bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes and Opinion about Adverse Drug Events of Women Living in a City of South Italy
Authors: Salvo Francesco , Miroddi Marco , Alibrandi Angela , Calapai Fabrizio , Cafeo Viviana , Mancari Ferdinando , Gangemi Sebastiano , Caputi Achille P. , Calapai Gioacchino
Published: February 2013

Background/Aim: Perception of risk of adverse drug events (ADEs) is different between health and nonhealth professionals, but these differences have not been investigated sufficiently in the general population. Women are more affected by ADEs. With the aim to investigate ADE risk perception in a sample of nonhealth professional women of South Italy, we carried out a phone survey. Methods: Phone survey based on a structured questionnaire on educational level, type of work, lifestyle, comorbidity, and medication used of 1,050 inhabitants of the city of Messina (Italy). Results: 744 responders, divided into an ADE group (n = 162) and a non-ADE group, were analyzed. Most used drugs were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (37.0%) and antibiotics (29.6%). Reported disorders related to drug intake were general malaise (25.9%), gastrointestinal complaints (24.1%), and skin reactions (20.4%). Younger age and higher educational level, along with allergic diseases and food intolerances were more frequently reported in the ADE group. Women from the ADE group were better informed about drug risks (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Higher risk perception for ADEs in women is associated with higher educational level, food intolerance/allergic diseases, and choice of alternative or complementary medicines. Difference in perception of risk exists within the female population, which can cause overreporting or underreporting of ADEs.
Steroid Withdrawal in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Allows Better Growth, Lipids and Body Composition: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mericq Veronica , Salas Paulina , Pinto Viola , Cano Francisco , Reyes Loreto , Brown Keenan , Gonzalez Magdalena , Michea Luis , Delgado Iris , Delucchi Angela
Published: February 2013

Background: Glucocorticoid immunosuppressant therapy in pediatric kidney transplant (Tx) recipients does not allow the improvement of growth after Tx. Objective: To determine the effect of early steroid withdrawal (SW) on longitudinal growth, insulin sensitivity (IS), and body composition (BC). Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, multicenter study in Tx. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), IS, and BC (DEXA/pQCT) were determined at baseline and up to 12 months after Tx. Results: A total of 30 patients were examined; 14 patients were assigned to the SW group (7 male, 7 female; 12 in Tanner stage I) and 16 patients were assigned to the steroid control (SC) group (10 male, 6 female;12 in Tanner stage I). Their chronological age was 7.8 ± 4.3 years, height was -2.3 ± 0.99 SD scores (SDS), and body mass index -0.3 ± 1.2 SDS. After 1 year, the SW group showed an increase in height SDS (+1.2 ± 0.22 vs. +0.60 ± 0.13 SDS in the SC group, p < 0.02), lower IGFBP3 (p < 0.05), cholesterol (p < 0.05), and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05). SW patients had lower trunk fat with no differences in IS. Only in prepubertal patients, the SW group had lower glycemia (p < 0.05), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.01), triglycerides (p < 0.05), triglycerides/glycemia index (TyG; p < 0.02), and better lean mass. Both groups showed an improvement in lean mass after kidney Tx. Conclusions: SW improved longitudinal growth, lipid profile, and trunk and lean fat in Tx patients. In prepubertal recipients, the decrease in TyG suggests better IS.
Intentional Weight Loss and Dose Reductions of Antihypertensive Medications: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shantha Ghanshyam Palamaner Subash , Kumar Anita Ashok , Kahan Scott , Cheah Sang Yun , Cheskin Lawrence J.
Published: February 2013

Background: Though it is well known that weight loss tends to decrease blood pressure, the quantitative association between the magnitude of weight loss and the effect on the need for antihypertensive medications is not well studied. We analyzed this association among overweight and obese attendees at two outpatient weight management centers. Methods: Case records of patients with a body mass index >25 at baseline were analyzed. The weight loss intervention consisted of a calorie-restricted diet (~1,000 kcal/day deficit), a behavior modification plan, and a plan for increasing physical activity. Results: The study cohort consisted of 100 participants, and the mean follow-up period was 15 ± 3.5 months. Significant weight loss (12.2 ± 3.4 kg) and systolic/diastolic blood pressure reductions (9.1/6.3 mm Hg) were observed by study exit. For 5, 10, and 15% weight loss, respectively, 3, 39, and 39% of the patients achieved at least 1 discontinuation of any antihypertensive medication, and 8, 42, and 21 dose reductions were achieved. Dose reductions or discontinuations occurred in all classes of antihypertensive medications with similar magnitudes of weight loss. Conclusions: Intentional weight loss can potentially result in dose reductions/discontinuations of antihypertensive medications. Our results should be validated with data from larger randomized controlled studies and may help to inform the conduct of a systematic review of prior randomized controlled trials that contain data on medication changes accompanying weight loss.
Identification of a Functional Apolipoprotein E Promoter Polymorphism Regulating Plasma Apolipoprotein E Concentration
Authors: Mannila Maria Nastase , Mahdessian Hovsep , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Eggertsen Gösta , de Faire Ulf , Syvänen Ann-Christine , Eriksson Per , Hamsten Anders , van ’t Hooft Ferdinand M.
Published: February 2013

Objective—

There is compelling evidence that the plasma apolipoprotein E (APOE) concentration, in addition to the
APOE
ε2/ε3/ε4 genotype, influences plasma lipoprotein levels, but the functional genetic variants influencing the plasma APOE concentration have not been identified.

Approach and Results—

Genome-wide association studies in 2 cohorts of healthy, middle-aged subjects identified the
APOE
locus as the only genetic locus showing robust associations with the plasma APOE concentration. Fine-mapping of the
APOE
locus confirmed that the rs7412 ε2-allele is the primary genetic variant responsible for the relationship with plasma APOE concentration. Further mapping of the
APOE
locus uncovered that rs769446 (−427T/C) in the
APOE
promoter is independently associated with the plasma APOE concentration. Expression studies in 199 human liver samples demonstrated that the rs769446 C-allele is associated with increased
APOE
mRNA levels (
P
=0.015). Transient transfection studies and electrophoretic mobility shift assays in human hepatoma HepG2 cells corroborated the role of rs769446 in transcriptional regulation of
APOE
. However, no relationships were found between rs769446 genotype and plasma lipoprotein levels in 2 cohorts (n=1648 and n=1039) of healthy middle-aged carriers of the
APOE
ε3/ε3 genotype.

Conclusions—

rs769446 is a functional polymorphism involved in the regulation of the plasma APOE concentration.
Parkinsonism is a Late, Not Rare, Feature of CADASIL
Authors: Ragno Michele , Berbellini Alfonso , Cacchiò Gabriella , Manca Antonio , Di Marzio Fabio , Pianese Luigi , De Rosa Anna , Silvestri Serena , Scarcella Maria , De Michele Giuseppe
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose—

To describe parkinsonism as a clinical manifestation of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy.

Methods—

We report 5 patients carrying the R1006C mutation in the exon 19 of
NOTCH3
gene. All cases presented late onset, slowly progressive parkinsonism, not responsive to l-dopa. We performed brain MRI and
123
I-FP-CIT SPECT in all and in 3 additional patients carrying the same mutation but without parkinsonism. Four patients with parkinsonism underwent myocardial
123
I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy.

Results—

In all patients, brain MRI showed widespread ischemic lesions in the periventricular white matter, the internal and external capsules, the basal ganglia, and thalami.
123
I-FP-CIT SPECT showed symmetrical or asymmetrical reduction of tracer uptake in the putamen, with inconstant caudate involvement. Myocardial
123
I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy resulted normal. Nigrostriatal denervation was also demonstrated in 2 patients without parkinsonism.

Conclusions—

In cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, parkinsonism may be a not rare, late onset manifestation. The clinical picture, the lack of response to dopaminergic treatment, and MRI findings suggest a vascular parkinsonism, which may be preceded by a protracted presymptomatic phase.
Changing Demographics at a Comprehensive Stroke Center Amidst the Rise in Primary Stroke Centers
Authors: Albright Karen C. , Boehme Amelia K. , Mullen Michael T. , Seals Samantha , Grotta James C. , Savitz Sean I.
Published: February 2013

Background—

The creation of The Joint Commission primary stroke centers (PSCs) has increased access to acute stroke care in metropolitan areas. We hypothesized that the rise in PSCs in the Houston area was associated with demographic changes and decreased trial enrollment at our comprehensive stroke center.

Methods—

Consecutive admissions to the UT Houston stroke team from January 2005 to June 2011 were reviewed for demographic and clinical information. Patient characteristics were compared across years. Logistic regression was performed to assess the odds of admission per year.

Results—

During the 6.5-year study period, there were 6623 admissions. Admissions increased each year. The proportion of patients transferred from other hospitals to our Comprehensive Stroke Center increased from 24.6% in 2005 to 45.5% in 2011. The number of The Joint Commission PSCs in the greater Houston area increased from 2 to 15. The percentage of large artery occlusions fell from 32.9% in 2005 to a low of 16.4% in 2010, whereas minor strokes (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, 0–5) increased from 37.4% in 2005 to 48.6% in 2011. Among stroke patients presenting within 3 hours, study enrollment fell from 45.8% in 2005 to 19.3% in 2011.

Conclusions—

We observed a temporal association between the changes in our patient demographics and the number of The Joint Commission PSCs in Houston. The number of large artery occlusions decreased over time, whereas the number of mild strokes increased. In addition, the number of patients enrolled into clinical trials substantially decreased. Increased access to stroke care at PSCs may be associated with changes in patient demographics and clinical trial enrollment at our center.
E-Commerce in Africa: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Ndonga Dennis
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Trade in Africa has the potential to be revolutionized by Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), which have led to the development of e-commerce. These technologies have the capacity to boost intra-country and inter-country trade and subsequently promote economic development in African countries. However, many African States are yet to reap the full benefits of e-commerce, as it has not penetrated the continent to the extent experienced by Western countries. The lack of adequate ICT infrastructure, lack of basic ICT knowledge and threat of cybercrimes has created a significant barrier to the adoption and growth of e-commerce in many African countries. This article analyses the persisting digital divide barriers that have inhibited the penetration of e-commerce in Africa and suggests regulatory solutions to resolving them.
Customary Law and Authority in a State under Construction: The Case of South Sudan
Authors: Hessbruegge Jan Arno
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Customary law in South Sudan is a powerful symbol of emancipation from two centuries of external domination, and paradoxically, also the product of such external domination. Most citizens of the world’s newest state rely more on customary laws and local authorities to regulate their conflicts than on other civilian state institutions and statutory law. At the current juncture, influential decision-makers in and outside the government are pushing to develop Sudan’s customary laws into a Common Law for South Sudan. However, the legacy of the armed conflict, including patterns of militarization, and the ongoing modernization of society, pose challenges for customary systems. Furthermore, customary systems exhibit certain human rights deficits and, therefore, need to be made compatible with the constitutional framework of South Sudan. The recognition of customary authority and law as an essential part of the governance structure, coupled with targeted engagement and reform, are indispensable elements of state and peace building in South Sudan. The government and its external partners must walk a tightrope to integrate the local capacity offered by the customary system into their wider efforts without inadvertently stifling its potential to reform from within or undermining democratically elected institutions.
Communicating Sustainability
Authors: Cranz Galen , Lindsay Georgia , Morhayim Lusi , Lin Annie
Published: February 2013

As the United States adjusts to the necessity of ecological sustainability, buildings play an important role because of their use of resources—and because they are potent nonverbal symbols of new societal values. The David Brower Center in Berkeley, California, strives to be a model for sustainability. Environmental impact is often the focus of those concerned with sustainability, but here, additionally, the designers aim to raise public awareness of sustainability through the building. For this reason, this building became the site for a postoccupancy evaluation class exercise; architecture students analyzed the building and what it communicates about sustainability from the perspective of its users. Findings indicate that many people did not adequately read the building’s green design characteristics: Social and symbolic communication could be improved by increasing signage and evolving clearer symbolism for “green.”
Statin therapy does not improve lung function in asthma: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Si Xiao-bei , Zhang Shuo , Huo Lin-yu , Dai Wen-li , Wang Hai-long
Published: February 2013

Objective

To assess the efficacy of statins in the treatment of asthma.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials that measured the efficacy of statins in the treatment of asthma, and a meta-analysis of the pooled data was performed.

Results

Five trials were identified; four met the inclusion criteria (total number of patients 200). Compared with controls, patients in the statin groups had higher forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) values before inhaled corticosteroids (0.09 l, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.06, 0.23), higher FEV1 values after inhaled corticosteroids (0.06 l, 95% CI −0.09, 0.22), and higher morning peak expiratory flow rates (9.87 l, 95% CI −15.66, 35.40). These results were not statistically significant and, furthermore, publication bias was detected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is currently insufficient evidence to show that statins improve lung function in patients with asthma.
Gelatin gel as a carrier of platelet-derived growth factors
Authors: Suzuki Shuko , Morimoto Natsumi , Ikada Yoshito
Published: February 2013

Currently, patient’s own growth factors from platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin have been clinically used for repair and regeneration of defective tissues. In platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin, fibrin gel is formed from blood fibrinogen and functions as a carrier for growth factors. In this study, the growth factors were extracted from the platelet-rich fibrin and incorporated into a gelatin gel by mixing the platelet-rich fibrin extract and gelatin solution before cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. About 70% of TGF-β1 was found to be released in vitro from the gelatin gel containing the platelet-rich fibrin extract into phosphate-buffered saline (–) in 7 days. The gelatin gel containing basic fibroblast growth factor, prepared as a comparison, showed a similar release profile. The gelatin gels were slowly degraded with time after subcutaneous implantation on the back of rats, and the gel containing the platelet-rich fibrin extract strongly induced neovascularization and granulation tissue formation around the implantation site compared to the gel only and the gel containing basic fibroblast growth factor, platelet-rich plasma, or platelet-rich fibrin. The gelatin gel containing the platelet-rich fibrin extract was attempted as wound dressing on a full-thickness skin defect model. After 2 weeks of application, the gel was found to be more effective in acceleration of wound healing than the commonly used platelet-rich plasma.
Healing properties of surface-coated polycaprolactone-co-lactide scaffolds: A pilot study in sheep
Authors: Rentsch Claudia , Schneiders Wolfgang , Hess Ricarda , Rentsch Barbe , Bernhardt Ricardo , Spekl Kathrin , Schneider Konrad , Scharnweber Dieter , Biewener Achim , Rammelt Stefan
Published: February 2013

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the bioactive, surface-coated polycaprolactone-co-lactide scaffolds as bone implants in a tibia critical size defect model. Polycaprolactone-co-lactide scaffolds were coated with collagen type I and chondroitin sulfate and 30 piled up polycaprolactone-co-lactide scaffolds were implanted into a 3 cm sheep tibia critical size defect for 3 or 12 months ( n = 5 each). Bone healing was estimated by quantification of bone volume in the defects on computer tomography and microcomputer tomography scans, plain radiographs, biomechanical testing as well as by histological evaluations. New bone formation occurred at the proximal and distal ends of the tibia in both groups. The current pilot study revealed a mean new bone formation of 63% and 172% after 3 and 12 months, respectively. The bioactive, surface coated, highly porous three-dimensional polycaprolactone-co-lactide scaffold stack itself acted as a guide rail for new bone formation along and into the implant. These preliminary data are encouraging for future experiments with a larger group of animals.
Adhesion and differentiation of neuronal cells on Zn-doped bioactive glasses
Authors: Sabbatini Maurizio , Boccafoschi Francesca , Bosetti Michela , Cannas Mario
Published: February 2013

To verify the compatibility of rigid supports with neuronal cells for biomechanical application, we have evaluated the biocompatibility of Zn-doped bioglasses versus neuronal cell line SKNBE. Undifferentiated and retinoic acid-differentiated cells were used. We have observed that bioglasses doped with low concentration of Zn favored cell adhesion and proliferation of undifferentiated SKNBE neuronal cells, while the high Zn concentration strongly interfered with cell proliferation. Instead the high Zn concentration lightly stimulates the adhesive and strongly stimulates the phenotype characterization of differentiated SKNBE cells. Focal contact sites were observed in cells performing spread adhesive morphology, while they were down-regulated in cells performing differentiation behavior. GAP-43 and neurofilament were expressed in differentiated cells. However, GAP-43 was also found to be expressed in undifferentiated cells, where its expression seems related to proliferative behavior of cells. This work evidenced the importance of the biomaterial chemical structure in influencing proliferation or differentiation pathways of neuronal cells.
What Should Teachers’ Unions Do in a Time of Educational Crisis? An Essay Review of Lois Weiner’s The Future of Our Schools
Authors: Apple Michael W.
Published: February 2013

What roles can and should teachers’ unions play in the deliberations, debates, and conflicts over school reform in a time when education sits at the center of so much of our economic, political, ideological, and cultural tensions? Lois Weiner’s new book, The Future of Our Schools: Teachers Unions and Social Justice, speaks directly to this question. While supportive of unions and their historical and current contributions, Weiner is quite critical of the ways teachers’ unions as organizations function and of many of the dominant political and educational positions that teachers’ unions have taken. Weiner articulates an alternative, “social movement unionism.” While not as fully developed as it might be, her position is thoughtful and provocative when grounded in the lost history of the very beginnings of teacher unionism in the United States and also in current examples of more socially involved efforts of union members here and elsewhere.
Tolerancing subjective and uncertain customer requirements regarding perceived product quality
Authors: Quattelbaum Bastian , Knispel Jens , Falk Björn , Schmitt Robert
Published: February 2013

Defining “quality” from customers’ perspective and controlling it throughout the product development process is a fuzzy and enduring task, especially for companies that are, simultaneously, fighting cost pressure and shortening product and technology life cycles. The poor predictability of customer demands complicates the definition of established requirements. During the product development process, product experts interpret the customer requirements and transfer them into product specifications. Due to the subjective nature of customer demands and the vast field of human perception, a huge number of product parameters have to be analyzed and specified to assure a comprehensive and successful approach. In order to keep an adequate cost–value ratio in production, it is not possible to pinpoint “hard” tolerances for each parameter. This article depicts the structured approach to choose the parameters, which are relevant for the customers’ quality judgment, and to tolerance “soft” customer perceptions. The emphasis lies on defining and scaling product parameters by combining product tests, interviews and focus groups for evaluation and interpretation by statistical means. Furthermore, the gathered information will be transferred into a “describing” specification, which will be supported by a tolerancing process based on statistical means.
A new method for determining load distributions among rollers of bearing with manufacturing errors
Authors: Yu Shudong , Wang Delun , Dong Huiming , Wang Baokun
Published: February 2013

A new method is presented in this article to determine loads on all rollers in a cylindrical roller bearing. By introducing a pair of nonlinear springs for contact of each roller with its inner and outer races, the equations of equilibrium of the multi-component system are established by means of the virtual work principle. A set of linear complementary equations are deduced and solved using the Lemke algorithm for gaps and contact forces between all potentially engaged components. An iterative scheme is employed to effectively deal with the nonlinearity of the Hertzian contact between non-conforming bodies. Numerical results for a 19-roller cylindrical bearing, having various combinations of roller sizes, show that the proposed method is convergent and accurate. With this method, effects of uneven roller sizes caused by manufacturing errors, on load distributions can be accurately and efficiently determined. The proposed method can be extended to deal with other types of manufacturing errors such as uneven roller angular spacing, eccentricity, ovality, friction, etc., which are of significant interest to the bearing manufacturers.
Take me to my leader
Authors: Storch Janet , Makaroff Kara Schick , Pauly Bernie , Newton Lorelei
Published: February 2013

Although ethical leadership by formal nurse leaders is critical to enhancing ethical health-care practice, research has shown that many nurses feel unsupported by their leaders. In this article, we consider the limited attention directed toward ethical leadership of formal nurse leaders and how our own research on ethical nurse leadership compares to other research in this field. In searching Nursing Ethics since its inception 20 years ago, we found only a dozen articles that directly addressed this topic. We then reviewed nurses’ professional codes of ethics in Canada and found significant retractions of ethical guidelines for formal nurse leaders’ ethical responsibilities over the past decade. We began to seek explanations of why this is so and offer some recommendations for the study and enhancement of ethics for formal nurse leadership.
Response to the Hughes et al. Paper on Differential Response
Authors: Baird Christopher , Park Katherine , Lohrbach Suzanne
Published: February 2013

Ronald Hughes, Judith Rycus, and their colleagues have produced a seminal review of differential response (DR) programs implemented across the nation. Their review questions nearly every aspect of the DR movement, beginning with the concept on which all DR programs are based and ending with serious concerns about the quality of evaluations conducted to date. Given current support for DR initiatives and wide variation of existing DR models, not all in the social sciences will agree with their conclusions. Nevertheless, this review represents the type of analysis critical to advancing practice in the field. Although many issues are raised in the Hughes et al. review, our response focuses on four critical points, which we believe represent the core problems identified. These include the concept that serves as the foundation for the DR movement, the role of assessments, and the primary problems with evaluations conducted to date.
The Good Lives Model or Relapse Prevention
Authors: Barnett Georgia D. , Manderville-Norden Rebecca , Rakestrow Janine
Published: February 2013

This study compared changes in psychometric scores over treatment for a sample of convicted male sexual offenders who had attended a traditional relapse prevention (RP) program in the community, to those who had attended a revised version of the program based on the good lives (GL) model of offender rehabilitation. The sample consisted of a total of 601 offenders either serving sentences in the community or on probation in the community following release from custody. The sample attended one of two programs operating in the community, both of which delivered an RP and GL version of the program. The groups were compared on their level of psychometric change over treatment on individual measures, on measures grouped by dynamic risk domain, and on overall psychometric change, using a variety of analyses, including examination of clinically significant change. There were no differences in amount of change over treatment or, for those deemed as requiring change, clinically significant change, by program approach, for the majority of the measures examined. However, chi-square analyses indicated that there was an association between attending the GL version of the programs and sustaining a functional score across a number of measures of pro-offending attitudes and across measures of socioaffective functioning, posttreatment. In addition, achieving an overall “treated profile” on the psychometrics posttreatment was associated with attendance on the GL versions of the community programs, although the GL starters were less dysfunctional than the RP starters. Attrition rates were low for both the RP and GL programs, and there was no difference in rates between the two.
ADHD Symptoms and Academic Adjustment to College
Authors: Jones Heather A. , Rabinovitch Annie E. , Hubbard Rebecca R.
Published: February 2013

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to examine relationships among parenting style, symptoms of ADHD, and academic adjustment in college students. Specifically, we investigated whether parenting style may act as a buffer in the negative relationship between ADHD symptoms and academic adjustment. Method: Participants were 200 undergraduate students attending a large public university. Questionnaires measuring their ADHD symptoms, parent’s parenting style, and academic adjustment were completed. Results: Results indicated small but significant moderation effects for authoritarian parenting and authoritative parenting on the relationship between ADHD symptoms and academic adjustment. Conclusion: Although research has revealed that different parenting styles may relate to different outcomes in children with ADHD, for young adults, the effects of parenting on academic adjustment may be diluted. Future research should investigate variables that may be more salient predictors of functional outcomes for this population, such as organizational skills.
Mineral metabolism in growing cats: changes in the values of blood parameters with age
Authors: Pineda Carmen , Aguilera-Tejero Escolastico , Guerrero Fatima , Raya Ana I , Rodriguez Mariano , Lopez Ignacio
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to describe changes in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, parathyroid hormone, calcitriol and calcidiol in cats from 3 to 15 months of age. Fourteen European shorthair healthy cats of both sexes (seven males, seven females) belonging to a research colony were studied from 3 to 15 months of age. Plasma concentrations of total calcium, ionised calcium, albumin, phosphorus, magnesium, intact parathyroid hormone (I-PTH), whole parathyroid hormone (W-PTH), calcidiol and calcitriol were measured at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months of age. From 3 months of age to adulthood cats showed a decrease in calcium (both total and ionised), phosphorus and magnesium. No major changes in PTH were evident, although the ratio of W-PTH:I-PTH decreased significantly with age. A reciprocal change in vitamin D metabolites (decrease in calcitriol and increase in calcidiol) was identified during the growing process. Our results, showing changes in most parameters of mineral metabolism during growth, reinforce the need to use adequate age-related reference values for diagnostic purposes.
Hypotension and ischaemic stroke associated with aliskiren in the ALTITUDE trial: Sensitisation of the Bezold–Jarisch reflex?
Authors: Sever Peter
Published: February 2013

Hypotension and syncopal attacks have been reported in association with drugs which block the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). It has been proposed that the underlying mechanism is due to sensitisation of the Bezold–Jarisch reflex leading to withdrawal of sympathetic tone, profound and prolonged bradycardia, and hypotension. Sensitisation of this reflex occurs in the presence of blockade of the RAAS. In the ALTITUDE trial the use of the direct renin inhibitor, aliskiren, was associated with hypotensive episodes and an excess of ischaemic stroke. It is hypothesised that this is best explained by activation of the Bezold–Jarisch reflex, which may be particularly important in circumstances where there is dual blockade of the RAAS.
Photographic Examination of Student Lunches in Schools Using the Balanced School Day Versus Traditional School Day Schedules
Authors: Dorman Sandra C. , Gauthier Alain P. , Laurence Michelle , Thirkill Laura , Kabaroff J. Lynn
Published: February 2013

Background. Canadian schools have broadly adopted a schedule where school days are divided into 3 blocks with 2 breaks. Given childhood obesity rates, changes affecting diet should be examined. The aim of this study was to (1) compare calories and composition of lunches from students attending schools, using different schedules; and (2) analyze elementary student lunches. Methods. Diary logs and photographs were taken of lunches on 4 days. Meals were analyzed using a nutrition software program, and differences between number of beverages, calories, and nutrients were examined for different schedules. Results. A total of 117 students (81% response rate) in grades 3 to 6 participated. Students using the Balanced School Day schedule had more beverages than the Traditional School Day schedule (BSD, 1.42; TSD, 1.18; P = .04). There were no other significant differences in nutritional content of food, based on schedule. In general, student lunches were high in sugar and salt and low in fiber, fruit, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Conclusions. Except beverages, the schedule did not affect student lunches. Parents/guardians should (1) increase fruits and vegetables, (2) limit desserts and snacks, (3) supply 1% or skim milk, (4) discontinue fruit juice and sugar-based beverages, and (5) increase higher-fiber, grain-based foods and legumes. These initiatives require community support.
Making Statistical Methods More Useful
Authors: Wood Michael
Published: February 2013

I present a critique of the methods used in a typical article. This leads to three broad conclusions about the conventional use of statistical methods. First, results are often reported in an unnecessarily obscure manner. Second, the null hypothesis testing paradigm is deeply flawed: Estimating the size of effects and citing confidence intervals or levels is usually better. Third, there are several issues, independent of the particular statistical concepts employed, which limit the value of any statistical approach—for example, difficulties of generalizing to different contexts and the weakness of some research in terms of the size of the effects found. The first two of these are easily remedied—I illustrate some of the possibilities by reanalyzing the data from the case study article—and the third means that in some contexts, a statistical approach may not be worthwhile. My case study is a management article, but similar problems arise in other social sciences.
Novel interferon-based pre-transplantation conditioning in the treatment of a congenital metabolic disorder
Authors: Sato Taku , Ikeda Mahoko , Yotsumoto Satoshi , Shimada Yohta , Higuchi Takashi , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Fukuda Takahiro , Ohashi Toya , Suda Toshio , Ohteki Toshiaki
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Type I IFN preconditioning enhances HSC engraftment efficiency. IFN-based pre-transplant conditioning is applicable to the treatment of Sly syndrome.
Histone modifications in the male germ line of Drosophilaa
Authors: Hennig Wolfgang , Weyrich Alexandra
Published: February 2013

Background

In the male germ line of Drosophila chromatin remains decondensed and highly transcribed during meiotic prophase until it is rapidly compacted. A large proportion of the cell cycle-regulated histone H3.1 is replaced by H3.3, a histone variant encoded outside the histone repeat cluster and not subject to cell cycle controlled expression.

Results

We investigated histone modification patterns in testes of D. melanogaster and D. hydei. In somatic cells of the testis envelope and in germ cells these modification patterns differ from those typically seen in eu- and heterochromatin of other somatic cells. During the meiotic prophase some modifications expected in active chromatin are not found or are found at low level. The absence of H4K16ac suggests that dosage compensation does not take place. Certain histone modifications correspond to either the cell cycle-regulated histone H3.1 or to the testis-specific variant H3.3. In spermatogonia we found H3K9 methylation in cytoplasmic histones, most likely corresponding to the H3.3 histone variant. Most histone modifications persist throughout the meiotic divisions. The majority of modifications persist until the early spermatid nuclei, and only a minority further persist until the final chromatin compaction stages before individualization of the spermatozoa.

Conclusion

Histone modification patterns in the male germ line differ from expected patterns. They are consistent with an absence of dosage compensation of the X chromosome during the male meiotic prophase. The cell cycle-regulated histone variant H3.1 and H3.3, expressed throughout the cell cycle, also vary in their modification patterns. Postmeiotically, we observed a highly complex pattern of the histone modifications until late spermatid nuclear elongation stages. This may be in part due to postmeiotic transcription and in part to differential histone replacement during chromatin condensation.
Empirical Bayesian LASSO-logistic regression for multiple binary trait locus mapping
Authors: Huang Anhui , Xu Shizhong , Cai Xiaodong
Published: February 2013

Background

Complex binary traits are influenced by many factors including the main effects of many quantitative trait loci (QTLs), the epistatic effects involving more than one QTLs, environmental effects and the effects of gene-environment interactions. Although a number of QTL mapping methods for binary traits have been developed, there still lacks an efficient and powerful method that can handle both main and epistatic effects of a relatively large number of possible QTLs.

Results

In this paper, we use a Bayesian logistic regression model as the QTL model for binary traits that includes both main and epistatic effects. Our logistic regression model employs hierarchical priors for regression coefficients similar to the ones used in the Bayesian LASSO linear model for multiple QTL mapping for continuous traits. We develop efficient empirical Bayesian algorithms to infer the logistic regression model. Our simulation study shows that our algorithms can easily handle a QTL model with a large number of main and epistatic effects on a personal computer, and outperform five other methods examined including the LASSO, HyperLasso, BhGLM, RVM and the single-QTL mapping method based on logistic regression in terms of power of detection and false positive rate. The utility of our algorithms is also demonstrated through analysis of a real data set. A software package implementing the empirical Bayesian algorithms in this paper is freely available upon request.

Conclusions

The EBLASSO logistic regression method can handle a large number of effects possibly including the main and epistatic QTL effects, environmental effects and the effects of gene-environment interactions. It will be a very useful tool for multiple QTLs mapping for complex binary traits.
Pause-melting misalignment: a novel model for the birth and motif indel of tandem repeats in the mitochondrial genome
Authors: Shi Wei , Kong Xiao-Yu , Wang Zhong-Ming , Yu Shan-Shan , Chen Hai-Xia , De Stasio Elizabeth A
Published: February 2013

Background

Tandem repeats (TRs) in the mitochondrial (mt) genome control region have been documented in a wide variety of vertebrate species. The mechanism by which repeated tracts originate and undergo duplication and deletion, however, remains unclear.

Results

We analyzed DNA sequences of mt genome TRs (mtTRs) in the ridged-eye flounder (Pleuronichthys cornutus), and characterized DNA sequences of mtTRs from other vertebrates using the data available in GenBank. Tandem repeats are concentrated in the control regions; however, we found approximately 16.6% of the TRs elsewhere in the mt genome. The flounder mtTRs possess three motif types with hypervariable characteristics at the 3′ end of the control region (CR).

Conclusion

Based on our analysis of this larger dataset of mtTR sequences, we propose a novel model of Pause Melting Misalignment (PMM) to describe the birth and motif indel of tandem repeats. PMM is activated during a pause event in mitochondrial replication in which a dynamic competition between the nascent (N) heavy strand and the displaced (D) heavy strand may lead to the melting of the N-strand from the template (T) light strand. When mispairing occurs during rebinding of the N-strand, one or several motifs can be inserted or deleted in both strands during the next round of mt-replication or repair. This model can explain the characteristics of TRs in available vertebrate mt genomes.
Prognostic value of C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Oh Byong Sun , Jang Jeong Won , Kwon Jung Hyun , You Chan Ran , Chung Kyu Won , Kay Chul Seung , Jung Hyun Suk , Lee Seungok
Published: February 2013

Background

Accumulating evidence indicates that components of the systemic inflammatory response, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), have been associated with prognosis of various cancers. We aimed to elucidate whether CRP and NLR could serve as potential surrogate markers for response and survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The study population consisted of 318 consecutive patients with HCC. CRP and NLR were measured at baseline with follow-up measurements.

Results

With the mean follow-up of 13.9 months, the median survival time was 13.8 months. Child-Pugh class, tumor size > 5 cm, tumor multiplicity, presence of portal vein thrombosis, α-fetoprotein > 200 ng/mL, CRP > 6.3 mg/L and NLR > 2.3 were identified as independent factors for worse survival of HCC (all p < 0.05). Patients with elevated CRP (> 6.3 mg/L) and elevated NLR (> 2.3) had a significantly shorter overall survival than those with low CRP and low NLR (all p < 0.001). The combined use of CRP and NLR provided incremental prognostic information. With significant inter-correlations, levels of CRP and NLR escalated with aggravating Child-Pugh class from A to C or progressing tumor stage from I to IV. CRP and NLR on baseline and serial measurements were well predictive of treatment response (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

CRP and NLR are independent indicators for survival in HCC patients, reflecting tumor burden and hepatic reserve. Their role in predicting tumor response and survival is more enhanced when used in combination. This study suggests that CRP and NLR are important prognostic biomarkers for HCC.
OCT4 increases BIRC5 and CCND1 expression and promotes cancer progression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cao Lu , Li Chunguang , Shen Shuwen , Yan Yan , Ji Weidan , Wang Jinghan , Qian Haihua , Jiang Xiaoqing , Li Zhigang , Wu Mengchao , Zhang Ying , Su Changqing
Published: February 2013

Background

OCT4 and BIRC5 are preferentially expressed in human cancer cells and mediate cancer cell survival and tumor maintenance. However, the molecular mechanism that regulates OCT4 and BIRC5 expression is not well characterized.

Methods

By manipulating OCT4 and BIRC5 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, the regulatory mechanism of OCT4 on BIRC5 and CCND1 were investigated.

Results

Increasing or decreasing OCT4 expression could enhance or suppress BIRC5 expression, respectively, by regulating the activity of BIRC5 promoter. Because there is no binding site for OCT4 within BIRC5 promoter, the effect of OCT4 on BIRC5 promoter is indirect. An octamer motif for OCT4 in the CCND1 promoter has directly and partly participated in the regulation of CCND1 promoter activity, suggesting that OCT4 also could upregulated the expression of CCND1. Co-suppression of OCT4 and BIRC5 induced cancer cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, thereby efficiently inhibiting the proliferative activity of cancer cells and suppressing the growth of HCC xenogrfts in nude mice.

Conclusion

OCT4 can upregulate BIRC5 and CCND1 expression by increasing their promoter activity. These factors collusively promotes HCC cell proliferation, and co-suppression of OCT4 and BIRC5 is potentially beneficial for HCC treatment.
Chemical constituents and antihistamine activity of Bixa orellana leaf extract
Authors: Yong Yoke Keong , Zakaria Zainul Amiruddin , Kadir Arifah Abdul , Somchit Muhammad Nazrul , Ee Cheng Lian Gwendoline , Ahmad Zuraini
Published: February 2013

Background

Bixa orellana L. has been traditionally used in Central and South America to treat a number of ailments, including internal inflammation, and in other tropical countries like Malaysia as treatment for gastric ulcers and stomach discomfort. The current study aimed to determine the major chemical constituents of the aqueous extract of B. orellana (AEBO) and to evaluate the antihistamine activity of AEBO during acute inflammation induced in rats.

Methods

Acute inflammation was produced by subplantar injection of 0.1 mL of 0.1% histamine into the right hind paw of each rat in the control and treatment groups. The degree of edema was measured before injection and at the time points of 30, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 min after injection. Changes of peritoneal vascular permeability were studied using Evans blue dye as a detector. Vascular permeability was evaluated by the amount of dye leakage into the peritoneal cavity in rats. To evaluate the inhibitory effect of AEBO on biochemical mediators of vascular permeability, the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined in histamine-treated paw tissues. The major constituents of AEBO were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.

Results

AEBO produced a significant inhibition of histamine-induced paw edema starting at 60 min time point, with maximal percentage of inhibition (60.25%) achieved with a dose of 150 mg/kg of AEBO at 60 min time point. Up to 99% of increased peritoneal vascular permeability produced by histamine was successfully suppressed by AEBO. The expression of biochemical mediators of vascular permeability, NO and VEGF, was also found to be downregulated in the AEBO treated group. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that the major constituent in AEBO was acetic acid.

Conclusions

The experimental findings demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activity of AEBO was due to its inhibitory effect on vascular permeability, which was suppressed as a result of the reduced expression of biochemical mediators (NO and VEGF) in tissues. Our results contribute towards the validation of the traditional use of Bixa orellana in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
Influence of obesity and cardiometabolic makers on lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity in adolescents: the healthy young cross-sectional study
Authors: da Silva Isis T , Timm Anelise de Souza , Damasceno Nágila RT
Published: February 2013

Background

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity (Lp-PLA2) is a good marker of cardiovascular risk in adults. It is strongly associated with stroke and many others cardiovascular events. Despite this, the impact of obesity on this enzyme activity and its relation to biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in adolescents is not very well investigated. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the influence of obesity and cardiometabolic markers on Lp-PLA2 activity in adolescents.

Results

This cross-sectional study included 242 adolescents (10–19 years) of both gender. These subjects were classified in Healthy Weight (n = 77), Overweight (n = 82) and Obese (n = 83) groups. Lipid profile, glucose, insulin, HDL size, LDL(−) and anti-LDL(−) antibodies were analyzed. The Lp-PLA2 activity was determined by a colorimetric commercial kit. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and body composition were monitored. Food intake was evaluated using three 24-hour diet recalls. The Lp-PLA2 activity changed in function to high BMI, waist circumference and fat mass percentage. It was also positively associated with HOMA-IR, glucose, insulin and almost all variables of lipid profile. Furthermore, it was negatively related to Apo AI (β = −0.137; P = 0.038) and strongly positively associated with Apo B (β = 0.293; P < 0.001) and with Apo B/Apo AI ratio (β = 0.343; P < 0.001). The better predictor model for enzyme activity, on multivariate analysis, included Apo B/Apo AI (β = 0.327; P < 0.001), HDL size (β = −0.326; P < 0.001), WC (β = 0.171; P = 0.006) and glucose (β = 0.119; P = 0.038). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that changes in Apo B/Apo AI ratio were associated with a 73.5 times higher risk to elevated Lp-PLA2 activity.

Conclusions

Lp-PLA2 changes in function of obesity, and that it shows important associations with markers of cardiovascular risk, in particular with waist circumference, glucose, HDL size and Apo B/Apo AI ratio. These results suggest that Lp-PLA2 activity can be a cardiovascular biomarker in adolescence.