bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered Expression of Circadian Clock Genes in Human Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Yang Ming-Yu , Yang Wen-Chi , Lin Pai-Mei , Hsu Jui-Feng , Hsiao Hui-Hua , Liu Yi-Chang , Tsai Hui-Jen , Chang Chao-Sung , Lin Sheng-Fung
Published: March 2011

Circadian clock genes use transcriptional-translational feedback loops to control circadian rhythms. Recent studies have demonstrated that expression of some circadian clock genes displays daily oscillation in peripheral tissues including peripheral blood and bone marrow. Circadian rhythms regulate various functions of human body, and the disruption of circadian rhythm has been associated with cancer development and tumor progression. However, the direct links between aberrant circadian clock gene expression and human disorders remain largely unknown. In this study, comparisons were made between the expression profiles of 9 circadian clock genes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) from 18 healthy volunteers. Peripheral blood (PB) total leukocytes from 54 healthy volunteers and 95 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) were also investigated. Similar expression profiles of all 9 circadian clock genes were observed in PBMCs and PMNs of healthy individuals. In PB total leukocytes of healthy individuals, the daily pattern of PER1, PER2, PER3, CRY1, CRY2, and CKIε expression level peaked at 0800 h, and BMAL1 peaked at 2000 h. Daily pattern expression of these 7 genes was disrupted in newly diagnosed pre—imatinib mesylate—treated and blast crisis—phase patients with CML. Partial daily pattern gene expression recoveries were observed in patients with CML with complete cytogenetic response and major molecular response. The expression of CLOCK and TIM did not show a time-dependent variation among the healthy and patients with CML. These results indicate a possible association of the disrupted daily patterns of circadian clock gene expression with the pathogenesis of CML.
Circadian Clock Gene Expression in Brain Regions of Alzheimer ’s Disease Patients and Control Subjects
Authors: Cermakian Nicolas , Waddington Lamont Elaine , Boudreau Philippe , Boivin Diane B.
Published: March 2011

Circadian oscillators have been observed throughout the rodent brain. In the human brain, rhythmic expression of clock genes has been reported only in the pineal gland, and little is known about their expression in other regions. The investigators sought to determine whether clock gene expression could be detected and whether it varies as a function of time of day in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and cingulate cortex, areas known to be involved in decision making and motivated behaviors, as well as in the pineal gland, in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and aged controls. Relative expression levels of PERIOD1 ( PER1 ), PERIOD2 ( PER2), and Brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1 (BMAL1) were detected by quantitative PCR in all 3 brain regions. A harmonic regression model revealed significant 24-h rhythms of PER1 in the BNST of AD subjects. A significant rhythm of PER2 was found in the cingulate cortex and BNST of control subjects and in all 3 regions of AD patients. In controls, BMAL1 did not show a diurnal rhythm in the cingulate cortex but significantly varied with time of death in the pineal and BNST and in all 3 regions for AD patients . Notable differences in the phase of clock gene rhythms and phase relationships between genes and regions were observed in the brains of AD compared to those of controls. These results indicate the presence of multiple circadian oscillators in the human brain and suggest altered synchronization among these oscillators in the brain of AD patients.
Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Modulates Fast Delayed Rectifier Potassium Current in Per1-Expressing SCN Neurons
Authors: Gamble Karen L. , Kudo Takashi , Colwell Christopher S. , McMahon Douglas G.
Published: March 2011

The mammalian circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) drives and maintains 24-h physiological rhythms, the phases of which are set by the local environmental light-dark cycle. Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) communicates photic phase setting signals in the SCN by increasing neurophysiological activity of SCN neurons. Here, the ionic basis for persistent GRP-induced changes in neuronal activity was investigated in SCN slice cultures from Per1::GFP reporter mice during the early night. Recordings from Per1 -fluorescent neurons in SCN slices several hours after GRP treatment revealed a significantly greater action potential frequency, a significant increase in voltage-activated outward current at depolarized potentials, and a significant increase in 4-aminopyridine—sensitive fast delayed rectifier (fDR) potassium currents when compared to vehicle-treated slices. In addition, the persistent increase in spike rate following early-night GRP application was blocked in SCN neurons from mice deficient in Kv3 channel proteins. Because fDR currents are regulated by the clock and are elevated in amplitude during the day, the present results support the model that GRP delays the phase of the clock during the early night by prolonging day-like membrane properties of SCN cells. Furthermore, these findings implicate fDR currents in the ionic basis for GRP-mediated entrainment of the primary mammalian circadian pacemaker.
Circadian Clock Parameter Measurement: Characterization of Clock Transcription Factors Using Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: O'Neill John S. , van Ooijen Gerben , Le Bihan Thierry , Millar Andrew J.
Published: March 2011

To refine mathematical models of the transcriptional/translational feedback loop in the clockwork of Arabidopsis thaliana, the investigators sought to determine the affinity of the transcription factors LHY, CCA1, and CHE for their cognate DNA target sequences in vitro. Steady-state dissociation constants were observed to lie in the low nanomolar range. Furthermore, the data suggest that the LHY/CCA1 heterodimer binds more tightly than either homodimer and that DNA binding of these complexes is temperature compensated. Finally, it was found that LHY binding to the evening element in vitro is enhanced by both molecular crowding effects and by casein kinase 2—mediated phosphorylation.
Gender in Twentieth-Century Children’s Books
Authors: McCabe Janice , Fairchild Emily , Grauerholz Liz , Pescosolido Bernice A. , Tope Daniel
Published: March 2011

Gender representations reproduce and legitimate gender systems. To examine this aspect of the gendered social order, we analyze the representation of males and females in the titles and central characters of 5,618 children’s books published throughout the twentieth century in the United States. Compared to females, males are represented nearly twice as often in titles and 1.6 times as often as central characters. By no measure in any book series (i.e., Caldecott award winners, Little Golden Books, and books listed in the Children’s Catalog ) are females represented more frequently than males. We argue that these disparities are evidence of symbolic annihilation and have implications for children’s understandings of gender. Nevertheless, important differences in the extent of the disparity are evident by type of character (i.e., child or adult, human or animal), book series, and time period. Specifically, representations of child central characters are the most equitable and animals the most inequitable; Little Golden Books contain the most unequal representations; and the 1930s-1960s—the period between waves of feminist activism—exhibits greater disparities than earlier and later periods. Examining multiple types of books across a long time period shows that change toward gender equality is uneven, nonlinear, and tied to patterns of feminist activism and backlash throughout the century.
Marital Name Change as a Window into Gender Attitudes
Authors: Hamilton Laura , Geist Claudia , Powell Brian
Published: March 2011

The need to revise scholars’ approach to the measurement of gender attitudes—long dominated by the separate-spheres paradigm—is growing increasingly timely as women’s share of the labor force approaches parity with men’s. Recent years have seen revived interest in marital name change as a gendered practice with the potential to aid in this task; however, scholars have yet to test its effectiveness as one possible indicator of gender attitudes. In this article we present views toward marital name change as a potential window into contemporary gender attitudes and most centrally as an illustration of the types of measures that hold great potential for attitudinal research. Using quantitative analyses from a national survey, we show that views on name change reflect expected sociodemographic cleavages and are more strongly linked to a wide array of other gender-related attitudes than are views regarding gendered separate spheres—even net of sociodemographic factors. We then turn to interlinked qualitative data to illustrate three reasons why name-change measures so effectively capture broader beliefs about gender. We conclude by looking at what attitudes about name change can tell us about future directions for the conceptualization and measurement of gender attitudes.
Health Consequences of Long-Term Injection Heroin Use Among Aging Mexican American Men
Authors: Torres Luis R. , Kaplan Charles , Valdez Avelardo
Published: March 2011

Objectives: Research on the health consequences of long-term injection drug use (IDU) is limited. This article examines these consequences among aging, male Mexican American injecting heroin users. Concern for this group is crucial, given its health disparities and the association of IDU with disease transmission. Method: Aging, male Mexican American IDUs ( N = 227) were recruited through intensive outreach. Participants self-reported health status, medical and substance use history, and completed behavioral and psychometric health scales. Results are compared to Hispanic national samples. Results: Participants had significantly poorer self-rated health and negative health conditions. Selected medical conditions not associated with the heroin-use lifestyle (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, arthritis) were lower relative to the comparison samples. Discussion: This population has a complex profile of health consequences linked to a heroin-using lifestyle. The study concludes that routine screening of infectious diseases and medical and behavioral conditions among aging substance using populations may contribute to reducing Hispanic health disparities.
Curcumin, myrecen and cineol modulate the percentage of lymphocyte subsets altered by 2,3,7, 8-Tetracholorodibenzo-p-dioxins (TCDD) in rats
Authors: Ciftci Osman , Tanyildizi Sadettin , Godekmerdan Ahmet
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD), a persistent environmental pollutant, on the percentage of T-cell subsets and B-lymphocyte and effectiveness of curcumin, β-myrcene (myrcene) and 1,8-cineole (cineol) on this toxicity in rats. Rats (n = 112) were divided randomly into 8 equal groups. One group was kept as control and given corn oil as carrier. TCDD was orally administered at the dose of 2 µg/kg/week. Curcumin, myrcene and cineol were orally administered by gavages at the doses of 100, 200 and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively, dissolved in corn oil with and without TCDD. The blood samples were taken from half of the rats on day 30 and from the rest on day 60 for the determination of lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD161+, CD45RA, CD4+CD25+ and total lymphocyte). The results indicated that although TCDD significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased the percentage of CD3+, CD4+, CD161+, CD45RA, CD4+CD25+ and total lymphocyte, it caused a significant increase in the percentage of CD8+ cells. In contrast, curcumin, myrcene and cineol significantly decreased CD8+ cells levels but increased CD3+, CD4+, CD161+, CD45RA, CD4+CD25+ and total lymphocyte cells populations. The beneficial effects of curcumin, myrcene and cineol and the toxic effects of TCDD were increased at day 60 compared to day 30. In conclusion, curcumin, myrcene and cineol showed immunomodulatory effects and eliminated TCDD-induced immune suppressive effects in rats.
‘Right to Education’: Opportunities and Challenges1
Authors: Subrahmanian Ramya
Published: March 2011

The paper critically reviews the rise and use of the ‘rights-based approach’ in ensuring entitlements of citizens vis-à-vis education, both internationally and in the context of the recently passed 93rd ammendment to the Indian Constitution which has given citizens the fundamental right to education. Reflecting on, policy shifts in Indian education such as decentralisation, and the characteristic of education itself as a ‘social’ and ‘political’ good, questions are raised about the prospects of a ‘rights-based approach’ in education.
Civics, Citizens and Human Rights: Civics Discourse in India
Authors: Jain Manish
Published: March 2011

This paper examines the discourses, visions and ideologies that have shaped the ideas about civics, citizen and human rights education in India over the last one-and-a-half decades. It tries to assess the congruence of the aims of human rights education with the existing understanding andpractice of civics in India.
Living, Learning and Doing Mathematics: A Study of Working-class Children in Delhi
Authors: Khan Fanda Abdulla
Published: March 2011

This study explores the relationship between everyday practices and mathematical understandings of working class children in three different settings: Schooling, Newspaper Vending and Paan Selling. Children were compared on their knowledge of the number system and their competence and understanding in solving a set of mathematical word problems. Quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed that the vendors, although constrained by their lack of formal mathematical knowledge, have a competent understanding of the mathematical principles and computations that their everyday practices entail. Schoolchildren demonstrate a more mechanical application of rules. Supported by ethnographic descriptions, the article attempts to understand these differences within the larger socio-cultural contexts.
Children's Perception of Sarkar: The Fallacies of Civics Teaching
Authors: George Alex M.
Published: March 2011

Are schoolchildren able to follow what civics textbooks try to teach? This field study in Madhya Pradesh examined what they understood of three basic themes in civics—the formation of an elected government, its functions and its major institutions. Contrasting images gained from the social world with the images presented in textbooks, the study indicates serious problems with the conventional way of teaching civics and our expectations of what children learn. A major part of the problem lies in the way we conceptualise civics education itself. Selecting a constitutional framework and packing it with lists of rules and regulations makes in incomprehensible. Besides, its sterile, non-controversial nature makes it so remote from children's lives that they are unable to relate to what is being taught.
Childhood, Work and Schooling: Some Reflections
Authors: Vasanta D.
Published: March 2011

It is generally believed that schooling is an antidote to the problem of exploitation of children. Yet there are life-worlds where children's work cannot be equated with child labour, and school and work need not clash. In the context of universalising elementary education, where children from diverse socio-cultural milieus are being drawn into the ambit of schooling, it is imperative to rethink received notions on this issue. Triggered by a study of government schools in Andhra Pradesh, this paper reviews the literature and argues that there is a dominance of middle-class, white, male urban childhood as the ‘norm’ in developmental psychology, education, welfare policy and legislation for children, influencing not only expert opinions, but also cultural practices and attitudes. It then goes on to presenting other life-worlds which bring out diversity in childhood, challenge the notion of the school as a benign space and the role of global political and economic and international welfare forces in perpetuating myths on childhood as well as the exploitation of children.
Humanising Education: Theatre in Pedagogy
Authors: Singh Asha
Published: March 2011

This paper primarily demonstrates the role of theatre as an enabling resource to address classroom diversity with possible negotiation of individual identity. Inequity, linguistic multiplicity and ethnic plurality are the defining characteristics of the Indian mosaic. Several homogenising forces dominant in schools often negate the multiplicity of socio-cultural identities. Tensions between social diversity and academic conformity impose a problematic contest for children's cultural confidence, making schools sites that impact the lives of children in unintended ways. By using the medium of theatre to present multi-layered representations of life at school that honour the voices of children, the author attempts to generate a compelling concern to use methods of theatre and drama in pedagogy as theatre naturally directs adults towards knowing children's socio-cultural selves. Through the processes of theatre educators revisit the experience of childhood, reorienting their own adult psyches towards the spirit of childhood.
Are spouses of chronically ill partners burdened by exerting health-related social control?
Authors: August Kristin J. , Rook Karen S. , Parris Stephens Mary Ann , Franks Melissa M.
Published: March 2011

Spouses often seek to influence the health behaviors of chronically ill partners, but little research has examined whether spouses find such involvement to be burdensome. The current study examined this question in a sample of 191 nondiabetic spouses whose partners had type 2 diabetes. Results revealed that spouses who attempted to exert more control over their partners’ dietary behavior experienced greater burden, particularly when their partners exhibited poor dietary adherence and reacted negatively to spouses’ involvement. The findings contribute to a sparse body of knowledge on how spouses are affected by efforts to influence their chronically ill partners’ disease management.
Kinematic Analysis of Head, Trunk, and Pelvis Movement When People Early After Stroke Reach Sideways
Authors: Verheyden Geert , van Duijnhoven Hanneke J. R. , Burnett Malcolm , Littlewood Janet , Kunkel Dorit , Ashburn Ann M.
Published: March 2011

Background. Sideways reaching with the unaffected arm while seated is a component of everyday activities and can be a challenging task early after stroke. Kinematic analysis of a lateral reach task may provide potential rehabilitation strategies. Objective. The authors examined the difference between people with stroke and healthy controls in the movement sequence of head, trunk, and pelvis, as well as the difference in angle at maximum reach and peak velocity for each body segment during reach and return. Methods. Twenty-four people within 12 weeks of a stroke and 20 healthy subjects performed a standardized lateral reach. Using CODAmotion, movement sequence was determined and angles and peak velocities were calculated. Results. When reaching, people with stroke moved their pelvis first, followed by the trunk and head, whereas healthy controls started with their head and then moved their trunk and pelvis. Patients achieved significantly smaller angles at maximum reach compared with healthy subjects for all body segments and lower peak velocities during the reach (for head, trunk, and pelvis) and the return (for head and trunk). Conclusions. Lateral reaching to the unaffected side early after stroke revealed a different pattern than normal and patients reached less far and moved at a slower speed. Specific training strategies to improve reaching are needed.
Social determinants of cardiac disease biomarkers: investigating a Swedish male cohort at ages 50 and 70
Authors: Khanolkar Amal , Vågerö Denny , Koupil Ilona
Published: March 2011

Background: Social status is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence and incidence.

Aims: to investigate relationships between socioeconomic position (SEP) and common CVD biomarkers including adiponectin not previously investigated in a Swedish-population sample, and to assess if these associations changed with age.

Design: Population-based longitudinal cohort study of men born 1920–24 with clinical measurements, blood samples, questionnaire data, and register-based information on SEP and cause of death.

Methods: A total of 2322 men attended an investigation at age 50 of which 1221 attended a reinvestigation at age 70. Association between SEP and CVD biomarkers [cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein (LDL/HDL), apolipoprotein (Apo) ApoB/ApoA1, and adiponectin] were analysed by linear regression (adjusted for age, body mass index, and physical activity). SEP was measured as occupational class and educational level. CVD mortality over 36 years of follow-up was analysed by Cox regression.

Results: At age 50, we found a significant inverse association of education with cholesterol level, LDL/HDL ratio and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio. Cholesterol was also associated with occupational class, statistically significant after adjustment for all covariates. At age 70, no significant associations were found between either measurement of SEP and any of the biomarkers studied. Highest educated men had decreased risk for CVD mortality during follow-up.

Conclusions: Associations of SEP with cholesterol levels and LDL/HDL ratio that exist at age 50 are no longer apparent in the same group of men at age 70. We found no significant association between SEP and adiponectin levels at age 70.
Complement and non-complement activating functions of C1q: A prototypical innate immune molecule
Authors: Nayak Annapurna , Pednekar Lina , Reid Kenneth BM , Kishore Uday
Published: March 2011

C1q is a versatile innate immune molecule that serves as the initiation subcomponent of the classical complement pathway. In addition, it is also a potent pattern recognition molecule, the versatility of which has fuelled its functional flexibility. C1q recognises an array of self, non-self and altered-self ligands. The broad-spectrum ligand-binding potential of C1q is facilitated by the modular organisation of the heterotrimeric globular head region, its ability to change its conformation in a very subtle way, and the manner in which this ancient molecule appears to have evolved to deal with the different types of ligands. Over recent years, molecules that resemble C1q have been put together to form the C1q family. In this review, we briefly summarise complement-dependent and complement-independent functions of C1q, its cognate receptors and key members of the rapidly growing C1q family.
Women Performers as Subjects in Popular Theatres
Authors: Singh Lata
Published: March 2011

The main focus of this article is to forefront women performers as subjects in historiography. Women performers have remained on the margin of both mainstream and subaltern historiography. The article, instead of merely charting their artistic topography, tries to locate them in larger social, cultural and historical context. It tries to map their artistic aspirations and commitment to performance, their journeys and struggles, the troubled histories of their frustrations and endeavours, their strains and tensions as they travelled the varied worlds of the personal and professional. Till date class, caste and patriarchal prejudice marks the Tamasha and Nautanki women performers as vulgar and veiled ‘prostitute’ or ‘loose’ women. The article also moves beyond the paradigm of art and work binary, challenging the middle-class evocation of performance as a temple of art. Invisibilising the women performers as workers forecloses their struggles and contestations.
Natural Resources in Indian Legal System
Authors: Sengupta Nirmal
Published: March 2011

This article brings out some distinctive features of Indian law and society in the matters of property rights and entitlements over natural resources. Both the colonial and post-colonial states that introduced the modern law in stages had multiple motives. They determined the types of rights assigned and the complex political and bureaucratic processes necessary for their implementations. By using an evolutionary approach to trace these developments, this article helps in comprehension of the modern law and entitlements on natural resources in India. The analytical method is that of institutional studies and law and economics.
Representation, Hegemony and Governance
Authors: Kumar Narender
Published: March 2011

This article reflects upon the discourses responding to the hegemony in Indian society, particularly from the perspectives of most marginalised sections, that is, the ex-Untouchables or the present day Dalits. Their exclusion being not merely social but a collaborative exclusion, where exclusion is both in multiple spaces of politics, society, culture, economy; as well as from multiple groups like Brahmins, Vaishyas, Kshatriyas, Shudras, Minorities, etc., their response to the hegemony also remains problematic and perplex. Here it is argued that in the modern times, apart from others, Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram confronted it. The former realised that the nationalist agenda during British rule was representing two hegemonic blocs, Hindus led by Congress and the Muslims by Muslim League. Nevertheless, he maintained equi-distance from the duo and worked on alternatives. He could visualise the mounting hegemonic propensity in the Shudra leadership that was pragmatically confronted by Kanshi Ram through the ‘beneficiaries of reservation’, thus challenging the politics of representation, governance, equity and consequent hegemony as per their times and context.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells express the death receptor Fas and apoptose in response to T cell–expressed FasL
Authors: Sinha Pratima , Chornoguz Olesya , Clements Virginia K. , Artemenko Konstantin A. , Zubarev Roman A. , Ostrand-Rosenberg Suzanne
Published: March 2011

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) inhibit adaptive and innate immunity and accumulate in the blood of persons with cancer, chronic inflammation, trauma, infection, and stress. Some of the factors inducing their accumulation are known; however, mechanisms regulating their turnover have not been identified. Mass spectrometry showed prominent expression of apoptosis pathway proteins, suggesting that MDSC turnover may be regulated by Fas-FasL–mediated apoptosis. This hypothesis was confirmed by showing that blood MDSCs induced by 3 mouse tumors were Fas+ and apoptosed in response to Fas agonist in vitro and to activated FasL+ T cells in vivo. FasL-deficient mice contained significantly more blood MDSCs than FasL+/+ mice, and after removal of primary tumors MDSCs regressed in STAT6−/− and CD1−/− mice but not in STAT6−/−FasL−/− or CD1−/−FasL−/− mice. Fas+ macrophages and dendritic cells did not apoptose in response to activated T cells, indicating that Fas-FasL regulation of myeloid cells was restricted to MDSCs. These results identify a new mechanism regulating MDSC levels in vivo and show a retaliatory relationship between T cells and MDSCs in that MDSCs suppress T-cell activation; however, once activated, T cells mediate MDSC apoptosis.
Kit-Shp2-Kit signaling acts to maintain a functional hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell pool
Authors: Zhu Helen He , Ji Kaihong , Alderson Nazilla , He Zhao , Li Shuangwei , Liu Wen , Zhang Dong-Er , Li Linheng , Feng Gen-Sheng
Published: March 2011

The stem cell factor (SCF)/Kit system has served as a classic model in deciphering molecular signaling events in the hematopoietic compartment, and Kit expression is a most critical marker for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and progenitors. However, it remains to be elucidated how Kit expression is regulated in HSCs. Herein we report that a cytoplasmic tyrosine phosphatase Shp2, acting downstream of Kit and other RTKs, promotes Kit gene expression, constituting a Kit-Shp2-Kit signaling axis. Inducible ablation of PTPN11/Shp2 resulted in severe cytopenia in BM, spleen, and peripheral blood in mice. Shp2 removal suppressed the functional pool of HSCs/progenitors, and Shp2-deficient HSCs failed to reconstitute lethally irradiated recipients because of defects in homing, self-renewal, and survival. We show that Shp2 regulates coordinately multiple signals involving up-regulation of Kit expression via Gata2. Therefore, this study reveals a critical role of Shp2 in maintenance of a functional HSC/progenitor pool in adult mammals, at least in part through a kinase-phosphatase-kinase cascade.
Editorial: Is HIV-1 induction of macrophage expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 its weakest or strongest link to disease? HIV-1 plays both sides by augmenting and limiting T cell activation to survive in vivo
Authors: Patro Sean C , Montaner Luis J
Published: March 2011

Macrophage PD-1/PD-L1/L2 and IL-10 may be an HIV-1 induced strategy to preempt emerging antiviral T-cell responses while controlling activation.
Stress in psychiatrists: coping with a decade of rapid change
Authors: Rathod Shanaya , Mistry Minal , Ibbotson Ben , Kingdon David
Published: March 2011

Aims and method

The study explored the impact of National Health Service changes on the working and personal lives of psychiatrists. A questionnaire survey was carried out with psychiatrists working in the South Eastern Division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Results

The response rate was 44.9%. Changes to services have reduced stress in some areas, but increased stress in others. Over the past decade early retirement has become less popular, but psychiatrists have been more likely to self-prescribe and have suicidal thoughts.

Clinical implications

The increasing involvement of psychiatrists in leadership may be a way to reduce adverse impacts of future changes on their working lives.
Mental states and political decisions
Authors: Freedman Lawrence
Published: March 2011

The Owen/Russell thesis on the impact of mental illness on political leaders is considered. The importance of the issue is acknowledged. Using the examples of President Kennedy and the Shah of Iran it is argued that what constitutes good decision-making is contingent on circumstances and evaluated by outcomes. There are often alternative explanations to mental impairment for poor decision-making, and that hubris is not the only possible failing. Last, democratic systems have better mechanisms than authoritarian regimes to address the problems posed by leaders who are physically or mentally ill.
Psychiatry and politicians – afterword
Authors: Owen Lord David
Published: March 2011

Contempt is one of the more important signs of hubris syndrome. Lying to Parliament or the courts is often a sign of someone in thrall to hubris. In business and banking, collective or corporate hubris is not uncommon as is hubris syndrome among its most powerful leaders. BP, RBS and HBOS need to be the subject of serious case studies for hubris, ‘group think’, tunnel vision, closed minds or silo thinking. There are indications of a neurobiological explanation for the intoxication of power in hubris syndrome.
Highly Efficient Pd/SiO2–Dimethyl Sulfoxide Catalyst System for Selective Semihydrogenation of Alkynes
Authors: Takahashi Yusuke , Hashimoto Norifumi , Hara Takayoshi , Shimazu Shogo , Mitsudome Takato , Mizugaki Tomoo , Jitsukawa Koichiro , Kaneda Kiyotomi
Published: March 2011

Silica-supported Pd nanoparticles (Pd/SiO2) with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) show excellent catalytic activity and selectivity for the semihydrogenation of alkynes. Small amounts of DMSO drastically suppress the overhydrogenation and isomerization of alkenes. This catalyst system is also applicable to both internal and terminal alkynes. Furthermore, the Pd/SiO2 catalyst was separable from the reaction mixture after the hydrogenation and reusable without loss of its high catalytic activity or selectivity.
Effectiveness of therapeutic lymphography on lymphatic leakage
Authors: Alejandre-Lafont Enrique , Krompiec Christoph , Rau Wigbert S , Krombach Gabriele A
Published: March 2011

Background

The number of conventional lymphographies has declined markedly since the introduction of cross-sectional imaging techniques. Nevertheless, lymphography has a high potential as a reliable method to visualize and directly occlude lymphatic leaks. When used as a distinct radiological procedure with the intention to treat, this application can be described as therapeutic lymphography.

Purpose

To investigate if therapeutic lymphography is a reliable method to treat lymphatic leakage when conservative treatment fails and to investigate which parameters influence the success rate.

Material and Methods

Between August 1995 and January 2008, 50 patients with lymphatic leakage in form of chylothorax, chylous ascites, lymphocele, and lymphatic fistulas underwent conventional therapeutic lymphography after failure of conservative therapy. Of these 50 patients, seven could not be statistically evaluated in our retrospective study: one patient died of cancer 1 day after lymphography, and six were excluded due to various technical problems. The remaining 43 patients were evaluated. Therapeutic success was evaluated and correlated to the volume of lymphatic leakage (more or less than 500 mL/day), as assessed by drainage.

Results

In nearly 79% of patients, the location of the leak could be detected, and surgical intervention could be planned when therapeutic lymphography failed. Due to the irrigating effect of the contrast medium (lipiodol), the lymphatic leak could be completely occluded in 70% of patients when the lymphatic drainage volume was less than 500 mL/day. Even when lymphatic drainage was higher than 500mL/day, therapeutic lymphography was still successful in 35% of the patients. The overall success rate in patients with failed conservative treatment was 51%. Success did not depend on other factors such as age and sex, cause of lymph duct damage, or time elapsed between lymphatic injury and intervention.

Conclusion

Therapeutic lymphography is an effective method in the treatment of lymphatic leakage when conservative therapy fails. The volume of lymphatic drainage per day is a significant predictor of the therapeutical success rate.
Correlation of radiation dose and heart rate in dual-source computed tomography coronary angiography
Authors: Laspas Fotios , Tsantioti Dimitra , Roussakis Arkadios , Kritikos Nikolaos , Efthimiadou Roxani , Kehagias Dimitrios , Andreou John
Published: March 2011

Background

Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) has been widely used since the introduction of 64-slice scanners and dual-source CT technology, but the relatively high radiation dose remains a major concern.

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between radiation exposure and heart rate (HR), in dual-source CTCA.

Material and Methods

Data from 218 CTCA examinations, performed with a dual-source 64-slices scanner, were statistically evaluated. Effective radiation dose, expressed in mSv, was calculated as the product of the dose-length product (DLP) times a conversion coefficient for the chest (mSv = DLPx0.017). Heart rate range and mean heart rate, expressed in beats per minute (bpm) of each individual during CTCA, were also provided by the system. Statistical analysis of effective dose and heart rate data was performed by using Pearson correlation coefficient and two-sample t-test.

Results

Mean HR and effective dose were found to have a borderline positive relationship. Individuals with a mean HR >65 bpm observed to receive a statistically significant higher effective dose as compared to those with a mean HR ≤65 bpm. Moreover, a strong correlation between effective dose and variability of HR of more than 20 bpm was observed.

Conclusion

Dual-source CT scanners are considered to have the capability to provide diagnostic examinations even with high HR and arrhythmias. However, it is desirable to keep the mean heart rate below 65 bpm and heart rate fluctuation less than 20 bpm in order to reduce the radiation exposure.
The value of intravascular phased-array imaging in endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic pathology
Authors: Eriksson Mats-Ola , Nyman R
Published: March 2011

Background

Careful pre-, intra- and postoperative diagnostics in endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic pathology is crucial for a favourable outcome. Computer tomography (CT) and digitally subtracted angiography (DSA) do not always provide sufficient diagnostic information.

Purpose

To report our primary experiences of using intraluminal phased-array imaging (IPAI) as an additive tool for diagnostics and endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic pathology.

Material and Methods

Eleven patients, nine men and two women (mean age 60, range 45) were examined intraoperatively with IPAI in stentgraft procedures of thoracic aortic pathology.

Results

IPAI could detect and visualize the entries and re-entries in the intima. Aortic branch vessels could be visualized for patency both during and immediately after stentgraft deployment. It was also possible to detect ceased blood flow in the false lumen or aneurysmal sac after stentgraft deployment.

Conclusion

IPAI is a helpful tool for diagnostics and for guiding stentgraft placing in the treatment of thoracic aortic pathology.
Two-dimensional versus three-dimensional CT angiography in analysis of anatomical suitability for stentgraft repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Pitoulias Georgios A , Donas Konstantinos P , Schulte Stefan , Aslanidou Eleni A , Papadimitriou Dimitrios K
Published: March 2011

Background

The morphological analysis prior to endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR) plays an important role in long-term outcomes. Post-imaging analysis of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) by three-dimensional reconstruction with central lumen line detection (CLL 3D-CTA) enables measurements to be made in orthogonal slices. This might be more precise than equal post-imaging analysis in axial slices by two-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (2D-CTA).

Purpose

To evaluate the intra- and interobserver variability of CLL 3D-CTA and 2D-CTA post-imaging analysis methods and the agreement between them in pre-EVAR suitability analysis of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Material and Methods

Anonymized CTA data-sets from 70 patients with AAA were analyzed retrospectively. Length measurements included proximal and distal aortic neck lengths and total distance from the lower renal artery to the higher iliac bifurcation. Width measurements included proximal and distal neck diameters, maximum AAA diameter and common iliac diameters just above the iliac bifurcations. The measurements were performed in random order by two vascular surgeons, twice per method with 1-month interval between readings. In the CLL 3D-CTA method we used semi-automated CLL detection by software and manual measurements on CTA slices perpendicular to CLL. The equal measurements in 2D-CTA were performed manually on axial CTA slices using a DICOM viewer workstation. The intra- and interobserver variability, as well as the agreement between the two methods were assessed by Bland-Altman test and bivariate correlation analysis.

Results

The intraobserver variability was significantly higher in 2D-CTA measurements for both readers. The interobserver variability was significant in 2D-CTA measurements of proximal neck dimensions while the agreement in CLL 3D-CTA analysis between the two readers was excellent in all studied parameters. The agreement between the two suitability analysis techniques was poor for both readers, especially in measurements of proximal neck's dimensions and in total aortoiliac length (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

In pre-EVAR morphological evaluation of AAAs the CLL-3D CTA post-imaging analysis has better intra- and interobserver correlation than 2D-CTA and might represent a useful tool for the proper selection of endograft's type and size.
High b-value diffusion-weighted MRI in differentiation between benign and malignant polypoid gallbladder lesions
Authors: Irie Hiroyuki , Kamochi Noriyuki , Nojiri Junichi , Egashira Yoshiaki , Sasaguri Kohei , Kudo Sho
Published: March 2011

Background

Several studies have reported the effectiveness of high b-value diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) in the abdominal region, and have found that various malignant tumors may show high signal intensity on DWI, reflecting their high cellularity and/or their long relaxation time. The value of ADC measurement has also been documented for the diagnosis of several abdominal malignancies.

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the usefulness of high b-value DWI in differentiating between benign and malignant polypoid gallbladder lesions.

Material and Methods

The study population consisted of 10 benign (three hyperplastic polyps and seven adenomas) and 13 malignant (all adenocarcinomas) polypoid gallbladder lesions. DWI was evaluated by two observers. Qualitatively, the signal intensity of the lesions on DWI was visually evaluated and categorized as iso, high, or very high. Quantitatively, the ADC values of the lesions were measured from ADC maps. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-tailed Fisher's exact test and the Mann-Whitney test, respectively.

Results

Qualitative analysis revealed a statistical difference (P = 0.0041). Six of 10 benign lesions were categorized as iso, and the remaining four were categorized as high. In the 13 malignant lesions, one was categorized as iso, five as high, and seven as very high. The ADC values of the malignant lesions (1.34 ± 0.50 × 10–3 mm2/sec) were significantly lower than those of the benign lesions (2.26 ± 0.44 × 10–3 mm2/sec) (P = 0.00016).

Conclusion

High b-value DWI may be useful for differentiating between benign and malignant polypoid gallbladder lesions by the visual assessment of DWI and ADC measurement.
A feasibility study of MR elastography in the diagnosis of prostate cancer at 3.0T
Authors: Li Saying , Chen Min , Wang Wenchao , Zhao Weifeng , Wang Jianye , Zhao Xuna , Zhou Cheng
Published: March 2011

Background

MR elastography is a new imaging tool capable of non-invasively assessing the viscoelastic properties of tissues. The clinical application of MR elastography in the diagnosis of prostate cancer remains to be elucidated.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of MR elastography in the diagnosis of prostate cancer at 3.0T, and to assess the elasticity and viscosity of prostate cancer and benign prostatic disease.

Material and Methods

Eight patients (63 ± 7.25 years old) with 12 foci of prostate cancer and 10 patients (59 ± 3.25 years old) with 14 foci of prostatitis in the peripheral zone were evaluated by MRE. Ten healthy volunteers (41 ± 4.32 years old) with 18 ROIs in the peripheral zone of the prostate were also assessed with MR elastography as a control group. The results were confirmed by histopathological findings. All examinations were performed on a 3.0T Philips Achieva scanner. MRE was implemented by transmitting low-frequency longitudinal mechanical waves of 100Hz into the prostate with a transducer placed above the pubic bones. The phase images were reconstructed to acquire viscoelastic mapping. T-test was used to compare the mean elasticity and viscosity of prostate cancer and prostatitis. A comparison of prostate cancer and healthy prostate tissue in elasticity was also evaluated. The correlation of elasticity and Gleason scores between prostate cancer and prostatitis were retrospectively analyzed with Pearson Correlation.

Results

The mean elasticity and viscosity were significantly higher in the lesions with prostate cancer (6.55 ± 0.47 kPa, 6.56 ± 0.99 Pa.s, respectively) than in regions with prostatitis (1.99 ± 0.66 kPa, 2.13 ± 0.21 Pa.s). The difference between prostate cancer and prostatitis was statistically significant ( t = 19.392, p < 0.01; t = 16.372, p < 0.01). The elasticity and viscosity of the healthy peripheral zone of prostate were 2.26 ± 0.45 kPa, 2.38 ± 0.54 Pa.s, respectively. There also was significant difference in elasticity between prostate cancer and normal peripheral zone ( t = 25.136, p < 0.01). In addition, we observed a positive correlation between Gleason scores and elasticity of the prostate cancer ( r = 0.913, P < 0.01) in this study.

Conclusion

MR elastography can be used to visualize the difference in stiffness between prostate cancer and benign prostatic disease. It is a new imaging method with potential in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy measured on imaging predicts early recurrence and death in breast cancer patients with lymph node involvements
Authors: Nagashima Takeshi , Sakakibara Masahiro , Kadowaki Masami , Suzuki Tiberiu Hiroshi , Yokomizo Jissei , Ohki Yohsuke , Miyoshi Tetsutaro , Kazama Toshiki , Nakatani Yukio , Miyazaki Masaru
Published: March 2011

Background

The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer is effective as postoperative adjuvant therapy, permits more lumpectomies, and can be used to study breast cancer biology. Although pathological response is the strongest prognostic factor, response rates vary according to various parameters, such as dissociation between breast and axillary node responses.

Purpose

To clarify the correlation of response rates between breast tumors and metastasized lymph nodes and to identify the clinical significance; response rates measured on imaging were evaluated among breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node involvement.

Material and Methods

Subjects consisted of 98 patients diagnosed with node-positive breast cancer who received chemotherapy before surgery. The response to the therapy was evaluated by changes in the largest dimensions of the breast mass and of regional lymph nodes measured on a multidetector row helical CT before and after chemotherapy. The percent reduction was calculated as a response rate. The correlation between response rate and patient outcome was analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Breast tumor response rates correlated statistically well with those of lymph nodes (p < 0.001). Disease-free cases had a greater tumor and/or nodal response rates than recurrence cases (p = 0.021, p < 0.001, respectively), regardless of tumor size, histological grade and HER2 amplification. Cancer-associated death was observed more frequently in cases with lower response rates compared to surviving cases (p = 0.007, p = 0.021, respectively). The prognostic difference was found most strongly in nodal response rates (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The present series evaluated the therapeutic effect of NAC on breast tumors and metastasized lymph nodes, and a significant correlation with patient outcome was observed. Evaluating the response rate measured by imaging could be used as a surrogate marker for prognosis before assessment of the pathological response which is ordinarily obtained after surgery.