bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reshaping the global agricultural landscape: perspectives from Brazil
Authors: Zylbersztajn Decio
Published: November 2010

This article highlights the main changes observed in Brazilian agriculture and analyzes the connections of the observed changes in global agriculture. My approach to the analysis focuses the main drivers of changes, where institutions play a central role. Three driving forces are are considered: first, the effects of global demand for food, fiber, and energy; second, the sustainability debate; and third, the bio‐energy paradigm. Each driver presents both local as well as global effects. The article does not emphasize the impact changes in Brazil had on the global agricultural landscape but argues that the impacts run from local and global changes, which cannot be discussed separately.
Modeling complex systems
Authors: Xepapadeas Anastasios
Published: November 2010

Empirical observations suggest that linear dynamics are not an adequate representation of ecological systems and that a realistic representation would require adoption of complex nonlinear dynamical systems with characteristics encountered in complex adaptive systems (CAS). Adequate modeling should include and combine elements, such as strategic interactions among economic agents, nonconvexities induced by nonlinear feedbacks, separate spatial and temporal scales and modeling of spatiotemporal dynamics, and allowance of alternative time scales. Ignoring these characteristics might obscure very important features that we observe in reality, such as bifurcations and irreversibilities or hysteresis. As a consequence, the design of policies that do not take CAS characteristics into account might lead to erroneous results and undesirable states of managed economic–ecological systems.
The mouse Muc5b mucin gene is transcriptionally regulated by thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) and GATA‐6 transcription factors
Authors: Jonckheere Nicolas , Velghe Amélie , Ducourouble Marie‐Paule , Copin Marie‐Christine , Renes Ingrid B. , Van Seuningen Isabelle
Published: November 2010

MUC5B is one of the major mucin genes expressed in the respiratory tract. Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that MUC5B is expressed in human lung adenocarcinomas and during lung morphogenesis. Moreover, in human lung adenocarcinoma tissues, a converse correlation between MUC5B and thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) expression, a lung‐specific transcription factor, has been established. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern the regulation of MUC5B expression in the lung are largely unknown. In order to better understand the biological role of MUC5B in lung pathophysiology, we report the characterization of the promoter region of the mouse Muc5b mucin gene. The promoter is flanked by a TATA box (TACATAA) identical to that in the human gene. Human and murine promoters share 67.5% similarity over the first 170 nucleotides. By RT‐PCR, co‐transfection studies and gel‐shift assays, we show that Muc5b promoter activity is completely inhibited by TTF‐1, whereas factors of the GATA family (GATA‐4/GATA‐5/GATA‐6) are activators. Together, these results demonstrate, for the first time, that Muc5b is a target gene of transcription factors (TTF‐1, GATA‐6) involved in lung differentiation programs during development and carcinogenesis, and identify TTF‐1 as a strong repressor of Muc5b. The characterization of the structural and functional features of the Muc5b mucin gene will provide us with a strong base to develop studies in murine models aimed at the identification of its biological role in lung pathophysiology.
Bone and muscle loss after spinal cord injury: organ interactions
Authors: Qin Weiping , Bauman William A. , Cardozo Christopher
Published: November 2010

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in paralysis and marked loss of skeletal muscle and bone below the level of injury. Modest muscle activity prevents atrophy, whereas much larger—and as yet poorly defined—bone loading seems necessary to prevent bone loss. Once established, bone loss may be irreversible. SCI is associated with reductions in growth hormone, IGF‐1, and testosterone, deficiencies likely to exacerbate further loss of muscle and bone. Reduced muscle mass and inactivity are assumed to be contributors to the high prevalence of insulin resistance and diabetes in this population. Alterations in muscle gene expression after SCI share common features with other muscle loss states, but even so, show distinct profiles, possibly reflecting influences of neuromuscular activity due to spasticity. Changes in bone cells and markers after SCI have similarities with other conditions of unloading, although after SCI these changes are much more dramatic, perhaps reflecting the much greater magnitude of unloading. Adiposity and marrow fat are increased after SCI with intriguing, though poorly understood, implications for the function of skeletal muscle and bone cells.
Mechanical loading, cartilage degradation, and arthritis
Authors: Sun Hui B.
Published: November 2010

Joint tissues are exquisitely sensitive to their mechanical environment, and mechanical loading may be the most important external factor regulating the development and long‐term maintenance of joint tissues. Moderate mechanical loading maintains the integrity of articular cartilage; however, both disuse and overuse can result in cartilage degradation. The irreversible destruction of cartilage is the hallmark of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In these instances of cartilage breakdown, inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐1 beta and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha stimulate the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and aggrecanases (ADAMTSs), enzymes that can degrade components of the cartilage extracellular matrix. In order to prevent cartilage destruction, tremendous effort has been expended to design inhibitors of MMP/ADAMTS activity and/or synthesis. To date, however, no effective clinical inhibitors exist. Accumulating evidence suggests that physiologic joint loading helps maintain cartilage integrity; however, the mechanisms by which these mechanical stimuli regulate joint homeostasis are still being elucidated. Identifying mechanosensitive chondroprotective pathways may reveal novel targets or therapeutic strategies in preventing cartilage destruction in joint disease.
Integrative physiology of the aging bone: insights from animal and cellular models
Authors: Syed Farhan A. , Hoey Kelley A.
Published: November 2010

Age‐related bone loss is a common worldwide phenomenon in the aging population, placing them at an increased risk of fractures. Fortunately, basic and translational studies have been pivotal in providing us with a mechanistic understanding of the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of this condition. This review focuses on the current concepts and paradigms of age‐related bone loss and how various animal and cellular models have broadened our understanding in this fascinating but complex area. Changes in hormonal, neuronal, and biochemical cues with age and their effect on bone have been discussed. This review also outlines recent studies on the relationship between bone and fat in the marrow, as well as the fate of the marrow mesenchymal stromal cell population, which can give rise to either bone‐forming osteoblasts or fat‐forming adipocytic cells as a function of age.
Importance of serine727 phosphorylated STAT1 in IFNγ‐induced signaling and apoptosis of human salivary gland cells
Authors: TSUBOI Hiroto , WAKAMATSU Ei , IIZUKA Mana , NAKAMURA Yumi , SUGIHARA Makoto , SUZUKI Takeshi , OGISHIMA Hiroshi , HAYASHI Taichi , GOTO Daisuke , ITO Satoshi , MATSUMOTO Isao , SUMIDA Takayuki
Published: November 2010

Aim:  It is reported that in salivary glands of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), interferon gamma (IFNγ) and IFNγ‐inducible genes containing signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1) are upregulated and play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of SS. The aim of this study is to clarify which phosphorylation of STAT1, serine727 (Ser727) or tyrosine701 (Tyr701) of STAT1, is important for IFNγ signaling and IFNγ‐induced apoptosis in salivary gland cells.

Methods:  We established STAT1 Tyr701 variant (tyrosine to phenylalanine; Y701F) and STAT1 Ser727 variant (serine to alanine; S727A), which were transfected into human salivary gland (HSG) cells. HSG cells transfected with these mutant‐STAT1 were analyzed on the expression of IFNγ‐inducible genes and apoptosis after stimulation with IFNγ.

Results:  In Y701F mutant‐STAT1 transfected HSG cells (Ser727‐dominant HSG cells), IFNγ‐inducible genes such as IP10, IRF1, and Fas expression were increased after stimulation with IFNγ. In Ser727‐dominant HSG cells, the induction of apoptosis after stimulation with IFNγ was also increased compared with S727A mutant‐STAT1 transfected HSG cells (Tyr701‐dominant HSG cells).

Conclusion:  Phosphorylation of Ser727 in STAT1 might be more important in IFNγ signaling and the induction of apoptosis in HSG cells than phosphorylation of Tyr701. Accordingly, we propose that phosphorylation of Ser727 in STAT1 could be a potentially suitable new therapeutic target for SS patients to prevent the destruction of salivary glands.
Tumor Vaccination Success
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: November 2010

Tumor connective-tissue cells of mesenchymal origin suppress antitumor immune responses.
Identification and Characterization of Persistent Intracellular Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor Activity
Authors: Koh Yasuhiro , Haim Hillel , Engelman Alan
Published: November 2010

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations significantly impact infectious disease treatment options. One aspect of pharmacodynamics is the postantibiotic effect, classically defined as delayed bacterial growth after antibiotic removal. The same principle can apply to antiviral drugs. For example, significant delays in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication can be observed after nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (N/NtRTI) removal from culture medium, because these prodrugs must be anabolized into active, phosphorylated forms once internalized into cells. A relatively new class of anti-HIV-1 drugs is the integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), and the INSTIs raltegravir (RAL) and elvitegravir (EVG) were tested here alongside positive N/NtRTI controls tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and azidothymidine (AZT), as well as the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor negative control nevirapine (NVP), to assess potential postantiviral effects. Transformed and primary CD4-positive cells pretreated with INSTIs significantly resisted subsequent challenge by HIV-1, revealing the following hierarchy of persistent intracellular drug strength: TDF > EVG ∼ AZT > RAL > NVP. A modified time-of-addition assay was moreover developed to assess residual drug activity levels. Approximately 0.8% of RAL and 2% of initial EVG and TDF 1-h pulse drug levels persisted during the acute phase of HIV-1 infection. EVG furthermore displayed significant virucidal activity. Although there is no reason to suspect obligate intracellular modification, this study nevertheless defines significant intracellular persistence of prototype INSTIs. Ongoing second-generation formulations should therefore consider the potential for significant postantiviral effects among this drug class. Combined intracellular persistence and virucidal activities suggest potential pre-exposure prophylaxis applications for EVG.
Can antibiotic use be both just and sustainable… or only more or less so?
Authors: Millar Michael
Published: November 2010

Antibiotic resistance threatens the capacity to treat life-threatening infections. If it is accepted that it will be many years (if not decades) until the production of new antibiotics overcomes current concerns with antibiotic resistance then ways to conserve the effectiveness of current antibiotics will have to be found. For many bacterial agents of infection levels of antibiotic resistance are directly dependent on the quantity of antibiotic prescribed. Antibiotics are currently underutilised in many parts of the world. If a just distribution of access to antibiotics requires equal access for individuals with equal need irrespective of wealth then responding to this requirement of justice has the potential to shorten the effective life of currently available antibiotics. Increasing the range and numbers of individuals treated with antibiotics would seem to threaten sustainability and also potentially undermine the access of future generations to cost-effective treatments for bacterial infection. The control of antibiotic resistance requires that the determinants of infectious disease transmission are addressed, such as poor housing, education and nutrition as well as the provision of antibiotics. The apparent tension between intragenerational justice and sustainability diminishes when the account of distributive justice extends beyond access to antibiotics and includes plural entitlements. Controlling antibiotic resistance requires more than the redistribution or reduction (in the overall use) of antibiotics.
SIMULATION OF Z BOSON pT SPECTRUM AT TEVATRON BY LEADING-ORDER EVENT GENERATORS
Authors: ODAKA SHIGERU
Published: November 2010

We show that the transverse momentum (pT) spectrum of Z boson production measured at Fermilab Tevatron can be well reproduced by leading-order event generators if Z + 1 jet processes are included with a proper solution for the double-count problem and if the parton shower (PS) branch kinematics are defined appropriately. The choice of the PS evolution variable does not definitely determine the low-pT behavior. Our new event generator employing the limited leading-log (LLL) subtraction and a built-in leading-log PS reproduces the spectrum very well, not only in large pT regions but also at low pT down to pT = 0.
THE IMPACT OF LO, NLO AND NNLO FOR THE HIGGS SEARCHING AT $\sqrt{s} = 7$ TeV OF LHC
Authors: WANG JIAN , CHEN GUOMING , WU WEIMIN
Published: November 2010

Most of current Monte Carlo studies on the Higgs searching are based on LO, or NLO calculation. However, in recent years, the next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) corrections have been computed for some physics process, and found that the cross section increases the kinematics changes. As the results, the analysis results could be impacted by these high order QCD corrections. We use standard Monte Carlo generator for LO, as well as MC@NLO for NLO and ResBos for NNLO at 7 TeV of LHC to evaluate this impact for physics channel of the Higgs, mass at 165 GeV, to WW, then W decay to lepton and neutrino as the final states. We found the signal rate could be effected by ratio of 1:2.6:3.4 for LO, NLO and NNLO using the same standard H→WW→lνlν searching analysis process.6
PHANTOM "RENORMALIZATION" OF MASS OF A QUANTIZED ELECTRIC CHARGE
Authors: DZHUNUSHALIEV VLADIMIR , KULNAZAROV ILIAS , MYRZAKULOV RATBAY
Published: November 2010

A regular wormhole solution in gravity coupled with a phantom scalar and electromagnetic fields is found. The solution exists for a special choice of the parameter f of the potential term. The mass m of a wormhole filled with a phantom and electrostatic fields is calculated. It is shown that close to some point f0, a small value of the mass m is the remainder of two large masses of the phantom and electrostatic fields. The connection with the renormalization procedure in quantum filed theory is considered. The connection between Wheeler's idea "mass without mass" and renormalization procedure in quantum field theory is discussed.
SILICON THIN FILMS PREPARED BY PECVD USING VHF POWER IN A CIRCULAR-PARALLEL-PLATE PLASMA REACTOR
Authors: WEN SHUTANG , MIAO YU , WANG YUNHUI , ZHANG LIWEI , LU JINGXIAO , FENG XIAOLI , GUO XUEJUN , SHEN CHENHAI , XU YANHUA , LI BAOSHUN
Published: November 2010

The deposition rate of μc-Si films was investigated for four excitation frequencies 30, 40, 60, 70 and 80 MHz with other deposition parameters fixed. Deposition rate increases with the increasing of excitation frequency, while Raman crystallinity behaves more complicated. With the optimization of deposition parameters, p-i-n solar cells at an initial efficiency of 5.41% were fabricated. With the increasing of plasma excitation frequency, the non-uniformity of these thin films increases. To better understand the cause of the non-uniformity of these films, a numerical simulation was carried out. The numerical results generally followed the experimental data. It turned out that the standing waves and the evanescent wave guide modes on the electrode surface played an important role. In order to achieve highly uniform thin films, a triode-electrode was employed together with a pulsed power source. We found that with a proper choice of pulse frequency and DC voltage applied to the mesh, non-uniformity is less than 8% for films deposited on 10×10 cm 2 substrates. Simulations were also applied to analyze the results.
INTERFEROMETER RESPONSE TO SCALAR GRAVITATIONAL WAVES
Authors: CORDA C. , ALI S. A. , CAFARO C.
Published: November 2010

It was recently suggested that the magnetic component of gravitational waves (GWs) is relevant in the evaluation of frequency response functions of gravitational interferometers. In this paper we extend the analysis to the magnetic component of the scalar mode of GWs which arises from scalar–tensor gravity theory. In the low frequency approximation, the response function of ground-based interferometers is calculated. The angular dependence of the electric and magnetic contributions on the response function is discussed. Finally, for an arbitrary frequency range, the proper distance between two test masses is calculated and its usefulness in the high frequency limit for space-based interferometers is briefly considered.
Ubiquity symposium 'What is computation?'
Authors: Denning Peter J.
Published: November 2010

Most people understand a computation as a process evoked when a computational agent acts on its inputs under the control of an algorithm. The classical Turing machine model has long served as the fundamental reference model because an appropriate Turing machine can simulate every other computational model known. The Turing model is a good abstraction for most digital computers because the number of steps to execute a Turing machine algorithm is predictive of the running time of the computation on a digital computer. However, the Turing model is not as well matched for the natural, interactive, and continuous information processes frequently encountered today. Other models whose structures more closely match the information processes involved give better predictions of running time and space. Models based on transforming representations may be useful.
On building special-purpose social networks for emergency communication
Authors: Allman Mark
Published: November 2010

In this paper we propose a system that will allow people to communicate their status with friends and family when they find themselves caught up in a large disaster (e.g., sending "I'm fine" in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake). Since communication between a disaster zone and the non-affected world is often highly constrained we design the system around lightweight triggers such that people can communicate status with only crude infrastructure (or even sneaker-nets). In this paper we provide the high level system design, discuss the security aspects of the system and study the overall feasibility of a purpose-built social networking system for communication during an emergency.
In silico QTL mapping of basal liver iron levels in inbred mouse strains
Authors: McLachlan Stela , Lee Seung-Min , Steele Teresa M. , Hawthorne Paula L. , Zapala Matthew A. , Eskin Eleazar , Schork Nicholas J. , Anderson Gregory J. , Vulpe Chris D.
Published: November 2010

Both iron deficiency and iron excess are detrimental in many organisms, and previous studies in both mice and humans suggest that genetic variation may influence iron status in mammals. However, these genetic factors are not well defined. To address this issue, we measured basal liver iron levels in 18 inbred strains of mice of both sexes on a defined iron diet and found ∼4-fold variation in liver iron in males (lowest 153 μg/g, highest 661 μg/g) and ∼3-fold variation in females (lowest 222 μg/g, highest 658 μg/g). We carried out a genome-wide association mapping to identify haplotypes underlying differences in liver iron and three other related traits (copper and zinc liver levels, and plasma diferric transferrin levels) in a subset of 14 inbred strains for which genotype information was available. We identified two putative quantitative trait loci (QTL) that contain genes with a known role in iron metabolism: Eif2ak1 and Igf2r. We also identified four putative QTL that reside in previously identified iron-related QTL and 22 novel putative QTL. The most promising putative QTL include a 0.22 Mb region on Chromosome 7 and a 0.32 Mb region on Chromosome 11 that both contain only one candidate gene, Adam12 and Gria1, respectively. Identified putative QTL are good candidates for further refinement and subsequent functional studies.
Long Exposure of Environmental Tobacco Smoke Associated with Activating EGFR Mutations in Never-Smokers with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kawaguchi Tomoya , Ando Masahiko , Kubo Akihito , Takada Minoru , Atagi Shinji , Okishio Kyoichi , Asami Kazuhiro , Matsumura Akihide , Tsujino Kazuyuki , Ignatius Ou Sai-Hong , Sasaki Hidefumi
Published: November 2010

Purpose: To examine an association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in never-smokers with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Experimental Design: A total of 126 never-smokers with NSCLC were prospectively included in this study. Detailed ETS information was obtained through a standardized questionnaire including exposure period, place, and duration. Cumulative dose of ETS (CETS) was evaluated as a sum of the number of the exposure years at home and/or workplace. EGFR and K-ras mutations were determined using real-time PCR amplification.

Results: A total of 124 patients (98.4%) had ETS exposure with median CETS of 50 years (range: 0–118). Activating EGFR mutations were detected in 62.7% of the 126 patients and K-ras in 2 of 114 patients. The incidence of activating EGFR mutations was significantly higher in females than in males (67.6% vs. 26.7%; P = 0.002), and increased in quintile groups separated on the basis of CETS (shortest group = 44.0%, longest = 84.6%; P = 0.0033). In the multivariate logistic regression model, including gender, CETS, age, and family history of cancer, both gender and CETS were significantly associated with an incidence of activating EGFR mutations; the odds ratio for the EGFR mutations were 5.13 [95% confidence interval, CI = 1.47–18.0; P = 0.0105] for females and 1.02 (95% CI = 1.00–1.04; P = 0.0193) for each 1-year increment in CETS.

Conclusions: Females and increased ETS exposure are closely associated with EGFR mutations in never-smokers with NSCLC. Clin Cancer Res; 17(1); 39–45. ©2010 AACR.
Efficacy, Safety and Dose-Response of Pramipexole in Japanese Patients with Primary Restless Legs Syndrome: Randomized Trial
Authors: Inoue Yuichi , Kuroda Kenji , Hirata Koichi , Uchimura Naohisa , Kagimura Tatsuo , Shimizu Tetsuo
Published: November 2010

Aims: To assess the safety and efficacy of pramipexole in Japanese patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) and to investigate factors predictive of early treatment response. Methods: Patients with primary RLS and the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group rating scale (IRLS) total score of >15 were randomized to receive pramipexole 0.25, 0.5 or 0.75 mg/day for 6 weeks. Results: A total of 154 patients were recruited. Following treatment, the mean adjusted change in IRLS score in the 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mg/day groups was –12.3, –12.5 and –11.8, respectively. The proportion of IRLS responders at week 2, when all patients were receiving pramipexole at a dose of 0.25 mg/day, was 34.0–37.7%. At 6 weeks, when the patients were on 0.25, 0.5 or 0.75 mg/day, IRLS responders defined as those having a ≧50% reduction in IRLS score accounted for 60.4, 58.5 and 49.1%, respectively. Older age above the median value (≧55 years) and low IRLS score at baseline (<21.5 points) were significantly associated with early response to low-dose pramipexole therapy. The type and frequency of adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile for dopamine agonists in RLS. Conclusions: Pramipexole at 0.25–0.75 mg/day is efficacious, safe and well tolerated in Japanese patients with primary RLS.
Cardiac Baroreflex Sensitivity Is Not Correlated to Sympathetic Baroreflex Sensitivity Within Healthy, Young Humans
Authors: Dutoit Andrea P. , Hart Emma C. , Charkoudian Nisha , Wallin B. Gunnar , Curry Timothy B. , Joyner Michael J.
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the cardiac and sympathetic baroreflex sensitivities within healthy, young humans. The sensitivities of the cardiac and sympathetic baroreflexes were compared in 53 normotensive individuals (28 men and 25 women; age: 24.0±0.9 years; body mass index: 24.0±0.3 cm/kg
2
, mean±SEM). Heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and peroneal muscle sympathetic nerve activity were recorded under resting conditions (heart rate: 58±1 bpm; systolic blood pressure: 126±2 mm Hg; diastolic blood pressure: 72±1 mm Hg; mean arterial blood pressure: 89±1 mm Hg; muscle sympathetic nerve activity: 18±1 bursts per min) and during rapid changes in blood pressure induced by sequential boluses of nitroprusside and phenylephrine. Cardiac and sympathetic baroreflex sensitivities were analyzed using the slopes of the linear portions of the muscle sympathetic nerve activity-diastolic blood pressure and R-R interval-systolic blood pressure relationships, respectively. When individual cardiac baroreflex sensitivity was compared with sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity, no correlation (R-R interval:
r
=−0.13; heart rate:
r
=0.21) was observed when studied as a group. Analysis by sex unveiled a correlation in women between the cardiac and sympathetic baroreflex sensitivities (R-R interval:
r
=−0.54;
P
=0.01; no correlation with hazard ratio:
r
=0.29). No relationship was found in men (R-R interval:
r
=0.17; heart rate:
r
=0.12). These results indicate that, although both cardiac and sympathetic efferents function in baroreflex control of arterial pressure, there is no correlation in their sensitivities within healthy normotensive humans. However, sex-stratified data indicate that sex-based differential correlations might exist.
Renal Dysfunction Does Not Affect the Peripheral-to-Central Arterial Pressure Transfer Function
Authors: Payne Rupert A. , Lilitkarntakul Pajaree , Dhaun Neeraj , Melville Vanessa , Asai Takae , Goddard Jane , Webb David J.
Published: November 2010

Arterial generalized transfer functions (GTFs) are increasingly used to estimate central pressure from peripheral measurements. Analysis of derived central waveforms may be valuable in the assessment of patients with chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study was to assess whether the GTF is affected by renal disease. Ninety-four subjects with varying degrees of renal function (Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative stages 1 to 5; 14 controls) had simultaneous measurements of carotid and radial waveforms made by applanation tonometry. GTFs were calculated by Fourier analysis for each subject group. Derived carotid waveforms were obtained by applying an independently generated GTF to the radial waveform. Glomerular filtration rate inversely correlated with central systolic (
R
=−0.42;
P
<0.001), mean (
R
=−0.34;
P
<0.01) and diastolic (
R
=−-0.27,
P
<0.01) blood pressures, as well as central augmentation index (
R
=−0.30;
P
<0.01) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (
R
=−0.33;
P
<0.001). Derived waveforms were not significantly different from measured waveforms in terms of systolic blood pressure, augmentation index, maximum slope, or the delay between the incident and reflected waves, although the derived waveforms slightly underestimated the systolic ejection period (−4.4±0.9 ms;
P
<0.001). Overall root-mean-square error was 2.4±0.1 mm Hg. No significant relationship existed between the degree of bias of any derived waveform measure and glomerular filtration rate or chronic kidney disease stage (
P
>0.16). No significant differences between chronic kidney disease stages were observed in transfer function gain or phase (
P
>0.05). We conclude that the peripheral-to-central GTF is not affected by degree of renal dysfunction and can be used with equivalence in patients with varying degrees of chronic kidney disease.
How many antiviral small interfering RNAs may be encoded by the mammalian genomes?
Authors: Zabolotneva Anastasia , Tkachev Victor , Filatov Felix , Buzdin Anton
Published: November 2010

Background

The discovery of RNA interference phenomenon (RNAi) and understanding of its mechanisms has revolutionized our views on many molecular processes in the living cell. Among the other, RNAi is involved in silencing of transposable elements and in inhibition of virus infection in various eukaryotic organisms. Recent experimental studies demonstrate few cases of viral replication suppression via complementary interactions between the mammalian small RNAs and viral transcripts.

Presentation of the hypothesis

It was found that >50% of the human genome is transcribed in different cell types and that these transcripts are mainly not associated with known protein coding genes, but represent non-coding RNAs of unknown functions. We propose a hypothesis that mammalian DNAs encode thousands RNA motifs that may serve for antiviral protection. We also presume that the evolutional success of some groups of genomic repeats and, in particular, of transposable elements (TEs) may be due to their ability to provide antiviral RNA motifs to the host organism. Intense genomic repeat propagation into the genome would inevitably cause bidirectional transcription of these sequences, and the resulting double-stranded RNAs may be recognized and processed by the RNA interference enzymatic machinery. Provided that these processed target motifs may be complementary to viral transcripts, fixation of the repeats into the host genome may be of a considerable benefit to the host. It fits with our bioinformatical data revealing thousands of 21-28 bp long motifs identical between human DNA and human-pathogenic adenoviral and herpesviral genomes. Many of these motifs are transcribed in human cells, and the transcribed part grows proportionally to their lengths. Many such motifs are included in human TEs. For example, one 23 nt-long motif that is a part of human abundant Alu retrotransposon, shares sequence identity with eight human adenoviral genomes.

Testing the hypothesis

This hypothesis could be tested on various mammalian species and viruses infecting mammalian cells.

Implications of the hypothesis

This hypothesis proposes that mammalian organisms may use their own genomes as sources of thousands of putative interfering RNA motifs that can be recruited to repress intracellular pathogens like proliferating viruses.

Reviewers

This article was reviewed by Eugene V. Koonin, Valerian V. Dolja and Yuri V. Shpakovski.
Virological outcomes in ARV‐naïve patients switching or not from a first successful boosted PI‐regimen to efavirenz, nevirapine or abacavir regimens
Authors: Bommenel T , Meynard JL , Launay O , Simon A , Mahamat A , Martinez V , Gilquin J , Katlama C , Lascaux AS , Pradier C , Rouveix E , Costagliola D , Abgrall S
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Growing old with HIV — dealing with co‐morbidities
Authors: Powderly W
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Mitochondrial ageing and antiretroviral therapy exposure
Authors: Payne BAI , Hateley CA , Samuels DC , Wilson IJ , Santibanez‐Koref M , Price DA , Chinnery PF
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Long‐term probability of detecting drug‐resistant HIV in patients starting antiretroviral therapy within the first year of HIV infection
Authors: Lodi S , Kücherer C , Kran AM Bakken , Masquelier B , Monforte A d'Arminio , Gill J , Dunn D , Pillay D , Porter K
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Health‐related quality of life and fatigue in HIV‐1 infected patients diagnosed during primary versus chronic infection
Authors: Steingrover R , Nievaard MAF , Lange JMA , Nieuwkerk PT , Prins JM
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency: cross‐sectional study of a hospital cohort of HIV‐1 infected outpatients
Authors: Cervero M , Alcázar V , García‐La Calle C , Sanz R , Agud JL
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Tenofovir use is associated with low vitamin D levels in a Spanish HIV cohort
Authors: Cervero M , García Lacalle C , Agud JL , Perea R Torres , García‐Benaya E , Jusdado J , Pons C Pérez , del Álamo M
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Behaviour and attitudes in HIV (BEAHIV): a national survey study to examine the level of agreement between physicians and patients in symptom reporting
Authors: Rachlis A , Gill J , Harris M , Macleod J , Worthington C , Brunetta J , Tsang A , Hew H , Leith J , Camacho F , Turner D , Fraser C
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Efficacy and safety of TDF/FTC‐containing, first‐line HAART in clinical practice: 3‐year data from the German outpatient cohort
Authors: van Lunzen J , Fätkenheuer G , Lutz T , Klauke S , Mauss S , Knechten H , Braun P , Gallo L , Goldbach J
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Naïve patients receiving TDF/FTC‐EFV as 2 pills are more likely to modify regimen components than patients receiving a TDF/FTC/EFV single pill
Authors: Perez‐Valero I , Martin N , Valiente B San Jose , Bernardino‐Serna JI , Mora M , Gaya F , Gonzalez J , Zamora FX , Pena JM , Arribas JR
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Effect of lipemia and bilirubinemia on HIV‐1 protease and reverse transcriptase genotyping and phenotyping success: a five‐year analysis
Authors: Pattery T , Van Cauwenberge A , Van Hove M , Smits V , Van Soom K , Villacian J
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Factors associated with treatment modification during the first year of contemporary HAART
Authors: Martin N , Perez‐Valero I , San Jose Valiente B , Mora M , Bernardino‐Serna JI , Gonzalez J , Gaya F , Zamora FX , Pena JM , Arribas JR
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
What drives a normal relation between T‐CD4 and T‐CD8?
Authors: Badura R , Antunes RJG , Janeiro N , Afonso C , Antunes F
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Use of antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy among HIV‐infected women attending an urban care centre
Authors: Ssewankambo F , Nalugwa C , Sempa J , Walusimbi J , Kambugu A
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Efficient immune reconstitution in HIV+ naïve patients (pts) starting a first lopinavir/ritonavir‐containing regimen with low CD4 counts
Authors: Merlini E , Sinigaglia E , Carpani G , Bini T , d'Arminio Monforte A , Marchetti GC
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic analyses of once‐ and twice‐daily darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) in the ODIN trial
Authors: Sekar V , De La Rosa G , Van de Casteele T , Spinosa‐Guzman S , Vis P , Hoetelmans RMW
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Generalized tuberculosis in HIV‐infected patients with AIDS
Authors: Zimina VN , Vasilieva IA , Kravchenko AV , Batyrov FA
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Sex matters: retrospective data collection on the date of commencement of ART for HIV‐positive women and men in the German KompNet cohort (1991‐2009)
Authors: Krznaric I , Wienbreyer A , Zoufaly A , Kreckel P , Esser S , Harrer T , Jansen K , Michalik C , Hertling S
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Increasing numbers of acute hepatitis C infections in HIV‐infected MSM and high reinfection rates following SVR
Authors: Stellbrink HJ , Schewe CK , Vogel M , Noah C
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Acute hepatitis C in persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): the ‘real‐life setting’ proves the concept
Authors: Ingiliz P , Obermeier MJ , Weitner L , Cordes C , Moll A , Hintsche B , Schlote F , Köppe S , Mayr C , Baumgarten A
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Response to treatment of hepatitis C in HCV/HIV co‐infected patients is not influenced by either abacavir or tenofovir with weight‐based ribavirin
Authors: Bhatti L , Shah S , Khanlou H
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Efficiency of HIV‐1 PR‐RT genotyping is not impacted by co‐infection with HCV
Authors: Deloof ACA , De Wolf H , Verlinden Y , Villacian J , Pattery T
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
HIV testing in non‐traditional settings: feasibility and acceptability in an acute admissions unit
Authors: Cridford R , Thornton A , Rayment M , Mguni S , Millett D , Mandalia S , Nardone A , Tenant‐Flowers M , Sullivan A , Ghosh R , Anderson J
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Long‐term follow‐up of HIV‐infected patients in salvage therapy with raltegravir plus optimized background regimens: a multicentre Italian experience
Authors: Landonio S , Meraviglia P , Capetti AF , Di Biagio A , Lo Caputo S , Sterrantino G , Ammassari A , Menzaghi B , Franzetti M , De Socio G , Pellicanò G , Mazzotta E , Zucchi P , Rizzardini G
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
5‐year safety and efficacy of the once‐daily antiretroviral regimen of efavirenz (EFV)/emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)
Authors: Lazzarin A , Johnson M , Ribera E , Weitner L , Chen SS , Warren DR
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Platelet activity in HIV‐infected patients on abacavir‐containing antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Palacios R , González‐Correa JA , Ruiz J , Nuño E , Márquez M , de la Cruz JP , Santos J
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in Spanish HIV‐1‐infected male inmates
Authors: Golf JP , Sala L , Aramburo J , Sardà P , Perez‐Alvarez N , Llibre JM
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Higher red blood cell distribution width is associated with a worse virologic and clinical situation in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Puerta S , Gallego M , Palacios R , Ruiz J , Nuño E , Márquez M , Santos J
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
A magnifying glass onto renal function and serum lipid evolutions after tenofovir (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC) in combination with atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r) versus efavirenz (EFV) as first‐line HAART (the INCA trial)
Authors: Izzo I , Albini L , Calabresi A , Motta D , Bellagamba R , Fezza R , Narciso P , Sighinolfi L , Maggi P , Focà E , Mendeni M , Manili L , Magoni M , Carosi G , Quiros‐Roldan E , Torti C
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
A case of nodular regenerative hyperplasia in a patient who had been taking didanosine
Authors: Jackson C , Fox R , Priest M , Clutterbuck D , Peters E
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Fracture risk in HIV and the need for guidelines: the Probono‐1 Trial
Authors: Peters B , Isohanni H , Tillet S , Ibrahim F , Hampson G , Williams FMK , Perry MEO , Duncan A , Wierzbicki A
Published: November 2010

7‐11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK
Perpetuum mobile
Authors: Bauman Zygmunt
Published: November 2010

In the deregulated, privatized society of consumers, fashion is a perpetuum mobile a self-feeding, self-sustaining, self-propelling and self-invigorating process. This is due to the interaction of two socially prompted urges: the longing to be a part of a greater whole, and the urge
for individualism/uniqueness in their turn the effects of the dialectics of security and freedom. Fashion casts lifestyles in the mode of a permanent and principally un-finishable revolution. It plays a crucial operating role in rendering constant change to the norms of our being-in-the-world:
if you do not wish to sink, keep surfing; obviously, you can no longer seriously hope to make the world a better place to live; but you cannot even make that agreeable place in the social world which you might have managed to cut out for yourself really secure.
Aktuelle Aspekte zur Bestimmung der Retikulozytenzahl / Current aspects of reticulocyte analysis
Authors: Nebe Carl Thomas , Diem Heinz , Heimpel Hermann
Published: November 2010

Die Retikulozytenbestimmung ist heute eine labordiagnostische Standarduntersuchung und wird in der Regel mit zytometrischen Blutbildgeräten durchgeführt. Sie wird jedoch in der Differenzialdiagnostik der Anämien nur unzureichend angefragt und hat im Rahmen der Blutdopingkontrollen neues Interesse erlangt. Ringversuche und eine multizentrische Normwertstudie zeigen methodische Unterschiede und die Notwendigkeit gerätespezifischer Normwertbereiche. Das Kontrollmaterial unterscheidet sich in relevanter Weise von der Patientenprobe, was für das Verständnis der Qualitätskontrolle wichtig ist. Ebenso wichtig ist die Kenntnis der Störgrößen, die bei Gesunden, an deren Blutproben die Hersteller ihre Methoden entwickelt haben, nicht auftreten. Die Interpretation der Messergebnisse im Rahmen der Anämiediagnostik bereitet immer noch Schwierigkeiten, da Referenzbereiche für gesunde Personen existieren, jedoch nicht für anämische Patienten, wo ihre Bestimmung zur Differenzialdiagnostik beitragen soll. Hier wurde die Hilfsgröße des Retikulozytenproduktionsindex entwickelt, zu dem noch wenig Literatur vorliegt. Eine neue Entwicklung ist die Be-stimmung sogenannter retikulierter Thrombozyten, die mit gleichen Methoden versucht wird und sich dennoch deutlich unterscheidet. Im vorliegenden Manuskript werden die Grundlagen der Analytik besprochen. Die Interpretation der Ergebnisse der Retikulozytenbestimmung wurden in einem getrennten Artikel dargelegt.
Improving Access to Mental Health Care for Children: The Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project
Authors: Sarvet Barry , Gold Joseph , Bostic Jeff Q. , Masek Bruce J. , Prince Jefferson B. , Jeffers-Terry Mary , Moore Charles F. , Molbert Benjamin , Straus John H.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

Inadequate access to care for mentally ill children and their families is a persistent problem in the United States. Although promotion of pediatric primary care clinicians (PCCs) in detection, management, and coordination of child mental health care is a strategy for improving access, limitations in training, time, and specialist availability represent substantial barriers. The Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project (MCPAP), publicly funded with 6 regional consultation teams, provides Massachusetts PCCs with rapid access to child psychiatry expertise, education, and referral assistance.

METHODS:

Data collected from MCPAP teams measured participation and utilization over 3.5 years from July 1, 2005, to December 31, 2008. Data were analyzed for 35 335 encounters. PCC surveys assessed satisfaction and impact on access to care.

RESULTS:

The MCPAP enrolled 1341 PCCs in 353 practices covering 95% of the youth in Massachusetts. The MCPAP served 10 114 children. Practices varied in their utilization of the MCPAP, with a mean of 12 encounters per practice per quarter (range: 0–245). PCCs contacted the MCPAP for diagnostic questions (34%), identifying community resources (27%), and consultation regarding medication (27%). Provider surveys revealed improvement in ratings of access to child psychiatry. The rate of PCCs who reported that they are usually able to meet the needs of psychiatric patients increased from 8% to 63%. Consultations were reported to be helpful by 91% of PCCs.

CONCLUSIONS:

PCCs have used and value a statewide system that provides access to teams of psychiatric consultants. Access to child mental health care may be substantially improved through public health interventions that promote collaboration between PCCs and child mental health specialists.
Estratégias para aumentar a sensibilidade da farmacovigilância em Portugal
Authors: Ribeiro-Vaz Inês , Herdeiro Maria Teresa , Polónia Jorge , Figueiras Adolfo
Published: November 2010

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados de intervenção para melhoria da quantidade e relevância das notificações de reacções adversas a medicamentos. MÉTODOS: Foi implementado um estudo controlado aleatorizado, por agrupamentos em farmacêuticos a exercer actividade profissional na região norte de Portugal, em 2007. Após aleatorização, 364 indivíduos foram alocados ao grupo de intervenção (261 na intervenção telefónica e 103 nos workshops); o grupo de controlo foi constituído por 1.103 farmacêuticos. Na intervenção educativa foram abordados a problemática das reacções adversas a medicamentos, o impacto na saúde pública e a notificação espontânea. Quanto à relevância, as reações adversas foram classificadas em graves e inesperadas. A análise estatística foi efectuada com base no princípio intention-to-treat; aplicaram-se modelos lineares generalizados mistos, utilizando o método penalized quasi-likelihood. Os farmacêuticos estudados foram seguidos durante um período de 20 meses. RESULTADOS: A intervenção aumentou três vezes a taxa de notificação espontânea das reações adversas (RR = 3,22; IC 95%: 1,33; 7,80) relativamente ao grupo de controlo. Houve incremento da relevância das notificações com aumento das reações adversas graves em cerca de quatro vezes (RR = 3,87; IC 95%: 1,29;11,61) e inesperadas em cinco vezes (RR = 5,02; IC 95%: 1,33;18,93), relativamente ao grupo de controlo. CONCLUSÕES: As intervenções educativas aumentam significativamente, por até quatro meses, a quantidade e a relevância das notificações espontâneas de reacções adversas a medicamentos por parte dos farmacêuticos da região norte de Portugal.