bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is it Possible to Make a Reliable Prognosis within the First Hour of Life for Very Low Birth Weight Infants Delivered after Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes?
Authors: Messerschmidt A. , Olischar M. , Birnbacher R. , Sauer A. , Weber M. , Puschnig D. , Unterasinger L. , Pollak A. , Leitich H.
Published: September 2010

Background: One third of all preterm births are due to preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM). An accurate prognostic evaluation after admission to the neonatal intensive care unit is necessary. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors within the first hour of life for mortality, short-term pulmonary morbidity, chronic lung disease (CLD) and severe cerebral morbidity in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants after pPROM. Methods: This retrospective study included 300 infants with pPROM who fit the study criteria and were derived from a cohort of 1,435 VLBW infants. A total of 17 obstetric and neonatal factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Gestational age at birth and 5-min Apgar score correlated significantly with all 4 outcomes. The results of the first blood gas analysis correlated with 3 outcomes and the first mean arterial pressure with 2 outcomes. Anhydramnios and a lower number of courses of antenatal steroids correlated with higher mortality, and preterm labor correlated with CLD. The multivariate analysis revealed gestational age, 5-min Apgar score, the results of the first blood gas analysis, the first mean arterial pressure and anhydramnios to be significant predictors. The positive predictive value ranged from 20 to 81%, and the negative predictive value ranged from 79 to 92%. Conclusion: Gestational age at birth and parameters reflecting postnatal adaptation were the most precise factors for assessment of the prognosis of VLBW infants after pPROM within the first hour of life. Apart from anhydramnios, obstetric factors did not predict neonatal outcome. At 1 h of age, our models of perinatal risk factors were more effective in predicting a favorable outcome than an adverse outcome.
Turkish Female Immigrants’ Intentions to Participate in Preconception Carrier Screening for Hemoglobinopathies in the Netherlands: An Empirical Study
Authors: van Elderen T. , Mutlu D. , Karstanje J. , Passchier J. , Tibben A. , Duivenvoorden H.J.
Published: September 2010

Background: Preconception carrier screening for hemoglobinopathies (HbPs) is debated in the Netherlands. Objectives: Intentions to participate in preconception carrier screening for HbPs as well as informed reproductive options were assessed in 109 Turkish female immigrants. Method: Participants completed a structured questionnaire. Results: 83.5% of 109 Turkish female immigrants intended to participate in preconception carrier screening. Intention to participate was related to the desire to reduce uncertainty about having offspring affected by HbPs, but not with socio-demographic variables, risk-estimation and worrying. If the tests concerning carrier status for HbPs were confirmative for both partners, 36.3% (n = 33) of the women with the intention of preconception carrier screening would refrain from getting children of their own, including 14.3% (n = 13) opting for adoption, 37.4% (n = 34) would decide to become pregnant and to opt for prenatal testing on HbPs. Finally, among 37.4% of the women opting for prenatal testing, 30.3% (n = 10) would terminate an affected pregnancy, 18.2% (n = 6) not and 51.5% (n = 17) could not decide (1 missing value). Conclusion: A large majority of Turkish female immigrants would participate in preconception carrier screening for HbPs.
Management of Vaginal Hypoplasia in Disorders of Sexual Development: Surgical and Non-Surgical Options
Authors: Deans R. , Berra M. , Creighton S.M.
Published: September 2010

Patients with disorders of sexual development (DSD) requiring vaginal reconstruction are complex and varied in their presentation. Enlargement procedures for vaginal hypoplasia include self-dilation therapy or surgical vaginoplasty. There are many vaginoplasty techniques described, and each method has different risks and benefits. Reviewing the literature on management options for vaginal hypoplasia, the results show a number of techniques available for the creation of a neovagina. Studies are difficult to compare due to their heterogeneity, and the indications for surgery are not always clear. Psychological support improves outcomes. There is a paucity of evidence to inform management regarding the optimum surgical technique to use, and long-term data on success is lacking, particularly with respect to sexual function. In conclusion, vaginal dilators remain the cornerstone of treatment of women with vaginal hypoplasia and should be used as the first-line technique. Surgical vaginoplasty has a role in complex patients with previous failed dilation and surgical intervention, particularly those cases where there is significant scarring from previous surgery. Regardless of the vaginal reconstruction technique, patients should be managed in a multidisciplinary team where there is adequate emotional and psychological support available.
Ethical Guidelines for the Clinical Management of Intersex
Authors: Wiesemann C.
Published: September 2010

The clinical management of intersex has undergone a significant change in values. Whereas in former times, benevolent medical paternalism was the rule, today, the patient’s right to respect for dignity and self-determination is given priority. This paper discusses ethical considerations shaping the modern therapeutic management of intersex conditions that do not entail acute health risks. It concludes with basic ethical guidelines for clinical practice.
Specificity in Killing Pathogens Is Mediated by Distinct Repertoires of Human Neutrophil Peptides
Authors: Cederlund Andreas , Agerberth Birgitta , Bergman Peter
Published: September 2010

Neutrophil-derived antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) play an important role in the defense against microbes. Absence of defense is illustrated by neutropenic patients with frequent bacterial and fungal infections. However, the specificity of the antimicrobial effects has not been adequately described. We set out to determine the specific antimicrobial pattern of polypeptides in neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes, PMNs) against 4 potential human pathogens: Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae and Candida albicans. Protein extracts of human PMNs were separated using high-performance liquid chromatography and fractions were assayed for antimicrobial activity. Fractions displaying antimicrobial activity were separated on SDS-PAGE and characterized using MALDI-MS. Depletion experiments were utilized to determine the contribution of each AMP to the antimicrobial effect. Among the identified AMPs, α-defensins 1–3, azurocidin, LL-37, lysozyme, calprotectin and lactotransferrin were studied in detail. We found a divergent pattern of killing, that is, certain peptides and proteins exhibited selective activity against specific pathogens, while others displayed a broader antimicrobial activity. α-Defensins, LL-37 and calprotectin were active against all species, while lactotransferrin exclusively inhibited growth of S. aureus. Conversely, azurocidin was active against all species except S. aureus. Our observations may shed light on bacterial resistance to AMPs and on the elimination of specific bacterial communities on mucosal surfaces.
Mitochondrial Function and Insulin Resistance during Aging – A Mini-Review
Authors: Phielix Esther , Szendroedi Julia , Roden Michael
Published: September 2010

Background: Insulin resistance, i.e. impaired insulin sensitivity, and type 2 diabetes are more prevalent in elderly humans. Both conditions relate to lower aerobic performance and increased body fatness, which have been linked to reduced mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Thus, lower insulin sensitivity in the elderly could result from age-related diminished energy metabolism or from lifestyle-related abnormalities. Objective: This review addresses the question whether insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial oxidative capacity are independently affected during aging and type 2 diabetes. Methods: Only studies were analyzed which included elderly persons and employed state-of-the-art methodology to assess insulin sensitivity and oxidative capacity, e.g. electron microscopic imaging, in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy or ex vivo high-resolution respirometry. Results: Humans with or at risk of type 2 diabetes frequently exhibit insulin resistance along with structural and functional abnormalities of muscular mitochondria. Low mitochondrial oxidative capacity causes muscular fat accumulation, which impedes insulin signaling via lipid intermediates, in turn affecting oxidative capacity. However, insulin sensitivity is not generally reduced with age, when groups are carefully matched for physical activity and body fatness. Moreover, lifestyle intervention studies revealed discordant responses of mitochondrial oxidative capacity and insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: In the elderly, low mitochondrial oxidative capacity likely results from age-related effects acquired during life span. Insulin resistance occurs independently of age mostly due to unhealthy lifestyle on top of genetic predisposition. Thus, insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function may not be causally related, but mutually amplify each other during aging.
Effects of a Platelet Gel on Early Graft Revascularization after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Clinical Trial
Authors: Vogrin M. , Rupreht M. , Dinevski D. , Hašpl M. , Kuhta M. , Jevsek M. , Knežević M. , Rožman P.
Published: September 2010

Background: Slow graft healing in bone tunnels and a slow graft ligamentization process after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are some of the reasons for prolonged rehabilitation. Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of platelet gel (PG) accelerates early graft revascularization after ACL reconstruction. Methods: PG was produced from autologous platelet-rich plasma and applied locally. We quantitatively evaluated the revascularization process in the osteoligamentous interface zone in the bone tunnels and in the intra-articular part of the graft by means of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: After 4–6 weeks, the PG-treated group demonstrated a significantly higher level of vascularization in the osteoligamentous interface (0.33 ± 0.09) than the control group (0.16 ± 0.09, p < 0.001). In the intra-articular part of the graft, we found no evidence of revascularization in either group. Conclusion: Locally applied PG enhanced early revascularization of the graft in the osteoligamentous interface zone after ACL reconstruction.
Casimir Funk: His Discovery of the Vitamins and Their Deficiency Disorders
Authors: Piro Anna , Tagarelli Giuseppe , Lagonia Paolo , Tagarelli Antonio , Quattrone Aldo
Published: September 2010

The history of the discovery of vitamins is the history of their deficiency disorders. Their discoverer was Casimir Funk, who is considered the ‘father of vitamin therapy’. In his experimental research, Funk studied the interrelationships in the human body of those elements that Eijkman had demonstrated in animals, particularly in birds. In his experimental research, Funk identified the dietetic factors whose lack caused the ‘deficiency disorders’, as he called human beri-beri, scurvy, rickets and pellagra. In 1911, he designated these factors ‘vitamins’ (‘vita’ = life, and ‘amine’ = a nitrogenous substance essential for life); this name was accepted by the scientific community in 1912.
Rational Therapy of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Štimac D. , Poropat G.
Published: September 2010

Management of acute pancreatitis represents a challenging aspect of everyday clinical practice that requires a multimodal and interdisciplinary approach. Mild cases of acute pancreatitis are usually self-limitating and treated with fluid resuscitation, analgesics, oxygen administration, and antiemetics. In addition to this, the role of nutritional support has been established for patients with severe acute pancreatitis with more evidence demonstrating its beneficial effects. Antibiotic prophylaxis, even though widely studied and often administrated, does not seem to have an effect on the development of complications and mortality. Patients who develop infected necrosis of the pancreatic tissue require surgical assistance. Various techniques of necrosectomy and drainage are accepted as promising methods in the management of severe acute pancreatitis.
Classification of Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Milosavljevic Tomica , Kostic Milosavljevic Mirjana , Krstic Miodrag , Jovanovic Ivan
Published: September 2010

Chronic pancreatitis (CP), defined as a continuing inflammatory disease of the pancreas characterized by irreversible morphological changes which typically cause abdominal pain and/or permanent impairment of pancreatic function, has proved resistant to categorization. The disease may present clinically either with an individual symptom or a combination of symptoms associated with loss of pancreatic function. The single most frequent symptom of CP is pain, either in the form of intermittent episodes or in a more chronic or persistent pattern. The natural history of CP is usually characterized by progression of tissue damage and various degrees of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which will become apparent over time. The main reason for the lack of guided strategies in the therapeutic management of CP is the absence of a clinically applicable classification of CP. In the past, several classifications have certainly contributed to a better understanding of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of CP. The meetings in Marseilles (1963 and 1984), Cambridge (1984) and in Rome (1985) added a great deal of information to our knowledge of the pathogenesis and evolution of CP. More recent work on understanding the temporal course of CP led to the Zurich international classification which has been used to define patient cohorts in recent studies of patients undergoing surgery for CP. In order to combine clinical experience in the field of CP with progress in diagnostic methods and new molecular technologies for the assessment of CP, a classification of CP based on key clinical aspects is crucial. A new classification should first be validated to determine whether it can be applied to the majority of patients with CP, and then the value of such a classification needs to be tested in our understanding of the natural course in different etiologies (progression, arrest, regression) and most importantly, to study the clinical outcome when different therapeutic strategies are applied.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis – Recent Advances
Authors: Novotný I. , Dítě P. , Lata J. , Nechutová H. , Kianička B.
Published: September 2010

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is recognized as a distinct clinical entity, identified as a chronic inflammatory process of the pancreas in which the autoimmune mechanism is involved. Clinically and histologically, AIP has two subsets: type 1 – lymphoplasmatic sclerosing pancreatitis with abundant infiltration of the pancreas and other affected organs with immunoglobulin G4-positive plasma cells, and type 2 – duct centric fibrosis, characterized by granulocyte epithelial lesions in the pancreas without systemic involvement. In the diagnosis of AIP, two diagnostic criterions are used – the HISORt criteria and Asian Diagnostic Criteria. In the differential diagnosis, the pancreatic cancer must be excluded by endosonographically guided pancreatic biopsy. Typical signs of AIP are concomitant disorders in other organs (kidney, liver, biliary tract, salivary glands, colon, retroperitoneum, prostate). Novel clinicopathological entity was proposed as an ‘IgG4-related sclerosing disease’ (IgG4-RSC). Extensive IgG4-positive plasma cells and T lymphocyte infiltration is a common characteristics of this disease. Recently, IgG4-RSC syndrome was extended to a new entity, characterized by IgG4 hypergammaglobulinemia and IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration, this being considered an expression of a lymphoproliferative disease, ‘IgG4-positive multiorgan lymphoproliferative syndrome’. This syndrome includes Mikulicz’s disease, mediastinal fibrosis, autoimmune hypophysitis, and inflammatory pseudotumor – lung, liver, breast. In the therapy of AIP, steroids constitute first-choice treatment. High response to the corticosteroid therapy is an important diagnostic criterion. In the literature, there are no case-control studies that determine if AIP predisposes to pancreatic cancer. Undoubtedly, AIP is currently a hot topic in pancreatology.
Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency: Diagnostic Evaluation and Replacement Therapy with Pancreatic Enzymes
Authors: Hammer Heinz F.
Published: September 2010

In chronic pancreatitis over a course of years to decades, pancreatic parenchyma is gradually lost and pain is gradually decreasing as signs and symptoms of malabsorption appear. Appearance of calcifications is a late sign and in many cases coincides with appearance of steatorrhea. Decreasing output of insulin and glucagon results in diabetes mellitus, which is characterized by a high risk of hypoglycemias (‘brittle’ diabetes). In most instances, measurement of fecal concentration of elastase may be sufficient to diagnose exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Fecal fat analysis is useful to establish malabsorption and to monitor pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Components essential to the optimal management of chronic pancreatitis are control of pain, improvement of maldigestion, management of diabetes and of complications like cysts or strictures, and alcohol and nicotine abstinence. Patients with pain are evaluated for structural abnormalities which can be treated endoscopically or surgically. Conservative treatment of pain includes fat-reduced diet, nonnarcotic analgesics, alcohol and smoking cessation, and, if not successful, an 8-week trial of high-dose pancreatic enzymes. Pancreatic enzymes are used for the treatment of maldigestion. Digestion of fat is the determining factor in pancreatic insufficiency. Treatment success is defined clinically by improved body weight and consistency of feces. Modern pancreatin preparations are engineered as acid-resistant, pH-sensitive microspheres. Using such preparations, most patients will reduce their steatorrhea to <15 g fat per day during supplementation of 25,000–40,000 IU of lipase per meal, but in selected cases larger doses may be needed, depending on size of the meal and severity of the disease. Efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy is influenced by denaturation of lipase by gastric acid, improper timing of enzymes, coexisting small-intestinal mucosal disease, rapid intestinal transit and effects of diabetes. This review focuses on pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic steatorrhea.
Thrombotic Complications of Pancreatic Cancer: Classical Knowledge Revisited
Authors: Dumitrascu Dan L. , Suciu Ovidiu , Grad Cosmin , Gheban Dan
Published: September 2010

This paper is an updated review of a classical clinical subject: the association between deep vein thrombosis and pancreatic cancer. Recent epidemiological data support the empirical observation of Trousseau that digestive cancer may induce deep vein thrombosis. Pancreatic cancer is among the most common malignancies associated with thrombosis, due to the fact that cancer may induce the activation of the coagulation. There are genetic factors linked to this association. Cancer patients carrying the factor V Leiden mutation and the prothrombin 20210A mutation have increased risk to develop thrombosis. Reciprocally, it has been speculated that deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism could represent a warning sign for a latent cancer. The practical question about this association is: shall we recommend searching for pancreatic and other cancers in all patients with thrombosis? Present data show that the strategy to look for such malignancies in patients with thrombosis on a routine base is not cost-effective. Oncological screening should be limited to patients at risk to develop cancer. Patients with pancreatic cancer, as with other visceral cancers, should be submitted to a prophylactic strategy to prevent thrombosis: therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin for several weeks was beneficial in several trials.
Causes and Mechanisms in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Waldthaler A. , Schütte K. , Malfertheiner P.
Published: September 2010

Acute pancreatitis (AP) presents clinically with either mild or severe clinical course. There are no effective specific drugs for treatment of AP today. Basic knowledge about pathophysiological processes is the key for the development of novel therapeutic principles. This article provides a review on the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the early phase of AP.
Interaction between Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Gene –308G/A Promoter and Leptin Receptor Gene Lys656Asn Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms: Effect on Serum Leptin Concentrations
Authors: de Luis D.A. , Aller R. , Izaola O. , Gonzalez Sagrado M. , Conde R. , Romero E.
Published: September 2010

Background and Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the interaction between the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene –308G/A promoter and the leptin receptor (LEPR) gene Lys656Asn polymorphisms and their effects on serum leptin levels in obese subjects. Design: A population of 237 obese patients was analyzed prospectively. Bipolar electrical bioimpedance, a biochemical analysis and serum concentrations of leptin and TNF-α were assessed. Results: The number of subjects with both mutations was 21 (8.86%). Subjects carrying the mutant LEPR genotype had higher concentrations of leptin than those with the wild-type LEPR genotype only when they also carried the mutant TNF-α genotype (G308A or A308A) (82.7 ± 63 vs. 147.6 ± 89 ng/ml; p < 0.05). In subjects with TNF-α G308G, multivariate analysis with leptin as a dependent variable revealed fat mass as an independent predictor in the model (F = 15.4; p < 0.05), with an increase of 4.1 ng/ml (95% CI 2.5–5.6) per kilogram of fat mass. The same was seen in subjects with TNF-α G308A and A308A genotypes, with an increase in leptin levels of 3.56 ng/ml (95% CI 1.8–5.3) per kilogram fat mass. Conclusion: There is an interaction between TNF-α gene G308A promoter and LEPR gene Lys656Asn polymorphisms, with higher concentrations of leptin in the G308A and A308A genotypes combined with the mutant LEPR genotype.
Founder Mutations in the ATP6V1B1 GeneExplain Most Cypriot Cases of Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis: First Prenatal Diagnosis
Authors: Elia Avraam , Voskarides Konstantinos , Demosthenous Panayiota , Michalopoulou Aikaterini , Malliarou Maria-Adamantia , Georgaki Eleni , Athanasiou Yiannis , Patsias Charalambos , Pierides Alkis , Deltas Constantinos
Published: September 2010

Aims: To investigate clinically and genetically all the distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) cases in Cyprus, to study one more family from Greece and to perform the first dRTA prenatal diagnosis. We also tried to find any association with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) onset and particular mutations. Methods: Nine dRTA families from Cyprus and one from Greece were analyzed for mutations in ATP6V1B1 gene by DNA resequencing and PCR-RFLPs. Clinical diagnosis was performed by standard criteria. Prenatal diagnosis was performed for one Cypriot family. Results: Results show that 7/9 dRTA cases in Cyprus are caused by 229+1G>T and R157C founder mutations in ATP6V1B1 gene. 229+1G>T mutation was estimated to be older than 400 years. No genotype- phenotype correlation was found with SNHL. A known (L81P) and a novel mutation (912delT) were found in the Greek family. Prenatal diagnosis was performed for one Cypriot family, after parents’ demand, showing that the embryo was a heterozygous carrier. Conclusion: Existence of only two ATP6V1B1 mutations in the Cypriot population is a diagnostic advantage. The age of onset of SNHL varies in our patients and probably is not related to ATP6V1B1 genotypes. Effective therapy for most of the syndrome symptoms is not satisfactory for some parents who choose prenatal diagnosis to ensure their child’s health.
Micro-Sieving: Isolation of Whole Glomeruli from a Single Renal Needle Biopsy Sample
Authors: Koitabashi Kenichiro , Okamoto Kazuki , Arirto Mitsumi , Sato Toshiyuki , Nagai Kouhei , Kurokawa Manae S. , Suematsu Naoya , Yasuda Takashi , Kimura Kenjiro , Kato Tomohiro
Published: September 2010

Renal biopsy samples are important not only for the diagnosis of glomerulonephritis, but also for the investigation of its pathogenesis. However, it remains difficult to biochemically analyze proteins extracted solely from the glomeruli of needle biopsy samples, since the samples contain various components like renal tubules and connective tissue. Even a recent micro-dissection method, recovering the glomeruli in the sliced sections of the biopsy samples, has not fully solved the difficulty because the amount of obtainable proteins by this method is not usually enough for protein analysis. To overcome this problem, we established a simple but reliable method to isolate whole glomeruli from needle biopsy samples. By this method, termed ‘micro-sieving’, we were able to isolate on average more than 50 glomeruli from a single needle biopsy sample in an hour. The amount of the extracted glomerular proteins was on average 23 µg per biopsy sample. As a representative use of this method, we were able to obtain a glomerular protein profile by fluorescent 2-dimensional electrophoresis for each of the tested patients with glomerulonephritis. ‘Micro-sieving’ can be used widely as a fundamental technique to analyze glomeruli in renal needle biopsy samples.
Association of Genetic Polymorphisms in STAT1 Gene with Increased Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Zhong-Zheng , Di Jian-Zhong , Gu Wen-Ye , Cong Wen-Ming , Gawron Andrew , Wang Yu , Zheng Qi , Wang Ai-Zhong , Zhu Guanshan , Zhang Pin , Hou Lifang
Published: September 2010

Objective: Although signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), a transcription factor, plays a critical role in carcinogenesis and has been implicated as a tumor suppressor, few studies have investigated the associations between polymorphisms of this gene and the risk of cancer development. The aim of this study was to examine whether STAT1 gene polymorphisms are associated with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Ten single nucleotide polymorphisms in the STAT1 gene were genotyped by TaqMan assays in 469 HCC cases and 558 age-, sex- and HBsAg-matched controls in a Chinese population. Results: Minor allele homozygous genotypes at rs867637 (9,046 bp 3′ of STP A>G), rs3771300 (IVS24–153T>G), and rs2280235 (IVS20–103G>A), compared with their homozygote genotypes of common alleles, were associated with 1.6- (95% CI 1.1–2.3), 1.6- (95% CI 1.1–2.4), and 1.4-fold (95% CI 0.95–1.9) increased risk of HCC, respectively. The GGA haplotype, comprised of risk alleles at rs867637, rs3771300 and rs2280235, conferred a 1.2-fold (95% CI 1.0–1.5) increased risk of HCC, as compared to the most common haplotype of ATG. Diplotype GGA/GGA conferred a 1.6-fold (95% CI 1.0–2.5) increased risk of HCC compared with diplotype ATG/ATG. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate for the first time that polymorphisms in the STAT1 gene are associated with HCC susceptibility.
Improved Overall Survival with 12 Cycles of Single-Agent Paclitaxel Maintenance Therapy following a Complete Response to Induction Chemotherapy in Advanced Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Abaid Lisa N. , Goldstein Bram H. , Micha John P. , Rettenmaier Mark A. , Brown, III John V. , Markman Maurie
Published: September 2010

Objectives: Previously reported studies have suggested that maintenance therapy in the treatment of ovarian cancer may provide progression-free survival (PFS) benefits, although they have not discerned a similar impact on patient overall survival (OS). Methods: We examined the long-term PFS and OS of a previous study population consecutively treated with either 3 cycles (group A; n = 13 patients) or 12 cycles (group B; n = 13) of paclitaxel (135 mg/m2; Q21 days) maintenance therapy. Eligible patients received maintenance chemotherapy following a complete response to 6 cycles of primary induction chemotherapy, comprising 6 cycles of carboplatin (AUC = 5), paclitaxel (175 mg/m2), and gemcitabine (800 mg/m2) per protocol. Results: There were statistically significant PFS differences between group A (12 months) and group B (24 months) (p = 0.016). Moreover, the OS in group A was 38 months and 80 months for group B (p = 0.012). Current follow-up for this patient population exceeds 58 months. Conclusions: In the present investigation, 12 cycles of single agent paclitaxel maintenance therapy were associated with improved patient PFS and OS benefits. Despite contradictory reports, paclitaxel-based maintenance therapy may favorably impact both PFS and OS in advanced ovarian cancer patients who obtain a complete response to primary induction chemotherapy.
Suppression of Par-4 Protects Human Renal Proximal Tubule Cells from Apoptosis Induced by Oxidative Stress
Authors: Sun Bin , Lu Chao , Zhou Guo-Ping , Xing Chang-Ying
Published: September 2010

Background: Oxidative stress is an important inducer of cell apoptosis and plays a key role in the development of renal inflammation. The prostate apoptosis response factor-4 (Par-4) gene was originally identified in prostate cells undergoing apoptosis. Subsequently, Par-4 was found to possess potent pro-apoptotic activity in various cellular systems. However, it remains unclear whether Par-4 is involved in oxidant injury of renal tubular epithelial cells. Aims: To determine the role of Par-4 in renal proximal tubular cell apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. Methods: Par-4 gene expression was silenced by small interfering RNA. Renal proximal tubular cells were then exposed to hydrogen peroxide and the effect of Par-4 silencing on apoptosis and expression of phosphorylated Akt and vascular endothelial growth factor was determined. Results: Hydrogen peroxide induced apoptosis and increased Par-4 expression in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells. Par-4 silencing significantly protected renal proximal tubular cells from apoptosis via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway as Akt phosphorylation was enhanced. Par-4 silencing also ameliorated the downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression induced by oxidative stress. Conclusion: Par-4 gene silencing resulted in PI3K/Akt signaling-dependent inhibition of renal proximal tubular cell apoptosis following oxidative stress.
Macrophages and Dendritic Cells for Treating Kidney Disease
Authors: Cao Q. , Zheng D. , Wang Y.P. , Harris D.C.H.
Published: September 2010

Based on new understanding of the diverse biological functions of macrophages and dendritic cells (DC), the focus of studies on these cells has been expanded from their pathogenic role in renal diseases to include their potential to regulate inflammation and restore renal architecture and function. By exploiting their regulatory function, macrophages or DC have been used to treat experimental renal disease following their adoptive transfer. This review summarizes current progress in the therapeutic use of macrophages and DC in renal diseases. Key issues for ongoing research are discussed.
Transcriptional Upregulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla by Angiotensin II
Authors: Chan Samuel H.H. , Wu Chih-Wei J. , Chang Alice Y.W. , Hsu Kuei-Sen , Chan Julie Y.H.
Published: September 2010

Rationale:

Oxidative stress in rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), where sympathetic premotor neurons for the maintenance of neurogenic vasomotor tone are located, contributes to neural mechanisms of hypertension. Emerging evidence suggests that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) manifests “nontrophic” actions.

Objective:

We assessed the hypothesis that BDNF plays an active role in oxidative stress–associated neurogenic hypertension by maintaining superoxide anion (

) homeostasis in RVLM.

Methods and Results:

In Wistar–Kyoto rats, microinjection of angiotensin II (Ang II) bilaterally into RVLM upregulated BDNF mRNA and protein and induced cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation. The Ang II–induced BDNF upregulation in RVLM was attenuated by coadministration of the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin; the superoxide dismutase mimetic tempol; or an antisense oligonucleotide against CREB. Intracisternal infusion of Ang II elicited phosphorylation of p47
phox
subunit of NADPH oxidase, suppression of mitochondrial electron coupling capacity, and augmentation in mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP)2 expression in RVLM. The former 2 cellular events were enhanced, whereas UCP2 upregulation was attenuated by gene knockdown of BDNF or depletion of tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk)B ligands with recombinant human TrkB-Fc fusion protein. The same treatments also significantly potentiated both Ang II–induced

production in RVLM and chronic pressor response.

Conclusions:

Ang II induces

-dependent upregulation of BDNF in RVLM via phosphorylation of CREB. The Ang II–activated BDNF/TrkB signaling, in turn, exerts negative-feedback regulation on tissue

level in RVLM through inhibition of p47
phox
phosphorylation, preservation of mitochondrial electron transport capacity, and upregulation of mitochondrial UCP2, resulting in protection against Ang II–induced oxidative stress and long-term pressor response.
Endovascular Treatment or Neurosurgical Clipping of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Dumont Aaron S. , Crowley R. Webster , Monteith Stephen J. , Ilodigwe Don , Kassell Neal F. , Mayer Stephan , Ruefenacht Daniel , Weidauer Stephan , Pasqualin Alberto , Macdonald R. Loch
Published: September 2010

Background and Purpose—

The effects of aneurysm treatment modality (clipping or coiling) on the incidence of cerebral vasospasm and infarction after subarachnoid hemorrhage have not been clearly defined. We hypothesized that there may be a difference in angiographic and clinical vasospasm, cerebral infarction, and clinical outcome between patients undergoing clipping compared to coiling.

Methods—

A retrospective, exploratory analysis of 413 patients randomized into the CONSCIOUS-1 trial was conducted. Patients underwent baseline and follow-up catheter angiography and computed tomography, as well as clinical assessments. Radiology end points were adjudicated by central blinded review, and angiographic vasospasm was quantified by measurements of arterial diameters on catheter angiography. The effect of method of aneurysm treatment (clipping [n=199] or coiling [n=214]) on angiographic vasospasm, delayed ischemic neurological deficit, cerebral infarction, and clinical outcome was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Propensity matching was used to adjust for differences in baseline risk factors between clipped and coiled patients.

Results—

In all patients and the propensity-matched subset, aneurysm coiling was associated with a significantly reduced risk of angiographic vasospasm and delayed ischemic neurological deficit compared to clipping. Cerebral infarction and clinical outcome were not associated with clipping or coiling.

Conclusions—

In this exploratory analysis, aneurysm coiling was associated with less angiographic vasospasm and delayed ischemic neurological deficit than surgical clipping, whereas no effect on cerebral infarction or clinical outcome was observed. Whether this is attributable to differences in baseline risk factors between clipped and coiled patients or a true difference cannot be proven here.
Differential Associations of Cortical and Subcortical Cerebral Atrophy With Retinal Vascular Signs in Patients With Acute Stroke
Authors: Baker Michelle L. , Wang Jie Jin , Liew Gerald , Hand Peter J. , De Silva Deidre A. , Lindley Richard I. , Mitchell Paul , Wong Meng-Cheong , Rochtchina Elena , Wong Tien Y. , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Hankey Graeme J. ,   the Multi-Centre Retinal Stroke Study Group
Published: September 2010

Background and Purpose—

The relationship of cortical and subcortical cerebral atrophy to cerebral microvascular disease is unclear. We aimed to assess the associations of retinal vascular signs with cortical and subcortical atrophy in patients with acute stroke.

Methods—

In the Multi-Centre Retinal Stroke Study, 1360 patients with acute stroke admitted to 2 Australian and 1 Singaporean tertiary hospital during 2005 to 2007 underwent neuroimaging and retinal photography. Cortical and subcortical cerebral atrophy were graded based on standard CT scans. A masked assessment of retinal photographs identified focal retinal vascular signs, including retinopathy and retinal arteriolar wall signs (ie, focal arteriolar narrowing, arteriovenous nicking, arteriolar wall light reflex) and measured quantitative signs (retinal arteriolar and venular caliber).

Results—

After adjusting for age, gender, study site, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and smoking status, none of the retinal vascular signs assessed were associated with cortical atrophy, whereas retinopathy (OR, 1.9; CI, 1.2 to 3.0) and enhanced arteriolar light reflex (OR, 2.0; CI, 1.2 to 3.2) were significantly associated with subcortical atrophy.

Conclusion—

Our finding that certain retinal vascular signs are associated with subcortical but not cortical atrophy, suggests a differential pathophysiology between these 2 cerebral atrophy subtypes and a potential role for small vessel disease underlying subcortical cerebral atrophy.
Dawn song of eastern kingbirds: intrapopulation variability and sociobiological correlates
Authors: Dolan Amy , Sexton Karen , Redmond Lucas , Murphy Michael
Published: September 2010

We quantify the singing behaviour of eastern kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus) in the 'dawn song' period to describe variation in performance, identify sources of variation, and identify the main recipient(s) of the information conveyed in the display. All males (N = 87) participated in dawn song, but the probability that a male did not sing increased if he was relatively isolated, and it was late in the season. The earliest and longest song bouts were made by males with many neighbours and when population level female fertility was high. High song rates were typical of males in dense nesting assemblages, early in the season and nest cycle, and when social mates were infertile. However, among males with active nests, song rates varied only with neighbour density and either date or population level female fertility. Given the strong inverse correlation between population fertility and date, we suspect that population fertility drove the relationships. The association of start time and song rate with population fertility, continuation of dawn song after territory establishment, and depressed song rate when mates were fertile, are all consistent with the hypothesis that the availability of extra-pair females is the primary factor selecting for male participation in dawn song.
Wavelet Analyses of Turbulence in the Hurricane Surface Layer during Landfalls
Authors: Zhu Ping , Zhang Jun A. , Masters Forrest J.
Published: September 2010

Using wavelet transform (WT), this study analyzes the surface wind data collected by the portable wind towers during the landfalls of six hurricanes and one tropical storm in the 2002–04 seasons. The WT, which decomposes a time series onto the scale-time domain, provides a means to investigate the role of turbulent eddies in the vertical transport in the unsteady, inhomogeneous hurricane surface layer. The normalized WT power spectra (NWPS) show that the hurricane boundary layer roll vortices tend to suppress the eddy circulations immediately adjacent to rolls, but they do not appear to have a substantial effect on eddies smaller than 100 m. For low-wind conditions with surface wind speeds less than 10 m s−1, the contributions of small eddies (<236 m) to the surface wind stress and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) decrease with the increase of wind speed. The opposite variation trend is found for eddies greater than 236 m. However, for wind speeds greater than 10 m s−1, contributions of both small and large eddies tend to level off as wind speeds keep increasing. It is also found that the scale of the peak NWPS of the surface wind stress is nearly constant with a mean value of approximately 86 m, whereas the scale of the peak NWPS of TKE generally increases with the increase of wind speed, suggesting the different roles of eddies in generating fluxes and TKE. This study illustrates the unique characteristics of the surface layer turbulent structures during hurricane landfalls. It is hoped that the findings of this study could enlighten the development and improvement of turbulent mixing schemes so that the vertical transport processes in the hurricane surface layer can be appropriately parameterized in forecasting models.
Latent Transition Analysis With a Mixture Item Response Theory Measurement Model
Authors: Cho Sun-Joo , Cohen Allan S. , Kim Seock-Ho , Bottge Brian
Published: September 2010

A latent transition analysis (LTA) model was described with a mixture Rasch model (MRM) as the measurement model. Unlike the LTA, which was developed with a latent class measurement model, the LTA-MRM permits within-class variability on the latent variable, making it more useful for measuring treatment effects within latent classes. A simulation study indicated that model recovery using the LTA-MRM was good except for small sample size—short test conditions. A real data application of a mathematics intervention with middle school students indicated that the LTA-MRM clearly detected the intervention effect and also provided a means of helping to better understand the effects compared to a standard multiwave analysis of variance.
“Raising Him . . . to Pull His Own Weight”: Boys’ Household Work in Single-Mother Households
Authors: Berridge Clara W. , Romich Jennifer L.
Published: September 2010

In this study, the authors examine boys’ household work in low- and moderate-income single-mother families. Through describing the work that boys do, why they do this work, and the meaning that they and their mothers give to this work, they add to the understanding of housework as an arena for gender role reproduction or interruption. Their data reveal that adolescent boys did a significant amount of work and took pride in their competence. Mothers grounded their expectations of boys’ household contributions in life experience. They both needed their sons’ day-to-day contributions and wanted their sons to grow into men who were competent around the house and good partners. In demanding household work from their sons, these single mothers themselves work to undermine the traditional gendered division of such labor.
Political Internet games: Engaging an audience
Authors: Neys Joyce , Jansz Jeroen
Published: September 2010

This article is concerned with Internet games that critically address political issues. Developers and players of six online games were interviewed about the expressive and engaging power of the games, in particular with respect to the performance of a ‘political self’. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in order to explore this issue in some detail. Interviews with the six game-developers revealed that building a game contributed to the enhancement of their everyday political engagement. Players were addressed by an online questionnaire which also included playing a political game ( N = 80). The results showed an impact of playing a political game on their knowledge and opinion about the issue addressed in the game.The results also suggested that the construction and expression of a ‘political self’ through the act of playing a political game may have consequences in the real world.
The importance of popular media in everyday girl culture
Authors: Duits Linda
Published: September 2010

This article investigates the importance of popular media in everyday life, more specifically in everyday girl culture. Based on eight months of ethnographic research with a group of 8th graders (ages 11—12), it explores the role of media in an everyday setting: the classroom. The study is informed by two central research questions: how do girls use media in the classroom and how important are media to their everyday life? It aims to provide an empirical, theoretical and methodological contribution to existing literature. First, it empirically contributes to our knowledge of everyday media use in general and in the school context specifically. Second, it adds to theory about audiences, more precisely about the media’s role in identity practices. Third, it shows how different methods produce different results about the importance of media.
Review Essays: Religious Resurgence and its Relationship to Secular Society
Authors: Mathews Mathew
Published: September 2010

In this review of four books, key commonalities addressed by diverse authors are raised. While the authors of these works take on a variety of religious phenomena from aspects of conversion, the rationalization of religion and the impact of globalization to religious practice, an important thread that runs through these works relates to the current resurgence of religion. Scholars attempt to explain this resurgence, especially fundamentalism, which is of considerable relevance to secular society. How secular societies respond to such conservative religion is also an important consideration. On this matter, this review highlights the importance of understanding the role of Christianity and the significance of adopting a global perspective.
Privatizing stream restoration in the US
Authors: Lave Rebecca , Doyle Martin , Robertson Morgan
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we use a case study of the stream restoration field to demonstrate how the particular state and market logics of neoliberalism are shifting both the practice of restoration scientists and the relations between public and private sector science. In particular, the embrace of neoliberal environmental management regimes has intensified the demand for environmental scientists to produce applied science that can: (1) be taught as a standardized package; (2) be used by agencies to justify decisions; and (3) form the basis for new markets in ecosystems services. At this point, private sector science produces the most influential knowledge claims, the most widely used applications, and the primary educational system for stream restoration in the US. We argue that the needs of markets and regulatory agencies are heavily implicated in this privatization process, and that the resulting impacts on restoration science and the dynamics of the stream restoration field in the US thus cannot be described without attention to political—economic relations.