bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular pathology of renal oncocytoma: A review
Authors: Yusenko Maria V
Published: June 2010

Differentiating renal oncocytoma from its renal cell carcinoma (RCC) mimics, particularly chromophobe RCC, can be difficult, especially when limited tissue is available for evaluation and requires sophisticated microscopic, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical evaluation. In this review, the relevant literature has been reviewed, and supporting data obtained by applying modern microarray‐based technologies are discussed with a focus on molecular pathology of renal oncocytoma. The high resolution whole‐genome DNA‐microarray based analyses excluded with all certainty the occurrence of small specific alterations. Renal oncocytomas are characterized by variable chromosomal patterns. The number of genes selected by global gene expression analyses and their usefulness in the diagnostic pathology based on immunohistochemical evaluation is far below the expectations. The conflicting staining patterns, together with the poor specificity of proposed antibodies, leads us to believe that these candidate immunomarkers might not help in the separation of these tumors. Applying DNA based tools might help in the diagnosis of renal oncocytoma with uncertain histology. However, only the combination of all available techniques could give reliable information.
Exfoliation syndrome related to sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Papadopoulos Theodoros‐Athanassios , Naxakis Stephanos S , Charalabopoulou Margarita , Vathylakis Ioannis , Goumas Panos D , Gartaganis Sotirios P
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background:  To investigate the relationship between exfoliation syndrome and sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods:  A prospective study was designed. Patients with evidence of ocular exfoliation syndrome (study group) and individuals without any clinical signs of exfoliation syndrome (control group) were selected. Cases and controls were chosen to have similar demographic characteristics. Study and control group subjects with a history of conditions affecting hearing function were excluded. Pure‐tone audiometry was performed in all participants in both groups and hearing thresholds were measured at frequencies of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 kHz (kilohertz) for each ear.

Results:  A total of 69 subjects participated in the study. The study group included 47 subjects and the control group 22. There was no significant difference in mean age (P = 0.985) and gender (P = 0.378) between groups. Mean pure‐tone hearing thresholds were significantly higher in study group at frequencies of 4 kHz (P = 0.004) and 8 kHz (P = 0.001), but not at frequencies of 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz. The greatest difference in the comparison of mean hearing thresholds between study and control group was noted at 8 kHz.

Conclusions:  The above results are in accordance with previous studies and provide additional evidence of the association between exfoliation syndrome and sensorineural hearing loss at high frequencies. Particular effect was shown on the highest frequency of 8 kHz. These findings may support the systemic nature of exfoliation syndrome.
Effect of stem cells and fibrin concentration on the vascularization of the Medpor orbital implant
Authors: Lee Sul‐Gee , Yang Jae‐Wook , Park Sae‐Gwang , Yang Young‐Il
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background:  To determine the effect of adipose‐derived adult stem cells (ADASCs) and optimal concentration of fibrin on fibrovascular ingrowth into porous polyethylene orbital implants (Medpor).

Methods:  Medpor sheet treated with O.25% fibrin only and ADASCs in mixtures containing fibrin (0.25%, 0.5% or 1.25%) were applied to a Medpor sheet and implanted in the back of each of 20 athymic nude mice. After 10 days, implants were removed and observed for fibrovascularization and stability. Haemoglobin, collagen and cellular DNA content were determined in quantitative assays.

Results:  Haemoglobin, collagen and cellular DNA levels were significantly higher in ADASC group than in the cell‐free implant (0.25% fibrin only) group (P < 0.01). The level of haemoglobin and collagen content was significantly higher in the ADASC + 0.5% fibrin group among the ADASC and fibrin mixtures (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  ADASCs significantly improved fibrovascularization on Medpor compared with implants alone. Fibrin, used together with ADASCs to potentiate fibrovascularization, was most effective at concentrations of 0.5%.
Diabetic retinopathy in a hospital eye clinic population in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Authors: Qoqonokana Mundi Qalo , Brian Garry , Ramke Jacqueline , Garcia Jose , Szetu John
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background:  To determine the presence, severity and context of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic adults using hospital eye clinic services in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Methods:  Fifty consecutive known diabetic patients aged ≥20 years were interviewed and underwent Snellen distance vision testing and complete ocular examination, including dilated 90 D funduscopy. Diabetic retinopathy was graded according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Oedema Disease Severity Scales.

Results:  Participants were predominantly Melanesian (94%). Mean age was 53.6 ± 10.7 years; 42% were female; and 34% were rural dwellers. Diabetes had been diagnosed <5, 5–10 and >10 years ago for 42%, 34% and 24% of participants. However, 54% denied ever having had a dilated fundus examination. Proliferative retinopathy, severe non‐proliferative changes and maculopathy were present in 5, 12 and 26 eyes, respectively. For the 32 eyes with pinhole acuity ≤6/12, diabetic eye disease was the cause for 20, with all but one due to maculopathy. Diabetes reduced the pinhole vision of five eyes to ≤6/60. Twenty‐four per cent of participants had diabetes‐related pinhole vision ≤6/12 in at least one eye. Those diagnosed with diabetes 5–10 and >10 years were 17.5 and 58.8 times more likely to have such an eye compared with those recently (<5 years) diagnosed (extended Mantel–Haenszel χ2 = 11.570, P < 0.001). Participants were not well informed about diabetic eye disease.

Conclusions:  Diabetic eye disease is now a significant contributor to this clinic's workload. A population‐based survey is needed to quantify the problem and inform design and delivery of eye services for this chronic disease.
DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF PIT PATTERN AND VASCULAR PATTERN ANALYSES IN COLORECTAL LESIONS
Authors: Wada Yoshiki , Kashida Hiroshi , Kudo Shin‐ei , Misawa Masashi , Ikehara Nobunao , Hamatani Shigeharu
Published: June 2010

Background: The aim of this prospective study is to compare the usefulness of magnifying narrow band imaging (NBI) and magnifying chromoendoscopy in the diagnosis of colorectal lesions.

Methods:   The subjects were 1185 patients who underwent a complete colonoscopic examination and endoscopic or surgical treatment, from January 2006 to February 2008. A total of 1473 lesions were evaluated (53 hyperplastic polyps, 1317 adenomas, 103 submucosally invasive cancers). The digital images with NBI or chromoendoscopy were recorded and diagnosed independently from each other by two endoscopists who were blinded to the final pathological diagnosis.

Results:   We could differentiate between neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesions with sensitivity of 88.9%, specificity of 98.5% and accuracy of 98.2% according to the vascular pattern. By recognizing an irregular or sparse pattern with NBI, massively invasive submucosal cancer could be diagnosed with the sensitivity and specificity of 94.9% and 76.0%. Using chromoendoscopy, we could differentiate between neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesions with sensitivity of 86.8% and specificity of 99.2%. We were able to differentiate between massively invasive cancers and slightly invasive cancers using the pit patterns with sensitivity of 89.7% and specificity of 88.0%. The specificity was superior to that of NBI colonoscopy.

Conclusion:   Both NBI and chromoendoscopy can be useful for distinguishing between neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesions. In the diagnosis of submucosal cancer, pit pattern diagnosis was slightly superior to vascular pattern diagnosis. It is desirable to perform chromoendoscopy in addition to NBI for distinguishing between slightly and massively invasive submucosal cancer lesions and determining the treatment.
CLINICAL INVESTIGATION OF UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL HEMORRHAGE AFTER PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY
Authors: Nishiwaki Shinji , Araki Hiroshi , Takada Jun , Watanabe Naoki , Asano Takahiko , Iwashita Masahide , Tagami Atsushi , Hatakeyama Hiroo , Hayashi Takao , Maeda Teruo , Saito Koshiro
Published: June 2010

Background:  Upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is sometimes reported as one of the serious complications. Our purpose was to clarify the cause of upper GI hemorrhage after PEG.

Patients and Methods:  We retrospectively investigated the causes of upper GI hemorrhage among a total of 416 patients out of 426 consecutive patients who underwent PEG in our institution, excluding 10 patients who showed upper GI tumors on PEG placement.

Results:  Among 17 patients who developed upper GI hemorrhage after PEG, three and four patients showed PEG tube placement and replacement‐related hemorrhage, respectively; these lesions were vascular or mucosal tears around the gastrostomy site. Ten patients experienced 12 episodes of upper GI hemorrhage during PEG tube feeding. The lesions showing bleeding were caused by reflux esophagitis (five patients), gastric ulcer (two patients), gastric erosion due to mucosal inclusion in the side hole of the internal bolster (two patients), and duodenal diverticular hemorrhage (one patient). Anticoagulants were administered in six patients, including four patients with replacement‐related hemorrhage and one patient each with reflux esophagitis and gastric ulcer.

Conclusions:  Reflux esophagitis was the most frequent reason for upper GI hemorrhage after PEG. The interruption of anticoagulants should be considered for the prevention of hemorrhage on the placement as well as replacement of a gastrostomy tube.
Long‐term effects of Hurricane Katrina on the psychological well‐being of evacuees
Authors: LaJoie Andrew Scott , Sprang Ginny , McKinney William Paul
Published: June 2010

Hurricane Katrina of August 2005 forced more than one million people to evacuate the Gulf Coast of the United States. This study examines the psychological health and well‐being of a subset of evacuees to determine the prevalence of ongoing mental health problems. Interviews were conducted with 101 adults who evacuated to Louisville, Kentucky, and were living in the state at the one‐year anniversary of the event or had recently returned to the Gulf Coast. The psychological health and well‐being of respondents was evaluated using several well‐validated measures. More than one‐half met the criteria for post‐traumatic stress disorder and a majority were suffering from depression and anxiety. The mean quality of life score was 0.6 on a scale from 0–1, suggesting that adaptation and return to pre‐hurricane well‐being had not occurred 12 months after the storm. The potential for long‐term psychological damage exists in this sample of Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Results suggest other evacuees may also be at heightened risk.
Locally Stationary Wavelet Fields with Application to the Modelling and Analysis of Image Texture
Authors: Eckley Idris A. , Nason Guy P. , Treloar Robert L.
Published: June 2010

The paper proposes the modelling and analysis of image texture by using an extension of a locally stationary wavelet process model into two dimensions for lattice processes. Such a model permits construction of estimates of a spatially localized spectrum and localized autocovariance which can be used to characterize texture in a multiscale and spatially adaptive way. We provide the necessary theoretical support to show that our two-dimensional extension is properly defined and has the proper statistical convergence properties. Our use of a statistical model permits us to identify, and correct for, a bias in established texture measures based on non-decimated wavelet techniques. The method proposed performs nearly as well as optimal Fourier techniques on stationary textures and outperforms them in non-stationary situations. We illustrate our techniques by using pilled fabric data from a fabric care experiment and simulated tile data.
Maintenance of the ubiquitin–proteasome system activity correlates with visible skin benefits
Authors: Imbert I. , Gondran C. , Oberto G. , Cucumel K. , Dal Farra C. , Domloge N.
Published: June 2010

Synopsis

Researches on longevity and anti‐ageing molecules have clearly evidenced the potential to increase lifespan of the cells. These recent scientific data raise interests and questions on the capacity of the cells to live longer and maintain their fundamental mechanisms of protection, reparation or degradation of abnormal proteins to maintain their capital of healthy and functional cellular activity. In this concern, this study was focused on the ubiquitin–proteasome system as an essential cellular tool to maintain the pool of functionally active proteins allowing renewal of proteins and degradation of damaged proteins. As the proteasome keeps the ‘cells health capital’, it should be particularly interesting to associate the maintenance of the proteasome activity with increasing longevity. Indeed, although oxidative stress damage increases with ageing leading to collagen and cellular membrane alterations, it also leads to a reduction in the proteasome activity which is critical for the cells. The aim of this study was to better understand the cellular role of the proteasome and to provide new data showing the skin beneficial effects in activating the overall system of ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. For this purpose, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of maintaining the ubiquitin–proteasome activity in basal and stress conditions on young versus aged cells. Experiments have included evaluation of a newly developed dimerized tripeptide targeting specifically the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Our results have demonstrated that maintenance of this essential mechanism that participates in abnormal protein elimination and protein renewal allows maintaining cellular integrity that correlates with visible skin benefits.
Stratum corneum free amino acids following barrier perturbation and repair
Authors: Visscher M. , Robinson M. , Wickett R.
Published: June 2010

Synopsis

Modulation of the skin environment after stratum corneum (SC) perturbation has profound effects on the rate and effectiveness of barrier repair. Intermediate water exposure, e.g. moderate relative humidity, may provide the optimum water gradient for SC repair. More rapid recovery with semipermeable (SP) films in vivo was associated with increased hydration measured as moisture accumulation rate. We hypothesized that (i) damaged SC recovering under the high water exposure of full occlusion (FO) would have lower free amino acids (FAA) than sites with low hydration (no occlusion, NO) and semi‐occlusion (SP, semipermeable film, intermediate hydration) and (ii) SC under semi‐occlusion would have higher FAA than with low hydration. Volar forearm sites in 15 healthy adults were perturbed via cellophane tape stripping and treated with SP, FO and NO for five days. Barrier recovery rate, hydration, dryness and erythema were determined. Serial SC samples (n = 15) were collected on day 5 and FAA quantified using reverse‐phase HPLC and fluorescence detection. The cumulative protein removed was higher for SP than the control, NO and FO. FAA as total, individual amino acids and citrulline were consistently higher in the control than the three damaged sites. Generally, FAA was higher in NO than FO. Citrulline was higher for NO than SP and FO over the sampled SC. Levels were higher for SP than FO in certain, but not all of the FAAs. FAA was inversely correlated to barrier integrity. Skin hydration was relatively constant at the external microenvironment of the SP site, whereas the NO and FO had a reduction, i.e. a gradient, over the time. Overall, barrier recovery under conditions of a decreasing hydration gradient produced SC with higher levels of FAA than did conditions of full occlusion.
Management of pain associated with debridement of leg ulcers: a randomized, multicentre, pilot study comparing nitrous oxide–oxygen mixture inhalation and lidocaïne–prilocaïne cream
Authors: Claeys A , Gaudy‐Marqueste C , Pauly V , Pelletier F , Truchetet F , Boye T , Aubin F , Schmutz JL , Grob JJ , Richard MA
Published: June 2010

Background  Mechanical debridement of fibrin and/or necrosis promotes healing of arterial and venous leg ulcers but is limited by pain associated with the procedure.

Objective  The main objective of this study was to compare the respective analgesic effect of nitrous oxide oxygen mixture (NOOM) inhalation and lidocaïne–prilocaïne cream (LPC) application during the mechanical repeated debridement of chronic arterial and venous leg ulcers.

Methods  In this randomized, multicentre, open‐label study, pain was evaluated before and after each care and debridement session using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and a Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), in the context of usual debridement and wound care process. The Quality of debridement and tolerability of the treatments were also assessed.

Results  Forty‐one patients were randomized: 20 received NOOM and 21 LPC. Pain assessed by VAS and VRS was more intense in the NOOM group than in the LPC group (5.29 vs. 3.68 and 2.87 vs. 1.71, P < 0.001, for the two scales respectively). No differences were found concerning quality of debridement, safety or tolerability between the two groups.

Conclusion  This pilot study demonstrates the superiority of the LPC over NOOM for pain control during the mechanical debridement of chronic leg ulcers.
Distribution of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha‐1 in the brain of adult zebrafish
Authors: Carla Lucini , Bruna Facello , Lucianna Maruccio , Fernanda Langellotto , Paolo Sordino , Luciana Castaldo
Published: June 2010

Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a potent trophic factor for several types of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The biological activity of GDNF is mediated by a multicomponent receptor complex that includes a common transmembrane signaling component (the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto‐oncogene product, a tyrosine kinase receptor) as well as a GDNF family receptor alpha (GFRalpha) subunit, a high‐affinity glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐linked binding element. Among the four known GFRalpha subunits, GFRalpha1 preferentially binds to GDNF. In zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, the expression of the GFRalpha1a and GFRalpha1b genes has been shown in primary motor neurons, the kidney, and the enteric nervous system. To examine the activity of GFRalpha in the adult brain of a lower vertebrate, we have investigated the localization of GFRalpha1a and GFRalpha1b mRNA and the GFRalpha1 protein in zebrafish. GFRalpha1a and GFRalpha1b transcripts were observed in brain extracts by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Whole‐mount in‐situ hybridization experiments revealed a wide distribution of GFRalpha1a and GFRalpha1b mRNAs in various regions of the adult zebrafish brain. These included the olfactory bulbs, dorsal and ventral telencephalic area (telencephalon), preoptic area, dorsal and ventral thalamus, posterior tuberculum and hypothalamus (diencephalon), optic tectum (mesencephalon), cerebellum, and medulla oblongata (rhombencephalon). Finally, expression patterns of the GFRalpha1 protein, detected immunohistochemically, correlated well with the mRNA expression and provided further insights into translational activity at the neuroanatomical level. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that the presence of GFRalpha1 persists beyond the embryonic development of the zebrafish brain and, together with the GDNF ligand, is probably implicated in the brain physiology of an adult teleost fish.
The End of the Road? Agricultural Revolutions in the Capitalist World‐Ecology, 1450–2010
Authors: MOORE JASON W.
Published: June 2010

Does the present socio‐ecological impasse – captured in popular discussions of the ‘end’ of cheap food and cheap oil – represent the latest in a long history of limits and crises that have been transcended by capital, or have we arrived at an epochal turning point in the relation of capital, capitalism and agricultural revolution? For the better part of six centuries, the relation between world capitalism and agriculture has been a remarkable one. Every great wave of capitalist development has been paved with ‘cheap’ food. Beginning in the long sixteenth century, capitalist agencies pioneered successive agricultural revolutions, yielding a series of extraordinary expansions of the food surplus. This paper engages the crisis of neoliberalism today, and asks: Is another agricultural revolution, comparable to those we have known in the history of capitalism, possible? Does the present conjuncture represent a developmental crisis of capitalism that can be resolved by establishing new agro‐ecological conditions for another long wave of accumulation, or are we now witnessing an epochal crisis of capitalism? These divergent possibilities are explored from a perspective that views capitalism as ‘world‐ecology’, joining together the accumulation of capital and the production of nature in dialectical unity.
Involvement of stathmin 1 in the neurotrophic effects of PACAP in PC12 cells
Authors: Dejda Agnieszka , Chan Philippe , Seaborn Tommy , Coquet Laurent , Jouenne Thierry , Fournier Alain , Vaudry Hubert , Vaudry David
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 1498–1510.

Rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells have been widely used to investigate the neurotrophic activities of pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP). In particular, PACAP has been shown to promote differentiation and to inhibit apoptosis of PC12 cells. In order to identify the mechanisms mediating these effects, we sought for proteins that are phosphorylated upon PACAP treatment. High‐performance liquid chromatography and 2D gel electrophoresis analysis, coupled with mass spectrometry, revealed that stathmin 1 is strongly phosphorylated within only 5 min of exposure to PACAP. Western blot experiments confirmed that PACAP induced a robust phosphorylation of stathmin 1 in a time‐dependent manner. On the other hand, PACAP decreased stathmin 1 gene expression. Investigations of the signaling mechanisms known to be activated by PACAP revealed that phosphorylation of stathmin 1 was mainly mediated through the protein kinase A and mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways. Blockage of stathmin 1 expression with small interfering RNA did not affect PC12 cell differentiation induced by PACAP but reduced the ability of the peptide to inhibit caspase 3 activity and significantly decreased its neuroprotective action. Taken together, these data demonstrate that stathmin 1 is involved in the neurotrophic effect of PACAP in PC12 cells.
A Growth Model with Income Tax Evasion: Some Implications for Australia*
Authors: DZHUMASHEV RATBEK , GAHRAMANOV EMIN
Published: June 2010

We develop an endogenous growth model à la Barro (1990), augmented with income tax evasion. Unlike many traditional rational choice models of tax evasion, the numerical simulations of our model do not produce counter‐intuitive results. Further, we show that: (i) accounting for evasion costs (while capturing the full risk associated with the tax evasion process) is important for obtaining realistic relationships between key model variables; (ii) productive government expenditures explicitly affect the economy’s tax evasion rate; (iii) Barro’s natural efficiency condition for setting the optimal statutory tax rate holds even in the presence of tax evasion; (iv) given realistic estimates of the public expenditure externality, the average marginal income tax rate in Australia is not too far away from the optimal one; and (v) differences in tax evasion opportunities aggravate inequality over time.
Migraine in the Pediatric Population—Evolving Concepts
Authors: Bigal Marcelo E. , Arruda Marco A.
Published: June 2010

(Headache2010;50:1130‐1143)

Studying the prevalence of headaches at age extremes is of important clinical relevance. Pediatric studies inform us about determinants of incident disease; studies of elderly populations inform us about the long‐term consequences of headaches, as well as about determinants of headache remission. As with other subspecialties of headache research, research on pediatric headache is an evolving field. However, although substantial advances have been achieved in understanding headaches in adolescents, knowledge of early childhood headaches is not as advanced conceptually. This review provides a theoretical framework for our current understanding, then summarize the results of a large, ongoing, epidemiological study in pre‐adolescent children.

It is clear that both in adolescents and in pre‐adolescents, migraine is frequent. Diagnostic criteria for migraine and chronic migraine are certainly over‐restrictive for young children. Migraine often lasts less than 1 hour in young children. A vulnerable population at risk of migraine progression also exists, likely reflecting increased biological predisposition, but also early life exposures. Indeed, it seems that even prenatal exposures of certain substances may increase the risk of migraine progression. Of relevance is the frequency of headaches within a family. Finally, migraine seems to be associated with behavioral hyperactivity, but is not comorbid with attention‐deficit disorder and hyperactivity.
Puberty‐Dependent Sleep Regulation and Alcohol Use in Early Adolescents
Authors: Pieters Sara , Van Der Vorst Haske , Burk William J. , Wiers Reinout W. , Engels Rutger C. M. E.
Published: June 2010

Background:  Research has shown a bi‐directional relation between alcohol use and sleep regulation in adults. Much less is known about this association in early adolescents, while profound puberty‐dependent transitions regarding sleep patterns take place in early adolescence. Moreover, puberty has been associated with an increase in alcohol use of adolescents.

Methods:  In this study, we investigated the associations between pubertal development, sleep preference, sleep problems, and alcohol use in 431 early adolescents (mean age: 13.66). Second, it was studied whether the associations changed when controlling for adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems. Furthermore, we included gender as a moderator on all the associations.

Results:  Results showed that pubertal development was positively associated with sleep problems and more evening‐type tendencies (e.g., favoring later bedtimes), which in turn were positively related to alcohol use. Underlying psychopathology, gender and educational level did not change these relationships.

Conclusions:  From this study, it can be concluded that both puberty and sleep regulation are important factors in explaining alcohol use in early adolescence.
The Moderating Effect of Religiosity on the Genetic Variance of Problem Alcohol Use
Authors: Button Tanya M. M. , Hewitt John K. , Rhee Soo H. , Corley Robin P. , Stallings Michael C.
Published: June 2010

Background:  Previous studies have demonstrated that the heritability of alcohol‐related phenotypes depends upon the social background in which it is measured (e.g., urbanicity, marital status, and religiosity). The aim of the current study was to identify whether religiosity moderated the genetic variance of problem alcohol use in men and women at two time points: adolescence and early adulthood.

Method:  Participants were 312 male MZ pairs, 379 female MZ pairs, 231 male DZ pairs, 235 female DZ pairs, and 275 opposite sex DZ pairs participating in the University of Colorado Center on Antisocial Drug Dependence. Religiosity was measured using the Value on Religion Scale (Jessor and Jessor, 1977), and problem alcohol use was measured using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview–Substance Abuse Module (Cottler et al., 1989). Data were analyzed using a model‐fitting approach to the twin data.

Results:  In adolescence, genetic variance of problem alcohol use decreased significantly with increasing levels of religiosity in both men and women, whereas in early adulthood, religiosity did not moderate the genetic variance of problem alcohol use in either men or women.

Conclusion:  Religiosity appears to moderate the genetic effects on problem alcohol use during adolescence, but not during early adulthood. The reduced genetic variance for problem alcohol use in adolescence may be the consequence of greater social control in adolescence than in young adulthood.
Toward a Neurobehavioral Profile of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Mattson Sarah N. , Roesch Scott C. , Fagerlund Åse , Autti‐Rämö Ilona , Jones Kenneth Lyons , May Philip A. , Adnams Colleen M. , Konovalova Valentina , Riley Edward P. ,   the CIFASD
Published: June 2010

Background:  A primary goal of recent research is the development of neurobehavioral profiles that specifically define fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which may assist differential diagnosis or improve treatment. In the current study, we define a preliminary profile using neuropsychological data from a multisite study.

Methods:  Data were collected using a broad neurobehavioral protocol from 2 sites of a multisite study of FASD. Subjects were children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and unexposed controls. The alcohol‐exposed group included children with and without fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). From 547 neuropsychological variables, 22 variables were selected for analysis based on their ability to distinguish children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure from nonexposed controls. These data were analyzed using latent profile analysis (LPA).

Results:  The results indicated that a 2‐class model best fit the data. The resulting profile was successful at distinguishing subjects with FAS from nonexposed controls without FAS with 92% overall accuracy; 87.8% of FAS cases and 95.7% of controls were correctly classified. The same analysis was repeated with children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure but without FAS and nonexposed controls with similar results. The overall accuracy was 84.7%; 68.4% of alcohol‐exposed cases and 95% of controls were correctly classified. In both analyses, the profile based on neuropsychological variables was more successful at distinguishing the groups than was IQ alone.

Conclusions:  We used data from 2 sites of a multisite study and a broad neuropsychological test battery to determine a profile that could be used to accurately identify children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. Results indicated that measures of executive function and spatial processing are especially sensitive to prenatal alcohol exposure.
Storage age of transfused platelets and outcomes after cardiac surgery
Authors: Welsby Ian J. , Lockhart Evelyn , Phillips‐Bute Barbara , Campbell Mary Lee , Mathew Joseph P. , Newman Mark F. , Peterson Eric , Milano Carmelo A. ,   Mark Stafford‐Smith for members of the Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Research Endeavors (C.A.R.E.), Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND: The relationship between duration of platelet (PLT) storage, currently limited to 5 days, and surgical outcomes has not been established. We tested the hypothesis that PLT storage age was associated with adverse outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort of aortocoronary bypass (CABG) surgery patients from January 1996 to January 2005 receiving one or more PLT transfusions was selected for study. The composite primary (“short‐term”) outcome was 30‐day mortality or prolonged hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included complications and survival to annual follow‐up. Multivariable logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis evaluated the association between PLT storage age and outcomes, expressed as an odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), respectively.

RESULTS: PLT transfusion was administered to 3272 of 10,275 CABG patients and 2578 received units of known storage age, which ranged between 2 and 5 days (median, 4 days; 25th percentile, 3 days; 75th percentile, 5 days). The mortality rate for the 1637 patients receiving a single plateletpheresis transfusion was 3.8%, while 21.6% experienced a prolonged hospital stay or death. After adjusting for the number of PLT and red blood cell (RBC) units transfused, RBC storage age, and preoperative mortality risk, there was no association between PLT storage age and short‐term outcome (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.90‐1.14), survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% CI, 0.96‐1.13), or postoperative infections.

CONCLUSIONS: PLT storage age was not associated with adverse short‐term outcomes, decreased long‐term survival, or infections after cardiac surgery.
Party Identification, Issue Attitudes, and the Dynamics of Political Debate
Authors: Dancey Logan , Goren Paul
Published: June 2010

This article investigates whether media coverage of elite debate surrounding an issue moderates the relationship between individual‐level partisan identities and issue preferences. We posit that when the news media cover debate among partisan elites on a given issue, citizens update their party identities and issue attitudes. We test this proposition for a quartet of prominent issues debated during the first Clinton term: health care reform, welfare reform, gay rights, and affirmative action. Drawing on data from the Vanderbilt Television News Archives and the 1992‐93‐94‐96 NES panel, we demonstrate that when partisan debate on an important issue receives extensive media coverage, partisanship systematically affects—and is affected by—issue attitudes. When the issue is not being contested, dynamic updating between party ties and issue attitudes ceases.
Public Opinion Polls, Voter Turnout, and Welfare: An Experimental Study
Authors: Großer Jens , Schram Arthur
Published: June 2010

We experimentally study the impact of public opinion poll releases on voter turnout and welfare in a participation game. We find higher overall turnout rates when polls inform the electorate about the levels of support for the candidates than when polls are prohibited. Distinguishing between allied and floating voters, our data show that this increase in turnout is entirely due to floating voters. When polls indicate equal levels of support for the candidates, turnout is high and welfare is low (compared to the situation without polls). In contrast, when polls reveal more unequal levels of support, turnout is lower with than without this information, while the effect of polls on welfare is nonnegative. Finally, many of our results are well predicted by quantal response (logit) equilibrium.
Correcting for Survey Misreports Using Auxiliary Information with an Application to Estimating Turnout
Authors: Katz Jonathan N. , Katz Gabriel
Published: June 2010

Misreporting is a problem that plagues researchers who use survey data. In this article, we develop a parametric model that corrects for misclassified binary responses using information on the misreporting patterns obtained from auxiliary data sources. The model is implemented within the Bayesian framework via Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods and can be easily extended to address other problems exhibited by survey data, such as missing response and/or covariate values. While the model is fully general, we illustrate its application in the context of estimating models of turnout using data from the American National Elections Studies.
Dissociation between Anterograde and Retrograde Conduction during Transvenous Cryoablation of Parahissian Accessory Pathways
Authors: SORGENTE ANTONIO , PAPARELLA GAETANO , CHIERCHIA GIAN‐BATTISTA , SARKOZY ANDREA , DE ASMUNDIS CARLO , MÜLLER‐BURRI STEPHAN‐ANDREAS , YAZAKI YOSHINAO , CAPULZINI LUCIO , BRUGADA PEDRO
Published: June 2010

Ablation of parahissian accessory pathways (APs) is a challenging procedure because of the high risk to provoke “iatrogenic” atrioventricular (AV) nodal block. The feasibility and safety of cryoablation (CA) have been already demonstrated both in patients with AV nodal reentry tachycardia and in those with anteroseptal APs. However, dissociation between anterograde and retrograde conduction after CA has not yet been described. We report two cases of CA of parahissian AP associated with transient dissociation between anterograde and retrograde conduction. (PACE 2011; 34:e98–e101)
Cell cloning‐based transcriptome analysis in Rett patients: relevance to the pathogenesis of Rett syndrome of new human MeCP2 target genes
Authors: Nectoux J. , Fichou Y. , Rosas‐Vargas H. , Cagnard N. , Bahi‐Buisson N. , Nusbaum P. , Letourneur F. , Chelly J. , Bienvenu T.
Published: June 2010

More than 90% of Rett syndrome (RTT) patients have heterozygous mutations in the X‐linked methyl‐CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene that encodes the methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2, a transcriptional modulator. Because MECP2 is subjected to X chromosome inactivation (XCI), girls with RTT either express the wild‐type or mutant allele in each individual cell. To test the consequences of MECP2 mutations resulting from a genome‐wide transcriptional dysregulation and to identify its target genes in a system that circumvents the functional mosaicism resulting from XCI, we carried out gene expression profiling of clonal populations derived from fibroblast primary cultures expressing exclusively either the wild‐type or the mutant MECP2 allele. Clonal cultures were obtained from skin biopsy of three RTT patients carrying either a non‐sense or a frameshift MECP2 mutation. For each patient, gene expression profiles of wild‐type and mutant clones were compared by oligonucleotide expression microarray analysis. Firstly, clustering analysis classified the RTT patients according to their genetic background and MECP2 mutation. Secondly, expression profiling by microarray analysis and quantitative RT‐PCR indicated four up‐regulated genes and five down‐regulated genes significantly dysregulated in all our statistical analysis, including excellent potential candidate genes for the understanding of the pathophysiology of this neurodevelopmental disease. Thirdly, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed MeCP2 binding to respective CpG islands in three out of four up‐regulated candidate genes and sequencing of bisulphite‐converted DNA indicated that MeCP2 preferentially binds to methylated‐DNA sequences. Most importantly, the finding that at least two of these genes (BMCC1 and RNF182) were shown to be involved in cell survival and/or apoptosis may suggest that impaired MeCP2 function could alter the survival of neurons thus compromising brain function without inducing cell death.
Childhood near‐tetraploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia: an EGIL study on 36 cases
Authors: Lemež Petr , Attarbaschi Andishe , Béné Marie C. , Bertrand Yves , Castoldi Gianluigi , Forestier Erik , Garand Richard , Haas Oskar A. , Kagialis‐Girard Sandrine , Ludwig Wolf‐Dieter , Matutes Estella , Mejstříková Ester , Pages Marie‐Pierre , Pickl Winfried , Porwit Anna , Orfao Alberto , Schabath Richard , Starý Jan , Strobl Herbert , Talmant Pascaline , Van′t Veer Mars B. , Zemanová Zuzana ,   for the European Group for the Immunological Characterization of Leukemias (EGIL)
Published: June 2010

Objectives:  Patients with near‐tetraploid (karyotype: 81 – 103 chromosomes) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (NT‐ALL) constitute about 1% of childhood ALL and data reported on them are limited and controversial. The aim of the study was to enlarge the knowledge on these rarely occurring ALL.

Methods:  The members of the European Group for Immunophenotyping of Leukemias (EGIL) searched retrospectively their databases for NT‐ALL patients.

Results:  We collected data of 36 European children from seven European countries with NT‐ALL diagnosed since 1992. All patients reached complete remission (CR) after induction chemotherapy. Their blasts were negative for peroxidase and BCR‐ABL1. Ten children were diagnosed as T‐cell ALL (T‐ALL) EGIL categories (T‐I n = 2, T‐II n = 2, T‐III n = 3, T‐IV n = 3) and four displayed various structural chromosomal abnormalities. Eight of 10 T‐ALL remained in 1st CR; one died in CR from sepsis and one is alive in 2nd CR. Median survival was 88 (7–213) months. B‐cell precursor (BCP) ALL was diagnosed in 26 children. Thirteen were positive for ETV6‐RUNX1 and are alive in 1st CR for 32–147 months. Ten children were ETV6‐RUNX1 negative and remained in 1st CR for 16–163 months. One girl with hypodiploid and NT metaphases and ETV6‐RUNX1‐negative BCP‐ALL and one of two boys with NT‐BCP‐ALL not examined for ETV6‐RUNX1 died of infection after stem cell transplantation in 2nd/3rd CR. Secondary myelodysplastic syndrome developed in two patients with NT‐BCP‐ALL.

Conclusions:  Our data demonstrate immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, and molecular heterogeneity of NT‐ALL and favorable prognosis of most NT‐ALL across different immunophenotypic and/or genetic ALL subtypes.
IL‐1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism in idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Dai M. Z. , Pan Y. Q. , Xu D. P. , Chen X. J. , Qian R. J. , Chen D. H. , Cui T. W. , Lin A. , Yan W. H.
Published: June 2010

Interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) has been supposed to play important roles in pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the polymorphisms of IL‐1Ra gene (IL1RN) variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) in intron 2 with idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Ninety‐two RSA patients and hundred normal women with at least one live birth and no history of miscarriage were included in the study. Frequencies of the IL1RN alleles and genotypes were determined. Data revealed that the prevalence of IL1RN allele and genotype was not significant between the RSA and control group (all P > 0.05). Our finding indicated that the polymorphism VNTR of IL1RN gene in intron 2 may not be a risk factor for RSA in the Chinese Han population.
Sequence of a novel HLA‐B*51 allele in a volunteer haematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Cosentini E. , Longhi E. , Frison S. , Luongo V. , Mantovani M. , Ciardiello G. , Bruno P. , Poli F.
Published: June 2010

We describe a novel HLA‐B*51 allele detected by DNA direct sequencing. The sequence of this allele has been officially named B*51:78 as a confirmatory sequence. This new allele nucleotide sequence differs from HLA‐B*51:01:01 for two point mutations in exon 2 where codons 79–80 change from CGG‐ATC to CGC‐ACC (p.Ile80Thr).
Genetic variants of the inflammatory C‐reactive protein and schizophrenia in Armenian population: a pilot study
Authors: Zakharyan R. , Chavushyan A. , Khoyetsyan A. , Stahelova A. , Arakelyan A. , Boyajyan A. , Mrazek F. , Petrek M.
Published: June 2010

C‐reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammation marker implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. To investigate association of the CRP rs1417938, rs1800947, rs1205 variants with susceptibility to schizophrenia 208 unrelated Armenians (103 patients and 105 healthy controls) were genotyped. In this pilot study, none of studied variants was associated with schizophrenia.
Distribution of HLA‐B27 in Romanian spondyloarthritides patients
Authors: Popa O. M. , Bojinca M. , Bojinca V. , Ciofu C. , Dutescu M. I. , Bardan A. , Sfrent‐Cornateanu R. , Petrek M. , Bara C. , Popa L.
Published: June 2010

The analysis of 310 Romanian spondyloarthritides patients confirmed the association of the HLA‐B27 marker with the susceptibility to different diseases of this group. For ankylosing spondylitis, the HLA‐B27 frequency in Romanian patients (72.1%) was similar to that found in several regions in the Mediterranean area.
The Mimic of Type II Aldolases Chemistry: Asymmetric Synthesis of β‐Hydroxy Ketones by Direct Aldol Reaction
Authors: Lu Zhijin , Mei Haibo , Han Jianlin , Pan Yi
Published: June 2010

An efficient direct aldol reaction has been developed for the synthesis of chiral β‐hydroxy ketone using a combination of C1‐symmetric chiral prolinamides based on o‐phenylenediamine and zinc triflate as catalyst. The reaction was convenient to carry out in aqueous media with up to 98% chemical yields and up to 94% ee values. The current strategy can be regarded as the analogue of aldolase type II, which suggests a new pathway for the designing of new organocatalysts.
Old and New Ethics in the Stem Cell Debate
Authors: Doerflinger Richard M.
Published: June 2010

The ethical debate on embryo research, particularly on whether to destroy human embryos for stem cell research, is sometimes said to involve a confrontation between religion and science. The claim is misleading at best. Ironically, religious claims have not infrequently been invoked by those who support human embryonic stem cell research, who have said that such research will enable us to “answer the prayers of America’s families” or present us with “the biblical power to cure.” And even religious organizations (as well as scientists and ethicists who share some of their concerns on this issue) have often made the case against the ethical acceptability of this research relying on science, and on general ethical considerations that transcend religious divisions. The Catholic Church, in particular, maintains that the ethical norm against directly taking the life of any innocent human being can be understood and embraced by people of good will, with or without religious faith, and that the application of this norm to the present controversy depends on an understanding of some basic facts about early human development.
Creating Embryos for Use in Stem Cell Research
Authors: Brock Dan W.
Published: June 2010

The intense and extensive debate over human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research has focused primarily on the moral status of the human embryo. Some commentators assign full moral status of normal adult human beings to the embryo from the moment of its conception. At the other extreme are those who believe that a human embryo has no significant moral status at the time it is used and destroyed in stem cell research. And in between are many intermediate positions that assign an embryo some degree of moral status between none and full. This controversy and the respective positions, like the abortion controversy, is by now well understood, despite the lack of progress in resolving it. I have argued briefly elsewhere that early embryos do not have significant moral status, but I do not want to reenter that debate here. Instead, I want to focus on an issue that has had relatively little explicit and separate attention, but is likely to loom larger in light of the Obama administration’s partial lifting of the Bush administration’s restriction on the embryos that can be used in stem cell research that receives federal funding.
Stem Cell Research and Economic Promises
Authors: Caulfield Timothy
Published: June 2010

Policy arguments in support of stem cell research often use economic benefit as a key rationale for permissive policies and increased government funding. Economic growth, job creation, improved productivity, and a reduction in the burden of disease are all worthy goals and, as such, can be used as powerful rhetorical tools in efforts to sway voters, politicians, and funding agencies. However, declarations of economic and commercial benefit — which can be found in policy reports, the scientific literature, public funding policies, and the popular press — have arguably created a great deal of expectation. Can stem cell research deliver on the economic promise? And what are the implications of this economic ethos for the researchers who must work under its shadow?