bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hearing and vision impairment and the social networks of older Australians
Authors: Lind Christopher , Hickson Louise , Worrall Linda , Lovie‐Kitchin Jan , Yiu Edwin , Barnett Heather
Published: December 2008

Two hundred and forty self‐selected community‐based older people were tested for vision and hearing acuity, and reported on their hearing and vision difficulties and social networks. Social network size, proximity and frequency of contacts were used as dependent variables in the analysis of the effects of any sensory loss on social structure. Neither objectively measured sensory loss nor self‐reported sensory difficulties were associated with significant changes to network size, however, people with sensory losses were found to have more intense networks with fewer contacts outside their immediate inner circle.
Hip Protectors: an Implementation Trial in two geriatric rehabilitation wards
Authors: Lockwood K. , Cameron I.D. , Gladman J. , Kurrle S.E. , Lanzarone S.
Published: December 2008

Objective: To ascertain the feasibility of introducing hip protectors into the hospital ward environment and to examine issues of practicality, adherence and staff acceptance.

Method: A falls risk assessment tool was used to identify those patients most at risk of falling. At risk patients were then invited to wear the hip protectors for the remainder of their time in hospital. Adherence with wearing the hip protectors was monitored and participants followed up post discharge. At the end of the trial, nursing staff were asked to complete a questionnaire.

Results: Of the 48 patients assessed as at risk, 30 were recruited, and 29 wore the hip protectors for the remaining period they were in hospital. Only two of these patients fell during this time. 27 participants were still wearing the hip protectors two weeks after discharge. Staff acceptance was high with only minor problems experienced with adherence with wearing hip protectors throughout the day.
Older people and ethics
Authors: Tinker Anthea
Published: December 2008

This article examines the following questions and issues. Is there common agreement about ethical principles or are there variations according to culture, time and place? Are there special issues in policy and research relating to older people compared with other age groups? Why is there interest in ethical issues and older people? It then examines three final questions. Is the medical model for ethical approval (especially for research) suitable for social care and the social sciences? Are there specific ethical issues for different groups ‐ policy makers, practitioners. researchers and older people themselves? How helpful are guidelines?
Down‐Regulation of CD40 Gene Expression and Inhibition of Apoptosis with Danshensu in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Yang Guang‐De , Zhang Hui , Lin Rong , Wang Wei‐Rong , Shi Xiao‐Lian , Liu Yu , Ji Qiao‐Li
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Danshen is commonly used in China for the treatment of atherosclerosis‐related disorders such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Research shows that it also has immunostimulation properties. The present study evaluates the protective effect of danshensu, an active water‐extractable component isolated from danshen, on an endothelial cell line (CRL‐1730) treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Danshensu significantly inhibited endothelial cell viability induced by H2O2. The treatment of endothelial cells with danshensu resulted in most cells being arrested in the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle. The fraction of cells in G0/G1 phase was markedly decreased by danshensu treatment compared to the control groups. The apoptosis was also markedly decreased after danshensu treatment. Additionally, danshensu restrains decreased nitric oxide level, increased the release of lactate dehydrogenase and expression of cluster of differentiation 40 (CD40) significantly. These results suggest that danshensu protects endothelial cells from the damage induced by H2O2 through its CD40 anti‐inflammatory approach and cell apoptosis inhibition.
Optimizing the management of advanced breast cancer in the Asia–Pacific region: Role of clinical trials and treatment guidelines
Authors: CHEN Shin‐Cheh , CHANG Alex Yuang‐Chi
Published: December 2008

There is an urgent need to identify the best ways to manage breast cancer in women in the Asia–Pacific region. It is increasingly recognized that disease patterns, efficacy and toxicities of various treatment regimens, differ between Asia–Pacific women and women in the West. Despite these differences, breast cancer treatment in the Asia–Pacific region often follows evidence‐based treatment guidelines based on Western clinical trials. To obtain the best possible outcomes in the Asia–Pacific region, country‐specific breast cancer clinical trials and registries are crucial. Findings should be integrated into country‐specific consensus treatment guidelines. These measures would facilitate the best choice of drugs, the optimal doses, and the optimal schedules for treating women with breast cancer in the Asia–Pacific region.
Is this the death of social democracy in Europe?
Authors: Liddle Roger
Published: December 2008

Roger Liddle argues that structural changes, which have weakened the centre left across Europe, may also explain New Labour's apparent decline.
Love is all you need
Authors: Gove Michael
Published: December 2008

Michael Gove explains why improving relationships – between man and wife, teacher and pupil, parent and child – are at the root of progressive social change.
Why public service reform hasn't worked
Authors: Taylor Matthew
Published: December 2008

Both Labour and the Conservatives have failed to give people the education system and health service they want. Matthew Taylor argues that political posturing is undermining the public service reform process.
Increased Expression of p53 Protein Correlates With the Extent of Myocyte Damage in Cardiac Allograft Rejection
Authors: McLaren Bernadette K. , Venkatesh Prasanna K. , Misra Praphul , Zhang Ping L. , Fowler Marjorie R.
Published: December 2008

Acute cardiac allograft rejection (ACAR) has been associated with a poor prognosis. The early diagnosis of ACAR necessitates the accurate detection of myocyte damage. Nuclear damage activates p53, a transcription factor that initiates apoptosis and repair. Endomyocardial biopsies (n=25) from 10 cardiac allograft recipients were stained for nuclear p53. The biopsies were divided into rejection groups based on the grading of ACAR: group 1, grade 0; group 2, grade Ia and Ib; group 3, grades II and III. While clinical indices did not correlate with myocyte damage, significantly more myocytes in group 3 stained for nuclear p53 (2.48±0.60/mm2) compared with group 1 (0.22±0.12/mm2) and group 2 (0.43±0.18/mm2). Increased expression of p53 in cardiac myocytes with grade II or grade III rejection provides an objective quantification as an aid in the diagnosis of ACAR.
Advanced Heart Failure: A Call to Action
Authors: Russell Stuart D. , Miller Leslie W. , Pagani Francis D.
Published: December 2008

Despite improvements in medical therapy for heart failure, more than 250,000 people die in the United States as a result of heart failure each year. There are multiple risk factors and models that have been created to identify these people, yet there has not been a significant impact on outcomes or change in the therapies for these patients. The authors review the available therapies for patients with advanced heart failure and the various risk models available to predict morbidity and mortality and present simple “office predictors” that could be used to potentially predict patients who would benefit from these therapies.
Collagen V and vascular injury promote lung architectural changes in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Parra Edwin Roger , Aguiar Armando Costa , Teodoro Walcy Rosolia , De Souza Romy , Yoshinari Natalino Hajime , Capelozzi Vera Luiza
Published: December 2008

Background:  Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disorder characterized by inflammation, fibrosis and vascular damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interactions between basement membrane disruption, endothelial injury and collagen V deposition on the vascular wall, as well as their association with pulmonary function tests in patients with SSc.

Method:  The endothelial apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL and electron microscopy, and quantified through the point‐counting technique. To evaluate basement membrane integrity, laminin immunostaining and electron microscopy were used. Immunofluorescence and morphometric analysis were used to determine the amount of collagen V in the vascular walls in 23 open lung biopsies of patients with SSc without pulmonary hypertension. Normal lung tissue was obtained from five individuals who had died of traumatic injuries.

Results:  The apoptosis index in SSc was higher in the endothelial cells (13.83 ±  6.83) when compared with the control (2.51 ± 2.06) group (P < 0.001) and confirmed by electron microscopy. We observed an important disruption of the basement membrane on the vascular wall shown by discontinuous laminin immunostaining and electron microscopy. An increase in collagen V on the vascular wall of the SSc group was observed (45.28 ± 13.21), when compared with control group (22.90 ± 4.13, P < 0.001), and this difference was statistically significant.

An inverse correlation was found between vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, vascular collagen V and endothelial apoptosis (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  We conclude that the endothelial apoptosis and vascular collagen V interaction reinforce the vascular pathway in the SSc pathogenesis. Further studies are needed to determine whether this relationship is causal or consequential.

Please cite this paper as: Parra ER, Aguiar AC Jr, Teodoro WR, de Souza R, Yoshinari NH and Capelozzi VL. Collagen V and vascular injury promote lung architectural changes in systemic sclerosis. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2009; 3: 135–142.
Sarcoidosis‐associated pulmonary hypertension: acute vasoresponsiveness to inhaled nitric oxide and the relation to long‐term effect of sildenafil
Authors: Milman Nils , Svendsen Claus Bo , Iversen Martin , Videbæk Regitze , Carlsen Jørn
Published: December 2008

Background:  Severe pulmonary sarcoidosis is often complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH) caused by different pathophysiological mechanisms.

Objectives:  To assess the acute vasoresponsiveness in patients with sarcoidosis and PH and the relation to the therapeutic effect of sildenafil.

Methods:  A retrospective chart review of 25 patients with recalcitrant pulmonary sarcoidosis being evaluated for lung transplantation at our centre. Haemodynamics were evaluated by right heart catheterisation in 24 patients of whom 19 had PH. Eight of the 19 patients received vasodilator challenge with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO).

Results:  The study group of eight patients (seven men) had a median age of 51 years (range 38 years–58 years). During iNO we observed a reduction in all patients’ mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) of median 9 mmHg (range 1 mmHg–20 mmHg) (P = 0.01) and in all patients’ pulmonary vascular resistance of median 2.0 Wood Units (0.7 Wood Units–5.8 Wood Units) (P = 0.01). Acute vasoresponsiveness defined as reduction in MPAP of ≥10 mmHg to a MPAP of ≤40 mmHg without reduction in cardiac output was achieved in two of eight patients. Seven patients were subsequently started on sildenafil and had haemodynamics measured during treatment. There was no relationship between the acute vasoresponsiveness and the response to treatment. One patient had similar responses, but in six patients, the responses were reversed. Conclusions: Approximately a quarter of the tested patients with end‐stage pulmonary sarcoidosis and PH displayed acute vasoresponsiveness to iNO. However, the degree of vasoresponsiveness appears to be a poor predictor of the response to treatment of PH with sildenafil.

Please cite this paper as: Milman N, Svendsen CB, Iversen M, Videbæk R and Carlsen J. Sarcoidosis‐associated pulmonary hypertension: acute vasoresponsiveness to inhaled nitric oxide and the relation to long‐term effect of sildenafil. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2009; 3: 207–213.
Reactions of Polyfluoroaromatic Organozinc Compounds with Acyl Chlorides and DMF
Authors: Vinogradov Andrei S. , Krasnov Vyacheslav I. , Platonov Vyacheslav E.
Published: December 2008

N,N-Dimethylbis(polyfluoroaryl)methanamines and polyfluoroarenes were obtained from polyfluoroaromatic organozinc compounds in DMF in the presence of acyl chlorides.
Polyimides Containing 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Rings
Authors: Bruma Maria , Damaceanu Mariana-Dana
Published: December 2008

Two series of polyimides containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole rings in the main chain, one of them having flexible hexafluoropropane-2,2-diyl groups and the other with carbonyl groups, were prepared by polycondensation of aromatic diamines containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole rings with hexafluoropropane-2,2-diyl-bis(phthalic anhydride) or benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride. Their properties, such as solubility in organic solvents, thermal stability, glass transition temperature, photoluminescence and film-forming properties of the two groups of polymers have been studied and compared.
[Ba(XeF2)5](AF6)2, A = Ru, Nb - Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Raman Spectra
Authors: Bunič Tina , Tramšek Melita , Goreshnik Evgeny , Žemva Boris
Published: December 2008

The reaction of Ba(NbF6)2and excess XeF2in anhydrous HF at room temperature yields [Ba(XeF2)5](NbF6)2. This is the first example of the coordination compound with XeF2molecule as a ligand and NbF6-anion. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space groupFmmm, witha= 12.084(6) Å,b= 13.646(7) Å,c= 13.927(7) Å,V= 2297(2) Å3, andZ= 4. The reaction of XeF2·Xe2F3·RuF6and BaF2in anhydrous HF yields [Ba(XeF2)5](RuF6)2- the first example of the coordination compound containing RuF6-anion and XeF2molecules. It appears to be isostructural with [Ba(XeF2)5](NbF6)2, witha= 11.9510(14) Å,b= 13.5174(14) Å,c= 13.8488(12) Å,V= 2237.2(4) Å3, andZ= 4. The Raman spectra of both compounds prove that all the XeF2molecules are symmetrical. Four XeF2molecules per formula unit act as bridges between Ba centres, while one molecule is held in the structure by electrostatic forces. In the series of compounds [Ba(XeF2)5](AF6)2with A = As, Sb, Ru, Nb, the influence of the anions AF6-was analyzed.
Radical Addition of Diethyl Carbonate to Pentafluoropropen-2-yl Benzoate
Authors: Hosoya Akihiro , Narita Tadashi , Hamana Hiroshi
Published: December 2008

The reactivity in radical addition of diethyl carbonate to pentafluoropropen-2-yl benzoate [CF2=C(CF3)OCOC6H5] (BPFP) was investigated to afford the one-to-one addition product by the carbon-carbon bond formation in the presence of dibenzoyl peroxide at 80 °C. The reaction took place predominantly on the methylene group of diethyl carbonate. The mechanism of the hydrogen abstraction from diethyl carbonate followed by the addition to BPFP was proposed. This might be the first example that shows an addition of an organic compound bearing carbonyl group to a polyfluorinated vinyl compound. The method may be a facile way to prepare pentafluoroalkyl-substituted organic compounds by the formation of carbon-carbon bonds with the aid of fluorine atoms. The radical addition reaction of dipropyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, dibenzyl carbonate and ethylene carbonate to BPFP showed no peaks assignable to addition products by the analysis of reaction systems with GC-MS.
Fluorination of Fluorene, Dibenzofuran and Their Open Analogues with Caesium Fluoroxysulfate and Related Fluorinating Reagents
Authors: Iskra Jernej , Stavber Stojan , Zupan Marko
Published: December 2008

Fluorination of fluorene (1) with caesium fluoroxysulfate (CFS), 2,6-dichloro-1-fluoropyridinium tetrafluoroborate (FP-B800) and 1-fluoro-4-hydroxy-1,4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]- octane bis(tetrafluoroborate) (Accufluor NFTh) occurred only on the aromatic ring in the position ortho and para to the biphenyl central bond with the ratio 2-fluoro- (2a) vs 4-fluorofluorene (2b) 1.7-2.4:1. Regioselectivity of fluorination of both open-chain analogues - diphenylmethane (3a) and biphenyl (3b) was different and more ortho-fluorinated product was formed. Furthermore, the reaction of diphenylmethane (3a) with CFS occurred also on central carbon forming benzophenone (6) and fluorodiphenylmethane (7), while fluorination with FP-B800 and Accufluor NFTh occurred only at the aromatic ring. Similar effect of the structure of fluorinating reagent on the regioselectivity was also observed with dibenzofuran (8) and its open-chain analogues diphenyl ether (10) and biphenyl (3b), where the regioselectivity of fluorination with CFS (1- (9a):2- (9b):3- (9c) = 27:46:27) was similar to fluorination with Selectfluor. Product distribution of fluorination of fluorene (1) and dibenzofuran (8) with CFS is similar to nitration and is in accordance with the calculated HOMO electron density, which indicates the presence of the electron transfer pathway.
A NOVEL SMALL-WORLD NETWORK MODEL: KEEPING CONNECTIVITY WITHOUT ADDING EDGES
Authors: YANG XUHUA , WANG BO , WANG WANLIANG , SUN YOUXIAN
Published: December 2008

Considering the problems of potentially generating a disconnected network in the WS small-world network model [Watts and Strogatz, Nature393, 440 (1998)] and of adding edges in the NW small-world network model [Newman and Watts, Phys. Lett. A263, 341 (1999)], we propose a novel small-world network model. First, generate a regular ring lattice of N vertices. Second, randomly rewire each edge of the lattice with probability p. During the random rewiring procedure, keep the edges between the two nearest neighbor vertices, namely, always keep a connected ring. This model need not add edges and can maintain connectivity of the network at all times in the random rewiring procedure. Simulation results show that the novel model has the typical small-world properties which are small characteristic path length and high clustering coefficient. For large N, the model is approximately equal to the WS model. For large N and small p, the model is approximately equal to the WS model or the NW model.
CLOSED ANALYTIC FORM FOR EVALUATION OF RELATIVISTIC BOUND-UNBOUND AND UNBOUND-UNBOUND TRANSITION MATRIX ELEMENTS OF HYDROGENIC ATOMS
Authors: SOLDATOV A. V. , SEKE J. , ADAM G. , POLAK M.
Published: December 2008

A closed analytic form for relativistic bound-unbound and unbound-unbound transition matrix elements of hydrogenic atoms by using the plane-wave expansion for the electromagnetic-field vector potential is derived. By applying the obtained formulae, these transition matrix elements can be evaluated analytically and numerically.
Skeletal muscle growth in young rats is inhibited by chronic exposure to IL-6 but preserved by concurrent voluntary endurance exercise
Authors: Bodell P. W. , Kodesh E. , Haddad F. , Zaldivar F. P. , Cooper D. M. , Adams G. R.
Published: December 2008

Childhood diseases are often accompanied by chronic inflammation, which is thought to negatively impact growth. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is typically cited as an indicator of inflammation and is linked to impaired growth. This study was designed to isolate and identify potential effects of chronic IL-6 exposure on skeletal muscle growth during development. A second aim was to determine if endurance exercise, thought to antagonize chronic inflammation, would interact with any effects of IL-6. The muscles of one leg of rapidly growing rats were exposed to IL-6 or vehicle for 14 days. Subgroups of IL-6-infused rats were provided access to running wheels. Local IL-6 infusion resulted in ∼13% muscle growth deficit (myofibrillar protein levels). Exercise (>4,000 m/day) prevented this deficit. IL-6 infusion increased mRNA for suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and this was not prevented by exercise. IL-6 infusion increased the mRNAs for atrogin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and IGF binding protein-4 (IGFBP4), and these effects were mitigated by exercise. Exercise stimulated an increase in total RNA (∼19%) only in the IL-6-infused muscle, suggesting that a compensatory increase in translational capacity was required to maintain muscle growth. This study indicates that IL-6 exposure during periods of rapid growth in young animals can retard growth possibly via interactions with key growth factors. Relatively high volumes of endurance-type exercise do not exacerbate the negative effects of IL-6 and in fact were found to be beneficial in protecting muscle growth.
Differential modulation of cerebellar climbing fiber and parallel fiber synaptic responses at high pressure
Authors: Etzion Yoram , Mor Amir , Grossman Yoram
Published: December 2008

High pressure, which induces central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction (high-pressure neurological syndrome) depresses synaptic transmission at all synapses examined to date. Several lines of evidence indicate an inhibitory effect of pressure on Ca2+ entry into the presynaptic terminal. In the present work we studied for the first time the effect of pressure on the cerebellar climbing fiber (CF) synaptic responses. Pressure modulation of cerebellar synaptic plasticity was tested in both the CF and parallel fiber (PF) pathways using paired-pulse protocols. CF synapses, which normally operate at a high baseline release probability, demonstrate paired-pulse depression (PPD). High pressure reduced CF synaptic responses at 5.1 and 10.1 MPa but did not affect its PPD. High extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) could not antagonize the effect of pressure on the CF response, whereas low [Ca2+]o, in contrast to pressure, decreased both the response amplitude and the observed PPD. PF synapses, which usually operate at low release probability, exhibit paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). Pressure increased PF PPF at all interstimulus intervals (ISIs) tested (20–200 ms). Several Ca2+ channel blockers as well as low [Ca2+]o could mimic the effect of pressure on the PF response but significantly increased the PPF only at the 20-ms ISI. These results, together with previous data, show that the CF synapse is relatively resistant to pressure. The lack of pressure effect on CF PPD is surprising and may suggest that the PPD is not directly linked to synaptic depletion, as generally suggested. The increase in PPF of the PF at pressure, which is mimicked by Ca2+ channel blockers or low [Ca2+]o, further supports pressure involvement in synaptic release mechanism(s). These results also indicate that pressure effects may be selective for various types of synapses in the CNS.
Anthrax Edema Toxin Inhibits Nox1-Mediated Formation of Reactive Oxygen Species by Colon Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kim Jun-Sub , Bokoch Gary M.
Published: December 2008

One major route of intoxication by Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores is via their ingestion and subsequent uptake by the intestinal epithelium. Anthrax edema toxin (ETx) is an adenylate cyclase that causes persistent elevation of cAMP in intoxicated cells. NADPH oxidase enzymes (Nox1–Nox5, Duox1 and 2) generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) as components of the host innate immune response to bacteria, including Nox1 in gastrointestinal epithelial tissues. We show that ETx effectively inhibits ROS formation by Nox1 in HT-29 colon epithelial cells. This inhibition requires the PKA-mediated phosphorylation of the Nox1-regulatory component, NoxA1, and the subsequent binding of 14-3-3ζ. Inhibition of Nox1-mediated ROS formation in the gut epithelium may be a mechanism used by B. anthracis to circumvent the innate immune response.
Outcomes of Epi-LASIK for the Correction of High Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism after More than 1 Year
Authors: Gan Dekang , Zhou Xingtao , Dai Jinhui , Qu Xiaomei , Yu Zhiqiang , Zhou Hao , Wang Xiaoying , Chu Renyuan
Published: December 2008

Purpose: To present the clinical results of epi-LASIK in a high myopia and myopic astigmatic population followed for more than 1 year. Methods: This retrospective study comprised 67 eyes of 52 patients who underwent epi-LASIK for the correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism. Epi-LASIK was performed with an automatically rotational epikeratome (KM-5000D, Wuxi Kangming Medical Device Corp., Wuxi, China) and the MEL80 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) excimer laser. The postoperative symptom, epithelial flap, vision, refraction and haze formation were investigated. The astigmatic change was calculated by the Alpins vector analysis method. Results: The follow-up period was 13.27 months. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) refraction and cylinder were –13.39 diopters (D) and –2.02 D. An integrated epithelial sheet with a diameter of about 8–9 mm was made in 65 (97.01%) eyes leaving a superior hinge of approximately 2–4 mm. The mean epithelial healing time was 5.55 days. More than 1 year after the treatment, no eye lost more than 1 line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. The mean SE and cylinder were –2.25 and –0.79 D. The mean astigmatism correction index was 1.06. The index of success of 0.51 reflected a 49% success in achieving cylinder correction. The change induced by the laser ablation at the intended axis of cylinder reduction was 93%. At the same interval, 7.46% of eyes had trace haze and others were clear. Haze did not affect the visual acuity in any eye. Conclusions: Epi-LASIK appeared to be effective and safe in the treatment of high myopia and myopic astigmatism with the advantages of having lower postoperative pain and satisfactory refractive and visual outcome postoperatively.
Influence of VEGF Polymorphism on Progression of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Reiterová J. , Obeidová H. , Leníček M. , Štekrová J. , Merta M. , Maixnerová D. , Vítek L. , Viklický O. , Tesař V.
Published: December 2008

Background: Significant phenotypical variability is observed in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Dysregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the kidney has been demonstrated in a wide range of renal diseases. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of the –2578 C/A and the –1154 G/A polymorphisms in the regulatory region of the VEGF gene upon the progression of ADPKD toward end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: The study was performed on 283 ADPKD patients (145 males, 138 females, mean age 51.7 ± 10.3 years) who had reached ESRD. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) ESRD development later than in 63 years (slow progressors, n = 47), (2) ESRD development before 45 years (rapid progressors, n = 69), and (3) ESRD development between 45 and 63 years (intermediate progressors, n = 167). Genetically unrelated healthy Czech individuals were analyzed as a control group (n = 311, 153 males, 158 females, mean age 44.6 ± 9.2 years). DNA samples were genotyped for the –2578 C/A and for the –1154 G/A polymorphisms of the VEGF gene promoter. The serum levels of VEGF were established in 111 healthy Czech individuals from the control group. Results: The VEGF –2578 C/A and –1154 G/A genotype distribution showed no differences among the groups of slow, rapid and intermediate progressors. The age of ESRD with regard to different genotypes was not significantly different in all ADPKD patients. However, the AA genotype of the –2578 C/A polymorphism was associated with a significantly higher age of ESRD than other genotypes in rapid progressors (42.7 vs. 40.5 years, p = 0.01). The CG haplotype was found significantly more frequent in ADPKD rapid progressors than in slow progressors (p = 0.047). Serum levels of VEGF did not significantly differ in the control group, according to different genotypes of both polymorphisms. Conclusion: To conclude, AA genotype of the –2578 C/A polymorphism was related to better prognosis of the disease in a limited group of ADPKD patients. Classical genetic recessive and dominant model did not find significant influence of separate VEGF polymorphisms on the progression of ADPKD. Accordingly, CG haplotype was associated with earlier onset of ESRD in ADPKD patients.
Antiproliferative, Cytotoxic and Hemolytic Activities of a Triterpene Glycoside from Psolus patagonicus and Its Desulfated Analog
Authors: Careaga Valeria P. , Bueno Carlos , Muniain Claudia , Alché Laura , Maier Marta S.
Published: December 2008

Background: The major triterpene glycoside of the sea cucumber Psolus patagonicus and its desulfated analog were tested for their antiproliferative, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities, and their effect on NF-κB activation. Methods: The antiproliferative action of glycosides 1 and 2 were determined on 3 tumor cell lines. Their effect on the activation of NF-κB was evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay staining and the concomitant IκBα degradation was studied by Western blot. Results: Both compounds were able to suppress the growth of 3 tumor cell lines (Hep3B, MDA-MB231 and A549) and induced the activation of NF-κB, a key player linking chronic inflammation and cancer, concomitant with IκBα degradation in the A549 tumor cell line. Compounds 1 and 2 showed hemolytic activity with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values around 80 μM. Conclusions: Both glycosides showed low cytotoxic activity in A549 tumor cells in comparison with sea cucumber triterpene glycosides containing a linear tetrasaccharide chain. This could be a result of the uncommon presence of two 12α- and 17α-hydroxyl groups and a Δ7 double bond in the aglycone moiety. This aglycone functionalization may be related to their low membranolytic activity. Although glycosides 1 and 2 exert an antiproliferative effect, their mechanisms of action do not involve inhibition of NF-κB. Recently, it has been shown that diverse and new mechanisms of action are responsible for the antitumor and cytotoxic activities of marine compounds. Therefore, more extensive studies are needed to establish a mechanism of action and to deduce a clear structure-activity relationship of sea cucumber triterpene glycosides.
Degradation of Human α- and β-Defensins by Culture Supernatants of Porphyromonas gingivalis Strain 381
Authors: Carlisle M.D. , Srikantha R.N. , Brogden K.A.
Published: December 2008

Porphyromonas gingivalis produces proteases capable of degrading cytokines, host heme proteins and some antimicrobial peptides. In this study, we show that P. gingivalis culture supernatants fully or partially degrade human neutrophil peptide α-defensins and human β-defensins after 30 min. This observation suggests that proteases from P. gingivalis degrade defensins and this activity could abrogate defensin-related innate immune functions.
Recurring Mistakes in Tattoo Removal
Authors: Wenzel S. , Landthaler M.
Published: December 2008

In the Western world, more than 10% of the population have at least 1 tattoo. If the tattoo is removed, the tattoo pigment particles in the skin can be selectively destroyed by means of selective photothermolysis. This treatment requires laser pulses of short durations (nanoseconds) and high intensities. We report on 12 patients who received treatments with improper treatment parameters. In all patients, we diagnosed hypo- or hyperpigmentations and scar formation at the treatment site. In particular, the pulse duration of the light sources or lasers applied were considerably longer than those required by the principles of selective photothermolysis. The light intensities of those devices are normally not sufficient to destroy the pigment particles. Instead of destruction, the pigment particles in the skin are heated up and the heat is conducted to the adjacent tissue causing unspecific tissue injury. Lasers or intense pulsed light sources with millisecond pulses and low light intensities are clearly not suitable to be applied for tattoo removal.
Randomized Trial of Pimecrolimus Cream plus Colchicine Tablets versus Colchicine Tablets in the Treatment of Genital Ulcers in Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Köse Osman , Dinç Ayhan , Şimşek İsmail
Published: December 2008

Background: Recurrent and painful genital ulcers are the hallmark of Behçet’s disease. Objective: To determine the efficacy of pimecrolimus (PIM) cream on the pain and healing time of genital ulcers. Methods: A total of 76 patients were randomized to either receive PIM cream plus colchicine (COL) tablets (1–2 g/day) or COL tablets (1–2 g/day) alone for 1 month. Clinical evaluations were performed in 68 patients at the baseline and on the 3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th and 28th days of treatment. Also, genital ulcer pain was evaluated using a verbal pain score at each visit. Safety was monitored through adverse event reporting and laboratory tests. Results: The mean healing time of genital ulcers was shorter in the PIM + COL group (4.2 ± 1.5 days) than the COL group (4.7 ± 1.8 days), without statistical significance (p = 0.399). Visual analog scale scores decreased in both groups significantly. Neither of the treatment modalities was found to be superior to the other; however, pain was relieved in 4.2 ± 0.5 days in PIM + COL group and in 5.5 ± 1.2 days in COL group in the intention to treat population (p = 0.023). Observed adverse events were transient. Conclusion: Compared to COL alone, COL + PIM cream shortens the pain duration without any significant effect on healing time.
Outcomes in African-Americans vs. Caucasians Using Thymoglobulin or Interleukin-2 Receptor Inhibitor Induction: Analysis of USRDS Database
Authors: Jindal Rahul M. , Das Neal P. , Neff Robert T. , Hurst Frank P. , Falta Edward M. , Elster Eric A. , Abbott Kevin C.
Published: December 2008

Aim: We used the USRDS database to test the hypothesis that graft survival was similar using either rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) vs. interleukin-2 receptor inhibitor (IL2i) in the Prograf era. We further explored the variable of race in the two groups of patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of kidney transplant patients in the USRDS from 2000 through 2005 to compare graft survival (including death) using rATG vs. IL2i with particular reference to outcomes between African-Americans vs. Caucasians. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess patient and graft survival after transplantation, stratified by recipient induction with rATG versus IL2i. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess adjusted survival after transplantation, assessing whether induction rATG (vs. IL2i) was significant as an interaction term (i.e. an effect modifier) with black race for graft survival. Propensity score analysis was used to address potential confounding by indication. Results: In stratified Cox Regression analysis limited to IL2i, black race was significantly associated with graft loss (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 1.17, 95% CI, 1.09–1.26). In analysis limited to rATG induction, black race was not significant (AHR 1.00, 95% CI, 0.92–1.10). We detected a significant interaction between rATG and black race (in comparison with non-black race) for the development of graft loss (AHR, 0.86, 95% CI, 0.76–0.97). Analysis limited to black recipients showed that while use of rATG was not significantly different from IL2i (AHR 0.95, 95% CI 0.87–1.04), the direction of this association was in the opposite direction of non-blacks. Conclusions: Patient and graft survival were similar in African-American and Caucasian recipients of kidney transplantation using either rATG or IL2i. Limitations of the study are the retrospective nature of USRDS data, center-bias in using rATG vs. IL2i and lack of data on steroid dosage. Results of the present study call for a critical review of induction practices.
Prevalence Study of Nevi in Children from Barcelona
Authors: Aguilera Paula , Puig Susana , Guilabert Antonio , Julià Marc , Romero David , Vicente Asunción , González-Enseñat María A. , Malvehy Josep
Published: December 2008

Background: Malignant melanoma is becoming an increasingly important problem in public health as incidence rates have been increasing continuously in Caucasian populations. Childhood and adolscence is an important time of life for the formation and evolution of nevi, and the presence of a higher number of nevi in early life could predict a major risk of developing melanoma. Objectives: (1) To determine the number of nevi and the dermoscopic pattern predominance in children of our population. (2) To relate it to constitutional and environmental factors. Methods: Clinical and dermoscopic examinations were performed in 180 children aged 1–15 years. A questionnaire including topics such as past history of sunburns, tanning ability, tendency to sunburn, history of sunlight exposure, use of sunscreens, tendency to freckle and family history of cancer was completed in a face-to-face interview with the parents. On clinical examination, we evaluated hair color, eye color, number of nevi and the presence of nevi in specific locations. All melanocytic lesions were examined dermoscopically, and all patterns were registered as present or absent. We also registered the predominant dermoscopic pattern of the child, defined as being present in more than 40% of all of the individual’s nevi. Results: The mean number of moles was 17.5. Male gender, past history of sunburns, facial freckling and family history of breast cancer were independent risk factors for having a higher number of nevi. We found that 61.1% of children had nevi on the face and neck, 17.2% on the buttocks, 11.7% on the scalp, 19.4% had acral nevi and 31.7% had congenital nevi. We found the presence of nevi in some of these locations to be a risk factor for having a higher number of nevi. The most frequent dominant dermoscopic pattern found in our population was the globular type. Interestingly, we found that the homogeneous pattern predominates in the youngest children, the reticular pattern predominates in adolescents and the dominant globular pattern is constant among all ages evaluated. Conclusion: This is the first study clinically and dermoscopically characterizing nevi in children from our population, and evaluating constitutional and environmental risk factors.
Cloud Droplet Growth by Condensation in Homogeneous Isotropic Turbulence
Authors: Lanotte Alessandra S. , Seminara Agnese , Toschi Federico
Published: December 2008

The growth of cloud droplets by diffusion of water vapor in a three-dimensional homogeneous isotropic turbulent flow is considered. Within a simple model of advection and condensation, the dynamics and growth of millions of droplets are integrated. A droplet-size spectra broadening is obtained and it is shown to increase with the Reynolds number of turbulence by means of two series of direct numerical simulations at increasing resolution. This is a key point toward a proper evaluation of the effects of turbulence for condensation in warm clouds, where the Reynolds numbers typically achieve extreme values. The obtained droplet spectral broadening as a function of the Reynolds number is shown to be consistent with dimensional arguments. A generalization of this expectation to Reynolds numbers not accessible by direct numerical simulation (DNS) is proposed, yielding upper and lower bounds to the actual size spectra broadening. It is argued that the lower bound is the relevant limit at high Reynolds numbers. A further DNS matching the large scales of the system suggests consistency of the picture drawn. The assumptions underlying the model are expected to hold up to spatial scales on the order of 100 m; no direct comparison with in situ measures is possible. Additional effort is needed to evaluate the impact of this effect for condensation in more realistic cloud conditions.
A New Look at Radiosonde Data prior to 1958
Authors: Grant Andrea N. , Brönnimann Stefan , Ewen Tracy , Nagurny Andrey
Published: December 2008

Historical radiosonde data are known to suffer from inhomogeneities. The first radiosonde intercomparison was made at Payerne, Switzerland, in 1954, and a major international effort to standardize the network, including launch times, was made for the International Geophysical Year (IGY) in 1957–58. Data from before this period, in some cases extending back as far as 1934, have been viewed with even more suspicion than recent data. These early data are scattered among numerous archives with a variety of station identifier schemes and quality-control procedures, and some of the data have only recently been digitized from paper records. Here, the first systematic compilation of pre-IGY data is made, and a novel quality-assessment technique is applied, which reveals that much of the early data have uncorrected radiation and lag errors, especially in the former Soviet Union. Incorrect geopotential height units and problematic time stamps were also found. The authors propose corrections and present corrected hemispheric fields that show large changes and improved internal consistency in height and temperature across Eurasia compared with uncorrected data. The corrections are important, especially as they have a clear spatial structure that interferes with the planetary wave structure. These corrected data are useful for climate studies and considerably enhance the length and quality of the upper-air record but may not be suitable for trend analysis. Assimilation of the uncorrected data has led to a widespread warm bias in NCEP–NCAR reanalysis in the 1950s.
Simulation of Atmospheric Circulation over Tahiti and of Local Effects on the Transport of 210Pb
Authors: Heinrich P. , Blanchard X.
Published: December 2008

Atmospheric transport of the natural radionuclide 210Pb is simulated by a general circulation model (GCM) and calculated surface concentrations are compared with those recorded at the Tahiti station on a daily scale. Numerical results for 2006 show the underestimation of concentrations for most recorded peaks. The purpose of this paper is to explain the observed discrepancies, to evaluate the GCM physical parameterizations, and to determine by numerical means the concentrations at Tahiti for a pollutant circulating across the South Pacific Ocean. Three meteorological situations in 2006 are further analyzed. Circulation over Tahiti for these periods is simulated by a mesoscale meteorological model using four nested grids with resolutions ranging from 27 to 1 km. The calculated wind fields are validated by those observed at two stations on the northwest coast of Tahiti, which is exposed both to topography-induced vortices and to thermally driven local breezes. Atmospheric dispersion of an offshore plume is then calculated by a particle Lagrangian transport model, driven by the mesoscale model at 1- and 81-km resolutions, representing local and global circulations, respectively. Simulations at 1-km resolution show the complex atmospheric circulation over Tahiti, which results in a large spatial and temporal variability of 210Pb surface concentrations on an hourly scale. The impact of local circulation is, however, limited when daily averaged concentrations at the station are considered. Under the studied regimes, transport simulations at the two resolutions lead to similar daily averaged concentrations. The deficiencies of the GCM in simulating daily averaged 210Pb concentrations could be attributable to the deep convection parameterization.
Cell adhesion to agrin presented as a nanopatterned substrate is consistent with an interaction with the extracellular matrix and not transmembrane adhesion molecules
Authors: Wolfram Tobias , Spatz Joachim P , Burgess Robert W
Published: December 2008

Background

Molecular spacing is important for cell adhesion in a number of ways, ranging from the ordered arrangement of matrix polymers extracellularly, to steric hindrance of adhesion/signaling complexes intracellularly. This has been demonstrated using nanopatterned RGD peptides, a canonical extracellular matrix ligand for integrin interactions. Cell adhesion was greatly reduced when the RGD-coated nanoparticles were separated by more than 60 nm, indicating a sharp spacing-dependent threshold for this form of cell adhesion.

Results

Here we show a similar dependence of cell adhesion on the spacing of agrin, a protein that exists as both a secreted, matrix-bound form and a type-2 transmembrane form in vivo. Agrin was presented as a substrate for cell adhesion assays by anchoring recombinant protein to gold nanoparticles that were arrayed at tunable distances onto glass coverslips. Cells adhered well to nanopatterned agrin, and when presented as uniformly coated substrates, adhesion to agrin was comparable to other well-studied adhesion molecules, including N-Cadherin. Adhesion of both mouse primary cortical neurons and rat B35 neuroblastoma cells showed a spacing-dependent threshold, with a sharp drop in adhesion when the space between agrin-coated nanoparticles increased from 60 to 90 nm. In contrast, adhesion to N-Cadherin decreased gradually over the entire range of distances tested (uniform, 30, 60, 90, and 160 nm). The spacing of the agrin nanopattern also influenced cell motility, and peptide competition suggested adhesion was partially integrin dependent. Finally, differences in cell adhesion to C-terminal agrin fragments of different lengths were detected using nanopatterned substrates, and these differences were not evident using uniformly coated substrates.

Conclusion

These results suggest nanopatterned substrates may provide a physiological presentation of adhesive substrates, and are consistent with cells adhering to agrin through a mechanism that more closely resembles an interaction with the extracellular matrix than a transmembrane adhesion molecule.
SNUGB: a versatile genome browser supporting comparative and functional fungal genomics
Authors: Jung Kyongyong , Park Jongsun , Choi Jaeyoung , Park Bongsoo , Kim Seungill , Ahn Kyohun , Choi Jaehyuk , Choi Doil , Kang Seogchan , Lee Yong-Hwan
Published: December 2008

Background

Since the full genome sequences of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were released in 1996, genome sequences of over 90 fungal species have become publicly available. The heterogeneous formats of genome sequences archived in different sequencing centers hampered the integration of the data for efficient and comprehensive comparative analyses. The Comparative Fungal Genomics Platform (CFGP) was developed to archive these data via a single standardized format that can support multifaceted and integrated analyses of the data. To facilitate efficient data visualization and utilization within and across species based on the architecture of CFGP and associated databases, a new genome browser was needed.

Results

The Seoul National University Genome Browser (SNUGB) integrates various types of genomic information derived from 98 fungal/oomycete (137 datasets) and 34 plant and animal (38 datasets) species, graphically presents germane features and properties of each genome, and supports comparison between genomes. The SNUGB provides three different forms of the data presentation interface, including diagram, table, and text, and six different display options to support visualization and utilization of the stored information. Information for individual species can be quickly accessed via a new tool named the taxonomy browser. In addition, SNUGB offers four useful data annotation/analysis functions, including 'BLAST annotation.' The modular design of SNUGB makes its adoption to support other comparative genomic platforms easy and facilitates continuous expansion.

Conclusion

The SNUGB serves as a powerful platform supporting comparative and functional genomics within the fungal kingdom and also across other kingdoms. All data and functions are available at the web site http://genomebrowser.snu.ac.kr/.