bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LOC387715/HTRA1 polymorphisms, smoking and combined effects on exudative age‐related macular degeneration in a Korean population
Authors: Lee Soo J , Kim Na R , Chin Hee S
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background:  This study was to investigate the association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LOC387715 and HTRA1 with exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in a Korean population and the gene–gene and gene–environment interactions in the development of AMD.

Methods:  We genotyped two SNPs that are located in the LOC387715 locus (rs10490924) and HTRA1 (rs11200638) in 137 cases of exudative AMD and 187 controls.

Results:  Both two SNPs were significantly associated with AMD (P = 0.0001). Homozygotes for the risk allele at LOC387715 and HTRA1 had a 3.80‐fold and a 4.03‐fold increased risk of exudative AMD, respectively, compared with homozygotes for the wild‐type allele (P = 0.0001). The joint effects for complement factor H (CFH) Y402H and 10q26 variants indicated an increased risk of exudative AMD. The odds ratios (ORs) of AMD for individuals carrying one‐, two‐ and three‐copy risk alleles of CFH Y402H and LOC387715 were 1.08, 3.49 and 3.64, respectively. Also, the combination effect of the CFH Y402H risk alleles with HTRA1 risk alleles was dose‐dependent. The interaction analysis between gene and environmental factors showed that among several factors, smoking synergistically increased the susceptibility of AMD for variants of LOC387715 and HTRA1, with OR 8.33 (3.05–22.74) and OR 8.50 (3.07–23.51), respectively.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrated the significant association of the 10q26 SNPs (HTRA1 and LOC387715) in an AMD cohort from Korea and was consistent with previous studies from other populations. Also, a statistically significant interaction between genetic and environmental factors was found.
Changes of fundus autofluorescence, photoreceptor inner and outer segment junction line, and visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Aizawa Sayaka , Mitamura Yoshinori , Hagiwara Akira , Sugawara Takeshi , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background:  To determine whether a significant correlation exists among the changes in the size of the abnormal parafoveal autofluorescence ring, the length of the photoreceptor inner and outer segment (IS/OS) junction, and the visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

Methods:  Retrospective observational case series. A total of 50 eyes of 26 patients with typical retinitis pigmentosa and an autofluorescence ring were examined by optical coherence tomography and microperimetry. During the follow‐up period of >2 years, the changes in the diameter and area of the autofluorescence ring, the length of the IS/OS line, the best‐corrected visual acuity and mean retinal sensitivity in the central 10° were determined.

Results:  The diameter and area of the autofluorescence ring, and the length of the IS/OS line decreased significantly during the follow‐up period (all, P < 0.0001). The decrease in autofluorescence ring diameter was significantly correlated with the decrease in retinal sensitivity, visual acuity and IS/OS length (P = 0.0105, P = 0.0252 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The decrease in autofluorescence ring area was significantly correlated with the decrease in retinal sensitivity, visual acuity and IS/OS length (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0026 and P = 0.0011, respectively).

Conclusion:  During the progression of retinitis pigmentosa, the progressive constriction of the autofluorescence ring reflects the morphological changes of the photoreceptors, and is associated with a worsening of visual function.
Preliminary report of a new technique for temporary faecal diversion after extraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis
Authors: Rondelli F. , Mariani L. , Boni M. , Federici M. T. , Cappotto F. P. , Mariani E.
Published: April 2010

Aim  Loop ileostomy is a suitable procedure for transitory faecal diversion after colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. We describe here an easy alternative technique for ileostomy construction that does not require reintervention for the closure.

Method  In twenty patients undergoing anterior resection of the extraperitoneal rectum with colorectal and/or coloanal anastomosis, loop ileostomy was performed using a modified jejunotomy tube inflated with 10 ml of normal saline. The tube was deflated on the eighth post‐operative day and removed on day 11 after a radiological contrast enema of the anastomosis.

Results  Radiological control carried out on day 11 evidenced a premature dislocation of the jejunostomy tube in 1 patient, thus the tube was correctly removed without any complications. In another patient a delayed closure of the ileo cutaneous fistula was recorded that required simple medication over 15 days in the out patient clinic. No signs of anastomotic leakage, either clinical or radiological were evidenced.

Conclusion  We have described here a safe alternative technique for loop ileostomy with negligible complications related to construction as demonstrated in our results.
Limited shock wave therapy vs sham treatment in men with Peyronie’s disease: results of a prospective randomized controlled double‐blind trial
Authors: Chitale Sudhanshu , Morsey Mohammed , Swift Louise , Sethia Krishna
Published: April 2010

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (SWT), in a prospective randomized controlled trial, comparing limited SWT vs sham therapy in men with Peyronie’s disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 36 men were randomized to six sessions of SWT or sham treatment. Geometrical measurements of penile length and deformity, and the abridged International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score and visual analogue score (VAS) were recorded and re‐evaluated at 6 months. The patient and assessor were unaware of the treatment type. Standard nonparametric tests were used for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A full set of outcome data was obtained for 16 patients in the intervention group and 20 in the sham/control group (mean age 58 and 60 years, respectively, mean duration of symptoms 15 and 33 months). There was no significant difference in the mean change between the control and intervention groups on any outcome measure. There were improvements in the mean (sd) dorsal and lateral angle, of 5.3 (11.66)° and 3.5 (17.38)° in the control group, and a deterioration of 0.9 (16.01)° and 0.9 (15.56)° in SWT group. Mean improvements in curved and straight lengths were 0.2 (0.58) and 0.1 (0.8) cm in the control and mean reductions of 0.1 (0.9) and 0.1 (1.49) cm in the SWT group. The mean changes in the IIEF and VAS scores were 0.1 (3.32) and −0.8 (1.77) for control and 0.56 (2.6) and −1.05 (1.79) for SWT group.

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences in changes of variables in Peyronie’s disease treated with short‐term SWT.
Incidence of bladder neck contracture after robot‐assisted laparoscopic and open radical prostatectomy
Authors: Breyer Benjamin N. , Davis Cole B. , Cowan Janet E. , Kane Christopher J. , Carroll Peter R.
Published: April 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for bladder neck contracture (BNC) in men treated with robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP), as BNC is a well‐described complication of ORP and may be partially attributable to technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The University of California San Francisco Urologic Oncology Database was queried for patients undergoing RALP or ORP from 2002 to 2008. Patient demographics, prostate cancer‐specific information, surgical data, and follow‐up were collected. For each surgical approach, multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to evaluate associations of demographics and clinical characteristics with BNC. Time to BNC after RP was evaluated using life table and Kaplan–Meier methods.

RESULTS

From 2002 to 2008, 988 patients underwent RP as primary treatment and had at least 12 months of follow‐up. Of these men, 695 underwent ORP and 293 underwent RALP. The mean (sd) age was 59.3 (6.80) years and 91% of men were Caucasian. D’Amico risk groups at diagnosis were low (38%), intermediate (38%), and high (24%). The BNC incidence was 2.2% (22 cases) overall, 1.4% (four) for RALP, and 2.6% (18) for ORP (P= 0.12). Patients with BNC were diagnosed a median (range) of 4.7 (1–15) months after surgery. At 18 months after surgery, the BNC‐free rate was 97% for ORP and 99% for RALP (log‐rank P= 0.13). The most common presenting complaint was slow stream, followed by urinary retention. In Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, earlier year of surgery, older age at diagnosis and higher PSA level at diagnosis were significantly associated with BNC among ORP patients. In the RALP group, none of the covariates were associated with BNC.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall incidence of BNC was low in both RALP and ORP groups. Technical factors such as enhanced magnification and a running bladder anastomosis may explain the lower BNC incidence in the RALP group.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting a positive repeat prostate biopsy in patients with a previous negative biopsy session in the era of extended prostate sampling
Authors: Moussa Ayman S. , Jones J. Stephen , Yu Changhong , Fareed Khaled , Kattan Michael W.
Published: April 2010

Study Type – Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To create a nomogram for predicting the probability of a positive biopsy in men with one or more previous negative biopsies, as the false‐negative rate of prostate biopsy in contemporary series remains substantial, and there is a need to identify those with a negative result but with a high risk of having unrecognized prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 408 patients from Cleveland Clinic who had one or more repeat biopsies after an initial negative biopsy from 1999 to 2008. Another 470 men with the same criteria were used to validate the nomogram. Nomogram variables included age, family history of prostate cancer, body mass index, findings on a digital rectal examination, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, PSA slope, total prostate volume, months from initial negative biopsy session, months from previous negative biopsy, cumulative number of negative cores previously taken and history of high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation. We calculated the nomogram predicted probability in each patient. These predicted outcomes were compared with the actual biopsy results. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated as a measure of discrimination.

RESULTS

The mean number of previous negative biopsies was 1.5, and the mean number of cores per session was 19.1. Of the original development data, 129 men (31.6%) had prostate cancer. A nomogram was constructed that had a concordance index of 0.72, which was greater than any single risk factor. In the validation group the area under the ROC curve was 0.62.

CONCLUSIONS

Our nomogram for predicting a positive repeat biopsy can provide important additional information to aid the urologist and patient with a negative biopsy in evaluating clinical options.
The use of high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging in the management of patients presenting with priapism
Authors: Ralph David J. , Borley Nigel C. , Allen Clare , Kirkham Alex , Freeman Alex , Minhas Suks , Muneer Asif
Published: April 2010

Study Type – Diagnosis (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE To investigate the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the penis during an episode of priapism and assess the viability of the corpus cavernosum (CC) smooth muscle, as prolonged ischaemic priapism is associated with a high rate of long‐term erectile dysfunction (ED), and the viability of CC smooth muscle influences the subsequent management in ischaemic priapism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS The study was set in a single centre based in a large university teaching hospital. We investigated the correlation of T2‐weighted gadolinium‐ enhanced MRI with the histology from CC biopsies in the same patients. In all, 38 patients (mean age 42 years) presenting with priapism over a 3‐year period had MRI of the penis. The scans were reported by two dedicated uro‐radiologists who graded the MR images as showing viable or nonviable erectile tissue. One pathologist assessed the CC biopsies for necrosis. The findings were then correlated. Where no biopsies were taken a clinical follow‐up was used to assess erectile function.

RESULTS In 23 patients undergoing both a CC biopsy and MRI, the sensitivity of MRI in predicting nonviable smooth muscle was 100%. In a further 10 patients MRI showed nonviable CC smooth muscle, but no biopsy was taken in these patients; on clinical follow‐up all of these patients subsequently developed ED. In a further five patients the imaging showed viable smooth muscle and these patients subsequently maintained erectile function on clinical follow up.

CONCLUSIONS Penile MRI provides an accurate imaging method to assess smooth muscle viability in patients presenting with priapism.
Parental Reactions to Toddlers' Negative Emotions and Child Negative Emotionality as Correlates of Problem Behavior at the Age of Three
Authors: Engle Jennifer M. , McElwain Nancy L.
Published: April 2010

Parent‐reported reactions to children's negative emotions and child negative emotionality were investigated as correlates of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Children (N = 107) and their parents participated in a short‐term longitudinal study of social development. Mothers and fathers independently completed questionnaires assessing parental reactions to their child's negative emotions and child negative emotionality at Time 1 (33 months) and child behavior problems at Time 2 (39 months). Child negative emotionality was significantly related to greater internalizing and externalizing behavior. Maternal and paternal punitive reactions were related to greater internalizing behavior, but only for boys with high levels of negative emotionality. Results indicate that child temperament and child gender may be important moderators of the relation between parental emotion socialization and child internalizing problems during the toddler and early preschool years.
Extraction of media and plaque boundaries in intravascular ultrasound images by level sets and min/max flow
Authors: Iskurt Ali , Becerikli Yaşar
Published: April 2010

Abstract: Estimation of the plaque area in intravascular ultrasound images after extraction of the media and plaque–lumen interfaces is an important application of computer‐aided diagnosis in medical imaging. This paper presents a novel system for fully automatic and fast calculation of plaque quantity by capturing the surrounding ring called media. The system utilizes an algorithm that consists of an enhanced technique for noise removal and a method of detecting different iso levels by sinking the image gradually under zero level. Moreover, an important novelty with this technique is the simultaneous extraction of media and lumen–plaque interfaces at satisfactory levels. There are no higher dimensional surfaces and evolution of contours, stopping at high image gradients. Thus, the system runs really fast with curvature velocity only and has no complexity. Experiments also show that this shape‐recovering curvature term not only removes the noisy behaviour of ultrasound images but also strengthens very weak boundaries and even completes the missing walls of the media. In addition, the lumen–plaque interface can be detected simultaneously. For validation, a new and very useful algorithm is developed for labelling of intravascular ultrasound images, taken from video sequences of 15 patients, and a comparison‐based verification is done between manual contours by experts and the contours extracted by our system.
Identification and resolution of conflicts during ontological integration using rules
Authors: Biletskiy Yevgen , Ranganathan Girish R. , Vorochek Olga
Published: April 2010

Abstract: Integration of ontologies of information sources and consumers is an important phase in achieving web‐based interoperability. The present work describes an approach for identifying certain semantic conflicts while integrating ontologies of heterogeneous information sources. This paper is focused on the identification of homonymy and synonymy between elements in ontologies. In the present work the concepts of homonymy and synonymy are synonymous to naming conflicts and entity identifier conflicts, respectively, and partial synonymy is synonymous to schema isomorphism conflicts. The concept of the mask of interoperability is introduced for the identification of synonymy. The mask of interoperability is expressed in a declarative way as a set of rules, which can then be used for resolution of conflicts during integration of ontologies. As proof of concept, ontologies are implemented using the XML‐based ontology language Ontology Web Language (OWL), and the rules are implemented using the emerging rule language Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL). This representation in OWL and SWRL allows the ontology to be executable, flexibly extendable and platform‐independent. The OWL facts and SWRL rules are used by the Jess and Bossam reasoning engine to identify semantic homonymy and synonymy.
Method of classifier selection using the genetic approach
Authors: Jackowski Konrad , Wozniak Michal
Published: April 2010

Abstract:The paper presents a novel machine learning algorithm used for training a compound classifier system that consists of a set of area classifiers. Area classifiers recognize objects derived from the respective competence area. Splitting feature space into areas and selecting area classifiers are two key processes of the algorithm; both take place simultaneously in the course of an optimization process aimed at maximizing the system performance. An evolutionary algorithm is used to find the optimal solution. A number of experiments have been carried out to evaluate system performance. The results prove that the proposed method outperforms each elementary classifier as well as simple voting.
Quality of life, caregiver burden and insurance in patients with Parkinson’s disease in Germany
Authors: Müller T. , Woitalla D.
Published: April 2010

Background:  German health politicians claim that maintenance and thus quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic disease do not differ between the various healthcare insurance systems in Germany. Patient organizations i.e. the Deutsche Parkinson Vereinigung for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), physicians, patients themselves and their carers controversially discuss this opinion making by politicians.

Methods:  We performed a survey to analyse the relations between QoL, insurance, disability and caregiver burden in 2603 patients with PD and their carers.

Results:  Insurance with private reimbursement provides a significant better self‐reported patient disability and QoL according to the various employed rating instruments in patients with PD. Government employees with PD, who have additional private insurance, demand for significant shorter intervals of care giving by their carers. In general, caregiver burden did not significantly differ between patients with PD of the different healthcare insurance systems.

Conclusion:  At least in Germany, obligatory medical insurance with associated state regulation of health care is inferior to private reimbursement insurance in various domains of QoL.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: gender differences in the use of mechanical ventilation
Authors: Tollefsen E. , Midgren B. , Bakke P. , Fondenes O.
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  Invasive and non‐invasive mechanical ventilation are therapeutic options in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Related to known national ALS incidence figures, the study aims to examine gender aspects versus physiological data in patients with ALS commencing mechanical ventilation.

Methods:  Data from two nationwide registers involving all patients with ALS in Norway and Sweden who started invasive and non‐invasive mechanical ventilation during 2002–2007.

Results:  The total ALS population on invasive and non‐invasive mechanical ventilation comprised n = 308 subjects [Norway n = 96 (72% men), Sweden n = 212 (69% men)]. Compared to Swedish ALS incidence figures, our finding of a male/female ratio of 2.3/1 in patients with ALS on invasive and non‐invasive mechanical ventilation shows a statistically significant male predominance in the use of mechanical ventilation (P‐value 0.0084 Chi square). Only 6.7% of men and 3.8% of women had invasive (via tracheotomy) ventilation (P = 0.344). Initiation of mechanical ventilation was acute (not planned) in 18% of patients (no gender difference). Age distribution (mean age 62), pulmonary function tests (FVC%pred, FEV1%pred), daytime blood gas analyses (PaO2, PaCO2) and survival revealed no statistically significant gender differences.

Conclusion:  In Norwegian and Swedish patients with ALS on invasive and non‐invasive mechanical ventilation, two‐thirds were men. Associated with known national ALS male/female incidence figures, our finding shows that statistically significantly more men than women with ALS are using mechanical ventilation. Physiological data and survival were equal in both genders. This may indicate the need for a more aggressive approach to stimulate mechanical ventilation in female patients with ALS.
Developing a New Framework to Explain Transverse Evolution of Knowledge‐Driven Regional Policy Networks
Authors: BARRUTIA JOSÉ M. , ECHEBARRIA CARMEN
Published: April 2010

The need to analyse policy networks (PNs) from an evolutionary perspective has been pinpointed by the three traditions of network research as one of the main gaps in the study of networking. This article examines successful networking practices in the Basque Country over an 18‐year period, taking in cluster associations, quality promotion and Local Agenda 21 promotion. Based on the Basque experience and on previous knowledge of PNs, we develop a new framework that explains their transverse evolution. We propose that asymmetric motivation, power dispersion and previous success are the main ‘disruptive drivers’ that explain why PNs come to life and evolve transversely by driving new PNs.

Les trois axes traditionnels de recherches sur les réseaux ont établi la nécessité d'analyser les réseaux d'action publique dans leur évolution, cette perspective constituant l'une des grandes lacunes des études dans ce domaine. L'article examine les pratiques efficaces de création de réseaux au sein du Pays basque sur une période de dix‐huit ans, en englobant pôles économiques, valorisation de la démarche Qualité et promotion de l'Agenda 21 local. À partir de l'expérience basque et des connaissances existantes sur les réseaux de politique publique, un nouveau cadre est élaboré pour expliquer l'évolution transversale de ces réseaux. L'asymétrie des motivations, la dispersion du pouvoir et les réussites antérieures constituent les principaux ‘facteurs de rupture’ qui éclairent la naissance des réseaux d'action publique et leur évolution transversale en suscitant à leur tour de nouveaux réseaux.
Transnationalism as a Force for Ethnic Minority Enterprise? The Case of Somalis in Leicester
Authors: JONES TREVOR , RAM MONDER , THEODORAKOPOULOS NICK
Published: April 2010

The extant literature on the phenomenon of transnational entrepreneurship has documented that in an era characterized by ‘superdiversity’, ethnic minorities use their diasporic networks to access an array of valuable resources in order to facilitate entrepreneurial activity. The article examines the connection between the notions of ‘superdiversity’, transnationalism and entrepreneurship by illuminating the dynamics of ‘transnational’ Somali business activity in Leicester. Considering this as a critical case, we attempt to address a gap in the literature on ethnic minority enterprise, which has struggled to address the ‘diversification of diversity’ that attends the arrival of new communities in the UK. Moreover, the article contributes to the discussion on the importance of ‘conditioning factors’ in explaining the ‘integration’ of new arrivals. Although familial and co‐ethnic ties influence the availability and interaction of social, financial and human capital, this falls considerably short of neoliberal depictions of globalization. The political‐economic context imposes harsh constraints upon Somali business activity which cannot be circumvented by the utilization of diasporic links, and transnational entrepreneurship is likely to be the preserve of a minority of minorities.

La littérature existante sur le phénomène de l'entreprenariat transnational a montré qu'à une époque empreinte de ‘superdiversité’, les minorités ethniques utilisent les réseaux de leur diaspora pour accéder à tout un ensemble de ressources précieuses pour faciliter l'activité entrepreneuriale. L'article examine le lien entre les notions de ‘superdiversité’, de transnationalisme et d'initiative entrepreneuriale en éclairant la dynamique de l'activitééconomique ‘transnationale’ somalienne à Leicester. Considérant ce cas comme critique, ce travail tente de combler une lacune dans les recherches sur l'entreprise au sein des minorités ethniques, ces études n'ayant pas réussi à traiter la ‘diversification de la diversité’ résultant de l'arrivée de nouvelles communautés au Royaume‐Uni. En outre, l'article contribue à la discussion sur l'importance des ‘facteurs de conditionnement’ dans l'explication de ‘l'intégration’ de nouveaux arrivants. Même si les liens familiaux et la co‐ethnicité influencent la disponibilité et l'interaction du capital social, financier et humain, l'ensemble est très loin des représentations néolibérales de la mondialisation. Le contexte politico‐économique impose des contraintes sévères sur l'activitééconomique des Somaliens, contraintes qui ne peuvent être contournées en recourant au réseau de la diaspora, et l'entreprenariat transnational risque donc d'être réservéà une minorité de minorités.
Expression of extracellular matrix proteins in reticular variant of mid‐dermal elastolysis
Authors: Gambichler T , Stücker M , Kreuter A , Matip R , Gaifullina R , Scola N , Skrygan M
Published: April 2010

Background  Mid‐dermal elastolysis (MDE) is a rare disorder of the elastic tissue that is characterized histopathologically by selective loss of elastic fibres in the mid dermis.

Objective  We aimed to investigate the protein and mRNA expression of extracellular matrix‐related proteins and growth factors in the skin (lesional and non‐lesional) of a female patient with the reticular variant of MDE.

Methods  Real‐time RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry was performed for matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1, decorin, biglycan, versican, fibronectin, elastin, extracellular matrix protein 1, cathepsin G, transforming growth factor ß1 and connective tissue growth factor.

Results  Although protein expression of decorin, biglycan and versican was reduced in the mid dermis of lesional skin, mRNA expression did not differ between lesional and non‐lesional skin. As expected, elastin expression was significantly diminished in the mid dermis of lesional skin, whereas mRNA expression levels of elastin were equal to non‐lesional skin. Immunoreactivity of MMP‐1 was increased in lesional upper and mid dermis. Accordingly, MMP‐1 mRNA was also significantly higher expressed in MDE when compared with non‐lesional skin.

Conclusions  The results of this study confirm data of the previous investigations indicating that increased MMP‐1 activity followed by elastin degradation seems to constitute the pathogenetic background of MDE.
TLR2 activation inhibits embryonic neural progenitor cell proliferation
Authors: Okun Eitan , Griffioen Kathleen J. , Gen Son Tae , Lee Jong‐Hwan , Roberts Nicholas J. , Mughal Mohamed R. , Hutchison Emmette , Cheng Aiwu , Arumugam Thiruma V. , Lathia Justin D. , van Praag Henriette , Mattson Mark P.
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 462–474.

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play essential roles in innate immunity, and increasing evidence indicates that these receptors are expressed in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in the brain, where they mediate responses to infection, stress, and injury. To address the possibility that TLR2 heterodimer activation could affect progenitor cells in the developing brain, we analyzed the expression of TLR2 throughout mouse cortical development, and assessed the role of TLR2 heterodimer activation in neuronal progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation. TLR2 mRNA and protein was expressed in the cortex in embryonic and early postnatal stages of development, and in cultured cortical NPC. While NPC from TLR2‐deficient and wild type embryos had the same proliferative capacity, TLR2 activation by the synthetic bacterial lipopeptides Pam3CSK4 and FSL1, or low molecular weight hyaluronan, an endogenous ligand for TLR2, inhibited neurosphere formation in vitro. Intracerebral in utero administration of TLR2 ligands resulted in ventricular dysgenesis characterized by increased ventricle size, reduced proliferative area around the ventricles, increased cell density, an increase in phospho‐histone 3 cells, and a decrease in BrdU+ cells in the sub‐ventricular zone. Our findings indicate that loss of TLR2 does not result in defects in cerebral development. However, TLR2 is expressed and functional in the developing telencephalon from early embryonic stages and infectious agent‐related activation of TLR2 inhibits NPC proliferation. TLR2‐mediated inhibition of NPC proliferation may therefore be a mechanism by which infection, ischemia, and inflammation adversely affect brain development.
Neuroprotection against superoxide anion radical by metallocorroles in cellular and murine models of optic neuropathy
Authors: Kanamori Akiyasu , Catrinescu Maria‐Magdalena , Mahammed Atif , Gross Zeev , Levin Leonard A.
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 488–498.

Corroles are tetrapyrrolic macrocycles that have come under increased attention because of their unique capabilities for oxidation catalysis, reduction catalysis, and biomedical applications. Corrole‐metal complexes (metallocorroles) can decompose certain reactive oxygen species (ROS), similar to metalloporphyrins. We investigated whether Fe‐, Mn‐, and Ga‐corroles have neuroprotective effects on neurons and correlated this with superoxide scavenging activityin vitroandin vivo. Apoptosis was induced in retinal ganglion cell‐5 neuronal precursor cells by serum deprivation. Cell death was measured with sodium 3′‐[1‐[(phenylamino)‐carbonyl]‐3,4‐tetrazolium]‐bis (4‐methoxy‐6‐nitro) benzene‐sulfonic acid hydrate and calcein‐AM/propidium iodide assays. Fe‐ and Mn‐corroles, but not the non‐redox‐active Ga‐corrole used as control, reduced RGC‐5 cell death after serum deprivation. Serum deprivation caused increased levels of intracellular superoxide, detected by an increase in the fluorescence intensity of 2‐hydroxyethidium, and this was blocked by Fe‐ and Mn‐corroles, but not Ga‐corrole.In vivoreal‐time confocal imaging of retinas after optic nerve transection assessed the superoxide production within individual rat retinal ganglion cells. Fe‐ and Mn‐corroles, but not Ga‐corrole, scavenged neuronal superoxidein vivo. Given that the neuroprotective activity of metallocorroles correlated with superoxide scavenging activity, Fe‐ and Mn‐corroles could be candidate drugs for delaying neuronal death after axonal injury in optic neuropathies, such as glaucoma.
KATP channel blockade protects midbrain dopamine neurons by repressing a glia‐to‐neuron signaling cascade that ultimately disrupts mitochondrial calcium homeostasis
Authors: Toulorge Damien , Guerreiro Serge , Hirsch Etienne C. , Michel Patrick P.
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 583–564.

While KATP channels serve primarily as metabolic gatekeepers in excitable cells, they might also participate in other important cellular functions. Here, we demonstrate that KATP channel blockade with the sulfonylurea derivative glibenclamide provided robust protection to dopamine neurons undergoing spontaneous and selective degeneration in midbrain cultures. Unexpectedly, glibenclamide operated not by a direct effect on dopamine neurons but instead by halting the proliferation of a population of immature glial cells lacking astrocytic and microglial markers. The antimitotic effect of glibenclamide appeared essential to unmask a prosurvival phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt‐dependent signaling pathway that controlled shuttling of calcium from endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria in dopamine neurons. Preventing integrin‐ligand interactions with a decoy ligand, the Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser sequence peptide, reproduced survival promotion by glibenclamide via a mechanism that also required PI3K/Akt‐dependent regulation of mitochondrial calcium. Noticeably, Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser did not cause a reduction in glial cell numbers indicating that it prevented the death process downstream of the level at which glibenclamide intervenes. Based on these results, we propose that KATP channel blockade protected dopamine neurons by inhibiting a glia‐to‐neuron signaling pathway that propagates through integrin/ligand interactions and ultimately disrupts PI3K/Akt‐dependent signaling and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis.
drr‐2 encodes an eIF4H that acts downstream of TOR in diet‐restriction‐induced longevity of C. elegans
Authors: Ching Tsui‐Ting , Paal Alisha B. , Mehta Avni , Zhong Linda , Hsu Ao‐Lin
Published: April 2010

Dietary restriction (DR) results in a robust increase in lifespan while maintaining the physiology of much younger animals in a wide range of species. Here, we examine the role of drr‐2, a DR‐responsive gene recently identified, in determining the longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans. Inhibition of drr‐2 has been shown to increase longevity. However, the molecular mechanisms by which drr‐2 influences longevity remain unknown. We report here that drr‐2 encodes an ortholog of human eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4H (eIF4H), whose function is to mediate the initiation step of mRNA translation. The molecular function of DRR‐2 is validated by the association of DRR‐2 with polysomes and by the decreased rate of protein synthesis observed in drr‐2 knockdown animals. Previous studies have also suggested that DR might trigger a regulated reduction in drr‐2 expression to initiate its longevity response. By examining the effect of increasing drr‐2 expression on DR animals, we find that drr‐2 is essential for a large portion of the longevity response to DR. The nutrient‐sensing target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway has been shown to mediate the longevity effects of DR in C. elegans. Results from our genetic analyses suggest that eIF4H/DRR‐2 functions downstream of TOR, but in parallel to the S6K/PHA‐4 pathway to mediate the lifespan effects of DR. Together, our findings reveal an important role for eIF4H/drr‐2 in the TOR‐mediated longevity responses to DR.
α1‐Adrenoceptor‐mediated contraction of rat aorta is partly mediated via transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Ulu N , Gurdal H , Landheer SW , Duin M , Guc MO , Buikema H , Henning RH
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  High level of plasma catecholamines is a risk factor for vascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Catecholamines induce hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle through α1‐adrenoceptors, which in cell culture involves the transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We hypothesized that EGFR transactivation was also involved in contractions of rat aorta mediated by α1‐adrenoceptors.

Experimental approach:  Thoracic aorta was isolated from 12–14 week old male Wistar rats. In vitro aortic contractile responses to cumulative doses of phenylephrine were characterized in the absence and presence of the EGFR kinase inhibitors, AG1478 and DAPH, in intact and endothelium‐denuded rings. Involvement of signal transduction pathways was investigated by using heparin and inhibitors of Src, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and phosphatidyl inositol 3‐kinase (PI3K). Phosphorylation of EGFR and ERK1/2 was measured after short‐term phenylephrine or EGF stimulation in aorta segments in the presence of AG1478 and the PI3K inhibitor, wortmannin.

Key results:  AG1478 and DAPH concentration dependently attenuated phenylephrine‐induced contractile responses in intact or endothelium‐denuded aortic rings. Inhibition of PI3K (wortmannin and LY294002) but not heparin or inhibitors of Src or MMP, prevented the effect of AG1478 on the responses to phenylephrine. Phenylephrine induced phosphorylation of EGFR, which was partially blocked by AG1478. Phenylephrine also increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, time‐dependently and was blocked by AG1478 and wortmannin.

Conclusions and implications:  Contractions of rat thoracic aorta mediated by α1‐adrenoceptors involved transactivation of EGFR, mediated via a PI3K and ERK1/2 dependent pathway.
Microtomographic Porosity Determination in Alginate Mixed with Various Methods
Authors: Hamilton Martin J. , Vandewalle Kraig S. , Roberts Howard W. , Hamilton Garrett J. , Lien Wen
Published: April 2010

Purpose: Mechanical spatulation of alginate impression materials reportedly produces fewer voids and superior casts than hand mixing. Two current methods of alginate mechanical preparation are a vacuum mixer Vac‐U‐Vestor, (Whip Mix Corp, Louisville, KY) and a semiautomated method that involves hand spatulation in a rotating bowl Alginator II (Cadco, Oxnard, CA). A new alginate‐mixing machine has been introduced, TurboMax (Dentsply Raintree Essex, Sarasota, FL), with a centrifugal‐spinning action that reportedly incorporates the alginate powder into the water more efficiently. The purpose of this study was to determine the number, percent, and volume distribution of porosities in alginate mixed with three mechanical‐mixing methods using a nondestructive, microtomographic analysis method.

Materials and Methods: Alginate was mixed by each of the three mechanical methods per respective manufacturer's guidelines, with the set alginate analyzed using a microtomography unit and proprietary software. A mean and standard deviation was determined per group and analyzed with Kruskal‐Wallis ANOVA/Mann‐Whitney tests.

Results: Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found between groups per each of the three testing parameters (number, percent, volume distribution of porosities). The vacuum mixer produced significantly less percent porosity and number of porosities than the centrifugal mixer and semiautomated hand mixer. Both the vacuum mixer and centrifugal mixer produced porosities of significantly smaller volume than the semiautomated hand mixer.

Conclusion: Of the three mechanical mixing methods, the vacuum mixer had the best performance overall in reducing the number, percent, and volume of porosities in the mixed alginate.
How Opportunities Develop in Social Entrepreneurship
Authors: Corner Patricia Doyle , Ho Marcus
Published: April 2010

The purpose of this article was to extend existing research on opportunity identification in the social entrepreneurship literature through empirically examining this phenomenon. We used an inductive, theory–building design that surfaced patterns in social value creation across multiple case studies. The patterns showed actors seeing a social need and prospecting ideas that could address it. Data also revealed multiple, not individual, actors, dynamically engaged in interactions that nudged an opportunity into manifestation. Also, data suggested complementarities to effectuation and rational/economic processes that are divergent theoretical approaches to the study of entrepreneurship to date.
The Determinants of Commercialization Strategy: Idiosyncrasies in British and German Biotechnology
Authors: Haeussler Carolin
Published: April 2010

The intention of this paper is to investigate whether market–related factors have a stronger influence on the strategic decision making of ventures in “liberal market economies” than on that of their counterparts in “coordinated economies.” Thereby, I focus on a particularly important strategic decision that firms face—the commercialization choice. Using a unique survey data set on the commercialization of British and German biotechnology firms, I analyze the determinants of commercialization strategy, paying particular attention to national idiosyncrasies. Together, the findings indicate that the commercialization strategy follows distinct patterns in the British “liberal market economy” and the German “coordinated economy.”
Social Ventures from a Resource–Based Perspective: An Exploratory Study Assessing Global Ashoka Fellows
Authors: Meyskens Moriah , Robb–Post Colleen , Stamp Jeffrey A. , Carsrud Alan L. , Reynolds Paul D.
Published: April 2010

This study aims to discover relationships using a resource–based view of entrepreneurship and the social value creation characteristics of 70 social entrepreneurs. This study builds on existing research that commercial and social entrepreneurs share similar operational processes by providing empirical support for these relationships from a sample of acknowledged successful social entrepreneurs and by applying a resource–based lens to the context of social entrepreneurship. Novel qualitative and quantitative content analysis techniques were applied to the online profiles of Ashoka Fellows. Statistically significant relationships were found among measures of partnerships, financial capital, innovativeness, organizational structure, and knowledge transferability. These findings suggest that social entrepreneurs, when viewed through a resource–based lens, demonstrate similar internal operational processes in utilizing resource bundles as commercial entrepreneurs.
Flaxseed Lignans: Source, Biosynthesis, Metabolism, Antioxidant Activity, Bio‐Active Components, and Health Benefits
Authors: Touré Alhassane , Xueming Xu
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT: Lignans are compounds found in a variety of plant materials including flaxseed, pumpkin seed, sesame seed, soybean, broccoli, and some berries. The major lignan in flaxseed is called secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). Once ingested, SDG is converted in the colon into active mammalian lignans, enterodiol, and entero‐lactone, which have shown promise in reducing growth of cancerous tumors, especially hormone‐sensitive ones such as those of the breast, endometrium, and prostate. Known for their hydrogen‐donating antioxidant activity as well as their ability to complex divalent transition metal cations, lignans are propitious to human health. The extraction methods vary from simple to complex depending on extraction, separation, fractionation, identification, and detection of the analytes. Flax lignan is also a source of useful biologically active components found in plant foods, such as phytochemicals, and it is considered a functional food. The safety issues in flaxseed are also briefly discussed.
Surface Devitrification and the Growth of Cristobalite in Borofloat® (Borosilicate 8330) Glass
Authors: Moğulkoç Berker , Knowles Kevin M. , Jansen Henri V. , Ter Brake H. J. Marcel , Elwenspoek Miko C.
Published: April 2010

Borofloat® (borosilicate 8330) glass is an important type of inorganic glass, both scientifically and commercially. During prolonged heat treatment of this glass above its glass transition temperature of 525°C, heterogeneous nucleation, and growth of cristobalite crystals occur. The kinetics and morphology of this crystal growth have been studied for heat treatment temperatures at and above 660°C. The activation energy for crystal growth is estimated to be 185±10 kJ/mol. This is attributed to the diffusion of boron, rather than sodium, being the rate‐limiting step within the borosilicate framework. Contact with the atmosphere is shown to initiate the nucleation of cristobalite crystals, while deposition of a thin silicon nitride surface coating on the glass helps to prevent this nucleation.
Entering the Troubled Policy Process
Authors: Singer Merrill
Published: April 2010

PJ Puntenney is contributing editor of “Views on Policy,” the AAA Committee on Public Policy column in Anthropology News.
NAGPRA—Two Decades Later
Authors: Harry Karen
Published: April 2010

Liam Frink is contributing editor of “Ethical Currents,” the AAA Committee on Ethics column in Anthropology News.
Anthropology MA Career Experiences: An Overview of CoPAPIA Survey Findings
Authors: Redding Terry
Published: April 2010

Shirley Fiske and Niel Tashima are contributing editors of “Anthropology Works,” the AAA Committee on Practicing, Applied and Public Interest Anthropology column in Anthropology News.
A New Funding Opportunity for Anthropologists: NSF's Science of Science and Innovation Policy Program
Authors: Lane Julia
Published: April 2010

Deborah Winslow is contributing editor of “Gateway to NSF,” the National Science Foundation column in Anthropology News.
Reasons for treating secondary AML as de novo AML
Authors: Østgård Lene Sofie Granfeldt , Kjeldsen Eigil , Holm Mette Skov , Brown Peter De Nully , Pedersen Bjarne Bach , Bendix Knud , Johansen Preben , Kristensen Jørgen Schøler , Nørgaard Jan Maxwell
Published: April 2010

In a Danish bi‐regional registry‐based study, we conducted an analysis of the incidence and clinical importance of secondary acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In a total of 630 cases of AML, we found 157 (25%) cases of secondary AML. The secondary leukaemia arose from MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome) in 77 cases (49%), CMPD (chronic myeloproliferative disorder) in 43 cases (27%) and was therapy‐related AML (t‐AML) in 37 cases (24%). Median age at diagnosis of AML was 69 yr in secondary cases when compared to 66 yr in de novo cases (P = 0.006). In univariate analyses, secondary AML was associated with an inferior complete remission (CR) rate (P = 0.008) and poorer overall survival (OS, P = 0.003) whereas in complete remitters, disease‐free survival (DFS) of secondary cases was equal to that of de novo cases. Interestingly, in all further analyses of CR‐rates, OS and DFS, when correcting for the influence of age, cytogenetic abnormalities, performance status and leucocyte count (WBC), presence of secondary AML completely lost prognostic significance. We conclude that the presence of secondary AML does not per se convey an unfavourable prognosis and that patients with secondary AML should be offered the chance of benefiting from treatment according to current frontline AML protocols.
RNA Interference‐based Suppression of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Results in Susceptibility of Rapeseed to Osmotic Stress
Authors: Chen Mei , Tang Yunlai , Zhang Jingmei , Yang Mingfeng , Xu Yinong
Published: April 2010

The diverse functions of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase; EC 4.1.1.31) in C3 plants are not as well understood as in C4 plants. To investigate the functions of PEPCase in C3 plants, rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) PEPCase gene (referred to as BNPE15) was silenced by the RNA interference (RNAi) technique. Under normal growth conditions, no significant difference in lipid content and fatty acid composition were found between wild‐type (WT) and transgenic rapeseed plants. However, when these plants were subjected to osmotic stress induced by osmoticum polyethylene glycol (PEG‐6000), membrane permeability and membrane lipid peroxidization in roots and leaves of transgenic plants were higher than those of WT plants. It suggested that transgenic plants are more susceptible to osmotic stress than WT plants. Taken together, the results showed that the suppression of PEPCase by RNAi leads to susceptibility to osmotic stress in rapeseed, and PEPCase is involved in the response of C3 plants to environmental stress.