bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of GinsenosideRb1on Skin Changes
Authors: Kimura Yoshiyuki , Sumiyoshi Maho , Sakanaka Masahiro
Published: February 2012

Ginseng roots (Panax ginsengCA Meyer) have been used traditionally for the treatment, especially prevention, of various diseases in China, Korea, and Japan. Both experimental and clinical studies suggest ginseng roots to have pharmacological effects in patients with life-style-related diseases such as non-insulin-dependent diabetic mellitus, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. The topical use of ginseng roots to treat skin complaints including atopic suppurative dermatitis, wounds, and inflammation is also described in ancient Chinese texts; however, there have been relatively few studies in this area. In the present paper, we describe introduce the biological and pharmacological effects of ginsenoside Rb1isolated from Red ginseng roots on skin damage caused by burn-wounds using male Balb/c mice (in vivo) and by ultraviolet B irradiation using male C57BL/6J and albino hairless (HR-1) mice (in vivo). Furthermore, to clarify the mechanisms behind these pharmacological actions, human primary keratinocytes and the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT were used in experimentsin vitro.
On the Modified q‐Bernoulli Numbers of Higher Order with Weight
Authors: Kim T. , Choi J. , Kim Y.-H. , Rim S.-H.
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this paper is to give some properties of the modified q‐Bernoulli numbers and polynomials of higher order with weight. In particular, by using the bosonic p‐adic q‐integral on ℤp, we derive new identities of q‐Bernoulli numbers and polynomials with weight.
Cholestasis in Neonates with Red Cell Alloimmune Hemolytic Disease: Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcome
Authors: Smits-Wintjens Vivianne E.H.J. , Rath Mirjam E.A. , Lindenburg Irene T.M. , Oepkes Dick , van Zwet Erik W. , Walther Frans J. , Lopriore Enrico
Published: February 2012

Background: Etiology of cholestatic liver disease in neonates with hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) has been associated with iron overload due to intrauterine red cell transfusions (IUTs). Data on the incidence and severity of cholestasis in neonates with HDN are scarce, and little is known about pathogenesis, risk factors, neonatal management and outcome. Objective: To evaluate incidence, risk factors, management and outcome of cholestasis in neonates with red cell alloimmune hemolytic disease. Methods: All (near-) term neonates with HDN due to red cell alloimmunization admitted to our center between January 2000 and July 2010 were included in this observational study. Liver function tests (including conjugated bilirubin) were routinely performed in the neonatal period. We recorded the presence of cholestasis, investigated several potential risk factors and evaluated the management and outcome in affected neonates. Results: A total of 313 infants with red cell alloimmune hemolytic disease treated with or without IUTs were included. The incidence of cholestasis was 13% (41/313). Two risk factors were independently associated with cholestasis: treatment with at least one IUT (OR 5.81, 95% CI 1.70–19.80, p = 0.005) and rhesus D type of alloimmunization (OR 4.66, 95% CI 1.05–20.57, p = 0.042). Additional diagnostic tests to investigate possible causes of cholestasis were all negative. In 5 infants (12%), supportive medical and nutritional therapy was started, and one neonate required iron chelation therapy. Conclusion: Cholestasis occurs in 13% of neonates with HDN due to red cell alloimmunization, and it is independently associated with IUT treatment and rhesus D type of alloimmunization.
Association of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Gene Polymorphisms with Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yuan Dongqing , Yuan Donglan , Liu Qinghuai
Published: February 2012

Aims: To investigate the association between diabetic retinopathy (DR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus and three polymorphisms of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene, –429T/C, –374T/A and Gly82Ser. Methods: A literature search was conducted through PubMed and Web of Science (up to August 31, 2011). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using fixed-effects (FE) and random-effects (RE) models in co-dominant, recessive and dominant models. A sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding invalid studies. Results: Six articles investigated the –429T/C polymorphism, 7 publications were associated with the –374T/A polymorphism and 5 studies were associated with Gly82Ser in DR. For the –429T/C variant, we found no significant difference between DR patients and those with diabetes without retinopathy. A significant association of allele A with DR was found in the recessive model for the –374T/A variant (RE OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.42–0.99, p = 0.05, p heterogeneity = 0.55). In the recessive and co-dominant models for the Gly82Ser polymorphism, the pooled ORs were positive in the fixed-effects model (FE OR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.49–5.60, p = 0.002, p heterogeneity = 0.20; and FE OR = 3.45, 95% CI = 1.76–6.67, p = 0.0003, p heterogeneity = 0.07, respectively), but in the random-effects model the results were negative. Conclusions: Our research confirmed an association between the RAGE –374T/A polymorphism and retinopathy in subjects with type 2 diabetes and the –374AA allele was found to be a protective factor for type 2 diabetes. Otherwise, the RAGE Gly82Ser polymorphism might be considered a significant risk for DR in Asian populations.
Primary Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma of the Psoas Muscle: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kounami Shinji , Shibuta Keiko , Yoshiyama Megumi , Mitani Yasuyuki , Watanabe Takashi , Takifuji Katsunari , Yoshikawa Norishige
Published: February 2012

Primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) of skeletal muscle is very rare. We report a case of ALCL arising from the left psoas muscle. A 14-year-old girl presented with a large left inguinal tumor. She complained of a 2-month history of left leg pain, which had been exacerbated upon leg extension, and she had become aware of a rapidly growing left inguinal tumor 3 weeks before admission. CT scan and MRI revealed a large tumor arising from the left major psoas muscle and protruding into the inguinal region. In view of the tumor’s location and the patient’s age, soft tissue tumors such as rhabdomyosarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumor were initially considered. However, histopathological examination yielded a diagnosis of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive ALCL. The serum level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor was markedly elevated at 50,414 U/ml, and this also strongly suggested ALCL. Although rarely reported, ALCL is an important entity to consider in the differential diagnosis of skeletal muscle tumors in children and young adults.
Periplasmic Delivery of Biologically Active Human Interleukin-10 in Escherichia coli via a Sec-Dependent Signal Peptide
Authors: Pöhlmann Christoph , Brandt Manuela , Mottok Dorothea S. , Zschüttig Anke , Campbell John W. , Blattner Frederick R. , Frisch David , Gunzer Florian
Published: February 2012

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine, with therapeutic applications in inflammatory bowel disease. For the in situ delivery of IL-10 by Escherichia coli as carrier chassis, a modified transporter was designed with the ability to secrete biologically active IL-10. De novo DNA synthesis comprised a 561-bp fragment encoding the signal sequence of the E. coli outer membrane protein F fused in frame to an E. coli codon-optimized mature human IL-10 gene under control of a T7 promoter. The construct was overexpressed in E. coli laboratory strains, E. coli BL21 (DE3) and E. coli MDS42:T7. The mean concentrations of human IL-10 in the periplasm and culture supernatant of E. coli BL21 (DE3) were 355.8 ± 86.3 and 5.7 ± 1.7 ng/ml, respectively. The molecular mass of the recombinant E. coli-derived human IL-10 was 19 kDa, while under non-reducing conditions the native IL-10 dimer could be demonstrated. Reduction of tumor necrosis factor-α secretion in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse macrophages and detection of the activated form of the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3 proved the biological activity of the bacteria-produced human IL-10.
Safety of Submacular Suprachoroidal Drug Administration via a Microcatheter: Retrospective Analysis of European Treatment Results
Authors: Tetz Manfred , Rizzo Stanislao , Augustin Albert J.
Published: February 2012

Purpose: To investigate the safety and feasibility of using a microcatheter for drug delivery in the suprachoroidal space in eyes with advanced, exudative, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) unresponsive to conventional therapy. Procedures: A unique microcatheter was used to deliver a drug combination consisting of bevacizumab and triamcinolone to the submacular suprachoroidal space. Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to advanced, exudative AMD were followed over a 6-month postprocedure period. Results: The microcatheter was successfully and atraumatically inserted into the suprachoroidal space of all eyes. No serious intraoperative or postoperative complications including suprachoroidal hemorrhages were encountered. Postsurgically, complications consisted of 1 eye experiencing a transient elevation in intraocular pressure at 3 months, which was medically controlled, and 2 eyes (10.5%) with an apparent increase in nuclear sclerotic cataracts. Conclusions: Suprachoroidal drug administration was achieved without serious complication using a novel microcatheter. Direct drug delivery to the choroid can potentially increase local tissue drug levels and drug efficacy for the treatment of AMD and other diseases associated with CNV.
Treatment of Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation Induced Hydrops Fetalis via Percutaneous Sclerotherapy
Authors: Lee Frances L. , Said Nellie , Grikscheit Tracy C. , Shin Cathy E. , Llanes Arlyn , Chmait Ramen H.
Published: February 2012

Large type II and III congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs) can cause pulmonary hypoplasia, non-immune hydrops fetalis and fetal demise. Fetal intervention is indicated if hydrops fetalis develops. In this report, we describe three cases of type II and III CPAMs complicated by hydrops and treated with percutaneous sclerotherapy by ethanolamine injection into the tumor. All 3 cases demonstrated reduction in size of the CPAM and resolution of the hydrops with subsequent delivery at term. We believe that fetal percutaneous sclerotherapy can be used as a minimally invasive palliative strategy to treat CPAM-induced hydrops fetalis. Further studies are needed to delineate the risks of this novel technique.
Daytime Rhythm and Treatment-Related Fluctuations of Serum Phosphorus Concentration in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Viaene Liesbeth , Meijers Björn , Vanrenterghem Yves , Evenepoel Pieter
Published: February 2012

Background: Serum phosphorus concentrations reflect a dynamic balance between generation, exchanges, and removal. Time-averaged phosphorus concentrations (TACphos) reflect the overall exposure better than single time-point concentrations, especially in dialysis patients treated with an intermittent modality. The present study aimed to determine the daytime rhythm of phosphorus in dialysis patients and to compare the TACphos in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: Serum concentrations of urea nitrogen, creatinine and phosphorus were determined at regular intervals in 10 healthy volunteers (HV), 8 CAPD patients and 10 HD patients. In HV and CAPD patients, blood was sampled at 08:30 (fasting), 09:30, 10:30, 12:30, 16:30, and 08:30 h the next day. In HD patients, blood was sampled before and after the midweek dialysis session and rebound was assessed at regular time-points post-dialysis. TACphos were determined according to the trapezoidal rule. Results: Serum phosphorus levels show a daytime rhythm in CAPD patients, similar to what is observed in HV, with a nadir around 10:30 h and a rise in the afternoon. The magnitude of this daytime fluctuation is limited as compared to the treatment-related fluctuations in HD. These important fluctuations also translate in predialysis serum phosphorus concentrations overestimating the TAC. Remarkably, TACphos were significantly lower in HD as compared to CAPD patients. Conclusions: Daytime phosphorus rhythm is preserved in CAPD patients. These fluctuations are limited as compared to fluctuations in HD patients. Treatment-related fluctuation should be accounted for when comparing phosphorus exposure between different groups.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Mesoblastic Nephroma
Authors: Montaruli Ernesto , Fouquet Virginie
Published: February 2012

A case of prenatal diagnosis of congenital mesoblastic nephroma by magnetic resonance is described.
Development and Application of EST-Based Markers Specific for Chromosome Arms of Rye (Secale cereale L.)
Authors: Xu H. , Yin D. , Li L. , Wang Q. , Li X. , Yang X. , Liu W. , An D.
Published: February 2012

To develop a set of molecular markers specific for the chromosome arms of rye, a total of 1,098 and 93 primer pairs derived from the expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences distributed on all 21 wheat chromosomes and 7 rye chromosomes, respectively, were initially screened on common wheat ‘Chinese Spring’ and rye cultivar ‘Imperial’. Four hundred and fourteen EST-based markers were specific for the rye genome. Seven disomic chromosome addition lines, 10 telosomic addition lines and 1 translocation line of ‘Chinese Spring-Imperial’ were confirmed by genomic in situ hybridization and fluorescencein situ hybridization, and used to screen the rye-specific markers. Thirty-one of the 414 markers produced stable specific amplicons in ‘Imperial’, as well as individual addition lines and were assigned to 13 chromosome arms of rye except for 6RS. Six rye cultivars, wheat cultivar ‘Xiaoyan 6’ and accessions of 4 wheat relatives were then used to test the specificity of the 31 EST-based markers. To confirm the specificity, 4 wheat-rye derivatives of ‘Xiaoyan 6 × German White’, with chromosomes 1RS, 2R and 4R, were amplified by some of the EST-based markers. The results indicated that they can effectively be used to detect corresponding rye chromosomes or chromosome arms introgressed into a wheat background, and hence to accelerate the utilization of rye genes in wheat breeding.
Dialyzer Reuse and Mortality Risk in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Galvao Tais Freire , Silva Marcus Tolentino , Araujo Maria Elizete de Almeida , Bulbol Wilson Seffair , Cardoso Angela Libia de Melo Pereira
Published: February 2012

Background and Aim: Robust evidence about dialyzer reuse effects on mortality is not available. Our aim was to summarize the evidence for the effectiveness of dialyzer reuse compared to single use in patients with end-stage renal disease. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SciELO, LILACS, USRDS ADR, universities’ theses databases and annals of congress from major nephrology societies. Reviewers performed the study selection and data extraction independently. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of the evidence. Mortality was the primary outcome. Results: A total of 1,190 studies were retrieved, and 14 were included in the review (n = 956,807 patients). The disinfectants used on dialyzer reprocessing were hypochlorite, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and peracetic acid. The evidence available from the studies was of very low quality. Most studies found no differences between groups. In studies with statistically significant differences, these differences were not observed in all groups and they varied by the type of disinfectant, time of observation and treatment unit. Conclusions: No significant differences were identified for the superiority or inferiority of dialyzer reuse versus single use when assessing the mortality of patients with end-stage renal disease. Studies of higher quality, including randomized clinical trials, are required to provide conclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of dialyzer reuse.
Reconquista and Reconciliation in the Dutch Revolt: The Campaign of Governor-General Alexander Farnese (1578-1592)
Authors: Soen Violet
Published: February 2012

Abstract

The campaign in the Low Countries led by governor-general Alexander Farnese from October 1578 onwards resulted in the reconquest of more cities for the King of Spain than had been achieved by any of his predecessors or successors. It serves here as a starting point for a contextual analysis of the relationship between the ruler and the city defiant during the Dutch Revolt, not only to cast new light on the oft-neglected and complex Spanish Habsburg policies, but also to understand the broader context of questions of resistance and reconciliation during the Dutch Revolt. Most capitulation treaties accorded by Farnese show at least four features at odds with the pattern of repression of urban revolts. The governor aimed at keeping the civic patrimony intact, he granted full pardon and oblivion, he conditionally restored urban privileges and he often felt obliged not to insist on immediate reconciliation with the Catholic Church. The divergent reactions to this Habsburg policy indicate that the Dutch Revolt showed striking features of a civil war, in which not only the conditions of revolt but also of reconciliation caused discord.
Nest attendance and hatchling care in wild American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) in Quintana Roo, Mexico
Authors: Hénaut Yann , Charruau Pierre
Published: February 2012

Crocodilians show universal parental care, but few studies concentrate on this behavior in wild crocodiles. We studied nest and hatchling care in genetically pure wild American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) on two Caribbean islands of Mexico. From 2006 to 2009 we made direct observations of crocodile behavior upon discovery of nests and groups of hatchlings in Banco Chinchorro. In 2009, we installed camera traps at 4 nests from the time of their discovery to the hatching of each nest, in Banco Chinchorro and Cozumel Island. Twenty-one other species were observed to visit crocodile nests. No nest predation was observed but nine species represented some danger to nests and/or hatchlings. Females seemed to remain in the nest vicinity during incubation. There was variability in nest visit frequencies and no nest defense toward human intrusion was observed. Visit frequency by other species at nests decreased with increased crocodile visitation. Crocodiles mainly visited nests on darker nights, corresponding to the visits of species representing greater danger for nests. Repair of the nest by females after disturbance was observed for the first time in wild American crocodiles. Crocodile visits were more frequent at the beginning and the end of incubation, which could represent different antipredation strategies. Although adult crocodiles helped during hatching for the emergence of neonates, hatchling care seemed reduced compared to other crocodile species. We provide the first data on nesting behavior of genetically pure American crocodiles in the Yucatan peninsula, which provides a base for future comparisons with Morelet's crocodiles and their hybrids.
Spontaneous neoplasms in zoo mammals, birds, and reptiles in Taiwan – a 10-year survey
Authors: Pang Victor Fei , Chang Pen-Heng , Wang Fun-In , Chin Shih-Chien , Jeng Chian-Ren , Liu Chen-Hsuan , Chu Pei-Yi , Zhuo Yi-Xing
Published: February 2012

The characteristics of 163 spontaneous neoplasms diagnosed in 150 necropsied zoo mammals, birds, and reptiles at Taipei Zoo during 1994-2003 were analyzed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were employed to classify the tumor types. A total of 2657 necropsied zoo animals, including 1335 mammals, 873 birds and 449 reptiles led to the diagnosis of tumor in 8.1% (108/1335), 4.2% (37/873) and 1.1% (5/449) of cases, respectively. The most predominant type of tumors in mammals was mammary gland tumors (12.0%, 13/108), followed by uterine smooth muscle tumors (10.2%, 11/108), lymphosarcoma (9.3%, 10/108), hepatocellular carcinoma (8.3%, 9/108), and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (6.5%, 7/108). The avian neoplasm with the highest incidence was lymphosarcoma (35.1%, 13/37). Five individual neoplasms were found in different reptile species. The overall incidence of malignant tumors (63.8%, 104/163) was greater than that of benign tumors (36.2%, 59/163). Immunohistochemistry characterization of these tumors revealed a histogenesis which is similar to that seen in domestic animals and humans.
Comment Conversion and the Conflict of Laws in Respect of Spouse Rights to Inheritance in Malaysia
Authors: Kusrin Zuliza Mohd , Muda Mohd Zamro , Laluddin Hayatullah , Mohammad Abdul Basir
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Conversion of either of non-Muslim spouses to Islam has far-reaching legal consequences in matters of the law of personal status in the Malaysian context. This is due to the existence of two different legal systems governing family matters or matters of personal status. Muslims citizens are governed by Islamic family law, whilst non-Muslim citizens are governed by civil law. The existence of dual legal systems, in the case of conversion of either spouse of any civil marriage, leads to a conflict of interest between both parties, for the marriage has to be dissolved according to civil law and the divorce petition has to be applied by the non-Muslim spouse in the civil court. This article attempts to analyze the conflict of laws caused by such conflicts of interest on matters related to the claims of property after the death of either spouse or their conversion. This article focuses mainly on the issues of inheritance and jointly acquired properties.
Significant Decrease of Uncertainties in Sensible Heat Flux Simulation Using Temporally Variable Aerodynamic Roughness in Two Typical Forest Ecosystems of China
Authors: Zhou Yanlian , Ju Weimin , Sun Xiaomin , Wen Xuefa , Guan Dexin
Published: February 2012

Aerodynamic roughness length zom is an important parameter for reliably simulating surface fluxes. It varies with wind speed, atmospheric stratification, terrain, and other factors. However, it is usually considered a constant. It is known that uncertainties in zom result in latent heat flux (LE) simulation errors, since zom links LE with aerodynamic resistance. The effects of zom on sensible heat flux (SH) simulation are usually neglected because there is no direct link between the two. By comparing SH simulations with three types of zom inputs, it is found that allowing zom temporal variation in an SH simulation model significantly improves agreement between simulated and measured SH and also decreases the sensitivity of the SH model to the heat transfer coefficient Ct, which in turn determines the linkage between zom and thermal roughness length zoh.
Reconciling Simulated and Observed Views of Clouds: MODIS, ISCCP, and the Limits of Instrument Simulators
Authors: Pincus Robert , Platnick Steven , Ackerman Steven A. , Hemler Richard S. , Patrick Hofmann Robert J.
Published: February 2012

The properties of clouds that may be observed by satellite instruments, such as optical thickness and cloud-top pressure, are only loosely related to the way clouds are represented in models of the atmosphere. One way to bridge this gap is through “instrument simulators,” diagnostic tools that map the model representation to synthetic observations so that differences can be interpreted as model error. But simulators may themselves be restricted by limited information or by internal assumptions. This paper considers the extent to which instrument simulators are able to capture essential differences between the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP), two similar but independent estimates of cloud properties. The authors review the measurements and algorithms underlying these two cloud climatologies, introduce a MODIS simulator, and detail datasets developed for comparison with global models using ISCCP and MODIS simulators. In nature MODIS observes less midlevel cloudiness than ISCCP, consistent with the different methods used to determine cloud-top pressure; aspects of this difference are reproduced by the simulators. Differences in observed distributions of optical thickness, however, are not captured. The largest differences can be traced to different approaches to partly cloudy pixels, which MODIS excludes and ISCCP treats as homogeneous. These cover roughly 15% of the planet and account for most of the optically thinnest clouds. Instrument simulators cannot reproduce these differences because there is no way to synthesize partly cloudy pixels. Nonetheless, MODIS and ISCCP observations are consistent for all but the optically thinnest clouds, and models can be robustly evaluated using instrument simulators by integrating over the robust subset of observations.
Spatial–Intensity Variations in Extreme Precipitation in the Contiguous United States and the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Jones Charles , Carvalho Leila M. V.
Published: February 2012

The spatial–intensity variability of extreme precipitation over the contiguous United States (CONUS) during boreal winter and relationships with the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) are investigated. Daily gridded precipitation is used to define two types of contiguous regions of extreme precipitation (CREPs): the intensity and spatial extent exceeding the 75th and 90th percentiles of frequency distributions. Extreme precipitation occurs twice as frequently when the MJO is active than inactive. Joint probabilities of the fractional area of CONUS sectors when the MJO is active are 2.0–2.5 higher than probabilities during inactive days for both 75th and 90th percentile CREPs (similar for the intensity of CREPs). Probabilities of the fractional area of 75th percentile CREPs when the MJO is active in neutral ENSO are higher than during warm or cold ENSO. Joint probabilities of the fractional area during MJO and warm ENSO are higher than MJO and cold ENSO and statistically significant over southern sectors. Results are similar for joint probabilities of intensity exceedance and MJO activity in warm and cold ENSO phases. Proportions of 75th and 90th percentile CREPs for each sector and phase of the MJO are predominantly large when MJO convective signals are over the central Indian Ocean or western Pacific. Probabilities of the fractional area of 90th percentile CREPs conditioned on MJO phases, however, do not show clear predominance. This indicates that the MJO is not the sole player in the occurrences of CREPs. Last, this study concludes that probabilities of the fractional area and intensity of 75th and 90th percentile CREPs in the CONUS do not depend on the amplitude of the MJO.
In the End – Which God? Questions on the Future of Interfaith Relations – Part 2
Authors: Boyd Robin
Published: February 2012

Pluralism seems to have displaced exclusivism and inclusivism, but - beyond commendable interfaith friendship and vague hopes of a “coming world faith” - has failed to provide an articulate theology reflecting a shared commitment to God’s telos (goal, purpose). Breaking this deadlock will involve revisiting the neglected theology of inculturation. Mission (as shared participation in missio Dei) must be affirmed; but the term “religion” should be questioned. G. B. Caird’s belief that the telos is not an event but rather a Person is affirmed: God the Christlike Person who is Truth, to whom all people are drawn in Love.
Laboratizing and de-laboratizing the world
Authors: Guggenheim Michael
Published: February 2012

How has sociology framed places of knowledge production and what is the specific power of the laboratory for this history? This article looks in three steps at how sociology and Science and Technology Studies (STS) have historically framed the world as laboratory. First, in early sociology, the laboratory was an important metaphor to conceive of sociology as a scientific enterprise. In the 1950s, the trend reversed and with the emergence of a ‘qualitative sociology’, sociology was seen in opposition to laboratory work. With the ascent of laboratory studies, the laboratory perspective was again applied to many fields, including sociology itself. Based on a definition of a laboratory as aiming at placeless knowledge and being inconsequential this article argues that the two waves of laboratorization were metaphorical and did not really turn the world into a laboratory. Instead, two alternative concepts, those of the unilatory and the locatory, are proposed to gain a more precise understanding of some of these metaphorical uses of the term ‘laboratory’.
‘A most interesting chapter in the history of science’
Authors: Drucker Donna J.
Published: February 2012

There were three broad categories of academic responses to Alfred Kinsey’s Sexual Behavior in the Human Male (Kinsey, Pomeroy and Martin, 1948): method; findings; and broader reflections on the book’s place in American social life and democracy. This article focuses primarily on archival academic responses to Kinsey’s work that appeared in the year following the book’s publication. Many academics agreed that some aspects of Kinsey’s method were flawed and that his interpretations sometimes overreached his raw data. Nonetheless, they also agreed that no one else had gathered such a diverse sampling of interviewees whose behaviors Kinsey could use to create new interpretive models of human sexuality. As Kinsey’s research was deliberately interdisciplinary, his research and statistical methodologies began to catch on in the human sciences and to encourage academics and intellectuals to rethink their human science practices. As academics reflected on the volume’s larger meaning in American life, several of them thought it exemplified the worst American values (emphases on money and size) while others saw the very existence of the Male volume as an excellent example of the ability of free citizens to pursue and to publish research on any topic. While members of the American intelligentsia championed the Male volume and its findings as democratic, the reception of Sexual Behavior in the Human Female (Kinsey, Pomeroy, Martin and Gebhard, 1953), published at an intense moment of the cold war, was viewed as a communist threat to American security for revealing the sexual secrets of the public.
Selected sociodemographic factors and related differences in patterns of alcohol use among university students in Slovakia
Authors: Sebena Rene , Orosova Olga , Mikolajczyk Rafael T , van Dijk Jitse P
Published: February 2012

Background

Alcohol use and misuse and their relation to sociodemograhic factors are well studied among university students in Western European countries and the USA, but less is known about students in Eastern Europe. The historical past as communistic countries might have affected the social life among these populations, which is again one of the main factors determining the alcohol consumption among university students. The aim of our study was to assess the association of selected sociodemographic factors with different patterns of alcohol use among university students in Slovakia.

Methods

A sample of 813 young adults (mean age 21.1 years, 63.8% females; response rate of 71%) from four universities in Kosice answered questions about their sociodemographic background and about alcohol use. To obtain a detailed picture of different aspects, alcohol use was measured by four variables: frequency of alcohol use, heavy episodic drinking, frequency of drunkenness and problem drinking. Four separate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between sociodemographic and alcohol-related variables. To assess the potentially different effects in both genders, all two-way interactions with gender were tested.

Results

While 41% of the students drank alcohol once a week or more often, 77% reported heavy episodic drinking and 49% had been drunk more than once in the last month. Problem drinking existed in 23.3% of the sample. Gender was consistently associated with all four alcohol-related variables, with males being at higher risk. A higher study year was associated only with lower levels of heavy episodic drinking, but displayed no association with the other studied variables. Living with parents during the semester was consistently associated with less frequent heavy episodic drinking, drunkenness episodes, and problem drinking while having an intimate relationship was associated with less problem drinking only.

Conclusions

Our findings for the university students from Slovakia are in line with previous studies in Western Europe. Additionally, it appears that frequent alcohol use, excessive alcohol use (heavy episodic drinking and drunkenness) and problem drinking among university students represent a continuum and are influenced by the same sociodemographic factors.
Postpartum nurses' perceptions of barriers to screening for intimate partner violence: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Guillery Margaret E , Benzies Karen M , Mannion Cynthia , Evans Sheila
Published: February 2012

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a human rights violation that is pervasive worldwide, and is particularly critical for women during the reproductive period. IPV includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Nurses on in-patient postpartum units are well-positioned to screen women for IPV, yet low screening rates suggest that barriers to screening exist. The purpose of this study was to (a) identify the frequency of screening for IPV, (b) the most important barriers to screening, (c) the relationship between the barriers to screening and the frequency of screening for types of abuse, and (d) to identify other factors that contribute to the frequency of screening for IPV.

Methods

In 2008, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 96 nurses from postpartum inpatient units in three Canadian urban hospitals. The survey included the Barriers to Abuse Assessment Tool (BAAT), adapted for postpartum nurses (PPN). Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were used to predict barriers to screening for each type of IPV.

Results

The frequency of screening varied by the type of abuse with highest screening rates found for physical and emotional abuse. According to the BAAT-PPN, lack of knowledge was the most important barrier to screening. The BAAT-PPN total score was negatively correlated with screening for physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Using OLS regression models and after controlling for demographic characteristics, the BAAT-PPN explained 14%, 12%, and 11% of the variance in screening for physical, sexual and emotional abuse, respectively. Fluency in the language of the patient was negatively correlated with screening for each type of abuse. When added as Step 3 to OLS regression models, language fluency was associated with an additional decrease in the likelihood of screening for physical (beta coefficient = -.38, P < .001), sexual (beta coefficient = -.24, P = .05), and emotional abuse (beta coefficient = -.48, P < .001) and increased the variance explained by the model to 25%, 17%, and 31%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings support an inverse relationship between rates of screening for IPV and nurses' perceptions of barriers. Barriers to screening for IPV, particularly related to knowledge and language fluency, need to be addressed to increase rates of screening on postpartum units.
Nurse staffing, direct nursing care hours and patient mortality in Taiwan: the longitudinal analysis of hospital nurse staffing and patient outcome study
Authors: Liang Yia-Wun , Chen Wen-Yi , Lee Jwo-Leun , Huang Li-Chi
Published: February 2012

Background

Studies over the past decades have shown an association between nurse staffing and patient outcomes, however, most of these studies were conducted in the West. Accordingly, the purpose of this study aimed to provide an overview of the research/evidence base which has clarified the relationship between nurse staffing and patient mortality of acute care hospital wards under a universal health insurance system and attempted to provide explanations for some of the phenomena that are unique in Taiwan.

Methods

Through stratified random sampling, a total of 108 wards selected from 32 hospitals in Taiwan were collected over a consecutive seven month period. The mixed effect logit model was used to explore the relationship between nurse staffing and patient mortality.

Results

The medians of direct-nursing-care-hour, and nurse manpower were 2.52 h, and 378 persons, respectively. The OR for death between the long direct-nursing-care-hour (> median) group and the short direct-nursing-care-hour (≦median) group was 0.393 (95% CI = [0.245, 0.617]). The OR for death between the high (> median) and the low (≦median) nurse manpower groups was 0.589 (95% CI = [0.381, 0.911]).

Conclusions

Findings from this study demonstrate an association of nurse staffing and patient mortality and are consistent with findings from similar studies. These findings have policy implications for strengthening the nursing profession, nurse staffing, and the hospital quality associated with nursing. Additional research is necessary to demonstrate adequate nurse staffing ratios of different wards in Taiwan.
miR-10a is aberrantly overexpressed in Nucleophosmin1 mutated acute myeloid leukaemia and its suppression induces cell death
Authors: Bryant Adam , Palma Catalina A , Jayaswal Vivek , Yang Yee Wa , Lutherborrow Mark , Ma David DF
Published: February 2012

Background

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with nucleophosmin-1 (NPM1) mutation is a major subtype of AML. TheNPM1mutation induces a myeloproliferative disorder, but evidence indicates that other insults are necessary for the development of AML. We utilised microRNA microarrays and functional assays to determine if microRNA dysregulation could be involved in the pathogenesis of inNPM1mutated (NPM1mut)-AML.

Results

We used a stringent locked nucleic acid (LNA) based microRNA microarray platform to profile bone marrow samples of patients with normal karyotype AML. A panel of five microRNAs dichotomised AML patients according to theirNPM1mutational status. miR-10a, let-7b and let-7c were significantly over-expressed, while miR-130a and miR-335 were under-expressed inNPM1mut-AML when compared toNPM1wildtype-AML. Of these, miR-10a is the most differentially expressed inNPM1mut-AML versusNPM1wildtype-AML (> 10 fold higher as confirmed by qRT-PCR). To investigate the functions of miR-10a, the OCI-AML3 cell line was utilised, which is the only commercially available cell line bearingNPM1mut. OCI-AML3 cells were firstly demonstrated to have a similarly high miR-10a expression to primaryNPM1mut-AML patient samples. Inhibition of miR-10a expression by miRCURY LNA Inhibitors (Exiqon) in these cells resulted in increased cell death as assessed by MTS, cell cycle and Annexin-V assays and reduced clonogenic capacity, indicative of an involvement in leukaemic cell survival.In silicofiltering of bioinformatically predicted targets of miR-10a identified a number of potential mRNA targets with annotated functions in haematopoiesis, cell growth and apoptosis. Lucferase reporter assays confirmed a number of these putative tumorogenic genes that are miR-10a suppressible includingKLF4andRB1CC1. This provides a potential mechanism for the pathogenic role of miR-10a inNPM1mut-AML.

Conclusions

This study provides, for the first time,in vitroevidence of a pro-survival role of miR-10a inNPM1mut-AML, that it may contribute to the pathogenesis ofNPM1mut-AML and identifies putative tumorogenic targets.
Prognostic criteria in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a single center experience retrospective analysis
Authors: Tanimine Naoki , Tanabe Kazuaki , Suzuki Takahisa , Tokumoto Noriaki , Ohdan Hideki
Published: February 2012

Background

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are morphologically and clinically heterogeneous tumors, and their biological behavior is difficult to predict, ranging from clinically benign to malignant. The aim of our study was to reanalyze the value of the commonly used prognostic criteria and recently reported nomogram in predicting disease recurrence in patients with primary resectable GISTs.

Methods

The clinicopathological features of 60 patients with GISTs who underwent surgical resection between 1998 and 2010 at Hiroshima University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Tumors were classified according to the National Institutes of Health and Armed Forces Institute of Pathology criteria, and nomogram predictions were performed. The relationship between patient and tumor characteristics was tested by univariate analysis using the log-rank test. Furthermore, we assessed nomogram performance with the concordance index and calibration.

Results

The median patient follow-up was 4.1 years, with 6 of 60 patients experiencing recurrence. Recurrence was observed only in the high-risk group. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 93.0 and 89.9% after 2 and 5 years, respectively. The concordance indices of the nomogram prediction were 0.96 and 0.65 for all patients and the high-risk subgroup, respectively. Calibration of the nomogram-predicted RFS tended to overestimate the recurrence risk relative to the actual RFS.

Conclusions

Although the commonly used criteria provide an excellent estimation of tumor behavior, they are limited by prognostic heterogeneity. The predictive nomogram is a beneficial scoring system but not a direct RFS predictor. We need more consideration for small GISTs, particularly those less than 3 cm in diameter, and small GISTs should be analyzed as a subset with potentiality different biological behavior.
Solid variant of aneurysmal bone cyst in the tibia treated with simple curettage without bone graft: a case report
Authors: Takechi Rumi , Yanagawa Takashi , Shinozaki Tetsuya , Fukuda Toshio , Takagishi Kenji
Published: February 2012

The solid variant of aneurysmal bone cyst (solid ABC) is rarely encountered in long bones and appropriate treatment for this disease remains unclear. We experienced a 13-year-old boy suffering from pain in his left knee caused by solid ABC. Simple curettage of the bone lesion without any adjuvant therapy and a bone graft gave immediate pain relief. Histological examination of the surgical specimen showed typical features of solid ABC, and cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression was confirmed in giant cells with a background of spindle cells by immunohistochemistry. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that soft tissue edema surrounding the lesion was improved two months after surgery and there was no indication of recurrence two years after surgery.

If COX-2 secreted from the tumor induces soft tissue edema, simple curettage of the bone lesion seems to be a reasonable treatment for solid ABC and is able to minimize invasive treatment of the patients.
Guava leaf extracts alleviate fatty liver via expression of adiponectin receptors in SHRSP.Z-Leprfa/Izm rats
Authors: Yoshitomi Hisae , Guo Xiangyu , Liu Tonghua , Gao Ming
Published: February 2012

Background

In recent years, the number of people with metabolic syndrome has continued to rise because of changing eating habits, and accompanying hepatic steatosis patients have also increased. This study examined the effect of guava leaf extract on liver fat accumulation using SHRSP.Z-Leprfa/IzmDmcr rats (SHRSP/ZF), which are a metabolic syndrome model animal.

Method

Seven-week-old male SHRSP/ZF rats were divided into two groups, a control group and a guava leaf extract (GLE) group. We gave 2 g/kg/day GLE or water by forced administration for 6 weeks. After the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed and organ weight, hepatic lipids, serum aminotransferase and liver pathology were examined. To search for a possible mechanism, we examined the changes of key enzyme and transcriptional factors involved in hepatic fatty acid beta-oxidation.

Results

The triglyceride content of the liver significantly decreased in the GLE group in comparison with the control group, and decreased fat-drop formation in the liver tissue graft in the GLE group was observed. In addition, the improvement of liver organization impairments with fat accumulation restriction was suggested because blood AST and ALT in the GLE group significantly decreased. Furthermore, it was supposed that the activity of AMPK and PPARα significantly increased in the GLE group via the increase of adiponectin receptors. These were thought to be associated with the decrease of the triglyceride content in the liver because AMPK and PPARα in liver tissue control energy metabolism or lipid composition. On the other hand, insulin resistance was suggested to have improved by the fatty liver improvement in GLE.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that administration of GLE may have preventive effects of hepatic accumulation and ameliorated hepatic insulin resistance by enhancing the adiponectin beta-oxidation system. Guava leaf may be potentially useful for hepatic steatosis without the side effects of long-term treatments.
Kinetics of DNA methylation inheritance by the Dnmt1-including complexes during the cell cycle
Authors: Hervouet Eric , Nadaradjane Arulraj , Gueguen Marine , Vallette François M , Cartron Pierre-François
Published: February 2012

Background

The clonal transmission of lineage-specific DNA methylation patterns in a mammalian genome during the cellular division is a crucial biological process controlled by the DNA methyltransferase Dnmt1, mainly. To investigate possible dynamic mechanisms of DNA methylation inheritance during the cell cycle, we used a Proximity Ligation In Situ Assay (P-LISA) to analyze the kinetic of formation and DNA recruitment of Dnmt1-including complexes.

Results

P-LISA, sequential chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative methylation specific PCR revealed that the Dnmt1/PCNA/UHRF1-including complexes are mainly formed and recruited on DNA during the S-phase of cell cycle, while the formation and the DNA recruitment of several Dnmt1/transcription factors-including complexes are not S-phase dependent but are G0/G1 and/or G2/M phases dependent.

Conclusion

Our data confirm that DNA methylation inheritance occurs in S-phase, and demonstrate that DNA methylation inheritance can also occur in G0/G1 and G2/M phases of the cell cycle.
Ultra late onset group B streptococcal sepsis with acute renal failure in a child with urethral obstruction: a case report
Authors: Freudenstein Daniela , Reinshagen Konrad , Petzold Angela , Debus Angelika , Schroten Horst , Tenenbaum Tobias
Published: February 2012

Introduction

Group B streptococci are a well-known cause of early and late onset sepsis. In neonates and older children gram-negative bacteria are mostly found in urinary tract infections and urosepsis. In adults predisposing factors for group B streptococci urinary tract infection may include diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure.

Case presentation

We present a rare case of a five-month-old Caucasian boy with ultra late onset urosepsis and acute renal failure caused by group B streptococci serotype V. Excretion urography showed a subvesical obstruction that consequently was surgically corrected after antibiotic treatment of the acute infection.

Conclusions

Group B streptococci serotype V, urogenitary tract malformations, previous hospitalization and medical interventions may be important risk factors for the development of ultra late onset Group B streptococci sepsis in non-neonates.