bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for the involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor gene in bipolar disorder in an isolated northern Swedish population
Authors: Ceulemans Shana , De Zutter Sonia , Heyrman Lien , Norrback Karl‐Fredrik , Nordin Annelie , Nilsson Lars‐Göran , Adolfsson Rolf , Del‐Favero Jurgen , Claes Stephan
Published: November 2011

Ceulemans S, De Zutter S, Heyrman L, Norrback K‐F, Nordin A, Nilsson L‐G, Adolfsson R, Del‐Favero J, Claes S. Evidence for the involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor gene in bipolar disorder in an isolated northern Swedish population. Bipolar Disord 2011: 13: 614–623. © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Dysfunction of the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis is one of the most consistent findings in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. The potential role of genes related to HPA axis function has been investigated extensively in major depression. However, in bipolar disorder (BPD) such studies are scarce. We performed a systematic HapMap‐based association study of six genes crucial for HPA axis function in relation to BPD.

Methods:  Haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (htSNPs) were selected in order to identify all haplotypes with a frequency of more than 1% in the genes encoding the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), corticotrophin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRH‐R1) and 2 (CRH‐R2), CRH binding protein (CRH‐BP), and FK binding protein 5 (FKBP5). This resulted in a total selection of 225 SNPs that were genotyped and analyzed in 309 BPD patients and 364 matched control individuals all originating from an isolated northern Swedish population.

Results:  Consistent evidence for an association with BPD was found for NR3C1, the gene encoding GR. Almost all SNPs in two adjacent haplotype blocks contributed to the positive signal, comprised of significant single marker, sliding window, and haplotype‐specific p‐values. All these results point to a moderately frequent (10–15%) susceptibility haplotype covering the entire coding region and 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of NR3C1.

Conclusions:  This study contributes to the growing evidence for a role of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) in vulnerability to mood disorders, and BPD in particular, and warrants further in vitro investigation of the at‐risk haplotypes with respect to disease etiology. However, this association might be restricted to this specific population, as it is observed in a rather small sample from an isolated population without replication, and data from large meta‐analyses for genome‐wide association studies in BPD do not show the GR as a very strong candidate.
Neonatal antibodies to infectious agents and risk of bipolar disorder: a population‐based case–control study
Authors: Mortensen Preben Bo , Pedersen Carsten Bøcker , McGrath John Joseph , Hougaard David Michael , Nørgaard‐Petersen Bent , Mors Ole , Børglum Anders D , Yolken Robert H
Published: November 2011

Mortensen PB, Pedersen CB, McGrath JJ, Hougaard DM, Nørgaard‐Petersen B, Mors O, Børglum AD, Yolken RH. Neonatal antibodies to infectious agents and risk of bipolar disorder: a population‐based case–control study. Bipolar Disord 2011: 13: 624–629. © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  There is a substantial evidence base linking prenatal exposure to infectious agents and an increased risk of schizophrenia. However, there has been less research examining the potential for these exposures to also contribute to risk for bipolar disorder. The aim of this study was to examine the association between neonatal markers of selected prenatal infections and risk for bipolar disorder.

Methods:  Using population‐based Danish registers, we examined 127 individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and 127 sex and day‐of‐birth individually matched controls. Based on neonatal dried blood spots, we measured antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) and 2 (HSV‐2), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Toxoplasma gondii. Relative risks were calculated for the matched pairs when examined for optical density units for antibodies to each of the infectious agents.

Results:  There was no association between any of the neonatal markers of prenatal infection and risk of bipolar disorder.

Conclusions:  In contrast with studies of schizophrenia, our analysis does not support maternal infection with HSV‐1, HSV‐2, CMV, or Toxoplasma gondii as risk factors for bipolar disorder. However, larger study samples are needed, and data on, for example, specific serotypes of Toxoplasma and indicators of the timing of maternal infection are still warranted.
Gender Diversity in the FTSE 100: The Business Case Claim Explored
Authors: McCann Mark , Wheeler Sally
Published: November 2011

This article examines the debate within corporate governance about the appointment of female non‐executive directors (NEDs). The first part tracks the diversity story that corporate governance tells about itself from the Cadbury Report (1992) to the Davies Report (2011). The second sets out the evidence used to support the argument that female appointments enhance profits and corporate profile. The third part presents the authors' empirical analysis of FTSE 100 companies and female nonexecutive board membership, and concludes that there is little evidence that companies with female board membership display different characteristics from those without. Industry sector emerges as a significant factor in female appointments. The idea that women should be appointed to boards to increase corporate profitability and profile is not strongly supported by this analysis. A social justice argument based upon the right of woman to equal economic participation opportunities provides a much superior articulation of the need for boardroom diversity.
The Effect of Director Interlocks on Firms' Adoption of Proactive Environmental Strategies
Authors: Ortiz‐de‐Mandojana Natalia , Aragón‐Correa J. Alberto , Delgado‐Ceballos Javier , Ferrón‐Vílchez Vera
Published: November 2011

Manuscript Type: Empirical

Research Question/Issue: We examine whether director interlocks enable or inhibit a firm's adoption of a proactive environmental strategy. Specifically, using resource dependence theory, we argue that director interlocks with suppliers are linked to varying likelihoods that a firm adopts a proactive environmental strategy, depending on the relation between the provided resources and the environmental approach.

Research Findings/Insight: Based on a sample of US electric firms, our results show that director interlocks with firms providing knowledge‐intensive business services are positively linked to the adoption of proactive environmental strategies. However, director interlocks with firms providing financial resources and fossil fuel are negatively related to the adoption of these strategies for our sample.

Theoretical/Academic Implications: Board linkages may enable and inhibit proactive environmental strategies. We contribute to resource dependence theory by offering empirical evidence that the reduction of uncertainty about critical resources by director interlocks may either make business change easier or constrict a firm's autonomy, making change more difficult.

Practitioner/Policy Implications: The influence of interlocking directors varies depending on the type of resources that director interlocks transfer to their organizations. As a result, the selection of specific director interlocks can become very important to the strategic goals of the firm. Regulators should continue to pay attention to potential risks for other stakeholders from director interlocks.
Disability support workers’ knowledge and education needs about psychotropic medication
Authors: Donley Mandy , Chan Jeffrey , Webber Lynne
Published: November 2011

Accessible summary

 The staff who are paid to support people with an intellectual disability in Australia are called disability support workers.

 As part of their job, disability support workers give out medications when the doctor says to. Some of these medications are used to help people with disability to calm down when they are angry. Often, these medications are not for treating any illness. These medications can sometimes make people feel very ill. In the past, the staff who used to give out these medications were nurses, but nurses do not do this job anymore.

 This study asked disability support workers what they think they need to know about the medications they give out.

 Most of the disability support workers said they needed to know more about these medications if they were to keep people safe, and it would also help them to talk to the doctors about what these medications are for when they go to appointments with people with a disability.

Disability support workers are the predominant workforce employed to support people with an intellectual disability in Australia. Many support workers are required to assist people they support to take psychotropic medications in the form of chemical restraint. Support workers in Australia receive limited education and training in this area and as a result may miss important information about effects of medication on the people they support. In this study, we asked support workers about their education and training needs around chemical restraint. Our results showed that while the majority of support workers feel they are provided with good support from their co‐workers and supervisors, they feel they need more specific information regarding the side effects of psychotropic medication and its alternatives. Finding ways to support the support workers is crucial if we are to minimise the use of chemical restraint and provide best support possible to people with disabilities.
Red wolf natal dispersal characteristics: comparing periods of population increase and stability
Authors: Karlin M. , Chadwick J.
Published: November 2011

We analyzed natal dispersal characteristics for 79 red wolves in the first long‐term dispersal analysis for this species. Variables analyzed included straight‐line dispersal distance, duration, timing, age, direction, and evidence of natal habitat preference induction of dispersers. We compared these values during a time when the population was increasing (1990–1998) to a period when the numbers had leveled off (1999–2007) and stabilized. We found no difference in average dispersal distance, duration or age between the two periods, and no gender bias in these characteristics. Yearlings/adults dispersed shorter distances (29.5 km) than pups (42.5 km) from 1999 to 2007 and decreased their dispersal distances during this period. After 1999, dispersals occurred 11 months of the year (compared with 7 months in 1990–1998), and the peak in pup dispersal timing shifted from December to January. The peak in dispersal timing was also significantly later for pups than yearlings/adults in 1999–2007. Dispersal direction was not random and there was a preference for a westward dispersal direction, attributed to the avoidance of water and a preference for agriculture. Natal habitat preference induction was also evident in dispersers during both time periods.
Remarkable preservation of a new genus and species of limuline horseshoe crab from the Cretaceous of Texas, USA
Authors: FELDMANN RODNEY M. , SCHWEITZER CARRIE E. , DATTILO BENJAMIN , FARLOW JAMES O.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  A single specimen, part and counterpart of a carapace, of a horseshoe crab from the Lower Cretaceous (Albian) Glen Rose Formation in north‐central Texas, forms the basis for the definition of a new genus and species, Crenatolimulus paluxyensis. The discovery represents only the fifth limuline known from the Cretaceous. Its preservational style is remarkable in that the carapace exterior is faithfully replicated by a massive overgrowth of serpulid worms.
The long‐term history of dispersal among lizards in the early Eocene: new evidence from a microvertebrate assemblage in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming, USA
Authors: SMITH KRISTER T.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Early Eocene mammal faunas of North America were transformed by intercontinental dispersal at the Paleocene–Eocene boundary, but lizard faunas from the earliest Eocene of the same area were dominated by immigrants from within the continent. A new lizard assemblage from the middle early Eocene of Wyoming sheds light on the longer‐term history of dispersal in relation to climate change. The assemblage consists of three iguanid species (including two new species possibly closely related to living Anolis), Scincoideus, ‘Palaeoxantusia’, four anguids, two species of an undescribed new anguimorph clade, Provaranosaurus and a varanoid (cf. Saniwa). Most North American glyptosaurin glyptosaurines are now referred to Glyptosaurus, and Glyptosaurus hillsi is given a new diagnosis. Scincoideus is otherwise known only from the mid‐Paleocene of Belgium, and the specimens described here are the first to document intercontinental dispersal to North America among lizards in the early Eocene. Like in mammals, some immigrant lizard lineages first appearing in the Bighorn Basin in the earliest Eocene persisted in the area long after the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum, but other immigrants appear to have been restricted to the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum.
Middle Eocene Pelagornithidae and Gaviiformes (Aves) from the Ukrainian Paratethys
Authors: MAYR GERALD , ZVONOK EVGENIJ
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  We describe avian remains from Novopskov, a new middle Eocene marine locality in Ukraine. The fossils constitute the most substantial collection of Palaeogene bird bones from Eastern Europe and contribute to a better knowledge of the Paratethyan seabird fauna. Most of the specimens belong to Pelagornithidae (bony‐toothed birds), and two species of very different size can be distinguished. The larger of these is tentatively referred to Dasornis sp., the smaller to Odontopteryx toliapica. The specimens include skeletal elements that were not described for Palaeogene bony‐toothed birds and document previously unknown morphological differences between Palaeogene and Neogene Pelagornithidae. It is argued that the purported crane Eobalearica tugarinovi, from the middle Eocene of Kyrgyzstan, is probably also a bony‐toothed bird. A new genus and species of small Gaviiformes, Colymbiculus udovinchenkoi, is described, which is the earliest fossil record of a loon from Europe, preceding the next oldest specimens by more than 10 myr. The Ukrainian fossils document profound differences between middle Eocene and extant marine avifaunas of Europe, and whereas the middle Eocene Paratethyan avifauna appears to have been similar to that of the North Sea with regard to pelagornithid diversity, the absence of prophaethontids and relative abundance of Gaviiformes may indicate faunistic differences concerning the remaining seabirds.
An Unusual Presentation of Subcutaneous Granuloma Annulare in Association with Juvenile‐Onset Diabetes: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Agrawal Anurag K. , Kammen Bamidele F. , Guo Hua , Donthineni Rakesh
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA) is a rarely reported subtype of granuloma annulare that occurs almost exclusively in children. The etiology of these lesions is unknown, although a possible relationship to insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) has been proposed in the literature. Here we present an unusual case of SGA on the right forearm in a 3‐year‐old girl. Unlike the typical lesions noted on the extremities, on magnetic resonance imaging her lesions involved the subcutaneous tissue and adjacent muscles in multiple locations. Histopathologically, the case was consistent with SGA but was unusual in its distribution involving multiple muscles, a finding that has not been previously reported. Weeks after incisional biopsy, she was readmitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) secondary to IDDM. After treatment of her DKA and control of her glycemia, the forearm SGA vanished, which supported the pathologic diagnosis and alleviated our concerns secondary to the unusual distribution.
General and Cancer Mortality in a Large Cohort of Italian Alcoholics
Authors: Saieva Calogero , Bardazzi Gabriele , Masala Giovanna , Quartini Andrea , Ceroti Marco , Iozzi Adriana , Gelain Elena , Querci Andrea , Allamani Allaman , Palli Domenico
Published: November 2011

Background:  The consumption of alcohol is an underappreciated risk factor for a wide range of conditions. Overall, it is associated with high mortality rates and causes approximately 4% of all deaths worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the general and cancer mortality in a cohort of subjects with alcohol addiction residing in Tuscany (Central Italy).

Methods:  Overall, 2,272 alcoholics (1,467 men and 805 women; mean age at first examination 43.8 years ± 13.0), treated at the Alcohol Centre of Florence in the period April 1985 to September 2001, were followed until the end of the study period (median follow‐up: 9.6 years). A total of 21,855 person‐years were available for analyses. Expected deaths were estimated by using age, sex, and calendar‐specific regional mortality rates. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results:  Six hundred and thirty‐six of the 2,272 patients (28.0%) died, yielding an SMR of 5.0 (95% CI: 4.6 to 5.4). The alcoholics had significantly elevated mortality risk from all malignant cancers (SMR = 3.8, 95% CI: 3.3 to 4.4) and a series of specific diseases (infections: SMR = 10.1, 95% CI: 4.8 to 21.1; diabetes: SMR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.9 to 6.7; immunological system, including AIDS: SMR = 8.1, 95% CI: 4.1 to 16.2; nervous system: SMR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.9 to 6.4; cardiovascular system: SMR = 2.4, 95% CI: 2.0 to 2.9; respiratory system: SMR = 5.8, 95% CI: 4.2 to 8.0; digestive system: SMR = 26.4, 95% CI: 22.6 to 30.8, including liver cirrhosis (SMR = 40.0, 95% CI: 33.9 to 47.1); violent causes: SMR = 6.6, 95% CI: 5.0 to 8.6). Among malignant cancers, the highest SMRs were found for cancers of the pharynx (SMR = 22.8, 95% CI: 9.5 to 54.8), oral cavity (SMR = 22.2, 95% CI: 13.2 to 37.6), liver (SMR = 13.5, 95% CI: 9.2 to 19.8), and larynx (SMR = 10.7, 95% CI: 5.8 to 19.9). Although women showed higher SMR in comparison with the general population of the area, their overall survival estimates during the follow‐up were higher than those for male alcoholics.

Conclusions:  This large series of Italian alcoholics showed a significant increase in total and cancer mortality in comparison with the general population, with female alcoholics reporting higher survival rates.
Modeling Oxidation Kinetics of SiC‐Containing Refractory Diborides
Authors: Parthasarathy T. A. , Rapp R. A. , Opeka M. , Cinibulk M. K.
Published: November 2011

Experimental data on the oxidation kinetics of SiC‐containing diborides of Zr and Hf in the temperature regime of 1473–2273 K are interpreted using a mechanistic model. The model encompasses counter‐current gas diffusion in the internal SiC depleted zone, oxygen permeation through borosilicate glass channels in the oxide scale, and boundary layer evaporation at the surface. The model uses available viscosity, thermodynamic and kinetic data for boria, silica, and borosilicate glasses, and a logarithmic mean approximation for compositional variations. The internal depletion region of SiC is modeled with CO/CO2 counter diffusion as the oxygen transport mechanism. Data reported for pure SiC in air/oxygen, for ZrB2 containing varying volume fractions of SiC, and for SiC–HfB2 ultra‐high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) by different investigations were compared with quantitative predictions of the model. The model is found to provide good correspondence with laboratory‐furnace‐based experimental data for weight gain, scale thicknesses, and depletion layer thicknesses. Experimental data obtained from arc‐jet tests at high enthalpies are found to fall well outside the model predictions, whereas lower enthalpy data were closer to model predictions, suggesting a transition in mechanism in the arc‐jet environment.
BIRC6/Apollon gene expression in childhood acute leukemia: impact on therapeutic response and prognosis
Authors: Ismail Eman Abdel Rahman , Mahmoud Hanan Mohamed , Tawfik Lamis Mohamed , Habashy Deena Mohamed , Adly Amira Abdel Moneam , El‐Sherif Nayera Hazaa , Abdelwahab Mahmoud Ahmed
Published: November 2011

Objective:  Although BIRC6/Apollon seems to play a critical role as an antiapoptotic regulator, its clinical relevance in acute leukemia remains largely elusive. Therefore, we aimed to investigate BIRC6 gene expression in childhood acute leukemia in relation to clinicopathological characteristics at presentation, therapeutic response, and prognosis.

Methods:  BIRC6 expression level was assessed in 75 children with acute leukemia; 30 patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) and 45 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) using real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  The median level of BIRC6 expression did not differ significantly between AML and ALL patients. BIRC6 expression level was higher in patients with AML and ALL with extramedullary involvement, white blood cell (WBC) count ≥10 × 109/L, and unfavorable cytogenetics at diagnosis. BIRC6 gene expression was higher in patients with unfavorable response to therapy at day 14, those who developed relapse or died in both leukemic groups. The best cutoff value of BIRC6 to predict therapeutic response and disease outcome was determined. AML and ALL patients with BIRC6 overexpression had significantly shorter overall and disease free survivals.

Conclusions:  This is the first report to study BIRC6 gene in pediatric ALL. Our results suggested that BIRC6 gene expression could be considered as an adverse risk factor in childhood acute leukemia and, hence, could be used to guide therapeutic regimens.
Lenalidomide in multiple myeloma: current experimental and clinical data
Authors: Cives Mauro , Milano Annalisa , Dammacco Franco , Silvestris Franco
Published: November 2011

Lenalidomide (LEN) is a structural analogue of Thalidomide and is currently considered a promising compound among immunomodulatory drugs. Following the demonstration of its potent anti‐angiogenic, anti‐inflammatory, and antineoplastic effects in preclinical models, LEN has emerged as an interesting option for the management of selective hematologic malignancies and may also have a possible role in certain solid tumors as well. It is currently approved in the second‐line therapy of multiple myeloma (MM) as well as in myelodysplastic syndrome characterized by 5q minus abnormalities. LEN has been found to be effective in the treatment of both of these conditions and to possess a manageable toxicity profile. In MM, a number of ongoing clinical trials are defining its role in the treatment of newly diagnosed disease as well as in maintenance therapy. Combination approaches pretransplant have shown great promise. Its role in the management of relapsed and refractory disease is now well established. Its long‐term tolerability profile appears favorable although an increased risk in new malignancies in patients receiving LEN as maintenance post‐stem cell transplant warrants some caution, with follow‐up studies being important in determining the long‐term implications of this observation.
Dysfunction of melanocytes in photoleukomelanoderma following photosensitivity caused by hydrochlorothiazide
Authors: Masuoka Eriko , Bito Toshinori , Shimizu Hideki , Nishigori Chikako
Published: November 2011

We report a 68‐year‐old Japanese man who developed photoleukomelanoderma following prolonged photosensitivity caused by hydrochlorothiazide. He showed complete recovery from the leukomelanoderma with the discontinuation of the responsive drug and with topical application of tacrolimus hydrate and corticosteroid. Histological and immunohistochemical examination revealed that there were no melanin‐positive cells in the hypopigmented area, despite the presence of melanocytes. These results and the clinical course indicate that leukomelanoderma is postulated temporary dysfunction of melanocytes. We also conducted a review of previous case reports regarding drug‐induced photoleukomelanoderma.
Effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure on FOXP3+ infiltration in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Ling , Shen Zhu , Wu Jinjin
Published: November 2011

Purpose

To analyze the prevalence and significance of FOXP3+ infiltration into (pre)malignant skin carcinomas following ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. The possible pathways that UVR impacts on FOXP3 are to be discussed.

Background

FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (FOXP3+ Tregs) are correlated to cutaneous squamous tumor progression. However, there is no information describing the prevalence of FOXP3+ infiltration in cutaneous premalignant and malignant squamous carcinomas with UVR exposure.

Methods

We investigated the prevalence of FOXP3+ infiltration in 14 patients with Bowen's disease, 40 squamous cell carcinoma SCC patients and 21 patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The percentages of FOXP3+ vs. total peri‐neoplasm infiltration cells (FOXP3+ PCT) were significantly higher in Bowen's disease and well‐differentiated SCC that were exposed to UVR than these diseases not exposed to UVR (t = 3.5776, P = 0.0038; t’ = 5.9214, P < 0.01, respectively). FOXP3+ PCT was also higher in less pigmented than pigmented sites in BCC (t = 3.369, P = 0.0032).

Conclusions

This study shed some light on the effect of UVR on FOXP3+ infiltration in skin (pre)malignant carcinomas. Our data suggested that FOXP3+ infiltration was positively related to UVR exposure. The mechanisms merit further investigation.
The discovery of a debris disc around the DAV white dwarf PG 1541+651
Authors: Kilic Mukremin , Patterson Adam J. , Barber Sara , Leggett S. K. , Dufour P.
Published: November 2011

To search for circumstellar discs around evolved stars, we targeted roughly 100 DA white dwarfs from the Palomar Green survey with the Peters Automated Infrared Imaging Telescope (PAIRITEL). Here we report the discovery of a debris disc around one of these targets, the pulsating white dwarf PG 1541+651 (KX Draconis, hereafter PG1541). We detect a significant flux excess around PG1541 in the K band. Follow-up near-infrared spectroscopic observations obtained at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility and photometric observations with the warm Spitzer Space Telescope confirm the presence of a warm debris disc within 0.13–0.36 R⊙ (11–32 × the stellar radius) at an inclination angle of 60°. At Teff = 11 880 K, PG1541 is almost a twin of the DAV white dwarf G29-38, which also hosts a debris disc. All previously known dusty white dwarfs are of the DAZ/DBZ spectral type due to accretion of metals from the disc. High-resolution optical spectroscopy is needed to search for metal absorption lines in PG1541 and to constrain the accretion rate from the disc. PG1541 is only 55 pc away from the Sun and the discovery of its disc in our survey demonstrates that our knowledge of the nearby dusty white dwarf population is far from complete.
The Needle in the Haystack: International Consortia and the Return of Individual Research Results
Authors: Wallace Susan E.
Published: November 2011

Where research was once strictly confined to one laboratory or office, investigators now widely share and compare their plans, analyses, and results. With the advent of genomic knowledge, researchers are seeking to understand the genetics and genomics of complex human disease. They are combining their efforts into international consortia in order to take on problems that face individuals around the world, such as cancer and malaria — problems that are too large to solve by one country alone. These consortia bring together diverse research groups from different parts of the world to focus on a common goal. Their projects may all focus on one disease or condition, but examine it from different perspectives (i.e., disease subset or methods of transmission) and share the newly gained information with each other and the wider scientific community.
Refractory Hypertension: Definition, Prevalence, and Patient Characteristics
Authors: Acelajado Maria Czarina , Pisoni Roberto , Dudenbostel Tanja , Dell’Italia Louis J. , Cartmill Falynn , Zhang Bin , Cofield Stacey S. , Oparil Suzanne , Calhoun David A.
Published: November 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich).

Among patients with resistant hypertension (RHTN), there are those whose blood pressure (BP) remains uncontrolled in spite of maximal medical therapy. This retrospective analysis aims to characterize these patients with refractory hypertension. Refractory hypertension was defined as BP that remained uncontrolled after ≥3 visits to a hypertension clinic within a minimum 6‐month follow‐up period. Of the 304 patients referred for RHTN, 29 (9.5%) remained refractory to treatment. Patients with refractory hypertension and those with controlled RHTN had similar aldosterone levels and plasma renin activity (PRA). Patients with refractory hypertension had higher baseline BP (175±23/97±15 mm Hg vs 158±25/89±15 mm Hg; P=.001/.005) and heart rate, and higher rates of prior stroke and congestive heart failure. During follow‐up, the BP of patients with refractory hypertension remained uncontrolled (168.4±14.8/93.8±17.7 mm Hg) in spite of use of an average of 6 antihypertensive medications, while those of patients with controlled RHTN decreased to 129.3±11.2/77.6±10.8 mm Hg. Spironolactone reduced the BP by 12.9±17.8/6.6±13.7 mm Hg in patients with refractory hypertension and by 24.1±16.7/9.2±12.0 mm Hg in patients with controlled RHTN. In patients with RHTN, approximately 10% remain refractory to treatment. Similar aldosterone and PRA levels and a diminished response to spironolactone suggest that aldosterone excess does not explain the treatment failure.
Genomic gains and losses in malignant mesothelioma demonstrated by FISH analysis of paraffin-embedded tissues
Authors: Takeda Maiko , Kasai Takahiko , Enomoto Yasunori , Takano Masato , Morita Kouhei , Kadota Eiji , IIzuka Norishige , Maruyama Hiroshi , Nonomura Akitaka
Published: November 2011

Aims

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) results from the accumulation of a number of acquired genetic events at the onset. In MM, the most frequent changes were losses in 9p21, 1p36, 14q32 and 22q12, and gains in 5p, 7p and 8q24 by comparative genomic hybridisation analysis. Although the diagnostic utility of 9p21 homozygous deletion by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis in MM has been reported recently, alterations of other genes have not been examined to any great extent. This study analysed the frequency of various genomic gains and losses in MM using FISH analysis.

Materials and methods

The authors performed a FISH analysis using paraffin-embedded tissues from 42 cases of MM.

Results

Chromosomal losses in MM were found at 9p21 (83%), 1p36 (43%), 14q32 (43%) and 22q12 (38%), whereas gains were found at 5p15 (48%), 7p12 (38%) and 8q24 (45%). There were no cases of adenomatoid tumour, benign mesothelial multicystic tumour, reactive mesothelial hyperplasia or pleuritis showing any gains or losses. At least one genomic abnormality was identified in all cases of MM. Among various histological subtypes, the chromosomal abnormality tended to be more common in cases showing sarcomatous elements (biphasic or pure sarcomatoid) than in cases showing an epithelioid histology.

Conclusions

The authors found various genomic gains and losses in MM by FISH analysis. The frequency of each genomic gain or loss examined in MM by FISH analysis almost agreed with the comparative genomic hybridisation technique in previous studies. This study suggests that genomic evaluation by FISH analysis might be helpful in distinguishing MM from benign mesothelial proliferation.
Variability in small bowel histopathology reporting between different pathology practice settings: impact on the diagnosis of coeliac disease
Authors: Arguelles-Grande Carolina , Tennyson Christina A , Lewis Suzanne K , Green Peter H R , Bhagat Govind
Published: November 2011

Background and Aims

Coeliac disease (CD) diagnosis requires the detection of characteristic histological alterations of small bowel mucosa, which are prone to interobserver variability. This study evaluated the agreement in biopsy interpretation between different pathology practice types.

Methods

Biopsies from community hospitals (n=46), university hospitals (n=18) and commercial laboratories (n=38) were blindly assessed by a pathologist at our institution for differences in histopathology reporting and agreement in diagnosis of CD and degree of villous atrophy (VA) by κ analysis.

Results

Agreement for primary diagnosis was very good between this institution and university hospitals (κ=0.888), but moderate compared with community hospitals (κ=0.465) or commercial laboratories (κ=0.419). Diagnosis differed in 26 (25%) cases, leading to a 20% increase in CD diagnosis after review. Among those diagnosed with CD by both institutions (n=49), agreement in degree of VA was fair (κ=0.292), with moderate agreement between the authors and commercial laboratories (κ=0.500) and fair with university hospitals (κ=0.290) or community hospitals (κ=0.211). The degree of VA was upgraded in 27% and downgraded in 2%. Within different Marsh score categories, agreement was poor (κ<0.0316) for scores 1 and 2, both missed at other centres, and fair or moderate for scores 3a and 3b. Information regarding degree of VA and intraepithelial lymphocytosis was lacking in 26% and 86% of reports and non-quantifiable descriptors, eg, ‘blunting’ or ‘marked atrophy’ were prevalent.

Conclusions

CD-related histological changes are underdiagnosed in community-based hospitals and commercial pathology laboratories. Because incorrect biopsy interpretation can cause underdiagnosis of CD, greater CD awareness and uniformity in small bowel biopsy reporting is required among pathologists.
Associations of Rsf-1 overexpression with poor therapeutic response and worse survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Tai Hui-Chun , Huang Hsuan-Ying , Lee Sung-Wei , Lin Ching-Yih , Sheu Ming-Jen , Chang Shih-Lun , Wu Li-Ching , Shiue Yow-Ling , Wu Wen-Ren , Lin Chun-Mao , Li Chien-Feng
Published: November 2011

Aims

Deregulated chromatin remodelling often leads to aberrant gene expression in cells, thereby implicating tumour development and progression. As a subunit of remodelling and spacing factor complex, Rsf-1 (HBXAP), a novel nuclear protein with histone chaperon function, mediates ATPase-dependent chromatin remodelling and confers tumour aggressiveness in common carcinomas. However, the expression of Rsf-1 has never been reported in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed at evaluating the expression status, associations with clincopathological variables and prognostic implications of Rsf-1 in a well-defined cohort of NPC.

Methods

Rsf-1 immunoexpression was retrospectively assessed in biopsies of 108 consecutive NPC patients without initial distant metastasis and treated with consistent guidelines. The results were correlated with the clinicopathological features, therapeutic response, local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS).

Results

Present in 49 cases (45%), Rsf-1 overexpression was associated with N2,3status (p=0.016), American Joint Committee on Cancer stage 3, 4 (p=0.004), and incomplete therapeutic response (p=0.041). In multivariate analyses, Rsf-1 overexpression not only emerged as the sole independent adverse prognosticator for LRFS (p=0.0002, RR 5.287) but also independently predicted worse DMFS (p=0.0011, RR 3.185) and DSS (p<0.0001, RR 4.442), along with T3,4(p=0.0454) and N2,3(p=0.0319), respectively.

Conclusion

Rsf-1 overexpression is common and is associated with adverse prognosticators and therapeutic response, which confers tumour aggressiveness through chromatin remodelling, and represents a potential prognostic biomarker in NPC.
Expression of NCAM and OCIAD1 in well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma: correlation with the risk of distant metastasis
Authors: Yang An-Hang , Chen Jui-Yu , Lee Chen-Hsen , Chen Jun-Yi
Published: November 2011

Aims

The biomarkers representing the metastatic potential of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma remain to be established. A study was undertaken to find whether the expression status of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and/or ovarian cancer immunoreactive antigen domain containing 1 (OCIAD1) is associated with the metastatic potential of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Methods

NCAM and OCIAD1 were analysed by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays.

Results

Among 214 well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas, 68 patients had distant metastases. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that the majority of benign thyroid lesions expressed NCAM while a significant proportion of thyroid carcinomas lost or had reduced NCAM expression. Both follicular and papillary carcinomas with distant metastasis had a significantly higher frequency of preserving NCAM expression. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed that OCIAD1 had significant differential expression between benign and malignant thyroid lesions. The overall metastatic-to-localised tumour ratio was higher in NCAM-expressing clusters, but the difference between ratios of OCIAD1-positive and OCIAD1-negative subclusters was not significant.

Conclusions

These analyses suggest that the preservation of NCAM expression in well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma is an indicator for a higher risk of distant metastasis. OCIAD1 is a potential biomarker of thyroid carcinoma but had no significant additive effect on the risk of distant metastasis. Further elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the NCAM-mediated cellular processes will be beneficial for the development of effective treatments against the metastasis of thyroid carcinoma.
THE RANDOM SUBREFLEXIVITY OF COMPLETE RANDOM NORMED MODULES
Authors: ZHAO SHIEN , GUO TIEXIN
Published: November 2011

Combining respective advantages of the (ε, λ)-topology and the locally L0-convex topology we first prove that every complete random normed module is random subreflexive under the (ε, λ)-topology. Further, we prove that every complete random normed module with the countable concatenation property is also random subreflexive under the locally L0-convex topology, at the same time we also provide a counterexample which shows that it is necessary to require the random normed module to have the countable concatenation property.
AUTOMORPHISMS OF MODULI SPACES OF SYMPLECTIC BUNDLES
Authors: BISWAS INDRANIL , GÓMEZ TOMAS L. , MUÑOZ VICENTE
Published: November 2011

Let X be an irreducible smooth complex projective curve of genus g ≥ 4. Fix a line bundle L on X. Let MSp(L) be the moduli space of semistable symplectic bundles (E, φ : E ⊗ E → L) on X, with the symplectic form taking values in L. We show that the automorphism group of MSp(L) is generated by the automorphisms of the form E ↦ E ⊗ M, where [Formula: see text], together with the automorphisms induced by automorphisms of X.
DETERMINATIONS OF WEIGHTED FINITE AUTOMATA OVER COMMUTATIVE IDEMPOTENT MF-SEMIRINGS
Authors: HE YONG , XIN GONGCAI , WANG ZHIXI
Published: November 2011

The semirings admitting maximal factorizations of any finite dimension are called MF-semirings. We first show that a commutative semiring K is an MF-semiring if and only if K admits a maximal factorization of dimension n ≥ 2, and if and only if K is a multiplicatively cancellative semiring satisfying the g.c.d. condition. And then, by using above result, we prove that a weighted finite automaton [Formula: see text] over a commutative idempotent MF-semiring has a determination if [Formula: see text] has the victory property and twins property. Also, some special cases are considered.
Photocatalytic Properties of Tin Oxide and Antimony-Doped Tin Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Brokken-Zijp J. C. M. , van Asselen O. L. J. , Kleinjan W. E. , van de Belt R. , de With G.
Published: November 2011

For the first time it is shown that N-doped SnO2nanoparticles photocatalyze directly the polymerization of the C=C bonds of (meth)acrylates under visible light illumination. These radical polymerizations also occur when these particles are doped with Sb and when the surfaces of these particles are grafted with methacrylate (MPS) groups. During irradiation with visible or UV light the position and/or intensity of the plasmon band absorption of these nanoparticles are always changed, suggesting that the polymerization starts by the transfer of an electron from the conduction band of the particle to the (meth)acrylate C=C bond. By using illumination wavelengths with a very narrow band width we determined the influence of the incident wavelength of light, the Sb- and N-doping, and the methacrylate (MPS) surface grafting on the quantum efficiencies for the initiating radical formation (Φ) and on the polymer and particle network formation. The results are explained by describing the effects of Sb-doping, N-doping, and/or methacrylate surface grafting on the band gaps, energy level distributions, and surface group reactivities of these nanoparticles. N-doped (MPS grafted) SnO2(Sb ≥ 0%) nanoparticles are new attractive photocatalysts under visible as well as UV illumination.
Local Recurrence of Breast Cancer 52 Years after Halsted Mastectomy: Is There a Role for More Aggressive Ipsilateral Surveillance?
Authors: Agarwal Shailesh , Nelson Edward W. , Agarwal Jayant P.
Published: November 2011

We present the longest reported case of breast cancer recurrence, 52 years after initial diagnosis, in a patient initially treated with Halsted mastectomy. Observation and palpation of the chest wall resulted in late presentation, and this patient went on to demonstrate metastatic disease. Current surveillance guidelines lack specific recommendations regarding monitoring of the ipsilateral chest wall. In addition, the growing utilization of breast reconstruction poses an additional challenge to surveillance strategies of the ipsilateral breast. However, the emergence of MRI may present a new opportunity to identify ipsilateral recurrence. The changing landscape of breast cancer therapy warrants guidance from groups of national import such as ASCO, in the surveillance of breast cancer patients.
On a Constructive Approach for Derivative‐Dependent Singular Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Pandey R. K. , Verma Amit K.
Published: November 2011

We present a constructive approach to establish existence and uniqueness of solution of singular boundary value problem −(p(x)y′(x)) ′ = q(x)f(x, y, py′) for 0 < x ≤ b, y(0) = a, α1y(b) + β1p(b)y′(b) = γ1. Here p(x) > 0 on (0, b) allowing p(0) = 0. Further q(x) may be allowed to have integrable discontinuity at x = 0, so the problem may be doubly singular.
Early Life Stress and Child Temperament Style as Predictors of Childhood Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms: Findings from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children
Authors: Lewis Andrew J. , Olsson Craig A.
Published: November 2011

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the relationship between stressful infant environments and later childhood anxiety and depressive symptoms varies as a function of individual differences in temperament style.Methods. Data was drawn from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). This study examined 3425 infants assessed at three time points, at 1-year, at 2/3 years and at 4/5 years. Temperament was measured using a 12-item version of Toddler Temperament Scale (TTS) and was scored for reactive, avoidant, and impulsive dimensions. Logistic regression was used to model direct relationships and additive interactions between early life stress, temperament, and emotional symptoms at 4 years of age. Analyses were adjusted for socioeconomic status, parental education, and marital status.Results. Stressful family environments experienced in the infant's first year of life (high versus low) and high reactive, avoidant, and impulsive temperament styles directly and independently predicted anxiety and depressive problems in children at 4 years of age. There was no evidence of interaction between temperament and family stress exposure.Conclusions. Both infant temperament and stress exposures are independent and notable predictors of later anxiety and depressive problems in childhood. The risk relationship between stress exposure in infancy and childhood emotion problems did not vary as a function of infant temperament. Implications for preventive intervention and future research directions are discussed.
Multiscale KF Algorithm for Strong Fractional Noise Interference Suppression in Discrete‐Time UWB Systems
Authors: Su Liyun , Zhang Yuli , Ma Yanju , Li Jiaojun , Li Fenglan
Published: November 2011

In order to suppress the interference of the strong fractional noise signal in discrete‐time ultrawideband (UWB) systems, this paper presents a new UWB multi‐scale Kalman filter (KF) algorithm for the interference suppression. This approach solves the problem of the narrowband interference (NBI) as nonstationary fractional signal in UWB communication, which does not need to estimate any channel parameter. In this paper, the received sampled signal is transformed through multiscale wavelet to obtain a state transition equation and an observation equation based on the stationarity theory of wavelet coefficients in time domain. Then through the Kalman filter method, fractional signal of arbitrary scale is easily figured out. Finally, fractional noise interference is subtracted from the received signal. Performance analysis and computer simulations reveal that this algorithm is effective to reduce the strong fractional noise when the sampling rate is low.
Age Differences and Changes in Resources Essential to Aging Well: A Comparison of Sexagenarians, Octogenarians, and Centenarians
Authors: Randall G. Kevin , Martin Peter , Bishop Alex J. , Poon Leonard W. , Johnson Mary Ann
Published: November 2011

This study examined change over time in five resources assessed by the Duke OARS Multidisciplinary Functional Assessment Questionnaire: social, economic, mental, physical, and functional resources. Two hundred and one participants in the Georgia Centenarian Study provided data for this longitudinal study: 70 sexagenarians, 63 octogenarians, and 68 centenarians. Those in their 60s and 80s were followed up within 60 months; due to mortality attrition, centenarians were followed up within 20 months. Centenarians experienced the lowest levels of resources relative to those in their 80s and 60s. Over time they primarily experienced loss in activities of daily living, highlighting that the ability to maximize gains and mitigate losses over time for older adults is highly associated with various resources essential to well-being. Findings suggest that older adults'—especially the very old—resources should be concurrently assessed in a multidimensional analysis by researchers and practitioners who work with older adults in various settings.
Potentiostatic Testing of Oxygen Reduction on Polymer Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Sequeira C. A. C. , Santos D. M. F.
Published: November 2011

The preparation of polymer carbon electrocatalysts by the controlled pyrolysis of polyfurfuryl alcohol polymer is described. Potentiostatic testing in oxygen‐saturated KOH electrolytes is performed, and electrokinetic properties of the electrodes prepared from the electrocatalysts are presented and discussed. It is revealed that a pure polymer carbon electrode pyrolysed in powder form possesses a very high active area, displaying higher catalytic activity than a polymer pyrolysed in bulk. Suitable reduction mechanisms are proposed.