bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The biochemical aftermath of anti-amyloid immunotherapy
Authors: Maarouf Chera L , Daugs Ian D , Kokjohn Tyler A , Kalback Walter M , Patton R Lyle , Luehrs Dean C , Masliah Eliezer , Nicoll James AR , Sabbagh Marwan N , Beach Thomas G , Castaño Eduardo M , Roher Alex E
Published: October 2010

Background

Active and passive immunotherapy in both amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients have resulted in remarkable reductions in amyloid plaque accumulation, although the degree of amyloid regression has been highly variable. Nine individuals with a clinical diagnosis of AD dementia were actively immunized with the Aβ peptide 1-42 (AN-1792) and subjected to detailed postmortem biochemical analyses. These patients were compared to 6 non-immunized AD cases and 5 non-demented control (NDC) cases.

Results

All patients were assessed for the presence of AD pathology including amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and vascular amyloidosis. This effort revealed that two immunotherapy recipients had dementia as a consequence of diseases other than AD. Direct neuropathological examination consistently demonstrated small to extensive areas in which amyloid plaques apparently were disrupted. Characterization of Aβ species remnants by ELISA suggested that total Aβ levels may have been reduced, although because the amounts of Aβ peptides among treated individuals were extremely variable, those data must be regarded as tentative. Chromatographic analysis and Western blots revealed abundant dimeric Aβ peptides. SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry demonstrated a substantive number of Aβ-related peptides, some of them with elongated C-terminal sequences. Pro-inflammatory TNF-α levels were significantly increased in the gray matter of immunized AD cases compared to the NDC and non-immunized AD groups.

Conclusions

Immunotherapy responses were characterized by extreme variability. Considering the broad range of biological variation that characterizes aging and complicates the recognition of reliable AD biomarkers, such disparities will make the interpretation of outcomes derived from epidemiologic and therapeutic investigations challenging. Although in some cases the apparent removal of amyloid plaques by AN-1792 was impressive, proportionate alterations in the clinical progression of AD were not evident. The fact that plaque elimination did not alter the trajectory of decline into dementia suggests the likelihood that these deposits alone are not the underlying cause of dementia.
Thyroid Function and Human Reproductive Health
Authors: Krassas G. E. , Poppe K. , Glinoer D.
Published: October 2010

Via its interaction in several pathways, normal thyroid function is important to maintain normal reproduction. In both genders, changes in SHBG and sex steroids are a consistent feature associated with hyper- and hypothyroidism and were already reported many years ago. Male reproduction is adversely affected by both thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism. Erectile abnormalities have been reported. Thyrotoxicosis induces abnormalities in sperm motility, whereas hypothyroidism is associated with abnormalities in sperm morphology; the latter normalize when euthyroidism is reached. In females, thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism can cause menstrual disturbances. Thyrotoxicosis is associated mainly with hypomenorrhea and polymenorrhea, whereas hypothyroidism is associated mainly with oligomenorrhea. Thyroid dysfunction has also been linked to reduced fertility. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation leads to important increases in estradiol, which in turn may have an adverse effect on thyroid hormones and TSH. When autoimmune thyroid disease is present, the impact of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation may become more severe, depending on preexisting thyroid abnormalities. Autoimmune thyroid disease is present in 5–20% of unselected pregnant women. Isolated hypothyroxinemia has been described in approximately 2% of pregnancies, without serum TSH elevation and in the absence of thyroid autoantibodies. Overt hypothyroidism has been associated with increased rates of spontaneous abortion, premature delivery and/or low birth weight, fetal distress in labor, and perhaps gestation-induced hypertension and placental abruption. The links between such obstetrical complications and subclinical hypothyroidism are less evident. Thyrotoxicosis during pregnancy is due to Graves’ disease and gestational transient thyrotoxicosis. All antithyroid drugs cross the placenta and may potentially affect fetal thyroid function.
Queueing Model Improves IBM's Semiconductor Capacity and Lead-Time Management
Authors: Brown Steven M. , Hanschke Thomas , Meents Ingo , Wheeler Benjamin R. , Zisgen Horst
Published: October 2010

At IBM's 300 mm semiconductor plant in East Fishkill, New York, we developed and implemented the Enterprise Production Planning and Optimization System (EPOS), an advanced queueing network model for capacity planning. EPOS extends earlier queueing network models by adding the ability to model product-specific batch service and batch arrivals and multichamber process equipment, and by embedding a linear program for allocating lots to the right queues when route choices are present. EPOS addresses both short-term tactical capacity planning and long-term strategic capital investment planning. It has become an integral part of predicting factory bottlenecks, prioritizing continuous-improvement efforts, planning capital equipment investments, and managing factory lead times. EPOS results have guided IBM's efforts to improve factory performance and reduce tens of millions of dollars of expense.
The Mandatory Residency Dilemma: Parallels to Historical Transitions in Pharmacy Education
Authors: Bright David R , Adams Alex J , Black Curtis D , Powers Mary F
Published: October 2010

Objective:

To review recent literature regarding mandatory residencies in the perspective of the historical entry-level degree debate.

Data Sources:

Articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE/PubMed, national pharmacy association Web sites, and a review of the references of related literature.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Several studies, commentaries, and reviews are examined to discuss viewpoints from both the entry-level degree and mandatory residency debates. Similarities were observed between the 2 debates in regard to objectives and rationale for change, educational issues, pharmaceutical care issues, and economic issues.

Data Synthesis:

Fewer than 10 years ago, after many years of debate, colleges of pharmacy made the transition to offering the PharmD degree as the sole entry-level degree for licensure as a pharmacist. Similar debates have taken place over the past several years and continue to take place regarding the necessity for residency training. One key 2006 document by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy calls for mandatory residency training for entry into pharmacy practice by 2020.

Conclusions:

In parallel with the entry-level degree debate, consensus has yet to be reached among pharmacists and pharmacy organizations, but several have shown support for mandatory residency training for all pharmacists involved in direct patient care. Many questions have yet to be answered regarding the timeline, economics, and feasibility of such a mandate.
Redox properties of CdSe and CdSe–ZnS quantum dots in solution
Authors: Amelia Matteo , Avellini Tommaso , Monaco Simone , Impellizzeri Stefania , Yildiz Ibrahim , Raymo Françisco M. , Credi Alberto
Published: October 2010

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are inorganic nanoparticles which, because of their unique size-dependent electronic properties, are of high potential interest for the construction of functional nanodevices. Photoinduced electron transfer is a versatile mechanism used to implement light-induced functionalities in multicomponent (supra)molecular assemblies. Indeed, QDs can be employed as active components in new generations of these systems. The rational design of the latter, however, requires prior knowledge of the photo-physical properties and redox potentials of the nanocrystals. Here we discuss the results of recent systematic electrochemical investigations aimed at understanding the structural factors that regulate the redox properties of CdSe core and CdSe–ZnS core–shell QDs.
Consolidated Bioprocessing using an Edible Mushroom
Authors: Mizuno Ryoji , Ichinose Hitomi , Maehara Tomoko , Takabatake Koji
Published: October 2010

Worldwide attention has now focused on bioethanol production to combat global warming and to safeguard global energy. Lignocelluloses are expected to be utilized in future as fuel ethanol production because of competition between food and fuel production. One of the major problems in producing ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass is high production cost and consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) is gaining recognition as a potential breakthrough for low-cost biomass processing. Basidiomycetes appear suitable for use in CBP because they can achieve the both events of lignocellulose breakdown and ethanol fermentation. We are developing CBP bioethanol production by usingFlammulina velutipesfrom sorghums. It turns out the relationship between varietal characteristics of sorghums and ethanol conversion properties ofF. velutipes, and the direction should be performed in the future became clear.
Carbon Nanospheres Fabricated by Pyrolysis of Micelles Formed in Pectin Gels
Authors: Wong Peter Y. , O'Brien Brendan P. , Panilaitis Bruce , Irwin Christian
Published: October 2010

Formation of carbon nanospheres is typically relegated to two costly methods. Chemical vapor deposition produces uniform spheres safely anchored to a substrate but at the cost of being slow and expensive to run. Arc discharge of a carbon target produces soot containing a low density of random spheres that must be laboriously sorted. An alternative approach is to fabricate carbon nanospheres through the pyrolysis of organic feedstock. This paper presents the findings from an investigation into using pectin as a pre-cursor material for pyrolysis. The pectin is combined with different saccharides - sucrose, dextrose, and fructose and processed in aqueous solution until a gel set. The gel is then thermally processed in a nitrogen environment at 500 °C. The resultant carbon material is examined under SEM. Images confirm the formation of nanospheres and other microscale and nanoscale structures. The pectin, a naturally derived product from plant materials, is a renewable source of materials which can be used to form nanotechnologies for many energy-related applications.
Heavy Metal Removal from Electroplating Wastewater Using Acacia Cellulose Based Polymeric Chelating Ligand
Authors: Rahman Lutfor , Yong Wen Simon Siew , Fatt Wong Hai , Bin Arshad Sazmal Effendi , Musta Baba , Abdullah Mohd Harun
Published: October 2010

A polymeric chelating ligand containing hydroxamic acid and amidoxime functional groups were prepared from acrylate polymer grafted acacia cellulose and this ligand was introduced to remove heavy metals from industrial wastewaters. The heavy metals binding property with this ligand is excellent up to 3.78 mmol/ g sorbent and the rate of exchange of some metals was very fast i.e. t½ ≈ 6 min (average). Two types of wastewater from electroplating plants used in this study those containing chromium, zinc, nickel, copper and iron etc. Before removing heavy metals from wastewater, pH was adjusted to 4 and various metal concentrations were used for finding the extraction capability of the ligand. It was found that the metals recovery was highly efficient, up to 99.99% of several heavy metals were removed from electroplating wastewater using the ligands. Therefore, the proposed polymeric chelating ligands could be used to the remove such heavy metals from industrial wastewater and as well as effective ligands for environment protection.
Acrylic Resin Polymerization in Direct Contact to the Abutment and the Temperature at Bone-Implant Interface: A Pilot In Vitro Study
Authors: Kazemi Mahmood , Jalali Hamid , Eghtedari Mehrdad , Sadrimanesh Roozbeh , Sadr-Eshkevari Pooyan , Maurer Peter
Published: October 2010

Three autopolymerizing acrylic resins were applied to a titanium alloy abutment connected to 2 different diameters of an implant. The implants were embedded in fresh iliac bone of sheep in a 37°C water bath. Temperature changes were recorded via embedded thermocouples at the cervical (T1) and apical (T2) regions of the implant surface. Polymerization temperature of acrylic resins did not seem to exceed the critical threshold of 47°C.
Influence of Prognostic Risk Indicators on Osseointegrated Dental Implant Failure: A Matched Case-Control Analysis
Authors: Alissa Rami , Oliver Richard J.
Published: October 2010

Dental implant treatment is an important therapeutic modality with documented long-term success for replacement of missing teeth. However, dental implants can be susceptible to disease conditions or healing complications that may lead to implant loss. This case-control study identified several risk indicators associated with failure such as smoking and alcohol consumption. The use of postoperative antibiotics or wide-diameter implants may significantly reduce implant failure. Knowledge of patient-related risk factors may assist the clinician in proper case selection and treatment planning.
Implant-Supported Prosthesis Misalignment Related to the Dental Arch: A 14-Year Clinical Follow-up
Authors: das Neves Flávio Domingues , Coró Vitor , da Silva Neto João Paulo , de Mattias Sartori Ivete Aparecida , do Prado Ricardo Alves
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this study was to warn the dental community about a possible problem in function with partial implant–supported prostheses used for long periods. The misalignment between natural teeth and the implant-supported prosthesis on teeth 11 and 12, observed in a 14-year clinical follow-up, illustrates the fact. The metal-ceramic crowns were placed in 1995 after a rigorous occlusal adjustment. Evaluations were made at 4, 6, 9, and 14 years, when it was noticed that the restorations were positioned palatally and extruded in comparison with the natural teeth. After 9 years, a greater discrepancy was noticed, with anterior occlusion and esthetic changes. The possible causes have been discussed: occlusal problems, parafunctional habits, and natural movement. The first 2 options were discarded after clinical analysis and diagnosis. Therefore, the natural movement probably deriving from an interaction of mechanical and genetic factors might have been the cause. The implants do not have periodontal ligaments but rather ankylosis, so they do not suffer those movements. This case emphasizes the need to inform patients that implants can last more than 10 years in function, but this is not the case with restorations, which lose function and esthetics and must be replaced.
Resíduos generalizados de Cox-Snell na avaliação do ajuste de modelos
Authors: Silva Ana Lúcia Souza da , Vivanco Mário Javier Ferrua , Menezes Fortunato Silva de
Published: October 2010

Vários tipos de resíduos têm sido propostos para modelos de sobrevivência, sendo os mais adequados resultado dos resíduos generalizados de Cox e Snell (1968). O objetivo com este trabalho é avaliar a adequacidade de modelos por meio de gráficos de diagnósticos gerados a partir dos resíduos generalizados de Cox-Snell. Para ilustrar a teoria, foram feitas três aplicações. A primeira aplicação visou a ilustrar a lógica existente entre a plotagem dos resíduos ordenados de três distribuições, normal (0,1), logística (0,1) e valor extremo (0,1) versus as estatísticas de ordem esperadas desses resíduos de acordo com as distribuições assumidas. Para a segunda aplicação, foram utilizados dados de tempo de vida de isolantes, obtidos em Nelson (1990). A partir da verificação por meio dos gráficos de diagnósticos utilizando-se os resíduos generalizados de Cox-Snell, encontrou-se que o modelo apropriado para o tempo de vida dos isolantes era o log-normal. Para a terceira aplicação, foram analisados dados censurados referentes ao tempo de vida de pacientes, obtidos em Collett (1994). Avaliou-se a adequacidade de vários modelos por meio dos resíduos de Cox-Snell adaptados para dados de sobrevivência. Pelos resultados constatou-se que o modelo Weibull foi o mais adequado.
Endometrial Carcinoma: A Review of Chemotherapy, Drug Resistance, and the Search for New Agents
Authors: Moxley Katherine M. , McMeekin D. Scott
Published: October 2010

Adenocarcinoma of the endometrium represents the most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries. Although early-stage cancers are effectively treated surgically, commonly without adjuvant therapy, the treatment of high-risk and advanced disease is more complex. Chemotherapy has evolved into an important modality in high-risk early-stage and advanced-stage disease, and in recurrent endometrial cancer. Taxane-based therapy consistently demonstrates the highest response rates in the first-line and salvage settings of endometrial cancer. Unfortunately, response to chemotherapy is modest and strategies are needed to predict chemotherapy-responsive and chemotherapy-resistant populations. Chemotherapy resistance mediated by overexpression of drug efflux pump proteins and mutations in β-tubulin isoforms in both primary and recurrent disease represent unique treatment challenges and highlight the need for new agents that are less susceptible to these known resistance pathways. Epothilone B analogs are novel cytotoxic agents with activity in solid tumors, including advanced/recurrent endometrial carcinoma, and may have unique properties that can overcome resistance in some settings. These agents alone and in combination represent a new therapeutic opportunity in endometrial carcinoma.
Future Scenarios for the Treatment of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Focus on Taxane-Containing Regimens
Authors: Grossi Francesco , Kubota Kaoru , Cappuzzo Federico , Marinis Filippo , Gridelli Cesare , Aita Marianna , Douillard Jean-Yves
Published: October 2010

Despite recent progress in the development of new molecularly targeted agents, the chemotherapy regimens considered standard at the end of the last century—that is, two-drug combinations consisting of either cisplatin or carboplatin plus a third-generation agent (docetaxel, paclitaxel, gemcitabine, or vinorelbine)—remain the primary treatment option for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Most recently, the existing standard of care has been amended to reflect the significant survival advantage of cisplatin–pemetrexed over cisplatin–gemcitabine as first-line treatment of nonsquamous NSCLC. The addition of a biological drug (bevacizumab, cetuximab) or the use of a single-agent epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor may further improve outcomes in selected patients.

It has become increasingly clear, primarily through recent meta-analyses, that although the therapeutic equivalence of any combination of a platinum agent plus either gemcitabine, vinorelbine, docetaxel, or paclitaxel has been long accepted, each regimen has different side effects and therapeutic outcomes that allow clinicians to select the most appropriate treatment for chemotherapy-naïve patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC. In this review, we evaluate the available evidence and explore the role and importance of various modern chemotherapy regimens, with the aim of optimizing treatment selection and combination with biological agents. Emphasis is placed on the role of taxanes (docetaxel versus paclitaxel) in this changing landscape.
HIV-Related Attitudes and Intentions for High-Risk, Substance-Using Men Who Have Sex With Men: Associations and Clinical Implications for HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative MSM
Authors: Mansergh Gordon , McKirnan David J. , Flores Stephen A. , Hudson Sharon M. , Koblin Beryl A. , Purcell David W. , Colfax Grant N.
Published: October 2010

This study compared HIV-related attitudes and intentions by respondent HIV-status in a large sample of substance-using men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. Attitudes and intentions included self-efficacy for safer sex; difficulty communicating with sex partners about safer sex; intent to use condoms consistently and to not use substances before sex in the next 3 months; and less concern for HIV given effective antiviral treatments. Differences were found for behavior during the most recent anal sex encounter by HIV-status, including (a) insertive and (b) receptive anal sex risk behavior, and (c) substance use before or during the encounter. Self-efficacy for safer sex was associated with less risk behavior among HIV-negative men but not among HIV-positive men, suggesting that self-efficacy for safer sex continues to be a relevant issue to address in counseling uninfected MSM. HIV-positive men who reported less concern for HIV given treatments were more likely to report receptive risk behavior, as were HIV-negative men who reported difficulty communicating about safer sex. Implications are discussed for potentially heightened client desire and therapeutic opportunity to reduce future substance use during sex for clients who report recent substance use during sex.
Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy for Adherence and Depression (CBT-AD) in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gonzalez Jeffrey S. , McCarl Lauren A. , Wexler Deborah J. , Cagliero Enrico , Delahanty Linda , Soper Tiffany D. , Goldman Valerie , Knauz Robert , Safren Steven A.
Published: October 2010

Depression is one of the most common psychological problems among individuals with diabetes, and is associated with worse treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. As part of a program of treatment research aimed at integrating interventions for depression and treatment nonadherence, five depressed patients with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes were treated with 10–12 sessions of individual cognitive–behavioral therapy for adherence and depression (CBT-AD) in a case-series design. The intervention was delivered in a hospital setting by a collaborative team consisting of a psychologist, a nurse educator, and a dietitian. Post-treatment, all participants demonstrated a decrease in depression severity and demonstrated improvements in diabetes self-care. Four of the five demonstrated improved glycemic control. These preliminary results provide evidence for the acceptability, feasibility, and potential utility of CBT-AD for patients with type 2 diabetes and depression.
Enhanced Ridge Preservation by Bone Mineral Bound With Collagen‐Binding Synthetic Oligopeptide: A Clinical and Histologic Study in Humans
Authors: Nam Hyun‐Wook , Park Jun‐Beom , Lee Jue Yeon , Rhee Sang‐Hoon , Lee Sang‐Chul , Koo Ki‐Tae , Kim Tae‐Il , Seol Yang‐Jo , Lee Yong‐Moo , Ku Young , Rhyu In‐Chul , Park Yoon‐Jeong , Chung Chong Pyoung
Published: October 2010

Background: The ridge‐preservation technique has been applied with membrane alone or membrane plus graft. Synthetic peptides, mimicking bioactive growth factor or extracellular matrix protein, have been attempted to provide an active surface of the biomaterials in inducing bone formation while alleviating the limitations of whole protein such as short half‐life, immunologic responses. The aim of the present clinical study is to examine the osteogenic effect of synthetic oligopeptide–coated bone mineral compared to bone graft without peptide when applied with collagen membrane in a ridge‐preservation technique.

Methods: Synthetic oligopeptide from the collagen‐binding domain of osteopontin was chemically synthesized and coated onto the surface of bone mineral particulates. Ridge preservations were performed at 44 extraction sites in 42 patients (20 males and 22 females). Analyses of clinical parameters and histomorphometric evaluations were conducted to compare the osteogenic effects of the grafts between baseline and 6 months.

Results: In the bone grafts of the control group treated without synthetic peptide, new bone formation was only seen around borders and basal areas. However, new bone was observed broadly in the defects of the test group treated with synthetic peptide–coated bone mineral, as seen not only at peripheries but also in the central and coronal parts of bone cores in the defects. The average percentage of new bone formation was significantly higher in the test group (5.3% ± 8.3% versus 10.4% ± 4.6%). The contact percentages between the graft particles and the new bone were 8.2% ± 11.3% for the control group and 20.4% ± 7.5% for the test group (P <0.05).

Conclusions: The ridge‐preservation approach using synthetic oligopeptide–coated bone mineral with collagen membrane effectively prevented the resorption of hard tissue with higher bone‐to‐graft contact, and the oligopeptide‐coated bone may be a choice for ridge‐preservation procedures while assuring new bone formation.
The Effect of Low‐Level Laser Therapy as an Adjunct to Non‐Surgical Periodontal Treatment
Authors: Aykol Gokce , Baser Ulku , Maden Ilay , Kazak Zafer , Onan Utku , Tanrikulu‐Kucuk Sevda , Ademoglu Evin , Issever Halim , Yalcin Funda
Published: October 2010

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to non‐surgical periodontal therapy of smoking and non‐smoking patients with moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis.

Methods: All 36 systemically healthy patients who were included in the study initially received non‐surgical periodontal therapy. The LLLT group (n = 18) received GaAlAs diode laser therapy as an adjunct to non‐surgical periodontal therapy. A diode laser with a wavelength of 808 nm was used for the LLLT. Energy density of 4 J/cm2 was applied to the gingival surface after periodontal treatment on the first, second, and seventh days. Each of the LLLT and control groups was divided into two groups as smoking and non‐smoking patients to investigate the effect of smoking on treatment. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from all patients and clinical parameters were recorded on baseline, the first, third, and sixth months after treatment. Matrix metalloproteinase‐1, tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase‐1, transforming growth factor‐β1, and basic‐fibroblast growth factor levels in the collected gingival crevicular fluid were measured.

Results: The primary outcome variable in this study was change in gingival bleeding and inflammation. At all time points, the LLLT group showed significantly more improvement in sulcus bleeding index (SBI), clinical attachment level, and probing depth (PD) levels compared to the control group (P <0.001). There were clinically significant improvements in the laser‐applied smokers' PD and SBI levels compared to smokers to whom a laser was not applied, between the baseline and all time points (P <0.001) (SBI score: control group 1.12, LLLT group 1.49; PD: control group 1.21 mm, LLLT group 1.46 mm, between baseline and 6 months). Transforming growth factor‐β1 levels and the ratio of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 to tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase‐1 decreased significantly in both groups at 1, 3, and 6 months after periodontal therapy (P <0.001). Basic‐fibroblast growth factor levels significantly decreased in both groups in the first month after the treatment, then increased in the third and sixth months (P <0.005). No marker level change showed significant differences between the groups (P <0.05).

Conclusion: LLLT as an adjunctive therapy to non‐surgical periodontal treatment improves periodontal healing.
The Kaiser Permanente Community Health Initiative: Overview and Evaluation Design
Authors: Cheadle Allen , Schwartz Pamela M. , Rauzon Suzanne , Beery William L. , Gee Scott , Solomon Loel
Published: October 2010

We provide an overview of the Kaiser Permanente Community Health Initiative—created in 2003 to promote obesity-prevention policy and environmental change in communities served by Kaiser Permanente—and describe the design for evaluating the initiative. The Initiative focuses on 3 ethnically diverse northern California communities that range in size from 37 000 to 52 000 residents. The evaluation assesses impact by measuring intermediate outcomes and conducting pre- and posttracking of population-level measures of physical activity, nutrition, and overweight.
The Fox and the Henhouse: On the Wisdom of GAO Audits of the Federal Reserve
Authors: Maser Steven M , Thompson Fred
Published: October 2010

Is assigning the GAO to protect against political favoritism by the Fed like asking the fox to guard the henhouse? According to Steve Maser and Fred Thompson's work it is: they find that Congressional pressure has a large impact on GAO decision making.
Vascular Risk Factors and Cognitive Impairment in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kurella Tamura Manjula , Xie Dawei , Yaffe Kristine , Cohen Debbie L. , Teal Valerie , Kasner Scott E. , Messé Steven R. , Sehgal Ashwini R. , Kusek John , DeSalvo Karen B. , Cornish-Zirker Denise , Cohan Janet , Seliger Stephen L. , Chertow Glenn M. , Go Alan S.
Published: October 2010

Background and objectives

Cognitive impairment is common among persons with chronic kidney disease, but the extent to which nontraditional vascular risk factors mediate this association is unclear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We conducted cross-sectional analyses of baseline data collected from adults with chronic kidney disease participating in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study. Cognitive impairment was defined as a Modified Mini-Mental State Exam score >1 SD below the mean score.

Results

Among 3591 participants, the mean age was 58.2 ± 11.0 years, and the mean estimated GFR (eGFR) was 43.4 ± 13.5 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Cognitive impairment was present in 13%. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, prevalent vascular disease (stroke, coronary artery disease, and peripheral arterial disease) and traditional vascular risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and elevated cholesterol), an eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 was associated with a 47% increased odds of cognitive impairment (odds ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.05, 2.05) relative to those with an eGFR 45 to 59 ml/min per 1.73 m2. This association was attenuated and no longer significant after adjustment for hemoglobin concentration. While other nontraditional vascular risk factors including C-reactive protein, homocysteine, serum albumin, and albuminuria were correlated with cognitive impairment in unadjusted analyses, they were not significantly associated with cognitive impairment after adjustment for eGFR and other confounders.

Conclusions

The prevalence of cognitive impairment was higher among those with lower eGFR, independent of traditional vascular risk factors. This association may be explained in part by anemia.
Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) Deacetylation by Physical Activity
Authors: Li Ling , Pan Ruping , Li Rong , Niemann Bernd , Aurich Anne-Cathleen , Chen Ying , Rohrbach Susanne
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE

Transcriptional peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) plays a key role in mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism and is suggested to be involved in the exercise-induced increase in mitochondrial content. PGC-1α activity is regulated by posttranslational modifications, among them acetylation or phosphorylation. Accordingly, the deacetylase SIRT1 and the kinase AMPK increase PGC-1α activity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We tested whether chronic treadmill exercise or a single exercise session modifies PGC-1α activation and mitochondrial biogenesis differentially in obese ob/ob mice with dysregulated adiponectin/leptin-mediated AMPK activation compared with C57BL/6J wild-type mice.

RESULTS

Exercise training (12 weeks) induced adiponectin and lowered plasma insulin and glucose, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity in wild-type mice. It enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis in red gastrocnemius muscle, as indicated by increased mRNA expression of transcriptional regulators and primary mitochondrial transcripts, increased mtDNA content, and citrate synthase activity. Parallel to this, we observed AMPK activation, PGC-1α deacetylation, and SIRT1 induction in trained wild-type mice. Although none of these exercise-induced changes were detected in ob/ob mice, comparable effects on mitochondrial respiration were observed. A single exercise session resulted in comparable changes in wild-type mice. These changes remained detectable 6 h after the exercise session but had disappeared after 24 h. Treatment of C2C12 myoblasts with leptin or adiponectin resulted in increased AMPK phosphorylation and PGC-1α deacetylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic exercise induces mitochondrial biogenesis in wild-type mice, which may require intact AMPK activation by adipocytokines and involve SIRT1-dependent PGC-1α deacetylation. Trained ob/ob mice appear to have partially adapted to reduced mitochondrial biogenesis by AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α–independent mechanisms without mtDNA replication.
Association of Depressive Symptoms With Impaired Glucose Regulation, Screen-Detected, and Previously Known Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mäntyselkä Pekka , Korniloff Katariina , Saaristo Timo , Koponen Hannu , Eriksson Johan , Puolijoki Hannu , Timonen Markku , Sundvall Jouko , Kautiainen Hannu , Vanhala Mauno
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between impaired glucose regulation (IGR), screen-detected type 2 diabetes, and previously known diabetes and depressive symptoms.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Altogether, 2,712 participants from three hospital districts in Finland attended a health examination. Cutoff scores ≥10 and ≥16 in the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21) were used for depressive symptoms. The participants were defined as having known diabetes if they reported diabetes. An oral glucose tolerance test was used to detect normal glucose regulation (NGR), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and screen-detected diabetes. The participants were defined as having IGR if they had IFG or IGT.

RESULTS

Prevalence of depressive symptoms, defined as a BDI-21 cutoff score ≥10, was 14.4% for those with NGR, 13.7% for those with IGR, 14.8% for those with screen-detected diabetes, and 26.4% for those with previously known diabetes. The corresponding prevalences for a cutoff score ≥16 were 3.4, 3.4, 4.2, and 7.5%, respectively. Compared with NGR and adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and biological factors, the odds ratios for IGR, screen-detected diabetes, and previously known diabetes were 0.91 (95% CI 0.69–1.20), 0.70 (0.45–1.08), and 1.35 (0.84–2.15), respectively, for a cutoff score ≥10. For a cutoff score ≥16, the corresponding odds ratios were 1.05 (0.62–1.76), 0.87 (0.40–1.90), and 1.56 (0.69–3.50), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants with diagnosed diabetes had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than participants with NGR, IGR, and previously unknown diabetes. When potential confounding factors were included in the analysis, previously known diabetes was not significantly associated with depressive symptoms.
Five-Year Outcomes in High-Risk Participants in the Detection of Ischemia in Asymptomatic Diabetics (DIAD) Study
Authors: Bansal Shanti , Wackers Frans J.Th. , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Chyun Deborah A. , Davey Janice A. , Staib Lawrence H. , Young Lawrence H. ,   for the DIAD Study Investigators
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE

To estimate baseline cardiovascular risk of 1,123 participants in the Detection of Ischemia in Asymptomatic Diabetics (DIAD) study and to assess cardiac event rates and the effect of screening on outcomes in these higher-risk participants.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Baseline cardiovascular risk was assessed using four established methods: Framingham score, UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) risk engine, criteria of the French-Speaking Association for the Study of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, and the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome. Cardiac events (cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction) were assessed during the 4.8-year follow-up in participants with intermediate/high cardiovascular risk.

RESULTS

By various risk-stratification approaches, 53–75% of participants were defined as having intermediate or high cardiovascular risk. The prevalence of inducible ischemia on screening in these individuals ranged from 21 to 24%, similar to lower-risk participants (19–23%). Cardiac event rates were greater in intermediate-/high-risk versus low-risk groups, but this was only significant for the UKPDS risk engine (4.2 vs. 1.2%, P = 0.002). The annual cardiac event rate was <1% in all risk groups, except in the high-risk UKPDS group (∼2% per year). In intermediate-/high-risk participants randomized to screening versus no screening, 4.8-year cardiac event rates were similar (2.5–4.8% vs. 3.1–3.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial portion of the DIAD population was defined as having intermediate/high baseline cardiovascular risk. Nevertheless, their annual cardiac event rate was low and not altered by routine screening for inducible ischemia.
Effect of Adding Pharmacists to Primary Care Teams on Blood Pressure Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Simpson Scot H. , Majumdar Sumit R. , Tsuyuki Ross T. , Lewanczuk Richard Z. , Spooner Richard , Johnson Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of adding pharmacists to primary care teams on the management of hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a randomized controlled trial with blinded ascertainment of outcomes within primary care clinics in Edmonton, Canada. Pharmacists performed medication assessments and limited history and physical examinations and provided guideline-concordant recommendations to optimize medication management. Follow-up contact was completed as necessary. Control patients received usual care. The primary outcome was a ≥10% decrease in systolic blood pressure at 1 year.

RESULTS

A total of 260 patients were enrolled, 57% were women, the mean age was 59 years, diabetes duration was 6 years, and blood pressure was 129/74 mmHg. Forty-eight of 131 (37%) intervention patients and 30 of 129 (23%) control patients achieved the primary outcome (odds ratio 1.9 [95% CI 1.1–3.3]; P = 0.02). Among 153 patients with inadequately controlled hypertension at baseline, intervention patients (n = 82) were significantly more likely than control patients (n = 71) to achieve the primary outcome (41 [50%] vs. 20 [28%]; 2.6 [1.3–5.0]; P = 0.007) and recommended blood pressure targets (44 [54%] vs. 21 [30%]; 2.8 [1.4–5.4]; P = 0.003). The 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease, based on changes to the UK Prospective Diabetes Study Risk Engine, were predicted to decrease by 3% for intervention patients and 1% for control patients (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Significantly more patients with type 2 diabetes achieved better blood pressure control when pharmacists were added to primary care teams, which suggests that pharmacists can make important contributions to the primary care of these patients.
Assessment of morbidity following resection of cingulate gyrus gliomas
Authors: Tate Matthew C. , Kim Chae-Yong , Chang Edward F. , Polley Mei-Yin , Berger Mitchel S.
Published: October 2010

Object

The morbidity associated with resection of tumors in the cingulate gyrus (CG) is not well established. The goal of the present study is to define the short- and long-term morbidity profile associated with resection of gliomas within this region.

Methods

Ninety consecutive patients with gliomas involving the CG were analyzed. Resections were classified by zones corresponding to functionally defined regions of the CG as follows: Zone I (perigenual, anterior), Zone II (midcingulate), Zone III (posterior), and Zone IV (retrosplenial). Basic demographic, imaging, operative details, and pre- and postoperative neurological examinations were recorded for each patient. Patients in whom neurological morbidity was documented during their initial postoperative examination who did not completely improve by the 6-month follow-up examination were considered to have a permanent deficit. For each patient with surgery-related morbidity, postoperative MR imaging and operative notes were reviewed, and the cortical regions incorporated in the surgical trajectory were recorded. The analysis was carried out for tumors confined to the CG (> 90% of tumor contained within the CG) as well as those involving the CG but extending into adjacent cortical structures.

Results

Analysis of the entire patient cohort demonstrated that 29% of patients experienced a new or worsened neurological deficit immediately after surgery. The most common deficits were supplementary motor area (SMA) syndrome (20%), weakness (6%), and sensory changes (2%). All patients with an SMA syndrome in our series had intentional resection of SMA as part of the surgical approach. Patients with resections including Zone II or III had a higher rate of total morbidity and SMA syndrome than patients with Zone I resections (p < 0.05). Only 4% of patients had a persistent neurological deficit at 6 months postoperatively. A similar morbidity profile was observed in the subset analysis of patients with tumors confined to the CG, with no additional morbidity related to known cingulate-specific functions.

Conclusions

Resection of gliomas involving the CG can be performed with minimal, predictable long-term morbidity (< 5%). Surgical morbidity is primarily a function of surgical trajectory rather than the particular cingulate region resected.
Contraceptive Practice and Protection of Womens Health
Authors: Akther Rabeya
Published: October 2010

Family planning is an essential tool for reducing fertility rate. An increase in contraceptive prevalence results in reduction of population growth, which in turn contributes significantly to the improvement of maternal health. It is a cross-sectional study done during period of April-July 2007 in a large Medical Centre at Motijheel, Dhaka. Information on reproductive history was obtained to find out their contraceptive prevalence and regulation of fertility. Two hundred and thirty one (231) women (childbearing age) were selected randomly to find out their contraceptive prevalence. Eighty four (n=197) percent women needs family planning service .Among them 87.82 percent (N-173) use any method of contraception. 79.76% ( N-138) women use modern method and 20.23 percent ( N-35) couple use natural method .Thirty three (33.53 %)percent couple practice barrier method, twenty two (22.54%) percent use oral pill. Present study revealed that contraceptive practice and fertility rate both are low among servicing women. Contraception and fertility control is an underlying factor for the achievement of several Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). For reduction of infant mortality (4th MDG) and maternal mortality (5th MDG) contraception is essential. Finally it plays a role in combating poverty within the first MDG. DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v39i1.6227 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2010; 39(1): 11-15
Fetal Biparietal Diameter and Abdominal Circumference Ratio in Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Sabrina Q
Published: October 2010

This study was conducted to determine fetal biparietal diameter and abdominal circumference ratio in Bangladesh. There is still no table of this ratio in our country. A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on well dated, singleton fetuses of healthy pregnant women. One table and two graphs were prepared by fitting Polynomial regression model. Percentiles, mean and two standard deviations were derived of the ratio. Fetal charts of the raw data with superimposed fitted curves were constructed. The model showed a good fit to the data of 1223 subjects. It covered 95% of the population and gave 3rd, 10th, 50th, 90th and 97th percentiles. This chart can be useful for accurate assessment of fetal biparietal diameter and abdominal circumference ratio to determine the type of fetal growth abnormality, symmetrical or asymmetrical. This is the first time that this ratio has been studied in Bangladesh. Key words: Biparietal diameter; abdominal circumference. DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v39i1.6229 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2010; 39(1): 24-27
Early Childhood Development: An Emerging Issue
Authors: Tabib SM Shahnawaz Bin
Published: October 2010

The first five years of a child's life i.e early childhood period ,often called the 'formative years', are absolutely critical for the development, performance and success of the child throughout his life. It is the period in which the foundations for future life take place. The appropriateness and quality of care and childhood opportunities and experiences that a child receives during this period may ultimately determine adult hood and his/her ability to contribute to society. Recent neuroscience shows that development of the brain over the first five years is more rapid and intensive and more vulnerable to external influence or the environment. Opportunities taken or missed during this period will have profound influence in the future life of a child.DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v39i1.6230  Bangladesh Medical Journal 2010; 39(1): 28-30
The Nobel Prize
Authors: Editor The
Published: October 2010

DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v39i1.6235Bangladesh Medical Journal 2010; 39(1): 49-51
Synthesis 1-Acyl-3-(2'-aminophenyl) thioureas as Anti-Intestinal Nematode Prodrugs
Authors: Duan Li-Ping , Xue Jia , Xu Li-Li , Zhang Hao-Bing
Published: October 2010

A series of 1-acyl-3-(2'-aminophenyl) thiourea derivatives were designed and synthesized. The structures of all the newly synthesized compounds were identified by IR, elemental analysis, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. Their anti-intestinal nematode activities against Nippostrongylus brazilliensis were evaluated in rats by an oral route. Among these compounds, at concentrations of 10 mg/kg of rat, compound (1-(2'-furanyl)acyl-3- (2'-aminophenyl) thiourea) (5h) produced the highest activity with 89.4% deparasitization. The present work suggests that 1-acyl-3-(2'-aminophenyl) thiourea derivatives may become useful lead compounds for anti-intestinal nematode treatment.
Optical Sensing Properties of Dithiocarbamate-Functionalized Microspheres, Using a Polyvinylpyridine-Polyvinylbenzyl Chloride Copolymer
Authors: Shakhsher Ziad M. , Odeh Imad  M.A. , Rajabi Inas  M.S. , Khatib Mahmoud K.
Published: October 2010

In this study, a new modified optical chemical sensor based on swellable polymer microspheres is developed using a 5% copolymer of polyvinylpyridine-polyvinyl -benzyl chloride microspheres functionalized as the corresponding dithiocarbamate. This sensor demonstrated significant enhancements in sensitivity, dynamic range and response time. These improvements are related to the presence of pyridine in the polymer backbone, which is believed to increase the space between the groups, thus decreasing steric hindrance, and hence increasing substitution of the dithiocarbamate group. The hydrophilicity of pyridine also allows free movement of the solvent and analyte to and from the inside of the microspheres. These dithiocarbamate-derivatized polymer microspheres were embedded in a hydrogel matrix of polyvinylalcohol cross-linked with glutaraldehyde. This sensor responded selectively to Hg2+ solutions of different concentrations (1 × 10−5 M to 0.1 M). The observed turbidity measured as absorbance varied between 1.05 and 1.75 units at a wavelength of 700 nm. The response is based on the interaction between the metal cations with the negative charges of the deprotonated dithiocarbamate functional group, which led to neutratization of the charges and thus to polymer shrinking. As a result, an increase in the turbidity of the sensing element due to a change in the refractive index between the hydrogel and the polymer microspheres occured. The changes in the turbidity of the sensing element were measured as absorbance using a conventional spectrophotometer.