bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microarray analysis of microRNA expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and non‐tumorous tissues without viral hepatitis
Authors: Huang Yuan‐Shuai , Dai Yong , Yu Xiao‐Fang , Bao Shi‐Yun , Yin Yi‐Bing , Tang Min , Hu Cheng‐Xiao
Published: July 2010

Background and Aim:  MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non‐coding RNA molecules of 21–24 nt that regulate the expression of target genes in a post‐transcriptional manner. Evidence indicates that miRNAs play essential roles in embryogenesis, cell differentiation, and pathogenesis of human diseases including cancer.

Methods:  We analyzed the miRNA expression profiles in 10 pairs of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adjacent non‐tumorous tissue (NT) from 10 non‐viral hepatitis patients, using a mammalian miRNA microarray containing whole human mature and precursor miRNA sequences.

Results:  A total of 15 miRNAs exhibited higher expression in the HCC samples than that in the NT samples, and one miRNA demonstrated lower expression in the HCC samples than in the NT samples. A total of 18 miRNAs identified valid expression only in HCC samples, with six only in NT samples. The chip results were confirmed by Northern blot analysis.

Conclusion:  Our study may help clarify the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HCC, and miRNAs potentially serve as a novel diagnostic tool of HCC.
Risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated with corticosteroids
Authors: KIM Tae‐Wan , KIM Mi‐Na , KWON Jae‐Woo , KIM Kyung‐Mook , KIM Sae‐Hoon , KIM Won , PARK Heung‐Woo , CHANG Yoon‐Seok , CHO Sang‐Heon , MIN Kyung‐Up , KIM You‐Young
Published: July 2010

Background and objective:  Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is thought to be associated with immunosuppressive treatments, but insufficient information is available on the effect of corticosteroids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of HBV reactivation in hepatitis B surface antigen‐seropositive patients with asthma or COPD, who were treated with systemic corticosteroids (SCS) in addition to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).

Methods:  Patients with asthma or COPD (n = 198), who were hepatitis B surface antigen‐seropositive and had been treated with ICS, were identified retrospectively. To evaluate the additional effects of SCS, the SCS group was divided into those who received intermittent or continuous SCS (≥3 months of continuous SCS treatment), and into those who received low‐dose (≤20 mg/day of prednisolone) or medium‐to‐high‐dose SCS. The study outcome was HBV reactivation.

Results:  HBV reactivation occurred in 11.1% of patients in the SCS group, which was significantly higher than the reactivation rate in the ICS group. HBV reactivation was more frequent in the SCS group compared with the ICS group (OR 3.813, 95% CI: 1.106–13.145, P = 0.032), and in the continuous and medium‐to‐high‐dose SCS subgroups compared with the ICS group (OR 5.719, 95% CI: 1.172–27.905, P = 0.048 and OR 4.884, 95% CI: 1.362–17.511, P = 0.014, respectively).

Conclusions:  These results suggest that addition of SCS to ICS increases the risk of HBV reactivation, especially when SCS are administered chronically or at high doses.
Clinical significance of serum Dkk‐3 in patients with gynecological cancer
Authors: Jiang Tao , Huang Ling , Wang Shizhuo , Zhang Shulan
Published: July 2010

Aim:  The expression of Dkk‐3, as a number of the Dkk family was different in different cancer. Because Dkk‐3 encodes a secreted protein, we investigated whether the Dkk‐3 protein is secreted into the sera of patients with gynecological cancer.

Material & Methods:  The levels of Dkk‐3 protein were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in the sera of 104 patients with gynecological cancer: 36 with ovarian, 40 with cervical and 28 with endometrial cancers.

Results:  The serum levels of Dkk‐3 protein in patients with ovarian cancer [25.54 (7.99) pg/mL] was lower than in normal individuals [42.08 (14.89) pg/mL] (P = 0.000). But serum levels of Dkk‐3 protein in patients with cervical [166.39 (300.68) pg/mL] (P = 0.013) and endometrial cancers [73.64 (23.36) pg/mL] (P = 0.000) were higher than in normal individuals. The serum levels of Dkk‐3 protein were associated with clinical stage in patients with cervical and endometrial cancers. In patients with ovarian cancer, the serum levels of Dkk‐3 protein were associated with lymphatic metastasis. In patients with cervical cancer, the serum levels of Dkk‐3 protein were associated with tumor diameters.

Conclusion:  Dkk‐3 protein detection using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay as molecular markers can contribute to detection and diagnosis of gynecological cancer, especially for ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.
Monochorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancies with assisted reproductive technology: Two case reports
Authors: Iwamoto Hideki , Yoshida Atsumi , Suzuki Hiroki , Tanaka Miho , Takeuchi Takumi , Nakamura Takumi , Watanabe Noriko , Suzuki Yukinari , Sugimura Kazuyo
Published: July 2010

Developments in assisted reproductive technology have allowed us to decrease the numbers of transferred embryos and thereby reduce the risk of multifetal pregnancies. However, even when the numbers of transferred embryos are restricted, the incidence of monozygotic multiple pregnancies is not reduced, and can be significantly higher than normal. We report two cases of monochorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancies after applying assisted reproductive technology. Three male babies were born in one pregnancy and the other pregnancy aborted at 10 weeks of gestation. Several factors, such as manipulation of the zona pellucida or extended blastocyst culture, might increase the risk of such monozygotic multiple gestations in this setting, but the actual causes remain unknown. Besides detecting predictive factors for monozygotic pregnancies, any manipulation of the zona pellucida in combination with blastocyst culture must be done cautiously to minimize the likelihood of monochorionic multiple pregnancies.
Malignant mixed müllerian tumor with malignant neuroectodermal components (teratoid carcinosarcoma) of the ovary: Report of a case with clinicopathologic findings
Authors: Matsuura Yusuke , Kitajima Mitsuyasu , Hachisuga Toru , Tanimoto Akihide , Okura Naohumi , Kihara Ikuo
Published: July 2010

Malignant mixed müllerian tumor (MMMT) or carcinosarcoma of the female genital tract is a rare neoplasm. Malignant ovarian tumor composed of müllerian epithelial tumor and malignant germ cell tumor is also rare, with most cases composed of endometrioid adenocarcinoma and yolk sac tumor. Ovarian MMMT with malignant neuroectodermal components resembling immature teratoma is extremely rare. We report a case of teratoid carcinosarcoma of the ovary occurring in a 40‐year‐old female. The resected tumor measuring over 20 cm in diameter consisted of cystic and solid components and was very fragile. Microscopic examination showed a heterogenous mixed tumor composed of malignant epithelial, malignant mesodermal and malignant neuroectodermal components. The cells of ganglioneuroblastoma‐like area were positive for neural markers (Synaptophysin, S‐100 protein, neuron‐specific enolase). There was no tumor immunoreactivity to α‐fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, human chorionic gonadotropin, and inhibin. In spite of aggressive combination chemotherapy and three times of laparotomy, the patient died of disease 3 years 10 months after the initial treatment. This quite rare ovarian tumor closely resembled nasopharyngeal tumors described as ‘teratoid carcinosarcoma’ is biologically aggressive. We report the fourth case of ovarian teratoid carcinosarcoma. Further cases need to be accumulated to make diagnosis and to determine a successful treatment modality.
Cardiovascular risk and thiazolidinediones—what do meta‐analyses really tell us?
Authors: Schernthaner G. , Chilton R. J.
Published: July 2010

Meta‐analyses of clinical trials suggest that the use of the thiazolidinedione (TZD), rosiglitazone, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus may increase the risk of myocardial ischaemic events by 30–40%. Although these controversial data must be interpreted with caution, in the absence of definitive prospective cardiovascular (CV) outcomes data, they represent a prominent source of evidence concerning the CV safety of rosiglitazone. The results of meta‐analyses and a large randomized‐controlled CV outcomes trial provide strong evidence that pioglitazone does not increase the risk of coronary events. This article clarifies the clinical significance of these meta‐analytical findings alongside other sources of evidence and assesses their impact on evolving treatment guidelines and recommendations for the use of TZDs in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The relationship between sleep and epilepsy: the effect on cognitive functioning in children
Authors: PARISI PASQUALE , BRUNI OLIVIERO , PIA VILLA MARIA , VERROTTI ALBERTO , MIANO SILVIA , LUCHETTI ANNA , CURATOLO PAOLO
Published: July 2010

Aim The purpose of this review was to examine the possible pathophysiological links between epilepsy, cognition, sleep macro‐ and microstructure, and sleep disorders to highlight the contributions and interactions of sleep and epilepsy on cognitive functioning in children with epilepsy.

Method PubMed was used as the medical database source. No language restriction was placed on the literature searches, and citations of relevant studies in the paediatric age range (0–18y) were checked. Studies including a mixed population but with a high percentage of children were also considered.

Results The searches identified 223 studies. One reviewer scanned these to eliminate obviously irrelevant studies. Three reviewers scanned the remaining 128 studies and their relevant citations. The review showed that several factors could account for the learning impairment in children with epilepsy: aetiology, electroencephalographic (EEG) discharges, and persistence and circadian distribution of seizures, etc. EEG discharges may affect cognition and sleep, even in the absence of clinical or subclinical seizures. The sleep deprivation and/or sleep disruption affect the neurophysiological and neurochemical mechanisms important for the memory–learning process, but also influence the expression of EEG discharges and seizures. Learning and memory consolidation can take place over extended periods, and sleep has been demonstrated to play a fundamental role in these processes through neuroplastic remodelling of neural networks. Epilepsy and EEG paroxysms may affect sleep structure, interfering with these physiological functions.

Interpretation Improvement in the long‐term cognitive–behavioural prognosis of children with epilepsy requires both good sleep quality and good seizure control. The antiepileptic drug of choice should be the one that interferes least with sleep structure and has the best effect on sleep architecture – thus normalizing sleep instability, especially during non‐rapid eye movement sleep.
Region‐Specific Induction of FosB/ΔFosB by Voluntary Alcohol Intake: Effects of Naltrexone
Authors: Li Jing , Cheng Yunhui , Bian Weiliang , Liu Xiaojun , Zhang Chunxiang , Ye Jiang‐Hong
Published: July 2010

Background: ΔFosB is the best characterized transcription factor induced by chronic stimulation. Although previous studies have demonstrated that chronic passive ethanol exposure alters ΔFosB immunoreactivity (IR), the effect of chronic voluntary ethanol consumption on ΔFosB remains unknown. Furthermore, although previous studies have demonstrated that the opioid antagonist naltrexone reduces alcohol consumption in clinical and preclinical settings, the effect of naltrexone on FosB/ΔFosB has not been explored. Here, we examined the effects of chronic voluntary ethanol intake and naltrexone on FosB/ΔFosB IR in striatal region and prefrontal cortex, and the effect of naltrexone on voluntary ethanol intake.

Methods: We utilized immunohistochemistry to define the changes in FosB/ΔFosB IR induced by chronic voluntary ethanol intake under a two‐bottle intermittent access of 20% ethanol model and by systematic administration (intraperitoneal injection) of naltrexone in Sprague‐Dawley rats.

Results: Chronic (15 drinking sessions in 35 days) voluntary ethanol intake robustly induces FosB/ΔFosB IR in nucleus accumbens core, dorsolateral striatum, and orbitofrontal cortex, but not in nucleus accumbens shell, dorsomedial striatum, and medial prefrontal cortex. Systemic administration of naltrexone for 6 days significantly reduced voluntary ethanol consumption and FosB/ΔFosB IR induced by chronic voluntary ethanol intake.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that chronic voluntary ethanol intake induces FosB/ΔFosB IR in a subregion‐specific manner which involves the activation of endogenous opioid system.
Role of perioperative intravenous iron therapy in elderly hip fracture patients: a single‐center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Serrano‐Trenas José Antonio , Ugalde Pilar Font , Cabello Laura Muñoz , Chofles Luis Castro , Lázaro Pilar Serrano , Benítez Pedro Carpintero
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of intravenous (IV) iron sucrose therapy reducing transfusion requirements in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was a prospective randomized controlled trial involving 200 patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Group A (100 patients) received standard treatment, while Group B (100 patients) received iron sucrose (600 mg IV). The primary endpoint was the number of patients that were transfused postoperatively. The secondary endpoints were the rate of red blood cell units used, hematimetric variables of blood tests, mortality, infection rates, length of hospital stay, and appearance of side effects.

RESULTS: Differences in the percentage of patients requiring transfusion (Group A 41.3% vs. Group B 33.3%) and in the number of concentrates transfused (0.87 ± 1.21 for Group A vs. 0.76 ± 1.16 for Group B) were not significant for the patient group as a whole, but were significant for patients with intracapsular fractures (45.7% required transfusion in Group A vs. 14.3% in Group B; p < 0.005) and in patients with a baseline hemoglobin (Hb) level of 12 g/dL or more (35.2% required transfusions in Group A vs. 19% in Group B; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion requirements in patients with intracapsular fracture or baseline Hb level of 12 g/dL or more appear to be reduced by IV iron sucrose therapy, but there was no difference in morbidity, mortality, or length of hospital stay. The treatment is safe and hastens recovery from blood loss.
Leader Survival, Revolutions, and the Nature of Government Finance
Authors: De Mesquita Bruce Bueno , Smith Alastair
Published: July 2010

Leaders face multiple threats to their political survival. In addition to surviving the threats to tenure from within the existing political systems, which is modeled using Bueno de Mesquita and colleagues' (2003) selectorate theory, leaders risk being deposed through revolutions and coups. To ameliorate the threat of revolution, leaders can either increase public goods provisions to buy off potential revolutionaries or contract the provision of those public goods, such as freedom of assembly, transparency, and free press, which enable revolutionaries to coordinate. Which response a leader chooses depends upon existing institutions and the structure of government finances. These factors also affect the likelihood and direction of institutional change. Tests of leader survival indicate that revolutionary threats increase the likelihood of deposition for nondemocratic leaders. Leaders with access to resources such as foreign aid or natural resource rents are best equipped to survive these threats and avoid the occurrence of these threats in the first place.
Deciding to Provide: Local Decisions on Providing Social Welfare
Authors: Craw Michael
Published: July 2010

Fiscal federalism predicts local governments will avoid social welfare expenditures, owing to capital mobility across local jurisdictions. Yet Census of Governments data consistently show that many local governments provide one or more social welfare functions, and moreover many jurisdictions provide these functions without federal or state intergovernmental support. This article finds evidence that, while local expenditures are largely driven by fiscal capacity and federal and state assistance, local decisions on providing social welfare functions and participating in intergovernmental revenues are primarily affected by degree of capital mobility and by local political factors. Consequently, local governments exercise much greater autonomy over social welfare policymaking than fiscal federalism suggests.
Investigation of Reproducibility and Error Associated with qPCR Methods using Quantifiler® Duo DNA Quantification Kit*
Authors: Grgicak Catherine M. , Urban Zena M. , Cotton Robin W.
Published: July 2010

Abstract:  Reproducibility of quantitative PCR results is dependent on the generation of consistent calibration curves via accurate volume transfers and instrument performance. A review of 14 standard curves, using two different QuantDuo® standard DNA lots, showed variability of cycle threshold values between assays were larger than those of the Internal PCR Control (IPC). This prompted a set of experiments designed to determine the source of variability. Results showed that error introduced during DNA addition to the plate resulted in little variation. A comparison of seven independent series demonstrated cycle threshold variation between dilutions was larger than the variation expected from repeated samples. Modeling the influence of pipette errors on dilution series accuracy indicated that a more rigorous approach to external calibration curve production is required and showed that improvement in calibration curve stability is expected if the pipette conditions are carefully chosen and/or a single validated curve is utilized as the calibrator.
Promoter hypomethylation up‐regulates CD147 expression through increasing Sp1 binding and associates with poor prognosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kong Ling‐Min , Liao Cheng‐Gong , Chen Liang , Yang Hu‐Shan , Zhang Si‐He , Zhang Zheng , Bian Hui‐Jie , Xing Jin‐Liang , Chen Zhi‐Nan
Published: July 2010

CD147 is a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which could promote HCC progression and metastasis. Promoter methylation is one of the most important processes in gene regulation. In this study, we aim to investigate CD147 promoter methylation status and the correlation with clinicopathological features and prognosis in HCC. CD147 promoter methylation statuses and expression levels in normal and HCC cell lines and 54 paired HCC and adjacent non‐tumour (ANT) tissues were, respectively, examined by bisulphite genomic sequencing, methylation‐specific PCR, real‐time RT‐PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The correlations of promoter methylation statuses with CD147 expression level and the clinicopathological features were statistically analysed in HCC patients. Significantly higher expression of CD147 and significantly lower promoter methylation level were observed in HCC cell lines compared to normal cell lines and tissues control. In vivo and in vitro analysis indicated that demethylation with 5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine led to increased CD147 expression through enhancing Sp1 binding affinity, and methylation with methyltransferase reduced CD147 transcriptional activity through interfering Sp1 binding. CD147 promoter methylation level in HCC tissues (22.22%) was lower than that in ANT tissues (46.30%; P < 0.05). Within HCC tissues, a significant inverse correlation was observed between CD147 expression and methylation level (r=−0.615). Moreover, HCC patients with unmethylated CD147 promoter had a significantly higher recurrence rate (88.1%versus 58.3%; P < 0.05) and death rate (83.3%versus 50.0%; P < 0.05) than patients with methylated CD147 promoter. In conclusions, promoter hypomethylation up‐regulates CD147 expression primarily through increasing Sp1 binding and associates with poor prognosis in HCC patients.
Somatostatin receptor biology in neuroendocrine and pituitary tumours: part 2 – clinical implications
Authors: Cakir Mehtap , Dworakowska Dorota , Grossman Ashley
Published: July 2010

Introduction

SSTR subtype tissue distribution and its relevance to tumour imaging and treatment

Conclusions
Endogenous toll‐like receptor ligands and their biological significance
Authors: Yu Li , Wang Liantang , Chen Shangwu
Published: July 2010

Introduction

TLR signalling

Endogenous TLR ligands

Biological significance of signalling triggered by endogenous TLR ligands

Conclusions

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), a family of pattern recognition receptors, recognize and respond to conserved components of microbes and play a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immunity. In addition to binding exogenous ligands derived from pathogens, TLRs interact with endogenous molecules released from damaged tissues or dead cells and regulate many sterile inflammation processes. Putative endogenous TLR ligands include proteins and peptides, polysaccharides and proteoglycan, nucleic acids and phospholipids, which are cellular components, particularly extracellular matrix degradation products. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that endogenous ligand‐mediated TLR signalling is involved in pathological conditions such as tissue injury, repair and regeneration; autoimmune diseases and tumorigenesis. The ability of TLRs to recognize endogenous stimulators appears to be essential to their function in regulating non‐infectious inflammation. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of endogenous TLR ligands and discuss the biological significance of TLR signalling triggered by endogenous ligands in several sterile inflammation conditions.
A simple and economical method for the manual construction of frozen tissue arrays
Authors: TSAO SHU‐CHUAN , WU CHUN‐CHIEH , WEN CHIEN‐HUI , HUANG YA‐CHUN , CHAI CHEE‐YIN
Published: July 2010

Tsao S‐C, Wu C‐C, Wen C‐H, Huang Y‐C, Chai C‐Y. A simple and economical method for the manual construction of frozen tissue arrays. APMIS 2010; 118: 739–43.

Tissue microarray has been developed to enable multiple cores of tissue in one or more new paraffin blocks. Currently, almost all tissue microarrays are made by coring cylindrical tissues from formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissues. The disadvantages of formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissues include the poor preservation of antigenicity of certain proteins and mRNA degradation induced by the fixation and embedding process. However, frozen tissue array construction presents technical difficulties, and tissue array devices are expensive, particularly for small‐ and medium‐sized laboratories. We describe a simple manual method for producing well‐aligned tissue arrays by a capsule freeze method that allows us to successfully perform hematoxylin–eosin and immunohistochemical stain. All 120 tissue samples were collected and constructed into blocks by this capsule freeze method. The capsules were not affected during the sectioning process, and the capsule material always disappeared during the aqueous steps of the stain processing. The frozen tissue arrays were smoothly sectioned without the use of a tape transfer system and immunohistochemical study was performed with satisfactory results. This alternative method can be applied in any laboratory, and is both simple and economical.
A novel xenograft model of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Krejsgaard Thorbjørn , Kopp Katharina , Ralfkiaer Elisabeth , Willumsgaard Ayelah E. , Eriksen Karsten W. , Labuda Tord , Rasmussen Susanne , Mathiesen Anne‐Merete , Geisler Carsten , Lauenborg Britt , Becker Jürgen C. , Zhang Qian , Wasik Mariusz A. , Odum Niels , Woetmann Anders
Published: July 2010

Please cite this paper as: A novel xenograft model of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 1096–1102.

Abstract:  Cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are characterized by accumulation of malignant T cells in the skin. Early disease resembles benign skin disorders but during disease progression cutaneous tumors develop, and eventually the malignant T cells can spread to lymph nodes and internal organs. However, because of the lack of suitable animal models, little is known about the mechanisms driving CTCL development and progression in vivo. Here, we describe a novel xenograft model of tumor stage CTCL, where malignant T cells (MyLa2059) are transplanted to NOD/SCID‐B2m−/− (NOD.Cg‐Prkdcscid B2mtm1Unc/J) mice. Subcutaneous transplantation of the malignant T cells led to rapid tumor formation in 43 of 48 transplantations, whereas transplantation of non‐malignant T cells isolated from the same donor did not result in tumor development. Importantly, the tumor growth was significantly suppressed in mice treated with vorinostat when compared to mice treated with vehicle. Furthermore, in most mice the tumors displayed subcutaneous and/or lymphatic dissemination. Histological, immunohistochemical and flow cytometric analyses confirmed that both tumors at the inoculation site, as well as distant subcutaneous and lymphatic tumors, originated from the transplanted malignant T cells. In conclusion, we describe a novel mouse model of tumor stage CTCL for future studies of disease dissemination and preclinical evaluations of new therapeutic strategies.
The use of a neoprene knee sleeve to compensate the deficit in knee joint position sense caused by muscle fatigue
Authors: Van Tiggelen D. , Coorevits P. , Witvrouw E.
Published: July 2010

The importance of good proprioceptive abilities is stressed in many rehabilitation protocols. In contrast, it has been shown that muscle fatigue has a negative influence on proprioception. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a neoprene knee sleeve (NKS) on the joint position sense in a fatigued knee joint. Sixty‐four healthy subjects underwent four successive assessments of the same active joint repositioning test (AJRT) in an open kinetic chain setting under different conditions. First, each subject performed the AJRT without brace. One knee was braced during the second assessment. Subjects wore the brace for 6 h and were submitted to a fatigue protocol, followed by the third assessment under the same conditions as the previous one. The fourth and last AJRT was performed immediately after the third one but both knees were non‐braced. When the subjects wore an NKS, significant differences in repositioning error were demonstrated between both sides. On the braced side, no significant differences were observed between the baseline assessment and the third assessment. NKS compensate the deficit in joint position sense due to fatigue. The use of NKS could be justified as a preventive measure or treatment in subjects to enhance proprioception.
Aerobic exercise training improves the role of high‐density lipoprotein antioxidant and reduces plasma lipid peroxidation in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Iborra R. T. , Ribeiro I. C. D. , Neves M. Q. T. S. , Charf A. M. , Lottenberg S. A. , Negrão C. E. , Nakandakare E. R. , Passarelli M.
Published: July 2010

In this study, we analyzed the effect of aerobic exercise training (AET) and of a single bout of exercise on plasma oxidative stress and on antioxidant defenses in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and in healthy control subjects (C). DM and C did not differ regarding triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c), insulin, and HOMA index at baseline and after AET. To measure the lag time for low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation (LAG) and the maximal rate of conjugated diene formation (MCD), participants' plasma HDL2 and HDL3 were incubated with LDL from pooled healthy donors' plasma. In the presence of HDL3, both LAG and MCD were similar in C and DM, but only in DM did AET improve LAG and reduce MCD. In the presence of HDL2, the lower baseline LAG in DM equaled C after AET. MCD was unchanged in DM after AET, but was lower than C only after AET. Furthermore, after AET plasma thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances were reduced only in DM subjects. Despite not modifying the total plasma antioxidant status and serum paraoxonase‐1 activity in both groups, AET lowered the plasma lipid peroxides, corrected the HDL2, and improved the HDL3 antioxidant efficiency in DM independent of the changes in blood glucose, insulin, and plasma HDL concentration and composition.
Neurotrophic factors in Alzheimer’s disease: role of axonal transport
Authors: Schindowski K. , Belarbi K. , Buée L.
Published: July 2010

Neurotrophic factors (NTF) are small, versatile proteins that maintain survival and function to specific neuronal populations. In general, the axonal transport of NTF is important as not all of them are synthesized at the site of its action. Nerve growth factor (NGF), for instance, is produced in the neocortex and the hippocampus and then retrogradely transported to the cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain. Neurodegenerative dementias like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are linked to deficits in axonal transport. Furthermore, they are also associated with imbalanced distribution and dysregulation of NTF. In particular, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in cognition, learning and memory formation by modulating synaptic plasticity and is, therefore, a critical molecule in dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review the changes of NTF expression and distribution (NGF, BDNF, neurotrophin‐3, neurotrophin‐4/5 and fibroblast growth factor‐2) and their receptors [tropomyosin‐related kinase (Trk)A, TrkB, TrkC and p75NTR] in AD and AD models. In addition, we focus on the interaction with neuropathological hallmarks Tau/neurofibrillary tangle and amyloid‐β (Abeta)/amyloid plaque pathology and their influence on axonal transport processes in order to unify AD‐specific cholinergic degeneration and Tau and Abeta misfolding through NTF pathophysiology.
Bilateral Sinus Elevation Evaluating Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Technology: A Report of Five Cases
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Prado Roberto , Orive Gorka
Published: July 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) technology and its autologous formulations in five consecutive patients in which bilateral sinus lift augmentation was carried out.

Material and Methods: Five consecutive patients received bilateral sinus floor augmentation. All patients presented a residual bone height of class D (1–3 mm). The effects of PRGF combined with bovine anorganic bone (one side) were compared with the biomaterial alone (contralateral side). The effects of using liquid PRGF to maintain the bone window and autologous fibrin membrane to seal the defect were evaluated. A complete histological and histomorphometrical analysis was performed 5 months after surgery.

Results: One patient was excluded from the study as the Schneiderian membrane of the control side was perforated during the surgery. In two patients, the biopsies obtained from the control sides 5 months postsurgery were not acceptable for processing. PRGF technology facilitated the surgical approach of sinus floor elevation. The control area was more inflamed than the area treated with PRGF technology. Patients referred also to an increased sensation of pain in the control area. PRGF‐treated samples had more new vital bone than controls. In patient number 1, image processing revealed 21.4% new vital bone in the PRGF area versus 8.4% in the control area, whereas in patient number 2, 28.4% new vital bone was quantified in the PRGF area compared with the 8.2% of the control side. The immunohistochemical processing of the biopsies revealed that the number of blood vessels per square millimeter of connective tissue was 116 vessels in the PRGF sample versus 7 in the control biopsy.

Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that from a practical point of view, PRGF may present a role in reducing tissue inflammation after surgery, increasing new bone formation and promoting the vascularization of bone tissue.
‘Breast is not always best’: South Asian women's experiences of infant feeding in the UK within an acculturation framework
Authors: Choudhry Kubra , Wallace Louise M.
Published: July 2010

Acculturating to a host country has a negative impact on immigrant women's breastfeeding practices, particularly when coming from countries where breastfeeding rates are higher than Western countries. Whether this is true of those immigrating to the UK remains to be investigated. The study aimed to explore whether acculturating to the UK had detrimental effects on breastfeeding practices of South Asian women, and to provide explanations as to how acculturation may have exerted its influence.

Twenty South Asian women completed semi‐structured interviews exploring infant feeding experiences. Data were thematically analysed. A bidimensional measure assessed women's acculturation status.

Women displaying low acculturation levels were aware of living in a formula‐feeding culture but this had little influence on breastfeeding intentions/behaviours; drawing upon South Asian cultural teachings of the psychological benefits of breast milk. These women opted to formula‐feed in response to their child's perceived demands or in a bid to resolve conflict; either when receiving information about the best feeding method or between their roles as a mother and daughter‐in‐law. Highly acculturated women also experienced such conflict; their awareness of the formula‐feeding culture governed feeding choice.

The findings provide a picture of how acculturation may affect South Asian women's breastfeeding intentions and behaviours; encouraging health service providers to meet the varying needs of an acculturating population. If breastfeeding is to be encouraged, it is necessary to understand factors influencing feeding choice; with particular attention to the acculturation pathways that may govern such decisions. This paper highlights ways to tailor information for South Asian women depending on levels of acculturation.
Confirmation: A Sacrament in Search of a Theology?
Authors: Van Slyke Daniel G.
Published: July 2010

In response to accusations leveled against the integrity of confirmation as a distinct sacrament, the author searches magisterial documents for a theology of confirmation. Two main theological explanations of the sacrament are explored: the ecclesial significance of the bishop's office as the original minister of confirmation; and the grace of the sacrament – that is, the gifts and Gift of the Holy Spirit. This grace is characterized as both defensive and offensive, from the perspective of defending the faith of the individual and the Church, and sharing in Christ's mission to evangelize the world. In a final section, the author addresses several popular but mistaken or one-sided approaches to explaining confirmation that have had negative pastoral consequences in recent decades.
A Theology of Death: the Slave Trade, the Holocaust and Abortion – the Delusions of Religious Atheism
Authors: Brazier P.H.
Published: July 2010

How long, O people, will you turn my glory into shame?

How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?

PSALM 4:2

A central thesis to the writings of the so-called New Atheists is that the advocates of all religions will eventually oppress and even kill their opponents; however, they fail to apply this proposition to themselves, to their own anti-theistic religiosity. The aim of this paper is to explore how an Enlightenment theology of death is rooted in religious atheism, a belief system that beguiles and deludes a particular group of people into defining another group of people as non- or sub-human, and open to exploitation and destruction. This has led, post-Reformation, to three Enlightenment mega-holocausts through the slave trade, through the holocaust of the Jews, and now through abortion. The roots of this are in the judgemental religious terrorism evidenced on both sides in the Reformation. This paper concludes that religion may be bad, atheism worse, but religious atheism is to be seen as the worst of all options: we must trust in the blood of the lamb, the one true living God incarnated in the Christ (who was fully human and at one with humanity from the moment of his conception) not in the blood of Enlightenment sacrifices numbering tens of millions.
Religion in Families, 1999–2009: A Relational Spirituality Framework
Authors: Mahoney Annette
Published: July 2010

This review examines the role of religion, for better and worse, in marital and parent–child relationships according to peer‐reviewed studies from 1999 to 2009. A conceptual framework of relational spirituality is used (a) to organize the breadth of findings into the 3 stages of formation, maintenance, and transformation of family relationships and (b) to illustrate 3 in‐depth sets of mechanisms to delve into the ways religion shapes family bonds. Topics include union formation, fertility, spousal roles, marital satisfaction and conflict, divorce, domestic violence, infidelity, pregnancy, parenting children, parenting adolescents, and coping with family distress. Conclusions emphasize moving beyond markers of general religiousness and identifying specific spiritual beliefs and practices that prevent or intensify problems in traditional and nontraditional families.
Migration Decisions Within Dual‐Earner Partnerships: A Test of Bargaining Theory
Authors: Abraham Martin , Auspurg Katrin , Hinz Thomas
Published: July 2010

This article focuses on the problems faced by dual‐earner partnerships arising from the regional coordination of the partners' careers. It is still unknown whether the fact that couples are less mobile than singles is caused by homogeneous preferences within couples or by a process of balancing conflicting interests. Consequently, we analyze the potential conflicts provoked by work‐related migration incentives. We test hypotheses derived from bargaining theory using quasi‐experimental data from a factorial survey of nearly 280 European couples. Our results support the bargaining approach and confirm that asymmetrical shifts in bargaining power drive the potential for conflict. Women's willingness to move is generally less than men's, but the impact of employment prospects differs only slightly by gender.
Are Divorce Studies Trustworthy? The Effects of Survey Nonresponse and Response Errors
Authors: Mitchell Colter
Published: July 2010

Researchers rely on relationship data to measure the multifaceted nature of families. This article speaks to relationship data quality by examining the ramifications of different types of error on divorce estimates, models predicting divorce behavior, and models employing divorce as a predictor. Comparing matched survey and divorce certificate information from the 1995 Life Events and Satisfaction Study (N = 1,811) showed that nonresponse error is responsible for the majority of the error in divorce data. Misreporting the divorce event was rare, and more than two thirds of respondents provided a divorce date within 6 months of the actual date. Nevertheless, divorce date error attenuated effects of time since divorce on outcomes. Gender, child custody, marital history, and education were associated with divorce error.
Poverty and Material Hardship in Grandparent‐Headed Households
Authors: Baker Lindsey A. , Mutchler Jan E.
Published: July 2010

Using the 2001 Survey of Income and Program Participation, the current study examines poverty and material hardship among children living in 3‐generation (n = 486), skipped‐generation (n = 238), single‐parent (n = 2,076), and 2‐parent (n = 6,061) households. Multinomial and logistic regression models indicated that children living in grandparent‐headed households experience elevated risk of health insecurity (as measured by receipt of public insurance and uninsurance)—a disproportionate risk given rates of poverty within those households. Children living with single parents did not share this substantial risk. Risk of food and housing insecurity did not differ significantly from 2‐parent households once characteristics of the household and caregivers were taken into account.
Older Parent–Child Relationships in Six Developed Nations: Comparisons at the Intersection of Affection and Conflict
Authors: Silverstein Merril , Gans Daphna , Lowenstein Ariela , Giarrusso Roseann , Bengtson Vern L.
Published: July 2010

Intergenerational solidarity and ambivalence paradigms suggest that emotional relationships between generations consist of both positive and negative sentiments. We applied latent class analysis to measures of affection and conflict in 2,698 older parent–child relationships in 6 developed nations: England, Germany, Israel, Norway, Spain, and the United States (Southern California). The best fitting model consisted of 4 latent classes distributed differently across nations but with a cross‐nationally invariant measurement structure. After controlling for demographics, health, coresidence, contact, and support, the following classes were overrepresented in corresponding nations: amicable (England), detached (Germany and Spain), disharmonious (United States), ambivalent (Israel). We discuss policy and cultural differences across societies that may explain why the prevalence of particular emotional types varied by nation.
Parent–Child Coresidence: Who Moves in With Whom and for Whose Needs?
Authors: Smits Annika , Van Gaalen Ruben I. , Mulder Clara H.
Published: July 2010

Using administrative data on all adult children living in The Netherlands age 30–40 and their parents (N = 1,999,700), we investigated the extent to which situations and events associated with the support needs and privacy needs of either generation determine intergenerational coresidence and the transition to coresidence. Logistic and multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that both generations' support needs increased the likelihood of coresidence and of a move of the generation in need into the other's home. Turning to privacy needs, we found that coresidence and the transition to coresidence was less likely when a partner or stepparent was present and more likely when the adult child was a never‐married single parent.
Peroxisomes as dynamic organelles: peroxisome abundance in yeast
Authors: Saraya Ruchi , Veenhuis Marten , van der Klei Ida J.
Published: July 2010

Peroxisomes are cell organelles that are present in almost all eukaryotic cells and involved in a large range of metabolic pathways. The organelles are highly dynamic in nature: their number and enzyme content is highly variable and continuously adapts to prevailing environmental conditions. This review summarizes recent relevant developments in research on processes that are involved in the regulation of peroxisome abundance and maintenance. These processes include fission of the organelles, formation of new peroxisomes from the endoplasmic reticulum, autophagic degradation and segregation/inheritance during cell division.
Peroxisomes as dynamic organelles: autophagic degradation
Authors: Oku Masahide , Sakai Yasuyoshi
Published: July 2010

Eukaryotic cells have to regulate peroxisomal metabolism to meet their environmental or developmental requirements. Therefore, the control of peroxisome number, which is mediated not only by proliferation but also by degradation, is an important cellular event. Here we briefly review studies on the autophagic degradation of peroxisomes, a process now termed pexophagy. Recent advances in molecular analyses of both nonselective and selective autophagic pathways have revealed a category of autophagy‐related genes (ATG), many of which are shared in different pathways. In this review we introduce the functions of the shared ATG products, along with their interactions with peroxisomal factors. Physiological functions of this process (especially cellular remodeling) in mammalian cells and in a phytopathogenic fungus are also introduced.
Can e‐learning improve medical students' knowledge and competence in paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation? A prospective before and after study
Authors: O'Leary Fenton M , Janson Philip
Published: July 2010

Objective:  To determine whether the use of an e‐learning package was able to improve the knowledge and competence of medical students, in a simulated paediatric resuscitation.

Methods:  A prospective before and after study was performed with medical students at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia. Participants undertook a simulated paediatric resuscitation before and after completing the e‐learning. Primary outcome measures were the ability to perform successful basic life support and advanced life support according to published guidelines. Secondary outcome measures were the individual steps in performing the overall resuscitation, the change in pre‐ and post‐e‐learning multiple choice question scores and subjective feedback from participants.

Results:  A total of 28 students were enrolled in the study, with 26 being retested. There was an improvement of 57.7% from 30.8% to 88.5% (P < 0.001, 95% CI 34.9–80.5%) in basic life support competence and an improvement from 0% to 80.0% (P < 0.001, 95% CI 61.8–99.8%) in advanced life support competence. Significant improvements were seen in all secondary outcomes particularly time to rhythm recognition and time to first defibrillation (P < 0.001). Multiple choice question test scores showed a significant improvement of 27.8% or 6.4 marks (95% CI 5.3–7.5, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  E‐learning does improve both the knowledge and competence of medical students in paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation at least in the simulation environment.
Return of Nocturnal Erections and Erectile Function after Bilateral Nerve-sparing Radical Prostatectomy in Men Treated Nightly with Sildenafil Citrate: Subanalysis of a Longitudinal Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: McCullough Andrew R. , Levine Laurence A. , Padma-Nathan Harin
Published: July 2010

Introduction

After bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (BNSRRP), nocturnal and sexually mediated erections may help to preserve normal erectile function (EF).

Aim

To investigate nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) in a subset (N=54 men) from a randomized, double-blind trial (N=76) of nightly sildenafil after BNSRRP.

Methods

Inclusion required preoperative “normal” EF (defined as a combined score of ≥8 for International Index of Erectile Function questions 3 (penetration) and 4 (maintained erection after penetration) and NPTR testing (≥10 continuous minutes of ≥55% rigidity [R ≥ 55%] at the base). Postoperative assessments were at weeks 4 (pretreatment), 16, 28, 40 (during 36 weeks of nightly prophylaxis: sildenafil 50 mg [N=17], 100 mg [N=18] or placebo [N=19]), and 48 (after 8 weeks of no erectile dysfunction therapy, when “responders” were delineated by the defined normal EF and a “yes” response to “Over the past 4 weeks, have your erections been good enough for satisfactory sexual activity?”). Base and tip rigidity and tumescence were measured using penile plethysmography.

Main Outcome Measures

Duration of R ≥ 55% and area under the curves for rigidity and tumescence.

Results

Postoperatively, rapid profound reduction in nocturnal EF was noted in all groups. There was a gradual dose-dependent improvement in base and tip rigidity in the sildenafil groups but little improvement in the placebo group. Eight weeks after treatment termination (48 weeks postoperatively), 24% (4/17) of 50-mg sildenafil recipients, 33% (6/18) of 100-mg sildenafil recipients, and 5% (1/19) of placebo recipients were responders. Tip R ≥ 55% was the most discriminating NPTR measure between nonresponders and responders to sildenafil, in whom it regained baseline (preoperative) levels (whereas base R ≥ 55% did not). It was most prolonged in responders to sildenafil 100 mg.

Conclusions

In our subset analysis, nightly sildenafil for 9 months post-BNSRRP objectively improved nocturnal erections and pharmaceutically unassisted EF.