bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Yield Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Precipitation in a High‐Aqueous Phase Content Reverse Microemulsion
Authors: Sosa Y. D. , Rabelero M. , Treviño M. E. , Saade H. , López R. G.
Published: March 2010

Silver nanoparticles were precipitated at 70°C in a reverse microemulsion containing a high concentration of 0.5 M silver nitrate aqueous solution, toluene as organic phase, and a mixture of surfactants sodium bis (2‐ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate/sodium dodecyl sulfate (2/1, w/w). Nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. In spite of the high‐water/surfactant molar ratio and concentration of silver nitrate solution used in this study, characterizations demonstrated that nanoparticles were silver crystals (purity >99%) with 8.6–8.8 nm in average diameter and 2.9–4.7 nm in standard deviation. It is proposed that slow dosing rate of aqueous solution of precipitating agent and the small molecular volume of toluene attenuated both particle aggregation and polydispersity widening. Experimental yield of silver nanoparticles obtained in this study was much higher than theoretical yields calculated from available data in the literature on preparation of silver nanoparticles in reverse microemulsions.
Cutaneous Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma with Perineural Invasion Treated by Mohs Micrographic Surgery—A Case Report with Literature Review
Authors: Xu Yaohui G. , Hinshaw Molly , Longley B. Jack , Ilyas Humza , Snow Stephen N.
Published: April 2010

We report a 58-year-old woman with cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma arising on the chest treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. The patient remained tumor-free at 24-month follow-up. To date, only six other cases of cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma were reportedly managed by Mohs surgery. Cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma has low potential for distant metastasis but is notorious for its aggressive infiltrative growth pattern, frequent perineural invasion, and high risk of local recurrence after excision. We propose that Mohs surgery is an ideal method to achieve margin-free removal of cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma. A brief literature review is provided.
Antigen-Specific Polyclonal Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Induced by Fusions of Dendritic Cells and Tumor Cells
Authors: Koido Shigeo , Homma Sadamu , Hara Eiichi , Namiki Yoshihisa , Ohkusa Toshifumi , Gong Jianlin , Tajiri Hisao
Published: April 2010

The aim of cancer vaccines is induction of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that can reduce the tumor mass. Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells and play a central role in the initiation and regulation of primary immune responses. Thus, DCs-based vaccination represents a potentially powerful strategy for induction of antigen-specific CTLs. Fusions of DCs and whole tumor cells represent an alternative approach to deliver, process, and subsequently present a broad spectrum of antigens, including those known and unidentified, in the context of costimulatory molecules. Once DCs/tumor fusions have been infused back into patient, they migrate to secondary lymphoid organs, where the generation of antigen-specific polyclonal CTL responses occurs. We will discuss perspectives for future development of DCs/tumor fusions for CTL induction.
A Constrained 3D Density Model of the Upper Crust from Gravity Data Interpretation for Central Costa Rica
Authors: Lücke Oscar H. , Götze Hans-Jürgen , Alvarado Guillermo E.
Published: March 2010

The map of complete Bouguer anomaly of Costa Rica shows an elongated NW-SE trending gravity low in the central region. This gravity low coincides with the geographical region known as the Cordillera Volcánica Central. It is built by geologic and morpho-tectonic units which consist of Quaternary volcanic edifices. For quantitative interpretation of the sources of the anomaly and the characterization of fluid pathways and reservoirs of arc magmatism, a constrained 3D density model of the upper crust was designed by means of forward modeling. The density model is constrained by simplified surface geology, previously published seismic tomography and P-wave velocity models, which stem from wide-angle refraction seismic, as well as results from methods of direct interpretation of the gravity field obtained for this work. The model takes into account the effects and influence of subduction-related Neogene through Quaternary arc magmatism on the upper crust.
Berezin‐Toeplitz Quantization for Compact Kähler Manifolds. A Review of Results
Authors: Schlichenmaier Martin
Published: April 2010

This article is a review on Berezin‐Toeplitz operator and Berezin‐Toeplitz deformation quantization for compact quantizable Kähler manifolds. The basic objects, concepts, and results are given. This concerns the correct semiclassical limit behaviour of the operator quantization, the unique Berezin‐Toeplitz deformation quantization (star product), covariant and contravariant Berezin symbols, and Berezin transform. Other related objects and constructions are also discussed.
IL-17 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Crispín José C. , Tsokos George C.
Published: April 2010

IL-17 is a cytokine with powerful proinflammatory activity. Production of IL-17 is abnormally increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a multiorgan chronic autoimmune disease. In patients with SLE,CD3+CD4−CD8−(double negative) T cells are an important source of IL-17. IL-17 produced by double negative and CD4 T cells participates in the pathogenesis of the disease. IL-17-producing T cells are present in the kidneys of patients with lupus nephritis. IL-17 increased production in patients with SLE can amplify the immune response by increasing target organ inflammation and damage and by augmenting the production of antibodies by B cells.
Preclinical Evidence that Use of TRAIL in Ewing's Sarcoma and Osteosarcoma Therapy Inhibits Tumor Growth, Prevents Osteolysis, and Increases Animal Survival
Authors: Picarda Gaëlle , Lamoureux François , Geffroy Loïc , Delepine Pascal , Montier Tristan , Laud Karine , Tirode Franck , Delattre Olivier , Heymann Dominique , Rédini Françoise
Published: April 2010

Purpose: Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma are high-grade neoplasms typically arising in the bones of children and adolescents. Despite improvement in therapy, the five-year survival rate is only 20% for patients not responding to treatment or presenting with metastases. Among new therapeutic strategies, the efficacy of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a member of the TNF superfamily with strong antitumoral activity and minimal toxicity to most normal cells and tissues, was investigated by complementary approaches both in vitro and in preclinical models.

Experimental design: The sensitivity of osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma cell lines to TRAIL was investigated in vitro by determining TRAIL receptor expression together with TRAIL effects on cell viability and apoptosis. Complementary preclinical studies were carried out in respective tumor models by inoculation of osteosarcoma or Ewing’s sarcoma tumor cells in paraosseous location. In addition, a model of lung nodule dissemination was developed by i.v. injection of osteosarcoma cells.

Results: In vitro, both osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma cells that express the TRAIL death receptors were highly sensitive to TRAIL-induced caspase-8–mediated apoptosis. TRAIL administered in vivo by nonviral gene therapy inhibited primary bone tumor incidence and growth by 87% and prevented tumor-induced osteolysis, leading to a significant 2-fold increase in animal survival 40 days after tumor induction. Furthermore, TRAIL inhibited tumor nodule dissemination in lungs and increased survival in an osteosarcoma model.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that TRAIL is a promising candidate for the development of new therapeutic strategies in the most frequent malignant primary bone tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 16(8); 2363–34. ©2010 AACR.
RAS Mutations Contribute to Evolution of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia to the Proliferative Variant
Authors: Ricci Clara , Fermo Elisa , Corti Stefania , Molteni Mauro , Faricciotti Alessio , Cortelezzi Agostino , Lambertenghi Deliliers Giorgio , Beran Miloslav , Onida Francesco
Published: April 2010

Purpose: The biological and clinical heterogeneity of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia features renders its classification difficult. Moreover, because of the limited knowledge of the mechanisms involved in malignant evolution, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and a poor prognosis disease. We aimed to verify the biological and clinical significance of the discrimination, based on the leukocyte count, between myelodysplastic chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (MD-CMML) and myeloproliferative chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (MP-CMML).

Experimental Design: Peripheral blood samples from 22 patients classified as MD-CMML and 18 as MP-CMML were collected at different time points during disease course, and patients' clinical characteristics were examined. RAS mutational screening was done by sequencing and, for each substitution identified, a highly selective allele-specific PCR was set up to screen all specimens.

Results: MP-CMML patients showed a significantly poorer survival (P = 0.003) and a higher frequency of RAS mutations (P = 0.033) by sequencing compared with MD-CMML. Overall, five MD-CMML patients progressed to myeloproliferative disease: in two, allele-specific PCR unveiled low levels of the RAS mutations predominating in the myeloproliferative phase at the time of myelodysplastic disease, documenting for the first time the expansion of a RAS mutated clone in concomitance with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia evolution. Moreover, one of the progressed patients harbored the FLT3-ITD and two MP-CMML patients presented with the JAK2 V617F substitution. All these lesions were mutually exclusive.

Conclusions: Our results strongly suggest RAS mutations to function as a secondary event that contributes to development of the chronic myelomonocytic leukemia variant with the poorer prognosis (MP-CMML) and therefore advise their detection to be implemented in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia diagnostics and monitoring. Clin Cancer Res; 16(8); 2246–56. ©2010 AACR.
T-Cell Receptor Gene–Modified T Cells with Shared Renal Cell Carcinoma Specificity for Adoptive T-Cell Therapy
Authors: Leisegang Matthias , Turqueti-Neves Adriana , Engels Boris , Blankenstein Thomas , Schendel Dolores J. , Uckert Wolfgang , Noessner Elfriede
Published: April 2010

Purpose: Adoptive therapy with genetically engineered T cells carrying redirected antigen specificity is a new option for the treatment of cancer. This approach is not yet available for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), due to the scarcity of therapeutically useful reagents. We analyzed tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from RCC to identify T-cell specificities with shared tumor-specific recognition to develop T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T lymphocytes for adoptive therapy of RCC.

Experimental Design: We established a T-cell clone from TIL that recognized a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2–restricted tumor antigen. The TCR α- and β-chain genes were isolated, modified by codon optimization and murinization, and retrovirally transduced into peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). A TCR-expressing indicator line (B3Z-TCR53) was established to screen for antigen prevalence in RCC, other malignancies, and normal cell counterparts.

Results: TCR53-engineered PBL recapitulated the specificity of the TIL and showed tumor-specific HLA-A2–restricted effector activities (IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-2, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, cytotoxicity). PBL-TCR53 of healthy donors and RCC patients exhibited similar transduction efficiency, expansion, and polyfunctional profile. Using B3Z-TCR53 cells, 130 tumor and normal cells were screened and shared TCR53 peptide: MHC expression was found in >60% of RCC and 25% of tumor lines of other histology, whereas normal tissue cells were not recognized.

Conclusions: To date, TCR53 is the only TCR with shared HLA-A2–restricted recognition of RCC. It fulfills the criteria for utilization in TCR gene therapy and advances T cell–based immunotherapy to patients with RCC and other malignancies expressing the TCR ligand. Clin Cancer Res; 16(8); 2333–43. ©2010 AACR.
Phase I/II Study of Inhaled Doxorubicin Combined with Platinum-Based Therapy for Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Otterson Gregory A. , Villalona-Calero Miguel A. , Hicks William , Pan Xueliang , Ellerton John A. , Gettinger Scott N. , Murren John R.
Published: April 2010

Purpose: We have shown the feasibility of administering inhaled doxorubicin to patients with cancer. This study evaluated inhaled doxorubicin combined with cisplatin and docetaxel in patients with non–small cell lung cancer. The principal objective was to determine safety and, secondarily, efficacy.

Experimental Design: Patients who had chemo-naïve advanced non–small cell lung cancer were enrolled in the study. Adequate organ and pulmonary function was required: diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide/forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ≥50%, resting/exercise O2 saturation ≥90%/85%. In phase I, doxorubicin was escalated: dose level 1 (6 mg/m2) and level 2 (7.5 mg/m2). Escalation was permitted if ≤2 of 6 patients experienced pulmonary dose-limiting toxicity (grade 2 Radiation Therapy Oncology Group lung morbidity; resting O2 saturation of <85%; decrease in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, forced vital capacity, or forced expiratory volume in 1 second of ≥20% from baseline or ≤30% of predicted; or grade 3 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 pulmonary toxicity). Doses of cisplatin and docetaxel were 75 mg/m2. Treatments and pulmonary function tests were repeated every 21 days, with up to eight cycles for responding patients.

Results: Twenty-eight patients were treated at level 1 and eight patients at level 2. Doxorubicin was escalated to 7.5 mg/m2, however, after two patients developed pulmonary dose-limiting toxicity; the remainder were treated at 6.0 mg/m2. Twenty-four evaluable patients received at least two courses or had progressive disease following the first course at the phase II dose. Toxicity was associated with i.v. chemotherapy although one patient had delayed pulmonary toxicity responding to corticosteroids and oxygen. Seven (29%) evaluable patients responded (six partial responses and one complete response) and 13 (54%) patients had stable disease for up to eight cycles.

Conclusion: Although this combination was safe, the primary objective was not met and will not be pursued further. Clin Cancer Res; 16(8); 2466–73. ©2010 AACR.
Establishment and Characterization of a Panel of Human Uveal Melanoma Xenografts Derived from Primary and/or Metastatic Tumors
Authors: Némati Fariba , Sastre-Garau Xavier , Laurent Cécile , Couturier Jérôme , Mariani Pascale , Desjardins Laurence , Piperno-Neumann Sophie , Lantz Olivier , Asselain Bernard , Plancher Corine , Robert Delphine , Péguillet Isabelle , Donnadieu Marie-Hélène , Dahmani Ahmed , Bessard Marie-Andrée , Gentien David , Reyes Cécile , Saule Simon , Barillot Emmanuel , Roman-Roman Sergio , Decaudin Didier
Published: April 2010

Purpose: Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults and is defined by a poor natural outcome, as 50% of patients die from metastases. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a panel of human uveal melanoma xenografts transplanted into immunodeficient mice.

Experimental Design: Ninety tumor specimens were grafted into severe combined immunodeficient mice, and 25 transplantable xenografts were then established (28%). Relationship between tumor graft and clinical, biological, and therapeutic features of the patients included were investigated. Characterization of 16 xenografts included histology, molecular analyses by immunohistochemistry, genetic alteration analysis (single-nucleotide polymorphism), and specific tumor antigen expression by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Pharmacologic characterization (chemosensitivity) was also done in four models using two drugs, temozolomide and fotemustine, currently used in the clinical management of uveal melanoma.

Results: Take rate of human uveal melanoma was 28% (25 of 90). Tumor take was independent of size, histologic parameters, or chromosome 3 monosomy but was significantly higher in metastatic tumors. Interestingly, in vivo tumor growth was prognostic for a lower metastasis-free survival in patients with primary tumors. A high concordance between the patients' tumors and their corresponding xenografts was found for all parameters tested (histology, genetic profile, and tumor antigen expression). Finally, the four xenografts studied displayed different response profiles to chemotherapeutic agents.

Conclusions: Based on these results, this panel of 16 uveal melanoma xenografts represents a useful preclinical tool for both pharmacologic and biological assessments. Clin Cancer Res; 16(8); 2352–62. ©2010 AACR.
Trifluorothymidine Resistance Is Associated with Decreased Thymidine Kinase and Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter Expression or Increased Secretory Phospholipase A2
Authors: Temmink Olaf H. , Bijnsdorp Irene V. , Prins Henk-Jan , Losekoot Nienke , Adema Auke D. , Smid Kees , Honeywell Richard J. , Ylstra Bauke , Eijk Paul P. , Fukushima Masakazu , Peters Godefridus J.
Published: April 2010

Trifluorothymidine (TFT) is part of the novel oral formulation TAS-102, which is currently evaluated in phase II studies. Drug resistance is an important limitation of cancer therapy. The aim of the present study was to induce resistance to TFT in H630 colon cancer cells using two different schedules and to analyze the resistance mechanism. Cells were exposed either continuously or intermittently to TFT, resulting in H630-cTFT and H630-4TFT, respectively. Cells were analyzed for cross-resistance, cell cycle, protein expression, and activity of thymidine phosphorylase (TP), thymidine kinase (TK), thymidylate synthase (TS), equilibrative nucleoside transporter (hENT), gene expression (microarray), and genomic alterations. Both cell lines were cross-resistant to 2′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (>170-fold). Exposure to IC75-TFT increased the S/G2-M phase of H630 cells, whereas in the resistant variants, no change was observed. The two main target enzymes TS and TP remained unchanged in both TFT-resistant variants. In H630-4TFT cells, TK protein expression and activity were decreased, resulting in less activated TFT and was most likely the mechanism of TFT resistance. In H630-cTFT cells, hENT mRNA expression was decreased 2- to 3-fold, resulting in a 5- to 10-fold decreased TFT-nucleotide accumulation. Surprisingly, microarray-mRNA analysis revealed a strong increase of secretory phospholipase-A2 (sPLA2; 47-fold), which was also found by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR; 211-fold). sPLA2 inhibition reversed TFT resistance partially. H630-cTFT had many chromosomal aberrations, but the exact role of sPLA2 in TFT resistance remains unclear. Altogether, resistance induction to TFT can lead to different mechanisms of resistance, including decreased TK protein expression and enzyme activity, decreased hENT expression, as well as (phospho)lipid metabolism. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(4); 1047–57. ©2010 AACR.
Natural Immunity Enhances the Activity of a DR5 Agonistic Antibody and Carboplatin in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: El-Gazzar Ahmed , Perco Paul , Eckelhart Eva , Anees Mariam , Sexl Veronika , Mayer Bernd , Liu Yanxin , Mikulits Wolfgang , Horvat Reinhard , Pangerl Thomas , Zheng Dexian , Krainer Michael
Published: April 2010

The tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis specifically in cancer cells with little effect on normal cells. We have previously shown that TRAIL signaling is altered in most ovarian cancer patients and that resistance to TRAIL contributes to ovarian cancer progression. In this study, we investigated whether resistance to TRAIL may be overcome by a monoclonal TRAILR2 (DR5) agonistic antibody (AD5-10). We found that the joint presence of AD5-10 with TRAIL and natural killer (NK) cells expressing TRAIL resensitizes ovarian cancer cells to apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, respectively. The combination of AD5-10 with carboplatin exerts a more than additive effect in vitro, which may at least partially be explained by the fact that carboplatin triggers DR5 expression on ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, AD5-10 restores the sensitivity of platin-resistant ovarian cancer to carboplatin in vivo. In addition, we found that TRAIL expression and NK cells are abundant in the tumor microenvironment and that depletion of NK cells abolishes the antitumor activity of AD5-10. This indicates that NK-mediated immunosurveillance against ovarian cancer might be mediated by TRAIL and that apoptosis induced by AD5-10 requires the presence of NK cells. In conclusion, this study indicates a key role and strong antitumorigenic effect of DR5 and highlights a novel link between NK-mediated immunosurveillance and activation of DR5-mediated apoptosis in ovarian cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(4); 1007–18. ©2010 AACR.
Interstitial Infusion of Glioma-Targeted Recombinant Immunotoxin 8H9scFv-PE38
Authors: Luther Neal , Cheung Nai-Kong , Souliopoulos Eleni P. , Karempelas Ioannis , Bassiri Daniel , Edgar Mark A. , Guo Hong-fen , Pastan Ira , Gutin Philip H. , Souweidane Mark M.
Published: April 2010

Monoclonal antibodies have the potential to target therapy for high-grade gliomas. Monoclonal antibody 8H9 is specific for membrane protein B7H3 and is reactive with most human high-grade gliomas. We tested the 8H9scFv-PE38 recombinant Pseudomonas immunotoxin in a preclinical model of high-grade glioma. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 8H9scFv-PE38 in vitro was determined using glioblastoma cell lines U87 and U251. Maximum tolerated infusion dose of 8H9scFv-PE38 following interstitial infusion to the striatum and pons was defined using athymic rats. Maximum tolerated infusion dose of 8H9scFv-PE38 or PBS control were interstitially delivered to athymic rats xenografted with U87 in the striatum or brain stem. Radiographic response and survivals were measured and compared between treatment groups. The in vitro IC50 of 8H9scFv-PE38 for U87 was 1,265 ng/mL and, for U251, 91 ng/mL. The maximum tolerated infusion doses of interstitially infused 8H9scFv-PE38 to the striatum and brain stem were 0.75 and 1.8 μg, respectively. For rats harboring intracranial U87 xenografts, infusion of 8H9scFv-PE38 increased mean survival (striatum, 43.4 versus 24.6 days; brain stem, 80.6 versus 45.5 days; n = 28 total) and produced three long-term survivors past 120 days. None of the 14 placebo-treated animals survived >54 days. Tumors also showed volumetric response to infusion of 8H9scFv-PE38 by magnetic resonance imaging. Interstitial infusion of 8H9scFv-PE38 shows potential for the treatment of hemispherical and brain stem glioma. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(4); 1039–46. ©2010 AACR.
The Intracellular Delivery of a Recombinant Peptide Derived from the Acidic Domain of PIAS3 Inhibits STAT3 Transactivation and Induces Tumor Cell Death
Authors: Borghouts Corina , Tittmann Hanna , Delis Natalia , Kirchenbauer Marisa , Brill Boris , Groner Bernd
Published: April 2010

Signaling components, which confer an “addiction” phenotype on cancer cells, represent promising drug targets. The transcription factor signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively activated in many different types of tumor cells and its activity is indispensible in a large fraction. We found that the expression of the endogenous inhibitor of STAT3, protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3), positively correlates with STAT3 activation in normal cells. This suggests that PIAS3 controls the extent and the duration of STAT3 activity in normal cells and thus prevents its oncogenic function. In cancer cells, however, the expression of PIAS3 is posttranscriptionally suppressed, possibly enhancing the oncogenic effects of activated STAT3. We delimited the interacting domains of STAT3 and PIAS3 and identified a short fragment of the COOH-terminal acidic region of PIAS3, which binds strongly to the coiled-coil domain of STAT3. This PIAS3 fragment was used to derive the recombinant STAT3-specific inhibitor rPP-C8. The addition of a protein transduction domain allowed the efficient internalization of rPP-C8 into cancer cells. This resulted in the suppression of STAT3 target gene expression, in the inhibition of migration and proliferation, and in the induction of apoptosis at low concentrations [half maximal effective concentration (EC50), <3 μmol/L]. rPP-C8 did not affect normal fibroblasts and represents an interesting lead for the development of novel cancer drugs targeting the coiled-coil domain of STAT3. Mol Cancer Res; 8(4); 539–53. ©2010 AACR.
The Assessment of Changes in Cognitive Functioning: Reliable Change Indices for Neuropsychological Instruments in the Elderly – A Systematic Review
Authors: Stein Janine , Luppa Melanie , Brähler Elmar , König Hans-Helmut , Riedel-Heller Steffi G.
Published: April 2010

Background/Aims: The determination of meaningful cognitive change over time is essential for the diagnosis of dementia in the elderly. Reliable change indices (RCIs) represent a suitable methodology to assess clinically significant cognitive change. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of RCI scores in elderly persons for neuropsychological tests currently available. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted. Longitudinal studies dealing with the assessment of RCIs for cognitive instruments and cognitively healthy older participants were reviewed. Quality of studies was determined using a standardized system of evaluating methodical quality. Results: A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria; half of the studies rated highly for methodical quality. RCI scores were summarized for a number of neuropsychological instruments. Conclusion: RCIs have important implications regarding the interpretation of change in test scores in older adults. Further assessment and standardization is needed for many neuropsychological instruments.
Prevention and Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Park Meyeon , Coca Steven G. , Nigwekar Sagar U. , Garg Amit X. , Garwood Susan , Parikh Chirag R.
Published: April 2010

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and is associated with a high rate of death, long-term sequelae and healthcare costs. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials for strategies to prevent or treat AKI in cardiac surgery. Methods: We screened Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Renal Library, and Google Scholar for randomized controlled trails in cardiac surgery for prevention or treatment of AKI in adults. Results: We identified 70 studies that contained a total of 5,554 participants published until November 2008. Most studies were small in sample size, were single-center, focused on preventive strategies, and displayed wide variation in AKI definitions. Only 26% were assessed to be of high quality according to the Jadad criteria. The types of strategies with possible protective efficacy were dopaminergic agents, vasodilators, anti-inflammatory agents, and pump/perfusion strategies. When analyzed separately, dopamine and N-acetylcysteine did not reduce the risk for AKI. Conclusions: This summary of all the literature on prevention and treatment strategies for AKI in cardiac surgery highlights the need for better information. The results advocate large, good-quality, multicenter studies to determine whether promising interventions reliably reduce rates of acute renal replacement therapy and mortality in the cardiac surgery setting.
Early Observations on Optic Neuritis and Uhthoff’s Sign
Authors: Pearce J.M.S.
Published: April 2010

For much of the 19th century, even after the discovery of the ophthalmoscope, the diagnostic clinical signs and the identity of primary optic nerve disease were confused and inaccurate. Amongst many contributions aimed at clarifying this muddle, those of Wilhelm Uhthoff and Edward Nettleship were of outstanding importance and are outlined here.
Physical Activity and Risk of Stroke in Women
Authors: Sattelmair Jacob R. , Kurth Tobias , Buring Julie E. , Lee I-Min
Published: April 2010

Background and Purpose—

Physical activity has generally been inversely related to the risk of developing stroke, but details regarding the amount and kinds of activity required are unclear as are associations for specific stroke subtypes.

Methods—

Eligible subjects were 39 315 healthy US women, ≥45 years of age, from the Women’s Health Study. Women reported physical activity at baseline (1992 to 1995) and at 36, 72, 96, 125, and 149 months’ follow-up. During an average follow-up of 11.9 years, 579 women developed incident stroke (473 ischemic, 102 hemorrhagic, and 4 of unknown type). Proportional hazards models related physical activity, updated over time, to the risk of incident stroke.

Results—

The multivariable relative risks associated with <200, 200 to 599, 600 to 1499, and ≥1500 kcal/week of leisure-time physical activity were 1.00 (referent), 1.11 (95% CI, 0.87 to 1.41), 0.86 (95% CI, 0.67 to 1.10), and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.63 to 1.08), respectively (
P
trend=0.06). Similar results were observed for ischemic stroke, whereas no associations were observed for hemorrhagic stroke. Vigorous physical activity was not related to stroke risk (
P
trend=0.50); however, walking time and walking pace were inversely related, either significantly or with borderline significance, to total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke risks (
P
trend between 0.002 and 0.07).

Conclusions—

This study shows a tendency for leisure-time physical activity to be associated with lower stroke risk in women. In particular, walking was generally associated with lower risks of total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke.
"How Can a Daughter Glorify the Family Name?" Filiality and Women's Rights in the Late Qing
Authors: Ying Hu
Published: April 2010

This paper examines married daughters' filiality toward their natal families through three case studies. The protagonists are Qiu Jin (1875?-1907), Wu Zhiying (1868-1934) and Xu Zihua (1873-1935). Using the lens of filiality, we are able to observe the finer nuances of their gendered self-conception within the context of the rapidly changing world at the end of China's imperial era. I argue that the language and sentiment of filiality facilitated a substantial broadening of women's rights: in expanding what a literati daughter can claim as her intellectual inheritance, in providing the basis of a legal argument for a daughter's inheritance rights, and in offering a conduit for the experience of women's participation in political changes.
Correction ou corruption? La critique du texte de Valerius Flaccus
Authors: Liberman Gauthier
Published: April 2010

The author tries to show through close examination of four characteristic passages of Valerius Flaccus’ Argonautica (5.614, 6.709, 7.55-6, 7.162-3) that strained exegesis or quotation of dubious parallels, to be met with in Valerian studies, may be wrong solutions of problems better dealt with if one admits textual corruption.
Treasure Hunters, Sunken State Vessels and the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage
Authors: Aznar-Gómez Mariano J.
Published: April 2010

Two sets of quite related judicial decisions in the US, regarding in rem actions directed at several Spanish State shipwrecks, have completed a new legal framework that must be kept in mind not only for treasure-hunter companies and any other persons trying to gain any right over the wrecks of sunken State vessels, but also for States trying to seek a clear interpretation of the legal status of those vessels in current international law. These decisions might complete the new legal layout given by the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, in particular giving full meaning to the ‘without prejudice’ clause included in its Art. 2(8) relating to sovereign immunities and State vessels; they might also ease future ratification of that Convention by reluctant States like the United Kingdom, France or the United States.
The War Memorial as Healing Environment: The Psychological Effect of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Vietnam War Combat Veterans’ Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
Authors: Watkins Nicholas , Cole Frances , Weidemann Sue
Published: April 2010

It has been hypothesized that experiences with memorials might reduce trauma-related symptoms. Magazines and scholarly work suggest that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, helps Vietnam War veterans overcome combat-related losses. This study tested the memorial’s effect on veterans’ trauma-related symptoms and identified features of the memorial that impacted symptoms. The longitudinal, quasi-experiment was conducted using standardized measures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. The study included 62 male Vietnam War combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The measures were administered before and after the trip to the memorial. The results showed that the severity of a veteran’s symptoms varied by how many times he had visited the memorial before the study. There were distinct links between the memorial’s design features and a veteran’s experiences of the memorial. The study’s results indicated that architects can create effective memorial designs by understanding how memorials facilitate the mourning processes.
A longitudinal analysis of the moderated effects of networking relationships on organizational performance in a sub-Saharan African economy
Authors: Acquaah Moses , Eshun Joseph P
Published: April 2010

The conventional wisdom from studies in both advanced Western economies and emerging economies indicate that managerial networking relationships matter. This article examines the circumstances under which managerial networking relationships matter by focusing on how the effect of managerial networking relationships on organizational performance is contingent upon certain organizational and environmental characteristics.The development and utilization of managerial networking relationships with external entities is broadened to include those with top managers of other firms, political leaders, government bureaucratic officials, and community leaders. Using data from 106 organizations in Ghana over two time periods, the findings show that only managerial social networking relationships with top managers of other firms, government bureaucratic officials, and community leaders enhance organizational performance. Moreover, the effect of networking relationships on performance is contingent on organizational as well as environmental characteristics. The findings of the moderating analyses clearly indicate that firms in Ghana should not establish networking relationships with external entities without considering the characteristics of their organizations and the environment.
Functional Vanilloid Receptor-1 in Human Submandibular Glands
Authors: Ding Q.W. , Zhang Y. , Wang Y. , Wang Y.N. , Zhang L. , Ding C. , Wu L.L. , Yu G.Y.
Published: April 2010

Vanilloid receptor-1 (VR1) was originally found in the nervous system. Recent evidence indicates that VR1 is also expressed in various cell types. We hypothesized that VR1 exists in the human submandibular gland (SMG) and is involved in regulating salivary secretion. VR1 mRNA and protein were expressed in human SMGs and a human salivary intercalated duct cell line. VR1 was mainly located in serous acinar and ductal cells, but not in mucous acinar cells. Capsaicin, an agonist of VR1, increased intracellular free calcium, enhanced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and induced the trafficking of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane. These effects were abolished by pre-treatment with the VR1 antagonist capsazepine. Furthermore, capsaicin cream applied to the skin covering the submandibular area increased salivary secretion. These findings indicated that a functional VR1 is expressed in the human SMG and is involved in regulating salivary secretion by mediating AQP5 trafficking.
Investigating Teacher Attitudes to Extensive Reading Practices in Higher Education: Why Isn’t Everyone Doing It?
Authors: Macalister John
Published: April 2010

This paper reports on interviews conducted with 36 teachers involved in university preparation courses at language teaching centres in New Zealand. The interviews were designed to investigate teacher attitudes to extensive reading in higher educational contexts, and current practice in such contexts. While teachers expressed positive beliefs about the language learning benefits of extensive reading, these beliefs did not generally result in the inclusion of extensive reading in the classroom programme. This may reflect the realities of the wider educational context. If extensive reading is to be more widespread in higher educational contexts, it needs to be promoted through teacher education, new research, changes in course design, raising awareness among administrators and managers, and improved resource provision.
Adult Starvation and Disease‐Related Malnutrition
Authors: Jensen Gordon L. , Mirtallo Jay , Compher Charlene , Dhaliwal Rupinder , Forbes Alastair , Grijalba Rafael Figueredo , Hardy Gil , Kondrup Jens , Labadarios Demetre , Nyulasi Ibolya , Castillo Pineda Juan Carlos , Waitzberg Dan
Published: April 2010

Background & Aims:

Multiple definitions for malnutrition syndromes are found in the literature resulting in confusion. Recent evidence suggests that varying degrees of acute or chronic inflammation are key contributing factors in the pathophysiology of malnutrition that is associated with disease or injury.

Methods:

An International Guideline Committee was constituted to develop a consensus approach to defining malnutrition syndromes for adults in the clinical setting. Consensus was achieved through a series of meetings held at the A.S.P.E.N. and ESPEN Congresses.

Results:

It was agreed that an etiology‐based approach that incorporates a current understanding of inflammatory response would be most appropriate. The Committee proposes the following nomenclature for nutrition diagnosis in adults in the clinical practice setting. “Starvation‐related malnutrition”, when there is chronic starvation without inflammation, “chronic disease‐related malnutrition”, when inflammation is chronic and of mild to moderate degree, and “acute disease or injury‐related malnutrition”, when inflammation is acute and of severe degree.

Conclusions:

This commentary is intended to present a simple etiology‐based construct for the diagnosis of adult malnutrition in the clinical setting. Development of associated laboratory, functional, food intake, and body weight criteria and their application to routine clinical practice will require validation.
The importance of relationships with parents and best friends for adolescents’ romantic relationship quality: Differences between indigenous and ethnic Dutch adolescents
Authors: Thao Ha  , Overbeek Geertjan , de Greef Marieke , Scholte Ron H.J. , Engels Rutger C.M.E.
Published: April 2010

This study examined how the quality of relationships with parents and friends were related to intimacy, commitment, and passion in adolescents’ romantic relationships for indigenous Dutch and ethnic Dutch adolescents. Self-report survey data were used from 444 (88.9%) indigenous Dutch and 55 (11.1%) ethnic Dutch adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age (M = 15.34, SD = 1.14), all of whom were involved in a romantic relationship. About 61.6% (n = 307) were girls. For both indigenous and ethnic Dutch youths, the quality of the parent—adolescent relationship was positively associated with romantic relationship intimacy, whereas the quality of one’s best friendship was related to higher commitment to one’s romantic partner. Significant interactions in hierarchical regression analyses revealed that only ethnic Dutch adolescents who experienced low-quality parent—adolescent relationships showed more commitment to their romantic relationships. Additionally, ethnic Dutch adolescents who experienced low-quality best friendships showed more passion in their romantic relationships as compared to indigenous Dutch adolescents. These findings are indicative of ethnic differences in the roles that parents and friends play in the romantic lives of Dutch adolescents.
The Determining Role of Inorganic Particles on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Reinforced Polyethylene Composites
Authors: Akinci A.
Published: April 2010

The interactions between basalt chosen as a reinforcement material and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) chosen as a matrix material in polymer matrix composite (PMC) were investigated in this study. A variety of mechanical tests were performed on the resultant composites, which had appropriate compositions. Tensile, flexural, density, and hardness tests have been carried out, and the relationship between the basalt content and properties were examined. Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) facilities were applied on surfaces of composites. The addition of basalt increases the flexural strength, elastic modulus, density, and hardness while decreasing the tensile strain to fracture, toughness, and fracture energy.
Cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes of hospital staff occupationally exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation
Authors: Eken Ayşe , Aydın Ahmet , Erdem Onur , Akay Cemal , Sanal Hatice Tuba , Soykut Buğra , Sayal Ahmet , Somuncu Ibrahim
Published: April 2010

Ionizing radiation is known to induce mutations and cell transformations, predominantly by causing single-strand and double-strand DNA breakage, thereby leading to chromosome instability and carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate genotoxic effects in hospital staff exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation in comparison with a selected control group, by using the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) tests in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The study included 40 exposed radiology staff and 30 control subjects. The frequency of micronuclei (MN) was significantly increased in radiation-exposed groups compared with control persons (p < 0.05). The frequency of SCE did not show any significant difference in the exposed individuals in comparison to the controls. Our results showed that low-level chronic occupational exposure to ionizing radiation causes an increase of MN frequency in chromosomes, even though the absorbed doses were below the permissible limits. Our studies indicate that the CBMN assay is considered to be sensitive test in contrast to SCE analysis to evaluate chromosomal damage induced by ionizing radiation.
Evaluation of in vitro toxic effects of cement dusts: A preliminary study
Authors: Sgambato Alessandro , Iavicoli Ivo , Goracci Martina , Corbi Maddalena , Boninsegna Alma , Pietroiusti Antonio , Cittadini Achille , Bergamaschi Antonio
Published: April 2010

Cement is widely used for construction and several reports have suggested a potential toxicity of cement dusts although it has never been definitively assessed. To determine the cytotoxic and bioactive effects of cement dusts, cultures of normal rat fibroblasts were exposed to different types of cements and cell growth parameters, apoptosis and the occurrence of DNA damage (both in terms of DNA breaks and oxidative damage) were analyzed. Cells were exposed to cement extracts or cultured in direct contact with cement dusts and the results obtained were compared to cells cultured in fresh medium. A dose-dependent decrease in viable cells was observed with all tested cements. Different results were obtained in the cell-cement direct contact tests compared to the indirect contact tests performed using extracts. Inhibition of cell growth was associated in most cases with an accumulation of cells in the S-phase of the cell-cycle and the appearance of an apoptotic peak. DNA strand breaks, assessed by comet test, and increase in the levels of 8-OHdG, an important marker of DNA oxidative damage, always occurred by incubating cells in the presence of cement extracts or dusts. However, after removal of cement, a rapid damage repair was generally observed with an almost complete recovery within 12 hours. In conclusion, all cements analyzed in this study displayed a limited toxicity in vitro without significant differences amongst them. Overall, the results obtained indicate that cements should be treated as hazardous materials but they do not allow to make accurate predictions regarding the in vivo effects. Further studies are warranted to reach a better understanding of the potential toxic effects of cements, to identify the responsible mechanisms and to evaluate the possibility of modulating and/ or preventing them.
Does Performance Measurement Improve Strategic Decision Making? Findings From a National Survey of Nonprofit Social Service Agencies
Authors: LeRoux Kelly , Wright Nathaniel S.
Published: April 2010

Nonprofits have encountered increased pressures for accountability and performance in recent years, both from their funding entities as well as the public. The adoption of performance measurement systems assumes that managers will use performance information to make better decisions. However, little research has focused on performance information use in the nonprofit sector. This study seeks to address this gap in the literature. Using survey data from several hundred nonprofit social service organizations in the United States, this article examines the extent to which reliance on various performance measures improves strategic decision making within nonprofit organizations. Authors find a positive relationship between the range of performance measures used by nonprofits and their level of effectiveness in strategic decision making. Other factors that also contribute to strategic decision making within nonprofits include effective governance, funding diversity, and education level of the executive director.
Linking Collaborative Capacity to Performance Measurement in Government—Nonprofit Partnerships
Authors: Gazley Beth
Published: April 2010

This study uses the context of local government—nonprofit partnerships to test the potential influence of various partnership and organizational factors on collaborative outcomes, using two contrasting outcome measures. Although the structural qualities of effective partnerships are fairly well understood, many of their informal and interpersonal qualities have not been captured in “new governance” research. These include, potentially, the strength of shared goals and trust built on prior joint experience. This study finds that formal contracts and prior experience working with nonprofits and volunteers can increase at least a public manager’s perception of success, but the strongest association to real performance improvement comes from the intensity of shared goals and the level of investment in the partnership. The findings suggest the value in comparing multiple performance measures and also reinforce an understanding of the experiential, interpersonal factors that support collaborative success.