bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T35: A Small Automatic Telescope for Long‐Term Observing Campaigns
Authors: Martín-Ruiz Susana , Aceituno Francisco J. , Abril Miguel , Costillo Luis P. , García Antonio , de la Rosa José Luis , Bustamante Isabel , Gutierrez-Soto Juan , Magán Héctor , Ramos José Luis , Ubierna Marcos
Published: March 2010

The T35 is a small telescope (14″) equipped with a large format CCD camera installed in the Sierra Nevada Observatory (SNO) in Southern Spain. This telescope will be a useful tool for the detecting and the studying of pulsating stars, particularly, in open clusters. In this paper, we describe the automation process of the T35 and also show some images taken with the new instrumentation.
Is Human Papillomavirus Viral Load a Clinically Useful Predictive Marker? A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Constandinou-Williams Christothea , Collins Stuart I. , Roberts Sally , Young Lawrence S. , Woodman Ciaran B.J. , Murray Paul G.
Published: March 2010

Background: It has been suggested that in women who test positive for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, viral load can distinguish women who are at increased risk of cervical neoplasia from those who are not.

Methods: Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to measure HPV copy number in serial samples taken from 60 and 58 young women previously found to have incident cervical HPV16 or HPV18 infections, respectively, using GP5+/GP6+ primers; women provided at least three samples for qPCR testing, at least one of which was positive.

Results: A 10-fold increase in HPV16 or HPV18 copy number was associated with a modestly increased risk of acquiring a cytologic abnormality [HPV16: hazards ratio, 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 1.38-2.25); HPV18: hazards ratio, 1.59 (95% confidence interval, 1.25-2.03)]. However, in most women, copy number increased during follow-up, before decreasing again. In women with a HPV16 infection, the median copy number per 1,000 cells was 7.7 in their first qPCR HPV-positive sample, 1,237 in the sample yielding the maximum copy number, and 7.8 in their last qPCR HPV-positive sample; corresponding copy numbers for women with HPV18 infection were 2.3, 87, and 2.4. Maximum HPV16 and HPV18 copy number did not differ significantly between women who acquired an incident cervical cytologic abnormality and those who did not.

Conclusion: Whereas large relative increases in copy number are associated with an increased risk of abnormality, a single measurement of viral load made at an indeterminate point during the natural history of HPV infection does not reliably predict the risk of acquiring cervical neoplasia. Therefore, a single measure of HPV viral load cannot be considered a clinically useful biomarker. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(3); 832–7
Glutathione Pathway Genetic Polymorphisms and Lung Cancer Survival After Platinum-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Moyer Ann M. , Sun Zhifu , Batzler Anthony J. , Li Liang , Schaid Daniel J. , Yang Ping , Weinshilboum Richard M.
Published: March 2010

Background: Lung cancer is commonly treated with platinum compounds. The “glutathione pathway” participates in the metabolism of platinum compounds. We set out to test the hypotheses that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or copy number polymorphisms for genes within the glutathione pathway might influence survival in lung cancer patients treated with these drugs.

Methods: Germline DNA samples from 973 lung cancer patients were genotyped for 290 glutathione pathway SNPs. GSTT1 copy number was also assayed. We determined the association of these polymorphisms with survival for lung cancer patients, followed by functional genomic validation.

Results: We observed suggestive associations between survival and GSTT1 copy number (P = 0.017), and GSTA5, GSTM4, and ABCC4 SNPs, adjusted for covariates (P = 0.018, 0.002, and 0.002, respectively) or not (P = 0.005, 0.011, and 0.002). One hundred lymphoblastoid cell lines were then treated with cisplatin, and IC50 values were significantly associated with the GSTM4 SNP (P = 0.019). Furthermore, GSTM4, GSTT1, and ABCC4 overexpression significantly decreased cisplatin sensitivity in lung cancer and HEK293T cell lines.

Conclusions: These results suggest that GSTM4 polymorphisms are biomarkers for the prediction of cisplatin response. ABCC4 polymorphisms, as well as GSTT1 copy number, may also help to predict cisplatin response, but further validation is required. These results represent a step toward the individualized chemotherapy of lung cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(3); 811–21
Lower Risk of Lung Cancer after Multiple Pneumonia Diagnoses
Authors: Koshiol Jill , Rotunno Melissa , Consonni Dario , Pesatori Angela Cecilia , De Matteis Sara , Goldstein Alisa M. , Chaturvedi Anil K. , Wacholder Sholom , Landi Maria Teresa , Lubin Jay H. , Caporaso Neil E.
Published: March 2010

Background: Although pneumonia has been suggested as a risk factor for lung cancer, previous studies have not evaluated the influence of number of pneumonia diagnoses in relation to lung cancer risk.

Methods: The Environment And Genetics in Lung cancer Etiology (EAGLE) population-based study of 2,100 cases and 2,120 controls collected information on pneumonia more than 1 year before enrollment from 1,890 cases and 2,078 controls.

Results: After adjusting for study design variables, smoking, and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia was associated with decreased risk of lung cancer [odds ratio (OR), 0.79; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64-0.97], especially among individuals with three or more diagnoses versus none (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.16-0.75). Adjustment for chronic bronchitis contributed to this inverse association. In comparison, pulmonary tuberculosis was not associated with lung cancer (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.62-1.48).

Conclusions: The apparent protective effect of pneumonia among individuals with multiple pneumonia diagnoses may reflect an underlying difference in immune response and requires further investigation and confirmation. Therefore, careful evaluation of the number of pneumonia episodes may shed light on lung cancer etiology. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(3); 716–21
TP53, MDM2, NQO1, and Susceptibility to Cervical Cancer
Authors: Hu Xiaoxia , Zhang Zhengyan , Ma Duanduan , Huettner Phyllis C. , Massad L. Stewart , Nguyen Loan , Borecki Ingrid , Rader Janet S.
Published: March 2010

Host genetic variability modifies the risk of cervical cancer in women infected with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV). Studies have reported an association of the TP53 codon 72 arginine and cervical cancer, but the results are inconsistent. We examined the association of this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in women with cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3, using a family-based association test. We further explored SNPs in two genes that regulate p53 stability: MDM2 (SNP309) and NQO1 (SNP609, SNP465). We also examined the relationship between host genotype and tumor HPV type. We genotyped 577 patients and their biological parents and/or siblings, using PCR-RFLP or Taqman assays. HPVs were typed by sequence-based methods. The transmission/disequilibrium test was used to detect disease-susceptibility alleles. The arginine peptide of TP53 codon 72 was overtransmitted in Caucasian families (P = 0.043), and the significance of this finding was enhanced in a subgroup of women infected with HPV16- and/or HPV18-related HPVs (P = 0.026). Allele C of NQO1 SNP609 was also overtransmitted in all cases (P = 0.026). We found no association between MDM2 SNP309 or NQO1 SNP465 and cervical cancer. Our results indicate that functional polymorphisms in TP53 codon 72 and NQO1 SNP609 associate with the risk of cervical cancer especially in women infected with type 16– and/or type 18–related HPVs. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(3); 755–61
Accuracy of Perceived Risk of Recurrence Among Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Liu Ying , Pérez Maria , Aft Rebecca L. , Massman Kerry , Robinson Erica , Myles Stephanie , Schootman Mario , Gillanders William E. , Jeffe Donna B.
Published: March 2010

Background: Accurate breast cancer recurrence risk perceptions might motivate health-promoting behaviors and alleviate undue anxiety. Although a few studies have examined early-stage breast cancer survivors' perceived risk of recurrence, none have assessed the accuracy of survivors' perceived risk of recurrence.

Methods: First primary ductal carcinoma in situ and early-invasive breast cancer survivors reported their perceived risk of recurrence during 6- and 12-month postsurgery interviews. We estimated the patients' 10-year risk of recurrence from published clinical trials, and for early-invasive breast cancer patients, risk of distant recurrence was based on their breast cancer–specific mortality calculated using Adjuvant! Online. Patients' perceived risk was compared with their calculated risk and categorized as “Accurate,” “Underestimated,” “Overestimated,” and “Uncertain.” Multinomial logit marginal effect models were fitted using Accurate as the reference.

Results: Only 17% of 531 patients accurately perceived their risk at 6 months, most of whom inaccurately perceived their risk at 12 months (P = 0.0143). Patients who were nonwhite [odds ratio (OR), 1.70; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.12-2.56] and received radiation therapy (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.07-3.77) were more likely to underestimate their risk. Patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.08-2.70), lower social support (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53-0.95), and anxiety (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.01-2.47) were more likely to overestimate their risk.

Conclusion: Few breast cancer survivors accurately perceived their risk of recurrence.

Impact: The accuracy of perceived risk may be increased by better physician-patient communications about their prognosis, provision of social support, and treatment for coexisting anxiety. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(3); 675–80
Marijuana Use is Not Associated with Cervical Human Papillomavirus Natural History or Cervical Neoplasia in HIV-Seropositive or HIV-Seronegative Women
Authors: D'Souza Gypsyamber , Palefsky Joel M. , Zhong Ye , Minkoff Howard , Massad L. Stewart , Anastos Kathy , Levine Alexandra M. , Moxley Michael , Xue Xiao N. , Burk Robert D. , Strickler Howard D.
Published: March 2010

Marijuana use was recently reported to have a positive cross-sectional association with human papillomavirus (HPV)–related head and neck cancer. Laboratory data suggest that marijuana could have an immunomodulatory effect. Little is known, however, regarding the effects of marijuana use on cervical HPV or neoplasia. Therefore, we studied the natural history (i.e., prevalence, incident detection, clearance/persistence) of cervical HPV and cervical neoplasia (i.e., squamous intraepithelial lesions; SIL) in a large prospective cohort of 2,584 HIV-seropositive and 915 HIV-seronegative women. Marijuana use was classified as ever/never, current/not current, and by frequency and duration of use. No positive associations were observed between use of marijuana, and either cervical HPV infection or SIL. The findings were similar among HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative women, and in tobacco smokers and nonsmokers. These data suggest that marijuana use does not increase the burden of cervical HPV infection or SIL. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(3); 869–72
Perceived Cancer Risk: Why Is It Lower Among Nonwhites than Whites?
Authors: Orom Heather , Kiviniemi Marc T. , Underwood Willie , Ross Levi , Shavers Vickie L.
Published: March 2010

Background: We explored racial/ethnic differences in perceived cancer risk and determinants of these differences in a nationally representative sample of whites, blacks, Hispanics, and Asians.

Methods: Multiple regression techniques, including mediational analyses, were used to identify determinants and quantify racial/ethnic differences in the perception of the risk of developing cancer among 5,581 adult respondents to the 2007 Health Information Trends Survey (HINTS).

Results: Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians reported lower perceived cancer risk than whites [Bs = −0.40, −0.34, and −0.69, respectively; (Ps < 0.001)]. Contributing factors included relatively lower likelihood of reporting a family history of cancer, lower likelihood of having smoked, and a less strong belief that everything causes cancer among nonwhites than among whites. Racial/ethnic differences in perceived risk were attenuated in older respondents because perceived cancer risk was negatively associated with age for whites but not for nonwhites.

Conclusions: Nonwhites had lower perceptions of cancer risk than whites. Some of the racial/ethnic variability in perceived risk may be due to racial and ethnic differences in awareness of one's family history of cancer and its relevance for cancer risk, experiences with behavioral risk factors, and salience of cancer risk information. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(3); 746–54
PTGER2 Overexpression in Colorectal Cancer Is Associated with Microsatellite Instability, Independent of CpG Island Methylator Phenotype
Authors: Baba Yoshifumi , Nosho Katsuhiko , Shima Kaori , Goessling Wolfram , Chan Andrew T. , Ng Kimmie , Chan Jennifer A. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Fuchs Charles S. , Ogino Shuji
Published: March 2010

Background: Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2, the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee–approved official symbol for cycloxygenase-2, COX-2) and its enzymatic product prostaglandin E2 have critical roles in inflammation and carcinogenesis through the G protein–coupled receptor PTGER2 (EP2). The PTGS2 (COX-2) pathway is a promising target for cancer therapy and chemoprevention. PTGS2 (COX-2) expression in colon cancer has been inversely associated with survival as well as tumoral microsatellite instability (MSI) and the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP). However, the prognostic significance of PTGER2 expression or its relationship with MSI, CIMP, LINE-1 hypomethylation, or PTGS2 (COX-2) remains uncertain.

Methods: Using the database of 516 colorectal cancers in two prospective cohort studies with clinical outcome data, we detected PTGER2 overexpression in 169 (33%) tumors by immunohistochemistry. We analyzed MSI using 10 microsatellite markers; CIMP by MethyLight (real-time methylation-specific PCR) on an eight-marker panel [CACNA1G, CDKN2A (p16), CRABP1, IGF2, MLH1, NEUROG1, RUNX3 and SOCS1]; BRAF, KRAS, PIK3CA, and methylation in LINE-1 by Pyrosequencing; and CTNNB1 (β-catenin) and TP53 (p53) by immunohistochemistry.

Results: PTGER2 overexpression was positively associated with the mucinous component (P = 0.0016), signet ring cells (P = 0.0024), CIMP-high (P = 0.0023), and MSI-high (P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, the significant relationship between PTGER2 and MSI-high persisted (adjusted odds ratio, 2.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.69-4.72; P < 0.0001). PTGER2 was not significantly associated with PTGS2 (COX-2), TP53, or CTNNB1 expression, patient survival, or prognosis.

Conclusion: PTGER2 overexpression is associated with MSI-high in colorectal cancer.

Impact: Our data imply potential roles of inflammatory reaction by PTGER2 upregulation in carcinogenic process to MSI-high colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(3); 822–31
Socioeconomic Status and Survival after an invasive Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Sprague BL , Ramchandani R , Trentham-Dietz A , Newcomb P , Gangnon R , Remington PL , Hampton JM
Published: March 2010

Significant progress has been achieved in the United States in improving survival rates following an invasive breast cancer diagnosis. Previous studies have shown, however, that women living in geographic areas with high poverty and low education levels experience poorer survival. However, nearly all of these studies have been restricted to use of community-level data (e.g. US Census) on socioeconomic status (SES), and thus have been limited in their ability to identify individual-level factors associated with the disparity in survival. We examined individual-level SES in relation to breast cancer survival in a population-based cohort of invasive breast cancer survivors, ages 20-69, diagnosed in Wisconsin during 1995-2003 (N = 5,865). Information on household income, household size, and education was obtained during telephone interviews conducted shortly after diagnosis. Vital status was determined through December 31, 2006, using automated searches of the National Death Index. A total of 676 deaths (461 from breast cancer) were observed during 41,751 person-years of follow-up. Compared to college graduates, women with no further education beyond high school were more likely to die from breast cancer (Hazard Ratio, HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.76) and from all causes (HR 1.42; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.73) following their breast cancer diagnosis. Similarly, women with household income less than 2.5 times that of the poverty level were more likely to die from breast cancer (HR 1.46; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.08) and from all causes (HR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.24) compared to women with household income at least 5 times the poverty level. Women with lower education and income levels were less likely to have had annual mammograms prior to diagnosis. There was little difference in stage at diagnosis according to education level, but women with low income levels were 2.7 (95% CI: 1.2, 6.2) times more likely than women with high income to be diagnosed with distant-stage breast cancer. Adjustment for these factors attenuated, but did not eliminate, the association between SES and survival after diagnosis. Thus, the disparities in breast cancer survival that exist according to individual-level SES cannot be fully explained by variation in mammography use and stage at diagnosis.
A Pooled Analysis on the Associations between Involuntary Smoking and Lung Cancer Risk by Histological Types
Authors: Lee YA , Hung R , Boffetta P , Brennan P , Yang P , Zhang ZF
Published: March 2010

Background: While the association between involuntary tobacco smoke exposure and lung cancer is well established, few studies with sufficient power have been conducted to evaluate the relationship between involuntary smoking (IS) and lung cancer by histological type, especially for the association between IS and small cell lung cancer among nonsmokers.

Methods: We evaluated the associations between IS and lung cancer by histological type based on a pooled data of the International Lung Cancer Consortium (ILCCO). The individual-level epidemiological data from 17 participating studies were pooled, including 2,218 non-smoking lung cancer cases and 6,243 non-smoking controls. Logistic regression models were used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), using SAS v9. Likelihood ratio tests were used to assess heterogeneity by study site.

Results: Among never tobacco smokers, IS exposure was associated with lung cancer with an adjusted OR of 1.33 (95% CI 1.18, 1.50), compared to never exposure to IS, when adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, and study site. Similar associations were observed in different histological types of lung cancer with adjusted ORs of 1.38 (95% CI 0.97, 1.98) for squamous cell carcinoma, 1.26 (95% CI 1.08, 1.46) for adenocarcinoma, 2.92 (95% CI 1.55, 5.48) for small cell lung cancer, and 1.30 (95% CI 1.14, 1.49) for non-small cell lung cancer. Similar associations with ever IS exposure were observed when the overall population including nonsmokers and smokers was included in the analysis. No apparent association was observed with IS exposure in childhood.

Conclusion: This is the first study with a relatively large sample size investigating the relationship between IS exposure and small cell lung cancer among nonsmokers. Our results corroborated the association between IS and lung cancer regardless of histological types, including adenocarcinoma, and we observed the strongest association between IS and small cell lung cancer. Our study provides more precise estimates of the impact of IS on major histological types of lung cancer and suggests the importance of smoking intervention for lung cancer prevention, especially for small cell lung cancer type.
Could the Leukocyte X Chromosome Inactivation Pattern Be Extrapolated to Hair Bulbs?
Authors: Kaupert Laura C. , Billerbeck Ana Elisa C. , Brito Vinícius N. , Mendonca Berenice B. , Bachega Tânia A.S.S.
Published: March 2010

Background: The androgen receptor gene is located on the X chromosome with a polymorphic tract of CAG repeats that is inversely correlated to the receptor’s transactivation activity. A short CAG tract is associated with hyperandrogenic disorders. In women, one of the X chromosomes is inactivated and the X chromosome inactivation (XCI) pattern varies among tissues. Previous studies of hyperandrogenic disorders only evaluated XCI in leukocytes. Objective: To evaluate whether the XCI pattern in leukocytes could be extrapolated to those in hair bulbs. Material: A total of 58 healthy women were used for this study. DNA was extracted from leukocytes (n = 58 women) and pubic (n = 53 women) and scalp hair (n = 21 women). Methods:Hpa II digested and undigested DNA samples underwent fluorescence PCR GeneScan® analysis. Results: A significant and positive correlation of XCI was found between leukocytes and hair bulbs. However, individual comparisons showed that 13 and 19% of the women presented a different leukocyte XCI pattern in pubic hair and scalp hair, respectively. Conclusion: The XCI pattern was similar in leukocytes and hair bulbs of normal women indicating that leukocyte DNA is useful for XCI analysis. However, the XCI pattern could vary among tissues from the same subject, indicating that care should be taken when extrapolating individual leukocyte XCI patterns to other tissue.
Genome-Wide SNP Array Analysis in Patients with Features of Sotos Syndrome
Authors: Visser Remco , Gijsbers Antoinet , Ruivenkamp Claudia , Karperien Marcel , Reeser H. Maarten , Breuning Martijn H. , Kant Sarina G. , Wit Jan M.
Published: March 2010

Background: Sotos syndrome is characterized by overgrowth, facial dysmorphism and learning impairment. Haploinsufficiency of NSD1 accounts for approximately 60–90% of the patients. Consequently, a considerable number of patients with features of Sotos syndrome remain without a molecular diagnosis. To date, target-gene approaches in these patients have not been successful. Methods: Twenty-six Sotos syndrome-like patients were analyzed with a high-resolution whole-genome SNP array, and segregation was studied in the parents. Results: Four possible pathogenic copy-number variants including deletions of 10p12.32-p12.31, 14q13.1, Xq21.1-q21.31 and a duplication of 15q11.2-q13.1 were detected. They varied in size from 155 kb to 13.36 Mb. The 10p12.32-p12.31 deletion revealed a candidate gene (PLXDC2) for overgrowth. The 14q13.1 deletion affected only the NPAS3 gene and the patient carrying this deletion displayed mental retardation as the main feature. The Xq21.1-q21.31 deletion and the 15q11.2-q13.1 duplication encompassed multiple genes of which several could be associated with phenotypic expression. Conclusion: The high-resolution genome-wide SNP array approach resulted in a detection rate of 15% of novel abnormalities and is therefore a powerful method to attain a molecular diagnosis in Sotos syndrome-like patients. Identified candidate genes provide directions for future screening of larger patient cohorts.
Congenital Hyperinsulinism due to a Compound Heterozygous ABCC8 Mutation with Spontaneous Resolution at Eight Weeks
Authors: Kumaran Anitha , Kapoor Ritika R. , Flanagan Sarah E. , Ellard Sian , Hussain Khalid
Published: March 2010

Background: Recessive inactivating mutations in ABCC8 and KCNJ11 (which encode the two subunits of the adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in β-cells) are the most common cause of medically unresponsive congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) which requires a near-total pancreatectomy. Methods/Results: A patient born at term with marked macrosomia (5,900 g) presented at the age of 2 h with severe hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia. He failed to respond to treatment with the KATP agonist, diazoxide. An 18FDOPA-PET scan showed intense diffuse uptake of 18FDOPA (consistent with diffuse disease) and genetic analysis of the ABCC8 gene confirmed a compound heterozygote missense ABCC8 mutation (R168C/S606T). However, unexpectedly in this patient the hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia started to improve spontaneously at 7 weeks of age prior to planned pancreatic surgery. Conclusions: This is the first report of a patient with clinically severe autosomal-recessive diffuse CHI due to a compound heterozygous ABCC8 mutation that has resulted in spontaneous resolution at such an early age. Compound heterozygote ABCC8 mutations result in complex interactions, and it is possible that this interaction may modify the potential disease pathogenesis. It is important that physicians are aware of this unusual outcome in order to avoid unnecessary early pancreatic surgery with potential life-long implications.
Is Sex Hormone Priming in Peripubertal Children prior to Growth Hormone Stimulation Tests Still Appropriate?
Authors: Lazar L. , Phillip M.
Published: March 2010

Low growth hormone (GH) secretion during puberty may stem from either a permanent GH axis abnormality or from transient GH deficiency secondary to lack of sex hormones. Although well known to enhance stimulated GH secretion in pre- or early puberty, sex hormone priming for the evaluation of the function of the GH-IGF-I axis remains controversial. Many pediatric endocrinologists consider that omission of such priming during the preadolescent period decreases the specificity of GH stimulation tests and increases the percentage of false-positive diagnosis results. Others believe that it leads only to a temporary augmentation of GH secretion followed by a decrease in spontaneous secretion to levels which may be insufficient for normal pubertal growth; thus priming with sex hormones may lead to underdiagnosis of peripubertal children that could have benefited from GH treatment. The increased availability of biosynthetic GH has enabled expanding the indications for GH therapy and judging and renewing the criteria for the diagnosis of GH deficiency, including the practice of sex hormone priming which was and still is executed in clinical use in many centers in the world. We would like to recommend that priming should not be routinely performed in every peripubertal child undergoing GH evaluation but may be considered in adolescents with pubertal delay – girls aged >11.5–12 years and boys aged >13–13.5 years exhibiting no evidence of puberty or only initial signs.
Prognostic Value of Reading-to-Reading Blood Pressure Variability Over 24 Hours in 8938 Subjects From 11 Populations
Authors: Hansen Tine W. , Thijs Lutgarde , Li Yan , Boggia José , Kikuya Masahiro , Björklund-Bodegård Kristina , Richart Tom , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Jeppesen Jørgen , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Dolan Eamon , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Stolarz-Skrzypek Katarzyna , Tikhonoff Valérie , Malyutina Sofia , Casiglia Edoardo , Nikitin Yuri , Lind Lars , Sandoya Edgardo , Kawecka-Jaszcz Kalina , Imai Yutaka , Wang Jiguang , Ibsen Hans , O'Brien Eoin , Staessen Jan A.
Published: March 2010

In previous studies, of which several were underpowered, the relation between cardiovascular outcome and blood pressure (BP) variability was inconsistent. We followed health outcomes in 8938 subjects (mean age: 53.0 years; 46.8% women) randomly recruited from 11 populations. At baseline, we assessed BP variability from the SD and average real variability in 24-hour ambulatory BP recordings. We computed standardized hazard ratios (HRs) while stratifying by cohort and adjusting for 24-hour BP and other risk factors. Over 11.3 years (median), 1242 deaths (487 cardiovascular) occurred, and 1049, 577, 421, and 457 participants experienced a fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular, cardiac, or coronary event or a stroke. Higher diastolic average real variability in 24-hour ambulatory BP recordings predicted (
P
≤0.03) total (HR: 1.14) and cardiovascular (HR: 1.21) mortality and all types of fatal combined with nonfatal end points (HR: ≥1.07) with the exception of cardiac and coronary events (HR: ≤1.02;
P
≥0.58). Higher systolic average real variability in 24-hour ambulatory BP recordings predicted (
P
<0.05) total (HR: 1.11) and cardiovascular (HR: 1.16) mortality and all fatal combined with nonfatal end points (HR: ≥1.07), with the exception of cardiac and coronary events (HR: ≤1.03;
P
≥0.54). SD predicted only total and cardiovascular mortality. While accounting for the 24-hour BP level, average real variability in 24-hour ambulatory BP recordings added <1% to the prediction of a cardiovascular event. Sensitivity analyses considering ethnicity, sex, age, previous cardiovascular disease, antihypertensive treatment, number of BP readings per recording, or the night:day BP ratio were confirmatory. In conclusion, in a large population cohort, which provided sufficient statistical power, BP variability assessed from 24-hour ambulatory recordings did not contribute much to risk stratification over and beyond 24-hour BP.
Central Venous Hypoxemia Is a Determinant of Human Atrial ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel Expression
Authors: Raeis Véronique , Philip-Couderc Pierre , Roatti Angela , Habre Walid , Sierra Jorge , Kalangos Afksendyios , Beghetti Maurice , Baertschi Alex J.
Published: March 2010

ATP-sensitive potassium channels couple cell excitability to energy metabolism, thereby providing life-saving protection of stressed cardiomyocytes. The signaling for ATP-sensitive potassium channel expression is still unknown. We tested involvement of biochemical and biophysical parameters and potential transcription factors Forkhead box (FOX) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α). Right atrial tissues were obtained during surgery from 28 children with heart disease. Expression of K
+
-inward-rectifier subunits Kir6.1/Kir6.2; sulfonyl urea receptors (SURs) SUR1A/B and SUR2A/B; and FOX class O (FOXO) 1, FOXO3, FOXF2, and HIF-1α were related to 31 parameters, including personal data, blood chemistry, and echocardiography. Venous hypoxemia (but not other ischemia indicators, such as venous hypercapnia or low glucose) predicts increased Kir6.1 (
P
<0.003) and Kir6.2 (
P
<0.03) protein. Kir6.1 associates with SUR2A/B mRNA (
P
<0.05) and correlates with FOXOs (
P
<0.002). FOXOs correlate with HIF-1α (
P
<0.01) and HIF-1α with venous hypoxemia (
P
<0.003). Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays suggest causal links among hypoxia, HIF-1α, FOXO1, and Kir6.1. To mimic mild ischemia encountered in some patients, cultured rat atrial myocytes were tested in hypoxia, hypercapnia, or low glucose, with normal conditions serving as the control. Mild hypoxia (24-hour) increases expression of HIF-1α, FOXO1, and SUR2A/B/Kir6.1 in culture (
P
<0.01), whereas hypercapnia and low glucose have no or opposite effects. Gene knockdown of HIF-1α or FOXO1 by small-interfering RNAs abolishes hypoxia-induced expression of FOXO1 and SUR2A/B/Kir6.1. These results suggest that low tissue oxygen determines increased expression of the atrial SUR2A/B/Kir6.1 gene via activation of HIF-1α-FOXO1. Because increased SUR2A/B/Kir6.1 has known survival benefits, this pathway offers novel therapeutic targets for children with heart disease.
Evaluation of Trade Cumulus in the ECMWF Model with Observations from CALIPSO
Authors: Ahlgrimm Maike , Köhler Martin
Published: March 2010

Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) are used to assess trade cumulus cloudiness in three versions of the Integrated Forecasting System of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The observations are recast onto the model grid, and two simple threshold criteria for cloud-top height and cloud fraction are used to identify grid points containing trade cumulus clouds. The cloud fraction and cloud-top height distributions of the sample populations are then compared. Results show that all versions of the model overestimate the frequency of occurrence of trade cumulus clouds but underestimate their cloud fraction when present. These effects partially compensate. Cloud-top heights are overestimated in model cycles using the modified Tiedtke parameterization for shallow convection, but are in very good agreement with observations when the dual mass flux parameterization is introduced.
Microbial Spectrum and Primary Resistance to Rifampicin in Infectious Complications in Vascular Surgery: Limits to the Use of Rifampicin-Bonded Prosthetic Grafts
Authors: Töpel Ingolf , Audebert Franz , Betz Thomas , Steinbauer Markus G.
Published: March 2010

There are reports that rifampicin-bonded prosthetic grafts might be a suitable alternative to autologous grafts in vascular graft infections and infectious vascular complications. We characterize the spectrum of microbial agents and susceptibility to antibiotic treatment, especially to rifampicin, in these patients. We carried out a retrospective analysis of wound-swaps and blood cultures in 48 patients with infected prosthetic vascular grafts or primary infectious vascular complications. In 15 of 48 patients (31%), the analysis showed that the microbial organism causing the infection was resistant or not susceptible to rifampicin. Rifampicin-bonded prosthetic grafts should be used with caution in acute infectious complications in vascular surgery, because in about 30% of the cases, the initiating microbial organisms are resistant or not susceptible to rifampicin. Without preoperative confirmation of susceptibility to rifampicin, autologous reconstruction should be preferred.
Comparison of the Automated Oscillometric Method With the Gold Standard Doppler Ultrasound Method to Access the Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index
Authors: Hamel Jean-François , Foucaud David , Fanello Serge
Published: March 2010

Objective: Despite its screening interest, the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) remains uncommon in general practice, because it needs training and specific devices as Doppler. Easier methods such as the use of automated oscillometric devices may facilitate the peripheral arterial diseases (PADs) screening. We wanted to assess the reliability of the automated oscillometric measurement of the ABPI, compared with the gold standard Doppler ultrasound measurement. Patients and Method: In 287 patients aged 65 years or older without diagnosed PAD, we performed ABPI measurements with oscillometric and Doppler devices. Reproducibility was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient of agreement (R) and the Bland and Altman method. Results: The intermethod reliability was bad (R = .346, 95% CI = (0.268-0.420)), with a large confidence interval of the individual differences between the 2 methods: 95% CI = (—0.183-0.346). Conclusion: Automatic oscillometric devices cannot be recommended as reliable methods for ABPI measurement.
Elections in Rural China: Competition Without Parties
Authors: Landry Pierre F. , Davis Deborah , Shiru Wang
Published: March 2010

Village elections in China present scholars with the case of a single-party regime that allows voters to reject candidates regularly. Using a micro survey of 698 voters in 30 rural election districts, the authors demonstrate that when some candidates can lose, voters participate. A comparison of models of voter turnout and running for office further demonstrates that even when competition is structured to the benefit of party members, the perception of competition as choice between candidates is sufficient to engage voters and increase their perception that the electoral process is fair. These findings hold regardless of a respondent’s age, gender, membership in the Communist Party and Youth League, and general knowledge level and access to media. Village wealth and geographical isolation also do not demonstrate a strong substantive impact. One theoretical implication of these findings is that contested elections in authoritarian regimes may simultaneously strengthen demand for accountability and loyalty to the regime.
The World Missionary Conference, Edinburgh 1910: Sifting History from Myth
Authors: Stanley Brian
Published: March 2010

The World Missionary Conference, held in Edinburgh in June 1910, will be widely celebrated this year as a milestone in both ecumenical and missionary history. This article seeks to delineate more precisely in what respects the conference did mark a new departure. Whilst some of the claims made for its significance are inaccurate, it remains the case that participants in the event returned home captivated by a more expansive vision than was allowed for in the conference’s original terms of reference.
Understanding the Occurrence of Interracial Marriage in the United States Through Differential Assimilation
Authors: Lewis Richard , Ford-Robertson Joanne
Published: March 2010

American society is undergoing unprecedented cultural changes in the 21st century. This social transformation began with the civil rights movement in the 1960s. As the United States becomes more diverse, both racially and ethnically, equal access to a variety of social institutions and organizations becomes more challenging. With respect to marriage, popular media continually report the blurring of boundaries between racial and ethnic groups. As a result, there has been a tremendous increase in interracial dating and marriage over the past several decades. There are considerable differences between the occurrence of interracial dating and interracial marriage. Data suggest that there is a much higher level of interracial dating in comparison to interracial marriage. This research effort focuses on trends in interracial marriages in the United States between 1980 and 2006. Information from the U.S. Census Bureau was used to analyze changes in the number and frequency of interracial marriages in American society over a 22-year time frame. Differential assimilation is employed for understanding interracial marriage trends and distinguishing important statistical differences between marriages with a Black1 spouse and those interracial marriages not involving a Black spouse. This exploration provides important empirical findings for assessing the progress of assimilation in America.
Bone Particles and the Undersized Surgical Technique
Authors: Tabassum A. , Walboomers X.F. , Wolke J.G.C. , Meijer G.J. , Jansen J.A.
Published: March 2010

During the installation of implants, osteogenic bone particles are translocated along the surface. These particles may contribute to peri-implant bone healing. Based on this phenomenon, it is hypothesized that implants placed with undersized drilling, besides showing higher primary-implant stability, also enhance the amount and osteogenic responses of these bone particles. Biocomp® implants were inserted into bicortical fresh-cadaver bone by a press-fit or an undersized surgical technique, and peak-insertion torque values (ITV) were measured. After explantation, the implants were incubated in culture medium up to 24 days. Histology, bone-implant contact (BIC), micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and calcium (Ca) measurements were performed. ITV were significantly higher for implants placed with an undersized technique. Moreover, histology, BIC, micro-CT, SEM, and Ca measurements confirmed the presence of more bone-like tissue on implants inserted with an undersized technique. The undersized surgical technique not only results in higher primary-implant stability, but also induces more translocated bone particles, thus having a positive influence on the osteogenic response.
A Systematic Review of Simulation Studies Investigating Emergency Department Overcrowding
Authors: Paul Sharoda A. , Reddy Madhu C. , DeFlitch Christopher J.
Published: March 2010

The problem of emergency department (ED) overcrowding has reached crisis proportions in the last decade. In 2005, the National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Medicine reported on the important role of simulation as a systems analysis tool that can have an impact on care processes at the care-team, organizational, and environmental levels. Simulation has been widely used to understand causes of ED overcrowding and to test interventions to alleviate its effects. In this paper, we present a systematic review of ED simulation literature from 1970 to 2006 from healthcare, systems engineering, operations research and computer science publication venues. The goals of this review are to highlight the contributions of these simulation studies to our understanding of ED overcrowding and to discuss how simulation can be better used as a tool to address this problem. We found that simulation studies provide important insights into ED overcrowding but they also had major limitations that must be addressed.
Validation of a non-linear mathematical model for predicting the shape of brake hoses in automotive applications
Authors: Thomas Jai , Keil Mitchel J
Published: March 2010

It is a challenge to depict the shape of flexible components in solid modeling software. This is because flexible components in an automobile are subject to large elastic deformations during the movement of the rigid components to which they are attached. The principles of computation of the orientation of entities in a simplified coordinate system, vector mathematics, the file I/O features and structured C++ programming were used to view the rubber hose in CAD after modeling the hose using simulation software. The deviations of the hose shape at 0°, 90°, and 180° twist position obtained from the non-linear mathematical model and the actual location of the real hose obtained by using ATOS II scanning equipment were reduced by modifying various parameters. At the end of the trials the mean deviation was below 1 mm at the 0° position and below 6 mm at the 90° and 180° twist positions. A regression analysis was performed for generalization of the force deformation values characterizing the non-linear behavior of off-axis elements. This analysis makes this modeling technique applicable for predicting the shape of hose lengths in the range of 227.8— 2474 mm between any two attachments in space. Subsequently, the regression model was used to predict the hose shape for a different length. The results show that non-linear model with off-axis elements predicts the hose shape much more accurately than the linear model with beams.
Living Spirituality and Sexuality: A Comparison of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Christians in France and Britain
Authors: Gross Martine , Yip Andrew K.T.
Published: March 2010

Drawing upon two conceptually and methodologically related projects in France and Britain, the authors illuminate lesbian, gay and bisexual Christians’ religious orientations, beliefs and practices. The samples demonstrated striking similarities and differences. Participants generally strongly disagreed with the Church’s censorious teachings on non-heterosexuality, but the British sample appeared more critical. The French sample also experienced a greater degree of psychological and social dissociation. Nevertheless, some participants across samples stayed within homophobic religious structures because of their commitment to integrating their sexuality and spirituality, and to making religious communities more inclusive. This commitment was buttressed by: (1) their conceptualization of the all-loving God and of Jesus Christ as a transgressive champion of social justice; (2) positive personal experiences; (3) the marginalization of church authority in their moral universe; and (4) increasing theological, social and political capital. Theoretically, the authors contribute to debates on contemporary religious and spiritual landscape and identity.
Education and Religiosity in Budapest at the Millennium
Authors: Nagy Peter Tibor
Published: March 2010

During State Socialism, Budapest residents gradually lost their religiosity. For each social group, the loss was always most radically felt among the more educated. During the decades of party—state rule, the place of religious education in schools was taken over by religious education in church (this was partly due to strong political pressure). The only parents who did not send their children to classes in religious education (either in church or in school) were those who had previously become secularized. Since the change of regime, attitudes toward religion have become one of the most fundamental political cleavages. Budapest is a metropolis whose middle classes are fairly secularized, but whose intellectual elite is sharply divided into a secularized atheistic majority and a minority that is overtly religious and assigns political value to its views.
Hybridismes spirituels: autonomie et globalisation du mouvement New Age
Authors: Tavares Fátima Regina Gomes
Published: March 2010

L’auteure propose une relecture des questions touchant à l’autonomie et à la globalisation du mouvement New Age à partir de l’approche développée par Bruno Latour. L’expérience religieuse véhiculée dans l’ensemble des “expérimentations vécues individuelles” et des “workshops” se caractérise par son autonomie vis-à-vis de l’espace religieux institutionnalisé et se réalise par des performances provisoires, menant toujours à de nouvelles productions de sens. Ces pratiques, passant de façon intensive par l’expérimentation, sont particulièrement révélatrices des nouvelles configurations empruntées par le “social” dans des domaines tenus comme séparés: la religion, la thérapie et la consommation. L’auteure cherche ainsi à repenser la spécificité de ces nouvelles expérimentations religieuses comme une caractéristique contemporaine plus vaste de prolifération des “hybrides”. La question de la globalisation du mouvement New Age peut être mieux comprise à travers le concept de réseau (ni exclusivement global ni local, mais entrecroisant les deux dimensions): d’un côté, la globalisation existe mais ne se caractérise pas par une totalité systématique et, de l’autre, le contexte local ne constitue pas un domaine facilement délimité, puisqu’il est marqué par des performances religieuses éphémères, tissant des liens avec un environnement plus vaste.
La seconde libération, ou la guerre néopentecôtiste contre les démons afro-brésiliens à Bahia, Brésil
Authors: Plaideau Charlotte
Published: March 2010

Depuis une vingtaine d’années, les Églises néopentecôtistes ont déclaré la guerre aux cultes afro-brésiliens, dont les dieux—orixàs—sont ouvertement diabolisés. Au Brésil, cette confrontation est analysée par de nombreux spécialistes dans sa logique de prosélytisme sur un marché religieux. Se démarquant de cette perspective, l’auteure choisit d’appréhender la “guerre contre le Diable” dans la démarche symbolique de ses convertis, visant la libération du joug des esprits ancestraux. En effet, le discours crente1 développe avec toujours plus de conviction l’idée que les cultes afro-brésiliens, non seulement incarnent la religion des descendants d’esclaves, mais surtout, reproduisent cette attitude servile et aliénée qui les caractérisait au temps de la société coloniale. Dans cette perspective, la seule façon de rompre cette “captivité” intergénérationnelle est de se “libérer” en substituant à l’hérédité ancestrale—tournée vers le passé—, un esprit de conquête individuelle—tourné vers le futur.