bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Breastfeeding on Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors in Latino Youth With a Family History of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Davis Jaimie N. , Weigensberg Marc J. , Shaibi Gabriel Q. , Crespo Noe C. , Kelly Louise A. , Lane Christianne J. , Goran Michael I.
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE—To determine whether breastfeeding is related to total adiposity, regional adiposity, and glucose and insulin dynamics in overweight Latino youth throughout puberty.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The relation between breastfeeding and diabetes risk was determined in 240 overweight (BMI ≥85th percentile) Latino children (aged 8–13 years) with a positive family history of type 2 diabetes. Children were examined at baseline (Tanner pubertal stage 1) and for 2 more years as they advanced in pubertal maturation. Children were divided into the following categories: never breastfed (n = 102), breastfed 0–5.99 months (n = 61), breastfed 6–11.99 months (n = 24), and breastfed ≥12 months (n = 53). Tanner pubertal stage was determined by physical examination. Visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat were determined by magnetic resonance imagining, and total body fat, total lean tissue mass, and percent body fat were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fasting and postchallenge glucose were assessed with a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. Insulin sensitivity (SI), acute insulin response (AIR), and disposition index ([DI] an index of β-cell function) were measured by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test and minimal modeling. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects modeling.

RESULTS—There were no significant effects of breastfeeding categories on adiposity (i.e., total fat mass, total lean tissue mass, percent body fat), fat distribution (visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat), fasting glucose or 2-h glucose, or insulin dynamics (SI, AIR, and DI) at Tanner pubertal stage 1 or on changes in these variables over pubertal transitions in overweight Latino youth.

CONCLUSIONS—In this population of high-risk Latino youth, there were no significant protective effects of breastfeeding on adiposity or type 2 diabetes risk factors at Tanner pubertal stage 1 or across advances in maturation.
Sex-Specific Determinants of Left Ventricular Mass in Pre-Diabetic and Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Kuch Bernhard , von Scheidt Wolfgang , Peter Wolfgang , Döring Angela , Piehlmeier Wolfgang , Landgraf Rüdiger , Meisinger Christa
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE— Obesity and hypertension are regarded as the most important determinants of left ventricular mass in the community. Little is known about sex-specific influences of obesity, hypertension, and other risk factors on left ventricular mass in pre-diabetic or diabetic subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We examined how body composition, blood pressure, and other factors are related to left ventricular structure in elderly subjects (mean age 62 years, 88% of women postmenopausal) with pre-diabetes (impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance; n = 112) and diabetes with (n = 181) and without (n = 213) overt cardiovascular disease (CVD).

RESULTS— Neither microalbuminuria nor physical activity was significantly associated with left ventricular mass. In pre-diabetic as well as diabetic subjects with CVD, mainly BMI and fat mass, particularly in women, were correlated with left ventricular mass. In the diabetic group without overt CVD, fat mass was only slightly correlated with left ventricular mass. In the latter group waist-to-hip-ratio, and, only in men, systolic blood pressure, glucose, and A1C were moderately correlated with left ventricular mass. Multiregression analysis over all groups again revealed fat mass as the main determinant of left ventricular mass in women. In women but not men obesity was associated with a significantly increased prevalence of concentric left ventricular hypertrophy.

CONCLUSIONS— In pre-diabetic and diabetic elderly subjects fat mass is the major determinant of left ventricular mass in women but not in men. These results may partly explain sex differences in CVD mortality in obese elderly diabetic subjects and underscore the need for activities focused on weight reduction.
Reduction of Surgical Mortality and Morbidity in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery With a Combined Intravenous and Subcutaneous Insulin Glucose Management Strategy
Authors: Schmeltz Lowell R. , DeSantis Anthony J. , Thiyagarajan Vinaya , Schmidt Kathleen , O'Shea-Mahler Eileen , Johnson Diana , Henske Joseph , McCarthy Patrick M. , Gleason Thomas G. , McGee Edwin C. , Molitch Mark E.
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE—To determine if glucose management in postcardiothoracic surgery patients with a combined intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) insulin regimen reduces mortality and morbidity in patients with diabetes and stress-induced hyperglycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Retrospective review of 614 consecutive patients who underwent cardiothoracic (CT) surgery in 2005 was performed to evaluate the incidence and treatment of postoperative hyperglycemia and operative morbidity and mortality. Hyperglycemic patients (glucose >6.05 mmol/l) were treated with IV insulin in the intensive care unit (ICU) followed by SC insulin (outside ICU). Subgroup analysis was performed on 159 coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)-only patients.

RESULTS—Among all CT surgeries, patients with a preoperative diagnosis of diabetes had higher rates of postoperative mortality (7.3 vs. 3.3%; P = 0.03) and pulmonary complications (19.5 vs. 11.6%; P = 0.02) but had similar rates of infections and cardiac, renal, and neurological complications on univariate analysis. However, on multivariate analysis, a preoperative diagnosis of diabetes was not a significant factor in postoperative mortality or pulmonary complications. In CABG-only patients, no significant differences were seen in outcomes between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Independent of diabetic status, glucose ≥11 mmol/l on ICU admission was predictive of higher rates of mortality and renal, pulmonary, and cardiac postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS—A combination of IV insulin (in the ICU) and SC insulin (outside the ICU), a less costly and less nursing-intensive therapy than 3 days of IV insulin postoperatively, results in a reduction of the increased surgical morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients after CT surgery.
Dietary Energy Density Is Associated With Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome in U.S. Adults
Authors: Mendoza Jason A. , Drewnowski Adam , Christakis Dimitri A.
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE—Rising obesity rates have been linked to the consumption of energy-dense diets. We examined whether dietary energy density was associated with obesity and related disorders including insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We conducted a cross-sectional study using nationally representative data of U.S. adults ≥20 years of age from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 9,688). Dietary energy density was calculated based on foods only. We used a series of multivariate linear regression models to determine the independent association between dietary energy density, obesity measures (BMI [in kilograms per meters squared] and waist circumference [in centimeters]), glycemia, or insulinemia. We used multivariate Poisson regression models to determine the independent association between dietary energy density and the metabolic syndrome as defined by the National Cholesterol and Education Program (Adult Treatment Panel III).

RESULTS—Dietary energy density was independently and significantly associated with higher BMI in women (β = 0.44 [95% CI 0.14–0.73]) and trended toward a significant association in men (β = 0.37 [−0.007 to 0.74], P = 0.054). Dietary energy density was associated with higher waist circumference in women (β = 1.11 [0.42–1.80]) and men (β = 1.33 [0.46–2.19]). Dietary energy density was also independently associated with elevated fasting insulin (β = 0.65 [0.18–1.12]) and the metabolic syndrome (prevalence ratio = 1.10 [95% CI 1.03–1.17]).

CONCLUSIONS—Dietary energy density is an independent predictor of obesity, elevated fasting insulin levels, and the metabolic syndrome in U.S. adults. Intervention studies to reduce dietary energy density are warranted.
The Use of Medical Hyperspectral Technology to Evaluate Microcirculatory Changes in Diabetic Foot Ulcers and to Predict Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Khaodhiar Lalita , Dinh Thanh , Schomacker Kevin T. , Panasyuk Svetlana V. , Freeman Jenny E. , Lew Robert , Vo Tiffany , Panasyuk Alexander A. , Lima Christina , Giurini John M. , Lyons Thomas E. , Veves Aristidis
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE—Foot ulceration is a serious complication of diabetes, and new techniques that can predict wound healing may prove very helpful. We tested the ability of medical hyperspectral technology (HT), a novel diagnostic scanning technique that can quantify tissue oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin to predict diabetic foot ulcer healing.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Ten type 1 diabetic patients with 21 foot ulcer sites, 13 type 1 diabetic patients without ulcers, and 14 nondiabetic control subjects were seen up to 4 times over a 6-month period. HT measurements of oxyhemoglobin (HT-oxy) and deoxyhemoglobin (HT-deoxy) were performed at or near the ulcer area and on the upper and lower extremity distant from the ulcer. An HT healing index for each site was calculated from the HT-oxy and -deoxy values.

RESULTS—Hyperspectral tissue oxygenation measurements observed changes in tissue immediately surrounding the ulcer when comparing ulcers that heal and ulcers that do not heal (P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the HT index for predicting healing were 93, 86, 93, and 86%, respectively, when evaluated on images taken at the first visit. Changes in HT-oxy among the three risk groups were noted for the metatarsal area of the foot (P < 0.05) and the palm (P < 0.01). Changes in HT-deoxy and the HT healing index were noted for the palm only (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS—HT has the capability to identify microvascular abnormalities and tissue oxygenation in the diabetic foot and predict ulcer healing. HT can assist in the management of foot ulceration.
Ketoacidosis at Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes in Children in Northern Finland
Authors: Hekkala Anne , Knip Mikael , Veijola Riitta
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE—To study the frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) over a 20-year period among children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in northern Finland.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The study population comprised 585 patients (328 boys) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged <15 years in the Department of Pediatrics, Oulu University Hospital, between 1 January 1982 and 31 December 2001. The data for clinical characteristics were collected retrospectively from the patients’ case records. The earlier 10-year period (1982–1991) was compared with the later 10-year period (1992–2001). Two definitions for DKA were used: DKA(i) pH <7.30 or DKA(ii) pH <7.30 and/or bicarbonate <15 mmol/l.

RESULTS—During the later 10-year period, children less often had DKA at diagnosis [DKA(i) 15.2 vs. 22.4%, P = 0.028, and DKA(ii) 18.9 vs. 29.5%, P = 0.003]. The proportion of young children aged <5 years at diagnosis increased over time, but the frequency of DKA also was lower in this age-group during 1992–2001 compared with the earlier 10-year period [DKA(i) 17.7 vs. 32.1%, P = 0.052, and DKA(ii) 20.3 vs. 42.6%, P = 0.005]. In children aged <2 years at diagnosis, the frequency of DKA remained high during 1992–2001 [DKA(i) 39.1% and DKA(ii) 47.8%].

CONCLUSIONS—The overall frequency of DKA in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes decreased over a 20-year period in northern Finland. However, children aged <2 years are still at high risk for DKA at diagnosis.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Bloomgarden Zachary T.
Published: March 2007

Perspectives on the News commentaries are now part of a new, free monthly CME activity. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, is designating this activity for 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits. If you wish to participate, review this article and visit www.diabetes.procampus.net to complete a posttest and receive a certificate. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
How Long After Laser Irradiation Should Cellular Responses be Measured to Determine the Laser Effect?
Authors: Hawkins Denise , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: March 2007

Background: Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a type of photomodulation, which uses photons to modulate biological activity. This photobiological effect depends on the wavelength, dose, intensity, as well as cell culture conditions. One problem with most of the published data on low level laser irradiation is that most studies do not record the duration between the exposure and the evaluation. It has been established that a single dose of 5 J/cm2 stimulates cell proliferation and mitochondrial activity to normalize cell function and accelerate wound healing. This study investigates the cellular responses of irradiated human skin fibroblasts to establish if the duration after laser irradiation could influence the results. Methods: Normal and wounded human skin fibroblasts were exposed to helium-neon (632.8 nm) laser irradiation using a single dose of 5 J/cm2 on one day or 5 J/cm2 on two consecutive days. The cellular responses were measured 15 min, 1, or 3 h postirradiation. Responses evaluated included the effect on cell migration, changes in mitochondrial activity (cell viability), cell proliferation, and damage or stress caused by the irradiation. Results: The results indicate that a duration of between 1 and 3 h postirradiation is sufficient when measuring the direct effect of laser radiation on cells (cell viability, ATP mitochondrial activity, IL-6 activity, membrane integrity, and DNA damage), however, a longer duration of 24 h is required to demonstrate the indirect effect (cell proliferation and protein expression). Conclusion: This study indicates that the duration of effect should be included as one of the main parameters when reporting on the parameters used in LLLT.
Welding of titanium and other refractory metals with a free pulse shaping laser
Authors: Richter Karsten , Reisgen Uwe , Behr Wilfried , Holtz Ronald
Published: March 2007

Refractory metals are used as construction materials for specific applications. Amongst the refractory metals, titanium has a special status due to its multi-faceted property profile and its comparatively low price. Titanium materials have outstanding properties, such as excellent resistance to corrosion and very high strength at low densities, which lead to their preferred use in chemical engineering and as a structural material in lightweight construction. Due to the high affinity of titanium for atmospheric gases at temperatures above 500 °C, titanium components are joined under sophisticated inert gas shielding by TIG welding or in a vacuum by an electron beam. A novel, innovative laser beam welding process with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser with free pulse shaping will be presented, which produces oxidation-free weld seams with very good mechanical-technological properties in refractory metals without the use of expensive inert gas shielding (e.g., dragging nozzles). This welding process offers technological and economic advantages over processes used up until now for machining complex components and for series production.
2H Chemical-shift resolution and dipolar2H-1H,2H-15N correlations in solid-state MAS NMR spectroscopy for structure determination and distance measurements in hydrogen-bonded systems
Authors: Schulz-Dobrick Martin , Schnell Ingo
Published: March 2007

In solid-state NMR, deuteron (2H) spectroscopy can be performed in full analogy to1H spectroscopy, including2H chemical-shift resolution and2H-X dipolar correlation schemes, when the NMR experiments are conducted in a “rotor-synchronized” fashion under fast magic-angle spinning. Here, 2H-X NMR experiments of this type, including2H-15N and2H-1H chemical-shift correlations and distance measurements, are introduced and demonstrated on cytosine monohydrate, whose acidic protons can readily be replaced by deuterons by recrystallization from D2O. In this way,2H NMR spectroscopy provides information complementary to1H NMR data, which is particularly useful for studying hydrogen bonds in supra- or biomolecular systems.
In Vitro Analysis of Yeast Mitochondrial Protein Import
Authors: Stuart Rosemary A. , Koehler Carla M.
Published: March 2007

This unit describes methods for importing in vitro–translated or recombinant proteins into isolated yeast mitochondria and for exporting mitochondrial proteins translated in the yeast mitochondrial matrix into the inner mitochondrial membrane. The methods use mitochondria isolated from yeast cells and mitochondrial protein precursors derived from an in vitro transcription/translation reaction or purified from an E. coli recombinant protein expression system. The described translocation assays can be used to determine whether a protein is targeted to mitochondria and its location within the mitochondrion. It can also be used to study the import mechanism and to investigate mitochondrial matrix translation of proteins and their export.
Ferroelectric and Ferromagnetic Behavior of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3–Co0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 Multilayered Thin Films Prepared via Solution Processing
Authors: He H.‐C. , Wang J. , Zhou J.‐P. , Nan C.‐W.
Published: April 2007

Multilayered multiferroic nanocomposite films of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) and Co0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 (CZFO) are prepared on general Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates via a simple solution‐processing method. Structural characterization by X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques reveals good surface and cross‐sectional morphologies of these multilayered thin films. In particular, at room temperature strong ferroelectric and ferromagnetic responses are simultaneously observed in the multilayered thin films, depending on the deposited sequences and volume fractions of ferroelectric PZT phase and magnetic CZFO phase.
Mesothelioma in blood related subjects: Report of 11 clusters among 1954 Italy cases and review of the literature
Authors: Ascoli Valeria , Cavone Domenica , Merler Enzo , Barbieri Pietro Gino , Romeo Luciano , Nardi Francesco , Musti Marina
Published: April 2007

Background

Malignant mesothelioma is a sporadic tumor related to asbestos. Its occurrence in blood relatives raises the question of potential contribution of predisposing factors.

Methods

The study analyses the features of mesothelioma in blood relatives that might explain the disease clustering. Data sources of familial clusters were three population‐based Mesothelioma Registries in Italy (Veneto and Apulia Regions, Brescia province; 1978–2005) and Medline, Toxline, and Oshline/Hseline databases for a review of the literature (1968–2006).

Results

Eleven clusters (22 cases) were identified among 1954 Italy mesothelioma cases, and 51 clusters (120 cases) were extracted from 33 studies. The proportion of Italy familial cases was 1.4 per 100 mesothelioma cases; the ratio between the number of familial clusters and the number of non‐familial mesothelioma cases was 1:148. The mesothelioma profile in consanguineous is the same as in non‐consanguineous subjects (male prevalence; pleural site; age at diagnosis >50 years; asbestos exposure). Most clusters occurred in asbestos workers (shipyard, asbestos‐cement production/processing, and insulation) and household‐exposed blood relatives. Others were related to asbestos‐cement factory pollution, asbestos‐in‐place, and handling asbestos‐contaminated textiles. Two clusters were without any known exposure. Cancer family history revealed lung cancer cases in eight clusters.

Conclusions

Available data support asbestos exposure as the main risk factor in mesothelioma cases among blood relatives. Our finding of a low proportion of familial cases would not suggest the influence of a large genetic component for mesothelioma in blood relatives. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:357–369, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of single clone deletions using array CGH: Identification of submicroscopic deletions in the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome as a model system
Authors: Tokuyasu Taku A. , Cotter Philip D. , Segraves Richard , Harris Jeffrey , Elder Melissa E. , Gonzales Marcos , Pinkel Daniel , Albertson Donna G. , Rauen Katherine A.
Published: March 2007

Constitutional submicroscopic DNA copy number alterations have been shown to cause numerous medical genetic syndromes, and are suspected to occur in a portion of cases for which the causal events remain undiscovered. Array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) allows high‐throughput, high‐resolution genome scanning for DNA dosage aberrations and thus offers an attractive approach for both clinical diagnosis and discovery efforts. Here we assess this capability by applying array CGH to the analysis of copy number alterations in 44 patients with a phenotype of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Twenty‐five patients had the deletion on chromosome 22 characteristic of this syndrome as determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The array measurements were in complete concordance with the FISH analysis, supporting their diagnostic utility. These data show that a genome‐scanning microarray has the level of sensitivity and specificity required to prospectively interrogate and identify single copy number aberrations in a clinical setting. We demonstrate that such technology is ideally suited for microdeletion syndromes such as 22q11.2. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine–Lubinsky syndrome: Sibling pair suggests possible autosomal recessive inheritance
Authors: Holder Ashley M. , Graham Brett H. , Lee Brendan , Scott Daryl A.
Published: March 2007

In 1983, Fine and Lubinsky reported a single patient with craniofacial anomalies, hearing loss, cataracts, microstomia, CNS anomalies, and developmental delay. Since that time, three additional patients with similar findings have been described. In each case the patients was the only affected child in his or her family. Here we describe the first brother and sister sibling pair with features suggestive of Fine–Lubinsky syndrome. Features present in one or both of our patients, and the majority of previously described individuals with Fine–Lubinsky syndrome, include: craniosynostosis/abnormal calvaria, prominent frontal bones, flat facial profiles, small noses, microstomia, hearing loss, developmental delay/mental retardation, and abnormal digits. Unusual anomalies present in our patients include marked brachydactyly of fingers and toes, camptodactyly most severely affecting the second fingers, and permanence of decidual teeth. The identification of a sibling pair with Fine–Lubinsky suggests a possible autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. It is important that parents of children with Fine–Lubinsky be informed of the increased recurrence risk associated with that type of inheritance. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evolution of disability in adults with hip arthroplasty: A national longitudinal study
Authors: Dechartres Agnes , Boutron Isabelle , Nizard Remy , Poiraudeau Serge , Roy Carine , Ravaud Jean‐François , Ravaud Philippe
Published: March 2007

Objective

To describe disability in individuals with hip arthroplasty and its evolution over 2 years compared with that in the general population, and to compare the degree of disability between subjects with recent and older hip arthroplasty.

Methods

We selected a national representative sample of 16,945 subjects from the 1999 French population census. This sample, interviewed in 1999 and 2001 about their level of disability, included 527 subjects with hip arthroplasty (i.e., representing 424,000 individuals in the French noninstitutionalized population): 145 who underwent the procedure between 1999 and 2001 (recent hip arthroplasty) and 382 with an older hip arthroplasty.

Results

Subjects with hip arthroplasty reported more difficulty in bending forward (odds ratio [OR] 4.5, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.1–6.6), climbing stairs (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5–3.1), walking >300 meters (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.03–2.6), dressing (OR 2.9, 95% CI 2.1–4.2), and getting in and out of a chair (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.7–3.6) than the general population. However, the evolution in disability was similar to that of the general population. Compared with subjects with older hip arthroplasty, those with recent hip arthroplasty reported more difficulty walking >300 meters (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3–5.6), washing (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.6–5.4), dressing (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.2), and getting in and out of a chair (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–3.9).

Conclusion

This study describes the potential future disability in the more elderly population, with implications for health‐related planning.
Experiences of mothers living with inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Backman Catherine L. , Smith Linda del Fabro , Smith Sharon , Montie Pamela L. , Suto Melinda
Published: March 2007

Objective

To describe the impact of chronic, inflammatory arthritis on parenting and to develop a conceptual framework for subsequent study of mothering.

Methods

A qualitative, grounded theory design guided data collection and analysis. In‐depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 women with either rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or systemic lupus erythematosus who were mothers of at least 1 child living at home. Transcripts were analyzed using a systematic approach of coding and forming concepts and key categories to construct an explanatory framework. Peer checking and member checking enhanced analytical rigor.

Results

Analysis of participants' experiences resulted in 4 interrelated categories describing the impact of arthritis on their role as mothers: participation in mothering tasks, best described as “sometimes I can, sometimes I can't”; different types and levels of support from others; the influence of the mother's arthritis on the family; and the challenge of balancing energy and fatigue. Individuals' arthritis story, life stage, their children's developmental stage, and daily routine described the context in which mothers experienced elements of each of the 4 main categories.

Conclusion

Inflammatory arthritis has a dramatic impact on the experience of motherhood, with both positive and negative influences. The perspectives shared by study participants may inform practice regarding problem identification and adaptive strategies, and the explanatory model generated from the data proposes hypotheses for further study.
Predictors of depression in a sample of 1,021 primary care patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Rosemann Thomas , Backenstrass Matthias , Joest Katharina , Rosemann Andrea , Szecsenyi Joachim , Laux Gunter
Published: March 2007

Objective

Although there is a strong relationship between depression, chronic pain, and physical activity, there are few findings regarding the prevalence and predictors of depression in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The goal of the present study was to assess the prevalence and severity of depression in a large sample of patients with OA and to reveal predictors of depression.

Methods

Patients were approached consecutively in 75 general practices. Of 1,250 distributed questionnaires, 1,021 were returned and analyzed. Besides sociodemographic data, medication and comorbidities, depression, and arthritis were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis with the PHQ‐9 score as the dependent variable was performed.

Results

On the PHQ‐9, 19.76% of men and 19.16% of women achieved a score of ≥15, indicating at least a moderately severe depression. Significant sex differences could not be revealed. The strongest predictor for depression severity was perceived pain (β = 0.243, P < 0.001) and few social contacts (β = 0.218, P < 0.001). Further predictors were physical limitation of the lower body (β = 0.157, P < 0.001) and upper body (β = 0.163, P < 0.001), age (β = −0.168, P < 0.001), and body mass index (β = 0.080, P = 0.020).

Conclusion

These findings suggest an increased prevalence of depression among patients with OA and emphasize the need for recognition and appropriate treatment. Most of the revealed predictors are influenceable and should be potential targets in a comprehensive treatment of OA to interrupt the vicious circle of pain, physical limitation, and depression.
A field study characterizing Web‐based information‐seeking tasks
Authors: Kellar Melanie , Watters Carolyn , Shepherd Michael
Published: March 2007

Previous studies have examined various aspects of user behavior on the Web, including general information‐seeking patterns, search engine use, and revisitation habits. Little research has been conducted to study how users navigate and interact with their Web browser across different information‐seeking tasks. We have conducted a field study of 21 participants, in which we logged detailed Web usage and asked participants to provide task categorizations of their Web usage based on the following categories: Fact Finding, Information Gathering, Browsing, and Transactions. We used implicit measures logged during each task session to provide usage measures such as dwell time, number of pages viewed, and the use of specific browser navigation mechanisms. We also report on differences in how participants interacted with their Web browser across the range of information‐seeking tasks. Within each type of task, we found several distinguishing characteristics. In particular, Information Gathering tasks were the most complex; participants spent more time completing this task, viewed more pages, and used the Web browser functions most heavily during this task. The results of this analysis have been used to provide implications for future support of information seeking on the Web as well as direction for future research in this area.
Reactivity Differences between Carbon Nano Onions (CNOs) Prepared by Different Methods
Authors: Palkar Amit , Melin Frederic , Cardona Claudia M. , Elliott Bevan , Naskar Amit K. , Edie Danny D. , Kumbhar Amar , Echegoyen Luis
Published: March 2007

The carbon nanoparticles obtained from either arcing of graphite under water or thermal annealing of nanodiamonds are commonly called carbon nano onions (CNOs), or spherical graphite, as they are made of concentric fullerene cages separated by the same distance as the shells of graphite. A more careful analysis reveals some dramatic differences between the particles obtained by these two synthetic methods. Physicochemical methods indicate that the CNOs obtained from nanodiamonds (N‐CNOs) are smaller and contain more defects than the CNOs obtained from arcing (A‐CNOs). These properties explain the enhanced reactivity of the N‐CNOs in cycloaddition and oxidation reactions, as well as in reactions involving radicals. Given the easier functionalization of the N‐CNOs, they are the most obvious choice for studying the potential applications of these multi‐shelled fullerenes.
Qualifizierte Evakuierungsübungen liefern Erkenntnisse, nicht nur für Brandschutzkonzepte
Authors: Meyer Simone
Published: March 2007

Qualifizierten Evakuierungsübungen ist als Präventivmaßnahme ein beachtlicher Stellenwert beizumessen. Diese Erkenntnis hat sich, möglicherweise auch wegen der zunehmenden Gebäudeautomation, noch nicht sehr verbreitet. Hinzu kommt, dass seitens der Gesetzgebung keine ausdrückliche Pflicht vorgegeben ist. Die Vor‐ und Nachbereitung solcher Übungen bedarf neben einem breit gefächerten Wissensspektrum auch eines hohen Zeitfaktors. Die vorgestellten Beispiele zeigen signifikante Verhaltensmuster und bestätigen, dass der Mensch nicht als steuerbare Einheit der Gebäudeautomation hinzugefügt werden kann.
Praxisbeispiel: Zerstörung und Wiederherstellen des Luftschallschutzes einer Holzbalkendecke
Authors: Haupt Wolfram
Published: March 2007

In einem Mietshaus aus der Zeit der vorletzten Jahrhundertwende waren nach von Mietern in Eigenregie durchgeführten Modernisierungsmaßnahmen Probleme mit einer extremen Durchhörbarkeit zwischen zwei übereinander liegenden Wohnungen aufgetreten. Da die Ertüchtigung der Trenndecke durch schnell und unaufwendig umzusetzende Maßnahmen erfolgen sollte und eine Sanierung von oben nicht durchsetzbar war, wurde über eine freitragende Unterdecke versucht, eine Verbesserung herbeizuführen. Im Bereich des Luftschalls gelang dies weitgehend, der Trittschallschutz bleibt hingegen verbesserungswürdig.
Betoninstandsetzung – quo vadis?
Authors: Cziesielski Erich
Published: March 2007

In diesem Beitrag wird der Mechanismus des Korrosionsvorganges für Bewehrungsstähle im nicht chloridbeanspruchten Beton beschrieben. Daraus folgend werden die Schutzprinzipien entsprechend der Richtlinie des Deutschen Ausschusses für Stahlbeton dargestellt. Es wird insbesondere auf das Schutzprinzip W eingegangen, das vereinfachend bedeutet, daß durch wärmedämmende Maßnahmen bzw. Beschichtungen auf den korrosionsgeschädigten Betonoberflächen die Bewehrungsstähle vor weiterer Korrosion geschützt werden. Auf die Grenzen der Wirksamkeit von Beschichtungen wird verwiesen.
Extremely high prevalence of DNASE1*1 allele in African populations
Authors: Takeshita Haruo , Fujihara Junko , Soejima Mikiko , Koda Yoshiro , Yasuda Toshihiro , Nakajima Tamiko
Published: April 2007

The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I), designated as DNASE1 (NCBI SNP number; 1053874), in exon 8 (A2317G) has been shown to be associated with liver disease, colorectal carcinoma, and gastric carcinoma in Japanese patients. In this study, we investigated the frequency of the DNASE1 polymorphism in Ghanaian (n = 96) and Xhosa (n = 78) populations and compared the results with those of other studies. The single nucleotide polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis. The frequencies of DNASE1*1 in the Ghanaian and Xhosa populations were 0.90 and 0.88, respectively. These two African populations had an extremely high frequency of DNASE1*1, similar to that of the Ovambos living in Namibia. Caucasians and Asians had a lower frequency of DNASE1*1 than the African groups. This study is the first to reveal an extremely high frequency of DNASE1*1 among African populations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oligospiroketals as Novel Molecular Rods
Authors: Wessig Pablo , Möllnitz Kristian , Eiserbeck Christiane
Published: April 2007

A modular approach for the synthesis of molecular rods based on oligospiroketals has been developed. The strategy relies on different terminal and intermediate segments, which are joined by ketal formation between ketones and diols. For this purpose it was necessary to develop a new ketalization method to circumvent some problems related with the established methods. The terminal segments are either derived from 4‐piperidinone or from 4‐oxocyclohexane carboxylic acid whereas the intermediate segments rest on pentaerythritol and cyclohexane‐1,4‐dione. A series of trispiro (14–18), hexaspiro (19) and nonaspiro (20) compounds have been prepared and characterized. From these we realized that it is imperative to use solubility enhancing groups if more than seven rings are joined.
Ensemble‐Docking Approach on BACE‐1: Pharmacophore Perception and Guidelines for Drug Design
Authors: Limongelli Vittorio , Marinelli Luciana , Cosconati Sandro , Braun Hannes A. , Schmidt Boris , Novellino Ettore
Published: April 2007

β‐Secretase (BACE‐1), a key enzyme in the etiopathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer Disease, is the focus of medicinal chemistry efforts both in the pharmaceutical industry and in academia. Despite the availability of diverse peptidomimetic BACE‐1 inhibitors, nonpeptidic compounds suitable for oral delivery and transport across the blood brain barrier are in great demand. Herein, a number of active and structurally diverse inhibitors were selected and subjected to an ensemble‐docking process into five BACE‐1 X‐ray structures. The calculated bioactive conformations of these inhibitors allowed us to build an exhaustive pharmacophore model, which captures both the common geometric and electronic features essential for enzyme inhibition. The model is intended to aid the rational design of new BACE‐1 inhibitors. Furthermore, a comparison of BACE/cathepsin D X‐ray structures was made to provide guidelines for the design of BACE‐selective inhibitors.
Introduction of rituximab in front‐line and salvage therapies has improved outcome of advanced‐stage follicular lymphoma patients
Authors: Sacchi Stefano , Pozzi Samantha , Marcheselli Luigi , Bari Alessia , Luminari Stefano , Angrilli Francesco , Merli Francesco , Vallisa Daniele , Baldini Luca , Brugiatelli Maura
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND.

It is unclear whether new treatment modalities have improved the survival of follicular lymphoma patients. Some data show that there has been no improvement in survival in the last 3 decades of the 20th century, whereas the results of recent retrospective studies suggest that evolving therapy has improved the outcome for follicular lymphoma patients.

METHODS.

To evaluate the impact of evolving therapies for follicular lymphoma, particularly the introduction of rituximab, the overall survival (OS), failure‐free survival (FFS), and survival after recurrence (SAR) was analyzed in 438 advanced‐stage follicular lymphoma patients enrolled in consecutive Gruppo Italiano Studio Linfomi (GISL) trials between 1988 and 2004.

RESULTS.

A stepwise improvement in FFS and a significant reduction in the hazard ratio was observed with succeeding studies. Cox regression analysis showed an improvement over time for OS, with a decline in the hazard ratio particularly evident in the group treated with rituximab. Furthermore, the SAR significantly improved in the group of patients treated with chemotherapy + rituximab.

CONCLUSIONS.

After adjusting for all parameters with an impact on FFS and OS, the results of multivariate analysis suggest that rituximab therapy has a favorable effect on the prognosis of follicular lymphoma. The data show that FFS and OS have significantly improved in advanced‐stage follicular lymphoma patients treated on GISL protocols during the last 18 years. These improvements are related to evolving front‐line and salvage therapies, particularly the introduction of rituximab in combination with chemotherapy. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Noradrenergic projections to the song control nucleus area X of the medial striatum in male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Castelino Christina B. , Diekamp Bettina , Ball Gregory F.
Published: March 2007

There is considerable functional evidence implicating norepinephrine in modulating activity in the vocal control circuit of songbirds. However, our knowledge of noradrenergic inputs to the song system is incomplete. In this study, cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) injections into area X revealed projections from the noradrenergic nuclei locus coeruleus and subcoeruleus, and injections of biotinylated dextran amines into these noradrenergic nuclei labeled fibers in area X. The nonreciprocity of this connection was demonstrated by the absence of retrogradely labeled cells in area X following injections of CTB into the locus coeruleus. Additionally, we found novel inputs to area X from the nidopallium and arcopallium, the mesencephalic central gray, and the dorsolateralis anterior (DLL) and posterior (DLP) lateralis in the thalamus. Area X can be clearly distinguished from the surrounding medial striatum based on cytoarchitectural and chemical neuroanatomical criteria. We show here that neuromodulatory inputs to area X however, exhibit a considerable degree of overlap with the surrounding area. This finding suggests that regional specificity in neuromodulator action is most likely afforded by a specialization in receptor density and enzyme distribution rather than projections from the synthesizing nuclei. Our results extend current knowledge about noradrenergic projections to specialized nuclei of the song control circuit and provide neuroanatomical evidence for the functional action of norepinephrine‐modulating context‐dependent ZENK expression in area X. Furthermore, the novel projections to area X from telencephalic and thalamic areas could be new and interesting nodes in the striatopallidothalamic loop spanning the songbird brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:544–562, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling and evaluation of congestion control for different classes of network traffic
Authors: Wang Lan , Min Geyong , Awan Irfan
Published: April 2007

Traffic congestion has become a crucial problem in wireless networks due to its detrimental effects on the end‐to‐end Quality‐of‐Service (QoS) of mobile users. This issue has posed various challenges to developing effective congestion control mechanisms and devising new performance evaluation tools. Various congestion control schemes have been proposed to support differentiated QoS. Among these schemes, Active Queue Management (AQM) has been recognized as an effective mechanism to manage downlink buffers in wireless networks. Most existing studies on AQM are based on the use of averaged queue length and the related performance analysis is carried out via software simulation. This paper contributes to the development of an analytical performance model for a finite capacity queuing system subject to AQM and multiple traffic classes based on the instantaneous queue length. Expressions for the aggregated and marginal performance metrics including the mean queuing length, packet loss probability, mean waiting time, system throughput, response time, and utilization are analytically derived. The validity of this new model is demonstrated by comparing the analytical results against those obtained from simulation experiments. The analytical model is then used to investigate the effects of varying thresholds on the aggregated and marginal performance metrics under different combinations of arriving rates for multiple traffic classes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel space‐filling curve generation through sorting
Authors: Luitjens J. , Berzins M. , Henderson T.
Published: April 2007

In this paper we consider the scalability of parallel space‐filling curve generation as implemented through parallel sorting algorithms. Multiple sorting algorithms are studied and results show that space‐filling curves can be generated quickly in parallel on thousands of processors. In addition, performance models are presented that are consistent with measured performance and offer insight into performance on still larger numbers of processors. At large numbers of processors, the scalability of adaptive mesh refined codes depends on the individual components of the adaptive solver. One such component is the dynamic load balancer. In adaptive mesh refined codes, the mesh is constantly changing resulting in load imbalance among the processors requiring a load‐balancing phase. The load balancing may occur often, requiring the load balancer to perform quickly. One common method for dynamic load balancing is to use space‐filling curves. Space‐filling curves, in particular the Hilbert curve, generate good partitions quickly in serial. However, at tens and hundreds of thousands of processors serial generation of space‐filling curves will hinder scalability. In order to avoid this issue we have developed a method that generates space‐filling curves quickly in parallel by reducing the generation to integer sorting. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression survey of genes critical for tooth development in the human embryonic tooth germ
Authors: Lin Dahe , Huang Yide , He Fenglei , Gu Shuping , Zhang Guozhong , Chen YiPing , Zhang Yanding
Published: March 2007

In the developing murine tooth, the expression patterns of numerous regulatory genes have been examined and their roles have begun to be revealed. To unveil the molecular mechanisms that regulate human tooth morphogenesis, we examined the expression patterns of several regulatory genes, including BMP4, FGF8, MSX1, PAX9, PITX2, and SHOX2, and compared them with that found in mice. All of these genes are known to play critical roles in murine tooth development. Our results show that these genes exhibit basically similar expression patterns in the human tooth germ compared with that in the mouse. However, slightly different expression patterns were also observed for some of the genes at certain stages. For example, MSX1 expression was detected in the inner enamel epithelium in addition to the dental mesenchyme at the bell stage of the human tooth. Moreover, FGF8 expression remained in the dental epithelium at the cap stage, while PAX9 and SHOX2 expression was detected in both dental epithelium and mesenchyme of the human tooth germ. Our results indicate that, although slight differences exist in the gene expression patterns, the human and mouse teeth not only share considerable homology in odontogenesis but also use similar underlying molecular networks. Developmental Dynamics 236:1307–1312, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Some observations on the probabilistic interpretation of short‐term earthquake precursors
Authors: Grandori G. , Guagenti E. , Perotti F.
Published: March 2007

This paper analyses the uncertainties in probabilistic interpretation of short‐term earthquake precursors, even when the statistical information commonly indicated in the literature as sufficient to define the characteristics of these precursors is assumed to be known. The wide margins for uncertainty in the interpretation of such data are pointed out. One of the principal causes of uncertainty, as an example, lies in the physical origin of false alarms. Depending on this physical origin, the conditional probability of an earthquake, other conditions being equal, may vary in certain cases from values around 0–1 to as much as 0–7 or even higher.

The utility of an alarm system, defined as the ratio between the mean number of favourable cases (successful alarms) and the mean number of unfavourable cases (false and missed alarms) is analysed. It is shown that an alarm system based on monitoring n ≥ 2 precursors, if the alarm is set off only after a combination of all precursors, may be considerably less useful than a system based on monitoring only one of the considered precursors.
Analytical models for low‐rise buildings with flexible floor diaphragms
Authors: Jain Sudhir K. , Jennings Paul C.
Published: March 2007

The observed behaviour of buildings during earthquakes indicates clearly the importance of the flexibility of floor and roof diaphragms in the response of many structures. This paper presents a new analytical method for the dynamic analysis of some one‐ and two‐storey buildings whose floors may have significant in‐plane flexibility. The method begins by treating the floors as bending beams and the walls as shear beams. The equations of motion and the boundary conditions for the floors and the walls are then formulated in one coordinate system and solved exactly to obtain the characteristic equation for the system, which can be solved numerically to obtain the natural frequencies. These, in turn, can be used to determine the mode shapes of the system and the participation factors for earthquake response. Solutions are given for one‐ and two‐storey buildings that resist lateral loads in the transverse direction by two end walls. Perturbation techniques are also applied to simplify further the determination of the fundamental frequency of such single‐storey structures. To illustrate the method, a two‐storey structure, the Arvin (California) High School Administration Building, damaged in the Kern County earthquake of 1952, has been analysed in its transverse direction. It is seen that the first two modes, dominated by the floor and the roof vibrations, make the largest contributions to the total base shear in the structure.