bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thymidylate synthase was associated with patient prognosis and the response to adjuvant therapy in bladder cancer
Authors: Li Yongnan , Li Xiaoxia , Dai Haiping , Sun Xiaodong , Li Jinhua , Yang Fenghua , Gu Hongmei , Yang Yong , Jin Zaishun , Chu Yanhui , Jin Xiudong , Kakehi Yoshiyuki , Wu Xiuxian
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of thymidylate synthase (TS), a key enzyme in DNA synthesis that is over‐expressed in several cancer cells, in bladder cancer and its association with patient prognosis and the response to adjuvant therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 67 bladder tissue specimens were obtained from patients who had undergone transurethral resection (TUR). TS expression in bladder cancer and normal bladder tissue was analysed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Of the 67 bladder tissue specimens, 47 (70%) and 10 (15%) had positive expression for TS in cancer and normal tissues, respectively. TS expression was greater in patients with Grade 3 (16/17, 94%) than in Grade 1 and 2 (31/50, 64%; P = 0.002). It was also greater in Stage T1 (14/14) than in Stage Ta (33/53, 62%; P = 0.001). Furthermore, patients with negative TS expression had a longer postoperative recurrence‐free survival (RFS) than those with positive expression during the 5 year follow‐up (P = 0.028). In the patients with positive TS‐expressing tumours, adjuvant therapy significantly improved RFS (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

High TS expression might be a marker of poor prognosis for patients with bladder cancer. In addition, patients with high TS expression might also be benefit from adjuvant therapy.
Effects of doxycycline on voiding behaviour of rats with bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Elkelini Mohamed S. , Aitken Karen , Bagli Darius J. , Hassouna Magdy M.
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

To examine the voiding behaviour changes in rats with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) while inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity with doxycycline, as increased MMP activity may be involved in obstruction‐induced bladder hypertrophy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female Sprague‐Dawley were divided into eight groups (three rats in each group): normal control (NC) ± doxycycline, 3 weeks partial BOO (3WPBOO) ± doxycycline, 6 weeks PBOO ± doxycycline, and 3 weeks PBOO followed by 3 weeks de‐obstruction (3WOD) ± doxycycline. All rats received the same food and water and were on the same 12 h dark/light cycle housed in metabolic cages. Treatment groups were given doxycycline 15 mg/kg/day subcutaneously twice daily. The voiding variables measured were average voided volume (AV V) and voiding frequency (VF) in 24 h. After completion of the voiding behaviour studies, the rats were killed and their bladders were excised and weighed.

RESULTS

The AV Vs were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in all study groups compared with the NC group except for the 3WPBOO‐doxycycline and 3WOD‐doxycycline groups. The VF was significantly increased (P < 0.05) only in the 3WOD‐doxycycline group. The bladder weights were significantly increased after PBOO in all the study groups (P < 0.05), except for the 3WOD group.

CONCLUSION

These data show that MMP inhibition may affect voiding behaviour during the response to BOO or its relief. This is the first clinical demonstration that interfering with a principal target of bladder muscle wall remodelling may have a direct effect on bladder function.
Hybrid tumour ‘oncocytoma‐chromophobe renal cell carcinoma’ of the kidney: a report of seven sporadic cases
Authors: Delongchamps Nicolas B. , Galmiche Louise , Eiss David , Rouach Yannick , Vogt Benoit , Timsit Marc‐Olivier , Vieillefond Annick , Méjean Arnaud
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether renal hybrid tumours (HT) appear as a specific clinical and radiological entity, as HT are characterized by the association of both oncocytes and chromophobe cells within the same tumour, and have been described in patients with oncocytosis and Birt‐Hogg‐Dube syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the medical charts of 67 patients who had a partial or radical nephrectomy in our institution for renal oncocytoma (RO, 24), chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (CRCC, 36) and HT (seven), from January 2006 to October 2007. We report the clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics of the seven cases of HT.

RESULTS

The mean (range) age of the patients was 56 (41–68) year. None of the seven patients had any suspicion of RO, based on computed tomography (CT). Two patients had a history of kidney cancer. Five patients had partial and two a radical nephrectomy. The mean (range) maximum tumour diameter was 5.5 (1.8–9) cm. Two tumours were pT1a, two were pT1b and three were pT2. Pathological analysis showed RO‐like and CRCC‐like cells intermixed (six patients) or distinct (one). After a median (range) follow‐up of 20 (8–25) months, none of the patients had any evidence of disease recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large series of patients with sporadic RO and CRCC, 10% of the tumours had hybrid morphological features, as described in oncocytosis and Birt‐Hogg‐Dube syndrome. We were unable to identify any specific clinical characteristic. Most importantly, none of these HT showed any of the radiological characteristics of RO.
Abdominal mesh sacrocolpopexy for recurrent triple‐compartment pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Gilleran Jason P. , Zimmern Philippe
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

To report the short‐ and intermediate‐ term outcome of safety and efficacy after abdominal‐mesh sacrocolpopexy (MSC) for recurrent anterior, posterior and vault (‘triple‐compartment’) pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a database review we identified non‐neurogenic women who had MSC for recurrent triple‐compartment POP and with a ≥6‐month cystographic follow‐up. The preoperative evaluation included a history, physical examination, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6) and visual analogue quality‐of‐life (QoL) questionnaires, urodynamic studies, and a standing lateral voiding cysto‐urethrogram (VCUG) with rest‐strain views. All surgery as performed by the same surgeon, using polypropylene (Marlex) mesh. Perioperative data, the VCUG at 6 months, and interval pelvic examinations were recorded.

RESULTS

Between 2000 and 2006, 29 postmenopausal women (Caucasian, mean age 64 years, sd 11) underwent MSC. The mean (sd, range) operative duration was 228 (75, 170–340) min, the estimated blood loss 150 (100) mL and the inpatient stay 3 (1) days. At a mean (sd) follow‐up of 23 (16) months, the physical examination showed no evidence of POP of grade ≥2, with mean POP‐Quantification scores of −2.8 (0.4), −2.9 (0.4) and −9.3 (0.8) for points Aa, Ap and C, respectively. Two patients (8%) had evidence of grade ≥2 cystocele at the 6‐month VCUG. After MSC, four of the six UDI and the QoL scores were significantly lower at the last follow‐up than at baseline, with no change in sexual or defecatory function.

CONCLUSIONS

The objective and subjective improvement at the short and intermediate follow‐up after MSC suggest that this is a safe and effective treatment for recurrent triple‐compartment POP.
Effectiveness of a moral and benevolent leader: Probing the interactions of the dimensions of paternalistic leadership
Authors: Niu Chun‐Pai , Wang An‐Chih , Cheng Bor‐Shuian
Published: January 2009

Paternalistic leadership has three dimensions: authoritarianism, benevolence and morality. Although it is important to understand how these dimensions interact to impact leadership effectiveness, previous studies have failed to identify consistent interaction effects of these dimensions, probably because of the high intercorrelations among the three dimensions. By manipulating the three dimensions independently in an experimental study (N = 265 Taiwanese employees), we found that: (i) benevolence and morality increased subordinates' deference to supervisor and work motivation, although authoritarianism was unrelated to these outcomes; and (ii) benevolence and morality interacted to affect the same employee outcomes. Specifically, benevolent and moral leaders elicited more favourable employee outcomes than leaders exhibiting other leadership styles.
Sociopsychological profiles of students that leave the ingroup or engage in social competition
Authors: Echebarria‐Echabe Agustin
Published: January 2009

We present a study of the sociopsychological profiles of students who are disposed to engage in social competition on behalf of ingroup interests. Five predictors were selected: the advantageous or unfavourable context for ingroup interests, group identification, meritocracy, just‐world beliefs, and social dominance orientation. It was found that those students who were prepared to invest personal resources on behalf of ingroup interests were characterized by a strong group identification and middle or low scores in the meritocracy and social dominance orientation. In contrast, students with the lowest disposition to social competition were defined by their low identification and/or middle‐high scores in the meritocracy and social dominance orientation. Against our expectation, the manipulation of the favourable versus unfavourable situation of the ingroup did not have a significant influence. In order of their importance, the variables that showed stronger effects were group identification, followed by meritocracy, social dominance orientation, and world‐just beliefs.
VARIANCE ESTIMATION IN TWO‐PHASE SAMPLING
Authors: Hidiroglou M.A. , Rao J.N.K. , Haziza David
Published: January 2009

Two‐phase sampling is often used for estimating a population total or mean when the cost per unit of collecting auxiliary variables,x, is much smaller than the cost per unit of measuring a characteristic of interest,y. In the first phase, a large samples1is drawn according to a specific sampling designp(s1), and auxiliary dataxare observed for the unitsi∈s1. Given the first‐phase samples1, a second‐phase samples2is selected froms1according to a specified sampling design{p(s2∣s1) }, and (y,x) is observed for the unitsi∈s2. In some cases, the population totals of some components ofxmay also be known. Two‐phase sampling is used for stratification at the second phase or both phases and for regression estimation. Horvitz–Thompson‐type variance estimators are used for variance estimation. However, the Horvitz–Thompson (Horvitz & Thompson,J. Amer. Statist. Assoc.1952) variance estimator in uni‐phase sampling is known to be highly unstable and may take negative values when the units are selected with unequal probabilities. On the other hand, the Sen–Yates–Grundy variance estimator is relatively stable and non‐negative for several unequal probability sampling designs with fixed sample sizes. In this paper, we extend the Sen–Yates–Grundy (Sen,J. Ind. Soc. Agric. Statist.1953;Yates & Grundy,J. Roy. Statist. Soc. Ser. B1953) variance estimator to two‐phase sampling, assuming fixed first‐phase sample size and fixed second‐phase sample size given the first‐phase sample. We apply the new variance estimators to two‐phase sampling designs with stratification at the second phase or both phases. We also develop Sen–Yates–Grundy‐type variance estimators of the two‐phase regression estimators that make use of the first‐phase auxiliary data and known population totals of some of the auxiliary variables.
Kinetics of plasma cytokines and chemokines during primary HIV‐1 infection and after analytical treatment interruption
Authors: Barqasho B , Nowak P , Tjernlund A , Kinloch S , Goh L‐E , Lampe F , Fisher M , Andersson J , Sönnerborg A ,   for the QUEST study group
Published: January 2009

Background

There are strong theoretical arguments for initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) during primary HIV‐1 infection (PHI) to preserve HIV‐1‐specific T‐cell responses and to decrease immune activation.

Methods

We assessed the degree of immune activation during PHI and after analytical treatment interruption (ATI) in plasma samples from 22 subjects by measuring 13 cytokines/chemokines with the Luminex system. Subjects initiated quadruple ART at PHI (the QUEST cohort) and were classified as responders or nonresponders according to their HIV‐1 viral load (VL) 6 months post‐ATI.

Results

During PHI, nonresponders had higher levels of HIV‐1 RNA, interferon (IFN)‐γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐10 and eotaxin than responders (P≤0.05). A positive correlation was found between VL and IFN‐α, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α and MIP‐1β, respectively. Post ATI, responders had higher levels of IFN‐γ, MIP‐1β and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1 than nonresponders, while nonresponders had higher levels of HIV‐1 RNA, IL‐15 and eotaxin. Cytokine/chemokine levels were higher during PHI than post‐ATI.

Conclusions

High levels of immune activation during PHI are associated with a worse virological outcome post‐ATI. In contrast, VL post‐ATI is negatively correlated with IFN‐γ and chemokines. Therefore, the degree of immune activation during PHI is associated with both the VL at PHI and the viral set‐point post‐ART.
Acetyl‐l‐carnitine and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor‐associated neuropathy in HIV infection
Authors: Valcour V , Yeh T‐M , Bartt R , Clifford D , Gerschenson M , Evans SR , Cohen BA , Ebenezer GJ , Hauer P , Millar L , Gould M , Tran P , Shikuma C , Souza S , McArthur JC ,   the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) 5157protocol team
Published: January 2009

Objectives

Antiretroviral toxic neuropathy (ATN) is associated with dideoxynucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor use in patients infected with HIV, possibly as a result of mitochondrial toxicity. Acetyl‐l‐carnitine (ALC) has been linked to symptomatic improvement in ATN. We present an open‐label single‐arm pilot study to evaluate changes in intra‐epidermal nerve fibre (IENF) density and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copies/cell among subjects treated with 3000 mg ALC daily.

Methods

Punch skin biopsies were examined at baseline and after 24 weeks of therapy. Participants reported neuropathic symptoms using the Gracely Pain Intensity Score. Neurological examinations were completed.

Results

Twenty‐one subjects completed the study. ALC was generally well tolerated. The IENF density did not change in cases completing 24 weeks of ALC therapy, with median (90% confidence interval) IENF changes of −1.70 (−3.50, ∞) (P=0.98) and 2.15 (−0.10, ∞) (P=0.11) for the distal leg and proximal thigh, respectively. Fat mtDNA copies/cell did not change with therapy. Improvements in neuropathic pain (P<0.01), paresthesias (P=0.01), and symptoms of numbness (P<0.01) were noted. Similarly, improvement was noted on the Gracely Pain Intensity Score.

Conclusions

ALC therapy coincided with improvements in subjective measures of pain in this open‐label single‐arm study. However, changes were not observed in objective measures of IENF density or mtDNA levels, providing little objective support for use of ALC in this setting.
Difference in drug resistance patterns between minor HIV‐1 populations in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma
Authors: Bergroth T , Ekici H , Gisslén M , Hagberg L , Sönnerborg A
Published: January 2009

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine to what extent unique drug resistance patterns appear in minor and major HIV‐1 quasispecies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as compared with blood.

Methods
Forty‐four plasma and CSF samples from 13 multi‐treatment‐experienced patients, seven of whom provided longitudinal samples, were included in the study. The subjects had failed antiretroviral therapy including lamivudine. The reverse transcriptase (RT) gene was examined by selective real‐time polymerase chain reaction (SPCR), which can detect M184I/V mutants down to 0.2% of the viral population.

Results

SPCR revealed differences at amino acid position 184 in the plasma/CSF populations in 12 paired samples from eight patients. One plasma sample was positive by SPCR where direct sequencing showed wild‐type M184. The other 11 paired samples showed quantitative differences in the mixed populations of the mutant or wild‐type M184 quasispecies. Differences in other resistance‐associated mutations between plasma and CSF viruses were also found by direct sequencing.

Conclusions

In multi‐treatment‐experienced patients with therapy failure, differences in drug resistance patterns were found frequently between plasma and CSF in both minor and major viral populations. To what extent this was a true biological phenomenon remains to be established, and the clinical relevance of these findings is yet to be determined.
Ignoring God Triune? The Doctrine of the Trinity in Dutch Theology
Authors: VAN DEN BRINK GIJSBERT , VAN ERP STEPHAN
Published: January 2009

This article presents an overview of Dutch trinitarian theology in the twentieth and twenty‐first centuries. It will become clear how and why leading Dutch theologians either ignored the doctrine, or used it for their own purposes, or uttered critical reservations regarding its sense and significance. After having reviewed the ways in which this majority of Dutch theologians has dealt with the doctrine, some notable constructive exceptions are explored. In conclusion, the authors raise the question as to Low Dutch theology might, starting from its own tradition, catch up with the recent international and inter‐denominational tendency towards a well‐developed trinitarian theology.
Diet and food preferences of the endangered Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus: a basis for their conservation
Authors: MARGALIDA ANTONI , BERTRAN JOAN , HEREDIA RAFAEL
Published: January 2009

The Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus population in the Pyrenees is managed using feeding stations to increase breeding success and reduce mortality in the pre‐adult population. Nevertheless, very little quantitative and qualitative information has been published on such basic aspects of the species’ ecology as feeding habits and dietary preferences. This study investigated both aspects through direct and unbiased observation of breeding Bearded Vultures during the chick‐rearing period. Bearded Vulture diet comprises mammals (93%), birds (6%) and reptiles (1%), with medium‐sized ungulates (mainly sheep/goats) the most important species in the diet (61%, n = 677). Prey items were not selected in proportion to their availability, with the remains of larger species (cows and horses) being avoided, probably due to the variable cost/benefit ratios in handling efficiency, ingestion process and transport. There is no relationship between the proportion of sheep limbs in the diet and the proximity of feeding stations, suggesting that these sites are probably less important for breeding adults than for the pre‐adult population. On the other hand, diet specificity seems related to productivity, with territories with greater trophic breadth being those with higher fecundity. Bearded Vultures prefer to eat limbs, although meat remains (provided principally by small mammals) can play an important role in guaranteeing breeding success during the first few weeks after hatching. The management of carrion provided by animals that die naturally in extensive livestock practices and the remains of wild ungulates which have died naturally or by human hunting, are important conservation tools for the Bearded Vulture and other carrion‐eating species.
Does interference competition explain why White Terns of Aride Island, Seychelles, breed predominantly when marine productivity is lower?
Authors: CATRY TERESA , RAMOS JAIME A. , SAMPSON EMMA , LE CORRE MATTHIEU
Published: January 2009

White Terns Gygis alba breed throughout the year on Aride Island but show a marked preference to nest during the northwest monsoon (November–March), when interspecific competition and also marine productivity are considered to be lower. In this study we investigated and compared breeding and foraging parameters of White Terns between the northwest and southeast (May–September) monsoons to assess whether interspecific competition affected foraging activity and explained the timing of breeding of White Terns. Goatfish (Mullidae) dominated the diet of White Terns and no significant differences were found in diet composition between the northwest and southeast monsoons. Similar diets and patterns of food provisioning of White Terns between the two monsoons do not support the hypothesis of strong exploitation competition during the southeast monsoon. On the other hand, foraging behaviour and frequency of capture attempts of White Terns differed between the two monsoons. The percentages of multi‐species flocks with White Terns and of large flocks with more than 25 noddies Anous and terns Onychoprion were significantly higher during the southeast monsoon. Moreover, capture attempt frequencies of White Terns foraging in multi‐species flocks were lower than those of solitary individuals, and both solitary and flocking White Terns had significantly lower capture attempt frequencies during the southeast monsoon in comparison with the northwest monsoon. These results suggest that interference competition depresses foraging activity of flock‐foraging White Terns, particularly during the southeast monsoon, which could potentially explain why White Terns breed preferentially during the northwest monsoon. However, and despite avoiding interference competition, White Terns nesting during the northwest monsoon did not show higher breeding success than those nesting during the southeast monsoon. Other hypotheses that might explain the preference of White Terns for breeding during the northwest monsoon, such as avoidance of agonistic interactions with Lesser Noddies Anous tenuirostris at nest sites, should also be investigated.
Vegetation patterns, recent pollen deposition and distribution of non‐pollen palynomorphs in a polygon mire near Chokurdakh (NE Yakutia, NE Siberia)
Authors: DE KLERK PIM , DONNER NORMAN , JOOSTEN HANS , KARPOV NIKOLAY S. , MINKE MERTEN , SEIFERT NINA , THEUERKAUF MARTIN
Published: January 2009

Fine‐scaled distribution patterns of vegetation and palynomorphs in a polygon mire in NE Siberia were studied in 31 × 31 plots of 1 m2 (vegetation) and along a transect at intervals of 1 m (palynomorphs). Pollen and non‐pollen‐palynomorph contents clearly reflect differences between polygon ridges and centres. For most single pollen types, however, no unambiguous relation with actual plant abundances and distribution exists. High pollen values are restricted to the immediate vicinity of the pollen sources, which is attributed to the low height of the vegetation. For several plant taxa, high pollen values were found to be restricted to particular plant specimens in the population. High values of pollen ascribed to taxa currently absent at the relevant plot show that the sampled mosses contain a pollen signal of several years. Betula exilis produces two morphologically clearly distinct pollen types. The distribution of selected non‐pollen palynomorphs correlates to microrelief, moisture regime and/or trophic conditions. The study shows that single palaeo‐sections from arctic peatlands should not be over‐interpreted with respect to their palaeoecological value. Local vegetation types and site conditions, however, can be accurately reconstructed from the total assemblages and from combined occurrences of specific palynomorph types.
Optical dating of relict sand wedges and composite‐wedge pseudomorphs in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: BUYLAERT JAN‐PIETER , GHYSELS GUNTHER , MURRAY ANDREW S. , THOMSEN KRISTINA J. , VANDENBERGHE DIMITRI , DE CORTE FRANS , HEYSE IRENÉE , VAN DEN HAUTE PETER
Published: January 2009

We report on quartz Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating of the infill of 14 relict sand wedges and composite‐wedge pseudomorphs at 5 different sites in Flanders, Belgium. A laboratory dose recovery test indicates that the single‐aliquot regenerative‐dose (SAR) procedure is suitable for our samples (measured to a given dose ratio 0.980 ± 0.005; n=139). Completeness of resetting of the wedge infill of two samples was confirmed by single‐grain analyses. The suite of optical ages indicates that repeated thermal contraction cracking, degradation and infilling with wind‐blown sediment appear to have been commonplace in Flanders during the Late Pleniglacial (Oxygen Isotope Stage 2; OIS2); more specifically, around the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ∼21 kyr ago) and the transition period between the LGM and the start of the Lateglacial (∼15 kyr ago). Optical dating at one site has revealed two significantly older wedge levels, the younger inset into the older; the younger wedge has an age of 36 ± 4 kyr (Middle Pleniglacial; OIS3), the older wedge 129 ± 11 kyr, which points to formation during the Late Saalian (OIS6). Our OSL ages of the wedges and host sediments bracket formation of the BGB (Beuningen Gravel Bed: a widespread deflation horizon in northwestern Europe) at between ∼15 and 18 kyr; this is in good agreement with previous OSL dating studies. We conclude that optical dating using quartz SAR OSL establishes an absolute chronology for these periglacial phenomena and allows secure palaeoenvironmental reconstructions to be made.
Lake sediments from Store Koldewey, Northeast Greenland, as archive of Late Pleistocene and Holocene climatic and environmental changes
Authors: KLUG MARTIN , SCHMIDT STEFFI , BENNIKE OLE , HEIRI OLIVER , MELLES MARTIN , WAGNER BERND
Published: January 2009

A 2.9 m long sedimentary record was studied from a small lake, here referred to as Duck Lake, located at 76°25′N, 18°45′W on Store Koldewey, an elongated island off the coast of Northeast Greenland. The sediments were investigated for their geophysical and biogeochemical characteristics, and for their fossil chironomid assemblages. Organic matter began to accumulate in the lake at 9.1 cal. kyr BP, which provides a minimum age for the deglaciation of the basin. Although the early to mid‐Holocene is known as a thermal maximum in East Greenland, organic matter accumulation in the lake remained low during the early Holocene, likely due to late plant immigration and lack of nutrient availability. Organic matter accumulation increased during the middle and late Holocene, when temperatures in East Greenland gradually decreased. Enhanced soil formation probably led to higher nutrient availability and increased production in the lake. Chironomids are abundant throughout the record after 9.1 cal. kyr BP and seem to react sensitively to changes in temperature and nutrient availability. It is concluded that relative temperature reconstructions based on biogeochemical data have to be regarded critically, particularly in the period shortly after deglaciation when nutrient availability was low. Chironomids may be a suitable tool for climatic reconstructions even in those high arctic environments. However, a better understanding of the ecology of chironomids under these extreme conditions is needed.
Origin and significance of lateral meltwater channels formed along a temperate glacier margin, Glacier Bay, Alaska
Authors: SYVERSON KENT M. , MICKELSON DAVID M.
Published: January 2009

Pleistocene lateral meltwater channels are commonly used as evidence of cold‐based or polythermal ice. However, lateral meltwater channel formation has been observed for >40 years along the margins of a rapidly thinning temperate glacier in Glacier Bay, Alaska. Flights of nested linear lateral meltwater channels and in‐and‐out channels have formed on the sides of emerging nunataks. Nested channels at Burroughs Glacier are up to 200 m long; they are good proxies for the slope of the ice margin along the land surface and are terminated by subglacial chutes. A perched water table associated with precipitation and high ablation rates in the temperate ice causes surface meltwater to flow toward the margin above less permeable ice. The water flows along the margin and erodes lateral meltwater channels until a subglacial chute carries the water into the subglacial water system. Rates of channel formation range from 0 to 8 channels/year. Spacing and rates of channel formation are controlled by the land‐surface slope, ablation rate, erodibility of the substrate and stream discharge. Because lateral meltwater channels have been observed forming along a temperate glacier margin, care must be exercised when using the presence of lateral meltwater channels as definitive evidence of cold‐based or polythermal ice.
Late Quaternary distribution and biogeography of the southern Lake Eyre basin (SLEB) megafauna, South Australia
Authors: WEBB STEVE
Published: January 2009

Understanding the population demography, species distribution and biogeography of Australia's megafauna is essential for understanding their extinction. This process is only just beginning, and this article discusses these aspects while concentrating on a particular region; the southern Lake Eyre Basin (SLEB). It is also the first detailed description of the distribution of megafauna across that region of central Australia. The data are based on an extensive longitudinal study of 41 palaeontological sites spread across 250 000 km2. Megafauna adaptation and response to extensive environmental change during the late Quaternary is reflected in the composition and distribution of 21 megafauna species found across the region. A flexible migration strategy in response to wet/arid cycles saw occupation focusing on riverine and lacustrine environments formed by episodes of southerly monsoon incursion into the northern Lake Eyre basin. The supply of animals to the area was largely derived from endemic populations inhabiting western parts of southeastern Australia, where the majority of SLEB species are also found. Diprotodon reflects the adaptive flexibility of some species owing to its particular continental distribution, with a number of semi‐arid regions across the continent. A picture of how and when the last of the region's megafauna disappeared is closer to being understood, with likely terminal dates for Genyornis and Diprotodon now available.
Spatial and temporal stability of the climatic signal in northern Fennoscandian pine tree‐ring width and maximum density
Authors: TUOVINEN MERVI , McCARROLL DANNY , GRUDD HÅKAN , JALKANEN RISTO , LOS SIETSE
Published: January 2009

The spatial and temporal stability of the climatic signal in pine tree‐ring width and maximum density is examined using data from four sites in northern Sweden and Finland. Moving‐window multiple linear regression, using monthly and daily climate data, indicates that ring widths at all sites have been strongly controlled by July temperatures throughout the past century. The relationship between maximum density and temperature is stronger but much less stable across both space and time. Shifts in the hottest part of the summer do not explain large shifts in the period most strongly influencing density. It is concluded that palaeoclimate reconstructions based on northern Fennoscandian pine tree‐ring width chronologies should be restricted to the temperature of midsummer (July), whereas maximum density should be used to reconstruct the temperature of a longer growth season (June to August). They thus provide different and complementary palaeoclimate signals. At all four sites, the correlation between maximum density and June to August mean temperature is lowest in the latter half of the 20th century, but split sample tests with strong verification statistics (RE and CE) show that this represents a quantitative change in the strength of the correlation with climate, rather than a qualitative change in the nature of that relationship, and thus does not invalidate climate reconstructions.
Design of Fibrin Matrix Composition to Enhance Endothelial Cell Growth and Extracellular Matrix Deposition for In Vitro Tissue Engineering
Authors: Pankajakshan Divya , Krishnan Lissy K.
Published: January 2009

Tissue‐engineered blood vessel substitutes should closely resemble native vessels in terms of structure, composition, mechanical properties, and function. Successful cardiovascular tissue engineering requires optimization of in vitro culture environment that would produce functional constructs. The extracellular matrix (ECM) protein elastin plays an essential role in the cardiovascular system to render elasticity to blood vessel wall, whereas collagen is responsible for providing mechanical strength. The objective of this study was to understand the significance of various ECM components on endothelial cell (EC) growth and tissue generation. We demonstrate that, even though fibrin is a good matrix for EC growth, fibronectin is the crucial component of the fibrin matrix that enhances EC adhesion, spreading, and proliferation. Vascular EC growth factor is known to influence in vitro growth of EC, but, so far, ECM deposition in in vitro culture has not been reported. In this study, it is shown that incorporation of a mixture of hypothalamus‐derived angiogenic growth factors with fibrin matrix enhances synthesis and deposition of insoluble elastin and collagen in the matrix, within 10 days of in vitro culture. The results suggest that a carefully engineered fibrin composite matrix may support EC growth, survival, and remodeling of ECM in vitro and impart optimum properties to the construct for resisting the shear stress at the time of implantation.
A Novel Approach to Align Adult Neural Stem Cells on Micropatterned Conduits for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Hsu Shan‐hui , Su Chien‐Hsiang , Chiu Ing‐Ming
Published: January 2009

There is a strong need for nerve‐tissue engineering using the guide conduit and Schwann cells or neural stem cells (NSCs) with regeneration potential for injured peripheral nerves. In this study, micropatterned poly(d,l‐lactide) (PLA) conduits were fabricated by microlithography and solvent‐casting. The PLA conduits were seeded with the novel green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐positive adult mouse NSCs obtained using the patented method of one of the authors. About 85% of the seeded NSCs were successfully aligned on the micropatterned conduits within 72 h and expressed the genes related to the production of neurotrophic factors. Gene expressions for the neurotrophic factors, such as nerve growth factor and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor were upregulated by the micropatterned conduits at 72 h. The micropatterned PLA conduits seeded with the aligned NSCs were used to bridge the 10‐mm sciatic nerve gaps in rats and were found to facilitate nerve repair and functional recovery during a period of 6 weeks compared with the nonseeded group. This model can be used to study the role of adult NSCs in peripheral‐nerve regeneration in the future.
Functional and Biocompatibility Performances of an Integrated Maglev Pump‐Oxygenator
Authors: Zhang Tao , Cheng Guangming , Koert Andrew , Zhang Juntao , Gellman Barry , Yankey G. Kwame , Satpute Aditee , Dasse Kurt A. , Gilbert Richard J. , Griffith Bartley P. , Wu Zhongjun J.
Published: January 2009

To provide respiratory support for patients with lung failure, a novel compact integrated pump‐oxygenator is being developed. The functional and biocompatibility performances of this device are presented. The pump‐oxygenator is designed by combining a magnetically levitated pump/rotor with a uniquely configured hollow fiber membrane bundle to create an assembly free, ultracompact, all‐in‐one system. The hemodynamics, gas transfer and biocompatibility performances of this novel device were investigated both in vitro in a circulatory flow loop and in vivo in an ovine animal model. The in vitro results showed that the device was able to pump blood flow from 2 to 8 L/min against a wide range of pressures and to deliver an oxygen transfer rate more than 300 mL/min at a blood flow of 6 L/min. Blood damage tests demonstrated low hemolysis (normalized index of hemolysis [NIH]∼0.04) at a flow rate of 5 L/min against a 100‐mm Hg afterload. The data from five animal experiments (4 h to 7 days) demonstrated that the device could bring the venous blood to near fully oxygen‐saturated condition (98.6% ± 1.3%). The highest oxygen transfer rate reached 386 mL/min. The gas transfer performance was stable over the study duration for three 7‐day animals. There was no indication of blood damage. The plasma free hemoglobin and platelet count were within the normal ranges. No gross thrombus is found on the explanted pump components and fiber surfaces. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that the newly developed pump‐oxygenator can achieve sufficient blood flow and oxygen transfer with excellent biocompatibility.
Experimental Setup to Evaluate the Performance of Percutaneous Pulmonary Valved Stent in Different Outflow Tract Morphologies
Authors: Vismara Riccardo , Laganà Katia , Migliavacca Francesco , Schievano Silvia , Coats Louise , Taylor Andrew , Bonhoeffer Philipp
Published: January 2009

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation is a potential treatment for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction. However, RVOT implantation site varies among subjects and the success of the procedure depends on RVOT morphology selection. The aim of this study was to use in vitro testing to establish percutaneous valve competency in different previously defined RVOT morphologies. Five simplified RVOT geometries (stenotic, enlarged, straight, convergent, and divergent) were manufactured by silicone dipping. A mock bench was developed to test the percutaneous valve in the five different RVOTs. The bench consists of a volumetric pulsatile pump and of a hydraulic afterload. The pump is made of a piston driven by a low inertia programmable motor. The hydraulic afterload mimics the pulmonary input impedance and its design is based on a three element model of the pulmonary circulation. The mock bench can replicate different physiological and pathological hemodynamic conditions of the pulmonary circulation. The mock bench is here used to test the five RVOTs under physiological‐like conditions: stroke volume range 40–70 mL, frequency range 60–80 bpm. The valved stent was implanted into the five different RVOT geometries. Pressures upstream and downstream of the valved stent were monitored. Flow rates were measured with and without the valved stent in the five mock RVOTs, and regurgitant fraction compared between the different valved stent RVOTs. The percutaneous valved stent drastically reduced regurgitant flow if compared with the RVOT without the valve. RVOT geometry did not significantly influence the flow rate curves. Mean regurgitant fractions varied from 5% in the stenotic RVOT to 7.3% in the straight RVOT, highlighting the influence of the RVOT geometry on valve competency. The mock bench presented in this study showed the ability to investigate the influence of RVOT geometry on the competence of valved stent used for percutaneous pulmonary valve treatment.
Economic, Social, and Psychological Factors Associated With Health‐Related Quality of Life of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients in Northern Taiwan: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Kao Tze‐Wah , Lai Mei‐Shu , Tsai Tun‐Jun , Jan Chyi‐Feng , Chie Wei‐Chu , Chen Wan‐Yu
Published: January 2009

This study evaluated the associations between economic, social, psychological factors, and health‐related quality of life of hemodialysis patients. Cross‐sectional study design was used. End‐stage renal disease patients who had received maintenance hemodialysis for more than 2 months at 14 centers in northern Taiwan were invited to participate. Demographic, economic, and psychosocial data of patients were collected. Depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory. Health‐related quality of life was measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form 36. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. Eight hundred sixty‐one patients (373 males, mean age 59.4 ± 13.2 years) completed the study. Higher monthly income was positively associated with role emotional and mental health (P < 0.05), and so was increased frequency of social activities with social functioning (P <  0.05). The more worries, the stronger the inverse associations with social functioning (P < 0.05) and mental health (P < 0.01). Higher depression scores were associated with lower scores of all Short‐Form 36 dimensions (P < 0.01). Higher monthly income and increased social activities are associated with better health‐related quality of life, whereas more worries and higher depression scores are associated with worse health‐related quality of life of hemodialysis patients.
Coronary Hemodynamics and Myocardial Oxygen Consumption During Support With Rotary Blood Pumps
Authors: Voitl Peter , Vollkron Michael , Bergmeister Helga , Wieselthaler Georg , Schima Heinrich
Published: January 2009

Mechanical support offered by rotary pumps is increasingly used to assist the failing heart, although several questions concerning physiology remain. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effect of left‐ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy on coronary hemodynamics, myocardial oxygen consumption, and pulmonary blood flow in sheep. We performed an acute experiment in 10 sheep to obtain invasively measured coronary perfusion data, as well as pressure and flow conditions under cardiovascular assistance. A DeBakey VAD (MicroMed Cardiovascular, Inc., Houston, TX, USA) was implanted, and systemic and coronary hemodynamic measurements were performed at defined baseline conditions and at five levels of assistance. Data were measured when the pump was clamped, as well as under minimum, maximum, and moderate levels of assistance, and in a pump‐off condition where backflow occurs. Coronary flow at the different levels of support showed no significant impact of pump activity. The change from baseline ranged from −10.8% to +4.6% (not significant [n.s.]). In the pulmonary artery, we observed a consistent increase in flow up to +4.5% (n.s.) and a decrease in the pulmonary artery pressure down to −14.4% (P = 0.004). Myocardial oxygen consumption fell with increasing pump support down to −34.6% (P = 0.008). Left‐ventricular pressure fell about 52.2% (P = 0.016) as support was increased. These results show that blood flow in the coronary arteries is not affected by flow changes imposed by rotary blood pumps. An undiminished coronary perfusion at falling oxygen consumption might contribute to cardiac recovery.
Quantitative Analysis of Pulsatile Flow Contribution to Ultrafiltration
Authors: Lim Ki Moo , Park Joong Yull , Lee Jung Chan , Kim Jeong Chul , Min Byoung Goo , Kang Eung Taeck , Shim Eun Bo
Published: January 2009

We evaluated the quantitative contribution of pulsatile flow to ultrafiltration (UF) in terms of fluid power, membrane stretch, and reduction of membrane layering. An in vitro comparison of the UF rate using pulsatile and roller pumps was performed with distilled water and bovine whole blood. The mean transmembrane pressure (TMPm) and UF rate were higher with the pulsatile pump for the same mean flow rate: 6.6 mm Hg and 21.1 mL/min higher on average for distilled water and 34.2 mm Hg and 31.4 mL/min higher on average for blood. The average UF rate was 8.4 mL/min higher with the pulsatile pump for the same TMPm with bovine blood. However, the relationship between the UF rate and the TMPm was independent of the flow configuration for distilled water. We showed that the higher UF rate in the pulsatile pump is mainly due to greater fluid power and reduction of membrane layering, while the membrane stretch was not an important factor.
Unsuspected or Unacknowledged Depressive Symptoms in Young Adult Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Biros Michelle H. , Mann Jessica , Hanson Rebecca , Cen Ye Ying
Published: January 2009

Objectives: The objective was to determine the frequency of unsuspected or unacknowledged depressive symptoms among young adult emergency department (ED) patients.

Methods: The Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) and a demographic/lifestyle questionnaire were administered to a cross‐section of medically stable, English‐speaking young adult ED patients (aged 18–23 years) with nonpsychiatric chief complaints. The frequency of moderate to severe depressive symptoms was determined. Group results were analyzed with descriptive statistics; multivariate analysis assessed for patient characteristics associated with depressive symptoms.

Results: A total of 2,898 patients were screened; 2,255 were eligible for enrollment, and 1,264 enrolled (56%; 64% female, 42% African American; mean age = 21 [±1.7] years). Twenty‐nine percent had BDI‐II scores consistent with moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Patient characteristics associated with depressive symptoms included knowledge of someone who had intentionally hurt him‐ or herself (odds ratio [OR] = 2) or died a violent nonaccidental death (OR = 1.4), low personal income (OR = 1.8), chronic health issues (OR = 1.7), cigarette smoking (OR = 1.6), and African American race (OR = 1.5). Those who attended school (OR = 0.5), engaged in frequent social activities (OR = 0.5), or drove a car (OR = 0.7) were less likely to have depressive symptoms. Patients lacked insight into their depressive symptoms.

Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in young adult ED patients. Young adults often do not recognize, or are reluctant to acknowledge, depressive symptoms. Specific patient characteristics may be useful in deciding which young adults should undergo ED screening for depression.
Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Groups of Established Smokers after a Decade of Smoking
Authors: Calapai Gioacchino , Caputi Achille P. , Mannucci Carmen , Russo Giuseppina A. , Gregg Evan , Puntoni Riccardo , Lowe Frazer , McEwan Mike , Bassi Antonella , Morandi Stefania , Nunziata Alfredo
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  To investigate tools for evaluation of smoking‐associated disease initiation and progression, we examined basic clinical parameters and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk, in a group of healthy volunteers with an average 10‐year smoking history. A small cross‐sectional study of never‐smokers, moderate smokers and smokers was performed. Caucasians were recruited to match pre‐defined cigarette tar yields and cigarettes smoked per day. For haematological parameters, significant differences between never‐smokers and all female smokers combined were seen for haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, total leucocyte count, neutrophil count and lymphocyte count. For all male smokers combined, only total leucocyte count was statistically different. Analysis of exhaled CO and other smoke exposure biomarker (nicotine and its metabolites) data showed a statistically significant increase in all groups of smokers with a trend related to the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Thromboxane urinary metabolites 11‐deydro‐thromboxane B2 and 2,3‐dinor‐thromboxane B2 were statistically significantly elevated in smokers. Significant statistical differences between smokers with approximately 10 years of smoking history and non‐smokers in white cells count, hemoglobin and thromboxane turnover were seen, although they did not reach levels associated with overt diseases. These data could provide insight into early biomarkers predictive of risk for coronary and vascular disease.
Evaluation of the Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Zingiber officinale Rhizomes in Rat Collagen‐induced Arthritis
Authors: Fouda Abdel‐Motaal M. , Berika Mohamed Y.
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  Patients with chronic, painful diseases often seek alternative therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of hydroalcoholic extract of Zingiber officinale rhizomes (Z. officinale extract) to ameliorate inflammatory process in rat collagen‐induced arthritis. Our results show that Z. officinale extract in doses higher than 50 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally starting from the dose of booster immunization and for 26 days can ameliorate the clinical scores, disease incidence, joint temperature and swelling, and cartilage destruction, together with reduction of serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α, and anti‐CII antibodies. Moreover, Z. officinale extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg/day was superior to 2 mg/kg/day of indomethacin at most of the measured parameters. These observations might make Z. officinale extract a good alternative to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.