bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma concentrations of TNF‐α and its soluble receptors sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Safranow K. , Dziedziejko V. , Rzeuski R. , Czyżycka E. , Wojtarowicz A. , Bińczak‐Kuleta A. , Jakubowska K. , Olszewska M. , Ciechanowicz A. , Kornacewicz‐Jach Z. , Machaliński B. , Pawlik A. , Chlubek D.
Published: October 2009

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) is implicated in post‐ischemic myocardial dysfunction. Two distinct TNF‐α receptors are shed from cell membranes and circulate in plasma as soluble sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 proteins.

The aim of the study was to establish factors associated with plasma concentrations of TNF‐α and its receptors in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Since adenosine inhibits the expression of TNF‐α, two functional polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes participating in adenosine metabolism, i.e. AMP deaminase‐1 (AMPD1, C34T) and adenosine deaminase (ADA, G22A), were analyzed.

Plasma concentrations of TNF‐α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were measured using ELISA in 167 patients with CAD. Common factors significantly associated with higher TNF‐α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), older age, higher BNP, lower blood haemoglobin, and the presence of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Higher TNF‐α and sTNFR1 concentrations were also associated with the presence of heart failure (HF), lower ejection and shortening fraction, the presence of diabetes or metabolic syndrome, lower serum HDL cholesterol, and higher uric acid. In multivariate analysis the common independent predictors of higher TNF‐α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were lower GFR, lower HDL cholesterol, higher BNP, and the presence of asthma or COPD. There were no associations between AMPD1 C34T or ADA G22A genotypes and TNF‐α or its receptors.

In conclusion, the concentrations of TNF‐α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 reflect the impairment of cardiac and renal function in patients with CAD. Metabolic syndrome and diabetes are associated with higher plasma concentrations of TNF‐α and its receptors.
Identification of a novel HLA‐Cw*08 variant allele, Cw*0824
Authors: Wang D.‐M. , Zou H.‐Y. , Li Z.
Published: October 2009

A novel HLA‐C allele, Cw*0824, which was identified from an individual of the Han Chinese, differs from Cw*080101 at codon 222 (GAG > AAG ) in exon 4, which results in an amino acid change Glu222Lys.

In recent years, many human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐C alleles have been identified. Up to date, 23 different Cw*08 alleles have been identified according to the IMGT/HLA Database release 2.25.2 May 2009 (1). Here, we describe the identification of the novel allele HLA‐Cw*0824 that was found during routine high resolution sequence‐based typing (SBT) of a Chinese stem cell voluntary donor. The HLA alleles of the donor were typed as A*11, 24; B*15, 46; and DRB1*09, 12.
Five novel HLA‐A alleles, HLA‐A*030108, A*2491, A*2498, A*330303, A*3317 were identified by polymerase chain reaction sequence based typing
Authors: Yan L.‐X. , Zhu F.‐M. , He J. , Zhang W.
Published: October 2009

Five HLA‐A variant alleles HLA‐A*030108, A*2491, A*2498, A*330303, A*3317 were identified in Chinese individuals.
Identification of a novel HLA‐Cw*070206 allele
Authors: Wang D.‐M. , Gao S.‐Q. , Xu Y.‐P. , Deng Z.‐H.
Published: October 2009

The novel HLA‐Cw*070206 allele differs from the closest allele Cw*07020101 by single nucleotide change at genomic DNA nt 877 C>T (codon 143 ACC > ACT) in exon 3.
Sexually dimorphic features of vermis morphology in bipolar disorder
Authors: Womer Fay Y , Wang Fei , Chepenik Lara G , Kalmar Jessica H , Spencer Linda , Edmiston Erin , Pittman Brian P , Constable R Todd , Papademetris Xenophon , Blumberg Hilary P
Published: October 2009

Objectives:  The cerebellar vermis is increasingly implicated in bipolar disorder (BD). In this study, we investigated vermis morphology in BD using a quantitative volumetric analysis.

Methods:  Volumes for total vermis and vermis subregions V1 (lobules I–V), V2 (lobules VI–VII), and V3 (lobules VIII–X) were calculated using high‐resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging obtained from 44 individuals with BD (25 females and 19 males) and 43 healthy comparison (HC) subjects (26 females and 17 males). Total vermis volumes were compared between the BD and HC groups. Potential effects of vermis subregions and clinical features were explored.

Results:  Total vermis volumes were significantly larger in the BD group than in the HC group (p = 0.02). There was a significant group‐by‐sex interaction (p = 0.02). Total vermis volumes were significantly larger in males with BD than HC males (p = 0.004); vermis volumes did not differ significantly between females with and without BD (p = 0.95). Subregion analyses showed a trend‐level interaction between diagnosis and subregion (p = 0.07) in which subregion V1 volumes were significantly larger in BD participants (p = 0.001), with differences primarily driven by males (p = 0.001).

Conclusions:  Our findings demonstrate increases in cerebellar vermis volumes in males with BD. These findings support the presence of structural alterations in the cerebellar vermis in BD and furthermore the influence of sex on such changes.
Performance of the mood disorders questionnaire in a psychiatric outpatient setting
Authors: Zimmerman Mark , Galione Janine N , Ruggero Camilo J , Chelminski Iwona , McGlinchey Joseph B , Dalrymple Kristy , Young Diane
Published: October 2009

Objectives:  The Mood Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ) has been the most widely studied screening questionnaire for bipolar disorder, though few studies have examined its performance in a heterogeneous sample of psychiatric outpatients. In the present report from the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) project, we examined the operating characteristics of the MDQ in a large sample of psychiatric outpatients presenting for treatment.

Methods:  A total of 534 psychiatric outpatients were interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV and asked to complete the MDQ. Missing data on the MDQ reduced the number of patients to 480, 10.4% (n = 52) of whom were diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Results:  Based on the scoring guidelines recommended by the developers of the MDQ, the sensitivity of the scale was only 63.5% for the entire group of bipolar patients. The specificity of the scale was 84.8%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 33.7% and 95.0%, respectively. When impairment was not required to define a case on the MDQ, then sensitivity increased to 75.0%, specificity dropped to 78.5%, positive predictive value was 29.8%, and negative predictive value was 96.3%.

Conclusions:  In a large sample of psychiatric outpatients, we found that the MDQ, when scored according to the developers’ recommendations, had inadequate sensitivity as a screening measure. After the threshold to determine MDQ caseness was lowered by not requiring moderate or severe impairment, the sensitivity of the scale increased, but specificity decreased, and positive predictive value remained below 30%. These results raise questions regarding the MDQ’s utility in routine clinical practice.
Comprehensive polymorphism analysis of ABO using allele‐specific separation by bead technology and subsequent sequencing
Authors: Danzer M. , Polin H. , Stabentheiner S. , Hartmann C. C. , Lennartz K. , Gabriel C.
Published: October 2009

The ABO system is the most important blood group system in transfusion and transplantation medicine. Over the last decade ABO genotyping was introduced to complement serological analysis but because of the enormous diversity at the ABO locus, DNA‐based typing is highly sophisticated. In some genotype combinations and especially when dealing with hybrid genes, cis/trans linkage analysis is necessary. Therefore, we developed a simple and reliable approach to isolate ABO haplotypes. The described method physically separates diploid genomic DNA using probe‐dependent allele hybridization followed by magnetic bead separation. After this haplotype‐specific extraction (HSE), sequencing based typing (SBT) was performed to analyze coding and non‐coding respectively regulatory regions of ABO.
Complex Dynamics Based on a Quorum: Decision‐Making Process by Cockroaches in a Patchy Environment
Authors: Sempo Grégory , Canonge Stéphane , Detrain Claire , Deneubourg Jean‐Louis
Published: October 2009

In the absence of complex communication and a global knowledge of the environment, cockroaches are able to assess the availability of resources and to reach a consensual decision: the group aggregates in a single resting site. We show that the aggregation dynamics and the collective shelter selection of cockroaches are influenced by their social context as, unlike single individuals, groups of cockroaches are more likely to respond to environmental heterogeneities. The decision of individuals to stay under a shelter relies on the modulation of their resting time, according to the perception of two local cues: (1) the shelters luminosity and (2) the number of congeners. This study on the cockroach speciesPeriplaneta americanahighlights a shelter‐selection mechanism based on an amplification process resulting from the interactions between congeners. This mechanism leads to complex spatiotemporal aggregation dynamics characterized by transient bimodality, bifurcation patterns (shelter selection) and the existence of a quorum size in the settlement behaviour of the cockroaches. Finally, we discuss the generic aspect for other gregarious species of the collective decision‐making process demonstrated for cockroaches.
Efficacy of trap and lure types for detection of Agrilus planipennis (Col., Buprestidae) at low density
Authors: Marshall J. M. , Storer A. J. , Fraser I. , Mastro V. C.
Published: October 2009

Development of effective trapping tools for forest pests and evaluating the key components of these tools is necessary to locate early‐stage infestations and develop management responses to them. Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (emerald ash borer) is an introduced pest of ash (Fraxinus spp. L.) in North America. The effectiveness of different trap and lure combinations were tested in areas with low and high density populations of A. planipennis. At low density sites, purple prism traps outperformed green traps and girdled ash trap trees in capture rates (adults per day) and rates of detection of A. planipennis. Also, manuka oil lures, used as a standard lure in a national survey programme, captured higher rates of A. planipennis than did previous standards of girdled ash trap trees. There was no logistic relationship between the detection of A. planipennis on a trap and the diameter of the ash tree from which the trap was suspended, possibly because of the use of artificial lures with these traps. There was also no difference in the mean number of A. lanipennis captured per day between ash species and between vigour rating of ash associated with the traps. However, traps placed in open grown and dominant trees captured more beetles than traps placed in lower canopy class trees. At sites defined as low and high density, there was no difference in the larval density per cm3 of phloem. This suggests that exposure time to A. planipennis has been shorter at those low density sites. By exploiting the trap and tree characteristics that improve A. planipennis capture rates and detection efficacy, there can be future improvement in management of this pest. If detection can occur before infested ash trees exhibit signs and symptoms, there may be a potential for reducing the mortality of ash within stands.
Electron microscopic findings in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: Is there a difference between hepatosteatosis and steatohepatitis?
Authors: Ahishali Emel , Demir Kadir , Ahishali Bulent , Akyuz Filiz , Pinarbasi Binnur , Poturoglu Sule , Ibrisim Duygu , Gulluoglu Mine , Ozdil Sadakat , Besisik Fatih , Kaymakoglu Sabahattin , Boztas Gungor , Cakaloglu Yilmaz , Mungan Zeynel , Canberk Yurdagul , Okten Atilla
Published: October 2009

Background and Aims: Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease has long been accepted as benign; however, recent evidence suggests that the disease may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, although the natural course of the disease is still unclear. This study was designed to comparatively evaluate electron microscopic features of non‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Methods: Quantitative and semi‐quantitative ultrastructural evaluations were performed on liver biopsies from 23 patients, 10 with NAFL and 13 with NASH.

Results: No statistically significant difference was noted between NAFL and NASH patients in ultrastructural features of hepatocytes including megamitochondria, intramitochondrial crystalline inclusions, mitochondrial matrix granules, foamy cytoplasmic appearance, electron‐lucent and glycogen‐containing nuclear regions, lipofuscin granules, or an increased frequency of vesicles containing electron‐dense material in peribiliary Golgi zone; however, the mitochondrial diameter was significantly higher in the NASH patients. Intercellular distance and microvilli between hepatocytes, collagen and electron‐dense material accumulation in the space of Disse, electron‐dense material accumulation and microvillus density in bile canaliculi did not differ significantly between the groups.

Conclusions: Our data show that, although NAFL and NASH can be distinguished by their distinct light microscopic features, ultrastructural characteristics are similar, which suggests that NAFL may also have the potential to progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis like NASH.
Natural history of gallstone disease: Expectant management or active treatment? Results from a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Festi Davide , Reggiani Maria Letizia Bacchi , Attili Adolfo F. , Loria Paola , Pazzi Paolo , Scaioli Eleonora , Capodicasa Simona , Romano Ferdinando , Roda Enrico , Colecchia Antonio
Published: October 2009

Background and Aims:  The knowledge of natural history is essential for disease management. We evaluated the natural history (e.g. frequency and characteristics of symptoms and clinical outcome) of gallstones (GS) in a population‐based cohort study.

Methods:  A total of 11 229 subjects (6610 men, 4619 women, age‐range: 29–69 years, mean age: 48 years) were studied. At ultrasonography, GS were present in 856 subjects (338 men, 455 women) (7.1%). GS were followed by means of a questionnaire inquiring about the characteristics of specific biliary symptoms.

Results:  At enrolment, 580 (73.1%) patients were asymptomatic, 94 (11.8%) had mild symptoms and 119 (15.1%) had severe symptoms. GS patients were followed up for a mean period of 8.7 years; 63 subjects (7.3%) were lost to follow up. At the end of the follow up, of the asymptomatic subjects, 453 (78.1%) remained asymptomatic; 61 (10.5%) developed mild symptoms and 66 (11.4%) developed severe symptoms. In subjects with mild symptoms, the symptoms disappeared in 55 (58.5%), became severe in 23 (24.5%), remained stable in 16 (17%); in subjects with severe symptoms, the symptoms disappeared in 62 (52.1%), became mild in 20 (16.8%) and remained stable in 37 (31.1%). A total of 189 cholecystectomies were performed: 41.3% on asymptomatic patients, 17.4% on patients with mild symptoms and 41.3% on patients with severe symptoms.

Conclusions:  This study indicates that: (i) asymptomatic and symptomatic GS patients have a benign natural history; (ii) the majority of GS patients with severe or mild symptoms will no longer experience biliary pain; and (iii) a significant proportion of cholecystectomies are performed in asymptomatic patients. Expectant management still represents a valid therapeutic approach in the majority of patients.
Early identification of achieving a sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C patients without a rapid virological response
Authors: Huang Chung‐Feng , Yang Jeng‐Fu , Huang Jee‐Fu , Dai Chia‐Yen , Chiu Chang‐Fu , Hou Nai‐Jen , Hsieh Ming‐Yen , Lin Zu‐Yau , Chen Shinn‐Cherng , Hsieh Ming‐Yuh , Wang Liang‐Yen , Chang Wen‐Yu , Chuang Wan‐Long , Yu Ming‐Lung
Published: October 2009

Background and Aim:  A number of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients without a rapid virological response (RVR) achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) with peginterferon‐α‐2a/ribavirin. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with SVR in non‐RVR patients.

Methods:  Baseline and on‐treatment factors were used to explore the prognostic factors for SVR in 113 HCV genotype‐1 (HCV‐1) and 20 HCV‐2 non‐RVR patients in two randomized trials.

Results:  The SVR rate in HCV‐1 patients with a complete early virological response (cEVR) and partial early virological response was 91.9% versus 45% (P < 0.001) and 21.4% versus 10% (P = 0.62), respectively, after 48 and 24 weeks of treatment. The SVR rate in HCV‐2 patients with a cEVR was 90.9% versus 57.1% (P = 0.25), respectively, after 24 and 16 weeks of treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that cEVR and standard regimen were independently associated with SVR. Viral kinetic study revealed that HCV viral loads < 10 000 IU/mL at week 4 were the best predictor of cEVR for both HCV‐1 and HCV‐2 non‐RVR patients with the accuracy of 81% and 95%, respectively, and also of SVR with the accuracy of 78% and 92%, respectively, in patients receiving standard of care. The most important independent predictors for cEVR were HCV viral loads < 104 IU/mL at week 4, followed by increased ribavirin dose within 12 weeks of treatment.

Conclusions:  Achieving a cEVR with standard of care is the most important predictor of SVR in non‐RVR patients. Week 4 viral loads < 10 000 IU/mL could accurately predict cEVR early and following SVR in non‐SVR patients.
Evidence‐based dietary management of functional gastrointestinal symptoms: The FODMAP approach
Authors: Gibson Peter R , Shepherd Susan J
Published: October 2009

Background and Aim:  Functional gastrointestinal symptoms are common and their management is often a difficult clinical problem. The link between food intake and symptom induction is recognized. This review aims to describe the evidence base for restricting rapidly fermentable, short‐chain carbohydrates (FODMAPs) in controlling such symptoms.

Methods:  The nature of FODMAPs, their mode of action in symptom induction, results of clinical trials and the implementation of the diet are described.

Results:  FODMAPs are widespread in the diet and comprise a monosaccharide (fructose), a disaccharide (lactose), oligosaccharides (fructans and galactans), and polyols. Their ingestion increases delivery of readily fermentable substrate and water to the distal small intestine and proximal colon, which are likely to induce luminal distension and induction of functional gut symptoms. The restriction of their intake globally (as opposed to individually) reduces functional gut symptoms, an effect that is durable and can be reversed by their reintroduction into the diet (as shown by a randomized placebo‐controlled trial). The diet has a high compliance rate. However it requires expert delivery by a dietitian trained in the diet. Breath hydrogen tests are useful to identify individuals who can completely absorb a load of fructose and lactose so that dietary restriction can be less stringent.

Conclusions:  The low FODMAP diet provides an effective approach to the management of patients with functional gut symptoms. The evidence base is now sufficiently strong to recommend its widespread application.
Plasmablastic lymphoma of the retroperitoneum in an HIV‐negative patient
Authors: Takahashi Yoshihisa , Saiga Ippo , Fukushima Jun‐ichi , Seki Nobuhiko , Sugimoto Naoya , Hori Akiko , Eguchi Kenji , Fukusato Toshio
Published: October 2009

Herein is reported a case of plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) of the retroperitoneum in an HIV‐negative patient. This is the first reported case of PBL at this location and of PBL from Japan in the English‐language literature. A 76‐year‐old Japanese man was admitted to hospital with a chief complaint of right inguinal lymph node swelling. Lymph node biopsy indicated large tumor cells with both diffuse and cohesive growth patterns, and conspicuous tumor cell proliferation in lymph node sinuses. The initial pathological diagnosis was metastatic carcinoma. The patient died approximately 1 month after admission, and autopsy showed that the main lesion was a very large retroperitoneal mass. On histology diffusely proliferated plasmablast‐like or immunoblast‐like tumor cells were identified, which were positive on immunohistochemistry for CD138 and negative for B‐cell and epithelial markers. Approximately 90% of the tumor cells were positive for Ki‐67. Tumor cells were diffusely positive for EBV‐encoded small RNA on in situ hybridization. The autopsy findings suggested a diagnosis of PBL. Accordingly, PBL should be considered as a differential diagnosis when lymph node biopsy findings resemble those of the present patient.
Prophylactic indomethacin in extremely premature infants between 23 and 24 weeks gestation
Authors: Yoshimoto Seiji , Sakai Hitomi , Ueda Masaaki , Yoshikata Mayumi , Mizobuchi Masami , Nakao Hideto
Published: October 2009

Background:  In extremely premature infants, the presence of a left‐to‐right shunt through a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) increases the risks of pulmonary hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, renal failure, and chronic lung disease. Conservative management induces spontaneous ductus closure in <20% of extremely premature infants (infants born at <25 weeks of gestation). The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy and safety of prophylactic indomethacin (INDO) administration for PDA closure in extremely premature infants born between 23 and 24 weeks of gestation.

Methods:  A historical case–control study of 30 infants born between 23 and 24 weeks of gestation was carried out. In the prophylactic INDO group, a 12 h‐long, 0.01 mg/kg per h dose of INDO was administered within 6 h of life. During the historical control period, only infants with symptomatic PDA were treated with INDO for 1 h. The incidence of symptomatic PDA, mortality and early neonatal morbidity was compared between the two groups on Fisher's exact test and Mann–Whitney rank–sum test.

Results:  None of the infants in the prophylactic INDO group had symptomatic PDA, while 11 of the 15 infants in the control group showed symptomatic PDA (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the mortality rates and the early neonatal morbidities in the two groups.

Conclusions:  Prophylactic INDO administration to extremely premature infants born between 23 and 24 weeks of gestation decreased the incidence of symptomatic PDA without increasing the incidence of adverse effects.
Oncolytic virus therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Fukuhara Hiroshi , Homma Yukio , Todo Tomoki
Published: October 2009

The use of replication‐competent viruses that can selectively replicate in and destroy neoplastic cells is an attractive strategy for treating cancer. Various oncolytic viruses have been taken to clinical trials since a recombinant virus was first applied to cancer patients a decade ago. The concept of the therapy is simple: infectious virus kills the host cancer cells in the course of viral replication. It is important, however, that the virus does not harm the surrounding normal tissue. Oncolytic viruses can be classified largely into two groups: DNA viruses genetically engineered to achieve cancer specificity (e.g. adenovirus, herpes simplex virus and vaccinia) and RNA viruses of which human is not the natural host (e.g. Newcastle disease virus and reovirus). Prostate cancer has always been one of the major targets of oncolytic virus therapy development. The result of six clinical trials for prostate cancer has been published and several trials are now going on. Forty‐eight of 83 (58%) patients evaluated in the phase I studies demonstrated a >25% decrease in serum prostate‐specific antigen level without evidence of severe toxicities. The result shows the oncolytic virus therapy is promising toward clinical application. Here, we review the recent advances in the field and summarize the results from clinical trials.
Irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation in patients with endometriosis
Authors: Meurs‐Szojda M. M. , Mijatovic V. , Felt‐Bersma R. J. F. , Hompes P. G. A.
Published: October 2009

Aim  The aim of this study was to evaluate how many patients with endometriosis have concomitant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and/or constipation according to the Rome III criteria. Furthermore, the value of an additional gastroenterological consultation with therapeutic advice was evaluated.

Method  Patients with proven endometriosis were included in a prospective, single‐centre study. A questionnaire was undertaken regarding IBS and chronic constipation. Patients with symptoms consistent with the Rome III criteria for IBS were referred to our gastroenterological outpatient clinic.

Results  In total 101 patients were included. Endometriosis was diagnosed surgically in 97% and visually in the vagina in 3%. Fifteen per cent of the patients with endometriosis also had IBS and 14% of the patients with endometriosis had functional constipation without IBS. Of the 22 patients finally presenting to the gastroenterologist, five had a significant stenotic rectosigmoid lesion and were treated surgically. The remaining 17 patients were treated conservatively. Defecation symptoms improved in 86% and pain was reduced in 64%.

Conclusion  In patients with endometriosis, 29% also had IBS or constipation. Referral to a gastroenterologist resulted in improvement of defaecation in 86%, and 64% reported a reduction in the degree of pain.
The effects of Xanthigen™in the weight management of obese premenopausal women with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and normal liver fat
Authors: Abidov M. , Ramazanov Z. , Seifulla R. , Grachev S.
Published: October 2009

Aim:To investigate the effects of Xanthigen (brown marine algae fucoxanthin + pomegranate seed oil (PSO)) on body weight, body fat, liver lipids, and blood biochemistry; and Xanthigen and its individual components on resting energy expenditure (REE) in obese, non‐diabetic female volunteers with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and normal liver fat (NLF) content.

Methods:Sixteen‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study. Food record data, body composition, REE (only 41 volunteers with NAFLD) and blood sample analysis were assessed weekly for 16 weeks in 151 non‐diabetic, obese premenopausal women with liver fat content above 11% (NAFLD) n = 113, and below 6.5% (NLF) n = 38.

Results:Xanthigen‐600/2.4 mg (300 mg PSO + 300 mg brown seaweed extract containing 2.4 mg fucoxanthin) resulted in statistically significant reduction of body weight (5.5 ± 1.4 kg NAFLD group and 4.9 ± 1.2 kg NLF group, p<0.05), waist circumference (NAFLD group only), body (3.5 ± 1.9 kg NAFLD group, p<0.001; 3.6 ± 0.7 kg NLF group, p<0.05) and liver fat content, liver enzymes (NAFLD group only), serum triglycerides and C‐reactive protein. Weight loss and reduction in body and liver fat content occurred earlier in patients with NLF than in patients with NAFLD. Fucoxanthin (>2.4 mg) and Xanthigen‐400/1.6 mg (200 mg PSO + 200 mg brown seaweed extract containing 1.6 mg fucoxanthin) significantly increased REE in NAFLD subjects compared to placebo.

Conclusions:Xanthigen promoted weight loss, reduced body and liver fat content, and improved liver function tests in obese non‐diabetic women. Xanthigen and Fucoxanthin also increased REE. This product may be considered a promising food supplement in the management of obesity.
Surgical management of low‐stage nonseminomatous germ cell testicular cancer
Authors: Stephenson Andrew J. , Klein Eric A.
Published: October 2009

The optimal treatment of low‐stage nonseminomatous germ cell testicular cancer (NSGCT) is controversial. For clinical stage (CS) I NSGCT, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), two cycles of chemotherapy and surveillance are all accepted treatment options. For CS IIA‐B, standard treatments include RPLND (± adjuvant chemotherapy) and induction chemotherapy (± RPLND). The long‐term survival rate is >97% for CS I and 95% for CS IIA‐B NSGCT, regardless of the treatment received. The risk of retroperitoneal metastasis varies by clinical stage (25–35% for CS I, 65–85% for CS IIA‐B), and the presence of lymphovascular invasion and percentage of embryonal carcinoma in the primary tumour. Patients with elevated serum tumour markers (STMs) and adenopathy of >3 cm are at high risk of having occult systemic disease. Compared with chemotherapy, RPLND is associated with a considerably more favourable long‐term morbidity profile and is the most effective method for controlling the retroperitoneum. Surveillance is associated with the lowest risk of long‐term complications. As such, we favour surveillance for low‐risk CS I, induction chemotherapy for those at high risk of systemic disease (elevated STM, adenopathy >3 cm), and RPLND for all others. Modified template dissections reduce the risk of ejaculatory dysfunction, but might increase the risk of local recurrence. Therefore, we favour a full‐bilateral template dissection with nerve‐sparing in patients with low‐stage NSGCT. The therapeutic efficacy of laparoscopic RPLND is not proven and currently should be considered a staging procedure only. Adjuvant chemotherapy after RPLND is typically restricted to patients with pathological stage N2‐3 disease.
Fish‐oil supplement has neutral effects on vascular and metabolic function but improves renal function in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wong C.‐Y. , Yiu K.‐H. , Li S.‐W. , Lee S. , Tam S. , Lau C.‐P. , Tse H.‐F.
Published: October 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 54–60 (2010)

Aims  Increased dietary fish‐oil consumption is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart events and has pronounced effects on dyslipidaemia. However, the effects of fish‐oil supplement on vascular function and metabolic profile in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are unclear.

Methods  In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial, we randomized 97 Type 2 DM patients without prior cardiovascular disease to fish‐oil (4 g/day, n = 49) or olive‐oil (with equivalent calories, as placebo, n = 48) supplements for 12 weeks. Assessment of vascular function with brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) and circulating levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and metabolic parameters, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), oxidative stress markers and renal function were examined before and after the supplement.

Results  Despite a significant reduction in serum triglycerides (−0.47 mmol/l, P < 0.01), 12‐week supplement of fish oil did not improve vascular function as determined by FMD (+0.16%, P = 0.83) and circulating EPC count (+4 cells/μl, P = 0.78). Furthermore, fish‐oil supplement did not have any significant treatment effects on hsCRP, oxidative stress, low‐ and high‐density lipoprotein and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (all P > 0.05). In contrast, serum creatinine was lower (−4.5 μmol/l, P = 0.01) in fish‐oil‐treated patients as compared with control subjects.

Conclusions  This study demonstrated that 12 weeks of fish‐oil supplement had no significant beneficial effect on vascular endothelial function, but improved renal function without changes in endothelial function, metabolic profiles, blood pressure, inflammation or oxidative stress in patients with Type 2 DM.
Decisions Under Distress
Authors: Kassam Karim S. , Koslov Katrina , Mendes Wendy Berry
Published: October 2009

People frequently make decisions under stress. Understanding how stress affects decision making is complicated by the fact that not all stress responses are created equal. Challenge states, for example, occur when individuals appraise a stressful situation as demanding, but believe they have the personal resources to cope, and are characterized by efficient cardiovascular reactivity and approach motivation. Threat states, in contrast, occur when situational demands are perceived to outweigh resources and are characterized by less efficient cardiovascular reactivity and withdrawal motivation. We randomly assigned participants to social-feedback conditions (i.e., positive or negative feedback) designed to engender challenge or threat, or a no-stress condition. Participants then completed an anchoring-and-adjustment questionnaire. Those assigned to the challenge condition adjusted more from self-generated anchors than those assigned to the threat condition. Cardiovascular responses mediated the relationship between condition and adjustment. This study demonstrates the importance of considering profiles of cardiovascular reactivity when examining the influence of stress on decision making.
The Choice of Migration Destination: A Longitudinal Approach using Pre‐Migration Outcomes
Authors: Funkhouser Edward
Published: October 2009

I use longitudinal data to examine the relationship between individual and household outcomes prior to emigration and choice of migration destination. In addition, I have separately pooled data on Nicaraguans in the destination countries. These two types of data together provide a rich description of the determinants of choice of destination for Nicaraguan emigrants. For emigration to both the United States and Costa Rica, patterns of emigration are consistent with individual wage gains. The main finding, though, is that emigrants to Costa Rica have characteristics similar to non‐emigrants and that emigration to Costa Rica is based relatively more on the current economic condition of the sender household. In contrast, emigration to the United States is based on the accumulated pre‐emigration labor market success of emigrants' households in Nicaragua. These findings suggest that household pre‐migration factors may be more important than individual factors as determinants of the location decision.
Factor Substitution, Income Distribution and Growth in a Generalized Neoclassical Model
Authors: Irmen Andreas , Klump Rainer
Published: October 2009

We analyze a generalized neoclassical growth model that combines a normalized CES production function and possible asymmetries of savings out of factor incomes. This generalized model helps to shed new light on a recent debate concerning the impact of factor substitution and income distribution on economic growth. We show that this impact relies on both an efficiency and a distribution effect, where the latter is caused by the distributional consequences of an increase in the elasticity of substitution. While the efficiency effect is always positive, the sign of the distribution effect depends on the particular savings hypothesis. If the savings rate out of capital income is substantial so that a certain threshold value is surpassed, the efficiency effect dominates and higher factor substitution accelerates the accumulation of capital and works as a major engine of growth.
Les conditions sociales d'émergence des mouvements sociaux urbains
Authors: Castells Manuel
Published: October 2009

Urban conflicts are increasingly visible in the political processes of advanced capitalist societies. There are more and more grassroots movements arising out of urban contradictions. But the theoretical and practical question to be answered is: under which conditions do these movements become agents of social change? This article tries to make some progress in this direction by:

Presenting a theoretical framework for the study of urban social movements.

Observing 180 urban struggles in the Paris metropolitan area (between 1968 and 1973), classifying them into a set of variables and finding some meaningful relationships.

Relating the main trends of these urban movements to the evolution of the political situation in France and, particularly, to the transformation of left‐wing strategy. The main argument is that the urban movements become crucial because they are a major element in the political and ideological hegemony—beyond the boundaries of the industrial working class—which the Left must overcome to go forward in the democratic path to socialism.
Methodological sectarianism in urban sociology
Authors: Dunleavy Patrick
Published: October 2009

Book reviewed in this article:

Becquart‐Leclercq, Jeanne, 1976: Paradoxes du pouvoir local. Paris: Presse de la fondation nationale des sciences politiques, 115 francs (cloth) and 80 francs (paper).

Biarez, S., Bouchet, C., de Boisberranger, G., Mingasson, C., Monzies, M‐C. and Pouyet, C., 1973: Institution communale et pouvoir politique. Paris: Mouton, 28 francs.
L'état et l'urbain
Authors: Lojkine Jean
Published: October 2009

The outline which follows must be considered as the summary of eight years of empirical and theoretical research on the relationships between economic base and state super‐structure in the urban field. These have been personal projects exemplified notably by three theoretical studies (Lojkine, 1969; 1972; 1975) and three regional monographs (Lojkine, 1973; 1974; 1976). But it is also for us a reflection upon the whole of marxist research as it has developed in France since the early 1970s in the realm of urban planning and policies. We hope that it may contribute to a better use of dialectical materialism in our concrete research as well.
Politique du logement de l'état
Authors: Magri Susanna
Published: October 2009

This article is based on the initial results of research in progress on state housing policies for workers, and notably on a study of policies implemented in Paris and London between 1890 and 1939. The perspective employed is that state housing is an essential means of consumption for the reproduction of a labour force, and it is posited that while public housing relates to a consumption process different from that of the private or ‘assisted’ sectors, all housing policies affect the use‐value of a dwelling unit, its con. sumption cost, and mode of occupation. These effects are examined in terms of the historical relationship between housing policies and the productive demands of developing capital. In turn, this relationship is considered within a perspective of class struggle during this period.
The crisis, the corporations and the state
Authors: Mingione Enzo
Published: October 2009

Book reviewed in this article:

O'Connor, J. 1973: The fiscal crisis of the state.

O'Connor, J. 1974: The corporations and the state.
The British new and expanded towns: hail and farewell?
Authors: Aldridge Meryl
Published: October 2009

Harloe, M. 1975: Swindon: a town in transition.

Levin, P. 1976: Government and the planning process.

Second Report from the Expenditure Committee

Thirteenth Report of the Expenditure Committee
‘Where ignorant armies clash by night’: the community action movement
Authors: Paris Chris
Published: October 2009

Hain, P., editor, 1975: Community politics

Leonard, P., editor, 1975: The sociology of community action.

Wates, N. 1976: The battle for Tolmers Square.
Sur l'intervention de l'état dans le financement du logement
Authors: Cornuel Didier
Published: October 2009

Magri, S. 1972: Politique du logement et besoins en main d'œuvre.

Pinçon, M. 1976: Les HLM. Structure sociale de la population logée, agglomération de Paris.

Harvey, D. 1973: Social justice and the city

Roberts, J. T. 1976: General improvement areas. Farnborough:

National Community Development Project 1975: The poverty of the improvement programme.

Lindberg, L. N., Alford, R., Crouch, C. and Offe, C., editors, 1975: Stress and contradiction in modern capitalism.

Perlman, J. E. 1976: The myth of marginality: urban poverty and politics in Rio de Janeiro.

Granelle, J‐J. 1975: La valeur du sol urbain et la propriété foncière: le marché des terrains à Paris.
The crisis of mass integration: on the development of political repression in Federal Germany
Authors: Hirsch Joachim
Published: October 2009

The aim of this essay is to investigate the bases and the specific forms of the development of the political repression which can be clearly observed at the present time in West Germany. The principal fact to be explained is that this development is being implemented by a social democratic‐liberal government coalition, which leaves the institutions of the bourgeois‐democratic system untouched and receives backing from the Trade Unions. Current attempts to explain this phemomenon, such as the theory of a 'new fascism', have proved to be inadequate. The essay begins by providing a brief overview of the theoretical starting point adopted and proceeds to sketch the economic, social and political conditions for successful mass integration in developed capitalist societies. The increase in repressive tendencies in the state apparatus is traced back to the specific forms in which the institutions for mass integration have failed to fulfil their roles, the main basis of which is to be found in the development of the current economic and social crisis. The most important tendencies in the economic development of the FRG and the particular structures of its political and administrative system are presented in order to validate this thesis. The decisive moment of political destablization can be seen in the growth of autonomous political movements outside the sphere of established institutions. These movements constitute an increasing threat to the existing institutional system of mass integration. The development of repression which has occurred in response to this is directed at a preventive safeguarding of the existing apparatuses for mass integration and at preserving the state's apparatus for the exercise of force as a crisis‐reserve. This repression, which has not yet taken the form of the open use of force against the mass of the population—in particular established workers' organizations—is primarily directed against dissident individuals and groups within the state and ideological apparatuses, and against initial steps towards autonomous political organizations and forms of economic—political representation which are not based on the acceptance or granting of concessions.
The unity of opposites in urban planning
Authors: Mlinar Zdravko
Published: October 2009

Cet article examine quelques antinomies existant dans la planification urbaine d'une société socialiste et rattache certaines questions théoriques à la recherche empirique et aux expériences de la pratique sociale en Yugoslavie. La critique des solutions urbanistiques courantes indique un besoin de surmonter une pratique fragmentaire et d'exercer une approche plus dialectique.

L'analyse sociologique peut spécifier les conditions possibles pour la mise en œuvre des valeurs dominantes dans une telle société et les relier aux pratiques quotidiennes de la direction du développement urbain. Les antinomies apparents dans la planification urbaine peuvent etre dévoilées pour être ensuite réinterprétées en tant qu'ensemble dialectique. Par exemple:

Le sujet/l'objet de la planification La séparation habituelle entre le rôle actif de l'architecte‐urbaniste et du dessinateur (sujet) et le rôle passif du résident (objet) est devenue inacceptable dans le contexte d'une sociéte socialiste avec un systéme d'autogestion.

Continuité/discontinuité A la place de la logique prédominante de croissance, il y a à la fois un besoin de continuité et de discontinuité.

Visionnarisme/pragmatisme Ni une orientation visionnaire générale et à long terme, ni l'approche pragmatique ne peuvent assurer un changement maximum dans la direction souhaitée.

Inertie/correction Plus notre action est aprioriste, plus il faudra de temps pour reconnaître les erreurs passées et les diverses façons de résoudre les problèmes par la suite.

Forme/fond L'urbanisme a gardé le vieux cadre du modèle formel et technique des fragments individuels.

Dynamique sociale/structure physique La crise de l'environnement urbain représente la phénoménologie des discordes existant entre les dimensions physiques et sociales de la ville.

Contrôle/initiative individuelle Un plaus grand contrôle n'est pas forcément incompatible avec la croissance du rôle de l'individu.

Stimulation/sanctions négatives La menace des sanctions négatives du pouvoir coercitif de l'état ne peut pas maximiser la mise en œuvre des objectifs de la planification: l'approche affirmative a été négligée.
Travail domestique et espace‐temps des femmes
Authors: Chabaud Danielle , Fougeyrollas Dominique
Published: October 2009

The subject of this article is the division of labour between the sexes which is specific to capitalism, and the characteristics of the space‐time of women.

On the basis of works written by historians, we are trying to show that the present division of labour which sentences women primarily to domestic work and men to productive work, is linked to the specifically capitalist separation between production and reproduction. The whole sphere of reproduction where specialized institutions such as school or medicine are closely linked to the family, contributes, through the transformations of domestic work, to the establishment of new social relationships: the children are permanent objects of care and education, the women are defined in terms of mother‐wives. Those transformations can be seen in those of the space and time of urban structures and housing.

Now the space‐time of women seems mainly structured by domestic work. Concrete elements underline it: for example the space‐time imposed upon women is delimited by a series of prohibitions bearing upon those places and times that do not belong to domestic work. The constitution of this space‐time is based upon the negation of women's work within production.

Reformulated in terms of mobility, the space‐time of women differs according to social classes but its main features stem from the division of labour between the sexes and the status of the mother‐wife.
Femmes et transports en milieu urbain
Authors: Coutras J. , Fagnani J.
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this article is to attempt an approach to the problem of women in an 'urban setting'. Taking the Parisian region as an example, we analyse the ambivalent role played by transport in women's insertion in society.

We try to pinpoint the determinants of women's mobility, one of the components of their way of life, considering both the availability of transport‐public and individual‐and the roles which are Allotted to women within the family. Stress is put on the prevalent contradictions which exist between the ideological norms of a patriarchal order which primarily bind women to the home and the requirements of the present capitalist system which needs them in the labour market while at the same time benefitting from certain aspects of the functioning of the family unit.

Women are therefore constantly faced with the problems of reconciling family and domestic life with life outside the home. In this attempt at reconciliation, transport plays an important part.
Pragmatic radicalism
Authors: Kraushaar Robert
Published: October 2009

On a assisté en Grande‐Bretagne au cours des dix années passées non seulement à une réémergence mais à une redéfinition de l'action communautaire. Un développement majeur a été une évolution hors des conceptions pluralistiques précédentes au profit d'analyses basées sur les classes. Cet article examine la partie de cette évolution qui nous intéresse, et qui a été définie comme étant un radicalisme progmatique. Elle est radicale parce que ses buts et sa stratégie consistent à résister à ce qui est ressenti comme des épreuves évitables imposées aux classes ouvrières par un système économique et politique capitaliste. Elle est pragmatique dans un contexte global par suite de la nature contradictoire des activités journalières. Le but du radicalisme pragmatique est de développer des alliances naturelles entre les groupes industriels et les groupes communautaires pour leur intérét commun. Il est considéré que les communautées en lutte manquent de pouvoir politique réel; les luttes purement industrielles manquent également souvent d'objectifs qui pourraient élargir l'horizon politique des travailleurs concernés au‐delà des problèmes immédiats en question. Il y a trois niveaux dans la stratégie du radicalisme pragmatique: le niveau industriel, le niveau communautaire et le niveau gouvernemental local. Chacun de ces niveaux est analysé et des exemples sont donnés.