bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GOALS-Incisional Hernia: A Valid Assessment of Simulated Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair
Authors: Vaillancourt Marilou , Ghaderi Iman , Kaneva Pepa , Vassiliou Melina , Kolozsvari Nicoleta , George Ivan , Sutton F. Erica , Seagull F. Jacob , Park Adrian E. , Fried Gerald M. , Feldman Liane S.
Published: January 2011

The Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) is a valid and reliable measure of basic, non-procedure-specific laparoscopic skills. GOALS-incisional hernia (GOALS-IH) was developed to evaluate performance of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LIHR). The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of GOALS-IH during LIHR simulation. GOALS-IH assesses 7 domains with a maximum score of 35. A total of 12 experienced surgeons and 10 novices performed LIHR on the Surgical Abdominal Wall simulator. Performance was assessed by a trained observer and by self-assessment using GOALS-IH, basic GOALS and a visual analog scale (VAS) for overall competence. Both interrater reliability and internal consistency were high (.76 and .95 respectively). Experienced surgeons had higher mean GOALS-IH scores than novices (32.3 ± 2 versus 22.7 ± 5). There was excellent correlation between GOALS-IH and other measures of performance (GOALS r = .93 and VAS r = .93). GOALS-IH is easy to use, valid and reliable for assessment of simulated LIHR.
The STAT5 inhibitor pimozide decreases survival of chronic myelogenous leukemia cells resistant to kinase inhibitors
Authors: Nelson Erik A. , Walker Sarah R. , Weisberg Ellen , Bar-Natan Michal , Barrett Rosemary , Gashin Laurie B. , Terrell Shariya , Klitgaard Josephine L. , Santo Loredana , Addorio Martha R. , Ebert Benjamin L. , Griffin James D. , Frank David A.
Published: January 2011

The transcription factor STAT5 is an essential mediator of the pathogenesis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). In CML, the BCR/ABL fusion kinase causes the constitutive activation of STAT5, thereby driving the expression of genes promoting survival. BCR/ABL kinase inhibitors have become the mainstay of therapy for CML, although CML cells can develop resistance through mutations in BCR/ABL. To overcome this problem, we used a cell-based screen to identify drugs that inhibit STAT-dependent gene expression. Using this approach, we identified the psychotropic drug pimozide as a STAT5 inhibitor. Pimozide decreases STAT5 tyrosine phosphorylation, although it does not inhibit BCR/ABL or other tyrosine kinases. Furthermore, pimozide decreases the expression of STAT5 target genes and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in CML cell lines. Pimozide also selectively inhibits colony formation of CD34+ bone marrow cells from CML patients. Importantly, pimozide induces similar effects in the presence of the T315I BCR/ABL mutation that renders the kinase resistant to presently available inhibitors. Simultaneously inhibiting STAT5 with pimozide and the kinase inhibitors imatinib or nilotinib shows enhanced effects in inhibiting STAT5 phosphorylation and in inducing apoptosis. Thus, targeting STAT5 may be an effective strategy for the treatment of CML and other myeloproliferative diseases.
SNP rs6457327 in the HLA region on chromosome 6p is predictive of the transformation of follicular lymphoma
Authors: Wrench David , Leighton Pamela , Skibola Christine F. , Conde Lucia , Cazier Jean-Baptiste , Matthews Janet , Iqbal Sameena , Carlotti Emanuela , Bödör Csaba , Montoto Silvia , Calaminici Maria , Gribben John G. , Lister T. Andrew , Fitzgibbon Jude
Published: January 2011

Inherited risk determinants for follicular lymphoma (FL) have recently been described in the immune gene-rich human leukocyte antigen region on chromosome 6p. The known importance of host immune response to FL survival led us to evaluate these germline factors in FL outcome. We confirm the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms rs10484561 (P = 3.5 × 10−9) and rs6457327 (P = .008) with risk of FL and demonstrate that rs6457327 predicts both time to (P = .02) and risk of (P < .01) FL transformation independently of clinical variables, including the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index.
Chronic ataluren (PTC124) treatment of nonsense mutation cystic fibrosis
Authors: Wilschanski M. , Miller L.L. , Shoseyov D. , Blau H. , Rivlin J. , Aviram M. , Cohen M. , Armoni S. , Yaakov Y. , Pugatch T. , Cohen-Cymberknoh M. , Miller N.L. , Reha A. , Northcutt V.J. , Hirawat S. , Donnelly K. , Elfring G.L. , Ajayi T. , Kerem E.
Published: January 2011

In a subset of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), nonsense mutations (premature stop codons) disrupt production of full-length, functional CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Ataluren (PTC124) allows ribosomal readthrough of premature stop codons in mRNA.

We evaluated drug activity and safety in patients with nonsense mutation CF who took ataluren three times daily (morning, midday and evening) for 12 weeks at either a lower dose (4, 4 and 8 mg·kg−1) or higher dose (10, 10 and 20 mg·kg−1).

The study enrolled 19 patients (10 males and nine females aged 19–57 yrs; dose: lower 12, higher seven) with a classic CF phenotype, at least one CFTR nonsense mutation allele, and an abnormal nasal total chloride transport. Both ataluren doses were similarly active, improving total chloride transport with a combined mean change of -5.4 mV (p<0.001), and on-treatment responses (at least -5 mV improvement) and hyperpolarisations (values more electrically negative than -5 mV) in 61% (p<0.001) and 56% (p = 0.002) of patients. CFTR function was greater with time and was accompanied by trends toward improvements in pulmonary function and CF-related coughing. Adverse clinical and laboratory findings were uncommon and usually mild.

Chronic ataluren administration produced time-dependent improvements in CFTR activity and clinical parameters with generally good tolerability.
Patient–clinician communication about end-of-life care for Dutch and US patients with COPD
Authors: Janssen D.J.A. , Curtis J.R. , Au D.H. , Spruit M.A. , Downey L. , Schols J.M.G.A. , Wouters E.F.M. , Engelberg R.A.
Published: January 2011

Improving patient–clinician communication about end-of-life care is important in order to enhance quality of care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our objective was to compare quality of patient–clinician communication about end-of-life care, and endorsement of barriers and facilitators to this communication in the Netherlands and the USA.

The present study was an analysis of survey data from 122 Dutch and 391 US outpatients with COPD. We compared quality of patient–clinician communication about end-of-life care (Quality of Communication questionnaire) and barriers and facilitators to communication about end-of-life care (Barriers and Facilitators Questionnaire) between the Netherlands and the USA, controlling for patients’ demographic and illness characteristics.

Although Dutch patients in this study had worse lung function and disease-specific health status than US patients, Dutch patients reported lower quality of communication about end-of-life care (median score 0.0 (interquartile range 0.0–2.0)versus1.4 (0.0–3.6); adjusted p<0.005). Clinicians in both countries rarely discussed life-sustaining treatment preferences, prognoses, dying processes or spiritual issues.

Quality of communication about end-of-life care needs to improve in the Netherlands and the USA. Future studies to improve this communication should be designed to take into account international differences and patient-specific barriers and facilitators to communication about end-of-life care.
Interstitial lung diseases in a lung cancer screening trial
Authors: Sverzellati N. , Guerci L. , Randi G. , Calabrò E. , La Vecchia C. , Marchianò A. , Pesci A. , Zompatori M. , Pastorino U.
Published: January 2011

We assessed the prevalence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in a cohort of smokers included in a lung cancer screening trial.

Two observers independently reviewed, for the presence of findings consistent with ILD, the computed tomography (CT) examinations of 692 heavy smokers recruited by the Multicentric Italian Lung Detection (MILD) trial. Four CT patterns were considered: usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), other chronic interstitial pneumonia (OCIP), respiratory bronchiolitis (RB) and indeterminate. Subsequently, the evolution of ILD in those subjects who had undergone a repeat CT examination after 3 yrs was assessed.

The UIP pattern and the OCIP pattern were identified in two (0.3%) out of 692 and 26 (3.8%) out of 692 patients, respectively; 109 (15.7%) out of 692 patients showed CT abnormalities consistent with RB, while an indeterminate CT pattern was reported in 21 out of 692 (3%) patients. Age, male sex and current smoking status were factors associated with the presence of OCIP and UIP (combined) pattern, although the relationship did not attain statistical significance. A progression of the disease was observed in three (25%) out of 12 subjects with OCIP who underwent repeat CT after 3 yrs.

Thin-section CT features of ILD, probably representing smoking-related ILD, are not uncommon in a lung cancer screening population and should not be overlooked.
Sphingosine kinases regulate NOX2 activity via p38 MAPK-dependent translocation of S100A8/A9
Authors: Schenten Véronique , Melchior Chantal , Steinckwich Natacha , Tschirhart Eric J , Bréchard Sabrina
Published: January 2011

Neutrophils play a fundamental role in host defense by neutralizing pathogens through the generation of ROS by NOX2. In nonexcitable cells, Ca2+ influx is essentially mediated via SOCE, a complex mechanism in which depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores from the ER results in Ca2+ entry through Ca2+ SOCs at the plasma membrane. In this regard, it is well established that extracellular Ca2+ entry participates to NOX2 activation. S1P, produced by SphKs, has been involved in Ca2+ homeostasis and thus, could intervene in NOX2 regulation. The aim of this study was to characterize the importance of SphKs in NOX2 activation and the signaling cascade involved in this mechanism. Treatment of neutrophil-like dHL-60 cells by DHS, a SphK inhibitor, and SphK siRNA inhibited fMLF-induced NOX2 activity. Sequential activation of cells by thapsigargin and the phorbol ester PMA revealed that SphK-regulated NOX2 activity relies on intracellular Ca2+ store depletion. Confocal microscopy and immunoblot analysis showed that stimulation by thapsigargin and PMA mediated S100A8/A9 recruitment to the plasma membrane and p38 MAPK activation. S100A8/A9 translocation decreased when SphK activity was blocked. This result was confirmed in purified human neutrophils, which were physiologically stimulated by fMLF. In addition, p38 MAPK was found to be regulated by SphKs. These results define a pathway leading to NOX2 activation, in which p38 MAPK-mediated S100A8/A9 translocation is regulated by Ca2+ store depletion-dependent SphK activation.
Nitric oxide and redox mechanisms in the immune response
Authors: Wink David A , Hines Harry B , Cheng Robert Y S , Switzer Christopher H , Flores-Santana Wilmarie , Vitek Michael P , Ridnour Lisa A , Colton Carol A
Published: January 2011

The role of redox molecules, such as NO and ROS, as key mediators of immunity has recently garnered renewed interest and appreciation. To regulate immune responses, these species trigger the eradication of pathogens on the one hand and modulate immunosuppression during tissue-restoration and wound-healing processes on the other. In the acidic environment of the phagosome, a variety of RNS and ROS is produced, thereby providing a cauldron of redox chemistry, which is the first line in fighting infection. Interestingly, fluctuations in the levels of these same reactive intermediates orchestrate other phases of the immune response. NO activates specific signal transduction pathways in tumor cells, endothelial cells, and monocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. As ROS can react directly with NO-forming RNS, NO bioavailability and therefore, NO response(s) are changed. The NO/ROS balance is also important during Th1 to Th2 transition. In this review, we discuss the chemistry of NO and ROS in the context of antipathogen activity and immune regulation and also discuss similarities and differences between murine and human production of these intermediates.
Prospective Study of Combined Colon and Endometrial Cancer Screening in Women With Lynch Syndrome: A Patient-Centered Approach
Authors: Huang Marilyn , Sun Charlotte , Boyd-Rogers Stephanie , Burzawa Jennifer , Milbourne Andrea , Keeler Elizabeth , Yzquierdo Rebecca , Lynch Patrick , Peterson Susan K. , Lu Karen
Published: January 2011

Combined colon and endometrial cancer screening is a patient-centered approach that is feasible and acceptable and may improve adherence to Lynch syndrome screening recommendations.
Ingredients for Success: A Familial Cancer Clinic in an Oncology Practice Setting
Authors: Duncan Paul R. , Lin James T.
Published: January 2011

Genetic cancer risk assessment has become increasingly important in clinical cancer care; incorporation into the oncology practice setting can enhance the standard of care for the entire community.
Portable, Fiber-Based, Diffuse Reflection Spectroscopy (DRS) Systems for Estimating Tissue Optical Properties
Authors: Vishwanath Karthik , Chang Kevin , Klein Daniel , Deng Yu Feng , Chang Vivide , Phelps Janelle E. , Ramanujam Nimmi
Published: January 2011

Steady-state diffuse reflection spectroscopy is a well-studied optical technique that can provide a noninvasive and quantitative method for characterizing the absorption and scattering properties of biological tissues. Here, we compare three fiber-based diffuse reflection spectroscopy systems that were assembled to create a light-weight, portable, and robust optical spectrometer that could be easily translated for repeated and reliable use in mobile settings. The three systems were built using a broadband light source and a compact, commercially available spectrograph. We tested two different light sources and two spectrographs (manufactured by two different vendors). The assembled systems were characterized by their signal-to-noise ratios, the source-intensity drifts, and detector linearity. We quantified the performance of these instruments in extracting optical properties from diffuse reflectance spectra in tissue-mimicking liquid phantoms with well-controlled optical absorption and scattering coefficients. We show that all assembled systems were able to extract the optical absorption and scattering properties with errors less than 10%, while providing greater than ten-fold decrease in footprint and cost (relative to a previously well-characterized and widely used commercial system). Finally, we demonstrate the use of these small systems to measure optical biomarkers in vivo in a small-animal model cancer therapy study. We show that optical measurements from the simple portable system provide estimates of tumor oxygen saturation similar to those detected using the commercial system in murine tumor models of head and neck cancer.
Metal—Organic Semiconductor Nanostructures for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Alessio Priscila , De Saja Saez J. A. , Aroca Ricardo F. , Constantino Carlos J. L.
Published: January 2011

Metal–organic semiconductor films are fabricated as co-evaporated films. It is demonstrated that the technique can be used to fabricate metal-semiconductor surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) or surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) substrates or to attain SERS or SERRS of highly insoluble pigments. The experiments are carried out using three different pigments: iron phthalocyanine (FePc) and two substituted tetracaboxylic perylenes (PTCDs). The structure of the co-PVD films was characterized at the nanoscale by scanning electron microscopy through field-emission gun (SEM-FEG), revealing a fairly homogeneous spatial distribution of the silver-pigment nanoparticles. The fabricated mixed nanostructures show a homogenous distribution of plasmon enhancement as observed in the point-by-point mapping of the SERRS spectra recorded with micrometer spatial resolution in Raman microscopy.
Confocal Raman Microspectroscopic Study of the Molecular Status of Carotenoids in Tomato Fruits and Foods
Authors: Pudney Paul D. A. , Gambelli Luisa , Gidley Michael J.
Published: January 2011

To understand the uptake into the body of bioactive “healthy” molecules from fruits and vegetables it is necessary to know where they are located within the original plant structures and what path they take as the plant is processed before consumption. This means not only the location but also the physical state of the molecule, e.g., crystalline or solvated, as this affects uptake. This study demonstrates how confocal Raman microspectroscopy can be used to follow changes in the physical state of carotenoids in tomatoes. We show how the three main carotenoids found in tomatoes, lycopene, β-carotene, and lutein, are distinguished from each other and how their physical state can be determined. We then show how this information can be used in situ within tomato fruit organelles, in three different tomato varieties, to locate the different carotenoids and determine their physical status. The effect of processing on carotenoids in tomatoes is also shown. This type of information can be of great benefit in availability trials to help rationalize results and define the state in which foods should be presented to the body to maximize uptake.
A comparative evaluation of Golgi protein-73, fucosylated hemopexin, α-fetoprotein, and PIVKA-II in the serum of patients with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Morota Kaori , Nakagawa Masatoshi , Sekiya Rika , Hemken Philip M. , Sokoll Lori J. , Elliott Debra , Chan Daniel W. , Dowell Barry L.
Published: January 2011

Background: Golgi protein-73 (GP73) and fucosylated proteins have been proposed as potential serum markers for liver disease and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of serum GP73 and fucosylated hemopexin (Fuc-HPX) with α-fetoprotein (AFP) and with protein induced by the absence of vitamin K or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) for diagnosing chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC.

Methods: The concentration of GP73 in human sera was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay employing mouse monoclonal and rabbit polyclonal GP73 antibodies. Fuc-HPX was detected using a lectin chemiluminescence-linked immunosorbent assay using a mouse monoclonal anti-hemopexin antibody and Aleuria aurantia lectin. A total of 229 serum samples from patients with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC, as well as from normal individuals were evaluated using these four markers.

Results: GP73 and Fuc-HPX showed significantly higher values in samples from patients with cirrhosis and HCC than in samples from patients with hepatitis and from normal individuals. The areas under the curves (AUCs) for GP73, Fuc-HPX, AFP, and PIVKA-II were 0.90, 0.77, 0.74, and 0.88, respectively, for liver cirrhosis and HCC samples vs. hepatitis and normal samples. The AUCs of GP73, Fuc-HPX, AFP, and PIVKA-II were 0.78, 0.72, 0.81, and 0.90, respectively, for HCC samples vs. all other samples.

Conclusions: PIVKA-II showed superior sensitivity and specificity for HCC compared with the other three markers. GP73 may be useful for detecting cirrhosis as a risk factor for HCC. Fuc-HPX showed inferior sensitivity and specificity compared to the other markers.
The impact of humor on memory: Is the humor effect about humor?
Authors: Carlson Kieth A.
Published: January 2011

Humorous material tends to be recalled at higher rates than non-humorous material however it is not clear why this occurs. The present study evaluated semantic elaboration, incongruity resolution, and perceived humor explanations of this memory phenomenon. Participants rated either inspirational or humorous properties of stimuli and recalled photographs, keywords and phrases. Results were most consistent with the perceived humor hypothesis. Participants' ratings of humor predicted recall performance even when semantic elaboration and incongruity resolution were controlled.
The use of humor in television advertising in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Fanny Fong Yee
Published: January 2011

The use of humor in advertising has been well researched in Western countries. However, the study of it in Chinese societies is still in its infancy. This study aims to investigate the utilization of humor in Hong Kong television advertising. A total of 356 television commercials shown between February and May 2004 were content analyzed. Using Kelly and Solomon's (Journal of Advertising 4: 31–35, 1975) classification of humor advertising, it was found that about 20 percent of the sample utilized humorous devices to some extent. A slight increase of utilization was recorded as compared to a similar study conducted a decade ago (Cheung et al., The use of humor in advertising: The case of Hong Kong, Business Research Center, School of Business, Hong Kong Baptist University, 1995). Results also indicate that commercials for durables tend to adopt humorous attempt less often. People expect that humor, as an attention getting means, is more likely to appear at the beginning of an advertisement. Nevertheless, the current study shows that advertisers/advertising practitioners tend to place humor throughout the commercial instead of just the first part of it.
What's the Best Organelle in the Cell—Using Debates to Cover Content in an Engaging Way
Authors: Hutchison Jessica
Published: January 2011

One of the best methods I have found for covering content in an engaging manner is to hold an informal debate. Having students argue why a particular organelle is the best one in the cell is an amusing activity that covers a lot of factual information about cell structure and function. In this activity, students are also allowed to “bash” other students' assigned organelles, as long as their arguments are factual and not personal. Since the debate takes place before any instruction, it forces students to work together to find information and formulate a persuasive argument.
De Novo Bone Formation After the Sinus Lift Procedure
Authors: Price Albert M. , Nunn Martha , Oppenheim Frank G. , Van Dyke Thomas E.
Published: January 2011

Background: The primary objective of this study is to use histomorphometric techniques to evaluate the concept that the new bone formed in the maxillary sinus lift procedure emanates from the endosteum of the sinus floor. In addition, the effect of the residual crest vertical dimension on the graft outcome and assessment of osteoclast numbers as an indirect measure of a connection between the crest and graft compartment are reported.

Methods: After grafting the maxillary sinus with irradiated allogenic bone, 37 intact, vertical bone cores with a 2.7 mm diameter were trephined at right angles to the alveolar crest. Quantitative measures were derived from a histomorphometric analysis of new bone and residual graft particles at contiguous zones along the long axis of the cores. Mean and median data were analyzed for associations with the distance from the sinus floor, dimensions of the residual crest, and other descriptive variables. A parallel series of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase‐stained sections were evaluated for osteoclast counts.

Results: Mean new bone formation ranged from 24.3% to 30.2%. A statistically significant gradient of graft‐particle area combined with this uniform distribution of new bone resulted in a false impression of less consolidation with the distance from the floor. There was no significant relationship between the distance from the sinus floor or dimension of the residual crest and the graft result. Mean osteoclast counts revealed a statistically significant difference (P <0.001) between the residual crest and the graft compartment with increased counts in the graft.

Conclusions: Histologically, the process of new bone formation resembled a combination of de novo appositional and intramembraneous ossification. The findings suggested a passive role for the graft material and implicated the ingrowth of vascular and perivascular tissues as the most logical source of osteogenic capacity.
Systemic Antimicrobials Adjunctive to a Repeated Mechanical and Antiseptic Therapy for Aggressive Periodontitis: A 6‐Month Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Varela Victor M. , Heller Débora , Silva‐Senem Mayra X. , Torres Maria Cynésia M. B. , Colombo Ana Paula V. , Feres‐Filho Eduardo J.
Published: January 2011

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare the additional benefit of systemic antimicrobials versus placebos to a repeated mechanical instrumentation combined with comprehensive local chemical plaque control for the periodontal treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).

Methods: This was a 6‐month randomized, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. All GAgP patients received full‐mouth disinfection followed by staged scaling and root planing without (placebo group; n = 17) or with (test group; n = 18) systemic antimicrobials (500 mg amoxicillin [AMX] + 250 mg metronidazole [MET]; three times a day for 10 days). Clinical parameters were measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months post‐therapy. Significant differences between groups at baseline were sought by using the Mann‐Whitney U test, whereas comparisons over time were examined by using a general linear model repeated measures procedure.

Results: Both groups demonstrated similar improvements in most parameters over time. The test group presented a greater mean probing depth (PD) reduction and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain at sites with initially moderate PD at 6 months (P <0.03). No differences were seen between groups regarding mean reductions and mean gains, respectively, for PD and CAL initially ≥7 mm. The test group presented a higher percentage of sites that improved ≥2 mm and ended up with PD ≤4 mm or a lower percentage of sites that worsened ≥2 mm and remained with PD >4 mm at 3 months (P <0.01). No differences were noticed between groups for these parameters at 6 months.

Conclusion: AMX + MET brought additional clinical effects to the repeated mechanical and antiseptic treatment of GAgP in a very short time (3 months), which tended to fade away over time (6 months).
The Use of Etoricoxib and Celecoxib for Pain Prevention After Periodontal Surgery: A Double‐Masked, Parallel‐Group, Placebo‐Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Steffens Joao Paulo , Santos Fábio André , Pilatti Gibson Luiz
Published: January 2011

Background: Postoperative pain is an adverse effect of periodontal surgeries and may therefore be prevented or minimized. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of two selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors, celecoxib and etoricoxib, on pain prevention after periodontal surgery.

Methods: For this double‐masked, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled, and randomized clinical trial, 56 open‐flap debridement surgeries were performed. The groups received three different protocols 1 hour before surgery: 1) 200 mg celecoxib (and another 200 mg 12 hours after the first dose); 2) 120 mg etoricoxib; or 3) placebo. Pain intensity and discomfort were assessed up to 2 days after surgery using the visual analog scale and the four‐point verbal rating scale, respectively. Patients were instructed to take 750 mg acetaminophen as a rescue medication if necessary.

Results: Pain intensity levels in the etoricoxib group were lower than in the placebo group at the 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, 5‐, 6‐, and 7‐hour periods after surgery (Kruskal‐Wallis test; P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between celecoxib and etoricoxib. Discomfort in the celecoxib group was significantly lower than in the placebo group only at the 3‐hour period (P = 0.03). Rescue medication intake was significantly less frequent in the etoricoxib group than in the placebo and celecoxib groups (analysis of variance; P = 0.009).

Conclusion: It was concluded that a single etoricoxib dose is not superior to two split doses of celecoxib when used for pain prevention after open‐flap debridement surgery.
Performance as a Component of HIV/AIDS Education: Process and Collaboration for Empowerment and Discussion
Authors: Boneh Galia , Jaganath Devan
Published: January 2011

The Process and Collaboration for Empowerment and Discussion (PACED) approach redefines the goals for employing the performing arts in HIV/AIDS education. Considering the complexity of the epidemic, art can appropriately address HIV/AIDS by placing a greater emphasis on the creative process, engaging people living with HIV/AIDS, and focusing on contextual barriers to prevention and care. This approach was implemented in Ghana in 2006 in the form of the Asetena Pa Concert Party project. An evaluation of the project after its completion showed that it promoted a sense of empowerment among people with HIV and community dialogue about the structural and cultural obstacles to HIV/AIDS prevention, supporting the use of PACED as a viable tool in comprehensive education regarding HIV/AIDS.
Evidence, Ethics, and Values: A Framework for Health Promotion
Authors: Carter Stacy M. , Rychetnik Lucie , Lloyd Beverley , Kerridge Ian H. , Baur Louise , Bauman Adrian , Hooker Claire , Zask Avigdor
Published: January 2011

We propose a new approach to guide health promotion practice. Health promotion should draw on 2 related systems of reasoning: an evidential system and an ethical system. Further, there are concepts, values, and procedures inherent in both health promotion evidence and ethics, and these should be made explicit. We illustrate our approach with the exemplar of intervention in weight, and use a specific mass-media campaign to show the real-world dangers of intervening with insufficient attention to ethics and evidence. Both researchers and health promotion practitioners should work to build the capacities required for evidential and ethical deliberation in the health promotion profession.
Benefits of Preventing a Death Associated With Child Maltreatment: Evidence From Willingness-to-Pay Survey Data
Authors: Corso Phaedra S. , Fang Xiangming , Mercy James A.
Published: January 2011

Although assessing the costs of an intervention to prevent child maltreatment is straightforward, placing a monetary value on benefits is challenging. Respondents participating in a statewide random-digit-dialed survey were asked how much they would be willing to pay to prevent a death caused by child maltreatment. Our results suggested that society may value preventing a death from child maltreatment at $15 million. If a child maltreatment intervention is effective enough to save even 1 life, then in many cases, its benefits will outweigh its costs.
Advancing Public Health Obesity Policy Through State Attorneys General
Authors: Pomeranz Jennifer L. , Brownell Kelly D.
Published: January 2011

Obesity in the United States exacts a heavy health and financial toll, requiring new approaches to address this public health crisis. State attorneys general have been underutilized in efforts to formulate and implement food and obesity policy solutions. Their authority lies at the intersection of law and public policy, creating unique opportunities unavailable to other officials and government entities.

Attorneys general have a broad range of authority over matters specifically relevant to obesity and nutrition policy, including parens patriae (parent of the country) authority, protecting consumer interests, enacting and supporting rules and regulations, working together across states, engaging in consumer education, and drafting opinions and amicus briefs.

Significant room exists for greater attorney general involvement in formulating and championing solutions to public health problems such as obesity.
Evaluation of Moisture Diffusion Coefficient of Cylindrical Bodies Considering Shrinkage During Natural Convection Drying
Authors: Rahman Najmur , Kumar Subodh
Published: January 2011

An analytical diffusion model which considers the influence of the external resistance to mass transfer, sample finite geometry and shrinkage is proposed to simulate drying kinetic curves of cylindrical bodies. The convective mass transfer coefficients, hm at air-solid interface obtained from natural convection drying experiments on potato cylinders of length 0.05m and diameter 0.01m at different air drying temperatures were used for the model evaluation. Using Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm for optimization, an empirical relation describing effective diffusion coefficient of potato as a function of air temperature and material moisture content is proposed for finite and infinite cylinders with and without considering shrinkage. The significance of material moisture content in the proposed diffusion coefficient relation is demonstrated through a comparison between the predicted and experimental moisture content ratios. The mean effective diffusion coefficient, Deff for finite shrinking cylindrical bodies is found to vary from 3.93 to 8.63 x 10-10 m2/s for the temperature range of 40 to 60°C. In addition, the assumption of infinite geometry instead of finite one in the model evaluation results in an overestimation of Deff. However, lower values of Deff are obtained when shrinkage effect is taken into account in the analysis, irrespective of the product size considered.
Optimization of Culture Conditions on Mycelial Grown in Submerged Culture of Cordyceps militaris
Authors: Cui Jian Dong , Yuan Li Qiang
Published: January 2011

Statistical experimental design strategy (SES) was employed to optimize the culture conditions for the mycelial growth of C. militaris by submerged culture. Using Plackett-Burman design (PBD), liquid volumes in flask and fermentation time were identified as the significant variables that would highly influence mycelial growth, and these variables were subsequently optimized using response surface method (RSM). The steepest ascent method was used to access the optimal region of the culture condition. The results showed that the optimum values of the tested variables were 47.3 mL of liquid volumes in flask and 7.6 days of fermentation time. Under optimized culture conditions, the mycelial production was enhanced from 10.33 to 19.97 g/L. In comparison with that of original culture conditions, 1.9-fold increase was obtained. The validation experiment showed that the experimentally determined production values were in close agreement with the statistically predicted ones.
The age of the brachiopod limestones from Guca, western Serbia
Authors: Radoicic Rajka , Radulovic Vladan , Rabrenovic Dragoman , Radulovic Barbara
Published: January 2011

The asymmetric rhynchonellide brachiopod Cyclothyris? globata (ARNAUD, 1877)
has a large distribution in the Coniacian, Santonian and Campanian outcrops
of the western Tethys. The species has also been identified in Guca, (Vardar
Zone, western Serbia), where it occurs together with the capillate
terebratuloid ?Terebratula? sp. (gen. et sp. nov.). In addition to Serbia,
this brachiopod association is found in many localities of northeastern
Bulgaria (Shumen Formation). In older literature, in Romania and Bulgaria,
?Terebratula? sp. (gen. et sp. nov.) was confused with the Late Maastrichtian
Terebratulina striata (WAHLENBERG, 1821). The present microfaunal study based
on planktonic foraminifera showed that the age of the beds with Cyclothyris?
globata and ?Terebratula? sp. (gen. et sp. nov.) in Guca may be dated as
Lowermost Campanian, i.e., the Santonian/Campanian boundary.
Synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM) of brachiopod shell interiors for taxonomy: Preliminary report
Authors: Motchurova-Dekova Neda , Harper David
Published: January 2011

Synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM) is a
non-destructive technique for the investigation and visualization of the
internal features of solid opaque objects, which allows reconstruction of a
complete three-dimensional image of internal structures by recording of the
differences in the effects on the passage of waves of energy reacting with
those structures. Contrary to X-rays, produced in a conventional X-ray tube,
the intense synchrotron light beams are sharply focused like a laser beam. We
report encouraging results from the use of SRXTM for purely taxonomic
purposes in brachiopods: an attempt to find a non-destructive and more
efficient alternative to serial sectioning and several other methods of
dissection together with the non-destructive method of X-ray computerised
micro-tomography. Two brachiopod samples were investigated using SRXTM. In
?Rhynchonella? flustracea it was possible to visualise the 3D shape of the
crura and dental plates. In Terebratulina imbricata it was possible to reveal
the form of the brachidium. It is encouraging that we have obtained such
promising results using SRXTM with our very first two fortuitous samples,
which had respectively fine-grained limestone and marl as infilling sediment,
in contrast to the discouraging results communicated to us by some colleagues
who have tested specimens with such infillings using X-ray micro-tomography.
In future the holotypes, rare museum specimens or delicate Recent material
may be preferentially subjected to this mode of analysis.
High Rate of Regression From Micro-Macroalbuminuria to Normoalbuminuria in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Treated or Not With Enalapril
Authors: Salardi Silvana , Balsamo Claudia , Zucchini Stefano , Maltoni Giulio , Scipione Mirella , Rollo Alessandra , Gualandi Stefano , Cicognani Alessandro
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the frequency of normalization, the persistence of remission, and the impact on normalization of glycemic control and lipid profile, we analyzed data from a retrospective observational cohort study of type 1 diabetic children and adolescents with abnormal urinary albumin excretion (UAE).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

All diabetic children and adolescents (n = 41) who had persistent abnormal UAE in the period of 1984 to 2008 and followed up until 2009 (follow-up duration = 13.1 ± 6.2 years) were included in the study. Nine patients progressed to macroalbuminuria; 24 patients were administered ACE inhibitor treatment.

RESULTS

The cumulative prevalence of abnormal UAE was 9%. During follow-up, 14 of 17 untreated and 19 of 24 treated patients reverted to normoalbuminuria. In the remission group compared with the nonremission group, A1C levels during follow-up decreased (7.5 ± 1.0 vs. 9.4 ± 1.2%, P < 0.0001) and serum HDL cholesterol increased (52.7 ± 11.3 vs. 42.7 ± 8.6 mg/dL, P < 0.05). The micro-macroalbuminuric patients had lower HDL cholesterol (51.0 ± 11.4 vs. 62.4 ± 13.6 mg/dL, P < 0.0001) than 134 normoalbuminuric diabetic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria were not permanent in most of our diabetic children and adolescents. If abnormal UAE values are high and persist for >1 year, only long-lasting treatment with ACE inhibitors seems able to induce persistent remission, especially when associated with good metabolic control and high HDL cholesterol levels.
Effect of Automated Bio-Behavioral Feedback on the Control of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Kovatchev Boris P. , Mendosa Pamela , Anderson Stacey , Hawley Jeffrey S. , Ritterband Lee M. , Gonder-Frederick Linda
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

To test the effect of an automated system providing real-time estimates of HbA1c, glucose variability, and risk for hypoglycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

For 1 year, 120 adults with type 1 diabetes (69 female/51 male, age = 39.1 [14.3] years, duration of diabetes 20.3 [12.9] years, HbA1c = 8.0 [1.5]), performed self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and received feedback at three increasingly complex levels, each continuing for 3 months: level 1—routine SMBG; level 2—adding estimated HbA1c, hypoglycemia risk, and glucose variability; and level 3—adding estimates of symptoms potentially related to hypoglycemia. The subjects were randomized to feedback sequences of either levels 1-2-3 or levels 2-3-1. HbA1c, symptomatic hypoglycemia, and blood glucose awareness were evaluated at baseline and at the end of each level.

RESULTS

For all subjects, HbA1c was reduced from 8.0 to 7.6 from baseline to the end of study (P = 0.001). This effect was confined to subjects with baseline HbA1c >8.0 (from 9.3 to 8.5, P < 0.001). Incidence of symptomatic moderate/severe hypoglycemia was reduced from 5.72 to 3.74 episodes/person/month (P = 0.019), more prominently for subjects with a history of severe hypoglycemia (from 7.20 to 4.00 episodes, P = 0.008) and for those who were hypoglycemia unaware (from 6.44 to 3.71 episodes, P = 0.045). The subjects’ ratings of the feedback were positive, with up to 89% approval of the provided features.

CONCLUSIONS

Feedback of SMBG data and summary SMBG-based measures resulted in improvement in average glycemic control and reduction in moderate/severe hypoglycemia. These effects were most prominent in subjects who were at highest risk at the baseline.
Cerebral Perfusion and Aortic Stiffness Are Independent Predictors of White Matter Brain Atrophy in Type 1 Diabetic Patients Assessed With Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: van Elderen Saskia G.C. , Brandts Anne , van der Grond Jeroen , Westenberg Jos J.M. , Kroft Lucia J.M. , van Buchem Mark A. , Smit Johannes W.A. , de Roos Albert
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

To identify vascular mechanisms of brain atrophy in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients by investigating the relationship between brain volumes and cerebral perfusion and aortic stiffness using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Approval from the local institutional review board was obtained, and patients gave informed consent. Fifty-one type 1 DM patients (30 men; mean age 44 ± 11 years; mean DM duration 23 ± 12 years) and 34 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were prospectively enrolled. Exclusion criteria comprised hypertension, stroke, aortic disease, and standard MRI contraindications. White matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) brain volumes, total cerebral blood flow (tCBF), total brain perfusion, and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed using MRI. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used for statistics, with covariates age, sex, mean arterial pressure, BMI, smoking, heart rate, DM duration, and HbA1c.

RESULTS

Both WM and GM brain volumes were decreased in type 1 DM patients compared with control subjects (WM P = 0.04; respective GM P = 0.03). Total brain perfusion was increased in type 1 DM compared with control subjects (β = −0.219, P < 0.05). Total CBF and aortic PWV predicted WM brain volume (β = 0.352, P = 0.024 for tCBF; respective β = −0.458, P = 0.016 for aortic PWV) in type 1 DM. Age was the independent predictor of GM brain volume (β = −0.695, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Type 1 DM patients without hypertension showed WM and GM volume loss compared with control subjects concomitant with a relative increased brain perfusion. Total CBF and stiffness of the aorta independently predicted WM brain atrophy in type 1 DM. Only age predicted GM brain atrophy.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Treatment Prevents Glucocorticoid-Induced Glucose Intolerance and Islet-Cell Dysfunction in Humans
Authors: van Raalte Daniël H. , van Genugten Renate E. , Linssen Margot M.L. , Ouwens D. Margriet , Diamant Michaela
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are regarded as diabetogenic because they impair insulin sensitivity and islet-cell function. This study assessed whether treatment with the glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) exenatide (EXE) could prevent GC-induced glucose intolerance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study in eight healthy men (age: 23.5 [20.0–28.3] years; BMI: 26.4 [24.3–28.0] kg/m2) was conducted. Participants received three therapeutic regimens for 2 consecutive days: 1) 80 mg of oral prednisolone (PRED) every day (q.d.) and intravenous (IV) EXE infusion (PRED+EXE); 2) 80 mg of oral PRED q.d. and IV saline infusion (PRED+SAL); and 3) oral placebo-PRED q.d. and intravenous saline infusion (PLB+SAL). On day 1, glucose tolerance was assessed during a meal challenge test. On day 2, participants underwent a clamp procedure to measure insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity.

RESULTS

PRED+SAL treatment increased postprandial glucose levels (vs. PLB+SAL, P = 0.012), which was prevented by concomitant EXE (vs. PLB+SAL, P = NS). EXE reduced PRED-induced hyperglucagonemia during the meal challenge (P = 0.018) and decreased gastric emptying (vs. PRED+SAL, P = 0.028; vs. PLB+SAL, P = 0.046). PRED+SAL decreased first-phase glucose- and arginine-stimulated C-peptide secretion (vs. PLB+SAL, P = 0.017 and P = 0.05, respectively), whereas PRED+EXE improved first- and second-phase glucose- and arginine-stimulated C-peptide secretion (vs. PLB+SAL; P = 0.017, 0.012, and 0.093, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The GLP-1 RA EXE prevented PRED-induced glucose intolerance and islet-cell dysfunction in healthy humans. Incretin-based therapies should be explored as a potential strategy to prevent steroid diabetes.
Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery During Pregnancy Complicated by Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Murphy Helen R. , Elleri Daniela , Allen Janet M. , Harris Julie , Simmons David , Rayman Gerry , Temple Rosemary , Dunger David B. , Haidar Ahmad , Nodale Marianna , Wilinska Malgorzata E. , Hovorka Roman
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated closed-loop insulin delivery with a model predictive control (MPC) algorithm during early (12–16 weeks) and late gestation (28–32 weeks) in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Ten women with type 1 diabetes (age 31 years, diabetes duration 19 years, BMI 24.1 kg/m2, booking A1C 6.9%) were studied over 24 h during early (14.8 weeks) and late pregnancy (28.0 weeks). A nurse adjusted the basal insulin infusion rate from continuous glucose measurements (CGM), fed into the MPC algorithm every 15 min. Mean glucose and time spent in target (63–140 mg/dL), hyperglycemic (>140 to ≥180 mg/dL), and hypoglycemic (<63 to ≤50 mg/dL) were calculated using plasma and sensor glucose measurements. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare glucose control during early and late gestation.

RESULTS

During closed-loop insulin delivery, median (interquartile range) plasma glucose levels were 117 (100.8–154.8) mg/dL in early and 126 (109.8–140.4) mg/dL in late gestation (P = 0.72). The overnight mean (interquartile range) plasma glucose time in target was 84% (50–100%) in early and 100% (94–100%) in late pregnancy (P = 0.09). Overnight mean (interquartile range) time spent hyperglycemic (>140 mg/dL) was 7% (0–40%) in early and 0% (0–6%) in late pregnancy (P = 0.25) and hypoglycemic (<63 mg/dL) was 0% (0–3%) and 0% (0–0%), respectively (P = 0.18). Postprandial glucose control, glucose variability, insulin infusion rates, and CGM sensor accuracy were no different in early or late pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

MPC algorithm performance was maintained throughout pregnancy, suggesting that overnight closed-loop insulin delivery could be used safely during pregnancy. More work is needed to achieve optimal postprandial glucose control.