bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auxin‐induced WUS expression is essential for embryonic stem cell renewal during somatic embryogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Su Ying H. , Zhao Xiang Y. , Liu Yu B. , Zhang Chuan L. , O’Neill Sharman D. , Zhang Xian S.
Published: March 2009

Somatic embryogenesis requires auxin and establishment of the shoot apical meristem (SAM). WUSCHEL (WUS) is critical for stem cell fate determination in the SAM of higher plants. However, regulation of WUS expression by auxin during somatic embryogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we show that expression of several regulatory genes important in zygotic embryogenesis were up‐regulated during somatic embryogenesis of Arabidopsis. Interestingly, WUS expression was induced within the embryonic callus at a time when somatic embryos could not be identified morphologically or molecularly. CorrectWUS expression, regulated by a defined critical level of exogenous auxin, is essential for somatic embryo induction. Furthermore, it was found that auxin gradients were established in specific regions that could then give rise to somatic embryos. The establishment of auxin gradients was correlated with the induced WUS expression. Moreover, the auxin gradients appear to activate PIN1 polar localization within the embryonic callus. Polarized PIN1 is probably responsible for the observed polar auxin transport and auxin accumulation in the SAM and somatic embryo. Suppression of WUS and PIN1 indicated that both genes are necessary for embryo induction through their regulation of downstream gene expression. Our results reveal that establishment of auxin gradients and PIN1‐mediated polar auxin transport are essential for WUS induction and somatic embryogenesis. This study sheds new light on how auxin regulates stem cell formation during somatic embryogenesis.
Amino acid requirement studies in Oreochromis niloticus by application of principles of the diet dilution technique
Authors: Liebert F.
Published: March 2009

Data analysis utilized four growth experiments with mixed diets limiting in lysine, in threonine, and in methionine respectively. All male juvenile Orechromis niloticus [12 g average body weight instead of average (BW) at start, four repetition tanks per diet, 56 days experimental period] provided the database for application of an exponential N‐utilization model. Imposing amino acid efficiency data were utilized for modelling of amino acid requirements depending on the level of daily protein deposition. According to the observed average dietary amino acid efficiency of the amino acids under study, 16.3 g/kg of lysine, 8.3 g/kg of threonine and 7.3 g/kg of methionine were established as required in feed content for 187 mg daily protein deposition (50 g BW, feed intake at 3% of BW). Further modelling by use of graded dietary amino acid efficiency yielded strong evidence for the significance of this dietary factor of influence. Current data analysis has led to conclusion, that the applied non‐linear modelling of amino acid requirements is an advantageous approach because of its quantitative reflection of graded dietary amino acid efficiency corresponding to protein deposition data. The procedure has the potential to contribute to alternate approaches for improved reliability of recommended quantitative amino acid supply in fish nutrition.
Impact of dietary crude protein and amino acids status on performance and some excreta characteristics of broiler chicks during 10–28 days of age
Authors: Namroud N. F. , Shivazad M. , Zaghari M.
Published: March 2009

A study was conducted in a completely randomised design to evaluate the effects of providing almost all important essential amino acids (EAA) in low‐crude protein (CP) diets equal to that of higher CP diets in broiler chickens. Also the effects of additional mixture of glycine (Gly) and glutamic acid (Glu) or supplementation of excess EAA to low‐CP diets on the live performance and excreta characteristics including pH, moisture, nitrogen, uric acid and ammonia concentration were measured to ascertain the optimum CP concentration for the maximum performance and reduced excreta ammonia concentration. Male, broiler chickens growing from 10 to 28 days of age were fed eight experimental diets. Reducing dietary CP below 19% negatively affected performance. Adding the Gly and Glu mixtures to 17% CP diets improved live performance. Reducing CP to 19% with a normal amino acids status declined N, ammonia, uric acid, moisture and pH of excreta significantly. These findings suggest that diminishing dietary CP from 23% to 19% while maintaining adequate EAA levels during 10–28 days of age results in not only a significant decline in N emission, but also a probable reduction in the NH3 volatilisation because of reduction in pH and moisture. Contrary to expectations, reduction of dietary CP below the minimum level (19%) resulted in more ammonia. All these factors may improve on litter and air quality within the housing facility and reduce the ventilation rate required to emit the elevated ammonia gas concentrations.
Role and significance of focal adhesion proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yam Judy Wai Ping , Tse Edith Yuk Ting , Ng Irene Oi‐Lin
Published: March 2009

Focal adhesions are structural links between the extracellular matrix and actin cytoskeleton. They are important sites where dynamic alterations of proteins in the focal contacts are involved during cell movement. Focal adhesions are composed of diverse molecules, for instance, receptors, structural proteins, adaptors, GTPase, kinases and phosphatases. These molecules play critical roles in normal physiological events such as cellular adhesion, movement, cytoskeletal structure and intracellular signaling pathways. In cancers, aberrant expression and altered functions of focal adhesion proteins contribute to adverse tumor behavior. It is evident that these proteins do not function alone, but rather associate and work together in the process of tumor development and cancer metastasis. Focal adhesion proteins have been shown to play critical roles in hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding the molecular interactions and mechanisms of the interconnected focal adhesion proteins is of particular importance in understanding mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma progression and development of potential effective treatment.
Xanthogranulomatous mastitis: Clinicopathology and pathological implications
Authors: Koo Ja Seung , Jung Woohee
Published: March 2009

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is an uncommon finding in the breast. Sixteen cases of xanthogranulomatous mastitis were reviewed to determine the characteristic clinicopathological features. Xanthogranulomatous mastitis involved foamy histiocyte clusters interspersed with inflammatory cells. Foamy histiocytes were bland with small pyknotic nuclei. Xanthogranulomatous mastitis was associated with fat necrosis in five cases (31%), multinucleated giant‐cell reactions in six cases (38%), and cholesterol crystals in five cases (31%). In three cases (19%), xanthogranulomatous mastitis coincided with ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive ductal carcinoma. Duct ectasia with foamy histiocyte aggregates were noted in five cases (31%). It is suggested that the etiology of xanthogranulomatous mastitis is obstruction and rupture of the ectatic duct with foamy histiocyte aggregates. In breast core biopsy, granular cell tumor and invasive carcinoma such as histiocytoid carcinoma and lipid‐rich carcinoma could demonstrate similar pathological features to xanthogranulomatous mastitis. In conclusion, xanthogranulomatous mastitis could be encountered in breast core biopsy and surgical excision tissue. Diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous mastitis can be made by excluding other diseases that elicit xanthogranulomatous inflammation in the breast. In breast core biopsy, xanthogranulomatous mastitis could be distinguished from granular cell tumor, histiocytoid carcinoma and lipid‐rich carcinoma by using cytokeratin and histiocytic marker such as α1‐anti‐trypsin and CD68 stain.
Expression of standard CD44 in human colorectal carcinoma: Association with prognosis
Authors: Huh Jung Wook , Kim Hyeong Rok , Kim Young Jin , Lee Jae Hyuk , Park Yeon Sun , Cho Sang Hyuk , Joo Jae Kyoon
Published: March 2009

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of standard CD44 (CD44s) in colorectal cancer (CRC), its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics, and its potential prognostic significance. CD44s levels were measured on immunohistochemistry in tumors and surrounding normal mucosa from 74 patients with primary colorectal carcinomas. The patients were followed for a median period of 37 months. Expression of CD44s in primary tumor and surrounding normal mucosa tissues was demonstrated in 100% (74/74) and 37.9% (28/74), respectively. The expression of CD44s in tumors was significantly associated with the depth of invasion (P = 0.034) and lymph node involvement (P = 0.031). A significant difference was observed between the overall survival and level of tumor CD44s expression, especially for stage IV carcinoma (P = 0.038). Multivariate analysis indicated that TNM stage (P = 0.020) and tumor CD44s expression (P = 0.008) were independent predictors of overall survival in adenocarcinomas. CD44s overexpression may be an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for overall survival in advanced CRC, especially stage IV disease. Further investigation, however, is necessary to assess the biological roles of CD44 in CRC, and validate their possible value as novel therapeutic targets.
Autopsy case of primary small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: KIT and PDGFRA expression and mutations
Authors: Terada Tadashi
Published: March 2009

The author reports a rare autopsy case of primary small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder with an emphasis on KIT and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α (PDGFRA) genes. An 81‐year‐old man was admitted to Shizuoka City Shimizu Hospital because of dysuria. Cytology of the urine showed small carcinoma cells. Transurethral bladder tumorectomy indicated small cell carcinoma, and the patient was treated by radiation and chemotherapy. The patient died, however, of systemic metastasis 2 months after the first presentation. An autopsy showed a bladder small cell carcinoma and it systemic metastasis. Immunohistochemistry of the tumorectomy and autopsy specimens was positive for cytokeratins, neuron‐specific enolase, synaptophysin, CD56, KIT and PDGFRA, and negative for chromogranin and thyroid transcriptional factor‐1. Polymerase chain reaction–direct sequencing showed no mutations of KIT (exons 9, 11, 13 and 17) or PDGFRA (exons 12 and 18) genes in the tumorectomy specimens and was non‐contributory due to DNA damage in autopsy specimens. The present case is the first case of primary small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder involving examination of KIT and PDGFRA expression and KIT and PDGFRA gene mutations.
Medulloblastoma with myogenic differentiation showing double immunopositivity for synaptophysin and myoglobin
Authors: Kido Mizue , Ueno Masaki , Onodera Masayuki , Matsumoto Kouichi , Imai Tadashi , Haba Reiji , Tamiya Takashi , Huang Cheng‐Long , Sakamoto Haruhiko
Published: March 2009

Reported herein is a case of medulloblastoma with myogenic differentiation in a 3‐year‐old girl who died 1 year after appearance of clinical signs. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated a mass lesion in the cerebellar vermis. She underwent total resection of the tumor, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the brain and spinal cord. The resected specimen mainly consisted of densely packed cells with round‐to‐oval highly chromatic nuclei surrounded by scanty cytoplasm and focally of long spindle‐shaped cells with elongated nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm showing discernible cross‐striations. Immunohistochemistry indicated partial expression of synaptophysin in the former area and focal expression of desmin in the latter area. The diagnosis was medulloblastoma with myogenic differentiation, also known as medullomyoblastoma. Autopsy indicated disseminated proliferation of immature neuroglial cells with highly chromatic nuclei and scanty cytoplasm showing partial expression of synaptophysin, neurofilaments, and GFAP, and focal proliferation of round‐to‐oval immature cells showing immunoreactivity of myoglobin. The tumor cells had large nuclei, frequent mitoses, apoptoses, nuclear molding, and cell wrapping, indicating moderate anaplasia. Their Ki‐67 labeling index was 54%. In addition, some tumor cells had double immunopositivity for synaptophysin or neurofilament and myoglobin, suggesting that the neuroectodermal cells may undergo differentiation into rhabdomyoblasts.
Transformation from follicular lymphoma to high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia with additional t(2;8)(p12;q24), with inverse expressions of c‐MYC and BCL‐2, and light‐chain switch
Authors: Mannouji Kiyohito , Tasaka Taizo , Akiyama Takashi , Irei Isao , Sano Fuminori , Matsuhashi Yoshiko , Wada Hideho , Tohyama Kaoru , Sugihara Takashi , Sadahira Yoshito
Published: March 2009

Transformation from follicular lymphoma (FL) to high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia (BLL) has been reported in patients with additional translocations involving the c‐MYC gene. The previously reported cases were related to t(8;14) and t(8;22) but not to t(2;8). Herein is reported an FL that terminated in BLL following additional t(2;8). In accordance with previous reports, increased expression of c‐MYC was observed in the present case but, interestingly, BCL‐2 expression was inversely decreased after the transformation. In addition, the cell‐surface immunoglobulin light‐chain of lymphoma cells was initially κ type and was then gradually replaced with the λ type after transformation. Downregulation of BCL‐2 and light‐chain switch have rarely been reported in previous cases of FL transformation involving c‐MYC, suggesting that additional t(2;8) translocation may play a role in these events.
Cost‐effectiveness of routine and group programs for treatment of obese children
Authors: Kalavainen Marja , Karjalainen Senja , Martikainen Janne , Korppi Matti , Linnosmaa Ismo , Nuutinen Outi
Published: March 2009

Background: Cost‐effectiveness analyses facilitate the allocation of health care resources. The aim of the study was to compare the cost‐effectiveness of group treatment, already known to be more effective, with routine counseling in obese children.

Method: A prospective 6‐month intervention assessed family‐based group treatment (15 separate sessions for parents and children) and routine counseling (two appointments for children). Children's weights and heights were measured at baseline, at the end of the intervention and at follow up 6 months later, and the changes in weight for height and body mass index standard deviations scores (BMI‐SDS) were calculated and used as main outcome measures. The mean costs and effects of the programs were analyzed to produce the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio, which is an estimate of the additional costs per 1% decrease in weight for height or 0.1 decrease in BMI‐SDS. Cost‐effectiveness analysis was performed from the perspective of the service provider.

Results: At the end of the intervention, group treatment costs were 1.4‐fold (non‐calculable 6 months later) when counted per 1% weight for height decrease, and 3.5‐fold (2.8‐fold 6 months later) when counted per 0.1 BMI‐SDS decrease. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio estimates were €53 when calculated for 1% weight for height decrease, and €266 (€275 6 months later) when calculated for 0.1 BMI‐SDS decrease.

Conclusions: Family‐based group treatment is more costly compared with individual routine counseling. Salaries form most of the total costs.
Psychopathology in thalassemia major
Authors: Cakaloz Burcu , Cakaloz Inanc , Polat Aziz , Inan Murat , Oguzhanoglu Nalan Kalkan
Published: March 2009

Background:  Thalassemia major (TM) is a chronic disease with adverse emotional effects on both the child and the family. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychiatric state and behavioral problems of children with TM.

Methods:  Twenty children diagnosed with TM and 34 healthy children were enrolled in this study carried out by the Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. Mothers of the children of both the groups were handed a child behavior check‐list for 4–18‐year‐old children and adolescents as well as a short questionnaire requesting demographic information.

Results:  The psychiatric diagnosis was significantly higher in the children with TM (55.0%) as compared to the control group (14.7%). The thalassemic children showed an anxiety disorder frequency of 30.0% and a depressive disorder frequency of 15.0%. T scores of the indicators of internalizing problems, externalizing problems, attention problems and social problems contained in the child behavior check‐list were shown to be higher in children with TM than in the control group. The TM group demonstrated significantly higher problems in peer relationships and educational success in comparison with the controls.

Conclusion:  Children with TM are posed with an increased risk of psychopathology.
Psychogastroenterology: a call for psychological input in Australian gastroenterology clinics
Authors: Mikocka‐Walus A. , Turnbull D. , Andrews J. M. , Moulding N. , Wilson I. , Holtmann G.
Published: March 2009

Gastroenterologists should be able to refer patients directly to psychologists with full Medicare reimbursement. Psychological comorbidities are frequently seen in patients with gastrointestinal conditions. However, time pressure and lack of expertise in non‐medical therapies of psychological problems prevent gastroenterologists from initiating psychological treatment although such treatment may improve patients’ outcomes and reduce health‐care utilization. Psychologists are needed as part of the multidisciplinary team in gastroenterology clinics in Australia to take the leading role in the psychological management of those patients by contributing to screening, faster diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in particular.
Laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral partial and total adrenalectomy: a longer follow‐up
Authors: Liao Chun‐Hou , Chung Shiu‐Dong , Lai Ming‐Kuen , Yu Hong‐Jeng , Chueh Shih‐Chieh
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To examine the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral adrenal surgery (LSBAS) and to compare the results between laparoscopic total adrenalectomy (TA) and partial adrenalectomy (PA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1999 and January 2008, 12 patients underwent LBAS in our institution, with TA used in four with Cushing’s disease refractory to pituitary surgery or radiation, in one with occult ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Cushing’s syndrome, and one with bilateral adrenal macronodular hyperplasia. Six patients (five with primary aldosteronism and one with Cushing’s syndrome) had bilateral functioning tumours had bilateral PAs.

RESULTS

All 12 operations were completed with no intraoperative complication, conversion, re‐operation or death. The mean (range) operative duration was 323 (180–560) min, and the mean estimated blood loss was 79 (20–200) mL. There was adrenal insufficiency after surgery in three patients. Patients who had a PA had significantly longer surgery than those treated with TA, with a mean (sd) of 390 (36) vs 255 (27) min.

CONCLUSION

LSBAS is technically feasible; although surgery was longer than TA, bilateral PA in patients with bilateral functioning tumours mitigated the need for life‐long steroid replacement.
Association of tumour necrosis factor‐α gene (T‐1031C, C‐863A, and C‐857T) polymorphisms with bladder cancer susceptibility and outcome after bacille Calmette‐Guérin immunotherapy
Authors: Ahirwar Dinesh K. , Mandhani Anil , Dharaskar Anand , Kesarwani Pravin , Mittal Rama D.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of tumour necrosis factor‐α gene (TNF‐α) polymorphisms T‐1031C, C‐863A, and C‐857T with bladder cancer risk and recurrence after bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy, as TNF‐α regulates inflammatory process influencing bladder cancer susceptibility and outcome of BCG immunotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 220 patients with bladder cancer and 206 controls were recruited. Genotyping was done using allele specific‐polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

A T‐1031C, CC genotype and haplotype −1031C/−863C/−857T showed enhanced susceptibility to bladder cancer, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.23 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.17–4.26; and an OR of 6.05 and 95%CI of 2.46–14.90, respectively. A T‐1031C, CC genotype had a reduced risk of recurrence after BCG treatment (hazard ratio 0.38, 95%CI 0.14–0.98).

CONCLUSION

The present data suggests that T‐1031C (CC) genotype and C/C/T haplotype may confer risk for bladder cancer, moreover T‐1031C (CC) decreased the risk of recurrence after BCG immunotherapy.
Does Reputation Contribute to Reducing Organizational Errors? A Learning Approach
Authors: Rhee Mooweon
Published: March 2009

abstract

In this study I examine the effect of a firm's reputation for product quality on its effort in learning to reduce its product defect rate. Theoretical ideas on the motivation of learning associated with social aspiration levels and the self‐serving bias combined with social categorization suggest that poor quality reputation firms are more likely than their counterparts with a good reputation to attend to potential product defects and consequently reduce their defect rate. However, a stream of research on the motivation of learning stemming from historical aspiration levels and slack search leads to a different argument: a reputation for good quality is more likely to provide firms with a motivation to avoid product defects. I build upon these two competing arguments and hypothesize that stronger motives for learning exist in situations where firms have either a weak or strong reputation for product quality. My study of product recalls in the US automotive industry highlights an inverted U‐shaped relationship, indicating the liability of an intermediate reputation in reducing product defects.
Too Negative to Take Risks? The Effect of the CEO's Emotional Traits on Firm Risk
Authors: Delgado‐García Juan Bautista , De La Fuente‐Sabaté Juan Manuel , De Quevedo‐Puente Esther
Published: March 2009

Except for some recent survey and experimental studies, strategic management research has tended to neglect the influence of emotions on managers' strategic choices. This paper analyses the influence of the stable, long‐term emotional traits of CEOs on an actual business outcome: risk taking. The hypotheses are tested on a sample of 51 Spanish banks and savings banks. Our results show that CEO affective traits influence banks' risk taking. Specifically, our analyses show that managers' negative affective traits are related to lower risk taking as reflected in a lower variability in performance, a lower level of credit risk and a less risky composition of the loan portfolios of the banks they manage. Positive affective traits do not seem to influence the level of risk. These findings partially support ‘affect congruency and generalization’ arguments, and show the need to consider the role of affects when analysing CEOs' strategic choices.
THE KNOWLEDGE‐CAPITAL MODEL OF FDI: A TIME VARYING COEFFICIENTS APPROACH
Authors: Mariel Petr , Orbe Susan , Rodríguez Carlos
Published: March 2009

The present article reexamines some of the issues regarding the Knowledge‐Capital Model that encompasses both horizontal and vertical Foreign Direct Investment. The empirical support for this model is however mixed. This article proposes a new way of estimating coefficients by allowing them to vary over time. The estimation results obtained using data from 30 OECD countries for the period from 1982 to 2003 confirm that these coefficients cannot be considered as constant over time and that the vertical component of the Knowledge‐Capital Model is relevant.
REVENUE SHARING IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS LEAGUES
Authors: Feess Eberhard , Stähler Frank
Published: March 2009

We employ a model of n heterogenous profit‐maximizing clubs to analyze the impact of revenue sharing in professional sports leagues on competitive balance. Revenues of each club depend on absolute quality, relative quality and on competitive balance itself so that our model captures much of the preceding literature as special cases. We show that revenue sharing always increases competitive balance if clubs differ only with respect to the impact of absolute quality on revenues. On the contrary, revenue sharing reduces competitive balance if only clubs' relative qualities play a role for revenues or if only two teams are considered.
Speech Acts, the Handicap Principle and the Expression of Psychological States
Authors: GREEN MITCHELL S.
Published: March 2009

Abstract: One oft‐cited feature of speech acts is their expressive character: Assertion expresses belief, apology regret, promise intention. Yet expression, or at least sincere expression, is as I argue a form of showing: A sincere expression shows whatever is the state that is the sincerity condition of the expressive act. How, then, can a speech act show a speaker’s state of thought or feeling? To answer this question I consider three varieties of showing, and argue that only one of them is suited to help us answer our question. I also argue that concepts from the evolutionary biology of communication provide one source of insight into how speech acts enable one to show, and thereby express, a psychological state.
Mirroring, Simulating and Mindreading
Authors: GOLDMAN ALVIN I.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Pierre Jacob (2008) raises several problems for the alleged link between mirroring and mindreading. This response argues that the best mirroring‐mindreading thesis would claim that mirror processes cause, rather than constitute, selected acts of mindreading. Second, the best current evidence for mirror‐based mindreading is not found in the motoric domain but in the domains of emotion and sensation, where the evidence (ignored by Jacob) is substantial. Finally, simulation theory should distinguish low‐level simulation (mirroring) and high‐level simulation (involving pretense or imagination). Jacob implies that bi‐level simulationism creates an unbridgeable ‘gap’ in intention reading, but this is not a compelling challenge.
High cardiovascular event rates in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis: the REACH registry*
Authors: Aichner F. T. , Topakian R. , Alberts M. J. , Bhatt D. L. , Haring H.‐P. , Hill M. D. , Montalescot G. , Goto S. , Touzé E. , Mas J.‐L. , Steg P. G. , Röther J. ,   for the REACH Registry Investigators
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose:  Data on current cardiovascular event rates in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS) are sparse. We compared the 1‐year outcomes of patients with ACAS ≥70% versus patients without ACAS in an international, prospective cohort of outpatients with or at risk of atherothrombosis.

Methods:  The Reduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health Registry enrolled patients with either ≥3 atherothrombotic risk factors or established atherothrombotic disease. We investigated the 1‐year follow‐up data of patients for whom physicians reported presence/absence of ACAS at the time of inclusion.

Results:  Compared with patients without ACAS (n = 30 329), patients with ACAS (n = 3164) had higher age‐ and sex‐adjusted 1‐year rates of transient ischaemic attack (3.51% vs. 1.61%, P < 0.0001), non‐fatal stroke (2.65% vs. 1.75%, P = 0.0009), fatal stroke (0.49% vs. 0.26%, P = 0.04), cardiovascular death (2.29% vs. 1.52%, P = 0.002), the composite end‐point cardiovascular death/myocardial infarction/stroke (6.03% vs. 4.29%, P < 0.0001) and bleeding events (1.41% vs. 0.81%, P = 0.002). In patients with ACAS, Cox regression analyses identified history of cerebrovascular ischaemic events as most important predictor of future stroke (HR 3.21, 95% CI 1.82–5.65, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:  Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis was associated with high 1‐year rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischaemic events. Stroke was powerfully predicted by prior cerebrovascular ischaemic events.
Psychological subtyping finds pathological, impulsive, and ‘normal’ groups among adolescents who self‐harm
Authors: Stanford Sarah , Jones Michael P.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Research to date suggests that as many as 12–15% of young people engage in self‐harm behaviour; however, the current understanding of the psychological basis of adolescent self‐harm is limited. The objective was to determine whether adolescents who self‐harm are a psychologically homogenous group. It was hypothesised that psychological subtypes would exist and these groups would report different rates of self‐harm.

Method:  Nine hundred and forty‐four school students aged 11 to 19 and 166 first‐year psychology students aged 21 or younger completed a self‐report questionnaire. Participants were aged 11 to 21 (mean = 15.4, SD = 2.1). Sixty‐two percent of the sample were female (n = 692). Students were allocated to psychologically distinct groups. Rates of self‐harm were compared for the psychological subtypes of self‐harmers.

Results:  Two hundred and thirty‐four participants reported lifetime self‐harm (21.1%; 95% CI 19–23%) and 78 reported recent self‐harm (7.0%; 95% CI 6.7–7.3%). The present study identified three psychologically quite distinct groups of adolescents within those who reported self‐harm – a psychologically pathological group, a psychologically ‘normal’ group, and an impulsive group. The pathological group reported the highest rate of recent self‐harm (50.9%); the psychologically ‘normal’ and impulsive groups reported similar rates of self‐harm (28.7% and 24.6%, respectively).

Conclusions:  Adolescents who self‐harm are not a psychologically homogenous group. One pathological subtype of self‐harmers appears to most closely reflect a number of the psychological and social factors previously associated with self‐harm. However, a large proportion of the sample was allocated the psychologically ‘normal’ subtype. This finding highlights the importance of psychological screening of adolescents presenting for treatment for self‐harm as subtypes of self‐harmers may require disparate strategies for intervention. Further research is required in order to identify appropriate treatment strategies for each subtype.
White matter fractional anisotrophy differences and correlates of diagnostic symptoms in autism
Authors: Cheung C. , Chua S.E. , Cheung V. , Khong P.L. , Tai K.S. , Wong T.K.W. , Ho T.P. , McAlonan G.M.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Individuals with autism have impairments in 3 domains: communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviours. Our previous work suggested early structural and connectivity abnormalities in prefrontal‐striato‐temporal‐cerebellar networks but it is not clear how these are linked to diagnostic indices.

Method:  Children with autism (IQ > 70) aged 6 to 14 years old and matched typically developing controls were studied using diffusion tensor imaging. Voxel‐based methods were used to compare fractional anisotrophy (FA) measures in each group and to correlate FA measures in the autism group with the diagnostic phenotype described by the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI‐R) algorithm for ICD‐10.

Results:  After controlling for the effects of age and white matter volume, we found that FA in the autism group was significantly lower than controls in bilateral prefrontal and temporal regions, especially in the right ventral temporal lobe adjacent to the fusiform gyrus. FA was greater in autism in the right inferior frontal gyrus and left occipital lobe. We observed a tight correlation between lower FA and higher ADI‐R diagnostic algorithm scores across white matter tracts extending from these focal regions of group difference. Communication and social reciprocity impairments correlated with lower FA throughout fronto‐striato‐temporal pathways. Repetitive behaviours correlated with white matter indices in more posterior brain pathways, including splenium of the corpus callosum and cerebellum.

Conclusions:  Our data support the position that diagnostic symptoms of autism are associated with a core disruption of white matter development.
‘Learn Young, Learn Fair’, a stress management program for fifth and sixth graders: longitudinal results from an experimental study
Authors: Kraag Gerda , Van Breukelen Gerard J. P. , Kok Gerjo , Hosman Clemens
Published: March 2009

Background: This study examined the effects of a universal stress management program (Learn Young, Learn Fair) on stress, coping, anxiety and depression in fifth and sixth grade children.

Methods: Fifty‐two schools (1467 children) participated in a clustered randomized controlled trial. Data was collected in the fall of 2002, the spring of 2003, and the winter of 2004. Given the nested structure of the design mixed (multilevel) regression analyses were applied.

Results: Positive effects were found for emotion‐focused coping at posttest (p < .01) and increased stress awareness at both time points. At posttest a decrease in problem solving was found (p < .01). After correcting for mediation by stress awareness the results showed that the program significantly reduced stress symptoms (p = .05) and anxiety (p = .01) at posttest. Effect sizes varied from small to large.

Conclusions: Universal prevention programs that address stress and coping in children are warranted given the high prevalence of stress in children and the relationship between stress, on the one hand, and health complaints and pathology, on the other. Such programs are expected to be particularly salient for children with an increased sensitivity to stress and inadequate coping styles (e.g., diathesis‐stress model). The results indicate that the school‐based program ‘Learn Young, Learn Fair’ may be a valuable program for reducing stress in children.
Consumer concern, knowledge and attitude towards counterfeit apparel products
Authors: Marcketti Sara B. , Shelley Mack C.
Published: March 2009

The purpose of this paper was to explore the relationship of three variables (concern with apparel industry issues, knowledge about counterfeiting and attitude towards counterfeit apparel products) with consumer willingness towards paying a premium for non‐counterfeit goods. The intent of the research was to develop a theoretically based foundation from which educators and apparel industry leaders can develop policy regarding counterfeit goods. Will consumer concern and knowledge influence the behavioural intent of paying more for non‐counterfeit goods? We surveyed 244 undergraduate students within a fashion and apparel programme at a large Midwestern university. In this study, willingness to pay more for non‐counterfeit goods increased directly with greater concern, knowledge and attitude towards counterfeit apparel goods.
Preferences, Beliefs, and Self‐Management of Diabetes
Authors: Sloan Frank A. , Padrón Norma A. , Platt Alyssa C.
Published: March 2009

Objective. To assess relationships between self‐assessed control over life events, subjective beliefs about longevity, time and risk preference, and other factors on use of recommended care for diabetes mellitus (DM), self‐assessed control of diabetes, general health, and laboratory measures of HbA1c levels.

Data Sources. Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and 2003 HRS Diabetes Study (HRS‐DS).

Study Design. We used logit and ordered logit analyses to assess use of recommended care, and subjective and objective measures of health outcomes.

Data Collection. Secondary analysis of HRS and HRS‐DS data.

Principal Findings. Individuals with higher self‐assessed control over life events and higher subjective probabilities of living 10 years engaged in more recommended DM care practices and had better self‐assessed DM control and general health. However, these beliefs did not influence HbA1c levels. More highly educated and cognitively able persons were more likely to follow care recommendations. There were differences by race/ethnicity in health outcomes, but not in health investment among Hispanics.

Conclusions. Individuals' beliefs about control over life events and longevity influenced health investment and subjective health outcomes, although these beliefs did not translate into differences in HbA1c levels. Hispanics may realize lower returns on health investments, at least for diabetes care.
Effects of participation in a longitudinal study of dating
Authors: SURRA CATHERINE A. , CURRAN MELISSA A. , WILLIAMS KRISTI
Published: March 2009

Participation in interviews has the potential to change beliefs about dating relationships. Changes in beliefs should vary as a function of how much participants think and talk about their relationships. Participants (N= 464) were randomly selected for an interview study from households in a large Southwestern U.S. city. Participation should have positive effects on beliefs when thinking or talking is high and negative effects when thinking or talking is low. As predicted, talking moderates the association between participation and conflict, and thinking moderates the effects of participation on satisfaction and friendship‐based love. Results differed for men and women. Under conditions of low talk and high thinking, participation has negative effects. Implications of the effects of participation are discussed.
Attachment avoidance and commitment aversion: A script for relationship failure
Authors: BIRNIE CAROLYN , JOY McCLURE M. , LYDON JOHN E. , HOLMBERG DIANE
Published: March 2009

Do avoidantly attached individuals, with fears of closeness and dependency, expect their relationships to fail? Moreover, do they expect specific events that will lead to failure? Canadian students outlined their expectations for a new romantic relationship by ordering a series of dating events using a card sorting procedure. Avoidance was associated with both expectations of relationship failure and commitment aversion (the absence of positive commitment‐enhancing events and presence of negative commitment‐undermining events). Commitment aversion mediated the relationship between avoidance and expected failure, and a multiple mediation model showed unique paths for positive and negative events. This suggests that avoidantly attached individuals enter into new relationships with detailed scripts for commitment aversion that lead them to expect relationship failure.
Modulation of receptor sensitivity: possible therapeutic target?
Authors: Cohen Michel V , Downey James M
Published: March 2009

Ischaemic preconditioning and post‐conditioning are cardioprotective interventions that salvage ischaemic myocardium and reduce infarct size. Yet this cardioprotective effect is not the sole response of the heart to ischaemic preconditioning and post‐conditioning. It was known that protein kinase C activation in the signalling cascade of ischaemic preconditioning increased the affinity of the adenosine A2b receptor so that much lower concentrations of adenosine caused A2b receptor‐dependent signalling. In this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, these cardioprotective interventions are shown to block desensitization of surface receptors on the sarcolemma of the cardiomyocyte and this receptor effect is divorced from any cardioprotection. Modulating receptor function through signalling pathways is a novel idea but, currently, whether these observations have any clinical relevance is not known. Additional investigations are warranted to determine whether this effect on receptors can be generalized to other surface receptors, and whether the effect can be harnessed to improve treatment of the patient with acute myocardial infarction.
Liquid storage of marrow stromal cells
Authors: Lane Thomas A. , Garls Davina , Mackintosh Ellen , Kohli Sanjivan , Cramer Steven C.
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Marrow stromal cells (MSCs) for clinical trials are inevitably stored before administration, but little is known about the effects of storage on MSCs. The effects of short‐term liquid storage on the in vitro function of MSCs intended for a clinical trial were studied.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Early‐passage human MSCs were suspended in 0.9% saline or culture medium and stored at 4°C or room temperature for up to 72 hours followed by assessment of cell loss, viability, and growth in culture.

RESULTS: When stored in saline at 4°C, MSC counts decreased by 5% to 20%, MSC viability decreased 17% to 37%, and MSC growth decreased 65% to 100% after 24‐hour storage. Similar results were obtained by MSC storage at room temperature or in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium or by addition of 1% human serum albumin (HSA) from two manufacturers. Storage of MSCs in saline with HSA from a third manufacturer maintained MSC viability at prestorage levels and improved poststorage MSC growth versus saline (32 ± 9% vs. 9 ± 9%; p < 0.05) or saline with two other HSA preparations (4 ± 4 and 8 ± 11%; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: MSCs stored at 4°C or room temperature, in saline or culture medium, rapidly become nonviable. HSA preparations vary significantly in their ability to maintain poststorage MSC viability and growth. These results provide insight regarding the effects of storage on MSCs and indicate the need to screen HSA preparations before their use as additives to preserve MSCs during short‐term liquid storage.
Universal adoption of pathogen inactivation of platelet components: impact on platelet and red blood cell component use
Authors: Osselaer Jean Claude , Doyen Chantal , Defoin Laurence , Debry Cecile , Goffaux Maité , Messe Nathalie , Van Hooydonk Maryse , Bosly Andre , Lin Jin Sying , Lin Lily , Corash Laurence
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Pathogen inactivation of platelet (PLT) components (INTERCEPT Blood System, Cerus Europe) was implemented into routine practice at a blood center supporting a tertiary care hospital. Utilization of platelet components (PCs) and red blood cell (RBC) components was analyzed for 3 years before and 3 years after introduction of pathogen inactivation to assess the impact of pathogen inactivation on component use.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. An electronic database used in routine blood bank hemovigilance to monitor production and use of blood components was analyzed to assess clinical outcomes.

RESULTS: Transfusion records were analyzed for 688 patients supported with conventional PCs and 795 patients supported with pathogen inactivation PCs. Additional analyses were conducted for intensively transfused hematology patients. Patient demographics (age category, sex, and diagnostic category) were not different in the two observation periods. For all patients, mean numbers of PC per patient were not different for conventional PCs and pathogen inactivation PCs (9.9 ± 19.5 vs. 10.1 ± 20.9, p = 0.88). Data for hematology patients (272 conventional PCs and 276 pathogen inactivation PCs) confirmed that days of PLT support were not different (31.6 ± 42.6 vs. 33.1 ± 47.9, p = 0.70) nor was total PLT dose (1011) per patient (87.3 ± 115.4 vs. 88.1 ± 111.6, p = 0.93). RBC use, for all patients and hematology patients, was not different in the two observation periods, either during periods of PLT support or outside periods of PLT transfusion support.

CONCLUSION: Pathogen inactivation of PCs had no adverse impact on component use during a 3‐year observation period of routine practice.
Discovery and analysis of a novel parvovirus B19 Genotype 3 isolate in the United States
Authors: Rinckel Lori A. , Buno Brett R. , Gierman Todd M. , Lee Douglas C.
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a pathogen frequently identified in human plasma donations through the detection of nucleic acids. Three B19V genotypes have been defined based on isolates having greater than 10% divergence in overall DNA sequence. B19V Genotype 3 is a rarely occurring genotype that has been detected primarily in Ghana with sporadic reports in Brazil and France but has not been previously reported in North America.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A polymerase chain reaction assay was developed with broad specificity for B19V detection. The performance of this assay was assessed by testing approximately 440,000 clinical samples representing more than 81,000 individual donors. Determinations of B19V titer, DNA sequence, and antibody concentrations were performed on samples of interest.

RESULTS: This assessment identified a series of eight plasma donations spanning 28 days from a single donor in the United States infected with B19V Genotype 3 as confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. The B19V titer of this series of donations showed virus titers that peaked at greater than 1011 IU/mL. The virus titer decreased significantly over the next several donations coinciding with an increase in immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels. The immunoglobulin G levels also increased but lagged approximately 7 days behind the IgM levels.

CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a B19V Genotype 3 detected from a plasma donor located in the United States. Although our data are consistent with recent reports suggesting low incidence for this genotype, they indicate its increasing relevance among blood and plasma donors.
Source Attribution of Food‐Borne Zoonoses in New Zealand: A Modified Hald Model
Authors: Mullner Petra , Jones Geoff , Noble Alasdair , Spencer Simon E. F. , Hathaway Steve , French Nigel Peter
Published: March 2009

A Bayesian approach was developed by Hald et al.(1) to estimate the contribution of different food sources to the burden of human salmonellosis in Denmark. This article describes the development of several modifications that can be used to adapt the model to different countries and pathogens. Our modified Hald model has several advantages over the original approach, which include the introduction of uncertainty in the estimates of source prevalence and an improved strategy for identifiability. We have applied our modified model to the two major food‐borne zoonoses in New Zealand, namely, campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. Major challenges were the data quality for salmonellosis and the inclusion of environmental sources of campylobacteriosis. We conclude that by modifying the Hald model we have improved its identifiability, made it more applicable to countries with less intensive surveillance, and feasible for other pathogens, in particular with respect to the inclusion of nonfood sources. The wider application and better understanding of this approach is of particular importance due to the value of the model for decision making and risk management.
Effects of Added Clay on the Properties of Freeze‐Casted Composites of Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: McKee Clayton T. , Walz John Y.
Published: March 2009

An experimental study was performed to investigate the effects of added clay particles on the structure and properties of porous, freeze‐dried composites produced from silica nanoparticles. The sol–gel transition of the silica suspension arrests the sedimentation of the dense clay platelets to produce a gel, containing large clay particles dispersed throughout. No chemical additives other than sodium chloride were needed to cause the gelation. Dry composites were obtained by subjecting the gelled suspensions to rapid freezing in one of the following ways: submersion in liquid nitrogen or liquid propane, or exposure to low‐temperature refrigeration. Frozen samples were then sublimated under vacuum to remove the water. Scanning electron microscope images of the dried composites showed a porous material whose pore sizes decrease with an increasing rate of freezing. The dependence on freeze rate suggests that the porous structure is the result of ice formation. Addition of the clay particles significantly increases the rate of gel formation. Furthermore, the strength of the clay/nanoparticle composites, as measured by normal compression tests, was substantially greater than that of a similar material made with only silica nanoparticles. Finally, BET surface area analysis shows a decreasing surface area with increasing volume fraction of clay at a constant volume fraction of silica.