bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Influence of the Anesthetic Technique Used during Open Radical Prostatectomy on Prostate Cancer-related Outcome
Authors: Wuethrich Patrick Y. , Hsu Schmitz Shu-Fang , Kessler Thomas M. , Thalmann George N. , Studer Urs E. , Stueber Frank , Burkhard Fiona C.
Published: July 2010

Background

Recently published studies suggest that the anesthetic technique used during oncologic surgery affects cancer recurrence. To evaluate the effect of anesthetic technique on disease progression and long-term survival, we compared patients receiving general anesthesia plus intraoperative and postoperative thoracic epidural analgesia with patients receiving general anesthesia alone undergoing open retropubic radical prostatectomy with extended pelvic lymph node dissection.

Methods

Two sequential series were studied. Patients receiving general anesthesia combined with epidural analgesia (January 1994-June 1997, n=103) were retrospectively compared with a group given general anesthesia combined with ketorolac-morphine analgesia (July 1997-December 2000, n=158). Biochemical recurrence-free survival, clinical progression-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier technique and compared using a multivariate Cox-proportional-hazards regression model and an alternative model with inverse probability weights to adjust for propensity score.

Results

Using propensity score adjustment with inverse probability weights, general anesthesia combined with epidural analgesia resulted in improved clinical progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.75, P=0.002). No significant differences in the two groups were found for biochemical recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival, or overall survival. Higher preoperative serum values for prostate-specific antigen, specimen Gleason score of at least 7, non-organ-confined tumor stage, and positive lymph node status were independent predictors of biochemical recurrence-free survival.

Conclusions

General anesthesia with epidural analgesia was associated with a reduced risk of clinical cancer progression. However, no significant difference was found between general anesthesia plus postoperative ketorolac-morphine analgesia and general anesthesia plus intraoperative and postoperative thoracic epidural analgesia in biochemical recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival, or overall survival.
A strain-cue hypothesis for biological network formation
Authors: Cox Brian N.
Published: July 2010

The direction of migration of a cell invading a host population is assumed to be controlled by the magnitude of the strains in the host medium (cells plus extracellular matrix) that arise as the host medium deforms to accommodate the invader. The single assumption that invaders are cued by strains external to themselves is sufficient to generate network structures. The strain induced by a line of invaders is greatest at the extremity of the line and thus the strain field breaks symmetry, stabilizing branch formation. The strain cue also triggers sprouting from existing branches, with no further model assumption. Network characteristics depend primarily on the ratio of the rate of advance of the invaders to the rate of relaxation of the host cells after their initial deformation. Intra-cell mechanisms that govern these two rates control network morphology. The strain field that cues an individual invader is a collective response of the combined cell populations, involving the nearest 100 cells, to order of magnitude, to any invader. The mechanism does not rely on the pre-existence of the entire host medium prior to invasion; the host cells need only maintain a layer several cells thick around each invader. Consistent with recent experiments, networks result only from a strain cue that is based on strain magnitudes. Spatial strain gradients do not break symmetry and therefore cannot stabilize branch formation. The theory recreates most of the geometrical features of the nervous network in the mouse gut when the most influential adjustable parameter takes a value consistent with one inferred from human and mouse amelogenesis. Because of similarity in the guiding local strain fields, strain cues could also be a participating factor in the formation of vascular networks.
Usefulness of the hsp60 gene for the identification and classification of Gram-negative anaerobic rods
Authors: Sakamoto Mitsuo , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: July 2010

Thehsp60gene sequences were determined for 121 strains of Gram-negative anaerobic rods, including the generaBacteroides,Barnesiella,Butyricimonas,Odoribacter,Parabacteroides,Paraprevotella,Porphyromonas,PrevotellaandTannerella. The mean pairwisehsp60gene sequence similarity (73.8–97.1 %) between species in each genus, except for the genusTannerellathat comprises one species, was significantly less than that of the 16S rRNA gene sequence (88.3–96.3 %). Only pairwisehsp60gene sequence similarity (97.1 %) of the genusParaprevotellawas higher than that of the 16S rRNA gene sequence (93.8 %). Each genus formed a distinct clade in the phylogenetic analysis of thehsp60gene sequence as well as the 16S rRNA gene sequence. The phylogenetic analysis indicated a higher evolutionary rate for thehsp60gene sequence than the 16S rRNA gene sequence, especially in the generaPorphyromonasandPrevotella. This study suggests that thehsp60gene is a useful alternative phylogenetic marker for the identification and classification of a broad range of Gram-negative anaerobic rods.
The Streptococcus mutans Cid and Lrg systems modulate virulence traits in response to multiple environmental signals
Authors: Ahn Sang-Joon , Rice Kelly C. , Oleas Janneth , Bayles Kenneth W. , Burne Robert A.
Published: July 2010

The tight control of autolysis by Streptococcus mutans is critical for proper virulence gene expression and biofilm formation. A pair of dicistronic operons, SMU.575/574 (lrgAB) and SMU.1701/1700 (designated cidAB), encode putative membrane proteins that share structural features with the bacteriophage-encoded holin family of proteins, which modulate host cell lysis during lytic infection. Analysis of S. mutans lrg and cid mutants revealed a role for these operons in autolysis, biofilm formation, glucosyltransferase expression and oxidative stress tolerance. Expression of lrgAB was repressed during early exponential phase and was induced over 1000-fold as cells entered late exponential phase, whereas cidAB expression declined from early to late exponential phase. A two-component system encoded immediately upstream of lrgAB (LytST) was required for activation of lrgAB expression, but not for cid expression. In addition to availability of oxygen, glucose levels were revealed to affect lrg and cid transcription differentially and significantly, probably through CcpA (carbon catabolite protein A). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the Cid/Lrg system can affect several virulence traits of S. mutans, and its expression is controlled by two major environmental signals, oxygen and glucose. Moreover, cid/lrg expression is tightly regulated by LytST and CcpA.
The extendedQ-range small-angle neutron scattering diffractometer at the SNS
Authors: Zhao J. K. , Gao C. Y. , Liu D.
Published: July 2010

The extendedQ-range small-angle neutron scattering diffractometer (EQ-SANS) at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), Oak Ridge, is designed for wide neutron momentum transfer (Q) coverage, high neutron beam intensity and good wavelength resolution. In addition, the design and construction of the instrument aim to achieve a maximum signal-to-noise ratio by minimizing the background. The instrument is located on the high-power target station at the SNS. One of the key components in the primary flight path is the neutron optics, consisting of a curved multichannel beam bender and sections of straight neutron guides. They are optimized to minimize neutron transport loss, thereby maximizing the available flux on the sample. They also enable the avoidance of a direct line of sight to the neutron moderator at downstream locations. The instrument has three bandwidth-limiting choppers. They allow a novel frame-skipping operation, which enables the EQ-SANS diffractometer to achieve a dynamicQrange equivalent to that of a similar machine on a 20 Hz source. The two-dimensional low-angle detector, based on3He tube technologies, offers very high counting rates and counting efficiency. Initial operations have shown that the instrument has achieved its design goals.
Transient immunosuppression: a bridge between infection and the atypical autoimmunity of Guillain–Barré syndrome?
Authors: Steiner I , Rosenberg G , Wirguin I
Published: July 2010

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, usually monophasic, disorder of the peripheral nervous system that is assumed to be of immune-mediated pathogenesis. However, several clinical features and experimental findings of GBS are uncharacteristic for an immune-mediated disorder and set this condition apart from other disorders with a putative immune-mediated pathogenesis. These features include, among others, the monophasic nature of GBS, the lack of response to immunosuppressive (unlike immunomodulatory) therapy, the absence of a typical association with immunogenetic background and the inability to establish a valid and relevant animal model. We suggest a comprehensive hypothesis for the pathogenesis of GBS that is based on the assumption that the condition is due to a transient (or occasionally chronic) immune deficiency, as in most cases GBS follows an infection with pathogens known to induce immunosuppression. Such infections may be followed by breakdown of immune tolerance and induction of an immune attack on peripheral nerves. Mounting of the immune-mediated assault might be triggered either by the same infective pathogen or by secondary infection. Clearance of the infection and resumption of a normal immune response and tolerance eventually terminate the immune-mediated damage to the peripheral nerves and enable recovery. This hypothesis assumes that the entire sequence of events that culminates in GBS is due to transient exogenous factors and excludes a significant role for inherent host susceptibility, which explains the monophasic nature of the disorder.
Significant anti-tumour activity of adoptively transferred T cells elicited by intratumoral dendritic cell vaccine injection through enhancing the ratio of CD8+ T cell/regulatory T cells in tumour
Authors: Song S , Zhang K , You H , Wang J , Wang Z , Yan C , Liu F
Published: July 2010

We have shown that immunization with dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with hepatitis B virus core antigen virus-like particles (HBc-VLP) packaging with cytosine–guanine dinucleotide (CpG) (HBc-VLP/CpG) alone were able to delay melanoma growth but not able to eradicate the established tumour in mice. We tested whether, by modulating the vaccination approaches and injection times, the anti-tumour activity could be enhanced. We used a B16-HBc melanoma murine model not only to compare the efficacy of DC vaccine immunized via footpads, intravenously or via intratumoral injections in treating melanoma and priming tumour-specific immune responses, but also to observe how DC vaccination could improve the efficacy of adoptively transferred T cells to induce an enhanced anti-tumour immune response. Our results indicate that, although all vaccination approaches were able to protect mice from developing melanoma, only three intratumoral injections of DCs could induce a significant anti-tumour response. Furthermore, the combination of intratumoral DC vaccination and adoptive T cell transfer led to a more robust anti-tumour response than the use of each treatment individually by increasing CD8+ T cells or the ratio of CD8+ T cell/regulatory T cells in the tumour site. Moreover, the combination vaccination induced tumour-specific immune responses that led to tumour regression and protected surviving mice from tumour rechallenge, which is attributed to an increase in CD127-expressing and interferon-γ-producing CD8+ T cells. Taken together, these results indicate that repeated intratumoral DC vaccination not only induces expansion of antigen-specific T cells against tumour-associated antigens in tumour sites, but also leads to elimination of pre-established tumours, supporting this combined approach as a potent strategy for DC-based cancer immunotherapy.
Salivary monitoring related to major surgery
Authors: Ullmann Yehuda , Klein Yuval , Savulescu Dana , Borovoi Iris , Egozi Dana , Gavish Moshe , Nagler Rafael
Published: July 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (12): 1074–1080

Background  Prolonged surgical procedures involving stress, extended general anaesthesia and a long pre‐surgical fasting period may have systemic effects such as alterations in saliva flow rate and composition. These may compromise the patient’s electrolytes and fluid balance and cause dehydration, systemic stress and oxidative changes.

Patients and methods  Saliva was collected prior and following surgery from 20 patients and 20 control subjects. The saliva samples were analysed for flow rates and levels of the following: calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), total protein, albumin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant status (TAS), uric acid (UA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), carbonyls, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) ‐2, ‐3 and ‐9 and heat shock proteins (HSPs) 70 and 90.

Results  Salivary levels of Ca, Mg, protein, albumin and LDH were higher in post‐surgical patients by 70% (P = 0·002), 88% (P = 0·0001), 120% (P = 0·13), 111% (P = 0·039) and 492% (P = 0·006) respectively than that in healthy controls. Salivary antioxidants in the surgical patients were higher while salivary carbonyls remained unchanged. Salivary TAS levels in pre‐ and post‐surgical patients were higher by 63% (P = 0·001) and 85% (P = 0·0001) respectively, UA concentrations by 92% (P = 0·014) and 81% (P = 0·036) respectively and SOD values by 47% (P = 0·61) and 112% (P = 0·049) respectively. Salivary concentrations of MMP3 were higher in pre‐ and post‐surgical patients by 23% (P = 0·067) and 30% (P = 0·044) respectively.

Conclusions  Local salivary, oral and systemic‐induced alterations should be prevented. Moreover, salivary collection and analysis may be a new, efficient tool in the monitoring of patients undergoing major surgery. Further related research is necessary.
VWF/FVIII concentrates in high‐risk immunotolerance: the RESIST study
Authors: GRINGERI A.
Published: July 2010

Summary.  Immune tolerance induction (ITI), through the regular infusion of coagulation factor concentrates over a time period ranging from 1 to more than 24 months, is successful in about 75% of high responders. Among the issues of ITI treatment that are still open, the choice of the product to use is one of the most difficult. In fact, common practice is to start with the same product that induced the inhibitory response, but recent findings indicated that plasma‐derived products containing large amounts of von Willebrand factor (VWF) can play a positive role. Two retrospective cohorts in Germany and in France and one prospective cohort have shown a high rate of success when VWF/factor VIII (FVIII) products are used to induce ITI. For these reasons, two prospective studies have been planned to complement the international ITI study already started: an observational study in patients who had already experienced a failure with a VWF‐free FVIII concentrate, called RESISTexp (experienced); a randomized, controlled study in patients who have never tried an ITI treatment before and at high risk to fail, called RESISTnaïve (naïve).
Distinct granuloma responses in C57BL/6J and BALB/cByJ mice in response to pristane
Authors: Chen Huaiyong , Liao Dongmei , Cain Derek , McLeod Ian , Ueda Yoshihiro , Guan Ziqiang , Raetz Christian , Kelsoe Garnett
Published: July 2010

Granuloma formation is an inflammatory response of the host against invading pathogens or indigestible substances. We generated mesenteric oil granulomas by injecting pristane into the peritoneal cavity (PC) of mice, and compared oil granuloma formation in the C57BL/6J and BALB/cByJ strains of mice. The formation and kinetics of oil granulomas were distinct between the two strains. In C57BL/6J mice, injected pristane induced oil granuloma formation at both the mesenteric centers (MG) and margins (SG). MG was resolving by 11 weeks, and SG persisted. In BALB/cByJ mice, MG developed slower but persisted longer than in C57BL/6J mice, and SG resolved sooner than in C57BL/6J mice. Injection of India ink revealed that phagocytes were localised mainly to the SG in C57BL/6J mice, but were located diffusely in both MG and SG of BALB/cByJ mice. SG cells expressed more monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1) mRNA than MG cells in C57BL/6J mice, but there was no difference in MCP‐1 expression between the MG and SG in BALB/cByJ mice. These observations suggest that the recruitment of inflammatory leucocytes under the direction of chemokines differentiates the patterns of granuloma responses to pristane in C57BL/6J and BALB/cByJ mice.
A longitudinal study of the effects on the oral mucosa of treatment for acute childhood leukaemia
Authors: WILLIAMS M. C. , MARTIN M. V.
Published: July 2010

Summary. A longitudinal study was undertaken of the effect of therapy on the oral mucosa of 12 children with acute leukaemia. The major oral problem was ulceration, which was associated with neutrophil counts of less than 1·0 × 109/l. Candida carriage rates were consistently high in patients with or without oral candidosis. Salivary flow was not significantly different between leukaemic children and the control group.

Resumé.

Une étude longitudinale aporté sur les conséquences du traitement en ce qui concerne la muqueuse orale de 12 enfants souffrant de leucémie aîgue. L'ulcération de la muqueuse était le probléme principal associé avec un nombre de neutrophiles inférieur à 1·0* 109/Litre nombre de Candida était plus élevé de façon constante chez ces patients, qu’ ils présentent ou non une candidose buccale. Le flux salivaire n’était pas statistiquement différent chez les enfants leucémiques et dans le groupe de cotrôle.

Bei 12 Kindern mit aktuer Leukämie wurde mittels einer longitudinalen Studie der Effekt einer oralen Schleimhauttherapie untersucht. Das Hauptproblem sind die orale Ulzerationen, welche verbunden sind mit einer Neutrophilanzahl von weniger als 1·0 × 109/L. Candida‐Ratten war hoch bei Patienten mit oder ohne oraler Candidosis. Beim Speichelfluss konnte kein signifikanter Unterschied gefunden werden zwischen den Leukämiekinder und derjenigen der Kontrollgruppe.

Se efectuo un estudio longitudinal sobre los efectos de la terapia de la mucosa oral de 12 niños con leucemia aguda. El mayor problema oral fue la ulceración la cual estuvo asociada con el conteo de neutrófilos de menos de 1·0 × 109/L. Los rangos para el Candida fueron consistentemente altos en los pacientes con o sin candidosis oral. El flujo salival no fue signiñcativamente diferente entre los niños leucémicos y los del grupo control.
Dentigerous cysts involving permanent incisors: four case reports
Authors: SEDDON R. P. , FUNG D. E. , BARNARD K. M. , SMITH P. B.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Four cases of dentigerous cysts involving permanent incisors are reported. In each case the primary predecessor had been traumatized, was discoloured and suspected of being non‐vital. Epithelial proliferation of the follicular tissues induced by chronic periapical inflammation of the predecessors is suggested as the most likely pathogenesis of cystic transformation in these cases. Regular radiographic review of discoloured primary incisors is recommended.

Quatre cas de kystes dentigêres des incisives permanentes sont observés. Dans chaque cas la dent de lait avait été traumatisée, était décolorée et soupçonnée d'être dévitalisée. La prolifération épithéliale des tissues folliculaires provoquée par l'inflammation périapicale chronique des dent de lait est la'explication la plus plausible pour la pathogénie de la transformation kystique dans ces cas. Il est recommandé de faire de façon régulière des examens radiographiques des incisives de liat décolorées.

Vier Fälle von Schneidezahnzysten der zweiten Zähne werden hier aufgeführt. In jedem dieser Fälle befand sich der entsprechende Milchzahn in einem traumatisierten, verfårbten and vermutlich abgestorbenen Zustand. Eine Epithelwurcherung des Follikelgewebes, die durch eine chronische, periapikale Entzündung der Milchzähne hervorgerufen ist, könnte für die Pathogenese einer zystischen Umwandlung in diesen Fällen verantwortlich sein. Regelmässige Rontgenuntersuchungen von verfärbten Milchzähnen sind deshalb emfohlen.

Cuatro casos de quistes dentigeros involucrando incisivos permanentes han sido reportados. En cada uno de los casos el predecesor primario habia sido traumatizado, estaba descolorido y se sospechaba que era no‐vital. La proliferation epitelial de los tejidos folliculares inducidos por una inflamacion cronica periapical de los predecesores ha sido sugerida como la patogenesis de la transformation a quistes en estos casos. Se recomienda revisiones radiograficas regulares de incisivos primarios descoloridos.
Do computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging add to temporomandibular joint disorder treatment? A systematic review of diagnostic efficacy
Authors: RIBEIRO‐ROTTA R. F. , MARQUES K. D. S , PACHECO M. J. , LELES C. R.
Published: July 2010

Summary  A question frequently asked in the clinical practice of the professional who treats temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD) is ‘To make the cost/benefit ratio worthwhile for the patient, when should I request a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?’ To evaluate the evidence of the efficacy of CT and MRI in the diagnosis of disc displacement, local inflammatory disorders, and arthrosis of the TMJ at therapeutic efficacy level, PubMed and Cochrane literature searches with specific indexing terms and a hand search were made. From the retrieved titles and abstracts, three examiners selected publications on the basis of predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted from the selected publications using a previously established protocol. Publications considered relevant were interpreted with the aid of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) tool and publications that critically evaluate systematic reviews. The literature search yielded 584 titles and abstracts, of which 257 were selected and read in full text. One study was judged relevant. This study evaluated evidence of the efficacy of MRI in the diagnosis of disc position and configuration, disc perforation, joint effusion, and osseous and bone marrow changes in the temporomandibular joint, but no publication reported diagnostic thinking efficacy or therapeutic efficacy. In conclusion, the absence of studies on the therapeutic efficacy of MRI and CT on TMJD reinforces the need for investment in decision‐making studies; meanwhile, sectional imaging tests should be prescribed with caution, especially when health budgets are limited.
Plasma Leptin, Ghrelin and Indexes of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Relation to the Appearance of Post‐Weaning Oestrus in Mediterranean Obese Sows (Iberian Pig)
Authors: Torres‐Rovira L , Pallares P , Vigo E , Gonzalez‐Añover P , Sanchez‐Sanchez R , Mallo F , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A
Published: July 2010

Contents

Iberian pig is the most abundant Mediterranean swine. The lack of knowledge of the reproductive physiology of Mediterranean genotypes, with predisposition to obesity, led us to evaluate the influence of body condition and metabolic status at weaning on the resumption of follicular growth and the appearance of post‐weaning oestrus. Females failing to display post‐weaning oestrus showed a high decrease in backfat mass during lactation; backfat depth at weaning was therefore lower than in sows becoming in oestrus. Females not bearing oestrus behaviour showed lower plasma leptin levels and higher ghrelin concentrations at weaning. Moreover, these sows evidenced dyslipidemic profile (increased triglyceridemia and cholesterolemia) and mobilization of fat reserves. Hence, changes in metabolic regulation of Iberian pigs may originate large effects on the resumption of ovulatory activity after weaning.
Effects of Repeated Embryo Collection on Embryo Recovery Rate in Fertile Mares
Authors: Aurich C , König N , Budik S
Published: July 2010

Contents

In mares, repeated embryo collection in successive oestrous cycles is necessary if a greater number of foals should be produced. We investigated effects of repeated embryo collection in fertile donor mares on embryo recovery rates. In addition, an influence of the individual mare and season on embryo recovery rates was studied. In nine mares, a total of 153 embryo collections were performed during 30 months (17 ± 2.2 embryo collections per mare). The overall embryo recovery rate was 64% and did not differ among mares. Between successive embryo collection procedures, recovery rate varied significantly; however, no increase or decrease in the embryo recovery rate with increasing number of successive embryo collections was seen. In three mares, ovulation ceased from November to February. In the remaining six mares, embryo production was successfully continued throughout winter and no influence of the month on embryo recovery rates was detected.
Autofluorescence imaging for predicting development of metachronous gastric cancer after Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: Hanaoka Noboru , Uedo Noriya , Shiotani Akiko , Inoue Takuya , Takeuchi Yoji , Higashino Koji , Ishihara Ryu , Iishi Hiroyasu , Haruma Ken , Tatsuta Masaharu
Published: July 2010

Background and Aims:  Although Helicobacter pylori eradication decreases the incidence of metachronous gastric cancer after endoscopic treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC), metachronous cancer still develops after successful eradication, particularly in patients with severe corpus gastritis. We investigated whether the extent of atrophic fundic gastritis diagnosed by autofluorescence imaging (AFI) videoendoscopy is predictive of development of metachronous gastric cancer after H. pylori eradication in patients treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for EGC.

Patients and Methods:  A total of 82 patients who underwent ESD for EGC from 2003 to 2006, who received eradication therapy participated in this study. The extent of chronic atrophic fundic gastritis was evaluated by AFI and categorized into closed and open type. The main outcome was the incidence of metachronous gastric cancer detected by annual surveillance endoscopy.

Results:  During a median observation period of 55 months, metachronous gastric cancer developed in 12 of 82 patients (14.6%). Multivariate Cox's proportional hazard analysis revealed that open‐type, atrophic fundic gastritis diagnosed by AFI was significantly associated with development of metachronous gastric cancer (hazard ratio: 4.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32–18.2, P = 0.018) after adjustment for age, sex, histological intestinal metaplasia, serum pepsinogen level, and H. pylori status.

Conclusions:  Metachronous EGC developed after successful H. pylori eradication, and extensive atrophic fundic gastritis diagnosed by AFI was a significant predictor, thus it could identify patients undergoing ESD for EGC who still required intensive surveillance after eradication.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease across ethno‐racial groups: Do Asian‐American adults represent a new at‐risk population?
Authors: Tabibian James H. , Lazo Mariana , Durazo Francisco A. , Yeh Hsin‐Chieh , Tong Myron J. , Clark Jeanne M.
Published: July 2010

Background and Aim:  Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly common worldwide. We explored clinical, laboratory, and histological features of NAFLD as well as risk factors for histologically advanced disease among under‐represented ethno‐racial groups.

Methods:  Patient records from one NAFLD clinic in California from 1998–2008 were reviewed. Biopsies were graded using Brunt criteria by a hepatopathologist blinded to clinical data. We used multivariate logistic regression to assess associations between ethno‐racial group and histological severity of NAFLD, while controlling for other factors.

Results:  We identified 90 biopsy‐proven cases of NAFLD. Mean age was 49 years (standard deviation [SD] = 11.6), and half were female. 52% of patients were Caucasian, 20% Latino‐American, 18% Asian‐American, and 10% Middle Eastern‐American. There were significant differences among groups with respect to age, weight, body mass index (BMI), and grade of hepatic steatosis (all P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, older age was associated with severe (Brunt ≥ 2) inflammation (odds ratio [OR] 1.1, P = 0.002) and severe (Brunt ≥ 3) fibrosis (OR 1.2, P = 0.001), diabetes was associated with severe inflammation (OR 3.18, P = 0.07) and severe fibrosis (OR 8.81, P = 0.002), and increased BMI was associated with severe fibrosis (OR 2.43, P = 0.07). Additionally, compared to Caucasians, Asian‐Americans showed a trend toward an association with severe (Brunt > 2) steatosis (OR 3.83, P = 0.08) and severe inflammation (OR 5.42, P = 0.06).

Conclusions:  The findings from this ethno‐racially diverse clinic‐based cohort are consistent with prior studies and also suggest that Asian‐Americans may be at risk for advanced NAFLD. This may have implications for the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of patients with NAFLD that merit further study.
Death, dependency and health status 90 days following hospital admission for acute stroke in NSW
Authors: Middleton S. , Levi C. , Ward J. , Grimshaw J. , Griffiths R. , D'Este C. , Dale S. , Quinn C. , Evans M. , Cadilhac D. , McElduff P.
Published: July 2010

Background:  Stroke is an Australian health priority area causing considerable levels of disability. We report 90‐day outcomes for a cohort of acute stroke patients in New South Wales (NSW), Australia prior to randomization to a large cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT), the Quality in Acute Stroke Care (QASC) trial.

Aims:  This paper describes prospectively collected, 90‐day outcome data for a cohort of NSW stroke patients, providing pre‐intervention data for the QASC trial.

Methods:  A consecutive sample of patients from acute stroke units in NSW was recruited. We measured patient death, disability (modified Rankin Score (mRS)), dependency (Barthel Index (BI)) and Health Status (Medical Outcomes Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36)) 90 days post‐hospital admission. We also collected self‐reported healthcare utilization and patient satisfaction with health professionals' advice and management to reduce risk of subsequent stroke.

Results:  Ninety‐day outcome data were obtained for 687 patients, of which, 335 (49%) had an mRS ≥2; 44 patients (6.4%) had died. For the 643 surviving patients, the mean BI was 87.2 (SD 21.9) and the mean scores for SF‐36 Physical Component Summary score and Mental Component Summary score were 46.2 (SD 10.1) and 46.3 (SD 12.6) respectively.

Conclusions:  In this pre‐intervention cohort of selected acute stroke inpatients, stroke severity was mild to moderate and subsequent clinical outcomes were favourable in the majority. The findings from this study provide a comprehensive description of 90‐day health outcomes of patients who have experienced a mild–moderate stroke managed in stroke care units across metropolitan NSW and provide valuable data to inform the subsequent cluster trial.
Preliminary evaluation of the prevalence of falls, pain and urinary incontinence in remote living Indigenous Australians over the age of 45 years
Authors: LoGiudice D. C. , Smith K. , Atkinson D. , Dwyer A. , Lautenschlager N. , Almeida O. A. , Flicker L.
Published: July 2010

Aims:  To report on the prevalence of falls, urinary incontinence, pain and associated factors in remote living Indigenous Australians over the age of 45 years.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional, semi‐purposeful sample of 363 indigenous men and women aged over 45 years living in six remote communities and one town in Kimberley, Australia. Participants were assessed for self‐ or informant‐reported rates of falls, urinary incontinence and pain.

Results:  The prevalence of self‐ or informant‐reported falls was 31% (95% CI 25.3, 36.7), pain 55% (95% CI 47.4, 62.6) and urinary incontinence 9% (95% CI 5.9, 12.1%). Associations with falls after adjustment for age, sex and education included alcohol use (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4, 4.2), stroke (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1, 5.0), epilepsy (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.1, 11.6), head injury (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3, 3.3) and poor hearing (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4, 4.1); for urinary incontinence epilepsy (OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.7, 21.2) and stroke (OR 16.7, 95% CI 6.0, 46.3); and for pain, poor hearing (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0, 3.3) and female sex (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2, 2.7).

Conclusions:  Falls, urinary incontinence and pain are common and reported for the first time in older indigenous people living in remote regions. The presence of these syndromes in ages over 45 may be due to accumulation of health insults during the life course.
Abundance and distribution of major groups of diazotrophic cyanobacteria and their potential contribution to N2 fixation in the tropical Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Goebel Nicole L. , Turk Kendra A. , Achilles Katherine M. , Paerl Ryan , Hewson Ian , Morrison Amanda E. , Montoya Joseph P. , Edwards Christopher A. , Zehr Jonathan P.
Published: July 2010

The abundances of six N2‐fixing cyanobacterial phylotypes were profiled at 22 stations across the tropical Atlantic Ocean during June 2006, and used to model the contribution of the diazotrophs to N2 fixation. Diazotroph abundances were measured by targeting the nifH gene of Trichodesmium, unicellular groups A, B, C (UCYN‐A, UCYN‐B and UCYN‐C), and diatom‐cyanobiont symbioses Hemiaulus–Richelia, Rhizosolenia–Richelia and Chaetoceros–Calothrix. West to east gradients in temperature, salinity and nutrients [NO3‐ + NO2‐, PO43−, Si(OH)4] showed the influence of the Amazon River plume and its effect on the distributions of the diazotrophs. Trichodesmium accounted for more than 93% of all nifH genes detected, dominated the warmer waters of the western Atlantic, and was the only diazotroph detected at the equatorial upwelling station. UCYN‐A was the next most abundant (> 5% of all nifH genes) and dominated the cooler waters of the eastern Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands. UCYN‐C was found at a single depth (200 m) of high salinity and low temperature and nutrients, whereas UCYN‐B cells were widespread but in very low abundance (6.1 × 101 ±  4.6 × 102 gene copies l−1). The diatom‐cyanobionts were observed primarily in the western Atlantic within or near the high Si(OH)4 input of the Amazon River plume. Overall, highest diazotroph abundances were observed at the surface and declined with depth, except for some subsurface peaks in Trichodesmium, UCYN‐B and UCYN‐A. Modelled contributions of Trichodesmium, UCYN‐B and UCYN‐A to total N2 fixation suggested that Trichodesmium had the largest input, except for the potential of UCYN‐A at the Cape Verde Islands.
Subsidiary Integration as Identity Construction and Institution Building: A Political Sensemaking Approach
Authors: Clark Ed , Geppert Mike
Published: July 2010

abstract

This paper develops a political sensemaking approach to the post‐acquisition integration process, which directs attention to how powerful social actors construct the relationship between multinational enterprises (MNEs) and their multiple local contexts. This political, processual, and actor‐centred perspective explores subsidiary integration as identity construction and institution building. The different characteristics that local and head office managers attribute to the subsidiary establish diverse interests in and political stances towards it and, through actions to resolve these differences, senior decision makers shape the subsidiary's strategic and structural location in the MNE. We illustrate this argumentation with reference to post‐socialist acquisitions by Western multinationals, whose contrasting institutional and management experiences put the problem of multiple contexts and subsidiary integration into sharp relief. This approach complements mainstream international business research by attending directly to the neglected processual nature of subsidiary integration and examining different socio‐political dynamics resulting from sensemaking and sensegiving interactions between key actors in the MNE.
Obligating, Pressuring, and Supporting Dimensions of the Environment and the Non‐Market Advantages of Developing‐Country Multinational Companies
Authors: Cuervo‐Cazurra Alvaro , Genc Mehmet Erdem
Published: July 2010

abstract

We analyse the non‐market advantages of developing‐country multinational companies (DMNCs) over advanced‐economy multinational companies (AMNCs) when both compete in the same host country. Non‐market advantages are advantages based on resources developed by the firm to operate in a country's environment. Building on the resource‐based theory and the concept of distance, we classify dimensions of a country's environment into three types (obligating, pressuring, and supporting) and argue that each type has a different impact on the advantages of DMNCs over AMNCs. First, obligating dimensions are those dimensions in which countries are not more or less developed than others; they are merely different, obligating a firm to develop particular non‐market resources to operate there. In such cases, the advantage of DMNCs over AMNCs cannot be differentiated. Instead, MNCs from more distant home countries have a disadvantage compared to MNCs from less distant countries. This is the traditional conceptualization of distance in the literature. Second, pressuring dimensions are those dimensions in which countries are more or less demanding in pressuring the firm to continuously upgrade its non‐market resources. For these dimensions, DMNCs face a disadvantage against AMNCs, because the latter have more sophisticated non‐market resources than the former. Third, supporting dimensions are those in which countries are more or less developed in their provision of external non‐market resources that support the firm's operations. In this case, DMNCs tend to enjoy an advantage over AMNCs, because the former are better at dealing with a lack of supporting resources than the latter. These last two types of dimensions challenge the commonly held ideas that distance is always directionless and always results in a disadvantage.
Indigo and law in colonial India
Authors: ROY TIRTHANKAR
Published: July 2010

Recent scholarship has explored the process by which modern commercial and property law came into being in the non‐western world, and has emphasized the role played by colonialism and conquest in this process. Using a case study from colonial India, this article suggests that the coding of commercial law was influenced more by commercialization than by the nature of the state, and was an endogenous response to the failure of local custom and common law to secure frictionless trade.
The Use of Polymers to make Wool Unshrinkable
Authors: BARR T. , CAPP C. W. , SPEAKMAN J. B.
Published: July 2010

The main peptide chains of wool fibres carry a large number of side‐chains, many of which are capable of reaction with isocyanates. As soon as it was discovered that wool fabrics may be made unshrinkable by cross‐linking reactions, therefore, attention was turned to the diisocyanates as possible cross‐linking agents. In non‐swelling solvents, such as white spirit, only a negligible degree of cross‐linking was obtained with m‐phenylene diisocyanate at 95°c; in swelling solvents, such as cresol, the cross‐linking effect was greater, but insufficient to prevent degradation of the fibres. When, however, fabric treated with diisocyanate in either solvent was milled in soap solution, its shrinkage was less than that of untreated fabric. The effect was found to be due to masking of the surface scale structure of the fibres by a deposit of polymer, which was formed through the conversion of part of the diisocyanate into diamine by reaction with the adsorbed water of the wool, followed by copolymerisation of the diisocyanate and diamine. The best results are obtained when fabric is immersed in a pH 8 buffer solution, centrifuged, and then treated for 6 hr. at 70°c. with 20% by weight of m‐phenylene diisocyanate dissolved in white spirit, using a liquor‐wool ratio of 40: 1. Hexamethylene diisocyanate is less effective, 80% by weight being needed to give the same degree of unshrinkability as 20% of m‐phenylene diisocyanate.

The preceding method of making wool unshrinkable suffers from two defects: the time of treatment is unduly long and a large part of the diisocyanate remains in solution. When, for example, 20% of m‐phenylene diisocyanate is used, the gain in weight of the fabric is only 7‐5%. Attention was therefore turned to the possibility of making wool unshrinkable by alternate treatments with diisocyanate and diamine. A high degree of unshrinkability was imparted to flannel by successive 5‐min. treatments at 25°c. with 1% solutions of m‐phenylene diisocyanate and hexamethylene diamine in white spirit–two treatments with each reagent–the gain in weight of the fabric being about 14%. Better results were obtained by applying 8% by weight of diisocyanate and diamine to flannel from solution in benzene, and then baking the fabric for 1 hr. at 100°c. By this means a satisfactory, high degree of unshrinkability was obtained in far less time than when wetted‐out fabric at pH 8 is heated with a solution of m‐phenylene diisocyanate in white spirit at 70°c, although the amount of polymer required is roughly double what is needed under the latter conditions.
The Cellulose‐Dyestuff Complex
Authors: PRESTON J. M. , TSIEN P. C.
Published: July 2010

Fibre anisotropy and the resultant dichroism of dyed fibres are shown to affect the relation between dye concentration and the intensities of reflection of polarised and unpolarised light. Fibre shape and structure are also shown to influence the reflection of light from dyed fibres.
Some Experiments on the Dyeing of Nylon Yarn
Authors: BOULTON J.
Published: July 2010

Direct dyes which remain in solution in an acidified dyebath, as most do, can be dyed on nylon yarn at rates comparable with those of the same dyes when dyed on viscose rayon yarn from a neutral bath. In the absence of acid, nylon yarn absorbs direct dyes much more slowly than does viscose rayon. The rate and equilibrium absorption of direct dyes by nylon yarn is dependent upon the pH of the dyebath.

Increase of dyeing temperature increases the rate of absorption of both direct dyes and acid dyes and decreases the equilibrium absorption.

With direct dyes, neutral salts raise the rate and degree of dyebath exhaustion from a neutral bath and decrease both in an acid bath; the latter behaviour is also shown by acid dyes on wool or nylon.

Nylon, like wool, has an acid‐binding capacity which increases with the mol. wt. of the acid for a series of organic sulphonic acids, and is lower than that of wool.

Nylon yarn dyed with direct dyes exhibits dichroism when examined in polarised light. Some acid dyes produce dichroism on nylon and some do not.

All the above facts are accommodated if a dual behaviour is attributed to nylon, viz. that its union with dye may result from (a) the formation of a salt link as with wool and/or (b) the exertion of residual valency forces as with cellulose.

The fastness to washing and light of nylon yarn dyed with acid dyes, direct dyes, cellulose acetate rayon dyes and chrome dyes has been compared directly with that of viscose rayon, cellulose acetate rayon and wool. Recommendations as to the potential usefulness of different classes of dyes are made.

Direct dyes do not cause appreciable degradation of nylon when the dyeings are exposed. Vat dyes cause extensive degradation, which takes place more rapidly than is the case with cellulosic fibres and is accompanied by similarly rapid fading of dye.

Whereas fading of dyes occurs in the presence or absence of oxygen, an atmosphere containing oxygen is essential for photodegradation of the fibre.
Measurement of Damage in Wool Materials. Part III–The Degree of Modification produced by treating Wool Fabrics with Buffered Acid and Alkaline Solutions*
Authors: WHEWELL C. S. , BEE D. M.
Published: July 2010

Measurements are made of the resistance to wet abrasion of patterns of light‐weight flannel which have been treated at various temperatures with buffered solutions of pH 1–12. The results show that the degree of modification increases with rise of temperature, and at a fixed temperature the reduction in resistance to abrasion depends on the pH of the liquid with which the cloth has been treated, being a minimum in the region of pH 4–7. The presence of residual acid or alkali reduces the resistance of fabries to wet abrasion. The degree of modification produced by blowing at various pH values increases with increasing acidity or alkalinity, outside the region pH 5–7. Whenever possible, processing should be carried out at pH 5–7.
A Review of the Chemistry of the Arylthiadiazoles or Internal Diazo–Sulphides
Authors: HODGSON H. H. , DODOSON D. P.
Published: July 2010

The earlier literature of the subject now surveyed is due mainly to Jacobson and Pries with their numerous collaborators. A comparison is made between the diazo–oxides and diazo–sulphides; all the experimental evidence, including that of absorption spectra, is in favour of a resonance–structure which includes quinonoid forms for the diazo–oxides, and a stable ring structure for the diazo–sulphides. The many interesting phenomena which this class exhibits are explained on electronic theory where possible. Comparison between the behaviour of benz–1:2:3–thiadiazole and naphthalene and of their derivatives shows considerable similarity, although notable divergences are found for which explanations are submitted.
WEST RIDING, SCOTTISH and MANCHESTER SECTIONS
Authors: LANDOLT A.
Published: July 2010

The properties of a hydrophobic methylol melamine resin are described and discussed. This resin is soluble in water, being precipitated on dilution, and only at certain concentrations shows in acid solutions the properties of positively oharged colloid ions. When applied to oellulosio fibres, it improves the following properties– anti–Bwelling, wet strength, dimensional stability, fastness to water–spotting, fastness to weathering, reserving action against dyes, fastness to light and atmosphere of vat dyeings, fastness to chlorine of dyeings. It also imparts dimensional stability to wool fabric.
Spectral Characteristics of Light Sources for Fading and Degradation Testing
Authors: COOPER B. S. , HAWKINS F. S.
Published: July 2010

The spectral distribution of energy in the visible and ultra–violet regions has been measured for the enclosed carbon are commonly employed in fading test apparatus. Tests have boen made on both D. C. and A. C. arcs, and the effect of electrical loading, asymmetrical polar distribution, and obscuration of the enclosing globe has been investigated. Certain data are also presented for the high–intensity carbon arc and for three types of metal–vapour electric discharge lamp likely to be suitable for photochemical work. Comparison is made with incandescent tungsten sources and with sunlight for corresponding spectral regions.