bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RGS-GAIP–Interacting Protein Controls Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Wang Ling , Lau Julie S. , Patra Chitta Ranjan , Cao Ying , Bhattacharya Santanu , Dutta Shamit , Nandy Debashis , Wang Enfeng , Rupasinghe Chamila N. , Vohra Pawan , Spaller Mark R. , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata
Published: October 2010

Although the importance of RGS-GAIP–interacting protein (GIPC) in the biology of malignant cells is well known, the molecular mechanism of GIPC in the inhibition of tumor progression has not been identified. This study focused on elucidating the molecular role of GIPC in breast cancer progression. By using a human breast tumor specimen, an in vivo mouse model, and breast cancer cell lines, we showed for the first time that GIPC is involved in breast cancer progression through regulation of breast cancer cell proliferation, survival, and invasion. Furthermore, we found that the Akt/Mdm2/p53 axis, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and Cdc42 were downstream of GIPC signaling in breast cancer cells. Moreover, we showed that wild-type p53 reduced GIPC-induced breast cancer cell survival, whereas mutant p53 inhibited GIPC-induced cell invasion. Finally, we demonstrated that an N-myristoylated GIPC peptide (CR1023, N-myristoyl-PSQSSSEA) capable of blocking the PDZ domain of GIPC successfully inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, survival, and further in vivo tumor growth. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the importance of GIPC in breast tumor progression, which has a potentially significant impact on the development of therapies against many common cancers expressing GIPC, including breast and renal cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 8(12); 1591–600. ©2010 AACR.
Comparison of the Efficacy of Single or Double Intravesical Epirubicin Instillation in the Early Postoperative Period to Prevent Recurrences in Non-Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder: Prospective, Randomized Multicenter Study
Authors: Türkeri Levent , Tanıdır Yılören , Çal Çağ , Özen Haluk , Şahin Hayrettin ,   and members of the Turkish Urooncology Society
Published: October 2010

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of single or double epirubicin instillation during the early postoperative period (EPP) in intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive urothelial cancer. Methods: Patients with primary and solitary or multiple (3 or less) Ta (grade 2–3) or T1 (grade 1–2) tumors were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive either a single dose of 100 mg epirubicin instillation within 6 h or a second 100 mg epirubicin instillation during the 12th–18th hours after a complete TUR-BT. At the end of the 60-month follow-up period, the available data were statistically analyzed. The end-points of the study were determined as disease-free survival, progression and recurrence rates, time to recurrence, and time to progression. Results: A total of 299 patients from 24 institutions were randomized between January 2002 and June 2004. There were 143 patients from 18 institutions who met the eligibility criteria. The follow-up and disease-free survival periods were 16.9 months and 16 months, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the demographic properties and the end-points between the groups. Conclusions: A single dose of intravesical 100 mg epirubicin chemotherapy during the early postoperative period for primary intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive urothelial cancer achieved 16 months of mean disease-free survival. A second intravesical epirubicin instillation did not provide any significant benefit.
Is Pure Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy Still an Attractive Solution for the Treatment of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer?
Authors: Chlosta Piotr , Drewa Tomasz , Dobruch Jakub , Antoniewicz Artur , Olejniczak Pawel , Obarzanowski Mateusz , Borowka Andrzej
Published: October 2010

Objective: The aim of this study is to report our experience with laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC), evaluating the technique and perioperative and pathological outcomes. Methods: 47 LRCs were performed due to muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Conduits were performed in 23 patients and neobladders in 23 (one bi-intestinal). One ureterocutaneostomy was created. Results: In 43 patients LRC was performed with minilaparotomy for urinary diversion. The mean operation time was 290 min. Four operations were converted. Complications included sigmoid colon injury, urinary leak, lymphatic leak, short-term paralytic ileus, and heart attack. Mean blood loss was 220 ml. Hospitalization time was 6 days. Tumor stage was pT2b, pT3a, pT3b, and pT4a in 28, 13, 5, and 1 patient, respectively. No positive margins were found. The mean number of lymph nodules was 17, while in the last 25 procedures it was 21. 17% of patients had tumor in the lymph nodes. The mean follow-up was 10 months. Local recurrence and dissemination was observed in 2%. Continence in patients receiving neobladder was fully satisfactory. Conclusions: More complications are related to neobladder than to ileac conduit. LRC with minilaparotomy seems to be an attractive treatment option for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Radical cystectomy performed intracorporeally could be reserved for ‘robot-assisted’ operations.
Modified Psoas Hitch with Lich-Gregoir Onlay Technique for the Reconstruction of Lower Ureter during Gynecologic or Obstetric Operations
Authors: Tahmaz Lutfu , Irkilata Hasan Cem , Goktolga Umit , Yildirim Ibrahim , Bozkurt Yasar , Basal Seref , Dayanc Murat
Published: October 2010

Aims: We retrospectively review patients who underwent ureteral implantation with a psoas hitch during obstetric or gynecologic operations and describe a new modification. Methods: Between December 1997 and May 2005, 20 patients between 26 and 56 years underwent ureteral reimplantation by using the nonrefluxing, extravesical Lich-Gregoir onlay technique with psoas hitch at our institution by the same reconstructive surgery team. Additionally, we used a urethral catheter balloon as a landmark for the bladder mucosa and fixed the bladder to the psoas tendon by using the balloon. We performed 14 ureteral reimplantations during the surgery as intraoperative reconstruction. In 6 patients, delayed reconstruction of the ureter was performed a few days following the previous operation. Results: For intraoperative and delayed reconstructions, the mean operation time for ureteral reimplantation was 24 and 75 min. We took out the urethral catheter on the second operative day and the anastomotic drain on the third. The average hospital stay was 5.7 days. No cases of chronic flank pain, recurrent pyelonephritis, persistent severe hydronephrosis or compromised renal function occurred. No patient required reoperation. Conclusions: Modified psoas hitch ureteral reimplantation is an effective and safe way of reconstruction for treating defects in ureteral length.
Imaging Characteristics of Alkaline-Encrusted Cystitis
Authors: Zheng Jingcun , Wang Guozeng , He Wei , Jiang Ning , Jiang Hongning
Published: October 2010

Alkaline-encrusted cystitis (AEC) has been reported sporadically during the past 90 years. It occurs mainly in immunocompromised or debilitated patients after urologic procedures. However, we report two unexpected cases of AEC in patients who were young and not under conditions of transplantation, immunocompromise or debilitation. Both had undergone a ureteroscopic lithotripsy procedure before being diagnosed as having encrusted cystitis. Although no information on such atypical patients is available, at least to our knowledge, we undertook a further report and discussion on the imaging characteristics of this atypical AEC.
Adrenal and Extra-Adrenal Nonfunctioning Composite Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma with Immunohistochemical Ectopic Hormone Expression: Comparison of Two Cases
Authors: Gong Jing , Wang Xinxin , Chen Xueqin , Chen Ni , Huang Rui , Lu Changli , Chen Daiyun , Zeng Hao , Zhou Qiao
Published: October 2010

Adrenal composite pheochromocytoma is rare, most of which is functional, and extra-adrenal composite paraganglioma is extremely rare. We describe and compare the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of a retroperitoneal extra-adrenal composite paraganglioma and an adrenal composite pheochromocytoma. Both tumors were nonfunctioning and laboratory tests revealed no biochemical abnormalities. Both tumors were composed of typical paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma closely admixed with ganglioneuroma component. In addition to typical immunohistochemical phenotypes characteristic of each component, both tumors showed focal staining of somatostatin, and the adrenal tumor was also regionally positive for insulin and prolactin. Despite this aberrant immunohistochemical expression, relevant clinical symptoms or laboratory abnormalities were absent. These tumors serve to exemplify the extremely rare occurrences of clinically silent, nonfunctioning composite pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma with aberrant expression of hormones.
The Initial Appearance of the Cranial Nerves and Related Neuronal Migration in Staged Human Embryos
Authors: Müller Fabiola , O'Rahilly Ronan
Published: October 2010

The initial development of the cranial nerves was studied in 245 human embryos of stages 10–23 (4–8 postfertilizational weeks). Significant findings in the human embryo include the following. (1) Neuronal migration is a characteristic feature in the development of all the cranial nerves at stages 13–18, with the exception of the somatic efferent group. (2) The somatic efferent and the visceral efferent neurons are arranged respectively in ventrolateral and ventromedial columns (stages 13–17). (3) The ventrolateral column gives rise to somatic efferent nuclei; the neurons of the hypoglossal nerve develop rapidly and show a segmental organization as four roots that innervate three of the four occipital somites (stage 13); the abducent nucleus becomes displaced rostrally by a change in the rhombomeric pattern at stage 16. (4) The ventromedial column, originally continuous in rhombomeres 2–7, gives rise to visceral efferent and pharyngeal efferent nuclei. (5) All the ‘true’ cranial nerves (III–XII) are recognizable by stage 16. (6) In a primary migration the visceral efferent neurons proceed mediolaterally and accumulate dorsolaterally as nuclei (stages 13, 14); they differentiate into salivatory nuclei (stages 16, 17). (7) A secondary migration involves the pharyngeal efferent neurons (of nerves V and IX–XI), which also proceed mediolaterally and then form ventrolateral nuclei (stages 17, 18). (8) The facial complex shows a distinctive development in that its neural crest arises from the lateral wall of the neural folds/tube. Moreover, the migration of its pharyngeal efferent neurons is delayed, which may be related to the formation of the internal genu, and the motor nucleus begins to appear only at stage 23. (9) The sequence of appearance of afferent constituents is: cranial ganglia (stage 12), mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (stage 15), vestibular nuclei (stages 18–22), and cochlear nuclei (stage 19). The unsatisfactory term special is avoided and the term pharyngeal for air-breathing vertebrates replaces branchial. The six functional categories used here are vestibulocochlear, somatic afferent, visceral afferent, visceral efferent, pharyngeal efferent, and somatic efferent, together with appropriate abbreviations. The cardiac and hypoglossal neural crests are included, and it is emphasized that all the ectodermal placodes develop within the ‘ectodermal ring’.
Characteristics and Outcome of Ischemic Stroke Patients Who Are Free of Symptoms at 24 Hours following Thrombolysis
Authors: Strbian Daniel , Sairanen Tiina , Rantanen Kirsi , Piironen Katja , Atula Sari , Tatlisumak Turgut , Soinne Lauri ,   for the Helsinki Stroke Thrombolysis Registry Group
Published: October 2010

Background: A part of ischemic stroke patients score 0 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) within 24 h following thrombolysis. Their clinical characteristics and long-term outcome are poorly studied. We report a single-center assessment of such patients. Methods: The cohort comprises 874 consecutive patients from the Helsinki Stroke Thrombolysis Registry, out of whom 113 scored 0 on 24-hour NIHSS. We analyzed their baseline demographic, clinical and radiological characteristics and 3-month outcome (modified Rankin Scale, mRS). Associations between the study parameters were tested by multivariate analysis. Results: Patients with a 24-hour NIHSS score = 0 (n = 113) were younger than the rest of the population (n = 761; median: 65.6 vs. 71.5 years; p < 0.001), their NIHSS score on admission was lower (median: 5 vs. 10; p < 0.001), as was their glucose level (median: 6.2 vs. 6.7 mmol/l; p = 0.02). The onset-to-treatment time was similar in both groups (median: 120 vs. 115 min; p = 0.89). Patients with a 24-hour NIHSS score = 0 more often achieved an excellent outcome (mRS scores: 0–1; 81 vs. 31%; p < 0.001) and had lower mortality (1.8 vs. 11.8%; p < 0.01). One third of these patients had a brain infarction visible on 24-hour imaging. Lower baseline NIHSS score and younger age were independently associated with 24-hour NIHSS score = 0, which, in turn, was independently associated with excellent 3-month outcome. Conclusions: Patients with an NIHSS score = 0 at 24 h following thrombolysis are younger, have milder symptoms and have a lower glucose level on admission. They achieve more often excellent outcome and lower mortality. Still, 8% of them required help in daily activities or were dead at 3 months (mRS scores: 3–6).
p27kip1: A New Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Gene?
Authors: Marinoni Ilaria , Pellegata Natalia S.
Published: October 2010

Multiple endocrine neoplasias (MEN) are autosomal dominant disorders characterized by the occurrence of tumors in at least two endocrine glands. Two types of MEN syndromes have long been known: MEN type 1 (MEN1) and MEN type 2 (MEN2), associated with a different spectrum of affected organs. MEN1 and MEN2 are caused by germline mutations in the MEN1 tumor suppressor gene and the RET proto-oncogene, respectively. Lately, a new type of MEN was identified (named MEN4) which is due to mutations in the CDKN1B gene, encoding for p27kip1 (p27), a cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor that regulates the transition of cells from G1 to S phase. p27 is a non-canonical tumor suppressor since it is usually not somatically mutated in human cancers but it is often downregulated by post-translational mechanisms. The discovery of MEN4 has defined a new role for CDKN1B as a tumor susceptibility gene for multiple endocrine tumors. To date, six germline CDKN1B mutations have been found in patients with a MEN1-like phenotype but negative for MEN1 mutations. Due to the limited number of patients so far identified, the phenotypic features of MEN4 are not clearly defined. Here, we review the clinical and molecular characteristics of the MEN4 syndrome and summarize the main functions of p27 to better comprehend how their alteration can predispose to neuroendocrine tumors.
A Pilot Study of Rituximab in Immune-Mediated Inner Ear Disease
Authors: Cohen Stanley , Roland Peter , Shoup Angela , Lowenstein Mitchell , Silverstein Herbert , Kavanaugh Arthur , Harris Jeffrey
Published: October 2010

Immune-mediated inner ear disease (IMED) is a cause of rapidly progressive auditory dysfunction. Patients are often responsive to high-dose corticosteroids and the disease is believed to be mediated by an antibody to inner ear proteins. To date, no therapies have proven effective as corticosteroid-sparing agents. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that depletes B cells, resulting in a reduction in autoantibody production. For that reason, rituximab was evaluated in a small pilot study in patients with IMED to see if there was a signal suggesting benefit. In all, 5/7 patients met the primary endpoint of an improvement in pure tone average (500–3000 Hz) by 10 dB in at least one ear, or an improvement in word identification score by at least 12% at 24 weeks, both relative to screening precorticosteroid values after 1 course of treatment. No significant adverse events were reported. The results of this study suggest further evaluation of rituximab as a treatment for IMED is indicated.
Standardized Postnatal Management of Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in Europe: The CDH EURO Consortium Consensus
Authors: Reiss I. , Schaible T. , van den Hout L. , Capolupo I. , Allegaert K. , van Heijst A. , Gorett Silva M. , Greenough A. , Tibboel D. ,   for the CDH EURO consortium
Published: October 2010

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. To date, there are no standardized protocols for the treatment of infants with this anomaly. However, protocols based on the literature and expert opinion might improve outcome. This paper is a consensus statement from the CDH EURO Consortium prepared with the aim of achieving standardized postnatal treatment in European countries. During a consensus meeting between high-volume centers with expertise in the treatment of CDH in Europe (CDH EURO Consortium), the most recent literature on CDH was discussed. Thereafter, 5 experts graded the studies according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Criteria. Differences in opinion were discussed until full consensus was reached. The final consensus statement, therefore, represents the opinion of all consortium members. Multicenter randomized controlled trials on CDH are lacking. Use of a standardized protocol, however, may contribute to more valid comparisons of patient data in multicenter studies and identification of areas for further research.
Hyperventilation-Induced Nystagmus in Patients with Vestibular Neuritis in the Acute and Follow-Up Stages
Authors: Park Hong Ju , Shin Jung Eun , Lee Yeo Jin , Park Mun Su , Kim Jae Myung , Na Bo Ra
Published: October 2010

Objective: Our purposes were to characterize hyperventilation-induced nystagmus (HVIN) in patients with unilateral vestibular neuritis (VN) through follow-up examinations and to determine the effects of hyperventilation on vestibular imbalance in patients with VN. Materials and Methods: The horizontal eye movements in 35 patients with acute VN were recorded. The eye movements were analyzed and the maximum value of slow-phase eye velocity (SPV) was obtained during and after hyperventilation. Nineteen of 35 patients underwent follow-up examinations around 7 weeks later. When spontaneous nystagmus was present, the SPV of spontaneous nystagmus was subtracted from that of HVIN. A maximum SPV of HVIN of ≧4°/s was considered abnormal. The direction and SPV of HVIN were analyzed. Results: The incidence of HVIN in patients with VN was significantly higher in the acute stage (18 of 35; 51%) than the follow-up stage (4 of 19; 21%). The direction of HVIN present in the follow-up stage was entirely towards the contralesional side (contralesional HVIN). However, the direction of HVIN in the acute stage was mixed, towards the contralesional side (10 of 35; 28%) and towards the ipsilesional side (8 of 35; 23%). The SPVs (49 ± 56°/s) of ipsilesional HVIN were significantly greater than the contralesional HVIN in the acute stage (8 ± 3°/s). Robust nystagmus (SPV ≧25°/s) was entirely ipsilesional HVIN, which was observed only in the acute stage. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that hyperventilation can result in aggravation of vestibular imbalance in the acute and follow-up stages in different ways. Hyperventilation resulted in contralesional HVIN in both the acute and follow-up stages, each in approximately a fourth of the patients, which suggests a disruption of central static compensatory mechanisms. However, ipsilesional HVIN was elicited only in the acute stage (in approximately a fourth of the patients). About half of the patients with ipsilesional HVIN showed robust responses, which is a characteristic finding, suggesting a transient intense increase in vestibular activity on the lesional side.
Enamel Erosion in Dietary Acids: Inhibition by Food Proteins in vitro
Authors: Hemingway C.A. , White A.J. , Shellis R.P. , Addy M. , Parker D.M. , Barbour M.E.
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two common food proteins on human enamel erosion in vitro. Erosion was measured by non-contact profilometry in citric, malic and lactic acids at pH 2.8, 3.2 and 3.8 and five commercially available soft drinks, in the presence of a salivary pellicle. Whole milk casein or hen egg ovalbumin was added to the acid solutions and drinks at 0.2% w/v, and the effect on erosion was determined by comparison with the corresponding solution without protein. Casein significantly reduced erosion in all but two solutions. The effects of the individual subfractions of casein in citric acid at pH 3.2 were similar to that of whole casein. Ovalbumin reduced erosion in some solutions, but the magnitude of the reduction was less than that with casein. A greater proportional reduction in erosion was seen in citric acid than in malic or lactic acids. We postulate that the mechanism involves adsorption of proteins to the pellicle or the enamel surface, forming a protein film with enhanced erosion-inhibiting properties. The citrate ion may play an active stabilising role, since erosion reduction was less in the other acids. In conclusion, casein and, to a lesser extent, ovalbumin show promise as potential anti-erosive additives to drinks.
Coagulation in Vertebrates with a Focus on Evolution and Inflammation
Authors: Doolittle Russell F.
Published: October 2010

The evolution of a thrombin-generating system that produces a gelatinous clot to prevent the loss of blood occurred in parallel with the evolution of inflammatory responses that depend on bradykinin generation. Bioinformatics approaches that inventory the presence or absence of genes involved in these two processes support the view that both became progressively more complex during the period between the divergence of jawless fish and the appearance of mammals. Although the roots of both systems may extend to protochordates, they arose quite independently.
Review of Effects of Physical Activity on Strength, Balance, Mobility and ADL Performance in Elderly Subjects with Dementia
Authors: Blankevoort Christiaan G. , van Heuvelen Marieke J.G. , Boersma Froukje , Luning Helga , de Jong Jeltsje , Scherder Erik J.A.
Published: October 2010

Background/Aims: Elderly individuals with dementia are vulnerable for a decline in physical functioning and basic activities of daily living (BADL) which can lead to a decline in autonomy and participation. This study reviews the effect of physical activity on physical functioning and BADL in elderly subjects with dementia. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was performed. Key words related to the elderly, dementia, exercise interventions and physical outcome measures were used. Results: Sixteen studies were included. It was found that physical activity was beneficial in all stages of dementia. Multicomponent interventions (e.g. a combination of endurance, strength and balance) led to larger improvements in gait speed, functional mobility and balance, compared to progressive resistance training alone. BADL and endurance improved but were only assessed in multicomponent interventions. Lower-limb strength improved equally in multicomponent interventions and progressive resistance training. Conclusion: Multicomponent interventions can improve physical functioning and BADL in elderly subjects regardless of the stage of dementia. The best results were obtained in the interventions with the largest training volume. However, the small number of high-quality studies, and heterogeneity of the participants and interventions prevent us from drawing firm conclusions. Recommendations are given with respect to methodological issues, further research and practical guidelines.
Trophoblast Glycoprotein: Possible Candidate Mediating Podocyte Injuries in Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Murakami Taichi , Abe Hideharu , Nagai Kojiro , Tominaga Tatsuya , Takamatsu Norimichi , Araoka Toshikazu , Kishi Seiji , Takahashi Toshikazu , Mima Akira , Takai Yoshimi , Kopp Jeffrey B. , Doi Toshio
Published: October 2010

Background: Trophoblast glycoprotein (Tpbg), a 72-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein, is known to regulate the phenotypes of epithelial cells by modifying actin organization and cell motility. Recently, a microarray study showed that Tpbg is upregulated in Thy1 glomerulonephritis (Thy1 GN). We hypothesized that Tpbg regulates cytoskeletal rearrangement and modulates phenotypic alteration in podocytes under pathological conditions. Methods: We examined Tpbg expression in Thy1 GN and Tpbg function in mouse podocytes. Results: We demonstrated that Tpbg is upregulated in the injured podocytes of Thy1 GN. In vitro, immunofluorescence studies revealed that Tpbg colocalized with the focal adhesion protein, vinculin, in parallel with stress fiber formation. This colocalization was observed even when actin filaments were depolymerized with cytochalasin D. Tpbg localization at focal adhesions was induced by dominant-active RhoA and suppressed by the ROCK1 inhibitor Y-26732. In addition, transforming growth factor-β increased Tpbg expression at focal adhesions concurrently with rearrangement of stress fibers. Stress fiber formation was suppressed in differentiated podocytes transfected with full-length Tpbg. Furthermore, knockdown of Tpbg using small interfering RNA decreased podocyte motility. Conclusion:Our findings suggest a novel role of Tpbg in the phenotypic alteration of injured podocytes, and we accordingly propose a new mechanism of glomerular injury in glomerulonephritis.
Prevalence and Prognosis of Mild Anemia in Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study in Outpatient Renal Clinics
Authors: De Nicola Luca , Minutolo Roberto , Chiodini Paolo , Zamboli Pasquale , Cianciaruso Bruno , Nappi Felice , Signoriello Simona , Conte Giuseppe , Zoccali Carmine ,   SIN-TABLE CKD Study Group
Published: October 2010

Background/Aims: We evaluated prevalence and prognosis of mild anemia, defined as Hb (g/dl) 11–13.5 in males and 11–12 in females, in a prospective cohort of stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods: We enrolled 668 consecutive patients in 25 renal clinics during 2003. Patients with frank anemia (Hb <11 or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents) at enrolment were excluded. Mild anemia was evaluated at two visits planned with an interval of 18 ± 6 months to identify four categories: no anemia at both visits, mild anemia at visit 1 resolving at visit 2 (RES), mild anemia persisting at both visits (PER), and progression from no anemia or mild anemia at visit 1 to mild or frank anemia at visit 2 (PRO). Results: Mild anemia was present in 41.3% at visit 1 and 34.1% at visit 2. We identified PER in 22% patients, RES in 10%, and PRO in 26%. In the subsequent 40 months, 125 patients developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and 94 died. At competing risk model, PER predicted ESRD (hazard ratio, HR, 1.82, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.01–3.29) while PRO predicted both ESRD (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.02–3.23) and death (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.04–3.37). Conclusion: In non-dialysis chronic kidney disease, mild anemia is prevalent and it is a marker of risk excess when persistent or progressive over time.
Evolution of Vertebrate Hemostatic and Inflammatory Control Mechanisms in Blood-Feeding Arthropods
Authors: Mans Ben J.
Published: October 2010

Arthropods evolved blood-feeding lifestyles on more than 20 independent occasions. A comparison of sialomes (secretory salivary gland protein family repertoires) corroborates this and indicates that unique protein families are found for different blood-feeding lineages. Closely related lineages considered to have evolved blood-feeding behavior independently might share similar sets of protein families in their sialomes. No orthologous relationships or conserved functional mechanisms have, however, been found for these apparently related protein family members. This implies that sialomes were already defined before the divergence of these related lineages, but that the functions involved in blood feeding evolved at a later stage. Protein families prone to lineage-specific expansion (gene duplication) tend to be abundant with specialized functions associated with various gene duplicates. A central theme that seems to emerge from comparative sialomic analysis is that of the convergent evolution of modulatory strategies that targets host defenses even if the molecular mechanisms differ.
Living Environment and Mobility of Older Adults
Authors: Cress M. Elaine , Orini Stefania , Kinsler Laura
Published: October 2010

Background: Older adults often elect to move into smaller living environments. Smaller living space and the addition of services provided by a retirement community (RC) may make living easier for the individual, but it may also reduce the amount of daily physical activity and ultimately reduce functional ability. Objective: With home size as an independent variable, the primary purpose of this study was to evaluate daily physical activity and physical function of community dwellers (CD; n = 31) as compared to residents of an RC (n = 30). Methods: In this cross-sectional study design, assessments included: the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance – 10 test, with a possible range of 0–100, higher scores reflecting better function; Step Activity Monitor (StepWatch 3.1); a physical activity questionnaire, the area of the home (in square meters). Groups were compared by one-way ANOVA. A general linear regression model was used to predict the number of steps per day at home. The level of significance was p < 0.05. Results: Of the 61 volunteers (mean age: 79 ± 6.3 years; range: 65–94 years), the RC living space (68 ± 37.7 m2) was 62% smaller than the CD living space (182.8 ± 77.9 m2; p = 0.001). After correcting for age, the RC took fewer total steps per day excluding exercise (p = 0.03) and had lower function (p = 0.005) than the CD. Conclusion: On average, RC residents take 3,000 steps less per day and have approximately 60% of the living space of a CD. Home size and physical function were primary predictors of the number of steps taken at home, as found using a general linear regression analysis.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress As a Therapeutic Target in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Minamino Tetsuo , Komuro Issei , Kitakaze Masafumi
Published: October 2010

Cardiovascular disease constitutes a major and increasing health burden in developed countries. Although treatments have progressed, the development of novel treatments for patients with cardiovascular diseases remains a major research goal. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the cellular organelle in which protein folding, calcium homeostasis, and lipid biosynthesis occur. Stimuli such as oxidative stress, ischemic insult, disturbances in calcium homeostasis, and enhanced expression of normal and/or folding-defective proteins lead to the accumulation of unfolded proteins, a condition referred to as ER stress. ER stress triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR) to maintain ER homeostasis. The UPR involves a group of signal transduction pathways that ameliorate the accumulation of unfolded protein by increasing ER-resident chaperones, inhibiting protein translation and accelerating the degradation of unfolded proteins. The UPR is initially an adaptive response but, if unresolved, can lead to apoptotic cell death. Thus, the ER is now recognized as an important organelle in deciding cell life and death. There is compelling evidence that the adaptive and proapoptotic pathways of UPR play fundamental roles in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, ischemic heart diseases, and atherosclerosis. Thus, therapeutic interventions that target molecules of the UPR component and reduce ER stress will be promising strategies to treat cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in understanding UPR signaling in cardiovascular disease and its related therapeutic potential. Future studies may clarify the most promising molecules to be investigated as targets for cardiovascular diseases.
Body mass index, nutrient intakes, health behaviours and nutrition knowledge: A quantile regression application in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Shih-Neng , Tseng Jauling
Published: October 2010

Objective: To assess various marginal effects of nutrient intakes, health behaviours and nutrition knowledge on the entire distribution of body mass index (BMI) across individuals.

Design: Quantitative and distributional study.

Setting: Taiwan

Methods: This study applies Becker’s (1965) model of health production to construct an individual’s BMI determining function. Quantile regression method is used to analyse the entire distribution of BMI across a nationwide survey sample in Taiwan. Endogeneity associated with choice variables of nutrient intakes, health behaviours and nutrition knowledge in determining BMI is corrected using a two-stage least-squares method.

Results: Empirical results indicate that energy, oleic acid and cholesterol increase BMI, while fibre, calcium and sodium reveal a reverse effect. For overweight and obese females, protein lowers BMI. For underweight and slightly to severely obese males, vitamin C reduces BMI. Jogging lowers BMI, but drinking raises non-obese individuals’ BMI. For males whose BMI is in the ideal weight to slightly overweight ranges, nutrition knowledge reduces BMI, but this effect is insignificant for females.

Conclusions: Several important conclusions can be drawn. (1) Having a BMI which is too high or too low is a risk factor to health. (2) Quantile regression is a useful empirical method to evaluate crucial factors determining the entire distribution (high, medium and low) of BMI. (3) The econometric problem of endogeneity in regressors has to be considered and corrected when using a quantile regression approach. (4) BMI-relevant health education and policy can be evaluated and derived using quantile regression effects of an individual’s choices of nutrient intakes, health behaviours and nutrition knowledge.
Microcrystalline and kinetic parameters of glass-PEEK hybrid composites
Authors: Indu Shekar R. , Damodhara Rao P.M. , Siddaramaiah  , Satheesh Kumar M.N. , Kotresh T.M. , Somashekar R. , Parameswara P.
Published: October 2010

The cowoven hybrid fiber fabric consisting of E-glass and poly(ether ether ketone) fiber was compression-molded to obtain the hybrid composites. The effect of heat aging at different temperatures (400°C and 500°C) for different time intervals (1, 2, and 5 min) on the microcrystalline properties of the composites has been investigated and it was observed that heat aging for short time enhances the structure property relationships as reflected in the changes in crystal size and volume. The microcrystalline parameters such as the nanocrystal size (), lattice disorder (g), interplanar distance (dhkl), width of the crystallite size distribution, and surface-weighted crystal size (Ds) were evaluated using wide angle X-ray scattering profiles. The different asymmetric column length distribution functions namely, exponential and Reinhold distribution methods were employed to probe the microcrystalline behavior of the composites and the results were compared. The kinetics of thermal degradation (using Flynn—Wall—Ozawa) revealed that, the activation energy decreased with increase in mass loss up to 15% and remains constant thereafter.
Effect of strain rate on piezoelectric characteristics of unidirectional glass fiber epoxy composites
Authors: Hwang H.Y.
Published: October 2010

Several researches on nondestructive damage monitoring of composite materials by piezoelectric method had been conducted recently, and concluded that the piezoelectric method can be useful for glass fiber epoxy composites. However, few studies were performed about piezoelectric properties of composites despite the importance for analyses of the electro-mechanical coupling systems. Therefore, in this study, the effect of strain rate on the piezoelectric characteristics of unidirectional glass fiber epoxy composites (UGFEC) was investigated. Under various strain rates, stress—strain curve and charge output signal from composite specimens were obtained by experiments. From experimental results, through-thickness modulus increased but electric charge output decreased linearly by increasing the strain in log scale. And piezoelectric strain constant of UGFEC was almost same while piezoelectric stress constant decreased with respect to the strain rate. From the results, it was concluded that electric charge output of UGFEC is influenced by the strain itself rather than by the strain rate.
Polysiloxanes modified with aromatic diamines interconnecting with silica network
Authors: Alexandru Mihaela , Racles Carmen , Cazacu Maria , Nistor Alexandra , Macsim Ana-Maria
Published: October 2010

Polydimethylsiloxane-α,ω-diols with different contents of pendant chloromethyl groups were reacted with an aromatic diamine (3,3′-dimethoxybenzidine) when cross-linking occurred. The reactions were performed in silica — generating sol— gel system; so two interconnected networks (silica and cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane) were formed. The resulting structures were investigated by FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopies. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to emphasize the thermal transitions of the resulted materials and the water sorption capacity was investigated by dynamic vapor sorption, the obtained values being influenced by the amount of polar groups. Atomic force microscopy was used to evaluate the morphology and surface topography in dry as well as in swollen state in water and heptane.
An integrated method for off-axis tension and compression testing of unidirectional composites
Authors: Xiao Y. , Kawai M. , Hatta H.
Published: October 2010

This study presents an integrated method suitable for off-axis tension and compression testing in unidirectional composites, and its application to the testing of in-plane shear characterization. A new rotating-grip test fixture, incorporating the attractive features of the existing pinned-end fixture and hydraulic wedge grips, has been developed. The proposed gripping system consists of two sets of jaw faces, each with a pair of self-aligning bearings that allows for loading in the axial and radial directions. Finite element analysis and experiments were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the rotating-grip test fixture. Results from numerical calculations show that this method reduces stress concentrations near the end and produces relatively uniform stress distributions in the specimen gage section. Mechanical testing results show a considerable increase in the measured shear properties of composites, compared with the existing end grip systems. The results indicated that the new test fixture is significantly better than the conventional fixture, and is also comparable to the method of the oblique end-tab for off-axis testing.
Experimental and numerical investigation of buckling resistance of marine composite panels
Authors: Fallah A.S. , Johnson H.E. , Louca L.A.
Published: October 2010

The in-plane load-bearing capacity of marine composite plates is an area that has received little attention, in contrast to the significantly larger buckling and post-buckling studies available on aeronautical composites. The aim of this study is to investigate experimentally the strength to failure of large woven composite panels and correlate the results with finite element analyses. The tests performed were able to demonstrate the well-known sensitivity of the panels to boundary conditions and panel imperfection size, which is also reflected in a parametric study carried out in Abaqus/Standard. Two-dimensional stress-based failure criteria were implemented via a user-defined field (USDFLD) subroutine to detect matrix and fiber damage, which allows progressive damage to be modeled. A modification of Hashin’s failure criteria proved to be the most effective in capturing both the size and location of the damage and obtain a good approximation of the load—displacement history and surface strains.
Thermal and mechanical characterization of polymer composites filled with dispersed zeolite and oil shale
Authors: Zihlif A.M. , Elimat Ziad , Ragosta G.
Published: October 2010

The thermal, viscoelastic, mechanical behavior of polymers filled with dispersed zeolite and oil shale is studied as a function of temperature, grain size, and filler concentration. It was found that the thermal conductivity of epoxy—zeolite composite increases with different zeolite grain sizes and takes a higher value in case of the 63 μm grain size composite. The observed enhancement in the thermal conductivity of zeolite composites correlates well with that of the electrical conductivity. The thermodynamic results exhibit a slight increase in the glass transition temperature of the polystyrene/oil shale composites, and shift in the observed relaxation peaks with increasing the oil shale content. The plastic deformation of PS/oil shale composites shows that the elastic modulus increases and the compressive yield stress decreases with oil shale content. The Eyring theory of yielding could predict the dependence of the yield stress on the applied strain rate. The predicted activation volume and activation energy showed dependence on the oil shale grains sizes and content.
Ballistic penetration of conically cylindrical steel projectile into 3D orthogonal woven composite: a finite element study at microstructure level
Authors: Xiwen Jia  , Baozhong Sun  , Bohong Gu
Published: October 2010

Ballistic penetration of conically cylindrical steel projectile into 3D orthogonal woven composite (3DOWC) was investigated from finite element analyses and ballistic impact tests. Based on the observation of the microstructure of the 3DOWC, a microstructure model was established for finite element calculation. In this model, the cross-section of warp, weft and Z-direction fiber tows was regarded as rectangular. The noninterwoven warp and weft yarns were bonded together with Z-yarns. The impact damage and energy absorption of the 3DOWC penetrated by a conically cylindrical steel projectile were calculated from the microstructure model and compared with the testing results. Good agreements with experiments have been observed, especially for deformation, damage evolution, and strain wave distribution in the 3DOWC under ballistic penetration.
Effect of bark flour on viscoelastic behavior of high density polyethylene
Authors: Sewda Kamini , Maiti S.N.
Published: October 2010

The dynamic mechanical behavior of high density polyethylene (HDPE) in HDPE/bark flour (BF) composites on varying the volume fraction (Φf) of BF (filler) from 0 to 0.26 has been studied. The storage modulus decreases with increase in BF content up to Φf = 0.07, which is attributed to a pseudolubricating effect by the filler. The storage modulus for the composites at Φ f = 0.20 is higher than HDPE in all other temperature zones due to enhanced mechanical restraint by the dispersed phase. At Φf = 0.07, the loss moduli were either marginally lower or similar to that of HDPE, which is due to the ball-bearing effect of the filler as well as decrease in the crystallinity of HDPE. Above Φf = 0.07, the loss moduli were higher than HDPE. The α-relaxation region of the damping peak shifted toward the higher temperature side with increase in BF content. In the presence of the coupling agent, maleic anhydride-grafted HDPE (HDPE-g-MAH), the storage modulus values were marginally lower than those of the HDPE/BF systems. In the HDPE/BF/HDPE—g—MAH composites, the variations of the loss moduli were similar but values lower than those of the HDPE/BF systems. Damping peak shift in the α-region toward higher temperature was more than those of the HDPE/BF systems, which may be due to the hindrance to the relaxation due to an enhanced phase interaction. The values of tan δ were higher than the rule of mixture for both the composites.
Fiber inclination model for finite element analysis of three-dimensional angle interlock woven composite under ballistic penetration
Authors: Feng Cui  , Baozhong Sun  , Bohong Gu
Published: October 2010

A three-dimensional (3D) finite element model is created from finite element code LS-DYNA to simulate the ballistic penetration of a hemispherical cylindrical steel projectile into a 3D angle-interlock woven composite (3DAWC). ‘Fiber inclination model’ [Yang JM, Ma CL and Chou TW. Fiber inclination model of three-dimensional textile structural composites. J Compos Mater 1986; 20(9): 472—484] is employed to decompose the composite to four inclined unidirectional laminae which have the same fiber volume fraction and thickness as the 3DAWC. The commercial finite element code LS-DYNA is used to simulate the ballistic penetration of 3DAWC. The residual velocity of the projectile after perforating the 3DAWC panel is calculated. Comparing the simulated residual velocity of the projectile and the damage morphology of the 3DAWC with those of experimental results, we found that the ‘fiber inclination model’ for finite element analysis of the 3DAWC under ballistic penetration is valid and reasonable in ballistic impact simulation. Such an effort could be extended to the ballistic performance design of the 3DAWC in a simplified way.
Compressive fracture evolution of thick cross-ply laminated composites with different stacking sequences
Authors: Lin Yung-Kun , Liu Hsien-Kuang , Kuo Wen-Shyong , Chen Yu-Der
Published: October 2010

This study reports the fracture evolution of thick cross-plied composites under static compression loading. The prepreg employed was TC-35 carbon fiber/EHM-63 epoxy, and the composite was laminated using a pressure rolling machine. Six types of symmetric stacking were adopted: [0m/902m/0m] n (m = 40, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1 and n = 1, 2, 4, 8, 20, 40, respectively). All specimens contain a total of 160 layers, and the numbers of 0° and 90° layers are both 80. The nominal thickness specimen is 24 mm. For different pairs of m and n, the number of 0°/90° interfaces varies. To apply the compressive load, an end-supported, end-loaded fixture was used. The growth of cracks was monitored and recorded in real-time by picture and video cameras. The relationships among the stacking sequence, the support conditions, the resulting properties, the induced failure modes, and the fracture evolution are discussed.
Similarities and Differences in the Processing of Written Text by Skilled and Less Skilled Readers With Prelingual Deafness
Authors: Miller Paul
Published: October 2010

This study focuses on similarities and differences in the processing of written text by individuals with prelingual deafness from different reading levels that used Hebrew as their first spoken language and Israeli Sign Language as their primary manual communication mode. Data were gathered from three sources, including (a) a sentence comprehension test, (b) a metalinguistic awareness (MLA) test, and (c) a word-processing experiment. Participants were 62 individuals who were prelingually deaf, of whom 36 were high school students (10th and 11th graders) and 26 were undergraduate or graduate university students. Findings imply that neither MLA nor word-processing efficiency distinguishes between skilled and less skilled readers with deafness. Rather, differences in reading comprehension skills seem to reflect variance in the ability to process text at the supralexical (sentence) level. Findings are discussed with regard to their implication for the reading instruction for students who are prelingually deaf.