bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Databases, information retrieval and knowledge management
Authors: Kacimi Mouna , Suchanek Fabian M. , Varde Aparna
Published: October 2013

The International Conference on Information Retrieval and Knowledge Management (CIKM) brings together three avenues of data-oriented research, namely, Database Management, Information Retrieval and Knowledge Management. The confluence of these avenues becomes evident also in the PhD theses of doctoral students: Stream processing makes use of knowledge representation techniques, linked data is emerging as a research topic that bridges information retrieval and knowledge representation, and new forms of querying draw on techniques from both information retrieval and databases. In this paper, we survey new PhD theses at the meeting point of the three research avenues. Our survey is based on the 5th PhD workshop at the ACM CIKM conference. The topics include themes as diverse as link prediction, source code querying, and video stream processing.
Model Predictive Control Based on Kalman Filter for Constrained Hammerstein-Wiener Systems
Authors: Hong Man , Cheng Shao
Published: October 2013

To precisely track the reactor temperature in the entire working condition, the constrained Hammerstein-Wiener model describing nonlinear chemical processes such as in the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) is proposed. A predictive control algorithm based on the Kalman filter for constrained Hammerstein-Wiener systems is designed. An output feedback control law regarding the linear subsystem is derived by state observation. The size of reaction heat produced and its influence on the output are evaluated by the Kalman filter. The observation and evaluation results are calculated by the multistep predictive approach. Actual control variables are computed while considering the constraints of the optimal control problem in a finite horizon through the receding horizon. The simulation example of the CSTR tester shows the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed algorithm.
Optimal Acquisition and Inventory Control for a Remanufacturing System
Authors: Jiang Zhigang , Zhu Shuo , Zhang Hua , Wang Yanhong
Published: October 2013

Optimal acquisition and inventory control can often make the difference between successful and unsuccessful remanufacturing. However, there is a greater degree of uncertainty and complexity in a remanufacturing system, which leads to a critical need for planning and control models designed to deal with this added uncertainty and complexity. In this paper, a method for optimal acquisition and inventory control of a remanufacturing system is presented. The method considers three inventories, one for returned item and the other for serviceable and recoverable items. Taking the holding cost for returns, recoverable and remanufactured products, remanufacturing cost, disposal cost, and the loss caused by backlog into account, the optimal inventory control model is established to minimize the total costs. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the proposed methods.
Research on the Thermal Cavitation Problem of a Preexisting Microvoid in a Viscoelastic Sphere
Authors: Chen Yajuan , Shang Xinchun
Published: October 2013

The cavitation problem of a preexisting microvoid in the incompressible viscoelastic sphere subjected to the uniform temperature field was studied in this paper. Based on the finite logarithmic strain measure for geometrically large deformation, the nonlinear mathematical model of this problem was established by employing the Kelvin-Voigt differential type constitutive equation of thermoviscoelasticity. Adopting the dimensionless transformation of each parameter, growth curves of the microvoid radius increasing with the temperature were given. And the results indicated that the generation of cavity could be regarded as the idealized model of microvoid growth. A parametric study, including the influences of the external temperature, the initial microvoid radius, and the material parameter on the microvoid radius, was also conducted. The sudden growth of infinitely large sphere with a preexisting microvoid could also achieved by the finitely large sphere.
Binomial Transforms of the Padovan and Perrin Matrix Sequences
Authors: Yilmaz Nazmiye , Taskara Necati
Published: October 2013

We apply the binomial transforms to Padovan and Perrin matrix sequences. Also, the Binet formulas, summations, and generating functions of these transforms are found by recurrence relations. Finally, we illustrate the relations between these transforms by deriving new formulas.
Salmonella enteridisSeptic Arthritis: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Uygur Esat , Reddy Krishna , Özkan Feyza Ünlü , Söylemez Salih , Aydin Özlem , Şenol Serkan
Published: October 2013

Introduction. Nontyphoidal salmonellosis causes significant morbidity, is transmitted via fecal-oral route, and is a worldwide cause of gastroenteritis, bacteremia, and local infections. Salmonella is a less common etiologic factor for septic arthritis compared with other gram-negative bacteria.Cases. We present two septic arthritis cases withSalmonella enteridisas a confirmed pathogen and also discuss the predisposing factors and treatment.Discussion. Septic arthritis is an orthopedic emergency. The gold standard treatment of septic arthritis is joint debridement, antibiotic therapy according to the culture results, and physiotherapy, which should start in the early postoperative period to prevent limitation of motion.Salmonellais an atypical agent for septic arthritis. It must be particularly kept in mind as an etiologic factor for the acute arthritis of a patient with sickle cell anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus. Clinicians should be cautious that the white blood cell count in synovial fluid can be under 50.000/mm3in immune compromised individuals with septic arthritis. The inflammatory response can be deficient, or the microorganism may be atypical.Conclusion. Atypical bacteria such as Salmonella species in immune compromised patients can cause joint infections. Therefore, Salmonella species must always be kept in mind for the differential diagnosis of septic arthritis in a clinically relevant setting.
On Initial-Boundary Value Problems for Hyperbolic Equations in Domains with Conical Points
Authors: Hung Nguyen Manh , Anh Nguyen Thanh
Published: October 2013

We consider an initial-boundary value problem for general higher-order hyperbolic equation in an infinite cylinder with the base containing conical points on the boundary. We establish several results on the unique solvability, the regularity, and the asymptotic behaviour of the solution near the conical points.
Nonlinear Predictive Control of Mass Moment Aerospace Vehicles Based on Ant Colony Genetic Algorithm Optimization
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Li Peng , Xu Dexin , Mao Ben , He Kunpeng
Published: October 2013

Based on the mathematical model of the mass moment aerospace vehicles (MMAV), a coupled nonlinear dynamical system is established by rational simplification. The flight control system of MMAV is designed via utilizing nonlinear predictive control (NPC) approach. Aiming at the parameters of NPC is generally used the trial-and-error method to optimize and design, a novel kind of NPC parameters optimization strategy based on ant colony genetic algorithm (ACGA) is proposed in this paper. The method for setting NPC parameters with ACA in which the routes of ants are optimized by the genetic algorithm (GA) is derived. And then, a detailed realized process of this method is also presented. Furthermore, this optimization algorithm of the NPC parameters is applied to the flight control system of MMAV. The simulation results show that the system not only meets the demands of time-response specifications but also has excellent robustness.
Photocatalytic Oxidation of Gaseous Benzene under 185 nm UV Irradiation
Authors: Huang Haibao , Ye Xinguo , Huang Huiling , Hu Peng , Zhang Lu , Leung Dennis Y. C.
Published: October 2013

Benzene is a toxic air pollutant and causes great harm to human being. Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) has been frequently studied for benzene removal, however, its PCO efficiency is still very low and the photocatalysts are easy to be deactivated. To improve the efficiency and stability of PCO, UV lamps with partial 185 nm UV irradiation were used to activate photocatalysts (denoted as 185-PCO). Cobalt modified TiO2(Co-TiO2) was developed to improve the PCO activity and eliminate ozone generated from 185 nm UV irradiation. Results show that benzene removal efficiency of PCO with 254 nm UV irradiation (denoted as 254-PCO) is only 2.1% while it was greatly increased to 51.5% in 185-PCO. 185-PCO exhibited superior capacity for benzene oxidation. In the 185-PCO process, much ozone was left in case of TiO2as photocatalysts while it can be nearly eliminated by 1% Co-TiO2.
Inhibition of NF-κB Signaling Ablates the Invasive Phenotype of Glioblastoma
Authors: Westhoff Mike-Andrew , Zhou Shaoxia , Nonnenmacher Lisa , Karpel-Massler Georg , Jennewein Claudia , Schneider Matthias , Halatsch Marc-Eric , Carragher Neil O. , Baumann Bernd , Krause Alexander , Simmet Thomas , Bachem Max G. , Wirtz Christian R. , Debatin Klaus-Michael
Published: October 2013

Glioblastoma multiforme, the most common primary brain tumor, is highly refractory to therapy, mainly due to its ability to form micrometastases, which are small clusters or individual cells that rapidly transverse the brain and make full surgical resection impossible. Here, it is demonstrated that the invasive phenotype of glioblastoma multiforme is orchestrated by the transcription factor NF-κB which, via metalloproteinases (MMP), regulates fibronectin processing. Both, cell lines and tumor stem cells from primary glioblastoma multiforme, secrete high levels of fibronectin which when cleaved by MMPs forms an extracellular substrate. Subsequently, forming and interacting with their own microenvironment, glioblastoma multiforme cells are licensed to invade their surroundings. Mechanistic study revealed that NF-κB inhibition, either genetically or pharmacologically, by treatment with Disulfiram, significantly abolished the invasive phenotype in the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. Furthermore, having delineated the underlying molecular mechanism of glioblastoma multiforme invasion, the potential of a disulfiram-based therapy was revealed in a highly invasive orthotrophic glioblastoma multiforme mouse model.

Implications: This study defines a novel therapeutic approach that inhibits micrometastases invasion and reverts lethal glioblastoma into a less aggressive disease. Mol Cancer Res; 11(12); 1611–23. ©2013 AACR.
Venous Thromboembolic Events in Germ Cell Cancer Patients Undergoing Platinum-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Honecker Friedemann , Koychev Daniel , Luhmann Anna D. , Langer Florian , Dieckmann Klaus-Peter , Bokemeyer Carsten , Oechsle Karin
Published: October 2013

Background: Germ cell tumor (GCT) patients are at risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEEs). A higher incidence of VTEEs has been reported in GCT patients undergoing cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the incidence of and risk factors for VTEEs in 193 GCT patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy in Hamburg, Germany, between 2000 and 2009 was performed. Results: VTEEs occurred in 22 patients (11%). In only 4 patients, the VTEEs occurred during cisplatin-based chemotherapy, while 18 patients (81%) experienced VTEEs prior to initiation of chemotherapy. Pure seminoma, ‘intermediate risk' (International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG)), retroperitoneal or supraclavicular lymph node metastases, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, a central venous catheter (CVC), arterial hypertension, application of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and of ≥ 3 cycles of cisplatin-based chemotherapy could be identified as risk factors. 2 risk groups could be described: (i) VTEEs manifesting before chemotherapy in patients with seminoma, retroperitoneal tumor masses, and elevated LDH levels, and (ii) VTEEs occurring during chemotherapy applied via CVC in patients with supraclavicular lymph node metastases. Conclusions: The incidence of VTEEs in GCT patients was 11%, but in the majority of patients, the VTEEs occurred before the initiation of platinum-based chemotherapy. Supraclavicular lymph node metastases and use of a CVC are risk factors for VTEEs during chemotherapy.
Far Upstream Element-Binding Protein 1 (FUBP1) is Overexpressed in Human Gastric Cancer Tissue Compared to Non-Cancerous Tissue
Authors: Zhang Fucheng , Tian Qin , Wang Yaojun
Published: October 2013

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of far upstream element-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) in gastric cancer development. Patients and Methods: Using immunohistochemistry, we detected FUBP1 expression in 18 chronic superficial gastritis patients, 33 chronic atrophic gastritis patients, 21 moderate and severe gastric dysplasia patients, and 31 gastric cancer patients. FUBP1 mRNA expression in gastric cancer tissue and paraneoplastic tissue was measured with fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: The FUBP1 expression rates in the chronic atrophic gastritis, moderate and severe dysplasia, and gastric cancer patients were 51.51% (17/33), 76.19% (16/21), and 90.32% (28/31), respectively; these were higher than the expression rate of the chronic superficial gastritis patients (11.11%, 2/18). FUBP1 expression in the gastric cancer patients was significantly higher than that in the chronic atrophic gastritis patients. The relative amount (0.2593 ± 0.1209) of FUBP1 mRNA in the gastric cancer tissue was higher than that in paraneoplastic tissue (0.1969 ± 0.0211) (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant correlation between overall survival rates and age, sex, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: FUBP1 expression differs among gastric tissues. There is a correlation between overall survival rates and age, sex, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis.
A Phase I Dose Escalation and Pharmacodynamic Study of SU5416 (Semaxanib) Combined with Weekly Cisplatin and Irinotecan in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Martin Ludmila K. , Bekaii-Saab Tanios , Serna Derek , Monk Paul , Clinton Steven K. , Grever Michael R. , Kraut Eric H.
Published: October 2013

Background: This phase I study evaluated the safety of SU5416, a potent and selective inhibitor of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinase Flk-1, in combination with weekly cisplatin and irinotecan in patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods: The patients received cisplatin 30 mg/m2 and irinotecan 50 mg/m2 weekly from week 1 to week 4, with SU5416 at either 65 mg/m2 (dose level (DL)1) or 85 mg/m2 (DL2) twice weekly for 6 weeks (1 cycle). Serial 18fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET) and 15O-H2O-PET scans were obtained. Results: 13 patients were treated (7 on DL1, 6 on DL2); 7 patients completed at least 1 cycle of treatment. 3 patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) at DL2 (grade 3 neutropenia and grade 3 thrombocytopenia causing treatment delay, grade 3 nausea/vomiting). No objective responses were observed at DL1, which was determined to be the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). 1 partial response (PR) was observed at DL2. 18FDG-PET responses were documented but did not predict response according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Conclusions: SU5416 at 65 mg/m2 twice weekly combined with cisplatin and irinotecan weekly for 4 of 6 weeks is well tolerated but without evidence of clinical activity. 18FDG-PET may be a useful pharmacodynamic marker of SU5416 bioactivity but requires additional development.
Prepregnancy Obesity and Associations With Stroke and Myocardial Infarction in Women in the Years After Childbirth
Authors: Schmiegelow Michelle Dalgas , Andersson Charlotte , Køber Lars , Andersen Søren Skøtt , Olesen Jonas Bjerring , Jensen Thomas Bo , Azimi Aziza , Nielsen Mia Birgitte , Gislason Gunnar , Torp-Pedersen Christian
Published: October 2013

Background—

Cardiovascular events (stroke or myocardial infarction) are often associated with poorer prognosis in younger, compared with older individuals. We examined the associations between prepregnancy obesity and the risks of myocardial infarction and stroke in young, healthy women.

Methods and Results—

All Danish women giving birth during 2004–2009 without a history of renal disease or cardiovascular disease were identified from national registers and followed for a median time of 4.5 years (interquartile range, 2.8–5.8). They were grouped according to prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) in underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m
2
), normal weight (BMI=18.5–<25 kg/m
2
), overweight (BMI=25–<30 kg/m
2
), and obese (BMI≥30 kg/m
2
). The hazard ratios of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and a composite outcome (myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular death) were assessed using multivariable Cox regression models. We included 273 101 women with a median age of 30.4 years (interquartile range, 27.2–33.8). A total of 68 women experienced a myocardial infarction, and 175 women experienced an ischemic stroke. The adjusted hazard ratios of myocardial infarction compared with normal weight were 2.50 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.97–6.50) in underweight, 1.68 (95% CI, 0.92–3.06) in overweight, and 2.63 (95% CI, 1.41–4.91) in obese women. For ischemic stroke the adjusted hazard ratios were 1.06 (95% CI, 0.44–2.28) in underweight, 1.27 (95% CI, 0.87–1.85) in overweight, and 1.89 (95% CI, 1.25–2.84) in obese women, respectively. For the composite outcome, hazard ratios were 1.34 (95% CI, 0.81–2.20), 1.43 (95% CI, 1.11–1.84), and 1.76 (95% CI, 1.31–2.34) for underweight, overweight, and obese women.

Conclusions—

In apparently healthy women of fertile age, prepregnancy obesity was associated with increased risks of ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction in the years after childbirth.
Mild Antithrombin Deficiency and Risk of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Di Minno Matteo Nicola Dario , Dentali Francesco , Lupoli Roberta , Ageno Walter
Published: October 2013

Background—

Antithrombin deficiency, defined by antithrombin levels of <70%, is a major thrombophilic condition associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). No prospective data are available about the risk of recurrent VTE associated with mildly decreased antithrombin levels (70–80%).

Methods and Results—

Consecutive patients with a first VTE were stratified according to functional antithrombin levels (<70%, 70–80%, >80%) and were followed up for a mean of 8.70 years to assess the incidence of VTE recurrence. A total of 823 patients (mean age, 48.3 years; 41.9% male) were enrolled. Recurrent VTE occurred in 253 patients (3.53% per patient-year). With stratification for antithrombin levels, VTE recurrence occurred in 19 patients with antithrombin levels <70% (5.90% per patient-year), in 20 patients with antithrombin levels 70% to 80% (5.35% per patient-year), and in 214 patients with antithrombin levels >80% (3.31% per patient-year). After adjustment for major VTE risk factors and for anticoagulation duration, the risk of VTE recurrence was significantly higher in patients with antithrombin levels <70% (hazard ratio, 3.48; 95% confidence interval, 2.16–5.61) and antithrombin levels 70% to 80% (hazard ratio, 2.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.51–3.80) compared with patients with antithrombin levels >80%. When the population was stratified according to the presence or absence of major risk factors for the index event, the association remained significant only in patients with unprovoked VTE.

Conclusions—

The presence of mild antithrombin deficiency (70–80% antithrombin) in patients with unprovoked VTE is associated with a significantly increased risk of recurrence and should be taken into account when the duration of secondary prevention is determined.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01382550.
Plasma Phospholipid Omega‐3 Fatty Acids and Incidence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in the OPERA Trial
Authors: Wu Jason H. Y. , Marchioli Roberto , Silletta Maria G. , Macchia Alejandro , Song Xiaoling , Siscovick David S. , Harris William S. , Masson Serge , Latini Roberto , Albert Christine , Brown Nancy J. , Lamarra Mauro , Favaloro Roberto R. , Mozaffarian Dariush
Published: October 2013

Background

Long‐chain polyunsaturated omega‐3 fatty acids (n‐3
PUFA
) demonstrated antiarrhythmic potential in experimental studies. In a large multinational randomized trial (
OPERA
), perioperative fish oil supplementation did not reduce the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation (
PoAF
) in cardiac surgery patients. However, whether presupplementation habitual plasma phospholipid n‐3
PUFA
, or achieved or change in n‐3
PUFA
level postsupplementation are associated with lower risk of
PoAF
is unknown.

Methods and Results

In 564 subjects undergoing cardiac surgery between August 2010 and June 2012 in 28 centers across 3 countries, plasma phospholipid levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (
EPA
), docosapentaenoic acid (
DPA
), and docosahexaenoic acid (
DHA
) were measured at enrollment and again on the morning of cardiac surgery following fish oil or placebo supplementation (10 g over 3 to 5 days, or 8 g over 2 days). The primary endpoint was incident
PoAF
lasting ≥30 seconds, centrally adjudicated, and confirmed by rhythm strip or
ECG
. Secondary endpoints included sustained (≥1 hour), symptomatic, or treated
PoAF
; the time to first
PoAF
; and the number of
PoAF
episodes per patient.
PoAF
outcomes were assessed until hospital discharge or postoperative day 10, whichever occurred first. Relative to the baseline, fish oil supplementation increased phospholipid concentrations of
EPA
(+142%),
DPA
(+13%), and
DHA
(+22%) (
P
<0.001 each). Substantial interindividual variability was observed for change in total n‐3
PUFA
(range=−0.7% to 7.5% after 5 days of supplementation). Neither individual nor total circulating n‐3
PUFA
levels at enrollment, morning of surgery, or change between these time points were associated with risk of
PoAF
. The multivariable‐adjusted
OR
(95%
CI
) across increasing quartiles of total n‐3
PUFA
at enrollment were 1.0, 1.06 (0.60 to 1.90), 1.35 (0.76 to 2.38), and 1.19 (0.64 to 2.20); and for changes in n‐3
PUFA
between enrollment and the morning of surgery were 1.0, 0.78 (0.44 to 1.39), 0.89 (0.51 to 1.55), and 1.01 (0.58 to 1.75). In stratified analysis, demographic, medication, and cardiac parameters did not significantly modify these associations. Findings were similar for secondary
PoAF
endpoints.

Conclusions

Among patients undergoing cardiac surgery, neither higher habitual circulating n‐3
PUFA
levels, nor achieved levels or changes following short‐term fish oil supplementation are associated with risk of
PoAF
.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: Clinicaltrials.gov Unique identifier: NCT00970489
Cardiac Rehabilitation Patient and Organizational Factors: What Keeps Patients in Programs?
Authors: Turk‐Adawi Karam I. , Oldridge Neil B. , Tarima Sergey S. , Stason William B. , Shepard Donald S.
Published: October 2013

Background

Despite documented benefits of cardiac rehabilitation, adherence to programs is suboptimal with an average dropout rate of between 24% and 50%. The goal of this study was to identify organizational and patient factors associated with cardiac rehabilitation adherence.

Methods and Results

Facilities of the
W
isconsin
C
ardiac
R
ehabilitation
O
utcomes
R
egistry Project (N=38) were surveyed and records of 4412 enrolled patients were analyzed. Generalized estimating equations were used to account for clustering of patients within facilities. The results show that organizational factors associated with significantly increased adherence were relaxation training and diet classes (group and individual formats) and group‐based psychological counseling, medication counseling, and lifestyle modification, the medical director's presence in the cardiac rehabilitation activity area for ≥15 min/week, assessment of patient satisfaction, adequate space, and adequate equipment. Patient factors associated with significantly increased adherence were aged ≥65 years, the
A
merican
A
ssociation of
C
ardiovascular and
P
ulmonary
R
ehabilitation (
AACVPR
) high‐risk category, having received coronary artery bypass grafting, and diabetes disease. Non‐white race was negatively associated with adherence. There was no significant gender difference in adherence. None of the baseline patient clinical profiles were associated with adherence including body mass index, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and blood pressure.

Conclusions

Factors associated with adherence to cardiac rehabilitation included both organizational and patient factors. Modifiable organizational factors may help directors of cardiac rehabilitation programs improve patient adherence to this beneficial program.
Postoperative takotsubo cardiomyopathy: an illustration of the electrocardiographic features that raise suspicion for takotsubo
Authors: Omar Hesham R , Fairbairn James , Abdelmalak Hany D , Delibasic Maja , Camporesi Enrico M
Published: October 2013

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an increasingly recognized clinical disorder mimicking acute coronary syndrome. It is usually preceded by physical or emotional stress and recovery of the left ventricular systolic function occurs in most cases within 1–4 weeks. Takotsubo cardiomypathy can masquerade as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction when chest pain, ST-segment elevation, and high cardiac biomarkers coexist. ST-segment elevation is encountered in approximately half of the cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy and its pattern is indistinguishable at times from ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. However, several electrocardiographic criteria have been shown to characterize takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Awareness of these electrocardiographic features has several diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Nevertheless, these electrocardiographic criteria alone cannot reliably differentiate between both entities, and the diagnosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy is only established after coronary angiography confirms the absence of occlusive coronary artery disease and the characteristic apical ballooning is evident on left ventriculogram (in the case of the apical form). Herein, we present a case of postoperative takotsubo cardiomyopathy and discuss the various electrocardiographic features that raise suspicion for this transient cardiac syndrome.
New insights in osteogenic differentiation revealed by mass spectrometric assessment of phosphorylated substrates in murine skin mesenchymal cells
Authors: Halcsik Erik , Forni Maria Fernanda , Fujita Andre , Verano-Braga Thiago , Jensen Ole Nørregaard , Sogayar Mari Cleide
Published: October 2013

Background

Bone fractures and loss represent significant costs for the public health system and often affect the patients quality of life, therefore, understanding the molecular basis for bone regeneration is essential. Cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-10 and TNFα, secreted by inflammatory cells at the lesion site, at the very beginning of the repair process, act as chemotactic factors for mesenchymal stem cells, which proliferate and differentiate into osteoblasts through the autocrine and paracrine action of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), mainly BMP-2. Although it is known that BMP-2 binds to ActRI/BMPR and activates the SMAD 1/5/8 downstream effectors, little is known about the intracellular mechanisms participating in osteoblastic differentiation. We assessed differences in the phosphorylation status of different cellular proteins upon BMP-2 osteogenic induction of isolated murine skin mesenchymal stem cells using Triplex Stable Isotope Dimethyl Labeling coupled with LC/MS.

Results

From 150 μg of starting material, 2,264 proteins were identified and quantified at five different time points, 235 of which are differentially phosphorylated. Kinase motif analysis showed that several substrates display phosphorylation sites for Casein Kinase, p38, CDK and JNK. Gene ontology analysis showed an increase in biological processes related with signaling and differentiation at early time points after BMP2 induction. Moreover, proteins involved in cytoskeleton rearrangement, Wnt and Ras pathways were found to be differentially phosphorylated during all timepoints studied.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data, allow new insights on the intracellular substrates which are phosphorylated early on during differentiation to BMP2-driven osteoblastic differentiation of skin-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
Age and menopause affect the expression of specific cytokines/chemokines in plasma and cervical lavage samples from female sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Sivro Aida , Lajoie Julie , Kimani Joshua , Jaoko Walter , Plummer Francis A , Fowke Keith , Ball T Blake
Published: October 2013

Background

Aging of the immune system, known as immunosenescence, is associated with profound changes in both innate and adaptive immune responses, resulting in increased susceptibility to infection and a decreased ability to respond to vaccination. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of age and menopause on the expression of 22 different cytokines/chemokines in both plasma and cervical lavage samples from female sex-worker cohort from Nairobi, Kenya (age range 20–65).

Results

Cytokine/chemokine levels were measured using a Miliplex multiplex assay (Millipore). We found that age positively correlated with MCP-1 (p = 0.0002) and IP-10 (p = 0.03) systemic cytokine expression, and that women over 50 expressed the highest levels of these cytokines, but also had elevated expression of MIG (ANOVA p = 0.0096) and MIP-3β(ANOVA p = 0.0434). We also found that IL-8 (p = 0.047) and sCD40L (p = 0.01) systemic expression negatively correlated with age. Further, MIG (p = 0.0081) and MCP-1 (p = 0.0157) were present at higher levels in post-menopausal women suggesting a potential estrogen dependant systemic regulation of these cytokines. In cervical lavage samples, age did not directly correlate with the expression of any of the tested cytokines/chemokines, however sIL-2Rα (ANOVA p = 0.0170) and IL-15 (ANOVA p = 0.0251)were significantly higher in women over 50. Menopause was shown to have a more profound effect on cytokine expression in the cervical mucosa with MIG (p = 0.0256), MIP-3α (p = 0.0245), IL-1β (p = 0.0261), IL-6 (p = 0.0462), IL-8 (p = 0.007), IP-10 (p = 0.0357) and MCP-1 (p = 0.0427) all significantly under-expressed in post-menopausal women.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that aging and menopause-associated hormonal changes are associated with significant changes in systemic and mucosal cytokine/chemokine expression, which may have implications for the age-related decline in the ability to fight against infections.
Oral Contraceptives and Risk of Ovarian Cancer and Breast Cancer Among High-Risk Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Moorman Patricia G. , Havrilesky Laura J. , Gierisch Jennifer M. , Coeytaux Remy R. , Lowery William J. , Peragallo Urrutia Rachel , Dinan Michaela , McBroom Amanda J. , Hasselblad Vic , Sanders Gillian D. , Myers Evan R.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To estimate the risks of ovarian cancer and breast cancer associated with oral contraceptive (OC) use among women at elevated risk owing to mutations in BRCA1/2 or a strong family history.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies published 2000 to 2012 that evaluated associations between OC use and breast or ovarian cancer among women who are carriers of a BRCA1/2 mutation or have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Results

From 6,476 unique citations, we identified six studies examining ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and eight studies examining breast cancer risk in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. For BRCA1/2 mutation carriers combined, meta-analysis showed an inverse association between OC use and ovarian cancer (odds ratio [OR], 0.58; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.73) and a nonstatistically significant association with breast cancer (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.58). Findings were similar when examining BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers separately. Data were inadequate to perform meta-analyses examining duration or timing of use. For women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, we identified four studies examining risk for ovarian cancer and three for breast cancer, but differences between studies precluded combining the data for meta-analyses, and no overall pattern could be discerned.

Conclusion

Our analyses suggest that associations between ever use of OCs and ovarian and breast cancer among women who are BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers are similar to those reported for the general population.
Locoregional Failure Rate After Preoperative Chemoradiation of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and the Outcomes of Salvage Strategies
Authors: Sudo Kazuki , Taketa Takashi , Correa Arlene M. , Campagna Maria-Claudia , Wadhwa Roopma , Blum Mariela A. , Komaki Ritsuko , Lee Jeffrey H. , Bhutani Manoop S. , Weston Brian , Skinner Heath D. , Maru Dipen M. , Rice David C. , Swisher Stephen G. , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The primary purpose of surveillance of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and/or esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma after local therapy (eg, chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery or trimodality therapy [TMT]) is to implement a potentially beneficial salvage therapy to overcome possible morbidity/mortality caused by locoregional failure (LRF). However, the benefits of surveillance are not well understood. We report on LRFs and salvage strategies in a large cohort.

Patients and Methods

Between 2000 and 2010, 518 patients with EAC who completed TMT were analyzed for the frequency of LRF over time and salvage therapy outcomes. Standard statistical techniques were used.

Results

For 518 patients, the median follow-up time was 29.3 months (range, 1 to 149 months). Distant metastases (with or without LRF) occurred in 188 patients (36%), and LRF only occurred in 27 patients (5%). Eleven of 27 patients had lumen-only LRF. Most LRFs (89%) occurred within 36 months of surgery. Twelve patients had salvage chemoradiotherapy, but only five survived more than 2 years. Four patients needed salvage surgery, and three who survived more than 2 years developed distant metastases. The median overall survival of 27 patients with LRF was 17 months, and 10 patients (37%) survived more than 2 years. Thus, only 2% of all 518 patients benefited from surveillance/salvage strategies.

Conclusion

Our surveillance strategy, which is representative of many others currently being used, raises doubts about its effectiveness and benefits (along with concerns regarding types and times of studies and costs implications) to patients with EAC who have LRF only after TMT. Fortunately, LRFs are rare after TMT, but the salvage strategies are not highly beneficial. Our data can help develop an evidence-based surveillance strategy.
Were Women and Young People the Heart of the Pinochet Regime? Rise and Decline of the Secretariats
Authors: de Zárate Verónica Valdivia Ortiz
Published: October 2013

This article focuses on the political role of the Secretariats of Women and Youth, which were created by Augusto Pinochet’s military regime, in an effort to unearth their underlying rationale. It departs from previous interpretations of these organizations that privilege the influence of foreign models in their formation, highlighting instead factors internal to Chile and seeking a more complete understanding of the dictatorship’s actions in regard to the secretariats. This analysis portrays the Chilean secretariats as different from their counterparts in other Southern Cone dictatorships. The trajectories of the secretariats followed the Chilean regime’s political evolution, as they served different goals and strategies and changed course as the government developed a more clearly defined political project, along with policies to carry such a project out.
The shallow thermal regime of Devils Hole, Death Valley National Park
Authors: Hausner Mark B. , Wilson Kevin P. , Gaines D. Bailey , Suárez Francisco , Tyler Scott W.
Published: October 2013

Lay Abstract

Devils Hole is an open, water‐filled fault in Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge that is home to the world's only population of endangered Devils Hole pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis). In 1995, the population of Devils Hole pupfish began to decline, and to date no single cause for this decline has been identified. This article examines the influence of water temperature on the Devils Hole pupfish population by considering a part of the habitat that is critical to the pupfish's reproductive cycle: the shallow shelf at the south end of the pool. A mathematical model of the shallow shelf is used to examine the daily patterns of water flow and temperature change that result from the daily cycles of air temperature and solar radiation. The model matches well the data collected during this and other studies and shows that the shallow shelf of Devils Hole will respond to small changes in air temperature. Over the past 30 years, the southwestern United States has experienced an increase of up to 2 °C in average air temperature, and this increase has the potential to negatively affect the population of Devils Hole pupfish. The changes in local climate over this time period may have contributed to the decline of the Devils Hole pupfish population.
Entry into the nuclear pore complex is controlled by a cytoplasmic exclusion zone containing dynamic GLFG-repeat nucleoporin domains
Authors: Fiserova Jindriska , Spink Matthew , Richards Shane A. , Saunter Christopher , Goldberg Martin W.
Published: October 2013

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) mediate nucleocytoplasmic movement. The central channel contains proteins with phenylalanine-glycine (FG) repeats, or variations (GLFG, glycine-leucine-FG). These are “intrinsically disordered” which often represent weak interaction sites that become ordered upon interaction. We investigated this possibility during nuclear transport. Using electron microscopy of S. cerevisiae we show that NPC cytoplasmic filaments form a dome-shaped structure enclosing GLFG domains. GLFG domains extend out of this structure and are part of an “exclusion zone” that may act as a partial barrier to entry of transport inert proteins. The anchor domain of a GLFG nucleoporin locates exclusively to the central channel. Conversely GLFG domains varied between NPCs and could be cytoplasmic, central or nucleoplasmic and could stretch up to 80 nm. These results suggest a dynamic exchange between ordered and disordered states. In contrast to diffusion through the NPC, transport cargoes passed through the exclusion zone and accumulated near the central plane. We also show that movement of cargo through the NPC is accompanied by relocation of GLFG domains, suggesting that binding, restructuring and movement of these domains could constitute part of the translocation mechanism.
The effect of the Oxford uncemented medial compartment arthroplasty on the bone mineral density and content of the proximal tibia
Authors: Hooper G. J. , Gilchrist N. , Maxwell R. , March R. , Heard A. , Frampton C.
Published: October 2013

We studied the bone mineral density (BMD) and the bone mineral content (BMC) of the proximal tibia in patients with a well-functioning uncemented Oxford medial compartment arthroplasty using the Lunar iDXA bone densitometer. Our hypothesis was that there would be decreased BMD and BMC adjacent to the tibial base plate and increased BMD and BMC at the tip of the keel.

There were 79 consecutive patients (33 men, 46 women) with a mean age of 65 years (44 to 84) with a minimum two-year follow-up (mean 2.6 years (2.0 to 5.0)) after unilateral arthroplasty, who were scanned using a validated standard protocol where seven regions of interest (ROI) were examined and compared with the contralateral normal knee. All had well-functioning knees with a mean Oxford knee score of 43 (14 to 48) and mean Knee Society function score of 90 (20 to 100), showing a correlation with the increasing scores and higher BMC and BMD values in ROI 2 in the non-implanted knee relative to the implanted knee (p = 0.013 and p = 0.015, respectively).

The absolute and percentage changes in BMD and BMC were decreased in all ROIs in the implanted knee compared with the non-implanted knee, but this did not reach statistical significance. Bone loss was markedly less than reported losses with total knee replacement.

There was no significant association with side, although there was a tendency for the BMC to decrease with age in men. The BMC was less in the implanted side relative to the non-implanted side in men compared with women in ROI 2 (p = 0.027), ROI 3 (p = 0.049) and ROI 4 (p = 0.029).

The uncemented Oxford medial compartment arthroplasty appears to allow relative preservation of the BMC and BMD of the proximal tibia, suggesting that the implant acts more physiologically than total knee replacement. Peri-prosthetic bone loss is an important factor in assessing long-term implant stability and survival, and the results of this study are encouraging for the long-term outcome of this arthroplasty.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1480–3.
Corrigenda/Errata
Authors: Haddad F. S.
Published: October 2013

Cadossi M, Chiarello E, Savarino L, Tedesco G, Baldini N, Faldini C, Giannini S. A comparison of hemiarthroplasty with a novel polycarbonate-urethane acetabular component for displaced intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck: a randomised controlled trial in elderly patients. Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:609-615.
Pediatrician-led Motivational Interviewing to Treat Overweight Children: An RCT
Authors: Davoli Anna Maria , Broccoli Serena , Bonvicini Laura , Fabbri Alessandra , Ferrari Elena , D’Angelo Stefania , Di Buono Annarita , Montagna Gino , Panza Costantino , Pinotti Mirco , Romani Gabriele , Storani Simone , Tamelli Marco , Candela Silvia , Giorgi Rossi Paolo
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of family pediatrician–led motivational interviews (MIs) on BMI of overweight (85th ≥BMI percentile ≥95th) children aged 4 to 7 years.

METHODS:

All the family pediatricians working in Reggio Emilia Province (Italy) were invited to participate in the study; 95% accepted. Specific training was provided. Parents were asked to participate in the trial if they recognized their child as overweight. Children were individually randomly assigned to MIs or usual care. All children were invited for a baseline and a 12-month visit to assess BMI and lifestyle behaviors. The usual care group received an information leaflet, and the intervention group received 5 MI family meetings. The primary outcome was the individual variation of BMI, assessed by pediatricians unblinded to treatment groups.

RESULTS:

Of 419 eligible families, 372 (89%) participated; 187 children were randomized to MIs and 185 to the usual care group. Ninety-five percent of the children attended the 12-month visit. The average BMI increased by 0.49 and 0.79 during the intervention in the MI and control groups, respectively (difference: –0.30; P = .007). MI had no effect in boys or in children whose mothers had a low educational level. Positive changes in parent-reported lifestyle behaviors occurred more frequently in the MI group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The pediatrician-led MI was overall effective in controlling BMI in these overweight children aged 4 to 7 years, even though no effect was observed in male children or when the mother’s education level was low.
O impacto dos gastos sociais sobre os indicadores de desigualdade e pobreza nos estados brasileiros no período de 2004 a 2009
Authors: Araujo Jevuks Matheus de , Alves Janielle do Amaral , Besarria Cássio da Nóbrega
Published: October 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os efeitos dos gastos sociais em educação e saúde nos indicadores de pobreza e nos índices de desigualdade de renda no período de 2004 a2009. A metodologia utilizada foi a técnica econométrica de dados em painel com efeitos fixos, haja vista a adequação deste método aos dados disponíveis. Foi possível verificar que para o período analisado houve uma redução nos indicadores de pobreza para os Estados brasileiros, onde os efeitos do Programa Bolsa Família foram estatisticamente significativos. Entretanto, não foi possível observar impactos estatisticamente significativos do Programa sobre os índices de desigualdade de renda. Verificou-se ainda que os gastos sociais em educação e saúde também reduzem a pobreza, mas não é possível afirmar que estes tenham impactos significativos sobre a desigualdade de renda. Por fim, foi possível constatar o importante papel do crescimento econômico sobre a redução da pobreza e da desigualdade de renda.
Thiazolodinediones and Cancer: Duplicate Publication Bias?
Authors: de Vries Frank , Zeegers Maurice P. , Knapen Lotte M. , Goossens Maria E.
Published: October 2013

A meta-analysis of epidemiological studies reported no increased risk for cancer in users of thiazolidinediones; however, subanalyses showed a small 1.1- to 1.2-fold increased risk for bladder cancer with thiazolidinedione use. This analysis was probably distorted by “duplicate publication bias.”
Empirical analysis of countdown signals on pedestrian behaviour
Authors: Ma Wanjing , Liao Dabin , Bai Yu
Published: October 2013

The installation of countdown pedestrian signal display at signalised intersections was proposed as part of an overall strategy for improving pedestrian safety, especially at such intersections. Based on field observations of critical pedestrian-related parameters at five similar intersections (three with countdown signals and two without countdown signals) in Shanghai, this research evaluated the impact of countdown signals on intersection safety and efficiency. Three categories of data were collected using a video detection system and questionnaire methods – crossing behaviour data (e.g. pedestrian speed and number of pedestrians obeying signals), questionnaire data (e.g. understanding of countdown signals) and crosswalk-related data (e.g. cycle length and length of the crosswalk). Statistical analysis results based on t-tests and analysis of variance revealed that the impacts of countdown signals on older and younger people are different in terms of compliance ratio and successful crossing ratio. Countdown signals also decreases the perception–reaction time and significantly improves crossing speed, especially at the end of clearance time. The questionnaire results showed that understanding of the real meaning of pedestrian clearance time is not changed by the installation of countdown signals. Despite its effectiveness in facilitating the pedestrian decision-making process, the installation of countdown signals may adversely increase the possibility of collisions with unexpected right-turning vehicles, crossing vehicles or bicycles due to the significantly increased speeds of pedestrians at the end of clearance time.
Permanent Supportive Housing: Addressing Homelessness and Health Disparities?
Authors: Henwood Benjamin F. , Cabassa Leopoldo J. , Craig Catherine M. , Padgett Deborah K.
Published: October 2013

Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is an intervention to address long-term homelessness. Evidence has resulted in a shift in US policy toward using PSH rather than shelters and transitional housing.

Despite recognizing that individuals transitioning from homelessness to PSH experience a high burden of disease and health disparities, public health research has not considered whether and how PSH improves physical health outcomes.

Based on diverse areas of research, we argue that in addition to improved access to quality health care, social determinants of health (including housing itself, neighborhood characteristics, and built environment) affect health outcomes. We identify implications for practice and research, and conclude that federal and local efforts to end long-term homelessness can interact with concurrent efforts to build healthy communities.