bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct effects of FGF21 on glucose uptake in human skeletal muscle: implications for type 2 diabetes and obesity
Authors: Mashili Fredirick L. , Austin Reginald L. , Deshmukh Atul S. , Fritz Tomas , Caidahl Kenneth , Bergdahl Katrin , Zierath Juleen R. , Chibalin Alexander V. , Moller David E. , Kharitonenkov Alexei , Krook Anna
Published: January 2011

Background

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21, a novel member of the FGF family, plays a role in a variety of endocrine functions, including regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. The role of FGF21 in skeletal muscle is currently not known.

Methods

Serum levels and skeletal muscle mRNA of FGF21 were determined in normal glucose tolerant (n = 40) and type 2 diabetic (T2D; n = 40) subjects. We determined whether FGF21 has direct effects on glucose metabolism in cultured myotubes (n = 8) and extensor digitorum longus skeletal muscle.

Results

Serum FGF21 levels increased 20% in T2D versus normal glucose tolerant subjects (p < 0.05), whereas skeletal muscle mRNA expression was unaltered. Fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) significantly correlated with serum FGF21 levels in T2D (p < 0.01), but not in normal glucose tolerant subjects. Serum FGF21 concentrations were greater in T2D patients in the highest tertile of fasting insulin (p < 0.05) and BMI (p < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis identified BMI as the strongest independent variable correlating with FGF21. FGF21 exposure increased basal and insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in human myotubes, coincident with increased glucose transporter 1 mRNA, and enhanced glucose transporter 1 abundance at the plasma membrane. In isolated extensor digitorum longus muscle, FGF21 potentiated insulin‐stimulated glucose transport, without altering phosphorylation of Akt or AMP‐activated protein kinase.

Conclusions

Plasma FGF21 is increased in T2D patients, and positively correlated with fasting insulin and BMI. However, FGF21 has direct effects in enhancing skeletal muscle glucose uptake, providing additional points of regulation that may contribute to the beneficial effects of FGF21 on glucose homeostasis. Whether increased plasma FGF21 in T2D is a compensatory mechanism to increase glucose metabolism remains to be determined. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Independent and combined associations of abdominal obesity and seated resting heart rate with type 2 diabetes among older Chinese: the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Authors: ó Hartaigh Bríain , Jiang Chao Qiang , Bosch Jos A. , Zhang Wei Sen , Cheng Kar Keung , Lam Tai Hing , Thomas G. Neil
Published: January 2011

Background

Central obesity and poor physical fitness predict the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular mortality among Caucasian populations. We studied the independent and combined effect of abdominal obesity and seated resting heart rate used as an indicator of physical fitness, on the presence of type 2 diabetes among 30 519 older residents of Guangzhou, Southern China.

Methods

Participants were stratified into four groups, based on the Asian criteria for abdominal obesity (≥90/≥ 80 cm in men/women) and the 75% cut‐off point for seated resting heart rate (≥83 beats per min). The association with type 2 diabetes was assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 3777 (12.7%) volunteers were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which was independently associated with seated resting heart rate and, in particular, increasing levels of abdominal obesity (p < 0.001). An odds ratio of 3.93 (95% confidence interval = 3.48–4.43) was identified for type 2 diabetes in participants who were obese with a seated resting heart rate ≥ 83 beats per min after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions

Higher seated resting heart rate, a marker of poor physical fitness, independently doubles the risk of type 2 diabetes. The strength of this association is further increased when abdominal obesity is considered. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interoperability of middleware for context‐aware services
Authors: Yamamoto Hidenori , Sameshima Shigetoshi , Sekiguchi Takaaki , Kato Hiromitsu , Yura Jun'Ichi , Takashio Kazunori
Published: January 2011

In the ubiquitous computing environment, it is desirable to provide context‐aware services enabled by using physical environmental information acquired from massive embedded sensors. One issue in providing these services is interoperability of different middleware systems. Among these middleware systems service roaming occurs during performance of the service. This paper presents our approach to the technology for interoperating different middleware systems, composed of sharing the information of resources by normalization of profiles, normalization of service descriptions, and adaptation of original specifications which cannot be normalized. These techniques are based on the model of Super Distributed Objects (SDO) that is standardized in OMGW. In order to verify these techniques, we have experimented with the interoperation of different middleware systems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 94(2): 67–74, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10260
Balanced three‐phase distribution experiment of a triaxial HTS cable
Authors: Hamajima Takataro , Ozcivan A. Nuri , Shimoyama Kazuki , Soeda Seiji , Hu Nannan , Yagai Tsuyoshi , Tsuda Makoto
Published: January 2011

High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) cables have been studied because of their low loss and compactness compared with conventional copper cables. Three‐phase cables are usually composed of three single‐phase coaxial cables. Recently, triaxial cables, composed of three concentric phases, have been intensively developed, because they have advantages such as reduced amount of HTS tape, small leakage fields, and small heat loss in leaks, compared with three single‐phase cables. However, there is an inherent imbalance in the three‐phase currents in the triaxial cable due to differences in the radii of the three‐phase current layers. The imbalance of currents causes additional losses and large leakage field in the cable, and also degrades the electric power quality. Therefore, we propose a new model, a triaxial cable composed of two longitudinal sections with different twist pitches to obtain the solutions of the balanced three‐phase currents and the homogeneous current distribution in each phase of the triaxial cable. We derive a general equation satisfying both the balanced three‐phase currents and homogeneous current distribution, as functions of the winding pitches, and finally apply it to the simplest cable. We fabricated and tested a 1‐m HTS cable in order to verify that the proposed theory can satisfy the balanced distribution. The results demonstrate the validity of the theory. We also investigated the current distributions along a long triaxial cable considering the capacitances between the layers in the triaxial cable. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 94(2): 51–58, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10283
Development of an awakening behavior detection system using a neural network
Authors: Satoh Hironobu , Takeda Fumiaki , Shiraishi Yuhki , Ikeda Rie
Published: January 2011

We have developed a behavior detection system using a neural network (NN). The system detects dangerous behaviors such as nearly falling out of bed and actual falling out of bed. For detection, the system uses pictures captured by a web camera. The system classifies subjects' behavior into five states using a NN. The five states are “lying in bed,” “starting to sit up in bed,” “sitting in bed,” “almost falling from the bed,” and “having fallen from the bed.” Then, we define states of almost falling and having fallen from the bed as dangerous behavior. The states of lying in bed, starting to sit up in bed, and sitting in bed are defined as safe behavior. We propose a final detection rule by which the system classifies their behavior into two states. Finally, the detection ability of the system is evaluated. From the experiment's results, the detection rate of dangerous behavior is shown to be 81.7% using the proposed system. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 94(2): 42–50, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10296
Computer‐aided diagnostic (CAD) scheme by use of contralateral subtraction technique. Application to detection of acute cerebral infarctions in brain computed tomography (CT)
Authors: Nagashima Hiroyuki , Harakawa Tetsumi
Published: January 2011

We developed a computer‐aided diagnostic (CAD) scheme for detection of subtle image findings of acute cerebral infarction in brain computed tomography (CT) by using a contralateral subtraction technique. In our computerized scheme, the lateral inclination of the image was first corrected automatically by rotating and shifting. The contralateral subtraction image was then derived by subtraction of the reversed image from the original image. Initial candidates for acute cerebral infarctions were identified by multiple thresholding and image filtering. As the first step for removing false‐positive candidates, 14 image features were extracted in each of the initial candidates. Halfway candidates were detected by applying a rule‐based test with these image features. At the second step, 5 image features were extracted using the overlapping scale with halfway candidates in the slice of interest and the upper/lower slice images. Finally, acute cerebral infarction candidates were detected by applying a rule‐based test with 5 image features. The sensitivity of detection in 74 training cases was 97.4% with 3.7 false positives per image. The performance of the CAD scheme for 44 testing cases had an approximately equivalent result to the training cases. Our CAD scheme using the contralateral subtraction technique can reveal suspected image findings of acute cerebral infarctions in CT images. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 94(2): 32–41, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10299
Cover Picture: Eur. J. Immunol. 2/11
Authors: Letavernier Emmanuel , Dansou Boris , Lochner Matthias , Perez Joëlle , Bellocq Agnès , Lindenmeyer Maja T. , Cohen Clemens D. , Haymann Jean‐Philippe , Eberl Gérard , Baud Laurent
Published: January 2011

The cover image of this issue consists of the immunohistochemical staining of μ‐calpain in a healthy human kidney and is taken from Letavernier et al. (pp. 473–484). In this article, the authors analyse the role of calpains in acute allograft rejection. The authors demonstrate that μ‐calpain expression is increased in human transplant kidneys undergoing acute or chronic rejection, mainly in infiltrating T cells. The authors further show that calpain inhibition delays allograft rejection. Interestingly, this delay in allograft rejection is associated with a limitation in allograft infiltration by T cells that is due to the slowing down in T‐cell migration rather than proliferation.
Some applications of the concept of minimized integrated exponential error for low dispersion and low dissipation
Authors: Appadu A. R.
Published: January 2011

Several techniques to optimize parameters that regulate dispersion and dissipation effects in finite difference schemes have been devised in our previous works. They all use the notion that dissipation neutralizes dispersion. These techniques are the minimized integrated square difference error (MISDE) and the minimized integrated exponential error for low dispersion and low dissipation (MIEELDLD). It is shown in this work based on several numerical schemes tested that the technique of MIEELDLD is more accurate than MISDE to optimize the parameters that regulate dispersion and dissipation effects with the aim of improving the shock‐capturing properties of numerical methods.

First, we consider the family of third‐order schemes proposed by Takacs. We use the techniques MISDE and MIEELDLD to optimize two parameters, namely, the cfl number and another variable which also controls dispersion and dissipation. Second, these two techniques are used to optimize a numerical scheme proposed by Gadd. Moreover, we compute the optimal cfl for some multi‐level schemes in 1D. Numerical tests for some of these numerical schemes mentioned above are performed at different cfl numbers and it is shown that the results obtained are dependent on the cfl number chosen. The errors from the numerical results have been quantified into dispersion and dissipation using a technique devised by Takacs. Finally, we make use of a composite scheme made of corrected Lax–Friedrichs and the two‐step Lax–Friedrichs schemes like the CFLF4 scheme at its optimal cfl number, to solve some problems in 2D, namely: solid body rotation test, acoustics and the circular Riemann problem. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pricing basket and Asian options under the jump‐diffusion process
Authors: Bae Kwangil , Kang Jangkoo , Kim Hwa‐Sung
Published: January 2011

This study derives approximate valuation formulas for basket options and Asian options under the jump‐diffusion process. To obtain an approximation for options prices under the jump‐diffusion process, we extend the Taylor expansion method developed by Ju N. (2002) under the diffusion process. We show that the Taylor expansion method, suggested in this study, provides better pricing performance as compared to log‐normal or four‐moment methods. The performance improvement using the Taylor expansion method increases as the time to maturity increases. In addition, our numerical analysis shows that jump effects become significant when the expected jump sizes take large negative values. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 31:830–854, 2011
Facile synthesis of 4‐substituted 3,4‐dihydro‐1H‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazine 2,2‐dioxides
Authors: Lee Chai‐Ho , Jin Guo Fan , Lim Hyun Wha , Yang Eun Hye , Lee Jong‐Dae , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Ban Hyun Seung , Kang Sang Ook
Published: January 2011

A new method for the preparation of 4‐substituted 3,4‐dihydro‐1H‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazine 2,2‐dioxides is described. Treatment of t‐butyl N‐phenylsulfamoylcarbamate derivatives (1) with different aldehydes afforded the corresponding intramolecular cyclized products 2 under trifluoroacetic acid conditions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 22:192–197, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.20670
Temporal progression of the host response to implanted poly(ethylene glycol)‐based hydrogels
Authors: Lynn Aaron D. , Blakney Anna K. , Kyriakides Themis R. , Bryant Stephanie J.
Published: January 2011

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels hold great promise asin vivocell carriers for tissue engineering. To ensure appropriate performance of these materials when implanted, the host response must be well understood. The objectives for this study were to characterize the temporal evolution of the foreign body reaction (FBR) to acellular PEG‐based hydrogels prepared from PEG diacrylate precursors when implanted subcutaneously in immunocompentent c57bl/6 mice by (immuno)histochemical analysis and gene expression. Compared with a normal FBR elicited by silicone (SIL), PEG hydrogels without or with a cell adhesion ligand RGD elicited a strong early inflammatory response evidenced by a thick band of macrophages as early as day 2, persisting through two weeks, and by increased interleukin‐1β expression. PEG‐only hydrogels showed a slower, but more sustained progression of inflammation over PEG‐RGD. Temporal changes in gene expression were observed in response to PEG‐based materials and in general exhibited, elevated expression of inflammatory and wound healing genes in the tissues surrounding the implants, while the expression patterns were more stable in response to SIL. While a stabilized FBR was achieved with SIL and to a lesser degree with PEG‐RGD, the PEG‐only hydrogels had not yet stabilized after 4 weeks. In summary, PEG‐only hydrogels elicit a strong early inflammatory reaction, which persists throughout the course of the implantation even as a collagenous capsule begins to form. However, the incorporation of RGD tethers partially attenuates this response within 2 weeks leading to an improved FBR to PEG‐based hydrogels. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 2011.
Characterization and in vivo evaluation of chitosan‐hydroxyapatite bone scaffolds made by one step coprecipitation method
Authors: Danilchenko Sergei N. , Kalinkevich Oksana V. , Pogorelov Maksim V. , Kalinkevich Aleksei N. , Sklyar Anatoly M. , Kalinichenko Tatyana G. , Ilyashenko Vyacheslav Y. , Starikov Vadim V. , Bumeyster Valentina I. , Sikora Vitaly Z. , Sukhodub Leonid F.
Published: January 2011

Chitosan/hydroxyapatite scaffolds could be used for bone regeneration in case the application of auto‐ or allografts is impossible. The objective of the present work was to characterize and study in vivo biodegradation of simple chitosan/hydroxyapatite scaffolds. For this purpose, a series of chitosan/hydroxyapatite composites has been synthesized in aqueous medium from chitosan solution and soluble precursor salts by a one step coprecipitation method. A study of in vivo behavior of the materials was then performed using model linear rats. Cylindrical‐shaped rods made of the chitosan/hydroxyapatite composite material were implanted into tibial bones of the rats. After 5, 10, 15, and 24 days of implantation, histological and histo‐morphometric analyses of decalcified specimens were performed to evaluate the stages of biodegradation processes. Calcified specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy with X‐ray microanalysis to compare elemental composition and morphological characteristics of the implant and the bone during integration. Porous chitosan/hydroxyapatite scaffolds have shown osteoconductive properties and have been replaced in the in vivo experiments by newly formed bone tissue. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 2011.
Surface immobilization of elastin‐like polypeptides using fluorinated surface modifying additives
Authors: Blit Patrick H. , Battiston Kyle G. , Woodhouse Kimberly A. , Santerre J. Paul
Published: January 2011

Elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP) surface modification represents a valuable approach for the development of biomaterials in a wide range of medical applications. In this study, ELP surface modification has been achieved through the use of elastin cross‐linking peptide (ECP) bioactive fluorinated surface modifiers (ECP‐BFSMs). The synthesis of low molecular weight fluorinated additives was described and their subsequent blending with a base polycarbonate urethane (PCNU) was shown to successfully enrich the surface to allow for ELP surface cross‐linking via lysine moieties on the peptide segments of the ECP‐BFSMs. The kinetics for the surface migration of fluorescent ECP‐BFSMs was studied over a 2‐week period by two‐photon confocal microscopy. A decrease in advancing contact angle from 87.9° to 75.3° was observed for ECP‐BFSM modified PCNU and was associated with the presence of ECP peptides on the surface. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated an increase in surface atomic percent of fluorine (from 0.2 to 7.2%) and nitrogen (from 1.0 to 3.0%) associated with the surface localization of fluoro groups and amide groups associated with the peptides in the ECP‐BFSMs. A further increase in surface atomic percent of nitrogen (from 3.0 to 8.3%) was observed after ELP surface cross‐linking. These ELP‐modified surfaces were shown to promote increased smooth muscle cell adhesion, spreading and retention over a 7‐day culture period relative to their non‐ELP4 analogs. This novel surface modifying additive approach may be used for various biomimetic applications since it generates a stable ECM‐like surface retained onto a relatively inert fluorinated background. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Successful preoperative treatment of a Graves' disease patient with agranulocytosis and hemophagocytosis using double filtration plasmapheresis
Authors: Lew Wei Han , Chang Chun‐Jen , Lin Jiunn‐Diann , Cheng Chung‐Yi , Chen Yin‐Kai , Lee Ting‐I
Published: January 2011

Agranulocytosis is an uncommon but serious complication of Graves' disease under thionamide therapy. In some patients removal of circulating thyroid hormones and thyroid antibodies by plasmapheresis is an effective adjunctive therapeutic option. In perioperative settings, however, plasmapheresis may cause excess bleeding intraoperatively due to coagulation factor depletion unless fresh frozen plasma (FFP) products are used in the replacement fluid mix. Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) in which only a small amount of albumin supplementation is used may be a potential alternative to conventional apheresis interventions where clotting factor depletion is problematic. We report a case of a patient with Graves' disease complicated with intravenous immunoglobulin responsive methimazole‐induced agranulocytosis/hemophagocytosis who underwent successful preoperative DFPP treatment in preparation for thyriodectomy. In addition to conventional apheresis using FFP replacement, DFPP may offer an effective adjunct option in the management of hyperthyroid patients needing emergent surgical interventions. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of active components of rhinoceros, water buffalo and yak horns using two‐dimensional electrophoresis and ethnopharmacological evaluation
Authors: Liu Rui , Duan Jin‐ao , Wang Min , Shang Erxin , Guo Jianming , Tang Yuping
Published: January 2011

Cornu Rhinoceri Asiatici (rhinoceros horn, RH), Cornu Bubali (water buffalo horn, WBH), and Cornu Bovis grunniens (yak horn, YH) are traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and have been used in China for thousands of years. In this study, ethnopharmacological experiments were used to evaluate and verify the traditional efficacies of horns. Area under curve (AUC) was used to quantify the pharmacological efficacy strength of three horns. Two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) was used to analyze the protein components in horns, as a result, 14 common protein spots in rhinoceros horn, water buffalo horn, and yak horn electrophoresis gels were found by image analysis. Then linear regression analysis was used to establish the correlation between pharmacological efficacies and components in the horns, and five potential active components were selected from the 14 common protein spots. Finally, two protein spots from five were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). In this study, a simple method to construct correlation between components and efficacy strength was explored by linear regression analysis, which could be applied to screen potential active components of animal horns.
Determination of bavachin and isobavachalcone in Fructus Psoraleae by high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection
Authors: Li Yuan , Wang Fang , Chen Zilin
Published: January 2011

A simple, sensitive and selective method of high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC‐ECD) has been developed for simultaneous determination of bavachin and isobavachalcone in Fructus Psoraleae. At optimized conditions, bavachin and isobavachalcone could be well separated within 15 min at a detection potential of +0.80 V with 0.03 mol/L acetate buffer solution (pH 5.17)/acetonitrile (2:3, v/v) as the mobile phase. The relationships between peak areas and concentrations were linear from 8.26×10−7 to 1.21×10−4 mol/L for bavachin, and from 1.01×10−8 to 1.61×10−4 mol/L for isobavachalcone, respectively. The method offered excellent linearity with regression coefficient R2>0.995. The method presented detection limits (S/N=3) of 8.81×10−9 mol/L for bavachin and 1.17×10−10 mol/L for isobavachalcone. It indicates that the sensitivity of electrochemical detection is ten times higher than that of diode array detection (DAD). The mean recoveries around 98% with a relative standard deviation less than 3.1% for the two analytes have been obtained. The proposed separation and detection procedures were successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of bavachin and isobavachalcone in traditional Chinese medicine.
Effects of media exposure on adolescents traumatized in a school shooting
Authors: Haravuori Henna , Suomalainen Laura , Berg Noora , Kiviruusu Olli , Marttunen Mauri
Published: January 2011

This study analyzes the impact of the media on adolescents traumatized in a school shooting. Participants were trauma‐exposed students (n = 231) and comparison students (n = 526), aged 13–19 years. A questionnaire that included the Impact of Event Scale and a 36‐item General Health Questionnaire was administered 4 months after the shooting. Being interviewed was associated with higher scores on the Impact of Event Scale (p = .005), but posttraumatic symptoms did not differ between those who refused to be interviewed and those not approached by reporters. Following a higher number of media outlets did not affect symptoms.
Cognitive processing, rumination, and posttraumatic growth
Authors: Stockton Hannah , Hunt Nigel , Joseph Stephen
Published: January 2011

Intrusive thoughts about traumatic events are an important factor in determining the development of posttraumatic growth, although research has focused on the frequency rather than the type of intrusions. Based on cognitive processing models of posttraumatic growth, the authors present two cross‐sectional studies exploring different types of intrusive ruminations about trauma and their associations with posttraumatic growth. Study 1 examines brooding and reflection; Study 2 uses measures of both deliberate and intrusive rumination regarding a past trauma. The results indicate that intrusive reexperiencing and ruminative brooding are not significantly associated with posttraumatic growth, whereas deliberate rumination is significantly positively associated with posttraumatic growth (β = .44, p < .001) and reflection (partial r = .20, p = .003) is positively associated with posttraumatic growth in the context of low brooding.
The familial influence of loss and trauma on refugee mental health: A multilevel path analysis
Authors: Nickerson Angela , Bryant Richard A. , Brooks Robert , Steel Zachary , Silove Derrick , Chen Jack
Published: January 2011

Although the impact of human rights violations on the mental health of refugees has been well documented, little is known about these effects at a family level. In this study the authors examined the relationships among loss, trauma, and mental health at the individual and family levels in resettled Mandaean refugees (N = 315). Trauma, loss, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, complicated grief, and mental health‐related quality of life were assessed. A multilevel path analysis revealed that loss and trauma significantly impacted on psychological outcomes at both the individual and family levels. Effect sizes ranged from .21 to .68 at the individual level, and .38 to .99 at the family level, highlighting the importance of the family when considering the psychological impact of refugee‐related trauma.
Killing versus witnessing in combat trauma and reports of PTSD symptoms and domestic violence
Authors: Van Winkle Elizabeth P. , Safer Martin A.
Published: January 2011

Active participation in combat trauma increased reports of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms over passive witnessing of trauma. Using archival data from 376 U.S. soldiers who took part in the family interview component of the 1988 National Vietnam Veteran Readjustment Study (NVVRS), findings are that even after statistically accounting for witnessing combat trauma, U.S. soldiers who likely killed enemy soldiers in combat reported elevated levels of PTSD symptoms. Both inference and direct self‐reports were used to measure killing in combat, and both measures accounted equally well for variance in PTSD symptoms. The likelihood of a soldier killing enemy combatants was also weakly related to his spouse's report of physical domestic violence in the past year. Diagnosing the mental health symptoms of combat soldiers should specifically assess whether they actively participated in wounding or killing the enemy.
Cross‐scale monitoring and assessment of land degradation and sustainable land management: A methodological framework for knowledge management
Authors: Reed M. S. , Buenemann M. , Atlhopheng J. , Akhtar‐Schuster M. , Bachmann F. , Bastin G. , Bigas H. , Chanda R. , Dougill A. J. , Essahli W. , Evely A. C. , Fleskens L. , Geeson N. , Glass J. H. , Hessel R. , Holden J. , Ioris A. A. R. , Kruger B. , Liniger H. P. , Mphinyane W. , Nainggolan D. , Perkins J. , Raymond C. M. , Ritsema C. J. , Schwilch G. , Sebego R. , Seely M. , Stringer L. C. , Thomas R. , Twomlow S. , Verzandvoort S.
Published: January 2011

For land degradation monitoring and assessment (M&A) to be accurate and for sustainable land management (SLM) to be effective, it is necessary to incorporate multiple knowledges using a variety of methods and scales, and this must include the (potentially conflicting) perspectives of those who use the land. This paper presents a hybrid methodological framework that builds on approaches developed by UN Food & Agriculture Organisation's land degradation Assessment in Drylands (LADA), the World Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) programme and the Dryland Development Paradigm (DDP), and is being applied internationally through the EU‐funded DESIRE project. The framework suggests that M&A should determine the progress of SLM towards meeting sustainability goals, with results continually and iteratively enhancing SLM decisions. The framework is divided into four generic themes: (i) establishing land degradation and SLM context and sustainability goals; (ii) identifying, evaluating and selecting SLM strategies; (iii) selecting land degradation and SLM indicators and (iv) applying SLM options and monitoring land degradation and progress towards sustainability goals. This approach incorporates multiple knowledge sources and types (including land manager perspectives) from local to national and international scales. In doing so, it aims to provide outputs for policy‐makers and land managers that have the potential to enhance the sustainability of land management in drylands, from the field scale to the region, and to national and international levels. The paper draws on operational experience from across the DESIRE project to break the four themes into a series of methodological steps, and provides examples of the range of tools and methods that can be used to operationalise each of these steps. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liver transplantation for propionic acidemia in children
Authors: Vara Roshni , Turner Charles , Mundy Helen , Heaton Nigel D. , Rela Mohammed , Mieli-Vergani Giorgina , Champion Mike , Hadzic Nedim
Published: January 2011

Propionic acidemia (PA) is a rare inherited disorder of branched chain amino acid metabolism; despite improvements in conventional medical management, the long-term outcome remains disappointing. Liver transplantation (LT) has been proposed to minimize the risk of further metabolic decompensations and to improve the quality of life. We performed a retrospective review of all children with PA who underwent LT between 1987 and 2008. Five children were identified with a median age of 1.2 years (range = 0.7-4.1 years) at referral. Four of the children presented clinically at 3 weeks of age or less, and 1 child was diagnosed prenatally. All had metabolic acidosis and hyperammonemia. Two had seizures and required intensive care; this care included inotropic support and continuous venovenous hemofiltration in 1 child. The children were considered for elective LT for the following reasons: frequent metabolic decompensations (2), previous sibling death (2), and elective management (1). One child underwent auxiliary LT, and 4 children received orthotopic grafts (1 living related graft). The median age at LT was 1.5 years (range = 0.8-7.0 years). There was 1 retransplant 3 months after LT due to hepatic artery thrombosis. One year after LT, 1 patient suffered a metabolic stroke with minimal residual neurology. After a median follow-up of 7.3 years (range = 2.2-15.0 years), all the children had normal graft function and a good quality of life with a protein-unrestricted diet and no further metabolic decompensations. In conclusion, LT has a role in the management of PA: it reduces the risk of metabolic decompensation and improves the quality of life. The potential for the development of metabolic sequelae is not completely eliminated. Liver Transpl 17:661-667, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Polymorphisms in prostate stem cell antigen gene rs2294008 increase gastric cancer risk in Chinese
Authors: Zeng Zhirong , Wu Xiaoqin , Chen Fanggen , Yu Jun , Xue Ling , Hao Yuantao , Wang Yiming , Chen Minhu , Sung Joseph J.Y. , Hu PinJin
Published: January 2011

A recent genome‐wide study identified a strong association between polymorphisms in the prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) gene and the risk of diffuse‐type of gastric cancer in Japanese and Korean population. In this case–control study, we aimed to investigate the possible association between PSCA rs2294008 C/T with clinicopathological features and the prognosis of gastric cancer in a Southern Chinese population. Genotypes of 460 gastric cancer patients and 549 controls were determined by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) and DNA sequencing. We found that individuals with at least one copy of the rs2294008T allele (CT or TT genotype) had an increased risk for gastric cancer compared with CC genotype (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.10–1.82, P = 0.006). Further stratification analyses indicated that the effect of PSCA rs2294008T carriers was noteworthy in intestinal type (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.18–2.04, P = 0.002), poorly differentiated (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.19–2.13, P = 0.002), noncardia (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.17–2.04, P = 0.002) subtypes of gastric cancer. Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated that TT genotype (HR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.22–3.69, P = 0.008) as well as TNM staging were prognostic factors of gastric cancer patients. In conclusion, The T allele of PSCA rs2294008 is associated with increased risk of gastric cancer, especially intestinal type, poorly differentiated, early onset, and noncardia gastric cancer in Chinese population. TNM staging and TT genotype might be involved in the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Mol. Carcinog. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MDM2 SNP309 contributes to non‐small cell lung cancer survival in Chinese
Authors: Dong Jing , Ren Binhui , Hu Zhibin , Chen Jiaping , Hu Lingmin , Dai Juncheng , Jin Guangfu , Xu Lin , Shen Hongbing
Published: January 2011

Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is a negative regulator of the tumor suppressor gene p53. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in MDM2 and p53 can affect patient's response to chemotherapy as well as overall survival of many cancers. This study aimed to assess the associations between polymorphisms in MDM2 and p53 and survival of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in Chinese. We selected and genotyped both potentially functional SNPs and tagging SNPs in MDM2 and p53 using Illumina Golden Gate platform in a cohort of 568 NSCLC patients. Associations between genotypes and NSCLC median survival time (MST) were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox proportional hazard models were performed with the adjustment for age, stage, smoking, histology, surgical operation, and chemo‐ or radiotherapy status. We found that the MDM2 SNP309 (rs2279744) GT/TT genotypes were associated with a significantly worse survival (MST: 23.0 mo for GT/TT vs. 33.0 mo for GG; log‐rank P = 0.028). In the multivariate Cox regression analyses, the MDM2 SNP309GT/TT genotypes were associated with a 1.42‐fold [HR = 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09–1.84] increased risk of death of NSCLC, compared with SNP309GG genotype. MDM2 SNP309 may be used as one of the candidate biomarkers to predict NSCLC survival. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The prostaglandin E2 receptor, EP2, regulates survivin expression via an EGFR/STAT3 pathway in UVB‐exposed mouse skin
Authors: Chun Kyung‐Soo , Langenbach Robert
Published: January 2011

We previously reported that cycloogenase (COX)‐2‐generated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) had anti‐apoptotic effects in UVB‐exposed mouse skin that involved EP2‐mediated signaling (Chun et al., Cancer Res. 2007; 67: 2015). Because survivin is a regulator of cell survival, the possible involvement of COX‐2 and EP2 in survivin expression following UVB exposure of mouse skin was investigated. In wild type mice, UVB exposure time‐dependently increased the levels of survivin and phosphorylated‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p‐STAT3), a transcription factor that regulates survivin expression; and COX‐2‐ or EP2‐deficiency significantly reduced their induction. Topical application of the COX‐2 inhibitor, celecoxib, also reduced UVB‐induced survivin levels. To further investigate the roles of PGE2 and EP2 in the regulation of survivin, indomethacin was used to inhibit UVB‐induced endogenous PG production. UVB‐induced survivin levels were reduced by indomethacin, and PGE2 and the EP2 agonist, butaprost, partially restored survivin levels. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a downstream effector of EP2 and EGFR inhibition (AG1478) significantly reduced UVB activation of STAT3 and survivin levels. UVB‐induced epidermal apoptosis in COX‐2−/− mice was reduced by butaprost and EGFR inhibition blocked butaprost's protective effects. Furthermore, butaprost in the absence of UVB exposure time‐dependently increased p‐EGFR, p‐STAT3, and survivin levels in naïve mouse skin, whereas the EP4 agonist, PGE1 alcohol, did not significantly increase p‐STAT3 or survivin levels. These data suggest that COX‐2‐generated PGE2 regulates survivin expression in mouse skin, in part, via an EP2‐mediated EGFR/STAT3 pathway. Therefore, targeting the EP2/survivin pathway may provide a strategy for the chemoprevention/chemotherapy of skin cancer. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Loss of imprinting and abnormal expression of the insulin‐like growth factor 2 gene in gastric cancer
Authors: Zuo Qing‐Song , Yan Ronglin , Feng Dian‐Xu , Zhao Ronghua , Chen Chao , Jiang Yi‐Ming , Cruz‐Correa Marcia , Casson Alan G. , Kang Xiang‐Dong , Han Feng , Chen Teng
Published: January 2011

This study examined the frequency of loss of imprinting (LOI) and expression of the insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene, and their relationship to selected clinical and pathological factors, in a well defined series of 90 Chinese patients with gastric cancer (GC) and 90 matched patients (controls) diagnosed with nonmalignant conditions. Using peripheral blood and gastric tissue samples, polymerase chain reaction‐based assays and restriction endonuclease (Apa I) digestion revealed 33 GC patients and 21 controls to be Apa I informative. LOI of IGF2 was positive in 48.5% (16/33) of primary GC tumor tissues, in 21.2% (7/33) of histologically normal adjacent gastric mucosa (AM) and in 12.1% (4/33) of distant gastric mucosa (DM), and in 15.2% (5/33) of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). The prevalence of IGF2 LOI in PBL was not statistically different between GC patients (5/33, 15.2%) and control subjects (2/21, 9.5%), P = 0.69. Although patients who were found to have LOI of IGF2 were more likely to have advanced stage gastric tumors (P = 0.04), no statistically significant differences in survival were found based on imprinting status. IGF2 LOI was associated with an increased expression of IGF2 level in both tumors (P < 0.01) and blood (P < 0.01). The results of this study implicate IGF2 LOI in the molecular pathogenesis of GC, most likely through increased IGF2 expression. Although the precise molecular mechanisms by which LOI of IGF2 increases GC risk require further study, LOI of IGF2 may be a potentially important clinical epigenetic marker to identify individuals at increased risk for gastric malignancy. Mol. Carcinog. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of cyclin D1 gene polymorphisms with risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Kashmir Valley—A high risk area
Authors: Hussain Showket , M. Yuvaraj , Thakur Nisha , Salam Irfana , Singh Neha , Mir Mohammad Muzaffar , Bhat Mohammad Akbar , Siddiqi Mushtaq A. , Das Bhudev C. , Bharadwaj Mausumi
Published: January 2011

Investigation of potential association of SNPs (G870A, rs9344; G1722C, rs678653) of cyclin D1 gene (CCND1) with susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Kashmir valley (India). The study included 302 subjects comprising 151 ESCC cases and 151 controls. PCR‐RFLP and direct sequencing were employed for genotyping. The G870A polymorphism, the individuals carrying GA + AA genotype was having 2.80‐fold increased risk for development of ESCC (OR 2.8, 95% CI = 1.77–4.4; P = 0.0001) compared to GG genotype. Further a significantly higher risk was observed in individuals who consume >3 cups per day of salted tea (OR = 5.1; 95% CI = 1.6–16.7; P = 0.0016) and had smoking habits (OR = 6.3; 95% CI = 2.9–13.9; P = 0.0005). We also demonstrate for the first time in CCND1 1722 locus, the CC genotype was strongly associated with increased risk of developing ESCC (OR = 2.58; 95% CI = 1.61–4.15; P = 0.0001). In addition, the frequency of polymorphic C allele was also found to be higher in cases (OR = 1.92; 95% CI = 1.37–2.69; P = 0.0002). There appears to be an influence of CCND1 G870A/G1772C genotypes on genetic susceptibility to ESCC. Mol. Carcinog. ©2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Promoter hypermethylation of fibulin 1 gene is associated with tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kanda Mitsuro , Nomoto Shuji , Okamura Yukiyasu , Hayashi Masamichi , Hishida Mitsuhiro , Fujii Tsutomu , Nishikawa Yoko , Sugimoto Hiroyuki , Takeda Shin , Nakao Akimasa
Published: January 2011

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers world‐wide but the molecular mechanisms that underlie hepatocarcinogenesis are not fully determined. On the same surgical sample with HCC, we performed microarray‐based gene expression profiling and karyotype analysis using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. In addition, quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), methylation specific PCR (MSP) and immunohistochemical staining were conducted using specimens from 48 patients with HCC. Gene expression profiling showed the expression of fibulin 1 (FBLN1), located on 22q13, to be decreased in tumor tissue. Karyotype analysis revealed no loss of heterozygosity (LOH) since deletions were not detected in 22q, and one of the SNPs on 22q13 showed AB genotype in both cancerous tissue and in corresponding noncancerous tissue, indicating retention of heterozygosity. Quantitative real‐time PCR showed FBLN1 mRNA levels in cancerous tissues to be significantly decreased compared with that in corresponding noncancerous tissues. The immunohistochemical staining results were consistent with both gene expression profiling and quantitative PCR data. Twenty‐four out of 48 HCCs gave a positive result in MSP. Moreover, promoter hypermethylation of FBLN1 was significantly associated with advanced stage HCC, multiple tumors and increased tumor size. Our results indicated that FBLN1 is a novel candidate of tumor suppressor gene and that promoter hypermethylation of FBLN1 is associated with tumor progression in HCC. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of pituitary tumor‐transforming gene‐1 in thyroid cancer cells by drugs that decrease specificity proteins
Authors: Chintharlapalli Sudhakar , Papineni Sabitha , Lee Syng‐Ook , Lei Ping , Jin Un Ho , Sherman Steven I. , Santarpia Libero , Safe Stephen
Published: January 2011

Methyl 2‐cyano‐3,11‐dioxo‐18β‐olean‐1,12‐dien‐30‐oate (CDODA‐Me) and the corresponding 2‐trifluoromethyl analog (CF3DODA‐Me) are derived synthetically from the triterpenoid glycyrrhetinic acid, a major component of licorice. CDODA‐Me and CF3DODA‐Me inhibited growth of highly invasive ARO, DRO, K‐18, and HTh‐74 thyroid cancer cells and this was due, in part, to decreased expression of specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 that are overexpressed in these cells. CDODA‐Me and CF3DODA‐Me also decreased expression of Sp‐dependent genes, such as survivin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and induced apoptosis. In addition, pituitary tumor‐transforming gene‐1 (PTTG‐1) protein and mRNA levels were also decreased in thyroid cancer cells treated with CDODA‐Me or CF3DODA‐Me and this was accompanied by decreased expression of PTTG‐1‐dependent c‐Myc and fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) genes. RNA interference studies against Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 proteins showed that in thyroid cancer cells, PTTG‐1 was an Sp‐dependent gene. This study demonstrates for the first time that drugs, such as CDODA‐Me and CF3DODA‐Me, that decrease Sp protein expression also downregulate PTTG‐1 in thyroid cancer cells and therefore have potential for clinical treatment of thyroid cancer and other endocrine neoplasias where PTTG‐1 is a major pro‐oncogenic factor. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perineoscrotal reconstruction using a medial circumflex femoral artery perforator flap
Authors: Karsidag Semra , Akcal Arzu , Sirvan Selami Serhat , Guney Soner , Ugurlu Kemal
Published: January 2011

Major scrotal defects may result from infection due to Fournier's gangrene, excision of scrotal skin diseases, traumatic avulsion of scrotal and penile skin, and genital burns. The wide spectrum of bacterial flora of the perineum, difficulty in providing immobilisation, and obtaining a natural contour of the testes make testicular cover very difficult. Various methods have been reported to cover the penoscrotal area, including skin grafting, transposing them to medial thigh skin, and use of local fasciocutaneous or musculocutaneous flaps. In this report, reconstruction using six local medial circumflex femoral artery perforator (MCFAP) flaps was undertaken in five male patients (mean age, 47 years) with complex penoscrotal or perineal wounds. The cause of the wounds in four patients was Fournier's gangrene, and was a wide papillomateous lesion in the other patient. Flap width was 6–10 cm and flap length was 10–18 cm. The results showed that a MCFAP flap provided the testes with a pliable local flap without being bulky and also protected the testicle without increasing the temperature. The other advantage of the MCFAP flap was that the donor‐site scar could be concealed in the gluteal crease. Our results demonstrated that the MCFAP flap is an ideal local flap for covering penoscrotal defects. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Vascularized medial femoral condyle corticoperiosteal flaps for the treatment of recalcitrant humeral nonunions
Authors: Kakar S. , Duymaz A. , Steinmann S. , Shin A.Y. , Moran S.L.
Published: January 2011

Background: Several methods have been used in the management of humeral nonunions. With the advent of modern microsurgical techniques, vascularized bone grafting is becoming increasingly used to improve local biology. We report our experience in the use of a vascularized corticoperiosteal bone flap from the medial femoral supracondylar region in the treatment of recalcitrant humeral nonunions. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients treated with this technique over a 4‐year period within our institution. Patient demographics, nonunion characteristics, complications, and long‐term outcomes were analyzed. Results: Six patients underwent vascularized periosteal graft reconstruction. Prior to this, all had failed an average of three procedures with the length of nonunion ranging from 6 to 68 months. All six nonunions healed by an average of 6.8 months (range 2–12 months). Two patients required additional secondary procedures. Functional outcome improved in all patients as adjudged by disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand, Mayo elbow performance, and Constant Murley scores. Conclusions: The vascularized medial femoral condyle corticoperiosteal flap provides an additional treatment option for the management of humeral nonunions. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.