. ropivacaine to 2.1 mg (95%CI 1.75, 2.5) (P<0.005); at ED 40, the reduction was similar (P<0.005). Combining sufentanil with ropivacaine resulted in a dose‐independent prolongation of analgesia. Besides pruritus, which was well tolerated, there were no differences in side effects.

Conclusion:Adding sufentanil at ED 20 results in a more than 50% dose‐sparing effect of ropivacaine and considerably prolongs analgesia. Increasing dosage implicates no clinical benefit.
Expression of Cell Adhesion Molecules at the Collapse and Recovery of Haematopoiesis in Bone Marrow of Mouse
Authors: Tada T , Fukuta K
Published: June 2010

With 8 figures

After bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and lethal irradiation, vascular endothelial cells play an important role in the homing of haematopoietic cells and recovery of haematopoiesis. We investigated the expression of mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule‐1 (MAdCAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) and fibronectin in the endothelial cells of bone marrow in a collapsed state after lethal irradiation and in a recovery state after BMT in mice. After lethal irradiation, the expression of MAdCAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and fibronectin increased on the luminal surface of endothelial cells. In the recovery state, the expression of MAdCAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 was increased from 2 to 4 days after BMT, but fibronectin levels remained constant, except for a temporary increase at 4 days after BMT. The number of homing cells, however, was markedly decreased in parallel with the reduction in the haematopoietic compartment at 2 and 4 days after lethal irradiation. Next, to analyse the influence of fibronectin expression after BMT on homing activity, we performed double BMT experiment. The number of homing cells in double BMT experiment maintained high level from 2 h to 2 days after secondary BMT. Our data suggest that homing of bone marrow cells is activated until fibronectin‐mediated endothelial cell repair and that transplanted haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells inhibit fibronectin expression for endothelial cell repair until the homing is completed. Therefore, the homing of haematopoietic cells in bone marrow depends on the condition of the bone marrow endothelial cells, as well as the cell adhesion molecules.
Expression and characterization of antimicrobial peptides Retrocyclin‐101 and Protegrin‐1 in chloroplasts to control viral and bacterial infections
Authors: Lee Seung‐Bum , Li Baichuan , Jin Shuangxia , Daniell Henry
Published: June 2010

Retrocyclin‐101 (RC101) and Protegrin‐1 (PG1) are two important antimicrobial peptides that can be used as therapeutic agents against bacterial and/or viral infections, especially those caused by the HIV‐1 or sexually transmitted bacteria. Because of their antimicrobial activity and complex secondary structures, they have not yet been produced in microbial systems and their chemical synthesis is prohibitively expensive. Therefore, we created chloroplast transformation vectors with the RC101 or PG1 coding sequence, fused with GFP to confer stability, furin or Factor Xa cleavage site to liberate the mature peptide from their fusion proteins and a His‐tag to aid in their purification. Stable integration of RC101 into the tobacco chloroplast genome and homoplasmy were confirmed by Southern blots. RC101 and PG1 accumulated up to 32%–38% and 17%∼26% of the total soluble protein. Both RC101 and PG1 were cleaved from GFP by corresponding proteases in vitro, and Factor Xa–like protease activity was observed within chloroplasts. Confocal microscopy studies showed location of GFP fluorescence within chloroplasts. Organic extraction resulted in 10.6‐fold higher yield of RC101 than purification by affinity chromatography using His‐tag. In planta bioassays with Erwinia carotovora confirmed the antibacterial activity of RC101 and PG1 expressed in chloroplasts. RC101 transplastomic plants were resistant to tobacco mosaic virus infections, confirming antiviral activity. Because RC101 and PG1 have not yet been produced in other cell culture or microbial systems, chloroplasts can be used as bioreactors for producing these proteins. Adequate yield of purified antimicrobial peptides from transplastomic plants should facilitate further preclinical studies.
Can Turnitin be used to provide instant formative feedback?
Authors: Rolfe Vivien
Published: June 2010

New students face the challenge of making a smooth transition between school and university, and with regards to academic practice, there are often gaps between student expectations and university requirements. This study supports the use of the plagiarism detection service Turnitin to give students instant feedback on essays to help improve academic literacy.

A student cohort (n = 76) submitted draft essays to Turnitin and received instruction on how to interpret the ‘originality report’ themselves for feedback. The impact of this self‐service approach was analysed by comparing the writing quality and incidence of plagiarism in draft and final essays, and comparing the results to a previous cohort (n = 80) who had not used Turnitin formatively. Student and staff perceptions were explored by interview and questionnaire.

Using Turnitin formatively was viewed positively by staff and students, and although the incidence of plagiarism did not reduce because of a worsening of referencing and citation skills, the approach encouraged students to develop their writing.

To conclude, students were positive of their experience of using Turnitin. Further work is required to understand how to use the self‐service approach more effectively to improve referencing and citation, and narrow the gap between student expectations and university standards.
Ermakov–Ray–Reid Systems in (2+1)‐Dimensional Rotating Shallow Water Theory
Authors: Rogers Colin , An Hongli
Published: June 2010

A (2+1)‐dimensional rotating shallow water system with an underlying circular paraboloidal bottom topography is shown to admit a multiparameter integrable nonlinear subsystem of Ermakov–Ray–Reid type. The latter system, which describes the time evolution of the semi‐axes of the elliptical moving shoreline on the paraboidal basin, is also Hamiltonian. The complete solution of the generic eight‐dimensional dynamical system governing the reduction is obtained in terms of an elliptic integral representation.
In‐hospital stroke: a multi‐centre prospective registry
Authors: Vera R. , Lago A. , Fuentes B. , Gállego J. , Tejada J. , Casado I. , Purroy F. , Delgado P. , Simal P. , Martí‐Fábregas J. , Vivancos J. , Díaz‐Otero F. , Freijo M. , Masjuan J. ,   On behalf of the Stroke Project of the Spanish Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group
Published: June 2010

Background:  In‐hospital strokes (IHS) are relatively frequent. Avoidable delays in neurological assessment have been demonstrated. We study the clinical characteristics, neurological care and mortality of IHS.

Methods:  Multi‐centre 1‐year prospective study of IHS in 13 hospitals. Demographic and clinical characteristics, admission diagnosis, quality of care, thrombolytic therapy and mortality were recorded.

Results:  We included 273 IHS patients [156 men; 210 ischaemic strokes (IS), 37 transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) and 26 cerebral haemorrhages]. Mean age was 72 ± 12 years. Cardiac sources of embolism were present in 138 (50.5%), withdrawal of antithrombotic drugs in 77 (28%) and active cancers in 35 (12.8%). Cardioembolic stroke was the most common subtype of IS (50%). Reasons for admission were programmed or urgent surgery in 70 (25%), cardiac diseases in 50 (18%), TIA or stroke in 30 (11%) and other medical illnesses in 71 (26%). Fifty‐two per cent of patients were evaluated by a neurologist within 3 h of stroke onset. Thirty‐three patients received treatment with tPA (15.7%). Thirty‐one patients (14.7%) could not be treated because of a delay in contacting the neurologist. During hospitalization, 50 patients (18.4%) died, 41 of them because of the stroke or its complications.

Conclusions:  Cardioembolic IS was the most frequent subtype of stroke. Cardiac sources of embolism, active cancers and withdrawal of antithrombotic drugs constituted special risk factors for IHS. A significant proportion of patients were treated with thrombolysis. However, delays in contacting the neurologist excluded a similar proportion of patients from treatment. IHS mortality was high, mostly because of stroke.
The practical use of cytology for diagnosis in dermatology
Authors: Ruocco E , Brunetti G , Del Vecchio M , Ruocco V
Published: June 2010

Exfoliative cytology for diagnostic purposes is rarely used in Dermatology despite the rapid and reliable results which this procedure can offer in many clinical conditions. This simple procedure may prove advantageous in a wide range of skin diseases, including genodermatoses (Hailey–Hailey disease), infections (mainly herpetic infections, molluscum contagiosum, leishmaniasis), immune disorders (early oral pemphigus) and tumours (basal and squamous cell carcinomas, Paget disease, erythroplasia of Queyrat, and others). The specific circumstances where cytological examination provides a very helpful and practical aid to confirmation or exclusion of a clinically suspected diagnosis are briefly reviewed. Cytological patterns, along with some technical hints on how to take and stain Tzanck smears correctly, are described in connection with the diseases considered.
Risk factors for emergence and progression of scoliosis in children with severe cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: LOETERS MARIANNE J B , MAATHUIS CAREL G B , HADDERS‐ALGRA MIJNA
Published: June 2010

Aim  Scoliosis is a frequently occurring and serious complication of severe cerebral palsy (CP). This systematic review aims to the assess the risk factors associated with the emergence and progression of scoliosis in children with CP functioning at level IV or V of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).

Method  Relevant studies conducted from 1966 to March 2009 were identified in Embase, Medline, and Scopus. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed and relations between risk factors and scoliosis were documented systematically.

Results  Ten studies were included. They had a low level of evidence and heterogeneous methodological quality. No systematic associations were found between type of CP and scoliosis or between age, type, and location of scoliotic curve and progression of scoliosis. Weak evidence was present for an association between the severity of CP, hip dislocation, and pelvic obliquity and scoliosis.

Interpretation  The low level of evidence precludes the drawing of firm conclusions on risk factors for the emergence and progression of scoliosis in children with severe CP. However, given the high prevalence of the disorder and its serious consequences for daily life, more research in this area is urgently needed.
Understanding college students' opinions on a smoking policy
Authors: Cho Yoon‐Na , DeVaney Sharon A.
Published: June 2010

Because of the negative aspects of smoking, the US National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse has recommended that university campuses should be smoke free. The purpose of this research was to learn students' opinions about the effectiveness of a smoking policy on campus. The policy simply stated there should be no smoking within 30 feet of a building. However, no areas were designated as smoking areas. Using phenomenological inquiry, the authors observed and interviewed both smoking and non‐smoking students. Findings suggest that the existing smoking policy was weak and often ignored. Students felt the purpose of the smoking policy should be clearly stated because they were not sure if the policy was intended to make smokers quit or prevent them from smoking in front of doors. This study demonstrates the utility of careful observation as a prelude to the design and implementation of qualitative data collection methods. The results indicate observation is a valuable part of a qualitative research strategy.
Resistance to experimental tumorigenesis in cells of a long‐lived mammal, the naked mole‐rat (Heterocephalus glaber)
Authors: Liang Sitai , Mele James , Wu Yuehong , Buffenstein Rochelle , Hornsby Peter J.
Published: June 2010

The naked mole‐rat (NMR, Heterocephalus glaber) is a long‐lived mammal in which spontaneous cancer has not been observed. To investigate possible mechanisms for cancer resistance in this species, we studied the properties of skin fibroblasts from the NMR following transduction with oncogenes that cause cells of other mammalian species to form malignant tumors. Naked mole‐rat fibroblasts were transduced with a retrovirus encoding SV40 large T antigen and oncogenic RasG12V. Following transplantation of transduced cells into immunodeficient mice, cells rapidly entered crisis, as evidenced by the presence of anaphase bridges, giant cells with enlarged nuclei, multinucleated cells, and cells with large number of chromosomes or abnormal chromatin material. In contrast, similarly transduced mouse and rat fibroblasts formed tumors that grew rapidly without crisis. Crisis was also observed after > 40 population doublings in SV40 TAg/Ras‐expressing NMR cells in culture. Crisis in culture was prevented by additional infection of the cells with a retrovirus encoding hTERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase). SV40 TAg/Ras/hTERT‐expressing NMR cells formed tumors that grew rapidly in immunodeficient mice without evidence of crisis. Crisis could also be induced in SV40 TAg/Ras‐expressing NMR cells by loss of anchorage, but after hTERT transduction, cells were able to proliferate normally following loss of anchorage. Thus, rapid crisis is a response of oncogene‐expressing NMR cells to growth in an in vivo environment, which requires anchorage independence, and hTERT permits cells to avoid crisis and to achieve malignant tumor growth. The unique reaction of NMR cells to oncogene expression may form part of the cancer resistance of this species.
Metabolomics‐based systematic prediction of yeast lifespan and its application for semi‐rational screening of ageing‐related mutants
Authors: Yoshida Ryo , Tamura Takayuki , Takaoka Chika , Harada Kazuo , Kobayashi Akio , Mukai Yukio , Fukusaki Eiichiro
Published: June 2010

Metabolomics – the comprehensive analysis of metabolites – was recently used to classify yeast mutants with no overt phenotype using raw data as metabolic fingerprints or footprints. In this study, we demonstrate the estimation of a complicated phenotype, longevity, and semi‐rational screening for relevant mutants using metabolic profiles as strain‐specific fingerprints. The fingerprints used in our experiments are profiled data consisting of individually identified and quantified metabolites rather than raw spectrum data. We chose yeast replicative lifespan as a model phenotype. Several yeast mutants that affect lifespan were selected for analysis, and they were subjected to metabolic profiling using mass spectrometry. Fingerprinting based on the profiles revealed a correlation between lifespan and metabolic profile. Amino acids and nucleotide derivatives were the main contributors to this correlation. Furthermore, we established a multivariate model to predict lifespan from a metabolic profile. The model facilitated the identification of putative longevity mutants. This work represents a novel approach to evaluate and screen complicated and quantitative phenotype by means of metabolomics.
All connected? Geographies of race, death, wealth, votes and births
Authors: DORLING DANNY
Published: June 2010

In January 2010 we learnt that within London the best‐off 10th of the population each had recourse to 273 times the wealth of the worse‐off 10th of that population (Hills et al. 2010, An anatomy of economic inequality in the UK Report of the National Equality Panel, Government Equalities Office, London). It is hard to find any city in an affluent country that is more unequal. This wealth gap did not include the assets of the UK super‐rich, who mostly live in or near London. In April 2010 the Sunday Times newspaper reported the wealth of the richest 1000 people in the UK had risen by an average of £77 million each in just one year, to now stand at £335.5 billion. Today in the UK we are again as unequal as we were around 1918. For 60 years we became more equal, but for the last 30 years, more unequal. Looking at inequality trends it is very hard, initially, to notice when the party of government changed. However, closer inspection of the time series suggests there were key times when the trends changed direction, when the future was much less like the past and when how people voted and acted appeared to matter more than at other times. With all three main parties offering what may appear to be very similar solutions to the issue of reducing inequality it seems unlikely that voting in 2010 will make much of a difference. However, today inequalities are now at unsustainable extremes. Action has been taken such that some inequalities, especially in education, have begun to shrink. The last two times that the direction of trends in inequalities changed, in the 1920s and 1970s, there were several general elections held within a relatively short time period. Inequality is expensive. The UK is not as well‐off as it once was. It could be time for a change again. Which way will we go?
Control of enteric neuromuscular functions by purinergic A3receptors in normal rat distal colon and experimental bowel inflammation
Authors: Antonioli L , Fornai M , Colucci R , Ghisu N , Tuccori M , Awwad O , Bin A , Zoppellaro C , Castagliuolo I , Gaion RM , Giron MC , Blandizzi C
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAdenosine A3receptors mediate beneficial effects in experimental colitis, but their involvement in enteric neuromuscular functions during bowel inflammation is undetermined. This study investigated the regulatory role of A3receptors on colonic motility in the presence of experimental colitis.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHColitis was induced in rats by 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. A3receptors and adenosine deaminase (ADA, adenosine catabolic enzyme) mRNA were examined by RT‐PCR. Tissue distribution of A3receptors was detected by confocal immunofluorescence. The effects of 2,3‐ethyl‐4,5‐dipropyl‐6‐phenylpyridine‐3‐thiocarboxylate‐5‐carboxylate (MRS1523) (MRS, A3receptor antagonist), 2‐chloro‐N6‐(3‐iodobenzyl)‐adenosine‐5′‐N‐methyluronamide (2Cl‐IB‐MECA) (CIB, A3receptor agonist), dipyridamole (DIP, adenosine transport inhibitor) and ADA were assayed on contractile responses evoked by electrical stimulation (ES) or carbachol in colonic longitudinal muscle preparations (LMP).

KEY RESULTSRT‐PCR showed A3receptors and ADA mRNA in normal colon and their increased level in inflamed tissues. Immunofluorescence showed a predominant distribution of A3receptors in normal myenteric ganglia and an increased density during colitis. MRS enhanced ES‐induced cholinergic contractions in normal LMP, but was less effective in inflamed tissues. After pretreatment with dipyridamole plus ADA, to reduce extracellular adenosine, CIB decreased cholinergic motor responses of normal LMP to ES, with enhanced efficacy in inflamed LMP. A3receptor ligands did not affect carbachol‐induced contractions in LMP from normal or inflamed colon.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSNormally, adenosine modulated colonic cholinergic motility via activation of A3receptors in the myenteric plexus. A3receptor‐mediated tonic inhibitory control by adenosine was impaired in inflamed bowel, despite increased density of functioning and pharmacologically recruitable A3receptors.
Chronic Atypical Neutrophilic Dermatosis with Lipodystrophy and Elevated Temperature Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Ramot Yuval , Czarnowicki Tali , Maly Alex , Navon‐Elkan Paulina , Zlotogorski Abraham
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature syndrome is a recently described chronic inflammatory syndrome consisting of widespread annular violaceous skin lesions and multisystemic inflammatory manifestations. We report a 12½‐year‐old boy with a young‐age onset of recurrent fevers, annular violaceous plaques, alopecia areata, lipodystrophy, low weight and height, deformed fingers, wide‐spaced nipples, chronic anemia, and elevated acute phase reactants. An abdominal punch biopsy demonstrated dense perivascular and interstitial infiltrates in the dermis, composed mainly of mononuclear cells. This syndrome may represent a new autosomal recessive auto‐inflammatory genodermatosis. Increased awareness may lead to the discovery of more cases, and clarify its pathogenesis.
The Berlin Heart EXCOR Pediatrics—The SickKids Experience 2004–2008
Authors: Humpl Tilman , Furness Sarah , Gruenwald Colleen , Hyslop Cecilia , Van Arsdell Glen
Published: June 2010

The ventricular assist device (VAD) Berlin Heart EXCOR Pediatrics was utilized at our institution since 2004 for bridging pediatric patients to cardiac transplantation or myocardial recovery. The present study reviewed our results following VAD implantation. We retrospectively reviewed patients that underwent implantation of a VAD between October 2004 and October 2008. Data collected included age at implantation, gender, weight, underlying disease, pre‐ and postdevice clinical status, complications, and outcome. Fifteen patients were identified (9 female and 6 male, average age: 8.8 years, range 0.3–14.8; average weight 31.1 kg, range 5.2–86.4). Indications for VAD support were dilated cardiomyopathy in 14 patients and progressing heart failure with a single ventricle physiology (bidirectional Glenn shunt) in one patient. Three patients (20%) were bridged from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to VAD. Average support was 29 (1–108) days. Fourteen patients were on a bi‐VAD, one patient (single ventricle) had single VAD support. Three patients developed mediastinal/pericardial fluid collections, requiring surgical exploration in two, and drain insertion in one. Three patients presented with neurological symptoms. In two patients, a total of three blood pumps were exchanged due to thrombus formation. No patient was weaned off the VAD; two patients (13%) died on the VAD. All surviving patients are neurologically intact at follow‐up. In our experience, VAD support provides an effective means of bridging children with advanced dilated cardiomyopathy or heart failure to transplantation with a relatively small number of complications and deaths given the complexity of the patient population.
Hospitalization in Community‐Dwelling Persons with Alzheimer's Disease: Frequency and Causes
Authors: Rudolph James L. , Zanin Nicole M. , Jones Richard N. , Marcantonio Edward R. , Fong Tamara G. , Yang Frances M. , Yap Liang , Inouye Sharon K.
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVES: To examine the rates of and risk factors for acute hospitalization in a prospective cohort of older community‐dwelling patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

DESIGN: Longitudinal patient registry.

SETTING: AD research center.

PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred twenty‐seven older persons with AD.

MEASUREMENTS: Acute hospitalization after AD research center visit was determined from a Medicare database. Risk factor variables included demographics, dementia‐related, comorbidity and diagnoses and were measured in interviews and according to Medicare data.

RESULTS: Of the 827 eligible patients seen at the ADRC during 1991 to 2006 (median follow‐up 3.0 years), 542 (66%) were hospitalized at least once, and 389 (47%) were hospitalized two or more times, with a median of 3 days spent in the hospital per person‐year. Leading reasons for admission were syncope or falls (26%), ischemic heart disease (17%), gastrointestinal disease (9%), pneumonia (6%), and delirium (5%). Five significant independent risk factors for hospitalization were higher comorbidity (hazard ratio (HR)=1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.57–2.23), previous acute hospitalization (HR=1.65, 95% CI=1.37–1.99), older age (HR=1.51, 95% CI=1.26–1.81), male sex (HR=1.27, 95% CI=1.04–1.54), and shorter duration of dementia symptoms (HR=1.26, 95% CI=1.02–1.56). Cumulative risk of hospitalization increased with number of risk factors present at baseline: 38% with zero factors, 57% with one factor, 70% with two or three factors, and 85% with four or five factors (Ptrend<.001).

CONCLUSION: In a community‐dwelling population with generally mild AD, hospitalization is frequent, occurring in two‐thirds of participants over a median follow‐up time of 3 years. With these results, clinicians may be able to identify dementia patients at high risk for hospitalization.
Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Valvular Heart Disease: Long‐Term Follow‐Up Results
Authors: MIYAZAKI SHINSUKE , KUWAHARA TAISHI , KOBORI ATSUSHI , TAKAHASHI YOSHIHIDE , TAKEI ASUMI , SATO AKIRA , ISOBE MITSUAKI , TAKAHASHI ATSUSHI
Published: June 2010

AF Ablation in Patients With Valvular Heart Disease. Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in patients with moderate valvular heart disease (VHD).

Methods:
In total, 534 consecutive patients who underwent AF ablation were enrolled. Patients with a history of valve surgery or other structural heart disease were excluded. Patients with clinically moderate VHD (group‐1, n = 45) were compared with those without VHD (control group‐2, n = 436). Ipsilateral pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) was performed with a double Lasso technique in all the patients. Left atrial (LA) linear ablation was undertaken in persistent AF patients, if AF was inducible after PVAI.

Results:
Patients in group‐1 were significantly older and had a larger LA. PVAI was successfully achieved in all the patients. Patients in group‐1 received LA linear ablation more frequently during the index procedure. After a median of 26 months from the index procedure, the freedom from AF was significantly lower in group‐1 than group‐2 off antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) (47% vs 69%, P = 0.002). Although there were more number of total procedures in group‐1 than group‐2, the freedom from AF was lower at median 24 months after the last procedure (78% vs 87%, P = 0.038). There was no significant difference in the freedom from AF on AADs (91% vs 95%, P = 0.356) or complication rate between the 2 groups. Atrial tachycardia following the index procedure was observed more frequently in group‐1 (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:
The patients with VHD undergoing AF ablation are less likely to remain in sinus rhythm at long term without AADs than those without VHD. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1193‐1198, November 2010)
Feasibility of Using Real Time “Live 3D” Echocardiography to Visualize the Stenotic Aortic Valve
Authors: Suradi Hussam , Byers Scott , Green‐Hess Deborah , Gradus‐Pizlo Irmina , Sawada Stephen , Feigenbaum Harvey
Published: June 2010

Background: Aortic stenosis valve area (AS AVA) using the continuity equation (CE AVA) has limitations. Thus anatomic assessment of AS AVA would be useful. Method: AS AVA was measured using “live three‐dimensional (3D)” echocardiography that is a two‐dimensional (2D) display of a three‐dimensionally acquired 2–3 cm thick pyramidal image. In 52 aortic stenosis patients with CE AVA measurements, attempts were made at measuring AS AVA using 2D echocardiography (2D AVA) and real time, Live 3D echocardiography (3D AVA). 3D AVA and 2D AVA were compared to each other and to CE AVA. Results: 2D AVA could be obtained in 30 patients (58%) and 3D AVA in 50 patients (96%). Of the 30 patients in whom 3D AVA and 2D AVA were both measured, the correlation was 0.831 (P < 0.001). 3D AVA was smaller in 19 patients. In 17 of these patients, 3D AVA was closer to CE AVA. In two patients, 2D AVA was smaller than 3D AVA and in both patients 3D AVA was closer to CE AVA. The correlations between 2D AVA and CE AVA and 3D AVA and CE AVA were 0.581 and 0.673, respectively (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: A simplified 3D technique that is a “thick slice” 2D examination, can obtain AS AVA more often than a “thin slice” 2D echocardiogram. This 3D AVA correlates well with 2D AVA but is smaller and correlates better with CE AVA suggesting that the effective AS orifice is not planar but is more of a “tunnel” than a “flat ring.” (Echocardiography 2010;27:1011‐1020)
Shear‐Mode Piezoelectric Properties of Modified‐(K,Na)NbO3 Ceramics for “Hard” Lead‐Free Materials
Authors: Lim Jong Bong , Zhang Shujun , Lee Hyeong Jae , Jeon Jae‐Ho , Shrout Thomas R.
Published: June 2010

(K0.45Na0.55)NbO3–0.5 mol% K4CuNb8O23 [KNN–KCN] solid solution was synthesized and its shear mode dielectric and piezoelectric properties were characterized as a function of temperature. The doped KNN material was found to possess comparable electric resistivity, piezoelectric, and electromechanical properties with pure KNN, but with a much higher mechanical Qm value, being on the order of 1500. The dielectric permittivity K11T and piezoelectric coefficients d15 for KNN–KCN were found to increase with the increasing temperature, while the electromechanical coupling factors k15 maintain a similar value till the phase transition temperature (To−t∼200°C), above which, the properties drop significantly due to depolarization. The good temperature‐dependent properties, together with its high mechanical Qm, demonstrate a practical potential of KNN–KCN materials for high power shear‐mode applications.
An Examination of the Factor Structure and Scale Reliability of the Work Motivation Scale, the Motivation Sources Inventory
Authors: Ryan James C.
Published: June 2010

This study examined the factor structure and scale reliability of the Motivation Sources Inventory (MSI; Barbuto & Scholl, 1998), an instrument designed to measure the motivational concepts contained within the meta‐theory of motivation (Leonard, Beauvais, & Scholl, 1999). Participants were comprised of financial‐service professionals, health‐industry administrators, and retail and distribution workers, all engaged in full‐time employment in Ireland. Data were collected through the administration of the Motivation Source Inventory (MSI) to a sample of working professionals (N = 252). Factor analyses, scale reliabilities, and inter‐item correlations were conducted. Results of the current study did not support the scale structure reported by the instrument developers. The implications of these results and suggestions for future research are presented.