bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obstructed defaecation: what is the role of rehabilitation?
Authors: Pucciani F. , Reggioli M. , Ringressi M. N.
Published: April 2011

Aim  The study was designed to evaluate the results of rehabilitative treatment in patients suffering from obstructed defaecation.

Method  Between January 2008 and July 2010, 39 patients (37 women, age range 25–73 years; and two men, aged 57 and 67 years) affected by obstructed defaecation were included in the study. After a preliminary clinical evaluation, including the Obstructed Defaecation Syndrome (ODS) score, defaecography and anorectal manometry were performed. All 39 patients underwent rehabilitative treatment according to the ‘multimodal rehabilitative programme’ for obstructive defaecation. At the end of the programme, all 39 patients were reassessed by clinical evaluation and anorectal manometry. Postrehabilition ODS scores were used to categorize patients arbitrarily into three classes, as follows: class I, good (score ≤ 4); class II, fair (score > 4 to ≤ 8); and class III, poor (score > 8).

Results  After rehabilitation, there was significant improvement in the overall mean ODS score (P < 0.001). Thirty (76.9%) patients were included as class I (good results), of whom eight (20.5%) were symptom free. Five (12.8%) patients were considered class III. A significant postrehabilitative direct correlation was found between ODS score and pelvic surgery (ρs = 0.54; P < 0.05). Significant differences were found between pre‐ and postrehabilitative manometric data from the straining test (P < 0.001), duration of maximal voluntary contraction (P < 0.001) and conscious rectal sensitivity threshold (P < 0.02).

Conclusion  After rehabilitation, some patients become symptom free and many had an improved ODS score.
Stapled transanal rectal resection and sacral nerve stimulation – impact on faecal incontinence and quality of life
Authors: Boenicke L. , Kim M. , Reibetanz J. , Germer C.‐T. , Isbert C.
Published: April 2011

Aim  The aim of the study was to assess the impact of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) on pre‐existing faecal incontinence and quality of life in patients suffering from obstructive defaecation syndrome (ODS) and to evaluate the efficiency of sequential sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for improvement of persistent incontinence after STARR.

Method  Thirty‐one patients with ODS and major faecal incontinence prior to STARR were prospectively enrolled. The outcome was measured using the Cleveland Clinic Constipation and Incontinence score (CCS, CCIS), Faecal Incontinence Qualities‐of‐Life Index (FIQL), Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality‐of‐Life (PAC‐QOL) and EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ‐VAS).

Results  The overall levels of constipation (CCS from 13.1 ± 3.8 to 6.2 ± 5.4; P < 0.001) and incontinence (CCIS from 12.6 ± 3.2 to 9.4 ± 5.1; P = 0.005) were significantly improved after STARR; concordantly, the global and specific quality of life were significantly improved. Following postoperative constipation and incontinence, three different groups of patients were differentially referred to SNS. In group I (n = 16, 52%), both constipation (CCS from 12.6 ± 4.0 to 3.6 ± 1.9; P < 0.001) and incontinence (CCSI from 12.43 ± 3.2 to 5.1 ± 1.9; P < 0.001) were improved. In group II (n = 8, 25%), only constipation was improved (CCS from 12.3 ± 2.3 to 3.3 ± 2.2; P < 0.001), while incontinence persisted (CCIS from 12.8 ± 2.9 to 13.1 ± 3.1; P > 0.05). In group III (n = 7, 23%) there was no improvement at all. Sacral nerve stimulation was successfully carried out in six (85%) of seven patients in group II (post‐SNS CCSI 6.1 ± 1.7; P = 0.01) but failed in five of five patients in group III.

Conclusion  Stapled transanal rectal resection improves quality of life in ODS patients with both severe constipation and faecal incontinence. Sacral nerve stimulation may efficiently improve persisting incontinence after STARR in selected patients.
Applying tangible story avatars to enhance children's collaborative storytelling
Authors: Liu Chen‐Chung , Liu Kuo‐Ping , Wang Pi‐Hui , Chen Gwo‐Dong , Su Mu‐Chun
Published: April 2011

Software avatars are increasingly applied to support children's collaborative storytelling because avatars may serve as a transparent shield or as embodied agents to facilitate creativity in children. However, when using avatars, it is not easy for children to practise and refine their speaking skills by narrating their stories to an audience. The programming difficulties involved in that process tend to distract attention away from the collaborative storytelling activity itself. This study therefore proposes an interaction model featuring tangible story avatars (TSAs) that can serve as a platform to scaffold collaborative story creation, revision and narrative. A 9‐week study with 16 children aged 8 years was conducted to evaluate the interaction model with the TSAs. The results suggest that the TSAs may play three primary roles in facilitating collaborative storytelling: as a tool for developing confidence, as a tool for reflective story development and as a group artefact. Researchers and educators may find it valuable to consider these three roles in designing the TSAs in support of collaborative storytelling in similar contexts.
A study of user's acceptance on situational mashups in situational language teaching
Authors: Huang Angus F. M. , Yang Stephen J. H. , Liaw Shu‐Sheng
Published: April 2011

Situational awareness and mashups are two key factors influencing the success of situational language teaching. However, traditional situational language teaching cannot smoothly conduct relevant learning activities in changing learning context. This study developed a situational mashups system for detecting users' context and proposed a research model for evaluating users' acceptance on the situational mashups in situational language teaching. The proposed model consisted of users' individual experiences, situational learning theory and technology acceptance theory. The experimental results showed that users' experiences of using computer, Internet, mashups system and mashups‐based learning, as well as users' perceived enjoyment, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of situational mashups are all key factors affecting users' acceptance of situational mashups in situational language teaching.
Nonlinear relationship between electrodermal activity and heart rate variability in patients with acute schizophrenia
Authors: Rachow Tobias , Berger Sandy , Boettger Michael Karl , Schulz Steffen , Guinjoan Salvador , Yeragani Vikram K. , Voss Andreas , Bär Karl‐Jürgen
Published: April 2011

We investigated to what degree tonic skin conductance levels (SCL) and cardiac autonomic dysfunction are interrelated in schizophrenia. Heart rate variability (HRV) and SCL were simultaneously assessed in 18 unmedicated patients and 18 controls matched for age, sex, weight, and smoking habits. For comparison to prior studies, phasic sympathetic skin responses (SPR) were also recorded. Compared to controls, patients had prolonged SPR latency and reduced SPR amplitude with a right‐greater‐than‐left asymmetry, which was inversely correlated with positive symptoms. An autonomic imbalance was reflected in linear and nonlinear measures of HRV and increased SCL. Patients showed a stronger nonlinear association between SCL and heart rate than controls. HRV and SCL findings were strongly affected by group differences in breathing rate. Stronger HRV‐SCL coupling in patients may suggest augmented sympathetic modulation in schizophrenia.
Neuroprotective properties of marrow‐isolated adult multilineage‐inducible cells in rat hippocampus following global cerebral ischemia are enhanced when complexed to biomimetic microcarriers
Authors: Garbayo Elisa , Raval Ami P. , Curtis Kevin M. , Della‐Morte David , Gomez Lourdes A. , D’Ippolito Gianluca , Reiner Teresita , Perez‐Stable Carlos , Howard Guy A. , Perez‐Pinzon Miguel A. , Montero‐Menei Claudia N. , Schiller Paul C.
Published: April 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 972–988.

Cell‐based therapies for global cerebral ischemia represent promising approaches for neuronal damage prevention and tissue repair promotion. We examined the potential of marrow‐isolated adult multilineage‐inducible (MIAMI) cells, a homogeneous subpopulation of immature human mesenchymal stromal cell, injected into the hippocampus to prevent neuronal damage induced by global ischemia using rat organotypic hippocampal slices exposed to oxygen‐glucose deprivation and rats subjected to asphyxial cardiac arrest. We next examined the value of combining fibronectin‐coated biomimetic microcarriers (FN‐BMMs) with epidermal growth factor (EGF)/basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) pre‐treated MIAMI compared to EGF/bFGF pre‐treated MIAMI cells alone, for their in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective capacity. Naïve and EGF/bFGF pre‐treated MIAMI cells significantly protected the Cornu Ammonis layer 1 (CA1) against ischemic death in hippocampal slices and increased CA1 survival in rats. MIAMI cells therapeutic value was significantly increased when delivering the cells complexed with FN‐BMMs, probably by increasing stem cell survival and paracrine secretion of pro‐survival and/or anti‐inflammatory molecules as concluded from survival, differentiation and gene expression analysis. Four days after oxygen and glucose deprivation and asphyxial cardiac arrest, few transplanted cells administered alone survived in the brain whereas stem cell survival improved when injected complexed with FN‐BMMs. Interestingly, a large fraction of the transplanted cells administered alone or in complexes expressed βIII‐tubulin suggesting that partial neuronal transdifferentiation may be a contributing factor to the neuroprotective mechanism of MIAMI cells.
Effect of cow manure biochar on maize productivity under sandy soil condition
Authors: Uzoma K. C. , Inoue M. , Andry H. , Fujimaki H. , Zahoor A. , Nishihara E.
Published: April 2011

In this study, we performed a greenhouse experiment to investigate the effect of cow manure biochar on maize yield, nutrient uptake and physico‐chemical properties of a dryland sandy soil. Biochar was derived from dry cow manure pyrolysed at 500 °C. Cow manure biochar was mixed with a sandy soil at the rate equivalent to 0, 10, 15 and 20 t biochar per hectare. Maize was used as a test crop. Results of the study indicated that cow manure biochar contains some important plant nutrients which significantly affected the maize crop growth. Maize yield and nutrient uptake were significantly improved with increasing the biochar mixing rate. Application of biochar at 15 and 20 t/ha mixing rates significantly increased maize grain yield by 150 and 98% as compared with the control, respectively. Maize net water use efficiency (WUE) increased by 6, 139 and 91% as compared with the control, with the 10, 15 and 20 t/ha mixing rate, respectively. Nutrient uptake by maize grain was significantly increased with higher biochar applications. Application of cow manure biochar improved the field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity of the sandy soil, as a result net WUE also increased. Results of the soil analysis after the harvesting indicated significant increase in the pH, total C, total N, Oslen‐P, exchangeable cations and cation exchange capacity. The results of this study indicated that application of cow manure biochar to sandy soil is not only beneficial for crop growth but it also significantly improved the physico‐chemical properties of the coarse soil.
Assessment of selenium mineralization and availability from catch crops
Authors: Stavridou E. , Thorup‐Kristensen K. , Young S. D.
Published: April 2011

Selenium (Se) release from four plant species (Indian mustard, fodder radish, Italian ryegrass and hairy vetch) was measured under controlled leaching conditions and in a pot incubation experiment as part of a study of the potential for using these plant species as Se catch crops. Catch crops may reduce Se leaching and, by subsequent release of Se from the plant material, increase the available Se for succeeding crops. Plants grown both without and with Se addition (250 g Se/ha) were tested. In the leaching experiment, frozen plant material was incorporated into soil columns and incubated at room temperature for up to 19 weeks. The results showed that Se concentrations in the leachate were higher when Se‐enriched plant material was incorporated in the soil, indicating Se mineralization. When non‐enriched plant material was added to the soil, Se concentrations in the leachate were generally lower than that in the control, indicating Se immobilization. In the pot incubation experiment, the results were consistent with those from the leaching experiment. The addition of enriched plant material increased Se concentration in Indian mustard plants compared with unamended soil. However, the addition of plant materials grown without Se significantly decreased Se concentrations in plant dry matter, again indicating Se immobilization. Fertilizer application with inorganic Se as selenate did not affect Se concentrations either in the leachates or in the plants grown in the pot incubation. Thus, the results show the potential of catch crops to increase Se mineralization and uptake in succeeding crops.
Radiographic Evaluation of BFX Acetabular Component Position in Dogs
Authors: Renwick Alasdair , Gemmill Toby , Pink Jonathan , Brodbelt David , McKee Malcolm
Published: April 2011

Objective: To assess the reliability of radiographic measurement of angle of lateral opening (ALO) and angle of version of BFX acetabular cups.

Study Design: In vitro radiographic study.

Sample Population: BFX cups (24, 28, and 32 mm).

Methods: Total hip replacement constructs (cups, 17 mm femoral head and a #7 CFX stem) were mounted on an inclinometer. Ventrodorsal radiographs were obtained with ALO varying between 21° and 70° and inclination set at 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30°. Radiographs were randomized using a random sequence generator. Three observers blinded to the radiograph order assessed ALO using 3 methods: (1) an ellipse method based on trigonometry; (2) using a measurement from the center of the femoral head to the truncated surface of the cup; (3) by visual estimation using a reference chart. Version was measured by assessing the ventral edge of the truncated surface.

Results: ALO methods 2 and 3 were accurate and precise to within 10° and were significantly more accurate and precise than method 1 (P<.001). All methods were significantly less accurate with increasing inclination. Version measurement was accurate and precise to within 7° with 0–20° of inclination, but significantly less accurate with 30° of inclination.

Conclusions: Methods 2 and 3, but not method 1, were sufficiently accurate and precise to be clinically useful. Version measurement was clinically useful when inclination was ≤20°.
Trading Equity for Efficiency in Environmental Protection? Environmental Justice Effects from the SO2 Allowance Trading Program*
Authors: Ringquist Evan J.
Published: April 2011

Objective. Arthur Okun made plain the fundamental conflict between efficiency and equity that arises in the pursuit of policy goals (Okun, 1974). Although Okun was speaking about government tax and spending policy, the potential conflict between efficiency and equity is also manifest at the nexus of two of the most far‐reaching changes in the environmental policy arena: the adoption of market‐like tools for pollution control and the quest for environmental justice. The article assesses this potential tradeoff by determining whether the pursuit of efficiency through the Clean Air Act Amendment's (CAA) sulfur dioxide allowance trading program (ATP) inadvertently transfers pollution into poor and minority communities.

Methods. I employ Probit, Tobit, and GLS models using data for all SO2 trading activity between January 1995 and March 2009 to estimate whether allowance trading concentrates SO2 emissions in poor communities and communities of color. When using these models, I control for sample selectivity and for possible bias stemming from the modifiable areal unit problem.

Results. The ATP does not concentrate sulfur dioxide emissions in black or Hispanic communities. To the contrary, communities with high percentages of black and Hispanic residents experience fewer imports of sulfur dioxide. Allowance trading does transfer SO2 emissions into poorly educated communities.

Conclusions. There is no inherent tradeoff between efficiency and equity when using market‐based instruments for pollution control. Policymakers, however, might make an effort to design and implement future emissions trading programs in a manner that reduces the monitoring costs of tracking emissions trading. By reducing monitoring costs, policymakers may prevent the concentration of emissions in poorly educated communities while preserving the efficiency benefits of these instruments.
You Wouldn't Like Me When I'm Angry: List Experiment Misreporting*
Authors: Zigerell L. J.
Published: April 2011

Objective. List experiment respondents may misreport the number of list items that they associate with in order to associate themselves with a socially desirable test item or to disassociate themselves from a socially undesirable test item. Tests for such misreporting were conducted.

Methods. List experiments from the 1991 National Race and Politics Survey, the 2006 Cooperative Congressional Election Study, and the 2008 Cooperative Campaign Analysis Project were analyzed or reviewed.

Results. Evidence suggested that some respondents deflated their report more than necessary to avoid association with a socially undesirable test item.

Conclusions. List experiments may provide inaccurate estimates of the percentage of the population to which the test item applies, but the direction of bias is predictable.
New Voters, New Outlook? Predispositions, Social Networks, and the Changing Politics of Gay Civil Rights*
Authors: Becker Amy B. , Scheufele Dietram A.
Published: April 2011

Objectives. This study examines the factors that shape public acceptance of homosexuality and support for same‐sex marriage across age cohorts.

Methods. We analyzed data from two national surveys. We constructed hierarchical logistic and hierarchical ordinary least squares regressions for relevant age cohorts in order to test our hypotheses and explore our research questions.

Results. Our models suggest that personal contact has a greater impact on the attitudes of younger respondents, positively influencing public acceptance of homosexuality. Alternatively, religious and ideological predispositions have a greater impact on the attitudes of older individuals. When examining public support for gay marriage, we find that younger individuals have higher levels of deliberative engagement with the issue debate, while older individuals rely more heavily on their predispositions when determining issue stance. Interestingly, measures of media exposure are not significantly related to either public acceptance of homosexuality or support for same‐sex marriage, suggesting that other factors may have a greater impact on public attitudes at this point in time.

Conclusion. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of the emergence of a new political generation and the continuing struggle for gay civil rights.
Decomposing Trends in Attitudes Toward Gay Marriage, 1988–2006*
Authors: Baunach Dawn Michelle
Published: April 2011

Objective. The objective of this article is to examine the trend in attitudes toward gay marriage through the analysis of data from the General Social Survey.

Methods. Using linear decomposition techniques, I explain the change in attitudes toward gay marriage from 1988 to 2006.

Results. Attitudes significantly liberalized over time; 71 percent opposed gay marriage in 1988, but by 2006, this figure dropped to 52 percent. Approximately two‐thirds of this change was due to an intracohort change effect, or individuals' modifying their views over time, and one‐third was due to a cohort succession effect, or later cohorts replacing earlier ones. This pattern was replicated across many subgroups of the U.S. public, including age, sex, residential, educational, and religious groups.

Conclusion. The results suggest that the use of the “equality/tolerance” framing of gay marriage by its supporters and other societal events or “moments” may have convinced some people who used to disapprove of gay marriage in 1988 to approve of it by 2006.
Racial Threat or Racial Contact? How Race Affected Third‐Party Presidential Voting in the Antebellum North*
Authors: Chamberlain Adam
Published: April 2011

Objective. In this study, the “racial threat” and “racial contact” hypotheses are evaluated in relation to voting for the Liberty and Free Soil Parties in the North during the 1840s.

Methods. Regression models are used to predict the effect of county‐level black populations on Liberty and Free Soil vote percentages in relation to types of employment.

Results. Racial threat occurred in high manufacturing counties, but racial contact/threat emerged in more agricultural counties. The effects vary by party and region of the North.

Conclusion. The effects of racial context on political behavior during this era are mixed, much like modern political studies have uncovered.
Political Threat and Immigration: Party Identification, Demographic Context, and Immigration Policy Preference*
Authors: Hawley George
Published: April 2011

Objective. I propose that the effect of partisanship on views on immigration is context dependent. I argue that Republicans in counties experiencing high levels of immigration are more likely to support new immigration restrictions in contrast to Democrats and Independents than Republicans in counties with a relatively small foreign‐born population, and I suspect this is the case because Republicans in high‐immigration counties feel politically threatened by the foreign‐born residents, who are more likely to support Democratic candidates.

Method. To test this theory, I create hierarchical logit models of views on immigration policy in which individual party identification interacts with the size of the local immigrant population. Individual‐level data were drawn from the 2004 National Annenberg Election Survey and county‐level contextual variables from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Results. I find that the effect of partisanship on individual views on immigration is context dependent; native‐born Republicans are more likely to support immigration restrictions when their local community has a large immigrant population and Democrats less likely.

Conclusion. In areas where immigration levels are low, partisanship is a weak predictor of immigration views. As the foreign‐born population increases, however, the views of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents increasingly diverge.
Backing Barack Because He's Black: Racially Motivated Voting in the 2008 Election*
Authors: Block Ray
Published: April 2011

Objective. If racial considerations influenced the outcome of the 2008 presidential election, then how did they shape the campaign, why did race matter, and for whom were such considerations important? I hypothesize that various racial attitudes exert unique influences on voters' support of Obama and that the effects of these attitudes differ by race.

Methods. Using a Time Magazine poll, I distinguish between “attitudes regarding Obama's ‘Blackness’” and “opinions about race relations,” and I examine such sentiments among White and African‐American respondents.

Results. Regardless of race, Obama support was highest among voters who were “comfortable” with Black candidates. However, increased optimism with racial progress had no effect on Blacks' voting intentions, and it actually lowered Obama support among Whites.

Conclusion. The conventional wisdom is that African Americans “backed Barack because he is Black”; I demonstrate that Obama's race mattered more to White voters than it did to Blacks.
Economic Inequality, Relative Power, and Religiosity*
Authors: Solt Frederick , Habel Philip , Grant J. Tobin
Published: April 2011

Objective. What effect does the extent of economic inequality within a country have on the religiosity of the people who live there? As inequality increases, does religion serve primarily as a source of comfort for the deprived and impoverished or as a tool of social control for the rich and powerful?

Methods. This article examines these questions with two complementary analyses of inequality and religiosity: a multilevel analysis of countries around the world over two decades and a time‐series analysis of the United States over a half‐century.

Results. Economic inequality has a strong positive effect on the religiosity of all members of a society regardless of income.

Conclusions. These results support relative power theory, which maintains that greater inequality yields more religiosity by increasing the degree to which wealthy people are attracted to religion and have the power to shape the attitudes and beliefs of those with fewer means.
Political Participation Among Latinos in the United States: The Effect of Group Identity and Consciousness*
Authors: Valdez Zulema
Published: April 2011

Objective. How do group identity and consciousness affect Latinos' political participation in the United States? Recent studies that examine this relationship generally focus on a single ethnic group, for example, Mexicans, or the panethnic group, Latino/Hispanic, which limits the scope of their results. This study investigates how group identity and consciousness affect the political participation of differently identified Latinos.

Methods. Using the unique 2007 Latino National Survey (LNS), a telephone survey of 8,500 Latino respondents, I investigate how group identity and consciousness affect political participation, as measured by electoral and nonelectoral activities.

Results. Findings suggest that Latinos who self‐identify as American are more likely to engage in political action; however, a sense of group consciousness among ethnic, panethnic, and racial‐identified Latinos alters this effect.

Conclusion. The type of and extent to which Latinos engage in political action is contingent on primary self‐identity and specific aspects of group consciousness.
The Effect of Descriptive Representation on Latinos' Views of Government and of Themselves*
Authors: Sanchez Gabriel R. , Morin Jason L.
Published: April 2011

Objective.This article investigates the relationship between descriptive representation and the political attitudes of Latino citizens in the United States. We specifically test the impact of both panethnic and national‐origin specific representation on Latino citizens' attitudes toward government and their individual‐level identity.

Methods.Original data on the ethnicity and national origin of Latino mayors in 2005 and 2006 was merged with the Latino National Survey (2006) to analyze the impact of descriptive representation on four specific outcomes: perceptions of political alienation, efficacy, political commonality, and linked fate.

Results.We find a meaningful relationship between descriptive representation and the political attitudes of Latino citizens. However, the impact of representation varies by level (panethnic vs. national origin) and the particular outcome of interest.

Conclusions.By developing a Latino‐specific model of descriptive representation, this investigation improves our knowledge of how recent increases in the number of Latinos elected to public office have impacted the Latino electorate.
Epigenetic regulation of cathepsin L expression in chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Samaiya Misti , Bakhshi Sameer , Shukla Abhay A. , Kumar Lalit , Chauhan Shyam S.
Published: April 2011

The expression and significance of cathepsin L (CTSL) has been extensively studied in solid tumours. However no such information in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) was available. We investigated the activity and expression of this protease in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 47 adult CML patients. Thirty adults suffering from systemic diseases and 50 healthy volunteers served as controls. The mRNA levels of CTSL, its specific endogenous inhibitor cystatin C and transcriptional up‐regulator vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were quantitated by real‐time qPCR. CTSL protease activity and its mRNA expression were significantly higher in CML chronic phase (CP) patients compared to CML accelerated phase/blast crisis (AP/BC) patients and controls (P≤ 0.001). VEGF whose expression was most pronounced in CP and declined (P≤ 0.001) in the advanced phases of the malignancy exhibited a strong positive correlation with CTSL expression (r= 0.97; P≤ 0.001). Cystatin C expression was significantly lower (P≤ 0.001) in CML and displayed inverse correlation with CTSL (r=−0.713; P≤ 0.001) activity. CTSL promoter was significantly hypomethylated in CML CP compared to CML AP/BC patients as well as controls. K562, a BC CML cell line displayed CTSL activity, expression and methylation status of CTSL promoter that was comparable to CML AP/BC patients. Treatment of these cells or PBMCs isolated from CML AP/BC patients with 5′‐aza‐cytidine resulted in a dramatic increase in CSTL activity and/or expression thereby demonstrating the role of promoter methylation in the stage specific expression of CTSL in CML. Differential expression of CTSL in CML at various stages of malignancy may prove useful in identification of the high‐risk patients thereby facilitating better management of disease.
From proteomic multimarker profiling to interesting proteins: thymosin‐β4 and kininogen‐1 as new potential biomarkers for inflammatory hepatic lesions
Authors: Henkel Corinna , Schwamborn Kristina , Zimmermann Henning W. , Tacke Frank , Kühnen Elisabeth , Odenthal Margarete , Groseclose M. Reid , Caprioli Richard M. , Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: April 2011

Despite tremendous efforts in disclosing the pathophysiological and epidemiological factors associated with liver fibrogenesis, non‐invasive diagnostic measures to estimate the clinical outcome and progression of liver fibrogenesis are presently limited. Therefore, there is a mandatory need for methodologies allowing the reasonable and reliable assessment of the severity and/or progression of hepatic fibrogenesis. We here performed proteomic serum profiling by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in 179 samples of patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus and 195 control sera. Multidimensional analysis of spectra allowed the definition of algorithms capable to distinguish class‐specific protein expression profiles in serum samples. Overall about 100 peaks could be detected per single spectrum. Different algorithms including protein peaks in the range of 2000 and 10,000 Da were generated after pre‐fractionation on a weak cation exchange surface. A specificity of 93% with a sensitivity of 86% as mean of the test set results was found, respectively. The nature of three of these protein peaks that belonged to kininogen‐1 and thymosin‐β4 was further analysed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS)/MS. We further found that kininogen‐1 mRNA was significantly down‐regulated in cirrhotic livers. We have identified kininogen‐1 and thymosin‐β4 as potential new biomarkers for human chronic hepatitis C and conclude that serum profiling is a reliable technique to identify hepatitis‐associated expression patterns. Based on the high throughput capability, the identified differential protein panel may serve as a diagnostic marker and warrants further validation in larger cohorts.
A framework for estimating niche metrics using the resemblance between qualitative resources
Authors: De Cáceres Miquel , Sol Daniel , Lapiedra Oriol , Legendre Pierre
Published: April 2011

Despite the central importance of the niche concept for the ecological theory, current methods to quantify the species niche from qualitative resources, such as food or habitat types, remain insufficiently developed. Classically, information theory and diversity measures have formed the toolbox used for calculating resource niche metrics on species preference data for a set of qualitative resources. We provide a comprehensive framework that extends these classical approaches by incorporating the resemblance between resources into the calculation of resource niche metrics. This does not only allow estimation of the niche centre, breadth, overlap and displacement with greater accuracy, but also makes the estimates less influenced by the way the resources are subdivided. In addition, all niche metrics can be calculated while taking into account the variation in resource availability, and confidence intervals can be obtained by bootstrapping. We illustrate the utility of the framework with an analysis of dietary preferences in feral pigeons Columba livia.
Regulation of β‐Catenin Nuclear Dynamics by GSK‐3β Involves a LEF‐1 Positive Feedback Loop
Authors: Jamieson Cara , Sharma Manisha , Henderson Beric R.
Published: April 2011

Nuclear localization of β‐catenin is integral to its role in Wnt signaling and cancer. Cellular stimulation by Wnt or lithium chloride (LiCl) inactivates glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β), causing nuclear accumulation of β‐catenin and transactivation of genes that transform cells. β‐catenin is a shuttling protein; however, the mechanism by which GSK‐3β regulates β‐catenin nuclear dynamics is poorly understood. Here, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assays were used to measure the β‐catenin‐green fluorescent protein dynamics in NIH 3T3 cells before and after GSK‐3β inhibition. We show for the first time that LiCl and Wnt3a cause a specific increase in β‐catenin nuclear retention in live cells and in fixed cells after detergent extraction. Moreover, LiCl reduced the rate of nuclear export but did not affect import, hence biasing β‐catenin transport toward the nucleus. Interestingly, the S45A mutation, which blocks β‐catenin phosphorylation by GSK‐3β, did not alter nuclear retention or transport, implying that GSK‐3β acts through an independent regulator. We compared five nuclear binding partners and identified LEF‐1 as the key mediator of Wnt3a and LiCl‐induced nuclear retention of β‐catenin. Thus, Wnt stimulation triggered a LEF‐1 positive feedback loop to enhance the nuclear chromatin‐retained pool of β‐catenin by 100–300%. These findings shed new light on regulation of β‐catenin nuclear dynamics.
Inhibition of myeloid cell leukemia‐1 by tolfenamic acid induces apoptosis in mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Choi K‐H , Shim J‐H , Huong LD , Cho N‐P , Cho S‐D
Published: April 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 469–475

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of tolfenamic acid (Tol) and ampiroxicam (Amp) in the apoptotic regulation of YD‐15 salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC).

Materials and methods:  The effect of Tol on apoptosis and its mechanism were examined using a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(2,4‐disulfophenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium assay, Sub‐G1 population, Western blot analysis, 4′‐6‐Diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, immunostaining and small interfering RNA transfection.

Results:  Tol inhibited cell growth of YD‐15 cells but Amp did not. Tol induces apoptosis in YD‐15 cells as evidenced by nuclear fragmentation, accumulation of the sub‐G1 phase and the activation of caspase 3. Tol inhibited myeloid cell leukemia‐1 (MCL‐1) at the protein and mRNA levels. The treatment of MCL‐1 siRNA to YD‐15 cells resulted in the activation of caspase 3 and the inhibition of cell growth. Moreover, MCL‐1 was regulated by specificity protein 1, but not by mitogen‐activated protein kinases.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that Tol could be a potent anti‐cancer drug for YD‐15 MEC cells that acts by regulating the MCL‐1 protein.
The cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone invasion by oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jimi E , Furuta H , Matsuo K , Tominaga K , Takahashi T , Nakanishi O
Published: April 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 462–468

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are malignant tumours that frequently invade the mandibular bone and bone invasion is a common clinical problem. Recent studies have revealed that bone resorption by osteoclasts is an important step in the process of bone invasion by oral SCCs. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone invasion by oral SCCs remain unclear. Oral SCCs invade the mandibular bone through an erosive, mixed or infiltrative pattern that correlates with clinical behaviours. The expressions of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐11, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α and parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) were higher in the infiltrative pattern than in the erosive pattern. These cytokines lead to receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) expression or osteoprotegerin (OPG) suppression not only in oral SCC cells but also in cancer stromal cells to induce osteoclastogenesis. Taken together, oral SCCs provide a suitable microenvironment for osteoclastogenesis to regulate the balance of RANKL and OPG. In this review, we introduce recent advances in the knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms, by which oral SCC invades mandibular bone based on the recent findings of our lab and others.
In vivo morphometric analysis of inflammatory condylar changes in rat temporomandibular joint
Authors: Kuroki Y , Honda K , Kijima N , Wada T , Arai Y , Matsumoto N , Iwata K , Shirakawa T
Published: April 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 499–507

Objective:  Injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) causes acute swelling around the joint and subsequent morphological alterations in the condyle. We aimed to evaluate changes in the three‐dimensional architecture of the condyle induced with CFA.

Materials and methods:  The CFA was injected into the unilateral TMJ of rats and morphological changes in the condyle were assessed repeatedly for 14 days by in vivo micro‐CT.

Results:  Osseous abnormalities of condyle were first observed at 3–5 days after CFA injection on the tomographic images, and the condylar deformation became more obvious thereafter. Among 12 condyles examined at 14 days postinjection, osteophytosis was observed in all of the specimens and bone erosion coexisted in five condyles. None of the saline‐treated condyles showed architectural changes. Significant changes were detected in the mesiolateral and rostrocaudal widths of the CFA‐treated condyles at 10–14 days postinjection (P < 0.01). The extent of both condylar bone formation and resorption was greater in the CFA‐injected TMJs than in saline‐injected TMJs (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  These results indicate that CFA causes dynamic morphological changes in the condyle and that our experimental approach will provide new insights into the subacute inflammatory processes in the TMJ.
Elastolysis mediodermalis – case report and review of literature
Authors: Wagner Gunnar , Sachse Michael Max
Published: April 2011

Elastolysis mediodermalis is a rare disorder typically observed in middle‐aged women. Sites of predilection are the trunk and upper arms. The clinical picture varies and may appear as cigarette paper‐like wrinkling, perifollicular protrusions or reticular erythema. In contrast to the different clinical morphology, there is a consistent histology, i. e. localized, band‐shaped, and rarely focal loss of elastic fibers in the middle dermis. The etiology of elastolysis mediodermalis is unclear. UV radiation or immunological mechanisms may increase the release of matrix metalloproteinases, leading to a degradation of elastic fibers. There is no effective treatment for this condition.
Rapid Lump Examination (RLE) – a new tool for Mohs surgery?
Authors: Moehrle Matthias , Käflein Leila , Ziefle Sarah , Metzler Gisela
Published: April 2011

Background:“Micrographic surgery“ spares tissue and results in fewer recurrences. Various techniques have been described using paraffin‐embedded and cryostat sections or even optical sections from ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy. The presented technique is the rapid direct microscopy of the surface of a specimen (lump) for a pathological examination (RLE).

Methods: Fresh surgical tissue was stained first without sectioning and then was examined directly under microscope. A 95 sec staining protocol for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was established. 129 specimens were examined using a digital microscope and 78 specimens using a stereo microscope.

Results: RLE had a high diagnostic accuracy compared to paraffin‐embedded H&E‐stained sections. Sensitivity and specificity of RLE was 91 % and 90 % for the digital and 90 % and 94 % for the stereo microscope. In addition we developed a 7 min RLE‐immunohistology protocol using the BerEp4‐antibody.

Discussion: RLE is a simple and accurate technique for fresh tissue examination. Here, the technique has been established for BCC but the principle may also be transferred to histological bedside diagnosis of other tumors. The technique does not alter or destroy tissue, so that after RLE was done subsequent conventional histology is still possible. RLE might yield a time‐ and cost‐saving diagnosis in micrographic surgery.
RADIOGRAPHIC AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE PATELLAR LIGAMENT FOLLOWING TIBIAL TUBEROSITY ADVANCEMENT
Authors: KÜHN KAROLIN , OHLERTH STEFANIE , MAKARA MARIANO , HÄSSIG MICHAEL , GUERRERO TOMAS G.
Published: April 2011

Effect of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) on the patellar ligament has not been described. Our purpose was to evaluate the patellar ligament radiographically and ultrasonographically before and after a TTA. Twenty‐one stifles (20 dogs) were evaluated preoperatively (T0), and at six (n=18) (T1) and 16 weeks (n=17) (T2) postTTA. Radiographically, proximal and distal thickness of the patellar ligament was assessed and a ratio to the total length of the ligament was calculated to compensate for the magnification. Ultrasound evaluation included measurements of the transverse thickness and cross‐sectional area at three different levels, as well as a subjective score of ligament changes. In comparison with T0, all radiographic and ultrasonographic measurements increased significantly, 6 weeks postoperatively (P≤0.04), and did not change 16 weeks postoperatively compared with T1. The subjective score worsened significantly from T0 to T1 and T0 to T2 (P<0.0001), and improved significantly from T1 to T2 (P=0.02). Larger cage size was associated with a more severe increase in radiographic proximal thickness to total length ratio and ultrasonographic middle transverse area at both follow‐up examinations (P0.02). Dogs in which arthrotomy was not performed appeared to have ultrasonographically less changes. In conclusion, patellar desmopathy was a common postoperative sequel to TTA. Surgical trauma, arthrotomy, perfusion injury, complete vs. partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture, larger tibial advancement, postoperative activity or altered insertion angle of the patellar ligament at the tibial tuberosity are suggested causes, that should be elucidated in a larger study cohort.
Energetic coupling along an allosteric communication channel drives the binding of Jun‐Fos heterodimeric transcription factor to DNA
Authors: Seldeen Kenneth L. , Deegan Brian J. , Bhat Vikas , Mikles David C. , McDonald Caleb B. , Farooq Amjad
Published: April 2011

Although allostery plays a central role in driving protein–DNA interactions, the physical basis of such cooperative behavior remains poorly understood. In the present study, using isothermal titration calorimetry in conjunction with site‐directed mutagenesis, we provide evidence that an intricate network of energetically‐coupled residues within the basic regions of the Jun‐Fos heterodimeric transcription factor accounts for its allosteric binding to DNA. Remarkably, energetic coupling is prevalent in residues that are both close in space, as well as residues distant in space, implicating the role of both short‐ and long‐range cooperative interactions in driving the assembly of this key protein–DNA interaction. Unexpectedly, many of the energetically‐coupled residues involved in orchestrating such a cooperative network of interactions are poorly conserved across other members of the basic zipper family, emphasizing the importance of basic residues in dictating the specificity of basic zipper–DNA interactions. Collectively, our thermodynamic analysis maps an allosteric communication channel driving a key protein–DNA interaction central to cellular functions in health and disease.
In Vitro Studies Investigating the Interactions between Degarelix, a Decapeptide Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormone Blocker, and Cytochrome P450
Authors: Sonesson Anders , Buur Rasmussen Birgitte
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  The decapeptide degarelix is a novel competitive gonadotropin‐releasing hormone receptor antagonist that has been approved for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer by the FDA and the EU authorities. In this study, the interaction of degarelix with human cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes was investigated in vitro. Inhibition of CYP450 was performed in human liver microsomes using documented marker substrates for the CYP450 isozymes CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4 and CYP2E1. The inhibitory effects on selected P450 enzyme activities were investigated with degarelix concentrations representing the range of 2–200 times of expected clinical concentrations. No inhibition of any isozyme‐catalysed biotransformations studied was detected. Induction of CYP450 enzyme activity by degarelix was investigated using primary human hepatocytes. Cryopreserved plateable hepatocytes and fresh hepatocytes in culture were treated for two‐three consecutive days with degarelix at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0 and 10 μM. The cultured hepatocytes were also treated with three prototypical CYP450 inducers: omeprazole, phenobarbital and rifampin as positive controls for CYP450 enzyme induction. No induction of the activity of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 isozymes was observed. Degarelix appears to be a poor substrate of the CYP450 enzyme system, and the in vitro results indicate that the interaction between CYP450 and degarelix is low. These results indicate that degarelix is unlikely to cause any clinically significant drug–drug interactions in vivo.
Discovery of carbon monoxide in the upper atmosphere of Pluto
Authors: Greaves J. S. , Helling Ch. , Friberg P.
Published: April 2011

Pluto's icy surface has changed colour and its atmosphere has swelled since its last closest approach to the Sun in 1989. The thin atmosphere is produced by evaporating ices, and so can also change rapidly, and in particular carbon monoxide should be present as an active thermostat. Here we report the discovery of gaseous CO via the 1.3-mm wavelength J=2-1 rotational transition, and find that the line-centre signal is more than twice as bright as a tentative result obtained in 2000 by Bockélee-Morvan et al. Greater surface ice evaporation over the last decade could explain this, or increased pressure could have caused the atmosphere to expand. The gas must be cold, with a narrow line-width consistent with temperatures around 50 K, as predicted for the very high atmosphere, and the line brightness implies that CO molecules extend up to ≈3 Pluto radii above the surface. The upper atmosphere must have changed markedly over only a decade since the prior search, and more alterations could occur by the arrival of the New Horizons mission in 2015.
Observed Score Equating Using Discrete and Passage‐Based Anchor Items
Authors: Zu Jiyun , Liu Jinghua
Published: April 2011

Equating of tests composed of both discrete and passage‐based multiple choice items using the nonequivalent groups with anchor test design is popular in practice. In this study, we compared the effect of discrete and passage‐based anchor items on observed score equating via simulation. Results suggested that an anchor with a larger proportion of passage‐based items, more items in each passage, and/or a larger degree of local dependence among items within one passage produces larger equating errors, especially when the groups taking the new form and the reference form differ in ability. Our findings challenge the common belief that an anchor should be a miniature version of the tests to be equated. Suggestions to practitioners regarding anchor design are also given.