bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The low temperature response pathways for cold acclimation and vernalization are independent
Authors: BOND DONNA M. , DENNIS ELIZABETH S. , FINNEGAN E. JEAN
Published: June 2011

Vernalization is the promotion of flowering in response to the prolonged cold of winter. To survive sub‐zero winter temperatures, plants must first acclimate to low, non‐freezing temperatures (cold acclimation). Induction of VERNALIZATION INSENSITIVE 3 (VIN3), the first gene in the vernalization pathway, is initiated within the same time frame as the induction of genes in the cold acclimation pathway raising the question of whether there are common elements in the signal transduction pathways that activate these two responses to cold. We show that none of the signalling components required for cold acclimation, including the ‘master regulator’INDUCTION OF CBF EXPRESSION1 (ICE1) or HIGH EXPRESSION OF OSMOTICALLY RESPONSIVE GENE1 (HOS1), which has been described as a link between cold acclimation and vernalization, play a role in VIN3 induction. We also show that the hormone abscisic acid (ABA) does not modulate VIN3 induction, consistent with earlier reports that ABA signalling plays no role in the vernalization response. The cold acclimation pathway is activated at 12 °C, at which temperature there is no induction of VIN3 expression. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the responses to low temperatures leading to cold acclimation and vernalization are controlled by distinct signalling pathways.
Links between root developmental traits and foraging performance
Authors: PAGÈS LOÏC
Published: June 2011

We designed a simple dynamic and stochastic architectural model with six parameters to link the foraging performance of root systems to their developmental processes. Soil foraging was quantified by the volume enveloping the roots until a given uptake distance. Many simulated architectures were obtained by combining four different values for each parameter. The rate of soil colonization was mainly defined by individual root elongation rates and interbranch distances. Less intuitively, we showed that differentiation of elongation rates among the roots increased this colonization rate. Uptake efficiency – the ratio of the actual colonized volume to the volume of a unique cylinder with the same length and a radius corresponding to the uptake distance – declined with root system size. Nevertheless, large variations in efficiency existed among root systems for a given size, typically in a 4‐ to 10‐fold range. Therefore, the ‘efficiency gain’ was defined as the deviation from the average trend in efficiency versus size. Between‐root differentiation in elongation rates increased this gain. The level of hierarchy between mother and lateral roots, as well as the variation of elongation rates among lateral roots, was also shown to contribute to this optimization. Several parameter combinations could lead to similar efficiency gains.
Trends of the genetic connectedness measures among Nelore beef cattle herds
Authors: Pegolo N.T. , Laloë D. , de Oliveira H.N. , Lôbo R.B. , Fouilloux M.‐N.
Published: June 2011

Validity of comparisons between expected breeding values obtained from best linear unbiased prediction procedures in genetic evaluations is dependent on genetic connectedness among herds. Different cattle breeding programmes have their own particular features that distinguish their database structure and can affect connectedness. Thus, the evolution of these programmes can also alter the connectedness measures. This study analysed the evolution of the genetic connectedness measures among Brazilian Nelore cattle herds from 1999 to 2008, using the French Criterion of Admission to the group of Connected Herds (CACO) method, based on coefficients of determination (CD) of contrasts. Genetic connectedness levels were analysed by using simple and multiple regression analyses on herd descriptors to understand their relationship and their temporal trends from the 1999–2003 to the 2004–2008 period. The results showed a high level of genetic connectedness, with CACO estimates higher than 0.4 for the majority of them. Evaluation of the last 5‐year period showed only a small increase in average CACO measures compared with the first 5 years, from 0.77 to 0.80. The percentage of herds with CACO estimates lower than 0.7 decreased from 27.5% in the first period to 16.2% in the last one. The connectedness measures were correlated with percentage of progeny from connecting sires, and the artificial insemination spread among Brazilian herds in recent years. But changes in connectedness levels were shown to be more complex, and their complete explanation cannot consider only herd descriptors. They involve more comprehensive changes in the relationship matrix, which can be only fully expressed by the CD of contrasts.
Clinicopathological characteristics of primary lung adenocarcinoma predominantly composed of goblet cells in surgically resected cases
Authors: Ichinokawa Hideomi , Ishii Genichiro , Nagai Kanji , Yoshida Junji , Nishimura Mitsuyo , Hishida Tomoyuki , Suzuki Kenji , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: June 2011

Primary lung adenocarcinomas predominantly composed of goblet cells (APGC) are relatively rare, and the clinicopathological characteristics have remained unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinicopathological characteristics of APGC. We selected adenocarcinoma with a goblet cell‐type component of ≥90% from 2228 cases of surgically resected primary lung adenocarcinoma. The clinicopathological characteristics of APGC (46 cases) were analyzed. APGC showed a significantly higher rate of tumor location on the left side, in the lower lobe and pathological stage I, when compared with the other types of adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, APGC displayed a lower frequency of central fibrosis, plural invasion, pulmonary metastasis, lymphatic permeation, and vascular invasion. APGC showed local recurrence in two of 46 cases (4.3%) and no incidents of distant metastasis. When compared with non‐mucinous bronchioloalveolar adenocarcinomas (non‐mucinous BAC) without central fibrosis, APGC without central fibrosis, corresponding to mucinous BAC, showed a significantly higher rate of tumor location on the left side and in the lower lobe. In conclusion, APGC formed a distinct subset and should be considered separately from lung adenocarcinoma based on frequent involvement of the left and lower lung and lack of central fibrosis.
Gastro‐oesophageal reflux and respiratory symptoms in Busselton adults: the effects of bodyweight and sleep apnoea
Authors: Mulrennan S. A. , Knuiman M. W. , Divitini M. L. , Cullen D. J. , Hunter M. , Hui J. , Musk A. W. , James A. L.
Published: June 2011

Background/Aim:  Respiratory symptoms and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) are common within the general population. Although a number of epidemiological studies have addressed their relationship, none has investigated the confounding effects of body mass index (BMI) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), both of which are associated with reflux.

Methods:  Men and women (2700) from the 2005–2007 cross‐sectional Busselton health survey were included. Questionnaire data included demography, information on general health, asthma, cough, wheeze, dyspnoea and reflux symptoms (never, monthly or less often and weekly or more often). BMI, risk of OSA (Berlin questionnaire definition), spirometry and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were recorded. The effects of BMI and OSA on the relationship between respiratory and reflux symptoms were examined using logistic regression models, expressed as adjusted odds ratios for risk of respiratory symptoms by reflux symptom category.

Results:  Fifty per cent had reflux symptoms (5–10% weekly or more often). Reflux symptoms had strong positive, dose‐related associations with cough/phlegm, breathlessness, chest tightness and wheeze in the last 12 months (P < 0.001), but were not related to diagnosed asthma or AHR. Twenty‐three per cent were at high risk of OSA and 63% had a BMI of >25 (22% > 30). Increased weight or high risk of OSA did not affect the relationship between respiratory symptoms and reflux symptoms.

Conclusion:  The relationship between reflux and respiratory symptoms was independent of BMI, high risk of OSA or AHR. These findings suggest that reflux contributes directly to respiratory symptoms.
Medical oncology clinics through videoconferencing: an acceptable telehealth model for rural patients and health workers
Authors: Sabesan S. , Simcox K. , Marr I.
Published: June 2011

Background:  Since 2007, Townsville Cancer Centre (Queensland, Australia) has provided routine and urgent medical oncology services to rural and remote communities through videoconferencing. At remote sites, patients were accompanied by doctors and other health workers. The aim of this study was to describe satisfaction of patients and rural health workers with this model of teleoncology.

Methods:  Between May 2007 and June 2010, 55 videoconferencing patients were invited to participate in a questionnaire‐based telephone survey after informed consent. The survey included responses to 16 satisfaction statements using a 5‐point Likert scale. Perspectives of health workers involved were recorded using open‐ended questions on six themes related to telehealth.

Results:  Among the 50 participating cancer patients, median age was 56 years (range 28–83). Seventy‐six per cent of patients thought specialist physical examination was important despite local doctors performing it. Seventy‐six per cent of patients felt the presence of accompanying local health workers was not important. Seventy‐eight per cent of patients preferred to be seen in Mt Isa for the first consultation through videoconferencing than travelling to Townsville. More than 80% of patients were in agreement with the rest of the satisfaction statements. Ninety‐six per cent of patients were in agreement with the question relating to overall satisfaction. Eighteen health workers participated and their responses and attitudes were favourable towards telehealth.

Conclusion:  Satisfaction with this model of care was proven to be high among both patients and health workers. Benefits perceived included effective communication between patients and specialists, reduced travel time and money expenditure, and superior specialist support for rural health workers.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 is associated with silent cerebral infarction in patients on haemodialysis
Authors: Uchida E. , Anan F. , Masaki T. , Kaneda K. , Nawata T. , Eshima N. , Saikawa T. , Yoshimatsu H.
Published: June 2011

Background:  In patients with chronic renal failure undergoing haemodialysis (HD), silent cerebral infarctions (SCI) are associated with high mortality. Levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) increase with renal dysfunction and may be a novel predictor for cerebrovascular events. We tested the hypothesis that increased MCP‐1 concentration correlate with the occurrence of SCI in HD patients.

Methods:  Using cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, 52 Japanese patients undergoing HD were divided into two groups: with SCI (61 ± 7 years, mean ± SD, n= 28) and without SCI (60 ± 6 years, n= 24). The gender, metabolic profiles and MCP‐1 concentration were compared between the two groups.

Results:  The level of MCP‐1 was higher in the with‐SCI group than in the without‐SCI group (P < 0.0001). The proportion of smokers was higher in the with‐SCI group (P < 0.05) than in the without‐SCI group. Plasma level of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower, while uric acid level was higher, in the with‐SCI group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05 respectively) compared to the without‐SCI group. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified MCP‐1 level as being significantly associated with the presence of SCI (odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval = 1.10–5.75, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:  This study indicates that patients with chronic renal failure who are maintained on HD exhibit an increased prevalence of SCI, and that MCP‐1 is significantly associated with the presence of SCI in HD patients.
Performance of comorbidity indices in measuring outcomes after acute myocardial infarction in Australian indigenous and non‐indigenous patients
Authors: Condon J. R. , You J. , McDonnell J.
Published: June 2011

Background:  Indigenous Australians have higher prevalence of chronic diseases and worse acute care outcomes than other Australians. The extent to which higher chronic disease comorbidity levels are responsible for their worse outcomes is not clear, and the performance of comorbidity indices has not been assessed for this population with very high comorbidity levels.

Methods:  Using hospital separations data, the Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices were used to measure chronic disease prevalence in 2035 indigenous and non‐indigenous patients hospitalised after their first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the Northern Territory of Australia between 1992 and 2004, and to adjust for comorbidity in multivariate analysis of mortality outcomes (in‐hospital and long‐term deaths from coronary heart disease and all causes). Index performance was assessed by the difference between C statistic, Akaike information criterion statistic and estimate of excess indigenous mortality in models with and without comorbidity adjustment.

Results:  Comorbidity index scores were higher for indigenous than non‐indigenous patients and increased considerably over time, at least partly because of information bias. Indigenous patients' higher risk of in‐hospital all‐cause death was almost fully explained by their higher comorbidity levels. Their higher risk of long‐term coronary heart disease and all‐cause death was partially explained by higher comorbidity levels. Charlson and Elixhauser indices performed satisfactorily and similarly in this population.

Conclusion:  Comorbidity indices performed well in a population with very high chronic disease prevalence. After adjusting for comorbidity, short‐term outcomes were similar for indigenous and non‐indigenous AMI patients, but comorbidity at the time of the acute episode only partly explained the worse long‐term outcomes for indigenous patients.
Increased incidence of Leydig cell tumours of the testis in the era of improved imaging techniques
Authors: Leonhartsberger Nicolai , Ramoner Reinhold , Aigner Friedrich , Stoehr Brigitte , Pichler Renate , Zangerl Florian , Fritzer Andreas , Steiner Hannes
Published: June 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Leydig cell tumours (LCTs) of the testis are rare tumours, accounting for 1–3% of all testicular neoplasms. Our data indicate that using scrotal ultrasound with high resolution imaging in routine checkups leads to an earlier detection of LCTs. Most patients underwent an organ‐sparing surgery and no androgen deprivation was observed.

OBJECTIVE

• To report an observed high frequency of Leydig cell tumours (LCTs) diagnosed at our centre.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Charts of all patients who underwent surgery for a testicular tumour between 1999 and 2008 at our department were searched and data from patients with LCT were collected.

• Before surgery all patients underwent ultrasound and complete staging. In all but two patients with LCT an organ‐sparing surgery was performed. Surgery was performed under ultrasound or palpation guidance.

• All patients underwent postoperative follow‐up. We retrospectively reviewed surgical technique, histology, epidemiology and outcome in all LCT patients.

RESULTS

• In the study period, 197 testicular tumours were surgically removed of which 29 were diagnosed as LCT (14.7% of 197; further study group) in 25 patients. Mean age of patients with LCT was 45 years (range 21–68 years).

• Tumour size ranged from 1.2 to 80 mm (mean 10.23 mm). In two patients (8%) the lesion was palpable whereas incidental diagnosis was made in seven patients (28%).

• In the remaining patients diagnosis was made by ultrasound performed for testicular pain (six patients, 24%) or during infertility or erectile dysfunction evaluation (10 patients, 40%).

• Definitive histology reported no malignant histopathological features in all but one patient; this particular patient experienced tumour progression after 2 months and died from advanced disease 1 year later. All other patients are free of disease after a mean follow up of 56 months (range 7–93 months).

• During this period one patient developed a second LCT on the contralateral side; another patient had a recurrence within the same testicle, but on the opposite pole. Both underwent a subsequent organ‐sparing tumour resection.

CONCLUSION

• The percentage of LCT (14.7% of all testicular tumours removed) was significantly higher than expected from the literature. One possible explanation for this phenomenon is the increasing use of better ultrasound technology and the subsequent increased detection of small nodules that have not been found in historical series. Use of ‘observation‐only’ for very small lesions detected at infertility clinics is under debate.
Clinical utility of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging in prostate cancer
Authors: Afaq Asim , Koh Dow‐Mu , Padhani Anwar , van As Nicholas , Sohaib S. Aslam
Published: June 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

This article reviews what is currently known about diffusion weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) in prostate cancer.

This mini‐review concisely summarises, for clinical managing patients with prostate cancer, the clinical utility of diffusion weighted MRI.

OBJECTIVE

• To review the clinical utility of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI) in patients with prostate cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

• The current literature on prostate cancer and DW‐MRI was reviewed.

RESULTS

• DW‐MRI can be readily acquired on a modern scanner with a short image acquisition time and no need for i.v. contrast medium.

• The image contrast is based on the diffusion of water molecules and thus reflects tissue cellularity.

• There is increasing evidence that DW‐ MRI improves the sensitivity and specificity of prostate cancer detection as well as the identification of tumour aggressiveness.

• DW‐MRI is also showing substantial promise as a response biomarker for both local and metastatic disease

CONCLUSIONS

• DW‐MRI is proving to be a useful adjunct to conventional T2‐weighted MRI sequences.

• The eventual role of DW‐MRI in combination with other MRI techniques for multiparametric assessment of prostate cancer needs to be defined further.
Discussing the sexual consequences of treatment in radiotherapy and urology consultations with couples affected by prostate cancer
Authors: Forbat Liz , White Isabella , Marshall‐Lucette Sylvie , Kelly Daniel
Published: June 2011

Study Type – Attitude/patient experience analysis (retrospective cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Men with prostate cancer are likely to experience a range of treatment‐related side‐effects including deterioration in sexual functioning as a consequence of surgery, radiotherapy and hormone treatment.

Despite the clear links between treatments and changes in sexual functioning, sexual concerns are infrequently discussed in clinic settings.

Data indicate the need to use clinical consultations appropriately to support both patient and partner in sexual recovery and rehabilitation, going beyond discussions of assistive technologies to offer psychosexual couple support.

OBJECTIVE

• To explore the ways in which prostate cancer treatment‐induced sexual changes are presented as viable topics for discussion in urology and radiotherapy clinics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Ethnographic observations were made of 60 consultations between clinicians, patients and partners in clinical oncology and prostate cancer urology clinics.

RESULTS

• Sexual functioning was discussed infrequently in both clinic settings.

• Despite the presence of partners in nearly half of consultations, involvement of the partner tended to be minimal.

• Overall, discussions of wider psychosexual concerns were marginalised in consultations, and there were limited opportunities for couples to discuss the specific impact of prostate cancer and its treatments on sexual functioning.

CONCLUSION

• Given the potential burden of symptoms and side‐effects, there is a need to include discussions of sexual recovery and rehabilitation in consultations, and to provide opportunities to discuss the sexual consequences of treatment with men and their partners
Combining imaging and ureteroscopy variables in a preoperative multivariable model for prediction of muscle‐invasive and non‐organ confined disease in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Favaretto Ricardo L. , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Savage Caroline , Godoy Guilherme , Chade Daher C. , Kaag Matthew , Bochner Bernard H. , Coleman Jonathan , Dalbagni Guido
Published: June 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Improved patient selection for conservative management, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and/or extended lymphadenectomy is urgently needed. We developed a highly accurate preoperative model to predict muscle‐invasive and non‐organ‐confined upper tract urothelial carcinoma based on standard imaging and ureteroscopy features.

OBJECTIVE

• To create a preoperative multivariable model to identify patients at risk of muscle‐invasive (pT2+) upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and/or non‐organ confined (pT3+ or N+) UTUC (NOC‐UTUC) who potentially could benefit from radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or an extended lymph node dissection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• We retrospectively analysed data from 324 consecutive patients treated with RNU between 1995 and 2008 at a tertiary cancer centre.

• Patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer were excluded, resulting in 274 patients for analysis.

• Logistic regression models were used to predict pT2+ and NOC‐UTUC. Pre‐specified predictors included local invasion (i.e. parenchymal, renal sinus fat, or periureteric) on imaging, hydronephrosis on imaging, high‐grade tumours on ureteroscopy, and tumour location on ureteroscopy.

• Predictive accuracy was measured by the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

• The median follow‐up for patients without disease recurrence or death was 4.2 years.

• Overall, 49% of the patients had pT2+, and 30% had NOC‐UTUC at the time of RNU.

• In the multivariable analysis, only local invasion on imaging and ureteroscopy high grade were significantly associated with pathological stage.

• AUC to predict pT2+ and NOC‐UTUC were 0.71 and 0.70, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

• We designed a preoperative prediction model for pT2+ and NOC‐UTUC, based on readily available imaging and ureteroscopic grade.

• Further research is needed to determine whether use of this prediction model to select patients for conservative management vs RNU, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and/or extended lymphadenectomy will improve patient outcomes.
Intermediate‐term oncological efficacy of laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for non‐seminomatous germ cell testicular cancer
Authors: Underwood Willie , Kim Hyung L.
Published: June 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Other have reported that laparoscopic RPLND is feasible and safe when performed by skilled laparoscopic surgeons.

We show that patients undergoing laparoscopic RPLND do not recur at the site of the lymph node dissection, even when chemotherapy is not given for nodal disease. This shows that laparoscopic RPLND is therapeutically effective in removing tumors that may have spread from the testicle to the retroperitoneum.

OBJECTIVE

• To assess the therapeutic efficacy of laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (L‐RPLND) for testicular cancer in patients with nodal disease managed without adjuvant chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Consecutive patients undergoing RPLND were treated laparoscopically.

• Medical records for 15 patients with pathological stage I and II were reviewed.

• A modified template dissection was performed laparoscopically. When metastatic disease was noted on intraoperative frozen section, a bilateral template dissection was performed.

RESULTS

• All patients had predominantly embryonal carcinoma and/or lymphovascular invasion in their orchidectomy specimen. All patients had normal tumour markers after orchidectomy.

• Laparoscopic RPLND was performed without intraoperative complications. The mean operative time was 299 min and mean length of hospital stay was 1.5 days.

• After L‐RPLND, two patients were pN1 and five patients were pN2.

• Of the patients with nodal disease, five (two pN1 and three pN2) were followed without chemotherapy for a mean of 30 months with no evidence of recurrence. Isolated pulmonary recurrence occurred in two patients with pathologic stage I disease, and another stage I patient had recurrence in the lung and retroperitoneum outside the dissection template.

CONCLUSIONS

• Laparoscopic RPLND appears to be safe while providing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

• Although the therapeutic benefit of L‐RPLND needs to be confirmed in additional patients and with longer follow‐up, our results suggest that L‐RPLND provides both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits.
A Linear Variational System for Modelling From Curves
Authors: Andrews James , Joshi Pushkar , Carr Nathan
Published: June 2011

We present a linear system for modelling 3D surfaces from curves. Our system offers better performance, stability and precision in control than previous non‐linear systems. By exploring the direct relationship between a standard higher‐order Laplacian editing framework and Hermite spline curves, we introduce a new form of Cauchy constraint that makes our system easy to both implement and control. We introduce novel workflows that simplify the construction of 3D models from sketches. We show how to convert existing 3D meshes into our curve‐based representation for subsequent editing and modelling, allowing our technique to be applied to a wide range of existing 3D content.
Disease severity affects quality of life of hereditary spastic paraplegia patients
Authors: Klimpe S. , Schüle R. , Kassubek J. , Otto S. , Kohl Z. , Klebe S. , Klopstock T. , Ratzka S. , Karle K. , Schöls L.
Published: June 2011

Background and purpose:  Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) causes progressive gait disturbance because of degeneration of the corticospinal tract. To assess its impact on Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), we analyzed the correlation of HRQoL with disease severity and clinical symptoms in HSP.

Methods:  HRQoL was assessed by the Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36) Mental and Physical Component summary scores (MCS and PCS) in 143 German patients with HSP. Disease severity was assessed by the Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale (SPRS) and landmarks of walking ability. Patients with ‘pure’ or ‘complicated’ HSP were compared.

Results:  Higher SPRS scores indicating higher disease severity correlated significantly with lower PCS (r = −0.63; P < 0.0005) and MCS (r = −0.38; P < 0.0005) scores. MCS and PCS were reduced in patients with ‘complicated’ forms compared to ‘pure’ HSP and with decreasing walking ability.

Conclusion:  HRQoL is substantially impaired in patients with HSP and decreases with disease severity and the presence of ‘complicating’ symptoms. Patients are most affected by the physical restraints of their disease, but mental health is impaired as well. HRQoL is a valid parameter in HSP that should be considered in upcoming therapeutical trials.
Usefulness of MRA‐DWI mismatch in neuroendovascular therapy for acute cerebral infarction
Authors: Deguchi I. , Dembo T. , Fukuoka T. , Nagoya H. , Maruyama H. , Kato Y. , Oe Y. , Horiuchi Y. , Takeda H. , Tanahashi N.
Published: June 2011

Background:  This study evaluated the usefulness of MR angiography (MRA)–diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) mismatch in neuroendovascular therapy over 3 h after onset of acute cerebral infarction.

Methods:  The subjects were 14 cases (age, 73 ± 8.4 years) who had an anterior circulation deficit on DWI/MRA on arrival and underwent neuroendovascular therapy over 3 h after onset. MRA‐DWI mismatch (MDM) (+) was defined as ‘major artery lesion (+) and diffusion‐weighted image‐Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (DWI‐ASPECTS) ≥6’; MDM (−) was defined as ‘major artery lesion (+) and DWI‐ASPECTS <6’.

Results:  Reperfusion was achieved in nine of 14 patients (64%) undergoing neuroendovascular therapy. Within the reperfusion group, in the five MDM (+) patients and the four MDM (−) patients, the outcome was a favorable clinical response in the MDM (+) group. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores after 90 days were 0–2 in 3 (60%) and 3–6 in 2 (40%) of the MDM (+) group patients and 0–2 in 0 (0%) and 3–6 in 4 (100%) of the MDM (−) group patients. In the MDM (+) group, a good outcome was achieved. However, the number of cases was small, so this was not a significant difference. Within the non‐reperfusion group, in the three MDM (+) patients and the two MDM (−) patients, the mRS scores after 90 days were 0–2 in 1 (33%) and 3–6 in 2 (67%) of the MDM (+) group patients and 0–2 in 0 (0%) and 3–6 in 2 (100%) of the MDM (−) group patients. In both groups, the outcome was poor.

Conclusions:  With neuroendovascular therapy, a good outcome with reperfusion was achieved in the MDM (+) group compared to the MDM (−) group. This suggests that the presence or absence of MDM may be useful in determining prognosis after reperfusion.
Motor skill deficits in children with partial hearing
Authors: LIVINGSTONE NUALA , MCPHILLIPS MARTIN
Published: June 2011

Aim  We examined the effect of partial hearing, including cochlear implantation, on the development of motor skills in children (aged 6–12y).

Method  Three independent groups of children were selected: a partial hearing group (n=25 [14 males, 11 females]; mean age 8y 8mo, SD 1y 10mo), a nonverbal IQ‐matched group (n=27 [15 males, 12 females]; mean age 9y, SD 1y 6mo), and an age‐matched group (n=26 [8 males, 18 females]; mean age 8y 8mo, SD 1y 7mo) from three schools with special units for children with partial hearing. All children with partial hearing had a bilateral hearing loss >60 decibels. Motor and balance skills were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) and two protocols from the NeuroCom Balance Master clinical procedures.

Results  The mean standardized total MABC score of the children with partial hearing (95% confidence interval [CI] 71.8–88.7) was significantly lower than both the age‐matched (95% CI 95.8–111.4; p<0.01) and the IQ‐matched (95% CI 87.6–103.0; p=0.03) comparison groups. The children with partial hearing had particular difficulties with balance, most notably during tests of intersensory demand. However, subgroup analyses revealed that the effect of cochlear implantation was clearly dependent on the nature of the task.

Interpretation  Children with partial hearing are at high risk of clinical levels of motor deficit, with balance difficulties providing support for conventional vestibular deficit theory. However, the effect of cochlear implantation suggests that other sensory systems may be involved. A broader ecological perspective, which takes into account factors external to the child, may prove a useful framework for future research.
‘Being dyslexic doesn't make me less of a teacher’. School placement experiences of student teachers with dyslexia: strengths, challenges and a model for support
Authors: Griffiths Sue
Published: June 2011

This research investigated the school practice placement experiences of six student teachers with dyslexia representing each year of a 3‐year initial teacher training course at a UK university. Placement performance and outcome has enormous implications for student teachers in demonstrating their professional competence and ability to meet the Training and Development Agency for Schools Professional Standards for Teachers and obtain qualified teacher status. The research focused thematically on student strengths, challenges and management strategies using a case research approach. Findings indicate student teachers with dyslexia bring unacknowledged strengths to placements but face a number of challenges despite proactive adoption of management strategies. A model of placement support to enhance student effectiveness has been developed. Conclusions indicate the importance of listening to the student's voice to understand individual placement requirements and co‐ordinate and implement specific reasonable adjustments as required by UK legislation1.
Humanism, race and the colonial frontier
Authors: Lester Alan
Published: June 2011

Beginning with an engagement with Kay Anderson’s recent post‐humanist approach, I propose an alternative explanation for the rise of an innatist discourse of race around the mid‐nineteenth century. I argue that the shift to innatist ideas of racial difference has to be seen as a matter of specific geographies of political contestation and trans‐imperial mobilisation emerging in the spatial assemblages of colonial frontier zones during the early nineteenth century. I suggest that, aside from their violent struggles with indigenous peoples in these dispersed but interconnected locales, what prompted the refinement, dispersal and repetition of biologically determinist racial thought was emigrant British settlers’ mobilisation against the critique of fellow Britons inspired by a religious humanist doctrine of universality. This explanation shares Anderson’s focus on the affective realm of a colonial frontier, but it differs from her interpretation with its emphasis on the contested politics of colonial conquest and above all on the lingering political possibilities of humanism. In engaging with a specific post‐humanist interpretation of innatism, this article seeks to address some of the implications of post‐humanism more broadly for histories of race.
A glutamine synthetase inhibitor increases survival and decreases cytokine response in a mouse model of acute liver failure
Authors: Jambekar Amruta A. , Palma Elena , Nicolosi Luca , Rasola Andrea , Petronilli Valeria , Chiara Federica , Bernardi Paolo , Needleman Richard , Brusilow William S. A.
Published: June 2011

Background: Acute liver failure (ALF) can be induced in mice by administering Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D‐galactosamine (D‐GalN), which induce an inflammatory response involving tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α production and a hepatocyte‐specific transcriptional block. Under these conditions, binding of TNF‐α to its cognate receptor on hepatocytes eventually leads to their apoptosis.

Aims: As part of an effort to identify drugs to treat this disease model, we have investigated whether the glutamine synthetase inhibitor methionine sulfoximine (MSO) could play a protective role, given its effectiveness in the inhibition of brain swelling associated with hyperammonaemia.

Methods: Mouse survival, glutamine synthetase activity, hepatocyte apoptosis and induction of inflammatory cytokines were measured in mice treated with MSO before an intraperitoneal injection of LPS/D‐GalN. The effect of MSO on viability and on TNF‐α release was also assessed on inflammatory and liver cells.

Results: We have found that, in mice treated with LPS/D‐GalN, MSO (i) drastically increases animal survival; (ii) sharply reduces glutamine synthetase activity, without inhibiting its other target, γ‐glutamyl cysteine synthetase; (iii) inhibits death receptor‐mediated apoptosis in hepatocytes upstream to cytokine binding; (iv) strongly reduces the overall inflammatory cytokine response, including a significant decrease in TNF‐α induction in vivo and ex vivo, and in the interferon‐γ level and signalling.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the MSO target glutamine synthetase is required for the early steps of the cytokine response to endotoxins, and that its pharmacological inhibition may be exploited to treat inflammation.
A critical review of the contribution of eye movement recordings to the neuropsychology of obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Jaafari N. , Rigalleau F. , Rachid F. , Delamillieure P. , Millet B. , Olié J.‐P. , Gil R. , Rotge J.‐Y. , Vibert N.
Published: June 2011

Jaafari N, Rigalleau F, Rachid F, Delamillieure P, Millet B, Olié J.‐P, Gil R, Rotge J.‐Y, Vibert N. A critical review of the contribution of eye movement recordings to the neuropsychology of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Objective:  Dysfunctions of saccadic and/or smooth pursuit eye movements have been proposed as markers of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), but experimental results are inconsistent. The aim of this paper was to review the literature on eye movement dysfunctions in OCD to assess whether or not saccades or smooth pursuit may be used to diagnose and characterize OCD.

Method:  Literature was searched using PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and PsycINFO databases for all studies reporting eye movements in adult patients suffering from OCD.

Results:  Thirty‐three articles were found. As expected, eye movements of the patients with OCD were mostly assessed with simple oculomotor paradigms involving saccadic and/or smooth pursuit control. In contrast to patients with schizophrenia, however, patients with OCD only displayed rather unspecific deficits, namely slight smooth pursuit impairments and longer response latencies on antisaccade tasks. There was no relationship between these deficits and the severity of patients’ symptoms. Interestingly, eye movements of the patients with OCD were almost never recorded during more complex cognitive tasks.

Conclusion:  As in schizophrenia and autism, eye movement recordings during more complex tasks might help to better characterize the cognitive deficits associated with OCD. Such recordings may reveal specific OCD‐related deficits that could be used as reliable diagnostic and/or classification tools.
The global institutionalization of microcredit
Authors: Aagaard Peter
Published: June 2011

This article explains how microcredit as a policy idea has been institutionalized at the transnational level, and what role strategic actors play in the institutional change and governance of microcredit. Special attention is given to three dominant actors, the Grameen Bank, the World Bank, and SKS Microfinance. To explain the emergence of microcredit as a transnational policy idea this article explores the relations between theories of institutional change and Rosenau's concept of spheres of authority.
Novel Treatments for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Authors: Huffman Mark D. , Bhatnagar Deepak
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this review is to describe novel pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic preventive therapies, as well as new strategies to improve delivery of available therapies. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and prevention plays a critical role in curbing the global epidemic. Despite available treatment for tobacco addiction, platelet inhibition, blood pressure, and lipid lowering for reduction of atherosclerotic disease, significant gaps in treatment of total CVD remain. We review a range of new preventive treatment options, including drugs for tobacco cessation, platelet/thrombotic inhibition, lipid‐ and blood pressure‐lowering; nonpharmacologic options such as left atrial appendage closure devices and caloric restriction; and strategies such as fixed‐dose combination drugs, laboratory screening for drug tailoring, and community‐based prevention programs. CVD preventive research continues to evolve and provide clinicians and patients with novel pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies, including new preventive strategies.
Estrogen Receptor Beta Does Not Influence Ischemic Tolerance in the Aged Female Rat Heart
Authors: Tomicek Nanette J. , Miller‐Lee Jennifer L. , Hunter J. Craig , Korzick Donna H.
Published: June 2011

Introduction: Ischemic heart disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in aged women, with a 2‐ to 3‐fold increase in incidence following menopause. Clinical trials have failed to demonstrate cardioprotective benefit from chronic estrogen (E2) replacement therapy, yet protective effects of E2 have been demonstrated in adult animal models and are mediated by the estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes ERα and ERβ. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of acute ERβ activation on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in adult, aged, and aged E2‐deficient female rats. Methods: Hearts were isolated from adult (6 months; n = 9), aged (24 months; n = 13), and aged ovariectomized (OVX; n = 14) female Fischer 344 rats and subjected to 47 min of global I and 60 min of R. Rats were acutely treated with the ERβ‐agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN; 5μg/kg) or vehicle 45 min prior to I/R; ERβ mRNA and protein levels were also assessed. Results: Acute treatment with DPN had no effect on functional recovery following I/R injury in adult, aged, or aged OVX female rats. Additionally, we were unable to detect ERβ mRNA or protein in the adult or aged female rat myocardium. Conclusions: Here, for the first time, our data suggest that acute ERβ activation does not impact ischemic tolerance in the adult or aged female Fischer 344 rat myocardium and this likely due to a lack of detectable ERβ.
Risk of Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents with both Self‐Asphyxial Risk‐Taking Behavior and Non‐Suicidal Self‐Injury
Authors: Brausch Amy M. , Decker Kristina M. , Hadley Andrea G.
Published: June 2011

This study examined adolescent participation in self‐asphyxial risk‐taking behaviors (SAB), sometimes known as the “choking game,” and its relationship with other adolescent risk behaviors, including non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI). Researchers proposed that participation in SAB and NSSI would be associated with suicidal behavior, disordered eating, and substance use. Using a large community‐based sample, results revealed preliminary associations between SAB and other risk‐taking behaviors. Adolescents who had engaged in both SAB and NSSI reported more concurrent risk behaviors than adolescents who participated in only one of the behaviors or neither behavior. Results indicate that greater awareness of SAB is important, and continued research can evaluate the possible link between the behavior and risk for suicide.
Completed Suicides in Colorado: Differences between Hispanics and Non‐Hispanic Whites
Authors: Betz Marian E. , Krzyzaniak Sara M. , Hedegaard Holly , Lowenstein Steven R.
Published: June 2011

All suicides by Hispanics (n = 434) and non‐Hispanic Whites (n = 3,370) in Colorado from 2004 to 2008 using the Violent Death Reporting System were examined. Hispanic victims were significantly younger. Adjusting for age and gender, Hispanic victims were less likely to have reported depressed mood [odds ratio (OR) 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–0.97], mental health diagnosis (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.41–0.7), or current psychiatric treatment (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.43–0.77). There were no differences in reports of financial, relationship, job, or legal stresses. Hispanic suicides were equally likely to be by overdose, firearm, or hanging, but more likely to be in jail (OR 2.68; 95% CI 1.55–4.65). To prevent suicides, stronger partnerships are needed among public health, medical, mental health, and criminal justice professionals.
Convergent validity of MCMI‐III clinical syndrome scales
Authors: Hesse Morten , Guldager Steen , Holm Linneberg Inger
Published: June 2011

Objectives. This study tested the convergent validity of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory‐III (MCMI‐III) clinical syndrome scales.

Design. Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods. Using a sample of 186 substance abusers from one single town referred for assessment, convergent and discriminant validity of the MCMI‐III and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) diagnoses was conducted. Additional measures included the Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory.

Results. A single Axis I factor based on the raw scores correlated adequately with the factor based on the other scales (r= .85), whereas the correlation between the factor based on the MCMI‐III baserate scores was somewhat lower (r= .74), but still indicated substantial convergent validity. For individual disorders, area under the curve (AUC) analyses suggested that the convergent validity of the MCMI‐III and the MINI was adequate. The raw score scales were superior to the baserate adjusted scores in all but one case. Discriminant validity was good for alcohol and drug dependence, moderate for major depression and delusion, and poor for thought disorder and anxiety.

Conclusions. The MCMI‐III clinical syndrome scales generally measure the constructs they were intended for. The data did not support that the adjustments used in calculating the baserate scores improved validity.
Analytic representation theory of Lie groups: general theory and analytic globalizations of Harish-Chandra modules
Authors: Gimperlein Heiko , Krötz Bernhard , Schlichtkrull Henrik
Published: June 2011

In this article a general framework for studying analytic representations of a real Lie groupGis introduced. Fundamental topological properties of the representations are analyzed. A notion of temperedness for analytic representations is introduced, which indicates the existence of an action of a certain natural algebra 𝒜(G) of analytic functions of rapid decay. For reductive groups every Harish-Chandra moduleVis shown to admit a unique tempered analytic globalization, which is generated byVand 𝒜(G) and which embeds as the space of analytic vectors in all Banach globalizations of V.
ℤ[1/p]-motivic resolution of singularities
Authors: Bondarko M. V.
Published: June 2011

The main goal of this paper is to deduce (from a recent resolution of singularities result of Gabber) the following fact: (effective) Chow motives with ℤ[1/p]-coefficients over a perfect fieldkof characteristicpgenerate the categoryDMeffgm[1/p] (of effective geometric Voevodsky’s motives with ℤ[1/p]-coefficients). It follows thatDMeffgm[1/p] can be endowed with a Chow weight structurewChowwhose heart isChoweff[1/p] (weight structures were introduced in a preceding paper, where the existence ofwChowforDMeffgmℚ was also proved). As shown in previous papers, this statement immediately yields the existence of a conservative weight complex functorDMeffgm[1/p]→Kb(Choweff[1/p]) (which induces an isomorphism onK0-groups), as well as the existence of canonical and functorial (Chow)-weight spectral sequences and weight filtrations for any cohomology theory onDMeffgm[1/p] . We also mention a certain Chowt-structure forDMeff−[1/p] and relate it with unramified cohomology.
Recombinant Origin of the Retrovirus XMRV
Authors: Paprotka Tobias , Delviks-Frankenberry Krista A. , Cingöz Oya , Martinez Anthony , Kung Hsing-Jien , Tepper Clifford G. , Hu Wei-Shau , Fivash Matthew J. , Coffin John M. , Pathak Vinay K.
Published: June 2011

Analysis of the origin of XMRV suggests that links between the virus and human disease are due to laboratory contamination.
DPP4 Joins Weight Watchers
Authors: Cheng Mickie H.
Published: June 2011

In patients with metabolic syndrome, human visceral fat secretes an adipokine DPP4 that impairs insulin signaling in muscle, potentially contributing to insulin resistance.
Old Dogs and New Tricks
Authors: Hong David S.
Published: June 2011

A combination of standard cytotoxic chemotherapies used for other cancers extends overall survival for pancreatic cancer patients.
Molecular Sleuthing: Linking Leprosy and Armadillos
Authors: Nyendak Melissa
Published: June 2011

Investigators use molecular epidemiology to link leprosy with armadillo exposure, suggesting a new zoonotic mode of transmission.