bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jointly managing arthritis
Authors: Stinson Jennifer N , Feldman Brian M , Duffy Ciaran M , Huber Adam M , Tucker Lori B , McGrath Patrick J , Tse Shirley ML , Hetherington Ross , Spiegel Lynn R , Campillo Sarah , Benseler Susanne , Gill Navreet , White Meghan E , Baker Natalie , Vijenthira Abi
Published: February 2012

The objective of this article is to explore information needs of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and their parents in order to develop a web-based psychoeducational program aimed at improving their quality of life. A qualitative study design was used. A purposive sample of children ( n = 41; 8–11 years) with JIA and parents ( n = 48) participated in parent–child interviews ( n = 29), and four child-focus and four parent-focus group interviews. Transcribed data were organized into categories that reflected emerging themes. Findings uncovered three major themes: “living with JIA”, “jointly managing JIA”, and “need for a web-based program of JIA information and social Support”. Subthemes for “Living with JIA” were as follows: “impact on participation”, “worry and distress”, and “receiving social support”. Subthemes under “Jointly Managing JIA” included “obtaining JIA information”, “communication and advocacy”, and “strategies to manage JIA”. Participants endorsed a web-based program as a way to access JIA information and social support. In order to jointly manage JIA, participants expressed the need for disease-specific information, management strategies, and social support and felt that the Internet was acceptable for delivering these disease-management strategies. Findings from this study will inform development and evaluation of an online program to help children and parents jointly manage JIA.
Children’s experiences of acute hospitalisation to a paediatric emergency and assessment unit – A qualitative study
Authors: Jensen Claus Sixtus , Jackson Karen , Kolbæk Raymond , Glasdam Stinne
Published: February 2012

Short-stay treatment has become a popular form of care as a strategy to cope with increased demands on health care. There is little research that considers children’s experiences of acute hospitalisation to a short-stay care facility such as a Paediatric Emergency and Assessment Unit (PEAU). This study explored the experiences of eight children aged 8–10 years. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to investigate the children’s own experiences of being hospitalised in a PEAU. Thematic content analyses were used. Three major themes were identified: the children’s understanding of disease, treatment and procedures; the children’s experiences of health-care personnel and the PEAU and transformation of everyday life into the settings of the hospital. The children identified the hospital stay as an overall positive experience. The children took part in leisure activities as they would at home and enjoyed time together with their parents while in hospital. In their conversations with staff they adapted to professional terms that they did not necessarily understand. They did not differentiate between professionals. Further work should be considered to clarify the consequences of this. This study has provided some limited insight into the child’s experiences of acute hospitalisation, which should inform nursing care.
Creative suburbs? How women, design and technology renew Australian suburbs
Authors: Johnson Louise C
Published: February 2012

Australian suburbs have long been subjected to negative stereotyping – as aesthetic wastelands, politically conservative, socially isolated and environmentally rapacious – as the last places you would expect creativity. A critical engagement with this discourse and an examination of older as well as some newer suburbs unsettles these characterizations. A broad definition of ‘creativity’ directs attention to what was occurring in 20th century Australian suburbs – with a creative domestic economy and modernist architecture providing strong counters to their negative portrayal. Further, as a sample of Melbourne’s contemporary master-planned estates will illustrate, at least some of this city’s houses and neighbourhoods are at the leading edge of architectural innovation, community building and environmental sustainability – creatively developing alternatives to the stereotypical suburb.
‘There grows the neighbourhood’: Green citizenship, creativity and life politics on eco-TV
Authors: Lewis Tania
Published: February 2012

A range of green practices is emerging in the streets, homes and gardens of suburban neighbourhoods around the world. From community gardens and permablitzing to the rise of ‘sustainability streets’ and ‘voluntary simplicity’ networks, individuals and community groups in advanced consumer societies are looking for innovative approaches to living more ethically and sustainably. In this article I examine the way that such trends are starting to make their way onto our TV screens, and in particular into the life-changing narratives of lifestyle programming. While traditionally seen as vehicles for the promotion of the latest consumer products and services, lifestyle shows are also increasingly concerned with teaching audiences how to adopt ‘ethical’ ways of living. This article examines a range of ‘eco-lifestyle’ formats as sites of creative experimentation around green living, citizenship and the question of how to live ‘the good life’ today.
Risk factors among men who have repeated experience of being the partner of a woman who requests an induced abortion
Authors: Makenzius Marlene , Tydén Tanja , Darj Elisabeth , Larsson Margareta
Published: February 2012

Background: Prevention of unintended pregnancies is a public health objective; however, the profiles of male partners of women who choose to abort are relatively unexplored. Objective: To investigate risk factors among men who have repeated experience of being the partner of a woman electing an induced abortion. Methods: A questionnaire was used to collect information from 590 men recruited through their pregnant partner who applied for an abortion in Sweden during 2009. A binary logistic regression model assessed risk factors associated with repeated experience of abortion. Results: One-third of the men had previous experience of a pregnant partner electing an induced abortion. Univariate analysis indicated these men were older, had a lower educational level and less emotional support, and were more often tobacco users than men for whom it was the first experience of a partner choosing to abort. Independent risk factors were being a victim of physical, psychological, or sexual violence or abuse over the past year (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.36–5.08), unemployment or sick leave (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.57–4.25), and having children (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.22–3.28). The men suggested improved sex and relationship education in school and lower unemployment rates could prevent unintended pregnancies and abortions. Conclusions: Men with experience of repeat abortions present a picture of vulnerability that should be recognised in the prevention of unintended pregnancies. Increased work opportunities might be one important intervention to reduce the number of abortions.
Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of an automated screening algorithm in an inpatient clinical trial
Authors: Beauharnais Catherine C , Larkin Mary E , Zai Adrian H , Boykin Emily C , Luttrell Jennifer , Wexler Deborah J
Published: February 2012

Introduction Screening and recruitment for clinical trials can be costly and time-consuming. Inpatient trials present additional challenges because enrollment is time sensitive based on length of stay. We hypothesized that using an automated prescreening algorithm to identify eligible subjects would increase screening efficiency and enrollment and be cost-effective compared to manual review of a daily admission list.

Methods Using a before-and-after design, we compared time spent screening, number of patients screened, enrollment rate, and cost-effectiveness of each screening method in an inpatient diabetes trial conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital. Manual chart review (CR) involved reviewing a daily list of admitted patients to identify eligible subjects. The automated prescreening (APS) method used an algorithm to generate a daily list of patients with glucose levels ≥ 180 mg/dL, an insulin order, and/or admission diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The census generated was then manually screened to confirm eligibility and eliminate patients who met our exclusion criteria. We determined rates of screening and enrollment and cost-effectiveness of each method based on study sample size.

Results Total screening time (prescreening and screening) decreased from 4 to 2 h, allowing subjects to be approached earlier in the course of the hospital stay. The average number of patients prescreened per day increased from 13 ± 4 to 30 ± 16 (P < 0.0001). Rate of enrollment increased from 0.17 to 0.32 patients per screening day. Developing the computer algorithm added a fixed cost of US$3000 to the study. Based on our screening and enrollment rates, the algorithm was cost-neutral after enrolling 12 patients. Larger sample sizes further favored screening with an algorithm. By contrast, higher recruitment rates favored individual CR.

Limitations Because of the before-and-after design of this study, it is possible that unmeasured factors contributed to increased enrollment.

Conclusion Using a computer algorithm to identify eligible patients for a clinical trial in the inpatient setting increased the number of patients screened and enrolled, decreased the time required to enroll them, and was less expensive. Upfront investment in developing a computerized algorithm to improve screening may be cost-effective even for relatively small trials, especially when the recruitment rate is expected to be low.
Transplantation in patients with SCID: mismatched related stem cells or unrelated cord blood?
Authors: Fernandes Juliana F. , Rocha Vanderson , Labopin Myriam , Neven Benedicte , Moshous Despina , Gennery Andrew R. , Friedrich Wilhelm , Porta Fulvio , Diaz de Heredia Cristina , Wall Donna , Bertrand Yves , Veys Paul , Slatter Mary , Schulz Ansgar , Chan Ka Wah , Grimley Michael , Ayas Mouhab , Gungor Tayfun , Ebell Wolfram , Bonfim Carmem , Kalwak Krzysztof , Taupin Pierre , Blanche Stéphane , Gaspar H. Bobby , Landais Paul , Fischer Alain , Gluckman Eliane , Cavazzana-Calvo Marina
Published: February 2012

Pediatric patients with SCID constitute medical emergencies. In the absence of an HLA-identical hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) donor, mismatched related-donor transplantation (MMRDT) or unrelated-donor umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) are valuable treatment options. To help transplantation centers choose the best treatment option, we retrospectively compared outcomes after 175 MMRDTs and 74 UCBTs in patients with SCID or Omenn syndrome. Median follow-up time was 83 months and 58 months for UCBT and MMRDT, respectively. Most UCB recipients received a myeloablative conditioning regimen; most MMRDT recipients did not. UCB recipients presented a higher frequency of complete donor chimerism (P = .04) and faster total lymphocyte count recovery (P = .04) without any statistically significance with the preparative regimen they received. The MMRDT and UCBT groups did not differ in terms of T-cell engraftment, CD4+ and CD3+ cell recoveries, while Ig replacement therapy was discontinued sooner after UCBT (adjusted P = .02). There was a trend toward a greater incidence of grades II-IV acute GVHD (P = .06) and more chronic GVHD (P = .03) after UCBT. The estimated 5-year overall survival rates were 62% ± 4% after MMRDT and 57% ± 6% after UCBT. For children with SCID and no HLA-identical sibling donor, both UCBT and MMRDT represent available HSC sources for transplantation with quite similar outcomes.
Cytoplasmic p21 induced by p65 prevents doxorubicin-induced cell death in pancreatic carcinoma cell line
Authors: Zhou YingQi , Li Gang , Ji Yuan , Liu Chen , Zhu JingPing , Lu YanJun
Published: February 2012

Background

Studies have shown the existence of p21 induction in a p53-dependent and -independent pathway. Our previous study indicates that DOX-induced p65 is able to bind the p21 promoter to activate its transactivation in the cells.

Methods

Over-expression and knock-down experiments were performed in Human Pancreatic Carcinoma (PANC1) cells. Cell cycle and cell death related proteins were assessed by Western Blotting. Cytotoxicity assay was checked by CCK-8 kit. Cell growth was analyzed by flow cytometers.

Results

Here we showed that over-expression of p65 decreased the cytotoxic effect of DOX on PANC1 cells, correlating with increased induction of cytoplasmic p21. We observed that pro-caspase-3 physically associated with cytoplasmic p21, which may be contribution to prevent p21 translocation into the nucleus. Our data also suggested that no clear elevation of nuclear p21 by p65 provides a survival advantage by progression cell cycle after treatment of DOX. Likewise, down-regulation of p65 expression enhanced the cytotoxic effect of DOX, due to a significant decrease of mRNA levels of anti-apoptotic genes, such as the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis-1 (c-IAP1), and the long isoform of B cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), leading to efficient induction of caspase-3 cleavage in the cells. More, we present evidence that over-expression of p53 or p53/p65 in the PANC1 cells were more sensitive to DOX treatment, correlated with activation of caspase-3 and clear elevation of nuclear p21 level. Our previous data suggested that expression of p21 increases Gefitinib-induced cell death by blocking the cell cycle at the G1 and G2 phases. The present findings here reinforced this idea by showing p21's ability of potentiality of DOX-induced cell death correlated with its inhibition of cell cycle progression after over-expression of p53 or p53/p65.

Conclusion

Our data suggested p65 could increase p53-mediated cell death in response to DOX in PANC1 cells. Thus, it is worth noting that in p53 null or defective tumors, targeting in down-regulation of p65 may well be useful, leading to the potentiality of chemotherapeutic drugs.
Organ specificity and transcriptional control of metabolic routes revealed by expression QTL profiling of source-sink tissues in a segregating potato population
Authors: Kloosterman Bjorn , Anithakumari AM , Chibon Pierre-Yves , Oortwijn Marian , van der Linden Gerard C , Visser Richard GF , Bachem Christian WB
Published: February 2012

Background

With the completion of genome sequences belonging to some of the major crop plants, new challenges arise to utilize this data for crop improvement and increased food security. The field of genetical genomics has the potential to identify genes displaying heritable differential expression associated to important phenotypic traits. Here we describe the identification of expression QTLs (eQTLs) in two different potato tissues of a segregating potato population and query the potato genome sequence to differentiate between cis- and trans-acting eQTLs in relation to gene subfunctionalization.

Results

Leaf and tuber samples were analysed and screened for the presence of conserved and tissue dependent eQTLs. Expression QTLs present in both tissues are predominantly cis-acting whilst for tissue specific QTLs, the percentage of trans-acting QTLs increases. Tissue dependent eQTLs were assigned to functional classes and visualized in metabolic pathways. We identified a potential regulatory network on chromosome 10 involving genes crucial for maintaining circadian rhythms and controlling clock output genes. In addition, we show that the type of genetic material screened and sampling strategy applied, can have a high impact on the output of genetical genomics studies.

Conclusions

Identification of tissue dependent regulatory networks based on mapped differential expression not only gives us insight in tissue dependent gene subfunctionalization but brings new insights into key biological processes and delivers targets for future haplotyping and genetic marker development.
Neck control after definitive radiochemotherapy without planned neck dissection in node-positive head and neck cancers
Authors: Jang Na Young , Lee Keun-Wook , Ahn Soon-Hyun , Kim Jae-Sung , Kim In-Ah
Published: February 2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate neck control outcomes after definitive radiochemotherapy without planned neck dissection in node-positive head and neck cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of fifty patients with node-positive head and neck cancer who received definitive radiochemotherapy. Twelve patients subsequently underwent neck dissection for suspicious recurrent or persistent disease. A median dose of 70 Gy (range 60-70.6) was delivered to involved nodes. Response evaluation was performed at a median of 5 weeks after completion of radiotherapy.

Results

Neck failure was observed in 11 patients and the 3-year regional control (RC) rate was 77.1%. Neck dissection was performed in 10 of the 11 patients; seven of these cases were successfully salvaged, and the ultimate rate of neck control was 92%. The remaining two patients who received neck dissection had negative pathologic results. On univariate analysis, initial nodal size > 2 cm, a less-than-complete response at the primary site, post-radiotherapy nodal size > 1.5 cm, and post-radiotherapy nodal necrosis were associated with RC. On multivariate analysis, less-than-complete primary site response and post-radiotherapy nodal necrosis were identified as independent prognostic factors for RC.

Conclusions

The neck failure rate after definitive radiochemotherapy without planned neck dissection was 22%. Two-thirds of these were successfully salvaged with neck dissection and the ultimate neck control rate was 92%. Our results suggest that planned neck dissection might not be necessary in patients with complete response of primary site, no evidence of residual lesion > 1.5 cm, or no necrotic lymph nodes at the 1-2 months follow-up evaluation after radiotherapy.
Leptin deficiency-induced obesity affects the density of mast cells in abdominal fat depots and lymph nodes in mice
Authors: Altintas Mehmet M , Nayer Behzad , Walford Eric C , Johnson Kevin B , Gaidosh Gabriel , Reiser Jochen , De La Cruz-Munoz Nestor , Ortega Luis M , Nayer Ali
Published: February 2012

Background

Mast cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance. Here, we explored the effects of leptin deficiency-induced obesity on the density of mast cells in metabolic (abdominal fat depots, skeletal muscle, and liver) and lymphatic (abdominal lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus) organs. Fourteen-week-old male leptin-deficient ob/ob mice and their controls fed a standard chow were studied. Tissue sections were stained with toluidine blue to determine the density of mast cells. CD117/c-kit protein expression analysis was also carried out. Furthermore, mast cells containing immunoreactive tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine involved in obesity-linked insulin resistance, were identified by immunostaining.

Results

ob/ob mice demonstrated adiposity and insulin resistance. In abdominal fat depots, mast cells were distributed differentially. While most prevalent in subcutaneous fat in controls, mast cells were most abundant in epididymal fat in ob/ob mice. Leptin deficiency-induced obesity was accompanied by a 20-fold increase in the density of mast cells in epididymal fat, but a 13-fold decrease in subcutaneous fat. This finding was confirmed by CD117/c-kit protein expression analysis. Furthermore, we found that a subset of mast cells in epididymal and subcutaneous fat were immunoreactive for TNF-α. The proportion of mast cells immunoreactive for TNF-α was higher in epididymal than in subcutaneous fat in both ob/ob and control mice. Mast cells were also distributed differentially in retroperitoneal, mesenteric, and inguinal lymph nodes. In both ob/ob mice and lean controls, mast cells were more prevalent in retroperitoneal than in mesenteric and inguinal lymph nodes. Leptin deficiency-induced obesity was accompanied by increased mast cell density in all lymph node stations examined. No significant difference in the density of mast cells in skeletal muscle, liver, spleen, and thymus was noted between ob/ob and control mice.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that leptin deficiency-induced obesity is accompanied by alterations in the density of mast cells in abdominal fat depots. The divergent distribution of mast cells in subcutaneous versus visceral fat might partially account for their differential biological behavior. Mast cells might also play a role in adaptive immune response occurring in regional lymph nodes in obesity.
Identification of the NLS and NES motifs of VP2 from chicken anemia virus and the interaction of VP2 with mini-chromosome maintenance protein 3
Authors: Cheng Jai-Hong , Sheu Shyang-Chwen , Lien Yi-Yang , Lee Meng-Shiunn , Chen His-Jien , Su Wen-Hong , Lee Meng-Shiou
Published: February 2012

Background

VP2 of chicken anemia virus (CAV) is a dual-specificity phosphatase required for virus infection, assembly and replication. The functions of the nuclear localization signal (NLS) and nuclear export signal (NES) of VP2 in the cell, however, are poorly understood. Our study identified the presence of a NLS in VP2 and showed that the protein interacted significantly with mini-chromosome maintenance protein 3 (MCM3) in the cell.

Results

An arginine-lysine rich NLS could be predicted by software and spanned from amino acids 133 to 138 of VP2. The critical amino acids residues between positions 136 and 138, and either residue 133 or 134 are important for nuclear import in mammalian cells based on systematic mutagenesis. A NES is also predicted in VP2; however the results suggest that no functional NES is present and that this protein is CRM1 independent. It was also shown that VP2 is a chromatin binding protein and, notably, using a co-immunoprecipitation assay, it was found that VP2 association with MCM3 and that this interaction does not require DSP activity.

Conclusions

VP2 contains a NLS that span from amino acids 133 to 138. VP2 is a CRM1 independent protein during nuclear export and associates with MCM3 in cells.
Ginsenoside Re: Its chemistry, metabolism and pharmacokinetics
Authors: Peng Dacheng , Wang Huashan , Qu Chenling , Xie Laihua , Wicks Sheila M , Xie Jingtian
Published: February 2012

Ginsenosides, the bioactive components of ginseng, can be divided into two major groups, namely 20(S)-protopanaxatriol (e.g. Re, Rg1, Rg2, and Rb3) and 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (e.g. Rb1, Rb2, Rc, and Rd). Biological and environmental factors may affect the content of ginsenosides in different parts of ginseng plant. Evidence from pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies of Re demonstrated that (1) the absorption of Re is fast in gastrointestinal tract; (2) Re may be metabolized mainly to Rh1 and F1 by intestinal microflora before absorption into blood; and (3) Re is quickly cleared from the body.
Chronic pneumonia in calves after experimental infection with Mycoplasma bovis strain 1067: Characterization of lung pathology, persistence of variable surface protein antigens and local immune response
Authors: Hermeyer Kathrin , Buchenau Inka , Thomasmeyer Anne , Baum Berit , Spergser Joachim , Rosengarten Renate , Hewicker-Trautwein Marion
Published: February 2012

Background

Mycoplasma bovis is associated with pneumonia in calves characterized by the development of chronic caseonecrotic lesions with the agent persisting within the lesion. The purposes of this study were to characterize the morphology of lung lesions, examine the presence of M. bovis variable surface protein (Vsp) antigens and study the local immune responses in calves after infection with M. bovis strain 1067.

Methods

Lung tissue samples from eight calves euthanased three weeks after experimental infection with M. bovis were examined by bacteriology and pathology. Lung lesions were evaluated by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for wide spectrum cytokeratin and for M. bovis Vsp antigens and pMB67 antigen. IHC identification and quantitative evaluation of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and immunoglobulin (IgG1, IgG2, IgM, IgA)-containing plasma cells was performed. Additionally, expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC class II) was studied by IHC.

Results

Suppurative pneumonic lesions were found in all calves. In two calves with caseonecrotic pneumonia, necrotic foci were surrounded by epithelial cells resembling bronchial or bronchiolar epithelium. In all calves, M. bovis Vsp antigens were constantly present in the cytoplasm of macrophages and were also present extracellularly at the periphery of necrotic foci. There was a considerable increase in numbers of IgG1- and IgG2-positive plasma cells among which IgG1-containing plasma cells clearly predominated. Statistical evaluation of the numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, however, did not reveal statistically significant differences between inoculated and control calves. In M. bovis infected calves, hyperplasia of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) was characterized by strong MHC class II expression of lymphoid cells, but only few of the macrophages demarcating the caseonecrotic foci were positive for MHC class II.

Conclusions

The results from this study show that infection of calves with M. bovis results in various lung lesions including caseonecrotic pneumonia originating from bronchioli and bronchi. There is long-term persistence of M. bovis as demonstrated by bacteriology and immunohistochemistry for M. bovis antigens, i.e. Vsp antigens and pMB67. The persistence of the pathogen and its ability to evade the specific immune response may in part result from local downregulation of antigen presenting mechanisms and an ineffective humoral immune response with prevalence of IgG1 antibodies that, compared to IgG2 antibodies, are poor opsonins.
Low copy number of the FCGR3B gene and rheumatoid arthritis: a case-control study and meta-analysis
Authors: Graf Scott W , Lester Sue , Nossent Johannes C , Hill Catherine L , Proudman Susanna M , Lee Anita , Rischmueller Maureen
Published: February 2012

Introduction

Low copy number (CN) of the Fc gamma receptor 3B (FCGR3B) gene has been associated with systemic autoimmune disease. This receptor for IgG is present almost exclusively on neutrophils and plays a role in their interaction with immune complexes. At present the relationship between FCGR3B and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether low CN of the FCGR3B gene is associated with susceptibility to RA.

Method

The FCGR3B CN was determined using a custom Taqman® CN assay (Hs04211858; Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA) in 197 RA patients, recruited from a tertiary setting, and in 162 population matched controls. Odds ratios for low CN (< 2) and high CN (> 2), both relative to the normal diploid 2CN, were estimated by logistic regression.

Results

A significant association between RA and low FCGR3B CN was observed, with frequencies of 13.7% in RA patients compared with 6.2% in controls (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 5.4, P = 0.017). No association was observed between low CN and the presence of rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies or radiographic erosions in RA patients. A meta-analysis including six previous studies confirmed an association between RA and low FCGR3B CN (odds ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.13 to 1.92, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

The present study confirms that a low CN of the FCGR3B gene is associated with susceptibility to RA. The association may be stronger in patients recruited from a tertiary setting, which may relate to disease severity and/or complications. The mechanism of susceptibility remains unclear and further study is required.
Baseline serum MMP-3 levels in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis are still independently predictive of radiographic progression in a longitudinal observational cohort at 8 years follow up
Authors: Houseman Mark , Potter Catherine , Marshall Nicola , Lakey Rachel , Cawston Tim , Griffiths Ian , Young-Min Steven , Isaacs John D
Published: February 2012

Introduction

At present, there is no reliable tool for predicting disease outcome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We previously demonstrated an association between specific baseline biomarkers/clinical measures including matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and 2-year radiographic progression in patients with RA. This study further evaluates the predictive capability of these baseline variables with outcome extended over 8-years.

Methods

Fifty-eight of the original cohort (n = 118) had radiographic progression from baseline to mean 8.2-years determined using the van der Heijde modified Sharp method. The contribution of each predictor variable towards radiographic progression was assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Traditional factors (including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), and rheumatoid factor) and biomarkers of tissue destruction (including MMP-3, C-telopeptide of type II collagen, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1) measured at baseline were associated with radiographic progression at endpoint. Multivariate logistic regression identified anti-CCP seropositivity [OR 9.29, 95%CI: 2.29-37.64], baseline elevated MMP-3 [OR 8.25, 95%CI: 2.54-26.78] and baseline radiographic damage [OR 5.83, 95%CI: 1.88-18.10] as the strongest independent predictors of radiographic progression. A model incorporating these variables had a predictive accuracy of 0.87, assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Conclusion

In our cohort with onset of RA symptoms < 2-years, multivariate analysis identified anti-CCP status and baseline MMP-3 as the strongest independent predictors of radiographic disease outcome at 8.2-years. This finding suggests determination of baseline MMP-3, in conjunction with traditional serologic markers, may provide additional prognostic information for patients with RA. Furthermore, these findings highlight the importance of continued research into a broad range of biomarkers as potential predictors of joint damage.
Contribution of CXCL12 secretion to invasion of breast cancer cells
Authors: Boimel Pamela J , Smirnova Tatiana , Zhou Zhen Ni , Wyckoff Jeffrey , Park Haein , Coniglio Salvatore J , Qian Bin-Zhi , Stanley E Richard , Cox Dianne , Pollard Jeffrey W , Muller William J , Condeelis John , Segall Jeffrey E
Published: February 2012

Introduction

Neu (HER2/ErbB2) is overexpressed in 25% to 30% of human breast cancer, correlating with a poor prognosis. Researchers in previous studies who used the mouse mammary tumor virus Neu-transgenic mouse model (MMTV-Neu) demonstrated that the Neu-YB line had increased production of CXCL12 and increased metastasis, whereas the Neu-YD line had decreased metastasis. In this study, we examined the role of increased production of CXCL12 in tumor cell invasion and malignancy.

Methods

We studied invasion in the tumor microenvironment using multiphoton intravital imaging, in vivo invasion and intravasation assays. CXCL12 signaling was altered by using the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 or by increasing CXCL12 expression. The role of macrophage signaling in vivo was determined using a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) blocking antibody.

Results

The Neu-YD strain was reduced in invasion, intravasation and metastasis compared to the Neu-YB and Neu deletion mutant (activated receptor) strains. Remarkably, in the Neu-YB strain, in vivo invasion to epidermal growth factor was dependent on both CXCL12-CXCR4 and CSF1-CSF-1R signaling. Neu-YB tumors had increased macrophage and microvessel density. Overexpression of CXCL12 in rat mammary adenocarcinoma cells increased in vivo invasion as well as microvessel and macrophage density.

Conclusions

Expression of CXCL12 by tumor cells results in increased macrophage and microvessel density and in vivo invasiveness.
Short, Full-Dose Adjuvant Chemotherapy in High-Risk Adult Soft Tissue Sarcomas: A Randomized Clinical Trial From the Italian Sarcoma Group and the Spanish Sarcoma Group
Authors: Gronchi Alessandro , Frustaci Sergio , Mercuri Mario , Martin Javier , Lopez-Pousa Antonio , Verderio Paolo , Mariani Lidia , Valagussa Pinuccia , Miceli Rosalba , Stacchiotti Silvia , Tos Angelo Paolo Dei , De Paoli Antonino , Longhi Alessandra , Poveda Andres , Quagliuolo Vittorio , Comandone Alessandro , Casali Paolo Giovanni , Picci Piero
Published: February 2012

Purpose

A previous randomized clinical trial by the Italian Sarcoma Group (ISG) had shown a survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) in high-risk extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS). However, the dose-intensity of the last two cycles was suboptimal. We then undertook a multicentric international phase III study to compare three and five cycles of the same CT.

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned either to receive three cycles of preoperative CT with epirubicin 120 mg/m2and ifosfamide 9 g/m2and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (arm A) or to receive the same three cycles of preoperative CT followed by two further cycles of postoperative CT (arm B). Noninferiority of the primary end point, overall survival (OS), was assessed by the CI of the hazard ratio (HR; arm A/arm B) obtained from the Cox model.

Results

Between January 2002 and April 2007, 328 patients were recruited (164 patients in each arm). At a median follow-up of 63 months (interquartile range, 49 to 77 months), 100 deaths were recorded, 49 in arm A and 51 in arm B. Five-year OS probability was 0.70 for the entire group of patients (0.68 in arm A and 0.71 in arm B). The HR of arm A versus arm B was 1.00 (90% CI, 0.72 to 1.39).

Conclusion

In this population of patients with high-risk localized STS, three cycles of full-dose preoperative CT were not inferior to five cycles. The outcome compares favorably with the expected survival of patients with high-risk STS and was superimposable on the CT arm of the previous ISG trial.
Weekend hospitalization and additional risk of death: An analysis of inpatient data
Authors: Freemantle N , Richardson M , Wood J , Ray D , Khosla S , Shahian D , Roche WR , Stephens I , Keogh B , Pagano D
Published: February 2012

Objective

To assess whether weekend admissions to hospital and/or already being an inpatient on weekend days were associated with any additional mortality risk.

Design

Retrospective observational survivorship study. We analysed all admissions to the English National Health Service (NHS) during the financial year 2009/10, following up all patients for 30 days after admission and accounting for risk of death associated with diagnosis, co-morbidities, admission history, age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, seasonality, day of admission and hospital trust, including day of death as a time dependent covariate. The principal analysis was based on time to in-hospital death.

Participants

National Health Service Hospitals in England.

Main Outcome Measures

30 day mortality (in or out of hospital).

Results

There were 14,217,640 admissions included in the principal analysis, with 187,337 in-hospital deaths reported within 30 days of admission. Admission on weekend days was associated with a considerable increase in risk of subsequent death compared with admission on weekdays, hazard ratio for Sunday versus Wednesday 1.16 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.18; P < .0001), and for Saturday versus Wednesday 1.11 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.13; P < .0001). Hospital stays on weekend days were associated with a lower risk of death than midweek days, hazard ratio for being in hospital on Sunday versus Wednesday 0.92 (95% CI 0.91 to 0.94; P < .0001), and for Saturday versus Wednesday 0.95 (95% CI 0.93 to 0.96; P < .0001). Similar findings were observed on a smaller US data set.

Conclusions

Admission at the weekend is associated with increased risk of subsequent death within 30 days of admission. The likelihood of death actually occurring is less on a weekend day than on a mid-week day.
Evidence for a genetic role in varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency
Authors: Krysa J , Jones G T , Van Rij A M
Published: February 2012

There is a strong body of circumstantial evidence which implicates genetics in the aetiology and pathology of varicose veins and venous ulcer disease. The aim of this review is to consider the current knowledge of the genetic associations and the ways in which new genetic technologies may be applied to advancing our understanding of the cause and progression of these venous diseases. A number of publications have used a candidate gene approach to identify genes implicated in venous disease. Although these studies have opened up important new insights, there has been a general failure to replicate results in an independent cohort of patients. With our limited knowledge of the biological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of venous disease we are not in a strong position to formulate truly erudite a priori candidate gene hypothesis-directed studies. A genome wide association study should therefore be considered to help further our understanding of the genetic basis of venous disease. Due to the large sample sizes required for discovery and validation, using the new generations of molecular technologies, it will be necessary to form collaborating groups in order to successfully advance the field of venous disease genetics.
Monte Carlo Simulation Strategies for Predicting CO2/CH4 Adsorption onto Activated Carbons from Pure Gas Isotherms
Authors: de Oliveira José C.A. , Rios Rafael B. , López Raúl H. , Peixoto Hugo R. , Cornette Valéria , Torres A. Eurico B. , Cavalcante Célio L. , Azevedo Diana C.S. , Zgrablich Giorgio
Published: February 2012

The problem of predicting the adsorptive properties of activated carbon (AC) towards a mixture of gases from the simple knowledge of the adsorption properties of the pure components is addressed, with special reference to the CO2/CH4 mixture. The adsorption process for the pure gases and their mixtures was simulated using the Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) method and the calculations were then used to analyze experimental isotherms for the pure gases and for mixtures with different molar fractions in the gaseous phase. It was shown that the pore-size distributions (PSDs) “sensed” by each of the pure probe gases was different one from the other and also from the PSDs “seen” by the mixture. A mixing rule for combining the PSDs corresponding to the pure gases is proposed for obtaining predictions regarding the adsorption of the corresponding mixtures, which are then compared with those arising from the classical IAST approximation. For this purpose, selectivity curves for CO2 relative to CH4 have been calculated and compared with experimental values. It was concluded that, for the adsorbate/adsorbent system under study, the proposed GCMC mixed model was capable of predicting the binary adsorption equilibrium, and especially the selectivity, more accurately than the IAST.
Synthesis and Characterization of Metal-Supported Mesoporous Silicas Applied to the Adsorption of Benzothiophene
Authors: Vilarrasa-García Enrique , Azevedo Diana C.S. , Braos-García Pilar , Infantes-Molina Antonia , Cavalcante Célio L. , Jiménez-Jiménez José , Jiménez-Lopez Antonio , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique
Published: February 2012

The present work reports adsorption/desorption studies of benzothiophene (BT) onto SBA-15 loaded with Fe, Pd and Cu employing in situ FT-IR spectroscopy and batch liquid-phase adsorption methods. The adsorbents were prepared by post-synthesis impregnation of metal salts onto pure siliceous SBA-15 by solid mixture and incipient wetness methods. The adsorbents were characterized by nitrogen adsorption isotherms, TEM, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The incorporated metals, in different oxidation states, were dispersed as nanoparticles on the mesoporous channels of SBA-15. The surface area decreased significantly for samples with incorporated metals, especially for those prepared by solid-mixture impregnation (Cu and Pd), although the hexagonal arrangement and the average pore size remained virtually unaltered. As revealed by batch adsorption isotherms, the incorporation of metals effectively increased the retention of the adsorbent towards the sulphur compound in the following order: Pd < Fe > Cu. DRIFT spectra (under in situ adsorption/desorption conditions) of the samples containing Fe and Pd showed that adsorption of BT onto the former is mainly reversible, whereas BT seems to be chemisorbed in the latter and did not desorb readily upon thermal treatment under He flow.
A Study of the Adsorption Properties of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes Treated with Nitric Acid
Authors: Blanco Andrés A. García , Rocha Jhonny Villarroel , Múnera John F. , Nazzarro Marcelo , Zgrablich Giorgio , Sapag Karim
Published: February 2012

The changes observed in the properties of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) after treatment with nitric acid are reported. The oxidized nanotube samples were characterized morphologically by scanning electron microscopy and structurally by Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Gas adsorption was used to study the changes in the surface properties of the samples (including the changes in their porosity), as well as the changes in the adsorbate–adsorbent interactions which occurred as a result of the acid treatment. The adsorption studies were conducted using nitrogen at 77 K and CO2 at different temperatures between 263 K and 289 K at sub-atmospheric pressures. The isosteric heat was calculated from the data obtained and indicated a higher adsorbate–adsorbent interaction for the oxidized materials. A correlation was found between morphological and structural evolution and the adsorption properties of CO2, a probe gas which appears to be very suitable for characterizing the microporosity of these kinds of materials.
Nexorade or Reciprocal Frame System Applied to the Design and Construction of a 850 m2 Archaeological Shelter
Authors: Gelez Simon , Aubry Simon , Vaudeville Bernard
Published: February 2012

There are many ways of covering a surface. This paper describes the solution adopted for a prototype of an archaeological excavation shelter in Bibracte, France. A nexorade or reciprocal frame system covered with fabric has been designed by French architect Paul Andreu and French engineers Bernard Vaudeville and Simon Aubry (RFR first stage and T/E/S/S second stage). The shelter was built in 2008 and is currently in use.
Reciprocal Frames: Kinematical Determinacy and Limit Analysis
Authors: Brocato Maurizio
Published: February 2012

Given a structural topology, a reciprocal frame has, in most cases, many different configurations, that can be obtained changing its boundary constraints. Here we propose a mathematical procedure to check if such a structure is kinematically determined when a particular geometry is given by fixing these constraints.

The task is performed to help producing tools for the general understanding and design of reciprocal frames.
Reciprocal Frames – Teaching Experiences
Authors: Thönnissen Udo , Werenfels Nik
Published: February 2012

Due to their small number of constituent parameters, reciprocal frame systems are ideally suited to help understand the relationship between form and structure. A project by the Chair of Professor Spiro and her students at the ETH Zurich undertook to develop and realize a number of minor constructions utilizing these systems, whilst simultaneously examining the varied role of the computer as a design and production tool.
Estimation Procedure of the Descriptor LAeq,T from the Stabilization Time of the Sound Pressure Level Value
Authors: Torija Antonio J. , Ruiz Diego P. , Ramos-Ridao Ángel
Published: February 2012

Temporal structure of sound pressure level is a key aspect at the time of characterizing urban sound environments. In urban agglomerations, environmental noise levels fluctuate over a large range as a result of the great complexity of these settings, with considerable temporal and spatial heterogeneity. Furthermore, the domain in urban environments of noise sources, such as road traffic, commercial or leisure activities, construction works, etc., together with the occurrence of sudden sound-level maxima events (bells, sirens, vehicles at high traffic speed, honking horns…), which are quite frequent in urban agglomerations, generate the appearance of very high values of the impulsiveness of sound pressure level. This aspect causes a great influence on the time necessary for environmental noise levels to become stabilized, which is a key aspect for the accurate measurement, interpretation and guarantee of a statistically representative sample of a given urban sound environment. Therefore, the goal pursued in this work is to put forth a procedure for the calculation of a value of LAeqT, representative of a certain urban location in a short-term time period, from the utilization of the value of the stabilization time of the sound pressure level.
Effect of Uncertainty on Vibration Analysis of Composite Bicycle Frame
Authors: Li Yefei , Li Fangyu
Published: February 2012

An assessment was put forward to quantify the influence of random material properties' uncertainties on vibration analysis of the composite bicycle frame. Young's modulus, tensile yield strength and density of the composite material were modeled as independent random variables. The effect of material uncertainties on modal analysis and harmonic response analysis were evaluated using the finite element method. The results of this study showed that the vibration analysis, design and optimization of the bicycle frame should be considered with regard to the randomness in composite material properties.
Simulations of Flow and Noise Generated by Automobile outside Rear-View Mirrors
Authors: Khalighi Bahram , Snegirev Alexander , Shinder Julia , Lupuleac Sergey , Chen Kuo-Huey
Published: February 2012

Numerical simulations of the flow and noise generated by two different automotive outside rear-view mirrors are investigated. The mirrors were mounted on the top of a specially designed table for simulations and wind tunnel tests. A decoupled two-stage methodology is applied that requires CFD simulations to collect pressure variations at solid surfaces followed by an acoustic post-processing of the data recorded. For the flow simulations, URANS (Unsteady RANS), DES (Detached Eddy Simulation) and LES (Large Eddy Simulation) turbulence modeling approaches are used. This study is part of an on-going project to develop a transient CFD procedure to accurately predict wind noise generated by the exterior surfaces of a moving ground vehicle. The Curle's formulation in low Mach number limit is used to calculate the acoustic pressure generated by the pressure fluctuations at solid walls. Reasonable agreement (within 5 dB) between measurements and predictions has been achieved both for the flow and sound characteristics (with denser mesh quality). It is found that the URANS and DES approaches underestimate surface pressure fluctuations and therefore, result in underestimated sound pressure levels. The LES approach on the other hand (particularly with the dynamic subgrid viscosity model) provides better agreement for the time-averaged surface pressure distributions and for the sound pressure levels.