bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinal measurements using time domain OCT imaging before and after myopic Lasik
Authors: Lei Feng , Burns Stephen A , Shao Liqin , Yang Yabo
Published: April 2012

Citation information: Lei F, Burns SA, Shao L & Yang Y. Retinal measurements using time domain OCT imaging before and after myopic Lasik. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 222–227. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012.00905.x

Purpose:  To compare retinal measurements obtained by time domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices before and after myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (Lasik) and to assess the interaction of Lasik and retinal structures as measured by time domain OCT.

Methods:  Fifty‐three patients randomly selected participated in the study. Only the right eye of each subject was included in the study. Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations including refraction examination, slit lamp examination, dilated fundus examination, corneal topography, corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and retinal Stratus OCT scans were acquired for each patient before myopic Lasik and 3 months after surgery.

Results:  Total macular volume (TMV) changed significantly between preoperative and postoperative measurements (p = 0.003). No statistical differences were found between preoperative and postoperative disc area, rim area, cup/disk vert. ratio, or average foveal thickness (p > 0.05). The variation in TMV correlated significantly with the change in spherical refraction equivalent, maximal corneal curvature, minimal corneal curvature, and corneal ablation depth.

Conclusions:  Most retinal OCT measurements undergo no obvious changes after myopic Lasik. The increased TMV measurements we measured after Lasik seem to be correlated with the alteration in corneal shape. The exact mechanism for this change is not clear, while we examined several possibilities including subclinical macular oedema, magnification changes, errors in OCT analysis and IOP, none of these seem to be a likely cause.
JTV519 (K201) reduces sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ leak and improves diastolic function in vitro in murine and human non‐failing myocardium
Authors: Sacherer M , Sedej S , Wakuła P , Wallner M , Vos MA , Kockskämper J , Stiegler P , Sereinigg M , von Lewinski D , Antoons G , Pieske BM , Heinzel FR ,   CONTICA investigators
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ca2+ leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via ryanodine receptors (RyR2s) contributes to cardiomyocyte dysfunction. RyR2 Ca2+ leak has been related to RyR2 phosphorylation. In these conditions, JTV519 (K201), a 1,4‐benzothiazepine derivative and multi‐channel blocker, stabilizes RyR2s and decrease SR Ca2+ leak. We investigated whether JTV519 stabilizes RyR2s without increasing RyR2 phosphorylation in mice and in non‐failing human myocardium and explored underlying mechanisms.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH SR Ca2+ leak was induced by ouabain in murine cardiomyocytes. [Ca2+]‐transients, SR Ca2+ load and RyR2‐mediated Ca2+ leak (sparks/waves) were quantified, with or without JTV519 (1 µmol·L−1). Contribution of Ca2+‐/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) was assessed by KN‐93 and Western blot (RyR2‐Ser2814 phosphorylation). Effects of JTV519 on contractile force were investigated in non‐failing human ventricular trabeculae.

KEY RESULTS Ouabain increased systolic and diastolic cytosolic [Ca2+]i, SR [Ca2+], and SR Ca2+ leak (Ca2+ spark (SparkF) and Ca2+ wave frequency), independently of CaMKII and RyR‐Ser2814 phosphorylation. JTV519 decreased SparkF but also SR Ca2+ load. At matched SR [Ca2+], Ca2+ leak was significantly reduced by JTV519, but it had no effect on fractional Ca2+ release or Ca2+ wave propagation velocity. In human muscle, JTV519 was negatively inotropic at baseline but significantly enhanced ouabain‐induced force and reduced its deleterious effects on diastolic function.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS JTV519 was effective in reducing SR Ca2+ leak by specifically regulating RyR2 opening at diastolic [Ca2+]i in the absence of increased RyR2 phosphorylation at Ser2814, extending the potential use of JTV519 to conditions of acute cellular Ca2+ overload.
EO9 (Apaziquone): from the clinic to the laboratory and back again
Authors: Phillips Roger M , Hendriks Hans R , Peters Godefridus J ,   on behalf of the EORTC‐Pharmacology and Molecular Mechanism Group
Published: April 2012

EO9 (Apaziquone) is a bioreductive drug that has a chequered history. It underwent clinical trial but failed to show activity in phase II clinical trials when administered i.v. Poor drug delivery to tumours caused by a combination of rapid pharmacokinetic elimination and poor penetration through avascular tissue were the major factors responsible for EO9's poor efficacy. Based upon an understanding of why EO9 failed, a further clinical trial against patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder was conducted. The rationale for this was that intravesical administration directly into the bladder would circumvent the drug delivery problem, and any drug reaching the blood supply would be rapidly cleared thereby reducing the risk of systemic exposure. EO9 was well tolerated, and clinical activity against marker lesions was recorded in both phase I and II clinical trials. This article charts the pharmacological history of EO9 and discusses the potential implications that ‘the EO9 story’ has for the development of other loco‐regional therapies.
Hepatitis C, porphyria cutanea tarda and liver iron: an update
Authors: Ryan Caballes F. , Sendi Hossein , Bonkovsky Herbert L.
Published: April 2012

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common form of porphyria across the world. Unlike other forms of porphyria, which are inborn errors of metabolism, PCT is usually an acquired liver disease caused by exogenous factors, chief among which are excess alcohol intake, iron overload, chronic hepatitis C, oestrogen therapy and cigarette smoking. The pathogenesis of PCT is complex and varied, but hereditary or acquired factors that lead to hepatic iron loading and increased oxidative stress are of central importance. Iron loading is usually only mild or moderate in degree [less than that associated with full‐blown haemochromatosis (HFE)] and is usually acquired and/or mutations in HFE. Among acquired factors are excessive alcohol intake and chronic hepatitis C infection, which, like mutations in HFE, decrease hepcidin production by hepatocytes. The decrease in hepcidin leads to increased iron absorption from the gut. In the liver, iron loading and increased oxidative stress leads to the formation of non‐porphyrin inhibitor(s) of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase and to oxidation of porphyrinogens to porphyrins. The treatment of choice of active PCT is iron reduction by phlebotomy and maintenance of a mildly iron‐reduced state without anaemia. Low‐dose antimalarials (cinchona alkaloids) are also useful as additional therapy or as alternative therapy for active PCT in those without haemochromatosis or chronic hepatitis C. In this review, we provide an update of PCT with special emphasis upon the important role often played by the hepatitis C virus.
Natural history of chronic hepatitis B: what exactly has REVEAL Revealed?
Authors: Iloeje Uchenna H , Yang Hwai‐I , Chen Chien‐Jen
Published: April 2012

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem because of its worldwide prevalence and potential to cause adverse consequences. The Risk Evaluation of Viral Load Elevation and Associated Liver Disease/Cancer‐Hepatitis B Virus (REVEAL‐HBV) study carried out in Taiwan was used to investigate the natural history of chronic hepatitis B. The REVEAL‐HBV study has established an HBV viral load paradigm in the natural history of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Serum HBV DNA level has been shown to be significantly and independently associated with incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis and liver‐related mortality across a biological gradient. It is also a major predictor of HBsAg seroclearance. Genetic features including HBV genotype and basal core promoter A1762T/G1764A mutant, and precore G1896A mutant were documented as predictors of HCC risk. Inactive HBV carriers still had an increased risk on HCC development and liver‐related mortality compared with HBsAg ‐seronegatives. Nomograms focusing on facilitating risk communication between patients and clinicians were developed incorporating non‐invasive clinical parameters to predict long‐term HCC risk. These will hopefully contribute to evidence‐based decisions in the clinical management of CHB patients. A somewhat provocative and novel finding from the REVEAL‐HBV study is the association of chronic HBV infection in active replication with an increased pancreatic cancer risk especially in women less than 50 years old. This finding will hopefully spur further research in this area seeking confirmatory evidence. Finally, we hope that the REVEAL‐HBV study will continue to be a source of data to answer other important questions in chronic hepatitis B research going forward.
Assessment of Helicobacter pylori Eradication by Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Castro Manuel , Romero Concepción , de Castro Antonio , Vargas Julio , Medina Eduardo , Millán Raquel , Brenes Manuel
Published: April 2012

Background:  A recent study conducted by Medina et al. disclosed that virgin olive oil has a bactericidal effect in vitro against Helicobacter pylori because of its contents of certain phenolic compounds with dialdehydic structures. We carried out two clinical trials to evaluate the effect of virgin olive oil on H. pylori‐infected individuals.

Materials and Methods:  Two different pilot studies were performed with 60 H. pylori‐infected adults. In the first study, thirty subjects who tested positive for H. pylori received 30 g of washed virgin olive oil for 14 days, and after 1 month, the patients took 30 g of unwashed virgin olive oil for another 14 days. In a second study, a group of 30 subjects received 30 g of a different virgin olive oil for 14 days. Helicobacter pylori‐infection status was checked by the urea breath test.

Results:  Helicobacter pylori was eradicated in 8 of 30 individuals when microorganism status was checked after 4–6 weeks from the first clinical intervention although 12 of 30 individuals did not show H. pylori infection at 24–72 hour of the last oil dose. Eradication rates were 27 and 40% by intention to treat and per protocol, respectively. Moreover, only 3 of 30 individuals were H. pylori negative after 4–6 weeks from the second clinical intervention but 5 of 30 were negative at 24–72 hour of the last oil dose. Eradication rates were 10 and 11% by intention to treat and per protocol, respectively. It must also be noted that 13 subjects withdrew from the studies because of taste and nausea drawbacks.

Conclusions:  The administration of virgin olive oil showed moderate effectiveness in eradicating H. pylori. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, especially with longer periods, different administration conditions, and several types of olive oils.
Managerial Entrenchment and Capital Structure Decisions
Authors: BERGER PHILIP G. , OFEK ELI , YERMACK DAVID L.
Published: April 2012

We study associations between managerial entrenchment and firms' capital structures, with results generally suggesting that entrenched CEOs seek to avoid debt. In a cross‐sectional analysis, we find that leverage levels are lower when CEOs do not face pressure from either ownership and compensation incentives or active monitoring. In an analysis of leverage changes, we find that leverage increases in the aftermath of entrenchment‐reducing shocks to managerial security, including unsuccessful tender offers, involuntary CEO replacements, and the addition to the board of major stockholders.
Does the Specialist Matter? Differential Execution Costs and Intersecurity Subsidization on the New York Stock Exchange
Authors: CAO CHARLES , CHOE HYUK , HATHEWAY FRANK
Published: April 2012

This article tests for differences in execution costs among specialist firms for New York Stock Exchange listed securities. Execution cost differences provide a measure of the relative performance of specialist firms. We find a substantial difference in effective spreads and order processing costs across specialist firms, controlling for stock characteristics. While economically significant, the differences in execution costs between specialist firms are much smaller than the cross‐market differences reported by Huang and Stoll (1996). Within a specialist firm, there is a positive relation between order processing costs and trading activity that is consistent with the hypothesis that active stocks subsidize inactive stocks.
Corporate Governance and Equity Prices: Evidence from the Czech and Slovak Republics
Authors: CLAESSENS STIJN
Published: April 2012

The Czech and Slovak Republics' mass privatization scheme used voucher points distributed to the population and a competitive bidding process to change the governance of a large number of firms. Voucher prices and following secondary market prices are shown to depend upon the resulting ownership structures. The more concentrated ownership is, the higher prices are. High absolute ownership by a single domestic investor is associated with even higher voucher prices. I find some evidence that initially prices are relatively lower when a bank‐sponsored investment fund has a relatively large stake in a firm. This suggests conflicts of interest.
Heterogeneous Information Arrivals and Return Volatility Dynamics: Uncovering the Long‐Run in High Frequency Returns
Authors: ANDERSEN TORBEN G. , BOLLERSLEV TIM
Published: April 2012

Recent empirical evidence suggests that the interdaily volatility clustering for most speculative returns are best characterized by a slowly mean‐reverting fractionally integrated process. Meanwhile, much shorter lived volatility dynamics are typically observed with high frequency intradaily returns. The present article demonstrates, that by interpreting the volatility as a mixture of numerous heterogeneous short‐run information arrivals, the observed volatility process may exhibit long‐run dependence. As such, the long‐memory characteristics constitute an intrinsic feature of the return generating process, rather than the manifestation of occasional structural shifts. These ideas are confirmed by our analysis of a one‐year time series of five‐minute Deutschemark‐U.S. Dollar exchange rates.
Empirical Performance of Alternative Option Pricing Models
Authors: Bakshi Gurdip , Cao Charles , Chen Zhiwu
Published: April 2012

Substantial progress has been made in developing more realistic option pricing models. Empirically, however, it is not known whether and by how much each generalization improves option pricing and hedging. We fill this gap by first deriving an option model that allows volatility, interest rates and jumps to be stochastic. Using S&P 500 options, we examine several alternative models from three perspectives: (1) internal consistency of implied parameters/volatility with relevant time‐series data, (2) out‐of‐sample pricing, and (3) hedging. Overall, incorporating stochastic volatility and jumps is important for pricing and internal consistency. But for hedging, modeling stochastic volatility alone yields the best performance.
On Persistence in Mutual Fund Performance
Authors: Carhart Mark M.
Published: April 2012

Using a sample free of survivor bias, I demonstrate that common factors in stock returns and investment expenses almost completely explain persistence in equity mutual funds' mean and risk‐adjusted returns.Hendricks, Patel and Zeckhauser's (1993)“hot hands” result is mostly driven by the one‐year momentum effect ofJegadeesh and Titman (1993), but individual funds do not earn higher returns from following the momentum strategy in stocks. The only significant persistence not explained is concentrated in strong underperformance by the worst‐return mutual funds. The results do not support the existence of skilled or informed mutual fund portfolio managers.
Cash Flow and Investment: Evidence from Internal Capital Markets
Authors: LAMONT OWEN
Published: April 2012

Using data from the 1986 oil price decrease, I examine the capital expenditures of nonoil subsidiaries of oil companies. I test the joint hypothesis that 1) a decrease in cash/collateral decreases investment, holding fixed the profitability of investment, and 2) the finance costs of different parts of the same corporation are interdependent. The results support this joint hypothesis: oil companies significantly reduced their nonoil investment compared to the median industry investment. The 1986 decline in investment was concentrated in nonoil units that were subsidized by the rest of the company in 1985.
Agency Problems, Equity Ownership, and Corporate Diversification
Authors: DENIS DAVID J. , DENIS DIANE K. , SARIN ATULYA
Published: April 2012

We provide evidence on the agency cost explanation for corporate diversification. We find that the level of diversification is negatively related to managerial equity ownership and to the equity ownership of outside blockholders. In addition, we report that decreases in diversification are associated with external corporate control threats, financial distress, and management turnover. These findings suggest that agency problems are responsible for firms maintaining value‐reducing diversification strategies and that the recent trend toward increased corporate focus is attributable to market disciplinary forces.
Market Orders and Market Efficiency
Authors: BROWN DAVID P. , ZHANG ZHI MING
Published: April 2012

This work compares a dealer market and a limit‐order book. Dealers commonly observe order flow and collect information from multiple market orders. They may be better informed than other traders, although they do not earn rents from this information. Dealers earn rents as suppliers of liquidity, and their decisions to enter or exit the market are independent of the degree of adverse selection. Introduction of a limit‐order book lowers the execution‐price risk faced by speculators and leads them to trade more aggressively on their information. Introduction of the book also lowers dealer profits, but increases the informational efficiency of prices.
When It's Not The Only Game in Town: The Effect of Bilateral Search on the Quality of a Dealer Market
Authors: LAMOUREUX CHRISTOPHER G. , SCHNITZLEIN CHARLES R.
Published: April 2012

We report results from experimental asset markets with liquidity traders and an insider where we allow bilateral trade to take place, in addition to public trade with dealers. In the absence of the search alternative, dealer profits are large—unlike in models with risk‐neutral, competitive dealers. However, when we allow traders to participate in the search market, dealer profits are close to zero. Dealers compete more aggressively with the alternative trading avenue than with each other. There is no evidence that price discovery is less efficient when the specialists are not the only game in town.
The Valuation of Complex Derivatives by Major Investment Firms: Empirical Evidence
Authors: BERNARDO ANTONIO E. , CORNELL BRADFORD
Published: April 2012

This article examines the auction of a portfolio of collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) to major broker dealers and institutional investors. The unique data set allows us to analyze a number of important empirical questions related to the valuation of CMOs by the bidders and the elasticity of demand for the securities. The results reveal that the valuations differ substantially implying a significant elasticity of demand.
The Valuation of American Options with Stochastic Interest Rates: A Generalization of the Geske—Johnson Technique
Authors: HO T. S. , STAPLETON RICHARD C. , SUBRAHMANYAM MARTI G.
Published: April 2012

The Geske–Johnson approach provides an efficient and intuitively appealing technique for the valuation and hedging of American‐style contingent claims. Here, we generalize their approach to a stochastic interest rate economy. The method is implemented using options exercisable on one of a finite number of dates. We illustrate how the value of an American‐style option increases with interest rate volatility. The magnitude of this effect depends on the extent to which the option is in the money, the volatilities of the underlying asset and the interest rates, as well as the correlation between them.
Income Inequality across Micro and Meso Geographic Scales in the Midwestern United States, 1979–20091
Authors: Peters David J.
Published: April 2012

Abstract

This article examines the spatial distribution of income inequality and the socioeconomic factors affecting it using spatial analysis techniques across 16,285 block groups, 5,050 tracts, and 618 counties in the western part of the North Central Region of the United States. Different geographic aggregations result in different inequality outcomes, suggesting spatial scale needs to be carefully considered in inequality research. Inequality is spatially clustered in suburban areas of larger metro areas and around Native American reservations in the Dakotas. Higher inequality is associated with better socioeconomic conditions, counter to the social inequality literature but consistent with the inequality growth literature. However, growing inequality is associated with worse socioeconomic outcomes. Results partially support the polarization thesis that declines in industrial sectors and growth in services has caused incomes to diverge. Higher and growing inequality is associated with both low‐skill and high‐skill services jobs. However, employment in agricultural and industrial sectors experiencing large losses over the past three decades is also linked to higher and growing inequality. This suggests a dual process where many former agricultural and industrial workers are now employed in other sectors at lower wages, while the remaining workers in these sectors earn higher and growing wages.
Structural, Magnetic Properties, and Hall Carrier Concentrations of (Co,Cu):ZnO Thin Films–The Role of Cu Ions and Annealing in Hydrogen
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Hanbin , He Qiong , Wang Xina , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2012

Using pulsed laser deposition, Zn0.92−xCo0.08CuxO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.107) thin films were prepared on Si (100) substrates. The effect of Cu codoping on the electrical and ferromagnetic properties of Co:ZnO thin films is investigated by annealing the thin films in oxygen and hydrogen atmospheres, respectively. X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses indicated that the Co and Cu ions are incorporated into ZnO lattice. Hall measurements revealed that the electron concentration in the Zn0.92−xCo0.08CuxO thin film decreases with the increase of the Cu content. The as‐deposited Zn0.92−xCo0.08CuxO thin film displayed intrinsic room temperature ferromagnetism. After annealing in hydrogen, the saturation magnetization of the films increase progressively with Cu content until a maximum value of 26.5 emu/cm3 (0.86μB/Co) at 3.1 at.% Cu is obtained. Then the saturation magnetization drops off as the Cu content further increases. The change of magnetization of the films is attributed to the Cu codoping and variation of oxygen vacancies in the films.
Chemically Driven Zero Shrinkage Dielectric Ceramics
Authors: Choi Ik Jin , Hong Kyung Pyo , Jung Jae Woong , Cho Yong Soo
Published: April 2012

A new approach of producing ~0% fired shrinkage of dielectric ceramics is introduced without using the known physically constraining interaction during firing. The combination of SiC and Al2O3 fillers with a typical calcium aluminoborosilicate glass demonstrated the potential of generating nearly zero shrinkage, presumably from the chemical reaction between the glass and SiC above a critical temperature. The sample with zero shrinkage, as exemplified with the composition of 25 wt% SiC, 25 wt% Al2O3, and 50 wt% glass, does not produce fully dense microstructure, but shows acceptable values of k (dielectric constant) ~7.4 and tanδ ~0.004 at 1 MHz. The achievement of the least shrinkage is found to be sensitive to the relative content of SiC and firing temperature.
Effect of scaling and root planing on interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐8 and MMP‐8 levels in gingival crevicular fluid from chronic periodontitis patients
Authors: Konopka Ł. , Pietrzak A. , Brzezińska‐Błaszczyk E.
Published: April 2012

Konopka Ł, Pietrzak A, Brzezińska‐Błaszczyk E. Effect of scaling and root planing on interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐8 and MMP‐8 levels in gingival crevicular fluid from chronic periodontitis patients. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 681–688. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  There are few data concerning the effect of scaling and root planing on the levels of immune and inflammatory mediators in gingival crevicular fluid from patients with chronic periodontitis. Therefore, in this study the influence of scaling and root planing was determined on amounts of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8 and MMP‐8 in gingival crevicular fluid from patients with chronic periodontitis, in relation to clinical parameters.

Material and Methods:  A total of 51 patients were enrolled in this study. The study population consisted of 30 patients with generalized advanced chronic periodontitis, while 21 periodontally healthy subjects were recruited for the control group. The clinical parameters included approximal plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth and clinical attachment loss. The amounts of IL‐1β, IL‐8 and MMP‐8 in gingival crevicular fluid were measured by ELISA. Periodontal parameters as well as gingival crevicular fluid humoral factor amounts were evaluated in the control group and in chronic periodontitis patients at baseline and at 1 and 4 wk after scaling and root planing treatment.

Results:  At baseline, there were significant differences between control subjects and chronic periodontitis patients in terms of clinical attachment loss, pocket depth, gingival index (p < 0.001) and approximal plaque index (p < 0.01). The amounts of IL‐1β, MMP‐8 (p < 0.001) and IL‐8 (p < 0.01) in gingival crevicular fluid were significantly lower in healthy subjects than in chronic periodontitis patients. Scaling and root planing led to improvement in all examined clinical parameters, apart from clinical attachment loss. Periodontal treatment also resulted in a significant decrease in the amounts of IL‐1β, IL‐8 and MMP‐8 in comparison to baseline, especially 4 wk after scaling and root planing (p < 0.001); however, the amounts of these humoral factors were still higher than those in control group.

Conclusion:  Our observations indicated that short‐term nonsurgical therapy resulted in a significant improvement in periodontal indices and in a marked decrease of IL‐1β, IL‐8 and MMP‐8 gingival crevicular fluid levels. Nevertheless, no significant correlations were found between clinical parameters and amounts of humoral factors after therapy.
Phosphorylation of cyclic AMP‐response element–binding protein (CREB) is influenced by melatonin treatment in pancreatic rat insulinoma β‐cells (INS‐1)
Authors: Bazwinsky‐Wutschke Ivonne , Wolgast Sabine , Mühlbauer Eckhard , Albrecht Elke , Peschke Elmar
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  The pineal hormone melatonin exerts its influence on the insulin secretion of pancreatic islets by a variety of signalling pathways. The purpose of the present study was to analyse the impact of melatonin on the phosphorylated transcription factor cAMP‐response element–binding protein (pCREB). In pancreatic rat insulinoma β‐cells (INS‐1), pCREB immunofluorescence intensities in cell nuclei using digitised confocal image analysis were measured to semi‐quantify differences in the pCREB immunoreactivity (pCREB‐ir) caused by different treatments. Increasing concentrations of forskolin or 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (IBMX) resulted in a dose‐dependent rise of the mean fluorescence intensity in pCREB‐ir nuclear staining. Concomitant melatonin application significantly decreased pCREB‐ir in INS‐1 cells after 30‐min, 1‐hr and 3‐hr treatment. The melatonin receptor antagonists luzindole and 4‐phenyl‐2‐propionamidotetraline (4P‐PDOT) completely abolished the pCREB phosphorylation–decreasing effect of melatonin, indicating that both melatonin receptor isoforms (MT1 and MT2) are involved. In a transfected INS‐1 cell line expressing the human MT2 receptor, melatonin caused the greatest reduction in pCREB after IBMX treatment compared with nontransfected INS‐1 cells, indicating a crucial influence of melatonin receptor density on pCREB regulation. Furthermore, the downregulation of pCREB by melatonin is concomitantly associated with a statistically significant downregulation of Camk2d transcript levels, as measured after 3 hr. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that the phosphorylation level of CREB is modulated in pancreatic β‐cells by melatonin. Mediated via CREB, melatonin regulates the expression of genes that play an important functional role in the regulation of β‐cell signalling pathways.
Melatonin inhibits cell proliferation and induces caspase activation and apoptosis in human malignant lymphoid cell lines
Authors: Sánchez‐Hidalgo Marina , Lee Melanie , de la Lastra Catalina A. , Guerrero Juan M. , Packham Graham
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Melatonin exerts strong anti‐tumour activity via several mechanisms, including anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects in addition to its potent antioxidant activity. Several studies have investigated the effects of melatonin on haematological malignancies. However, the previous studies investigating lymphoid malignancies have been largely restricted to a single type of malignancy, Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL). Thus, we examined the actions of melatonin on the growth and apoptosis in a small panel of cell lines representing different human lymphoid malignancies including Ramos (Epstein–Barr virus–negative BL), SU‐DHL‐4 (diffuse large B cell lymphoma), DoHH2 (follicular B non‐Hodgkin lymphoma) and JURKAT (acute T cell leukaemia). We showed that melatonin promotes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in all these cells, although there was marked variations in responses among different cell lines (sensitivity; Ramos/DoHH2 > SU‐DHL‐4 > JURKAT). Melatonin‐induced apoptosis was relatively rapid, with increased caspase 3 and PARP cleavage detected within 0.5–1 h following melatonin addition. Moreover, there was evidence for rapid processing of both caspase 9, as well as a breakdown of the mitochondrial inner transmembrane potential. On the contrary, caspase activation was detected only in SU‐DHL‐4 and Ramos cells following melatonin treatment suggesting that the extrinsic pathway does not make a consistent contribution to melatonin‐induced apoptosis in malignant lymphocytes. Although all cell lines expressed the high‐affinity melatonin receptors, MT1 and MT2, melatonin‐induced caspase activation appeared to be independent these receptors. Our findings confirm that melatonin could be a potential chemotherapeutic/preventive agent for malignant lymphocytes. However, it is necessary to take into account that different lymphoid malignancies may differ in their response to melatonin.
Patient education programs for childhood atopic dermatitis: who is interested?
Authors: Schut Christina , Mahmutovic Vensana , Gieler Uwe , Kupfer Jörg
Published: April 2012

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin disease which causes psychological distress to patients and their families. Patient education programs for childhood AD have positive effects on the severity of the skin disease as well as on psychological variables. So far it has not been determined whether particular patient characteristics lead to being interested in patient education programs. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to identify exploratory predictors of being interested in patient education programs in parents of children with atopic dermatitis.

Patients and methods: A severity index (SCORAD) as well as questionnaire data were collected from 73 parents of children with AD to measure satisfaction with medical care, quality of life, coping strategies, and the subjective benefit of former treatments as possible predictors.

Results: A regression analysis revealed that besides dissatisfaction with medical care, low social support and high active problem‐solving behavior were significant predictors of interest in patient education programs (R2= 0.244).

Conclusions: Our study gives a preliminary indication that participation in a patient education program for childhood AD should be offered to parents without sufficient social support, but who would like to gather more information on coping with AD. This could also enhance satisfaction with the medical care provided.
STOMACH WALL EVALUATION USING HELICAL HYDRO‐COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Terragni Rossella , Vignoli Massimo , Rossi Federica , Laganga Paola , Leone Vito F. , Graham John P. , Russo Marco , Saunders Jimmy H.
Published: April 2012

In helical hydro‐computed tomography (helical hydro‐CT), water is used as a neutral luminal contrast medium together with intravenous iodine contrast medium for the diagnosis and staging of human gastric neoplasia. We evaluated the feasibility of helical hydro‐CT in 11 healthy animals (nine dogs and two cats). Adequate uniform gastric distension was obtained with 30 ml water/kg body weight. Fourteen client‐owned dogs and four cats with suspected or diagnosed gastric neoplasia then underwent helical hydro‐CT followed by intravenous contrast medium administration. Focal thickening with moderate contrast enhancement was found in 10 dogs and 3 cats. The extent of the lesion was assessed easily in all these patients. Three dogs and one cat had a normal stomach wall. One dog had multifocal thickening of the antrum but no histopathologic diagnosis was made. Helical hydro‐CT, followed by intravenous contrast medium administration, is a simple technique for assessing the stomach wall.
Scaffoldless Tissue Engineering of Stem Cell Derived Cavernous Tissue for Treatment of Erectile Function
Authors: Orabi Hazem , Lin Guiting , Ferretti Ludovic , Lin Ching-Shwun , Lue Tom F.
Published: April 2012

Introduction

As one-third of erectile dysfunction (ED) patients do not respond to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, there is great demand for new therapeutic options. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) represent an ideal source for new ED treatment.

Aim

To test if ADSCs can be differentiated into smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), if these differentiated cells can be used to engineer cavernous tissue, and if this engineered tissue will remain for long time after implantation and integrate into corporal tissue.

Method

Rat ADSCs were isolated and differentiated into SMC and ECs. The differentiated cells were labeled with 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) and used to construct cavernous tissue. This engineered tissue was implanted in penises of normal rats. The rats were sacrificed after 1 and 2 months; penis and bone marrow were collected to assess cell survival and inclusion in the penile tissues.

Main Outcome Measures

The phenotype conversion was checked using morphology, immunocytochemistry (immunohistochemistry [IHC]), and Western blot for SMC and EC markers. The cavernous tissue formation was assessed using rat EC antibody (RECA), calponin, and collagen. The implanted cell survival and incorporation into penis were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and IHC (RECA, calponin, and EdU).

Results

The phenotype conversion was confirmed with positive staining for SMC and EC markers and Western blot. The formed tissue exhibited architecture comparable to penile cavernous tissue with SMC and ECs and extracellular matrix formation. The implanted cells survived in significant numbers in the penis after 1 and 2 months. They showed proof of SMC and EC differentiation and incorporation into penile tissue.

Conclusions

The results showed the ability of ADSCs to differentiate into SMC and ECs and form cavernous tissue. The implanted tissue can survive and integrate into the penile tissues. The cavernous tissue made of ADSCs forms new technology for improvement of in vivo stem cell survival and ED treatment.
Profiling Characteristics of Men Who Use Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors Based on Obtaining Patterns: Data from the Nationwide Japanese Population
Authors: Kimura Masaki , Shimura Satoru , Kobayashi Hideyuki , Tai Toshihiro , Chikano Yutaka , Baba Shiro , Kano Munehide , Nagao Koichi
Published: April 2012

Introduction

Worldwide, certain subsets of men bypass healthcare provider (HCP) interactions and obtain phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) from uncontrolled sources.

Aim

To stratify men who are PDE5i users based on their obtaining patterns and investigate the characteristics that differentiate these groups.

Methods

A Web-based observational study conducted between March and June 2009 in Japan.

Main Outcome Measures

We stratified the reported obtaining patterns into three categories: men who had a prescription for PDE5is from HCP, those who obtained PDE5is from friends, and those who purchased PDE5is via the Internet. Logistic regressions were conducted to determine independent predictors for each obtaining patterns. Erection function was evaluated by erection hardness score (EHS).

Results

Of 7,710 total recruited subjects, 1,144 men (14.8%) reported PDE5i use within the past year. Among 1,144 men, 625 men (54.6%) were prescribed PDE5i from HCP, whereas 267 men (23.4%) obtained PDE5i from friends and 252 men (22.0%) purchased PDE5i via the Internet. In a multivariable regression analyses, men being prescribed PDE5i from HCP were more likely to live in a northern area of Japan (OR 0.98), have a lower rate of smoking (OR 0.77), and have an awareness of ED (OR 3.04). In contrast, men who obtained PDE5i from friends were more likely to live in a southern area (OR 1.02), to have higher rate of alcohol intake and smoking (OR 1.20, OR 1.45), and lower awareness of ED (OR 0.39). Men purchasing PDE5i via the Internet were more likely to consider themselves to be in worse health (OR 0.85) and to have lower awareness of ED (OR 0.62).

Conclusions

Our results could help to identify men who may bypass HCP interactions. These findings could aid in the targeting of public service announcements designed to encourage men to avoid obtaining uncontrolled PDE5i and consult with HCPs to protect their health.
From Famine to Food Security: A New Agenda and Approach Must be Adopted  De la famine à la sécurité alimentaire : il faut adopter un nouvel ordre du jour et une approche nouvelle  Von der Hungersnot zur Ernährungssicherung: Eine neue Agenda und ein neuer Ansatz müssen her
Authors: Fan Shenggen , Olofinbiyi Tolulope
Published: April 2012

summary

From Famine to Food Security: A New Agenda and Approach Must be Adopted

The occurrences of two global food crises in 3 years as well as the recent dire situation in the Horn of Africa, which have attracted much policy attention, are stark reminders that the risk of catastrophic food crises, or famine, remains large. With rapid population growth and changing demographics, growing natural resource constraints, high and volatile food prices, rising energy prices, biofuel expansion, and climate change, global food security has become more difficult to achieve. Research, policy and practice continue to seek solutions to transit famine to sustained food security in many part of the world. While this article does not provide an exhaustive discussion about the actions needed to prevent recurring food crises and famine, it recommends a broad set of actions that are urgently needed. The actions, which must be implemented through a coordinated effort of global, national and local actors, are: i) scale‐up emergency assistance and productive social safety nets; ii) improve agricultural productivity and promote technological innovations; iii) establish innovative institutional mechanisms; iv) support country‐led strategies, fill knowledge gaps, and build capacity; and v) improve governance and tackle conflicts. Swift implementation of these actions is needed to effectively prevent recurring food crises on a large scale.
Indian Agriculture: Unfolding Structural Changes and their Relevance to the EU  L’agriculture indienne : les changements structurels en cours et leur intérêt pour l’Union européenne  Indische Landwirtschaft: Die Entwicklung des Strukturwandels und dessen Bedeutung für die EU
Authors: Gulati Ashok , Brouwer Floor , Ganguly Kavery
Published: April 2012

summary

Indian Agriculture: Unfolding Structural Changes and their Relevance to the EU

India has emerged from the global financial crisis registering an estimated GDP growth of 8.6 per cent in 2010–11. Following a severe drought in 2009 agricultural growth bounced back to 5.4 per cent in 2010–11. Inter‐state variations in agricultural performance – Gujarat is a front runner – can be explained by differences in investments in infrastructure, irrigation, R&D etc. There is potential to improve performance sustainably, keeping in view increasing stress on water resources and other environmental issues. More than 52 per cent of the workforce depends on agriculture, which accounts for 17 per cent of GDP. Per capita food expenditure averages more than 50 per cent of total expenditure. Overall income growth is triggering a shift in consumption from cereals to high‐value commodities. To meet demand shifts, India can either increase domestic production and/or participate more in world markets. The Indian agri‐food system is being transformed: farming is becoming integrated with input supplies, warehouse/logistics, processing and retailing, and the entire value chain is being streamlined. This is stimulating increased trade and investment opportunities in India. EU Member States may find opportunities in niche markets e.g. cheese, wine, olive oil, which are still in their infancy, or to invest in food technology, irrigation, farm management practices (especially dairy) or the development of sustainable value chains.
Stroke Units and Stroke Care Services in Korea
Authors: Choi Hye-Yeon , Cha Myoung-Jin , Nam Hyo Suk , Kim Young Dae , Hong Keun Sik , Heo Ji Hoe ,   for the Korean Stroke Unit Study Collaborators
Published: April 2012

Organized stroke care systems improve stroke outcomes, but require resources and quality-improvement programs. This study was aimed at understanding the current status of stroke care services and stroke units in Korea. An on-line survey to investigate stroke services was conducted using a structured questionnaire for physicians who were in charge of stroke services or neurology departments of Korean hospitals that had neurology resident training programs. Of the 86 neurology training hospitals in Korea, 67 (78·0%) participated in this study. Brain computed tomography and computed tomography angiography were available 24 h a day and seven days a week (24/7) in all hospitals. More than 95% of hospitals offered transcranial Doppler, carotid duplex sonography, echocardiography, and conventional catheter angiography. Intravenous thrombolysis and hemicraniectomy for ischemic brain edema were provided 24/7 in all hospitals, and 50 hospitals (74·6%) were capable of intra-arterial thrombolysis. Stent or angioplasty was more frequently performed than endarterectomy. Performance measures were monitored in 57 hospitals (85·1%). Twenty-nine (43·3%) hospitals had stroke units. Stroke units were more common as the number of beds in the hospital increased ( P = 0·001). When compared with hospitals without stroke units, stroke coordinators, use of general management protocol and education program for stroke team were more frequently available in the hospitals with stroke units. Most neurology training hospitals in Korea offered competent acute stroke care services. However, stroke units have not been widely implemented. Encouragement and support at the government or national stroke society level would promote the implementation of stroke units with little additional effort.
SELFLESS GENES, ALTRUISM AND TRAUMA: RESEARCH AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Music Graham
Published: April 2012

abstract

This paper examines human altruism and helpfulness and discusses how this can be theorized within psychoanalytic discourses. The importance and ‘naturalness’ of altruistic tendencies is described, and the effects of adverse experiences such as abuse and neglect on these capacities are examined. The paper integrates psychoanalytic thinking with neuroscience, attachment and developmental research and describes research which suggests that altruism and helpfulness are maybe more ‘normally’ present from an earlier age than might have been thought. It is argued that there are a range of ‘co‐emerging’ capacities, such as empathy and understanding other minds, that lead to altruism and that in response to abuse and neglect such capacities often do not develop. Clinical example are used which describe patients who had suffered from adverse circumstances and who lacked empathy and altruistic tendencies, and some changes in them are illustrated.
A PROBLEM OF GUILT: AN EXPLORATION OF FEELINGS OF GUILT AS AN OBSTACLE TO PSYCHIC CHANGE
Authors: Hepburn Jan McGregor
Published: April 2012

abstract

There are two processes which are both called guilt; feelings of remorse and wishes to make reparation which are in the service of development, and persecutory guilt which is experienced as crippling and pervasive but which cannot be mediated by forgiveness or reparation and is sterile and anti‐development. The author argues that in adult life these feelings are often not on a continuum but are essentially different internal systems. The main drivers for the acquisition and maintenance of persecutory guilt are discussed. Persecutory guilt is a considerable obstacle to internal change and needs to be replaced by the feelings which lead towards reparation if there is to be progress; such progress can be disallowed because the patient feels too worthless to be reprieved. The paper uses examples from a psychotherapy group to illustrate the points.
IS THERE TIME ENOUGH? ETHICAL DILEMMAS INHERENT IN OFFERING TIME‐LIMITED WORK IN THE UNIVERSITY
Authors: Hallett Caroline
Published: April 2012

abstract

This paper examines ethical dilemmas confronting the analytic practitioner working in student counselling in higher education. The author explores the institutional ambivalence that a university counselling service may evoke, especially at times of reduced resources and survival anxiety. Challenging aspects of the practitioner's work include the difficulty of responding to increased levels of psychological disturbance amongst students in the face of a reduction of time resources. The impact of time constraints is illustrated in a number of harrowing case examples, showing how expectations of psychological help for vulnerable students may not be possible to meet. The ethical basis for raising such expectations is brought into question.
America’s Rivers and the American Experiment1
Authors: Doyle Martin W.
Published: April 2012

Doyle, Martin W., 2012. America’s Rivers and the American Experiment. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(4): 820‐837. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00652.x

Abstract:  America’s rivers are managed, over long periods of time, based on the most basic ideologies of the United States (U.S.) government. An essential notion of the U.S. government, and thus a necessity of river management, is governing as experiment. This leads to three necessary characteristics of river management: (1) adapting management practices based on experience and thus creating management and agency structures that are highly malleable and that can change directions, (2) overlapping of management roles and responsibilities between agencies which includes intentional redundancy and interagency competition, and (3) federalism — the devolution of responsibilities between national, state, and other unit governments (e.g., municipalities, counties). While these characteristics are often criticized as inefficient, in fact they have provided a surprisingly effective system for river management that has responded to the needs of society at different times and in different places. A key question for river and water resource managers is whether this particular system, so initially unappealing, is best able to meet the future needs of the U.S.